Product packaging installation

A packaging installation comprising:

• a grouping machine configured to form batches of products so that a first set of products is arranged in a first row and a second set of products is arranged in a second row, the second row being parallel to the first row, each of the first and second set of products including one or more products;
• a horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine arranged downstream the grouping machine to package each of the batches of products in an individual package from at least one plastic sheet, the horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine including at least one inlet conveyor belt arranged to receive the batches of products formed in the grouping machine;
• the grouping machine comprising:
• a product receiving area configured to receive the first and second set of products to be grouped into the batches of products;
• a grouping area where the first and second set of products are grouped into the batches products;
• a batch feeding conveyor belt located in the grouping area and configured to feed the batches of products formed in the grouping area to the inlet conveyor belt of the horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine at a given speed;
• a first pathway extending from the product receiving area to the grouping area along which the first set of products travel, the first pathway comprising a last portion from which the first set of products arrive at the grouping area, the first set of products forming the first row of each of the batches of products;
• a second pathway extending from the product receiving area to the grouping area along which the second set of products travel, the second pathway comprising a last portion from which the second set of products arrive at the grouping area, the second set of products forming the second row of each of the batches of products;
• and
• one or more distribution devices that are configured to cause the first set of products in the product receiving area to be directed towards the first pathway and to cause the second set of products in the product receiving area to be directed towards the second pathway;
• the grouping machine being configured to cause the first set of products in the grouping area to have a first orientation and to cause the second set of products in the grouping area to have a second orientation, the first and second orientations being different from one another;
• a control device configured to cause the controlled actuation of the one or more distribution devices and to equalize the speed of the batch feeding conveyor belt of the grouping machine and the speed of the inlet conveyor belt of the horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine at least while one of the batches of products is passing from the batch feeding conveyor belt to the inlet conveyor belt.