Cap attachment device for packaging machines and packaging machines equipped with cap attachment devices

Abstract

A cap attachment device (15) for attaching caps (7) to packages (2) manufactured by a packaging machine (1) is described. The device comprises a conveying device (16) having a planar motor (22) with a plurality of carriers (23) configured to receive the packages (2) at an inlet station (17) and discharge the packages (2) at an outlet station (18), and a plurality of attachment devices (19) located at an attachment station (20) and configured to attach the caps (7) to the packages (2). The conveying device (16) is configured so that the carriers (23) move selectively from the inlet station (17) to the attachment station (20), and the attachment devices (19) attach the caps (7) to the packages (2) that the carriers (23) are conveying when in use. The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) moves from the mounting station (20) to the exit station (18), and the package (2) is discharged at the exit station (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap mounting device for mounting a cap on a package filled with a fluid product, preferably a package formed from a multilayer packaging material.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a packaging machine provided with at least one cap mounting device for packaging a fluid product, particularly a fluid food product, in a package, particularly a package formed from a multilayer packaging material.

Background Art

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or fluid food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in sealed packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] As a typical example, Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), a parallelepiped-shaped packaging material for liquid foods, can be mentioned. This is manufactured by sealing and folding a laminated strip-shaped packaging material. This packaging material has a multilayer structure in which a base material layer of cardboard or paper is covered with layers of a heat-sealable plastic material (e.g., polyethylene) on both sides. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage, a layer of an oxygen barrier material (e.g., aluminum foil) is laminated on top of the layer of the heat-sealable plastic material, and further covered with a layer of the heat-sealable plastic material on top, finally forming the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] Such packages are usually manufactured by a fully automatic packaging machine that forms and fills the package from a multilayer packaging material.

[0006] Some packaging machines are configured to manufacture a package having a main body portion formed from a multilayer packaging material and an opening device disposed around the pouring outlet of the main body portion. The opening device is configured to enable selective opening and closing of the pouring outlet.

[0007] A typical opening device consists of a collar positioned around the spout and a cap fitted to the collar, which is controllable between a closed position and an open position.

[0008] The packaging machine comprises a package forming device that forms at least the main body from multilayer packaging material, and a cap attaching device that applies at least a cap to the package, in order to manufacture a package equipped with an opening device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the package forming apparatus is configured to manufacture a package having a main body formed from a multilayer packaging material and a collar positioned around the spout. The cap attaching apparatus is configured to attach a cap to the collar.

[0010] In another possible solution, the package comprises a main body, a base frame that supports the collar, and a cap attached to the collar, the cap being glued to the main body.

[0011] Typically, independently of the two specific solutions, a capping device comprises a conveyor that moves a continuous row of packages supplied from a package molding machine, and a plurality of capping devices arranged in a continuous manner with respect to each other. The capping device further comprises a conveyor that reciprocates the plurality of capping devices along a path parallel to the direction of package movement. Each capping device is configured to attach one cap to one package, while simultaneously, other capping devices among the plurality of capping devices attach caps to corresponding packages.

[0012] In particular, the mounting device includes a mounting head configured to attach (e.g., screw on) one cap to one package. Preferably, each mounting device has a different mounting head from the mounting heads of other mounting devices. Preferably, the mounting devices are separated from and / or spaced apart from the conveying device.

[0013] If one of the mounting devices malfunctions, the entire cap mounting device must be shut down.

[0014] European Patent Application EP-A-3656684 discloses another type of capping device. The capping device comprises a planar motor having a plurality of carriers. The carriers receive either a cap to be attached to a package or a package to which a cap is attached. Furthermore, the capping device comprises a conveyor for transporting either the package or the cap.

[0015] Carrier control allows for the placement of packages and caps adjacent to each other, and the appropriate cap can be attached to each package. This solution avoids the need for mounting equipment. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] While known capping devices function adequately, there is a growing demand in the industry for further improvements to existing packaging machines.

[0017] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap mounting device.

[0018] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] According to the present invention, the cap mounting device described in claim 1 is provided.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the cap mounting device are provided in the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.

[0021] According to the present invention, a packaging machine as described in claim 15 is further provided.

[0022] Three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic view of a packaging machine provided with at least one cap - attaching device according to the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 2] It is a top view of the cap - attaching device in the first embodiment of the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 3] It is an operation diagram showing the details of the cap - attaching device in FIG. 1, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 4] It is a schematic view showing the operation of the cap - attaching device in FIG. 1, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the cap - attaching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 6] It is a top view of the cap - attaching device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Reference numeral 1 indicates the entire packaging machine for manufacturing a package 2 filled with a fluid product such as (sterilized) milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, emulsion, yogurt, milk beverage, etc.

[0025] The packaging machine 1 is configured to manufacture a package 2 filled with a fluid product.

[0026] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to manufacture the package 2 from a packaging material having a multi - layer structure.

[0027] More specifically, the packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-weldable plastic material arranged so as to sandwich the fibrous material layer from each other. One of these two layers of heat-weldable plastic material forms the inner surface of the package 2 that comes into contact with the fluid product.

[0028] Furthermore, the packaging material may include a gas and light blocking material layer, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and may be configured to be positioned between a layer of heat-weldable plastic material and a layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material may also include another layer of heat-weldable plastic material sandwiched between the gas and light blocking material layer and the layer of fibrous material.

[0029] More specifically, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3.

[0030] In Figure 4, the package 2 may comprise a main body 4 formed from a multilayer packaging material and an opening device 5 arranged around the spout of the main body 4.

[0031] In some possible embodiments, the spout may be covered with a separation membrane 6, which is preferably formed from a portion of the multilayer packaging material.

[0032] The opening device 5 may further include a cap 7 configured to selectively open and close the spout. Preferably, the cap 7 is fitted onto the package 2 when supplied to the end user.

[0033] More specifically, the opening device 5 may include a collar 8 that protrudes from the main body 4 and is positioned around the spout.

[0034] Furthermore, cap 7 can be attached to collar 8.

[0035] More specifically, the cap 7 is configured to open the spout by selectively removing it from the collar 8, allowing the fluid product to flow out of the package 2.

[0036] Preferably, the cap 7 may be movable (repeatedly) between a closed position and an open position, so that the cap 7 closes or opens the spout.

[0037] In some possible embodiments, the opening device 5 may further include a coupling element 9 connected to and protruding from the separation membrane. Preferably, the coupling element 9 can be in close contact with the cap 7 and preferably sealed. In particular, when the cap 7 is operated to the open position for the first time, the coupling element 9 follows the movement of the cap 7, separating the separation membrane from the main body 4.

[0038] Alternatively, the cap 7 may be equipped with a cutter configured to penetrate the separation membrane. In particular, when the cap 7 is first operated to the open position, the cutter perforates the separation membrane.

[0039] In Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 is - A package filling apparatus 14 for filling package 2, in particular for forming and filling package 2, and more particularly for forming package 2 made of multilayer packaging material and filling package 2; - At least one cap mounting device 15 configured to attach at least one cap 7 to package 2, It may be provided.

[0040] Preferably, the capping device 15 may be located downstream of the package filling device 14 and may be configured to receive the package 2 from the package filling device 14.

[0041] For the sake of simplification, this application does not use different terminology to distinguish between a package 2 that needs to receive a cap 7 and a package 2 that already has a cap 7 attached when describing the operation of the cap attachment device 15.

[0042] In Figure 2, the cap mounting device 15 is - A conveyor device 16 having at least one inlet station 17 and at least one outlet station 18, configured to move package 2 from inlet station 17 to outlet station 18; and - Multiple mounting devices 19 (preferably at least four mounting devices), each positioned at a mounting station 20 and configured to attach the cap 7 to the package 2, It is equipped with.

[0043] Preferably, the mounting device 19 and / or mounting station 20 are fixed, i.e., immovable.

[0044] Preferably, the mounting device 19 may include a mounting head configured to attach (e.g., screw on) the cap 7 to the package 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the cap mounting device 15 may include a control unit 21 configured to control the operation of the cap mounting device 15 itself. For example, the control unit 21 may be configured to control the operation of the conveying device 16 and / or the mounting device 19.

[0046] More specifically, the conveying device 16 includes a planar motor 22 having multiple carriers 23 configured to receive packages 2 at an inlet station 17 and discharge them at an outlet station 18.

[0047] In Figures 2 and 3, the transport device 16 is configured to selectively move each carrier 23 from the entrance station 17 to the attachment station 20, so that when in use, the attachment device 19 attaches the cap 7 to the package 2 carried by the carrier 23.

[0048] Furthermore, the transport device 16 is configured to move the carrier 23 from the mounting station 20 to the exit station 18, thereby enabling the package 2 to be discharged at the exit station 18.

[0049] More specifically, the conveying device 16 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier 23, controlling it preferentially and independently of the other carriers 23. In this context, "independently" means that the conveying device 16 can selectively accelerate or decelerate each carrier 23, and that acceleration or deceleration may differ from that of the other carriers 23. Furthermore, the conveying device 16 may control the movement of each carrier 23 in a manner that avoids unwanted collisions with one or more other carriers 23.

[0050] In Figure 2, each carrier 23 may be provided with a support structure that supports the package 2.

[0051] Furthermore, the carrier 23 may include a holding group for holding the packages 2, particularly during the movement of the carrier 23. The holding group may be movable between an open configuration that allows at least one package 2 to be placed or ejected and a closed configuration that secures at least one package 2.

[0052] Preferably, the package 2 may be positioned on the carrier 23 such that, when in use, the first side of the package 2 is in contact with the carrier 23 (preferably the support structure of each carrier 23). Furthermore, a spout is provided on the second side opposite to the first side.

[0053] In Figure 2, the planar motor 22 may preferably further include a planar control module 26 that is operationally connected to the control unit 21.

[0054] Preferably, the planar control module 26 may include a plurality of coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively moving the carrier 23. Preferably, the carrier 23 may be movable (more preferably slidable) above the planar control module 26.

[0055] More specifically, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to control the carrier 23 to move along a first direction D1, a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and preferably a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions D2.

[0056] In this way, the position of the carrier 23 (and package 2) can be controlled in two-dimensional space or preferably three-dimensional space.

[0057] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the distance between the carrier 23 and the planar control module 26 can be adjusted by moving the carrier 23 along a third direction. In particular, moving the carrier 23 along the third direction may be achieved by magnetic levitation.

[0058] More specifically, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to control the carrier 23 along a third direction so as to raise the carrier 23 away from the planar control module 26. For example, when the coil is powered off, the carrier 23 is positioned on the planar control module 26.

[0059] Furthermore, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to control the angular position of each carrier 23 along a first rotation axis parallel to the first direction D1, and / or a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction D2, and / or a third rotation axis parallel to the third direction.

[0060] By providing six degrees of freedom, it becomes possible to precisely control the angular and spatial positions of package 2.

[0061] Preferably, the planar control module 26 may be configured to control a plurality of coils to control the movement of the carrier 23, and may be configured to control movement along a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction, and along a first rotation axis, a second rotation axis, and a third rotation axis.

[0062] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the planar control module 26 may be configured to extend along a first axis, preferably parallel to a first direction D1, and along a second axis, preferably parallel to a second direction D2.

[0063] Preferably, the planar control module 26 may include a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other along a first direction D1, and / or a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion spaced apart from each other along a second direction D2.

[0064] Preferably, the inlet station 17 and / or the outlet station 18 may be located at the first and second ends, or adjacent to them.

[0065] Preferably, the carrier 23 may include at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element that enables interaction with the local electromagnetic field generated by the coil.

[0066] More specifically, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to selectively move each carrier 23 along the first axis and first direction D1 and the second axis and second direction D2 by controlling the interaction between at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material of the carrier 23 and a local electromagnetic field.

[0067] In Figure 2, the cap mounting device 15 may further comprise one or more cap supply devices 27 configured to supply at least one cap 7 to at least one cap supply station 28, each cap supply device 27 configured to supply at least one cap 7 to at least one package 2 sent to the cap supply station 28 by the carrier 23.

[0068] In some possible embodiments, the cap supply device 27 may include a supply track configured to supply caps 7 to a single cap supply station 28.

[0069] Furthermore, the conveying device 7 may be configured to selectively move the carrier 23, preferably from the inlet station 17, to the cap supply station 28, thereby supplying each cap 7 to the corresponding package 2.

[0070] Furthermore, the transport device 16 may be configured to move the carrier 23 to the mounting station 20 after the cap 7 has been supplied to the package 2.

[0071] In the specific embodiment shown, the cap supply station 28 and the mounting station 20 may have different configurations from each other.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, the cap supply station 28 may correspond to and / or be associated with one mounting station 20.

[0073] For example, one or more cap supply devices 27 may be configured to supply caps 7 to the package 2 at the mounting station 20, and / or to supply caps 7 to the mounting device 19.

[0074] In the latter embodiment, the mounting device 19 may be configured to receive the caps 7 from at least one cap supply device 27 and to mount the caps 7 onto the package 2.

[0075] In some possible embodiments, the mounting device 19, preferably the mounting head, may be configured to pick up at least one cap 7 at a time and apply the cap 7 to one corresponding package 2.

[0076] For example, the mounting head may be movable between the cap supply station 18 and the mounting station 20. In some modifications, the mounting device 19 may include a storage magazine configured to receive and store the caps 7.

[0077] In a particular embodiment shown in the illustration, the package 2 may include a coupling element 9 when supplied to the inlet station 17. In such an embodiment, the capping device 15 may be configured to seal the coupling element 9 to the cap 7.

[0078] Therefore, the cap mounting device 15 may further include a plurality of sealing devices 29. The sealing devices 29 may be located in the sealing station 30 and configured to seal the coupling element 9 to the cap 7.

[0079] Preferably, the transport device 16 may be configured to selectively move the carrier 23 from the mounting station 20 to a sealing station 30 where the coupling element 9 is sealed to the cap 7 during use.

[0080] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the number of mounting devices 19 may be configured to be equal to the number of sealing devices 29.

[0081] Preferably, each mounting device 19 is associated with one sealing device 29. That is, when the carrier 23 moves to the mounting device 19 after attaching the cap 7 during use, the carrier 23 moves to the associated sealing device 29.

[0082] More preferably, the mounting device 19 and the sealing device 29 may be positioned to coincide with a virtual straight line (substantially) that intersects the mounting station 20 and the sealing station 30.

[0083] In Figure 4, the capping device 15 may further comprise one or more inspection devices located at the inspection station. The inspection devices may be configured to inspect a specific area of ​​the package 2 transported to the inspection station and generate an informational signal regarding the inspected area.

[0084] Preferably, the mounting device 19 may be configured to attach the cap 7 to the inspected portion of the package 2.

[0085] In some examples, the part to be inspected may be color 8 of package 2, or it may be the separation membrane.

[0086] For example, inspection of the collar 8 may be useful for a package 2 that has the collar 8 when it is supplied to the inlet station 17 at the time of use. In such an example, the mounting device 19 may be configured to attach the cap 7 to the collar 8.

[0087] On the other hand, when these packages are sent to the inlet station 17 for use, a portion of the opening device 5 is empty (i.e., the main body 4 is sent to the inlet station 17), so inspection of the separation membrane 6 may be important. In such an example, the mounting device 19 may be configured to attach the cap 7 together with the collar 8 and base frame to the package 2, preferably the main body 4.

[0088] In some possible embodiments, the information signal may indicate, for example, the relative position of the package 2 to the color 8 of the package 2 (i.e., the package 2 is supplied to the inlet station 17 already equipped with its respective color 8) and to the end of the package 2.

[0089] It should be noted that the relative position of the collar 8 is within an acceptable tolerance. As will be described later, determining the relative position allows for control of the position of the carrier 23, enabling the package 2 to be correctly aligned with, for example, the mounting device 19 and / or the cap supply device 27 and / or the sealing device 29, and allowing the cap 7 to be attached to the collar 8 in the most optimal way.

[0090] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 16 may be configured to control the movement of the carrier 23 in response to an information signal.

[0091] Preferably, the conveying device 16 may be configured to control the relative position of the package 2 and the mounting station 20, and / or the relative position of the package 2 and the sealing device 29 (preferably located at the sealing station 30), and / or the relative position of the package 2 and the cap supply device 27 (preferably located at the cap supply station 28), by controlling the movement of the carrier 23. More preferably, the conveying device 16 may be configured to control the relative positions in order to optimize the mounting of the caps 7.

[0092] More specifically, the conveying device 16 may be configured to selectively move the carrier 23 along a third direction, bringing the package 2 carried by the carrier 23 closer to or further away from the mounting station 20 and / or sealing device 29 (preferably located at the sealing station 30) and / or cap supply device 27 (preferably located at the respective cap supply stations 28).

[0093] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 16 may be configured to selectively control the relative position between the package 2 and the transport device 19 when it is located at the mounting station 20, and / or, preferably, to selectively control the relative position between it and the seal device 29 when it is located at the sealing station 30, and / or, when it is located at the cap supply station 28, to selectively control the relative position between it and the cap supply device 27 when it moves along a first direction D1 and / or a second direction D2 and / or a third direction in response to an information signal, and / or, or, it may be configured to rotate about a first rotation axis and / or a second rotation axis and / or a third rotation axis.

[0094] In a particular embodiment shown, package 2 is equipped with a collar 8 when supplied to the inlet station 17. In such an embodiment, the carrier 23 may be controlled by a conveying device 16, preferably a planar control module 26, to align the collar 8 with respect to a cap supply device 27 and / or mounting device 19 and / or sealing device 29. To obtain optimal alignment, the conveying device 16, preferably a planar control module 26, moves and positions the carrier 23 taking information signals into consideration.

[0095] In another embodiment, the package 2 supplied to the inlet station 17 includes a body 4 having a spout covered with a separation membrane 6, but does not include a collar 8. In such an embodiment, the cap 7 needs to be mounted on the body 4 together with the collar 8 (and each base frame). In other words, the opening device 5 is mounted on the body 4. In such an embodiment, the carrier 23 may be controlled by a transport device 16, preferably a planar control module 26, so that the spout is aligned with the mounting device 19.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing device 29 is unnecessary. In particular, the mounting device 19 may be configured to adhere and / or weld the opening device 5 to the main body 4.

[0097] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to selectively move the carrier 23 from the inlet station 17 towards the exit station 18 by selectively moving the carrier 23 along a first direction D1 and a 22nd direction D2.

[0098] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to prevent the carrier 23 from moving along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and / or to prevent rotation of the rotation axis A and / or rotation axis B and / or rotation axis C when the carrier 23 is located at the mounting station 20 and the mounting device 19 is in operation, and / or when the carrier 23 is located at the sealing station 30 and the sealing device 29 is in operation, and / or when the carrier 23 is located at the corresponding cap supply station 28 and the caps 7 are being supplied to the package 2.

[0099] In Figures 2 and 3, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to selectively move the carrier 23 along the forward path P, preferably from the inlet station 17 to the exit station 18, more preferably through at least one mounting station 20, and even more preferably through one cap supply station 28 and / or one seal station 30.

[0100] More specifically, the mounting station 20 may be positioned along the forward path P, downstream of the inlet station 17 and upstream of the exit station 18.

[0101] In some possible embodiments, the cap supply station 28 may be located along the forward path P, downstream of the inlet station 17 and upstream of the corresponding mounting station 20.

[0102] In some preferred embodiments, the seal station 30 may be located downstream of the mounting station 20 and upstream of the exit station 18 along the forward path P.

[0103] In Figures 2 and 3, the multiple mounting devices 19 can be arranged such that each mounting station 20 is spaced apart from each other at least along the second direction D2. This configuration allows for easy parallelization of the operation of the mounting devices 19.

[0104] Furthermore, the mounting station 20 may be spaced apart from the entrance station 17 at least along the first direction D1.

[0105] In other words, the mounting device 19 may be arranged such that a portion of the forward path P is spaced apart from each other along the second direction D2. Preferably, these portions may be parallel to each other.

[0106] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the inlet conveyor 32 and the outlet conveyor 33 may be arranged along the first direction D1.

[0107] Furthermore, two or more mounting devices 19 may be arranged along a second direction D2 that is different from the first direction D1, preferably orthogonal, and more preferably vertical.

[0108] This arrangement facilitates parallelization of the cap attachment process and simplifies the motion profile of the carrier 23.

[0109] In some non-limiting embodiments, the mounting devices 19 may be arranged such that the mounting stations 20 are aligned on a virtual straight line, preferably parallel to the second direction D2.

[0110] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the sealing devices 29 may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction D2, similar to the arrangement of the mounting device 19.

[0111] For example, the sealing station 30 may be positioned on a virtual straight line.

[0112] Preferably, two or more sealing devices 29 may be arranged along the second direction D2.

[0113] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the respective portions of the forward path P between the mounting station 20 and the sealing station 30 may be parallel to each other.

[0114] It should be noted that in some non-limiting embodiments, the mounting stations 20 may be arranged sequentially along the first direction D1. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the sealing devices 29 may also be arranged sequentially along the first direction D1. Preferably, multiple sealing devices 29 may be arranged behind multiple mounting devices 19 along the first direction D1. In such a configuration, the forward paths P of the carrier 23 are approximately equal to each other.

[0115] In some possible embodiments, the mounting device 19 is configured to apply force to the cap 7 in the same direction as the central axis of the collar 8, thereby pressing the cap 7 against the collar 8, and as a result each cap 7 is attached to each collar 8.

[0116] In other embodiments, the mounting device 19, preferably the mounting head, may be configured to screw the cap 7 onto the collar 8.

[0117] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to return the carrier 23 from the exit station 18 to the entrance station 17, thereby allowing the carrier 23 to transport a new package 2.

[0118] In Figure 2, the transport device 16 further... - Preferably located at the first end, an entrance conveyor 32 supplies the package 2 to the entrance station 17, where the package 2 is transferred to each carrier 23, - Preferably located at the second end, an exit conveyor configured to receive the package 2 at the exit station 18 and to receive the package 2 from the carrier 23 when in use. It may be provided.

[0119] More specifically, the inlet conveyor 32 may be configured to receive the packages 2 from the package filling device 14 and move the packages 2 to the inlet station 17.

[0120] Advantageously, the inlet conveyor 32 may be equipped with one or more infeed tracks, as shown in the specific example in Figure 2. For example, the infeed tracks may be equipped with a conveyor belt for moving the packages 2.

[0121] In some possible embodiments, the exit conveyor 33 may be configured to move the package 2 from the exit station 18 to the line termination processing device.

[0122] Preferably, the outlet conveyor 33 may have one or more discharge tracks, and in the illustrated example, there is one discharge track. For example, the discharge track may have a conveyor belt for transporting the packages 2.

[0123] In some preferred embodiments, the inlet conveyor 32 may be spaced apart from the outlet conveyor 33 along the first direction D1.

[0124] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the conveying device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to selectively move the carrier 23 in accordance with the supply rate of the package 2 to the inlet station 17 and / or the desired discharge rate of the package 2 at the outlet station 18.

[0125] For example, the supply speed may depend on the operation of the package filling device 14.

[0126] Preferably, the supply speed can be determined by, for example, the operation of the inlet conveyor 32 that receives one or more packages 2 from the package filling device 14.

[0127] Furthermore, the desired discharge rate may depend on the operation of the line termination device.

[0128] In Figure 1, the package filling device 14 may be configured to manufacture packages 2 and fill packages 2 with a fluid product.

[0129] More specifically, the package filling device 14 may be configured to form a tube 30 from the web 3, seal the tube 30 longitudinally, fill the tube 30 with a fluid product, and seal and cut the tube 30 transversely.

[0130] During use, packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a fluid product.

[0131] The operation of packaging machine 1 includes at least the following steps: - In particular, the fluid product is filled into the package 2, which is carried out by the package filling device 14; and - The caps of the package 2 are attached, which is performed in particular by the cap-attaching device 15, and more specifically by one or more inspection units 8.

[0132] Furthermore, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may include a step of forming the package 2, which is performed by the package filling device 14.

[0133] In particular, the steps of filling and forming package 2 can be performed simultaneously.

[0134] More specifically, between the forming step and the filling step, the tube 30 is formed from the advancing web 3, sealed longitudinally, filled with a fluid product, and then sealed and cut transversely.

[0135] Preferably, the step of attaching the cap may be performed after the filling step, and especially after the filling and forming steps.

[0136] In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may include the step of supplying the packages 2, in particular from the package filling device 7 to the capping device 15.

[0137] More specifically, the following substeps are performed during the step of attaching the cap. - Package 2 is supplied to carrier 23 at entry station 17; - Selectively transport carrier 23 (along with package 2) to one mounting station 20, and then to exit station 18; - At the mounting station, attach the cap 7 to package 2; and - At exit station 18, package 2 is discharged from carrier 23.

[0138] Furthermore, in the selective transport step, the carrier 23 may move to the cap supply station 28, where the caps 7 are supplied to the package 2.

[0139] Furthermore, in the selective transport step, the carrier 23 may be guided to the sealing station 20, and after the coupling element 9 is sealed to the cap 7, the carrier 23 moves to the exit station 18.

[0140] Preferably, in the transport step, the carrier 23 may pass through the cap supply station 28 and move to the mounting station 19, and then, after the mounting step is performed, the carrier 23 may pass through the sealing station 30 and move to the exit station 18.

[0141] In some preferred embodiments, the step of attaching the cap is followed by a substep of inspection, and a step of selective transport is performed in accordance with the information signals obtained from the substep of inspection.

[0142] In Figure 5, number 15' indicates an alternative embodiment of the cap mounting device of the present invention. Since the cap mounting device 15' is similar to the cap mounting device 15, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two, and the same reference numerals will be used for identical or corresponding parts whenever possible.

[0143] In particular, unlike the cap mounting device 15, the cap mounting device 15' has multiple mounting devices 19 arranged, with the first group of mounting devices 19 arranged sequentially along the first direction D1, and the second group of mounting devices 19 arranged sequentially along the first direction D1 and spaced apart from the first group of mounting devices 19 along the second direction D2.

[0144] Furthermore, the mounting devices 19 of the second group are arranged alternately with the mounting devices 19 of the first group along the first direction D1. That is, when the mounting stations 20 are projected onto a straight line, at least one mounting station 20 belonging to one mounting device 19 of the first group and one of the second group are interposed between the second mounting device 19 and the two mounting stations 20 belonging to the first mounting device 19, respectively.

[0145] In a similar configuration, the multiple sealing devices 29 may be arranged such that the first group of sealing devices 29 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1, the second group of sealing devices 29 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1, and are spaced apart from the first group of sealing devices 29 along the second direction D2.

[0146] In Figure 6, number 15” indicates an alternative embodiment of the cap mounting device of the present invention. Since the cap mounting device 15” is similar to the cap mounting device 15, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two, and the same reference numerals will be used for identical or corresponding parts whenever possible.

[0147] In particular, the capping device 15" differs from the capping device 15 in that the carrier 23 is configured to hold two or more packages 2.

[0148] Furthermore, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to move the carrier 23 to two or more mounting stations 20, the package 2 may be placed at the mounting station 20, and the mounting device 19 may be configured to attach the cap 7 to the package 2.

[0149] Furthermore, the transport device 16, preferably the planar control module 26, may be configured to move the carrier 23 to two or more sealing stations 30, where the package 2 is placed in the sealing station 30 and the sealing device 29 is configured to seal the coupling element 9 and the cap 7 to each other.

[0150] The advantages of the cap-attaching device 15 and / or packaging machine 1 of the present invention will become clear from the above description.

[0151] In particular, the cap mounting device 15 can be operated even if one mounting device 19 and / or one sealing device 29 fails.

[0152] A further advantage is that maintenance work on one mounting device 19 and / or one sealing device 29 can be performed without any reduction in productivity.

[0153] Most preferably, there are at least four mounting devices 19, and this number enables high productivity.

[0154] Clearly, modifications may be made to the capping device 15 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0155] In some embodiments not shown, the carrier 23 may be configured to carry multiple packages 2 at once.

Claims

1. A cap-attaching device (15, 15', 15") for attaching a cap (7) to a package (2) manufactured by a packaging machine (1), A conveying device (16) includes a planar motor (22) having a plurality of carriers (23) configured to receive the package (2) at an inlet station (17) and discharge the package (2) at an outlet station (18), A plurality of mounting devices (19) are arranged on the mounting station (20) and configured to attach the cap (7) to the package (2), Equipped with, The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) selectively moves from the entrance station (17) to the mounting station (20), and the mounting device (19) attaches the cap (7) to the package (2) transported by the carrier (23) when in use. The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) moves from the mounting station (20) to the exit station (18), and the package (2) is discharged at the exit station (18). Cap attachment device (15, 15', 15”).

2. The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) moves along a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1). The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) moves along the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) from the entrance station (17) to the mounting station (20), The transport device (16) is configured to prevent the carrier (23) from moving along the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) when the carrier (23) is located at the mounting station (20) and the mounting device (19) is in operation, and / or The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) rotates around a first rotation axis and / or a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and / or a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) does not rotate around the first rotation axis and / or the second rotation axis and / or the third rotation axis when the carrier (23) is located on the mounting station (20) and the mounting device (19) is in operation. The cap mounting device according to claim 1.

3. The package (2) comprises a spout, a separation membrane (6) covering the spout, a collar (8) positioned around the separation membrane (6), and a coupling element (9) attached to and protruding from the separation membrane (6). The mounting device (19) is configured to attach the cap (7) to the collar (8), The cap mounting device (15, 15', 15") further comprises a plurality of sealing devices (29), the sealing devices (29) being arranged in a sealing station (30) and configured to seal the coupling element (9) to the cap (7), The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) selectively moves from the mounting station (20) to the sealing station (30) where the coupling element (9) is sealed to the cap (7) during use. The cap mounting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The number of mounting devices (19) and the number of sealing devices (29) are equal. The cap mounting device according to claim 3.

5. The inspection station further comprises one or more inspection devices (31) located at the inspection station. The inspection device (31) is configured to inspect a portion (8) of the package (2) that is transported to the inspection station and to generate an information signal regarding the inspected portion (8). The mounting device (19) is configured to attach the cap (7) to the portion (8) of the package (2), The transport device (16) is configured to control the movement of the carrier (23) in accordance with the information signal, and / or to align the carrier (23) with respect to the mounting device (19) in accordance with the information signal, and / or to control the relative position between the package (2) and the mounting device (19) as a function of the information signal. A cap mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) moves along a first direction (D1), a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) selectively moves along the third direction, bringing the package (2) being transported by the carrier (23) closer to or further away from the mounting device (19). The transport device (16) is configured to selectively control the relative position between the package (2) and the mounting device (19) along the first direction (D1) and / or the second direction (D2) and / or the third direction in accordance with the information signal. The cap mounting device according to claim 5.

7. The information signal indicates the relative position between the color of the package (2) and the end of the package (2). The cap mounting device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The mounting device (19) receives the cap (7) from the cap supply device (27) and attaches the cap (7) to the package (2). A cap mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The system further comprises a cap supply device (27) that supplies the caps (7) to at least one cap supply station (28), and the caps (7) are supplied to the package (2) at the cap supply station (28). The transport device (16) is configured such that the carrier (23) selectively moves from the entrance station (17) to the cap supply station (28), and then to the mounting station (20). A cap mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The transport device (16) is configured to position the carrier (23) on the cap supply station (28) so that the package (2) is correctly aligned with the cap supply device (27). The cap mounting device according to claim 9.

11. The transport device (16) is configured to selectively move the carrier (23) according to the supply speed of the package (2) to the inlet station (17) and / or the discharge speed of the package (2) at the outlet station (18). A cap mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The planar motor (22) includes a planar control module (26) equipped with a plurality of coils that generate a local electromagnetic field for the selective movement of the carrier (23), The carrier (23) comprises at least one magnetic material and / or ferromagnetic material, The planar control module (26) extends along the first and second axes, The planar control module (26) is configured to selectively move the carrier (23) along a first direction parallel to the first axis and a second direction parallel to the second axis by controlling the interaction of the local electromagnetic field with the at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material of the carrier (23). A cap mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The transport device (16) further, An entrance conveyor (32) supplies the aforementioned package (2) to the entrance station (17), An exit conveyor (33) that receives the package (2) at the exit station (18), Equipped with, The inlet conveyor (32) and the outlet conveyor (33) are arranged along a first direction (D1), and the plurality of mounting devices (19) include at least one pair of mounting devices (19) arranged along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1). A cap mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A packaging machine (1) that manufactures packages (2) filled with a fluid product, A package filling device (14) fills a package (2) with a fluid product, A cap mounting device (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Equipped with, The cap attachment device (15) is located downstream of the package filling device (14) and is configured to attach caps (7) to the packages (2) supplied from the package filling device (14) to the cap attachment device (15). Packaging machine (1).

15. A method for attaching a cap (7) to a package (2) manufactured by a packaging machine (1), The steps include: each carrier (23) of a plurality of carriers (23) arranged on a planar motor (22) being selectively transported from an inlet station (17) to one of a plurality of mounting stations (20) and an exit station (18); The steps include: supplying the package (2) onto the carrier (23) at the entrance station (17); The steps include: attaching the cap (7) to the package (2) using the mounting device (19) located on the mounting station (20); The steps include: the package (2) being discharged from the carrier (23), A method that includes [a certain feature].

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