Molding tool, molding device having a molding tool and packaging machine having a molding device

Abstract

A molding tool (40) is described for molding an opening device (3) comprising a collar (6) having a spout, a lid (7) covering the spout, and a gripping element (8) connected to and protruding from the lid (7). The molding tool (40) comprises a plurality of molding tool portions (41, 42, 43). The at least one first moulding tool portion (41) and the at least one second moulding tool portion (42) define a portion of the mould cavity defining the shape of a gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be moulded. The first molding tool part (41) and the second molding tool part (42) are configured such that, after molding the opening device (3), the first molding tool part (41) is in contact with a first gripping surface (17) of the gripping element (8), and, after molding the opening device (3), the second molding tool part (42) is in contact with a second gripping surface (18) of the gripping element (8), the second gripping surface (18) being opposite the first gripping surface (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding tool for molding an opening device, in particular a molding tool for molding an opening device onto a packaging material, more particularly a molding tool for molding an opening device onto a multilayer packaging material.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a moulding device for moulding an opening device, in particular a moulding device for moulding an opening device onto a packaging material, more particularly a moulding device for moulding an opening device onto a multilayer packaging material.

[0003] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming sealed packages of pourable products, in particular for pourable food products, having a molding device for molding an opening device onto a packaging material, in particular onto a multilayer packaging material. Background Art

[0004] As is known to all, many liquid or pourable food products, such as juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0005] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark) for liquid or pourable food products, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure, comprising a fiber base layer (e.g. paper or paperboard) covered on both sides with a heat-sealable plastic layer (e.g. polyethylene). For aseptic packaging for long-term storage products (e.g. UHT milk), the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on the heat-sealable plastic material layer and in turn covered by another heat-sealable plastic material layer forming the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0006] Such packaging is typically produced on a fully automated packaging unit which advances and sterilizes a web of packaging material which is then processed into tubes and filled with pourable product before being formed into individual sealed packages.

[0007] As is known, certain types of packaging also comprise respective opening devices which allow access to the pourable product by means of an operation.

[0008] Such opening devices are usually produced from molten polymer during a molding process.

[0009] Some of these opening devices are post-applied, meaning that they are applied to the filled package body after the package body has been formed from the packaging material.

[0010] Other types of opening devices are moulded directly onto the packaging material, in particular before the packaging material is manipulated to obtain the package.

[0011] In order to mould the opening device onto the packaging material, the automatic packaging apparatus may comprise a moulding system for moulding the opening device onto the packaging material, in particular onto the packaging material provided in roll form.

[0012] A typical molding system includes a plurality of molding devices, each having at least one molding tool that can be coupled to the packaging material. Each molding tool includes a plurality of molding tool parts. The molding tool parts can be moved toward and away from each other. When moved toward each other, the molding tool parts define a corresponding mold cavity of the molding tool, which in turn defines the shape of the opening device.

[0013] The moulding tool parts are separated from each other, thereby allowing demoulding of the moulded opening device and alignment of a new part of packaging material with the moulding tool parts.

[0014] Each molding apparatus further comprises a corresponding injection device coupled to the corresponding molding tool for injecting molten polymer into the corresponding mold cavity.

[0015] Although the known molding apparatus and molding tools work well, there is still a desire in the art to further improve the known molding apparatus and / or the known molding tools.

[0016] In particular, there is a desire in the art to be able to more easily demold molded opening devices. Summary of the invention

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved molding tool.

[0018] It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide an improved molding apparatus.

[0019] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine having a molding device.

[0020] According to the invention, a moulding tool according to claim 1 is provided.

[0021] Preferred non-limiting embodiments are defined in the respective dependent claims.

[0022] According to the present invention, there is also provided a molding device according to claim 12 or 13.

[0023] According to the present invention, a packaging machine according to claim 14 is also provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine with some parts removed for clarity;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an opening device molded into the packaging material, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a molding tool according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the molding tool shown with some parts removed for clarity;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 a perspective view of a portion of a molding tool shown with parts removed for clarity; and

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A detailed perspective view of a section with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a packaging machine for producing (sealed) packages 2 of pourable products (in particular pourable food products such as pasteurized milk, juice, wine, ketchup, etc.), each package 2 having at least one corresponding opening device 3.

[0032] In more detail, each package 2 may comprise a respective body 4 containing a pourable product, and a respective opening device 3 may be connected to the respective body 4 .

[0033] In particular, each body 4 may be formed from a packaging material, preferably provided in the form of a roll 5 of packaging material.

[0034] According to the disclosed embodiment, each opening device 3 can be molded onto the corresponding body 2. In more detail, each opening device 3 can be molded onto the packaging material, in particular onto the corresponding parts of the packaging material, which define the respective body 4 after forming the package 2 from the packaging material.

[0035] Alternatively, the opening device 3 can be moulded separately from the packaging material and can be attached to the respective body 4 by welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing, etc. According to this solution, each body 4 is obtained from the packaging material without applying the opening device 3 and the opening device 3 is applied only afterwards.

[0036] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from packaging material, in particular from packaging material provided in the form of a roll 5 .

[0037] Preferably, each opening device 3 may be configured to allow access to and / or pouring of a pourable product packaged in the respective package 2, in particular in the respective body 4, in particular after operating the opening device 3. In particular, the operation of the opening device 3 may be reversible or irreversible.

[0038] Preferably, each opening device 3 may be integrally molded as a single piece.

[0039] Special References Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each opening device 3 may include: - a collar 6 with a pouring opening; - a lid 7 covering the pouring opening; and A gripping element 8 connected to the cover 7 and protruding from the cover 7 .

[0040] In particular, the collar 6, the cover 7 and the gripping element 8 may be integral with each other, ie the collar 6, the cover 7 and the gripping element 8 may be integrally made in one single piece.

[0041] More specifically, each collar 6 may further include a corresponding inlet opening and may define a corresponding flow channel extending between a corresponding pouring spout and the corresponding inlet opening. The corresponding pouring spout allows the pourable product to flow out of the flow channel, while the inlet opening allows the pourable product to enter the corresponding flow channel from the corresponding body 4.

[0042] Each collar 6 may include an inner surface 9 defining and / or facing the corresponding flow channel, and an outer surface 10 opposite to the inner surface 9 .

[0043] Preferably, each cap 7 may be breakably connected to the collar 6 , in particular at the edge of the collar 6 defining the respective pouring opening.

[0044] In this way, ensure that the corresponding pourable product of each packing 2 is isolated from the external (unfavorable) environment. In addition, the lid 7 can be removed from the collar 6 to release the corresponding pouring spout, thereby allowing the pourable product to be poured out through the corresponding pouring spout.

[0045] In more detail, each cover 7 is controllable in a closed position, in which the cover 7 covers the corresponding pouring outlet, and in an open position, in which the cover 7 releases the corresponding pouring outlet.

[0046] Before each lid 7 is first controlled to the corresponding open position, the lid 7 seals the corresponding pouring outlet; after this, the lid 7 can still be put back to the corresponding closed position, but the corresponding pouring outlet cannot be sealed again. In fact, the lid 7 only closes the pouring outlet.

[0047] It should be noted that each lid 7 is in a closed position when delivered to the consumer and is breakably connected to the corresponding collar 6 .

[0048] Special References Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each cover 7 may include a corresponding first cover surface 15 and a second cover surface 16 opposite to the first cover surface 15. In particular, the first cover surface 15 may face the external environment and / or the second cover surface 16 may face the corresponding flow channel, in particular when the cover 7 is in the closed position.

[0049] In more detail, each gripping element 8 is configured to be gripped by a user, in particular for moving the lid 7, more specifically, for moving the lid 7 from a respective closed position to a respective open position and / or from a respective open position to a respective closed position.

[0050] Preferably, each gripping element 8 may include a first gripping surface 17 and a second gripping surface 18 opposite to the first gripping surface 17. In particular, in use, the user grips the gripping element 8 so that one finger contacts the first gripping surface 18 and another finger contacts the second gripping surface 19.

[0051] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each gripping element 8 may protrude radially from the corresponding cover 7 .

[0052] Each gripping element 8 may also comprise a plurality of corrugations, which may in particular improve the gripping properties of the gripping element 8 .

[0053] For further details, return to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each opening device 3 may further comprise a base frame 19 configured to couple the opening device 3 (particularly around a designated pouring opening of the body 4 ) to the corresponding body 4 .

[0054] In particular, each collar 6 may be integrally connected to a corresponding base frame 19 and may extend therefrom.

[0055] Preferably, each opening device 3 may also include a tethering element 20 integrally connected to the collar 6 and / or the base frame 19, in the specific example shown to the collar 6, and to the lid 7. In particular, each tethering element 20 ties the corresponding lid 7 to the corresponding collar 6 and / or the base frame 19.

[0056] Furthermore, each opening device 3 may also comprise a tamper-evident element 21 connecting the lid 7 and the collar 6. When the lid 7 is first manipulated to the open position, the tamper-evident element 21 will break.

[0057] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each opening device 3 may further include a retaining element 22 configured to interact with the tethering element 20 to retain the corresponding lid 7 in the corresponding open position. Preferably, the retaining element 22 may protrude from the corresponding base frame 19.

[0058] Preferably, the packaging material may be a multi-layer packaging material. In other words, the packaging material may have a multi-layer structure (not shown).

[0059] In more detail, the packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealing plastic material, such as polyethylene layers, sandwiching the fibrous material layer between them. One of the two layers of heat-sealing plastic material defines the inner surface of the package 2 that is ultimately in contact with the pourable product, in particular the inner surface of the corresponding body 4.

[0060] Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material may also include a gas and light barrier material layer, such as an aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is particularly arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fiber material layer. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material may also include another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which is sandwiched between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0061] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging material may comprise a first face and a second face, in particular, the first face being the face of the packaging material forming the inner surface of the finished package 2 (in particular the formed body 4) which is ultimately in contact with the filled pourable food product.

[0062] According to the example shown, the packaging material is provided in the form of a roll 5. Preferably, the roll 5 comprises a plurality of repeating units, in particular arranged consecutively (and equidistantly) from one another along the roll 5. In particular, each repeating unit forms the basis of a respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to produce packages 2 from the roll 4 such that each package 2 is formed by a respective repeating unit.

[0063] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to apply, in particular mould on, at least one respective opening device 3 on each repeating unit.

[0064] In particular, each repeating unit may be defined by a corresponding pattern present on the web 5. More specifically, the patterns of all repeating units may be substantially identical and differ from each other in minor details - minor differences may for example be the presence of an information label indicating the production date, production batch, personalization information or the like.

[0065] Special References Figure 1 The packaging machine 1 comprises at least one package forming device 25 for forming packages 2 from packaging material, in particular from a web 5 .

[0066] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may also comprise a molding system 26 for molding the opening device 3 onto the packaging material, in particular onto the web 5 .

[0067] Preferably, the packaging forming device 25 may include at least: a conveying device 27 configured to advance the coil 5 along a coil advancement path P, at least to a tube forming station where the coil 5 is processed into a tube 28; and - a tube forming and sealing device 29 configured to form a tube 28 from the coil 5 and to longitudinally seal the tube 28 at a tube forming station; a filling device 30 configured to fill the tube 28 with a pourable product; and A package forming unit 31 configured to at least form, transversely seal and cut the tube 28 to obtain the package 2 .

[0068] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 may also comprise a sterilizing device for sterilizing the web 5. In particular, the sterilizing device may be configured to sterilize the web 5 by physical and / or chemical sterilization means.

[0069] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the molding system 26 may be arranged along the web advancing path P upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 29, in particular upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 29 and the sterilization device.

[0070] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may also include a first coil buffer unit 32 and / or a second coil buffer unit 33, in particular, the first coil buffer unit 32 and / or the second coil buffer unit 33 are of variable type (i.e., the buffer capacity of the respective coil buffer units can be (dynamically) changed).

[0071] Preferably, the first web buffer unit 32 may be arranged along the web advancing path P upstream of the molding system 26 .

[0072] Preferably, the second web buffer unit 33 may be arranged along the web advancing path P downstream of the molding system 26 .

[0073] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the conveying device 27 can be configured to intermittently advance the coil 5 in the molding system 26. In this way, a plurality of opening devices 3 can be molded onto the coil 5 while stopping the advancement of the coil 5 in the molding system 26, and the portion of the coil 5 carrying the molded opening device 3 can be pushed away from the molding system 26.

[0074] In order to ensure continuous production of the packages 2 (i.e., without interruption, or in other words, in a non-intermittent manner), the first web buffer unit 32 and the second web buffer unit 33 can be operated so that the advancement of the web 5 downstream of the molding system 26, in particular the advancement of the molding system 26 and the second web buffer unit 33, is continuous.

[0075] The molding system 26 may include one or more molding devices, each of which is configured to (once) mold one or more opening devices 3 onto the coil 5, in particular, at least onto a corresponding repeating unit. According to some possible embodiments, each molding device may be configured to (once) mold a corresponding opening device 3.

[0076] Preferably, the molding system 26 may include a conveying unit (particularly, as part of a conveying device 27), which is configured to intermittently advance and stop the coil 5, and in particular, each molding device may be configured to mold a corresponding opening device 3 onto the coil 5 when the coil 5 stops.

[0077] Preferably, the molding devices are arranged successively to each other, in particular arranged at equal distances from each other.

[0078] By having a plurality of moulding devices and / or each moulding device being configured to mould a plurality of opening devices 3 at a time, a continuous production of packages 2 can be ensured.

[0079] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the web 5 may include a plurality of holes, and in use, each molding device may be configured to mold the opening device 3 onto the web 5 and around these holes. In particular, these holes may define a designated pouring opening of the package 2 (in particular, the respective body 4).

[0080] According to some non-limiting embodiments, each hole can be a through hole. Alternatively, each hole can be covered by a covering layer.

[0081] In particular, each repeating unit may comprise a respective pore.

[0082] Special References Figures 3 to 5 , each molding device may include: at least one molding tool 40 which can be coupled and / or is coupled to the packaging material, in particular the web 5 , in particular at a respective repeating unit; and An injection device configured to inject molten polymer into the respective moulding tool 40 .

[0083] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, one or more molding apparatuses may include a plurality of molding tools 40, each molding tool 40 being configured to receive molten polymer from a respective injection device.

[0084] Special References Figures 3 to 6 Each molding tool 40 may include a mold cavity (at Figure 3 The mold cavity is occupied by the corresponding opening device 3, and the mold cavity defines the corresponding shape of the opening device 3, in particular, the shapes of the various parts of the opening device 3, such as the corresponding cover 7, the corresponding collar 6, the corresponding gripping element 8, and in particular also includes a base frame 19, a tether element 20, an anti-tampering element 21 and a retaining element 22.

[0085] In more detail, each molding tool 40 may include a plurality of molding tool parts, in particular containing and / or consisting of metal material, and may be controlled into a molding configuration in which the molding tool parts are close to each other, thereby defining and / or delimiting the corresponding mold cavity; and controlled into a demolding configuration in which the molding tool parts are away from each other, thereby allowing demolding of the corresponding molded opening device 3.

[0086] In other words, when the molding tool 40 is in the respective molding configuration, the respective mold cavity is formed and is ready to receive molten polymer; when the molding tool 40 is in the respective demolding configuration, the molded opening device 3 can be removed from the plurality of molding tool parts.

[0087] More specifically, each molding tool 40 may include at least a first molding tool portion 41 and a second molding tool portion 42. Preferably, the first molding tool portion 41 and the second molding tool portion 42 may define, in particular by cooperating with each other, a portion of the corresponding mold cavity and thus the shape of the corresponding gripping element 8.

[0088] Preferably, each molding tool 40 may further include a third molding tool part 43 .

[0089] Preferably, the first molding tool portion 41 , the second molding tool portion 42 and the third molding tool portion 43 may cooperate to define respective mold cavities, particularly when the molding tool 40 is in a molding configuration.

[0090] In more detail, the first, second and third moulding tool parts 41 , 42 and 43 may be configured to modify their relative positions such that the moulding tool 40 moves between a moulding configuration and a demoulding configuration.

[0091] In particular, the first molding tool portion 41 , the second molding tool portion 42 and the third molding tool portion 43 are close to each other when the corresponding molding tool 40 is in the molding configuration, and are far away from each other when the corresponding molding tool 40 is in the demolding configuration.

[0092] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each molding apparatus may include one or more moving devices for controlling the relative positions of the first molding tool portion 41 , the second molding tool portion 42 , and the third molding tool portion 43 .

[0093] According to the specific embodiment shown, the second molding tool part 42 may include a first part 44 and a second part 45, which are configured to perform relative movement so that the first part 44 and the second part 45 are closer to and farther away from each other, in particular so as to be able to control the corresponding molding tool 40 between the molding configuration and the demolding configuration.

[0094] In particular, the first portion 44 and the second portion 45 move closer to and farther from each other, respectively, when the corresponding molding tool 40 is in the molding configuration and the demolding configuration.

[0095] Preferably, one or more mobile devices may be configured to control the relative positions of the first portion 44 and the second portion 45 .

[0096] Special References Figure 3 , each first molding tool part 41 and the corresponding third molding tool part 43 can be configured so that the part of the corresponding mold cavity defined (in particular defined by cooperation) by the first molding tool part 41 and the corresponding third molding tool part 43 can limit the shape of the corresponding cover 7; and / or

[0097] Each second moulding tool portion 42 may define together with the third moulding tool portion 43 , in particular by co-operation, a further portion of the mould cavity which may at least partially define the shape of the respective collar 6 .

[0098] In more detail, each third molding tool portion 43 may define, together with the corresponding first portion 44 and the corresponding second portion 45 , another portion of the mold cavity, thereby defining the shape of the corresponding collar 6 .

[0099] According to some further embodiments, each second molding tool part 42, in particular the corresponding first part 44 and the corresponding second part 45, can together with the third molding tool part 43 define a corresponding part of the mold cavity and thus define the shape of the corresponding base frame 19 of the opening device 3 to be molded.

[0100] Furthermore, each third and second moulding tool part 43, 42, in particular the respective first part 44 and the respective second part 45, is configured to clamp packaging material therebetween in use, in particular when the respective moulding tool 40 is controlled in the respective moulding configuration.

[0101] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second molding tool portion 42 may include: a respective first cavity 46 configured to define a first area of ​​a respective mould cavity and thus the shape of a respective tethering element 20 of an opening device 3 to be moulded; and / or - The corresponding second cavity (in Figure 3 , which is occupied by the molded anti-tampering element 21), which is configured to define a second area of ​​the corresponding mold cavity, thereby defining the shape of the corresponding anti-tampering element 21 of the opening device 3 to be molded; and / or a respective third cavity 47 configured to define a third area of ​​the respective mould cavity and thus the shape of the respective retaining element 22 of the opening device 3 to be moulded; and / or - a respective fourth cavity 48 configured to define a fourth area of ​​the respective mould cavity and thus the shape of a respective edge of the opening device 3 to be moulded, which edge defines a respective pouring opening.

[0102] More specifically, each first portion 44 and the corresponding second portion 45 may each include a corresponding portion of the corresponding first cavity 46 and / or the corresponding second cavity and / or the corresponding third cavity 47 and / or the corresponding fourth cavity 48 .

[0103] Special References Figures 3 to 6 , each first molding tool part 41 and the corresponding second molding tool part 42 can be configured so that after molding the opening device 3, the first molding tool part 41 contacts the corresponding first gripping surface 17, and after molding the corresponding opening device 3, the second molding tool part 42 contacts the corresponding second gripping surface 18.

[0104] In more detail, each first molding tool portion 41 may include a first defining surface 51 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 may include a second defining surface 52 which, when the corresponding molding tool 40 is in the corresponding molding configuration, is spaced apart from the first defining surface 51, thereby defining a portion of the corresponding mold cavity which defines the corresponding gripping element 8 of the corresponding opening device 3. Furthermore, after molding the corresponding opening device 3, each first defining surface 51 is in contact with the corresponding first gripping surface 17, and after molding the corresponding opening device 3, the corresponding second defining surface 52 is in contact with the corresponding second gripping surface 18.

[0105] In particular, after molding the respective opening device 3 , each gripping element 8 may be clamped between the respective first defining surface 51 and the respective second defining surface 52 .

[0106] Furthermore, the surface structure of each gripping element 8 , in particular the surface structure of the respective first gripping surface 17 and the respective second gripping surface 18 , may be defined by the surface structure of the respective first defining surface 51 and the respective second defining surface 52 .

[0107] The Applicant has observed that by defining the portion of the mold cavity defining the gripping element 8 by means of the first molding tool part 41 and the second molding tool part 42, it is easier to demould the opening device 3, in particular the respective gripping element 8. In particular, demoulding of the gripping element 8 is easier than in the case of a gripping element 8 formed in a mold cavity portion forming a single cavity within the molding tool parts, for example.

[0108] The Applicant has observed that this is particularly advantageous when the gripping element 8 comprises corrugations for improving gripping properties.

[0109] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 can be configured so that after molding the corresponding opening device 3, the first molding tool portion 41 contacts the first cover surface 15, and after molding the corresponding opening device 3, the third molding tool portion 43 contacts the second cover surface 16.

[0110] In more detail, each first molding tool part 41 may include a third defining surface 53 and the corresponding second molding tool part 42 may include a fourth defining surface 54, which is spaced apart from the third defining surface 53 when the corresponding molding tool 40 is in the molding configuration, thereby defining a portion of the corresponding mold cavity, which defines the lid 7 of the corresponding opening device 3. In addition, after molding the corresponding opening device 3, each third defining surface 53 is in contact with the corresponding first cover surface 15, and after molding the corresponding opening device 3, the corresponding fourth defining surface 54 is in contact with the corresponding second cover surface 16.

[0111] Preferably, the first defining surface 51 and the third defining surface 53 may be connected to each other.

[0112] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 can be configured so that during control of the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration, the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 perform relative movement along a first direction D1, which is transverse to (in particular, perpendicular to) the corresponding first gripping surface 17 and / or the corresponding second gripping surface 18 and / or the first defining surface 51 and / or the second defining surface 52.

[0113] In other words, the relative movement along the first direction D1 may be caused by moving the first molding tool portion 41 only along the first direction D1, moving the second molding tool portion 42 only along the first direction D1, or moving the first molding tool portion 41 and the second molding tool portion 42 in opposite directions along the first direction D1.

[0114] Preferably, each first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 can be configured so that during control of the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration, the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 perform relative movement along a direction parallel to the first direction D1.

[0115] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first part 44 and the corresponding second part 45 can be configured so that during control of the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration, the first part 44 and the second part 45 perform relative movement along a second direction D2 transverse to (in particular, perpendicular to) the first direction D1.

[0116] Special References Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each first moulding tool part 41 may comprise a base 55 and a moulding element 56 , in particular the moulding element 56 at least partially defining the shape of the gripping element 8 and / or the cover 7 .

[0117] In particular, after molding the corresponding opening device 3 , each profiled element 56 may be in contact with the corresponding first gripping surface 17 and / or the first cover surface 15 .

[0118] In more detail, in particular, each forming element 56 can be configured to define a portion of the corresponding mold cavity together with the corresponding second molding tool part 42, which portion defines the shape of the corresponding gripping element 8; and / or to define a portion of the corresponding mold cavity together with the corresponding third molding tool part 43, which portion defines the shape of the corresponding cover 7.

[0119] More specifically, the shaping element 56 may include a respective first defining surface 51 and / or a respective third defining surface 53 .

[0120] In more detail, each base 55 may have a housing 57, and the corresponding profiled element 56 may be placed in the housing 57. Preferably, the profiled element 56 may be fixed in the housing 57, for example by fixing elements such as screws, pins or the like and / or by friction.

[0121] In even greater detail, the end of each profiled element 56 is placed in a respective housing 57. In particular, this end is complementary to the corresponding housing 57.

[0122] Furthermore, each receptacle 57 can comprise a wall 58 and / or can be defined by a wall 58 , in particular an annular wall 58 .

[0123] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each base 55 may include a first metallic material, and the corresponding shaping element 56 may include a second metallic material different from the first metallic material.

[0124] In this way, the thermal conductivity of the first moulding tool part 41 , in particular of the profile element 56 , can be improved and / or adjusted.

[0125] Preferably, the second metal material may have higher thermal conductivity than the first metal material.

[0126] Preferably, the first metal material may include and / or may be stainless steel.

[0127] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the second metal material may include aluminum and / or an aluminum alloy, and / or may be an aluminum alloy.

[0128] Alternatively, or additionally, the second metallic material may contain copper and / or a copper alloy, and / or may be a copper alloy.

[0129] Preferably, the second metal material may contain chromium and / or titanium and / or iron and / or magnesium and / or silicon and / or zinc and / or manganese. In particular, if the second metal material contains iron and / or silicon, these may be impurities.

[0130] An example of the second metal material may be 89. 79. 99 or similar materials. Alternatively, the second metal material may be 160, 200, 240 or similar material.

[0131] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the second metal material may contain at least 90% aluminum or copper (by weight).

[0132] Special References Figure 3 and Figure 6 Each molding tool 40 may include a plurality of cooling channels 59 configured to receive a cooling liquid to cool the molding tool 40 .

[0133] In particular, each first moulding tool part 41 , in particular the respective base 55 and the respective moulding element 56 , may comprise one or more cooling channels 59 .

[0134] Furthermore, each second molding tool portion 42 and / or each third molding tool portion 43 may include a respective cooling channel 59 .

[0135] Preferably, the cooling channels 59 may be fluidly connected to a coolant distribution device of a corresponding molding device and / or molding system 26 .

[0136] Special References Figure 3 Each molding tool 40 may further include at least one injection channel 60 that is fluidly connected to a corresponding mold cavity when the molding tool 40 is in a molding configuration, and the injection channel 60 is configured to allow molten polymer to enter the corresponding mold cavity.

[0137] According to the particular embodiment shown, each third molding tool portion 43 may include an injection channel 60 .

[0138] Preferably, each injection channel 60 may be fluidly connected to a corresponding injection device.

[0139] When in use, the packaging machine 1 allows forming packages 2 with corresponding opening devices 3 .

[0140] The opening device 3 is molded by operation of a molding system 26, in particular one or more molding devices.

[0141] Preferably, the opening device 3 is molded directly onto the packaging material, in particular onto the web 5, more preferably before shaping the packaging material.

[0142] The operation of each molding device comprises controlling the respective molding tool 40 from the demoulding configuration to the molding configuration, in particular thereby clamping the packaging material, in particular the web 5 , between the respective second molding tool part 42 and the respective third molding tool part 43 .

[0143] Then, the corresponding injection devices, in particular through the respective injection channels 60, inject the molten polymer into the corresponding mold cavities.

[0144] Afterwards, the respective moulding tool 40 is controlled back into the demoulding configuration, thereby allowing the respective moulded opening device 3 to be demoulded from the moulding tool 40 .

[0145] In more detail, in order to control the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration and vice versa, one or more respective moving devices change the relative positions of the respective first molding tool portion 41, the respective second molding tool portion 42 and the respective third molding tool portion 43. Furthermore, the relative positions of the respective first portion 44 and the respective second portion 45 may also be modified.

[0146] In particular, modifying the relative position of each first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 requires controlling the relative movement of the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 along the first direction D1. Controlling the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration requires moving the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 closer to each other, and controlling the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration requires moving the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding second molding tool portion 42 farther from each other.

[0147] In particular, modifying the relative position of each first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 requires controlling the relative movement of the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 along a direction parallel to the first direction D1. Controlling the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration requires moving the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 closer to each other, and controlling the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration requires moving the first molding tool portion 41 and the corresponding third molding tool portion 43 farther from each other.

[0148] Preferably, the relative position of each third molding tool part 43 and the corresponding second molding tool part 42 can also be driven. The relative position of each third molding tool part 43 and the corresponding second molding tool part 42 can be modified along a direction parallel to the first direction D1. In more detail, the control needs to make the third molding tool part 43 and the corresponding second molding tool part 42 close to each other in the molding configuration, and the control needs to make the third molding tool part 43 and the corresponding second molding tool part 42 away from each other in the demolding configuration.

[0149] Advantageously, when controlling the molding tool 40 from the demoulding configuration to the molding configuration or from the molding configuration to the demoulding configuration, the relative position of the respective first portion 44 and the respective second portion 45 may also be controlled.

[0150] In particular, when the molding tool 40 is controlled to the corresponding molding configuration, the corresponding first portion 44 and the corresponding second portion 45 may be close to each other; when the molding tool 40 is controlled to the corresponding demolding configuration, the corresponding first portion 44 and the corresponding second portion 45 may be away from each other.

[0151] The advantages of the moulding tool 40 and / or the moulding device and / or the moulding system 26 and / or the packaging machine 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0152] In particular, the moulding tool 40 enables easier demoulding of the opening device 3 .

[0153] Obviously, modifications may be made to the moulding tool 40 and / or the moulding device and / or the moulding system 26 and / or the packaging machine 1 without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A molding tool (40) for molding an opening device (3), comprising a collar (6) having a pouring spout, a cover (7) covering the pouring spout, and a gripping element (8) connected to the cover (7) and protruding from the cover (7); The molding tool (40) comprises a plurality of molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) and can be controlled into a molding configuration and a demoulding configuration, in which the molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) are close to each other to define a mold cavity, and in which the molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) are far away from each other to allow demoulding of the molded opening device (3); in, At least a first moulding tool part (41) and at least a second moulding tool part (42) define a part of the mould cavity defining the shape of the gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be moulded; Wherein, the first molding tool part (41) and the second molding tool part (42) are configured so that after molding the opening device (3), the first molding tool part (41) contacts the first gripping surface (17) of the gripping element (8), and after molding the opening device (3), the second molding tool part (42) contacts the second gripping surface (18) of the gripping element (8), and the second gripping surface (18) is opposite to the first gripping surface (17).

2. The molding tool according to claim 1, wherein the first moulding tool part (41) comprising a first defining surface (51), and the second moulding tool part (42) comprising a second defining surface (52), which, when the moulding tool (40) is controlled into the moulding configuration, is spaced apart from the first defining surface (51) so as to define the part of the mould cavity defining the corresponding gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be moulded; Wherein, after molding the opening device (3), the first defining surface (51) is in contact with the first gripping surface (17), and after molding the opening device (3), the second defining surface (52) is in contact with the corresponding second gripping surface (18).

3. The molding tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first molding tool part (41) and the second molding tool part (42) are configured so that during the period when the molding tool (40) is controlled between the molding configuration and the demolding configuration, the first molding tool part (41) and the corresponding second molding tool part (42) perform relative movement along a first direction (D1) transverse to the corresponding first gripping surface (17) and / or the corresponding second gripping surface (18).

4. The moulding tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third moulding tool part (43); in, The first moulding tool part (41) and the third moulding tool part (43) are configured such that the portion of the mould cavity defined by the first moulding tool part (41) and the third moulding tool part (43) defines the shape of the cover (7); Wherein, the first molding tool part (41) and the third molding tool part (43) are configured so that after molding the opening device (3), the first molding tool part (41) contacts the first cover surface (15) of the cover (7), and after molding the opening device (3), the third molding tool part (43) contacts the second cover surface (16) of the cover, and the second cover surface (16) is opposite to the first cover surface (15).

5. A moulding tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second moulding tool part (42) defines together with the third moulding tool part (43) a further part of the mould cavity which at least partially defines the shape of the collar (6) of the opening device (3) to be moulded.

6. The molding tool according to claim 5, wherein: The first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) are configured such that relative movement of the first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) along a first direction (D1) allows the first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) to move closer to and farther from each other; wherein the molding tool (40) comprises the third molding tool part (43); The third molding tool part (41) is configured so that relative movement of the third molding tool part (43) relative to the first molding tool part (41) along a second direction parallel to the first direction (D1) allows the third molding tool part (43) to approach and move away from the first molding tool part (41).

7. A moulding tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first molding tool part (41) comprises a base (55) having a receiving seat (57) and a molding element (56) placed in the receiving seat (57); Therein, the shaping element (56) partially defines the shape of the gripping element (8) and / or the cover (7) of the opening device (3) to be molded.

8. The molding tool according to claim 7, wherein: The base (55) comprises stainless steel and the profiled element (56) comprises aluminum and / or copper.

9. A moulding tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) include a plurality of cooling channels (59).

10. A moulding tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) contain metal and / or consist of metal.

11. Moulding tool according to any of the preceding claims, configured to mould the opening device (3) onto a multilayer packaging material.

12. A molding device for molding an opening device (3), comprising: - at least one molding tool (40) according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as - an injection device configured to inject molten polymer into the mold cavity of said at least one molding tool (40) when said at least one molding tool (40) is in said molding configuration.

13. The molding device according to claim 12, wherein: The molding device is configured to mold the opening device (3) onto the packaging material; wherein the molding tool (40) is configured to be coupled to the packaging material when in the molding configuration.

14. Packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) having at least one corresponding opening device (3) and filled with a pourable product; The packaging machine (1) comprises: at least one molding device according to claim 12 or 13, for molding the opening device (3) onto the packaging material; and a package forming device (25) for producing the package (2) from the packaging material.

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