Packaging unit for packaging articles in boxes and method for packaging articles in boxes

A packaging unit for packaging articles in boxes, comprising:

• a mandrel configured to accommodate at least one of said articles therein,
• a movement device configured to move said mandrel along a movement trajectory,
• a feeding device configured to feed at least one blank along a feeding trajectory towards said mandrel to form one of said boxes around said mandrel,
• a first abutment surface of said mandrel to abut said blank when positioned in said movement trajectory, and
• a retaining device displaceable between an operating position and a non-operating position, wherein:
• the feeding trajectory intersects said movement trajectory,
• in the operating position said retaining device approaches said first abutment surface to retain said blank against said first abutment surface, and
• in the non-operating position said retaining device is spaced apart from said first abutment surface,
• the packaging unit further comprising:
• an actuation member configured to displace said retaining device along an actuation trajectory to bring said retaining device towards said operating position, wherein said actuation trajectory comprises a transverse stroke arranged transversely to the movement trajectory of said mandrel, and a thrust stroke arranged parallel to the movement trajectory of said mandrel.