Conveyor device for packaging machine, packaging machine having conveyor device, and carrier for conveyor device

Abstract

Described is a conveyor device (11) comprising a plurality of carriers (14), a planar motor (15) for selectively and independently moving the carriers (14), an inlet conveyor (16), an outlet conveyor (18) and a control device (26) for controlling each stationary device (25) between a respective open configuration and a respective stationary configuration. The inlet conveyor (16) and the outlet conveyor (18) are configured to advance each package (2) at a distance of 10 from the planar motor (15), and such that a respective spacing (27) between the planar motor (15) and the package (2) allows a respective support platform (24) of each carrier (14) to be inserted between the planar motor (15) and the respective package (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for a packaging machine, in particular a conveying device for advancing packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging pourable products, in particular pourable foods, into packages, in particular packages made from multilayer packaging material, and the packaging machine has at least one conveying device.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a carrier for propelling a conveying device for packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products. Background Art

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

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. This packaging material has a multilayer structure, including a cardboard and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides by a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In aseptic packaging for long-term storage products, this packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on the layer of heat-sealable plastic material and then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material forming the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0006] Such packages are usually produced by fully automatic packaging machines, starting with multi-layer packaging materials and filling them. Such automatic packaging machines have very high production speeds (more than 10,000 packages per hour, or even faster).

[0007] In recent years, the packaging industry has begun to desire a more flexible way of handling formed packages, in particular to transport packages in a more flexible and, above all, scalable manner. Summary of the invention

[0001] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved conveying device for advancing packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable foods. Preferably, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved conveying device for advancing packages processed from multilayer packaging material and filled with pourable products, in particular pourable foods.

[0002] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging machine having a conveying device for advancing packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0003] Another object of the present invention is to provide a carrier for a conveying device for advancing packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0004] According to the invention, a conveying device according to independent claim 1 is provided.

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the inspection device are defined in the claims which are directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1 .

[0006] According to the present invention, a packaging machine according to claim 12 is also provided.

[0007] According to the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 15. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine having at least one conveying device according to the invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a conveying device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a perspective view of a portion of a conveyor with parts removed for clarity;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of some details of the device with parts removed for clarity;

[0013] 5a and 5b are diagrams of a container loaded with corresponding packages in a first configuration and a second configuration. Figure 4 Detail perspective view with parts removed for clarity;

[0014] Figures 6a to 6c are Figure 2 A side view of a conveyor device of , showing different steps of operation of the conveyor device, with parts removed for clarity; and

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Another detailed perspective view of a conveyor with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a packaging machine for producing packages 2 filled with pourable products, in particular pourable foods, such as (pasteurized) milk, juice, wine, ketchup, salt, sugar, emulsions, yogurt, yogurt drinks, drinks with pulp, milk drinks, etc.

[0017] The packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0018] In more detail, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce the packages 2 from a packaging material having a multi-layer structure, ie the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce the packages 2 from a multi-layer packaging material.

[0019] In more detail, the packaging material may include at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealed plastic material, such as polyethylene, with the fibrous material layer inserted between the two layers of heat-sealed plastic material. One layer of the two layers of heat-sealed plastic material may be defined as the inner surface of the package 2 in contact with the pourable product.

[0020] Furthermore, the packaging material may further comprise a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminium foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibre material. Preferably, the packaging material further comprises another layer of heat-sealable plastic material inserted between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibre material.

[0021] In more detail, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a roll 3 .

[0022] Each package 2 obtained by means of the packaging machine 1 may comprise a longitudinal sealed portion.

[0023] Furthermore, each package 2 may further comprise a pair of respective first and second transverse sealing bands, in particular arranged on opposite sides of the package 2. In particular, the first transverse sealing bands may define a transverse top sealing band and the second transverse sealing bands may define a transverse bottom sealing band.

[0024] In more detail, especially with reference to Figure 3 5a to 6c, each package 2 may include a first wall 4, in particular a first wall 4 carrying and / or having a first transverse sealing strip. Preferably, the first wall 4 may define a support surface of the package 2, which may be designed to contact a support (such as a shelf) when the package 2 is exposed in a point of sale or when stored or transported, in use. In particular, the first wall 4 may define a bottom wall when placed on a support.

[0025] Furthermore, each package 2 may also comprise a side wall 5 (fixedly) connected to the first wall 4, which side wall may extend from the first wall 4. In particular, the side wall 5 may carry and / or have at least a part of the longitudinal sealing portion.

[0026] In addition, each package 2 may further include a second wall 6 opposite to the first wall 4 and connected (fixed) to the side wall 5. In particular, the side wall 5 may be placed between the first wall 4 and the second wall 6.

[0027] Preferably, each second wall 6 can carry and / or have a second transverse sealing strip.

[0028] In particular, the second wall 6 may define a top wall when the package 2 is possibly arranged on a support.

[0029] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other.

[0030] According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be inclined relative to each other. In particular, the second wall 6 may define an inclined top, or define part of a mountain-shaped top.

[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may comprise a second wall 6 molded onto the corresponding side wall 5 .

[0032] In more detail, each package 2 can extend along a longitudinal axis, a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis that are perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the extension of the package 2 along the longitudinal axis is greater than the corresponding extension along the first transverse axis and the second transverse axis. Preferably, the corresponding first wall 4 and the corresponding second wall 6 can be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis.

[0033] Special reference Figure 1 , the packaging machine 1 may include: - a packaging filling device 10 for filling packaging 2, in particular for processing and filling packaging 2, even to be used for processing the package 2 from the multi-layer packaging material and filling the package 2; and at least one conveying device 11 for advancing the packages 2 from the entry station 12 to the exit station 13 .

[0034] In particular, the conveying device 11 may be arranged downstream of the package filling device 10 ; ie, in use, the conveying device 11 receives the packages 2 from the package filling device 10 .

[0035] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may comprise more than one conveyor device 11. Two or more conveyor devices 11 may be arranged parallel to each other; ie each conveyor device 11 may receive a respective portion of a package 2 when in use.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, two or more conveying devices 11 may be arranged in series with each other; ie two or more conveying devices 11 advance a plurality of identical packages 2 .

[0037] Special reference Figures 2 to 7 , each transmission device 11 may include: a plurality of carriers 14, each carrier 14 being configured to transport (at a time) at least one, in particular only one 2 corresponding packages; - a planar motor 15 configured to selectively move each of the carriers 14 independently; at least one inlet conveyor 16 configured to advance the packages 2 from the inlet station 12 to a receiving station 17 where each package 2 is transferred onto a respective carrier 14 ; and at least one exit conveyor 18 configured to advance the packages 2 from a release station 19 to the exit station 13 , where each package 2 is released from the respective carrier 14 and in particular transferred from the respective carrier 14 to the exit conveyor 18 .

[0038] Preferably, each conveying device 11 may further include a corresponding control unit 20 configured to control the operation of the conveying device 11 itself. In particular, the control unit 20 may be configured to control the operation of the planar motor 15 and thus control the advancement of the carrier 14.

[0039] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, the conveying device 11 may comprise a plurality of inlet conveyors 16 and / or a plurality of outlet conveyors 18. Preferably, each inlet conveyor 16 may be associated to a respective inlet station 12, and in particular to a respective receiving station 17 and / or each outlet conveyor 18 may be associated to a respective outlet station 13, and in particular to a respective releasing station 19.

[0040] Especially referring to Figure 4 As to Figure 6c, each carrier 14 may include a corresponding supporting platform 24 and a fixing device 25, and the fixing device 25 can be controlled to an open configuration (see Figures 5a, 6a and 6b) and a fixed configuration (see Figures 5b and 6c). In the open configuration, the corresponding fixing device 25 can receive or release the corresponding package 2, and in the fixed configuration, the corresponding fixing device 25 fixes the corresponding package 2.

[0041] In particular, each supporting platform 24 may be configured to transport a respective package 2 and / or may transport a respective fixture 25 .

[0042] Preferably, each fixing device 25 may be fixed on a corresponding supporting platform 24 and / or may be extended from the corresponding supporting platform 24 .

[0043] More specifically, when in use, the package 2 can be arranged on a respective carrier 14, in particular on a respective support platform 24, so that the respective longitudinal axis is transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the carrier 14, in particular to the support platform 24. In particular, each first wall 4 can be in contact with the support platform 24 when placed on the respective carrier 14.

[0044] In particular, when in use, the respective fixing device 25 is controlled into a respective fixing configuration so that the package 2 can be safely propelled by means of the propelling vehicle 14 .

[0045] Furthermore, each conveying device 11 may comprise a control device 26 for controlling, in particular selectively controlling, each fixing device 25 from a respective open configuration to a respective fixing configuration.

[0046] In more detail, the control device 26 can be configured to control, in particular selectively control, each fixing device 25 to change from a corresponding open configuration to a corresponding fixed configuration after and / or during receiving the corresponding package 2 at the receiving station 17, and to control each fixing device 25 to change from a corresponding fixed configuration to a corresponding open configuration before and / or during releasing the corresponding package 2 at the releasing station 19.

[0047] In more detail, each entrance conveyor 16 and each exit conveyor 18 can be configured to advance each package 2 so that each package 2 is spaced apart from the planar motor 15 when in use, thereby forming a corresponding spacing 27 between the planar motor 15 and the package 2, so as to insert a corresponding support platform 24 of the corresponding package 2 between the planar motor 15 and the corresponding package 2.

[0048] In this way, a supporting platform 24 can be provided between the planar motor 15 and the package 2 , so that the package 2 can be arranged on the supporting platform 24 .

[0049] Furthermore, the planar motor 15 may also be configured to advance each carrier 14 synchronously with respect to a respective package 2 when the respective package 2 is advanced by a respective inlet conveyor 16 or a respective outlet conveyor 18 in use.

[0050] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 15 can be configured to advance the carrier 14 from the inlet conveyor 16 to the outlet conveyor 18, particularly when loaded with the corresponding package 2. In particular, the planar motor 15 can be configured to individually and selectively control the advancement of each carrier 14 between the inlet conveyor 16 and the outlet conveyor 18.

[0051] Preferably, the planar motor 15 may also be configured to propel the carrier 14 from the outlet conveyor 18 to the inlet conveyor 16, in particular after releasing the corresponding package 2 (ie just when it becomes empty).

[0052] For example, the conveying device 11 may further comprise one or more processing and / or measuring and / or analyzing units 28, which are configured to process and / or measure and / or analyze the packages 2. Each processing and / or measuring and / or analyzing unit 28 may be arranged at a corresponding station 29.

[0053] For example, the processing and / or measuring and / or analyzing unit 28 may be configured to check the quality of the package 2 and / or to scan the package 2 and / or to apply a decoration to the package 2 .

[0054] In particular, the planar motor 15 can be configured to selectively control the propulsion carrier 14 so as to, for example, transport the package 2 directly from the entry conveyor 16 to the exit conveyor 18, or to transport the package 2 from the entry conveyor 16 to one or more processing and / or measuring and / or analysis units 28 and then to the exit conveyor 18 (i.e., to transport the package 2 indirectly from the entry conveyor 16 to the exit conveyor 18).

[0055] In more detail, each inlet conveyor 16 may be configured to advance the packages 2 along an inlet path P, in particular a linear inlet path P.

[0056] More specifically, the inlet path P may extend between the inlet station 12 and the terminal station 30. In particular, the packages 2 come into contact with and out of contact with the inlet conveyor 16 at the inlet station 12 and the terminal station 30, respectively.

[0057] In more detail, each inlet conveyor 16 may be configured to advance the packages 2 at a given, in particular constant, first advancement speed.

[0058] In more detail, each outlet conveyor 18 may be configured to advance the packages 2 along an outlet path Q, in particular a linear outlet path Q.

[0059] More specifically, the exit path Q may extend between the starting station 31 and the exit station 13. In particular, the packages 2 come into contact with and out of contact with the exit conveyor 18 at the starting station 31 and the exit station 13, respectively.

[0060] In more detail, each outlet conveyor 18 may be configured to advance the packages 2 at a given, in particular constant, second advancement speed.

[0061] According to some possible embodiments, the first propulsion speed and the second propulsion speed may be equal to each other. According to some other embodiments, the first propulsion speed and the second propulsion speed may be different; for example, the first propulsion speed may be greater than or less than the second propulsion speed.

[0062] As will be explained in further detail, planar motor 15 may be configured to synchronously move carrier 14 relative to inlet conveyor 16 and outlet conveyor 18 during advancement of packages 2 along at least respective portions of inlet path P and outlet path Q.

[0063] 6b to 6c , the planar motor 15 may be configured to control the advancement of each carrier 14 along a corresponding receiving path R, particularly along a portion parallel to the entry path P. Preferably, each carrier 14 may advance through a receiving station 17 while advancing along the receiving path R.

[0064] Furthermore, the planar motor 15 may be configured to control the propulsion of each carrier 14 along the receiving path R at a speed corresponding to the first propulsion speed.

[0065] Furthermore, when advancing along the receiving path R, the respective support platforms 24 of the carrier 14 may be inserted between the planar motor 15 and the respective package 2; ie, the support platforms 24 may be arranged within the spacing 27. In particular, each support platform 24 may be arranged below the respective package 2.

[0066] In this way, it can be ensured that the package 2 can be placed smoothly on the corresponding supporting platform 24.

[0067] With particular reference to FIG. 6 a , the planar motor 15 may be configured, in use, to position the carrier 14 adjacent to the inlet conveyor 16 prior to advancing the carrier 14 along the receiving path R.

[0068] 5a, 5b, 6b and 6c, the control device 26 may be configured to control the change of each fixing device 25 from a respective open configuration to a respective fixed configuration during the advancement of the respective carrier 14 along a portion of the receiving path R.

[0069] In particular, the planar motor 15 may be configured to control the propulsion vehicle 14 so that the control device 26 controls the fixing device 25 to change from the open configuration to the fixed configuration after receiving the respective package 2 .

[0070] In more detail, the control device 26 may be configured to control each fixing device 25 to become a fixed configuration before the package 2 reaches the terminal 30 .

[0071] This ensures that, as long as the package 2 is not firmly fixed by the respective fixing device 25 , the package 2 will still be in contact with the inlet conveyor 16 .

[0072] Furthermore, the planar motor 15 may control the advancement of the carrier 14 in a similar manner (but in reverse order) as it delivers the packages 2 to the exit conveyor 18 .

[0073] In more detail, the planar motor 15 may be configured to control each carrier 14 to advance along a release path S, in particular a release path parallel to a portion of the exit path Q. Preferably, each carrier 14 may advance through a release station 19 while advancing along the release path S.

[0074] Furthermore, the planar motor 15 may be configured to control each carrier 14 to advance along the release path S at a speed corresponding to the second advancing speed.

[0075] Furthermore, when advancing along the release path S, the respective support platform 24 of the carrier 14 may be inserted between the planar motor 15 and the respective package 2 ; that is, the support platform 24 may be arranged within the respective spacing 27 .

[0076] In this way, the package 2 can be gently removed from the corresponding supporting platform 24.

[0077] Furthermore, the control device 26 may be configured to control each fixing device 25 to change from a respective fixing configuration to a respective open configuration during advancement of the respective carrier 14 along a portion of the release path S.

[0078] In particular, the planar motor 15 may be configured to control the advancement of the carrier 14 so that the control device 26 controls the fixing device 25 to change from the fixing configuration to the opening configuration before releasing the corresponding package 2 .

[0079] In more detail, the control device 26 may be configured to control each fixing device 25 to become an open configuration after the package 2 is transported to the outlet conveyor 18 .

[0080] In more detail, the planar motor 15 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier 14 independently of the other carriers 14. In this case, independent means that the planar motor 15 may accelerate and decelerate each carrier 14 in a selective manner that may be different from any acceleration and deceleration of the other carriers 14. In addition, the planar motor 15 may also control the movement of each carrier 14 to avoid any undesirable collision with one or more other carriers 14.

[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 15 can be configured to control each vehicle 14 along three linear axes and around three rotational axes. In other words, each vehicle 14 has six degrees of freedom.

[0082] More specifically, the planar motor 15 may be configured to control each carrier 14 to move along a first linear axis X, a second linear axis Y perpendicular to the first linear axis X, and a third linear axis Z perpendicular to the first linear axis X and the second linear axis Y. In this way, the position of each carrier 14 (and the corresponding package 2 it carries) in three-dimensional space may be controlled.

[0083] In addition, the planar motor 15 can be configured to control the angular movement of each carrier 14 around a corresponding first rotation axis, a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. In this way, the angular position of the carrier 14 (and the angular position of the corresponding package 2 it carries) can be controlled.

[0084] By providing six degrees of freedom, the angular and spatial position of the package 2, for example relative to the planar motor 15, can be precisely controlled.

[0085] Special reference Figure 2 The planar motor 15 may further include one or more planar control modules 32 , in particular, a planar control module 32 operably coupled to the control unit 20 .

[0086] Preferably, each planar control module 32 may include one or more induction coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively controlling the advancement of the vehicle 14 .

[0087] The control unit 20 may be configured to control the plurality of induction coils to control movement of the carrier 14 , in particular along the first, second, and third linear axes X, Y, and Z and around the first, second, and third rotational axes.

[0088] More specifically, the planar motor 15 can be configured to control the carrier 14 along the third linear axis Z so as to lift the carrier 14 from the planar control module 32. In particular, the carrier 14 can be placed on the planar control module 32 with the coil de-energized.

[0089] According to some possible embodiments, the planar motor 15 may be configured to move each carrier 14 along the third linear axis Z and towards the respective package 2 while advancing along at least a portion of the receiving path R.

[0090] In more detail, the planar motor 15 can be configured to place the support platform 24 under the corresponding package 2, and control the corresponding carrier 14 to move the corresponding support platform 24 toward the corresponding package 2 along the corresponding third linear axis Z to receive the corresponding package 2. Preferably, the corresponding carrier 14 advances along at least a portion of the receiving path R.

[0091] According to some possible embodiments, the planar motor 15 may be configured to move each carrier 14 along the third linear axis Z and away from the corresponding package 2 while advancing along at least a portion of the release path S.

[0092] In more detail, the planar motor 15 can be configured such that: by controlling the corresponding carrier 14 along the corresponding third linear axis Z, the corresponding support platform 24 is evacuated from the corresponding package 2, and the corresponding support platform 24 is moved away from the corresponding package 2 so as to release the corresponding package 2, preferably, so that the corresponding carrier 14 moves along at least a portion of the release path S.

[0093] Furthermore, each planar control module 32 may extend along a first axis (in particular parallel to the first linear axis X) and a second axis (in particular parallel to the second linear axis Y).

[0094] Advantageously, each carrier 14 may comprise at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element, allowing each carrier 14 to interact with the local electromagnetic field generated by the coil.

[0095] Preferably, the planar motor 15 may comprise an outer surface 33, in particular a planar outer surface 33, facing the carrier 14. In particular, the outer surface 33 may lie in a plane H, in particular a plane H having a (substantially) horizontal direction.

[0096] In particular, each planar control module 32 may include a respective portion of a respective outer surface 33 .

[0097] According to some possible embodiments, the inlet path P and / or the outlet path Q may be parallel to the planar motor 15 , in particular parallel to the outer surface 33 and / or the plane H.

[0098] Alternatively, at least part of the inlet path P and / or the outlet path Q may be inclined relative to the planar motor 15, in particular the outer surface 33 and / or the plane H. According to such an embodiment, the terminal station 30 and the starting station 31 may be closer to the plane H than the inlet station 12 and the outlet station 13, respectively. In particular, such a configuration allows for a more gentle placing or removal of the packages 2 onto or from the carrier 14.

[0099] Special reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 , each of the inlet conveyor 16 and the outlet conveyor 18 may include a respective pair of first and second conveyor belt conveyors 37 and 38 spaced apart from each other, in particular each having a respective conveyor belt 39. Each pair of each first conveyor belt conveyor 37 and respective second conveyor belt conveyor 38 may be configured to intersect and clamp the package 2 between each other, in particular between the respective conveyor belts 39, and to advance the package 2 in particular by moving the respective conveyor belts 39 along the respective endless path.

[0100] In particular, the distance between each pair of first conveyor belt conveyors 37 and second conveyor belt conveyors 38, in particular the distance between the respective conveyor belts 39, may be such as to be able to interleave and clamp the packages 2 between each other.

[0101] The respective distances of the first conveyor belt conveyor 37 and the second conveyor belt conveyor 38 of the inlet conveyor 16 and the outlet conveyor 18 may be different. For example, the planar motor 15 may be configured to change the direction of the package 2 by controlling the respective carrier 14 while advancing between the inlet conveyor 16 and the outlet conveyor 18. In this case, the distance between the first conveyor belt 37 and the second conveyor belt 38 may be different.

[0102] According to some possible embodiments, the conveying device 11 may include an adjustment device for adjusting the distance between the first conveyor belt conveyor 37 and each second conveyor belt conveyor 38 .

[0103] According to some possible embodiments, the first conveyor belt conveyor 37 and the second conveyor belt conveyor 38 may be parallel to the planar motor 15 , in particular parallel to the outer surface 33 and / or the plane H.

[0104] Alternatively, the first conveyor belt conveyor 37 and the second conveyor belt conveyor 38 can be inclined relative to the planar motor 15, especially the outer surface 33 and / or the plane H, so that the end station 30 and the starting station 31 can be closer to the plane H than the entry station 12 and the exit station 13 respectively.

[0105] Special reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 The control device 26 may include an inlet cam mechanism 40 configured to control the fixing device 25 to change from a corresponding open configuration to a corresponding fixed configuration, and an outlet cam mechanism 41 configured to control the fixing device 25 to change from a fixed configuration to an open configuration.

[0106] In particular, an inlet cam mechanism 40 and an outlet cam mechanism 41 may be associated with the inlet conveyor 16 and the outlet conveyor 18, respectively.

[0107] Preferably, the entrance cam mechanism 40 may be disposed between the entrance station 12 and the terminal station 30 , and the exit cam mechanism 41 may be disposed between the starting station 31 and the exit station 13 .

[0108] According to the specific exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet cam mechanism 40 and the outlet cam mechanism 41 can be of mechanical type. Alternatively, the inlet cam mechanism 40 and the outlet cam mechanism 41 can be electronic.

[0109] In more detail, the inlet cam mechanism 40 may include: - at least one first inlet cam profile 42 associated with the inlet conveyor 12, and in particular also There is a second inlet cam profile 43; - at least one first outlet cam profile 44 associated with the outlet conveyor belt 13, and in particular a a second outlet cam profile 45; and a plurality of first cam followers 46 , in particular a plurality of second cam followers 47 , each of which is connected to a respective fixing device 25 .

[0110] In particular, when in use, the first cam follower 46, and in particular the second cam follower 47, interacts with the first inlet cam profile 42, and in particular the second inlet cam profile 43, respectively, thereby allowing the control fixing device 25 to be changed from the corresponding open configuration to the corresponding fixed configuration. In addition, when in use, the first cam follower 46, and in particular the second cam follower 47, interacts with the first outlet cam profile 44, and in particular the second outlet cam profile 45, respectively, thereby allowing the control fixing device 25 to be changed from the corresponding fixed configuration to the corresponding open configuration.

[0111] In more detail (see Figure 7 ), the first inlet cam profile 42 and the first outlet cam profile 44 may be mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0112] Furthermore, the second inlet cam profile 42 and the second outlet cam profile 45 may be mirror images of each other.

[0113] Preferably, the first inlet cam profile 42 and the second inlet cam profile 43 may be equal to each other. In addition, the first outlet cam profile 44 and the second outlet cam profile 45 may be equal to each other.

[0114] In more detail, the first entrance cam profile 42 and the second entrance cam profile 43 can be spaced apart from each other, preferably spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the entrance path P, and in particular spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the entrance path P, thereby defining a first advancement space 48, through which at least a portion of the fixing device 25 can be advanced when in use, especially when the fixing device 25 moves from an open configuration to a fixed configuration.

[0115] In addition, the first outlet cam profile 44 and the second outlet cam profile 45 can be spaced apart from each other, preferably spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the outlet path Q, and in particular spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the outlet path Q, thereby defining a second forward space 49, through which at least a portion of the fixing device 25 can advance when in use, in particular when the fixing device 25 moves from a fixed configuration to an open configuration.

[0116] Preferably, the first inlet cam profile 42 and the second inlet cam profile 43 may be staggered from each other so that each first cam follower 46 and the corresponding second cam follower 47 start interacting with the corresponding first inlet cam profile 42 and the second inlet cam profile 43 at the same time. In a similar manner, the first outlet cam profile 44 and the second outlet cam profile 45 may also be staggered from each other so that each first cam follower 46 and the corresponding second cam follower 47 start interacting with the first outlet cam profile 44 and the second outlet cam profile 45, respectively, at the same time.

[0117] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each of the first inlet cam profile 42 and the first outlet cam profile 44, and in particular each of the second inlet cam profile 43 and the second outlet cam profile 45 may be S-shaped.

[0118] According to the embodiment of the invention, in particular with reference to FIGS. 6a to Figure 7 In the particular non-limiting embodiment shown, each of the first inlet cam profile 42, the second inlet cam profile 43, the first outlet cam profile 44, and the second outlet cam profile 45 may form a corresponding groove in the corresponding plate 50. In particular, each groove is generally S-shaped.

[0119] Alternatively, each of the first inlet cam profile 42 , the second inlet cam profile 43 , the first outlet cam profile 44 , and the second outlet cam profile 45 may be formed, for example, of a bar or the like (eg, forming an S-shape).

[0120] Special reference Figure 3 5 b , each fixing device 25 may comprise a first fixing component 55 and a second fixing component 56 which are spaced apart from each other, in particular so as to define a receiving space 57 for the corresponding package 2 .

[0121] Preferably, each first fixing assembly 55 and the corresponding second fixing assembly 56 can be configured to engage the corresponding package 2 from the opposite side of the corresponding package 2, thereby controlling the corresponding fixing device 25 to be a corresponding fixing configuration. In addition, each first fixing assembly 55 and the corresponding second fixing assembly 56 can be spaced away from each other so that the corresponding package 2 is placed in the corresponding receiving space 57 and taken out from it.

[0122] According to the illustrated embodiment, each first securing assembly 55 and the respective second securing assembly 56 may be at least partially movable in order to control the respective securing device 25 between the respective open configuration and the respective secured configuration.

[0123] Alternatively, it is also possible that only one of each first fixing component 55 and the respective second fixing component 56 may be at least partially movable.

[0124] In more detail, each first retaining assembly 55 may include a first engaging portion 58 that may be controlled into a retracted position and an engaging position, in which the corresponding first engaging portion 58 is configured to be retracted from and engaged to the corresponding package 2, respectively.

[0125] Preferably, each second fixing assembly 56 may also include a corresponding second engaging portion 59 which may be controlled into a retracted position and an engaging position, in which the corresponding second engaging portion 58 is configured to be retracted from and engaged to the corresponding package 2, respectively.

[0126] Furthermore, when each fixing device 25 is controlled to be in the corresponding open configuration and the corresponding fixed configuration, the corresponding first engaging portion 58 and / or the corresponding second engaging portion 59 may be in the corresponding retracted position and the corresponding engaged position, respectively.

[0127] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first cam follower 46 and each second cam follower 47 can be connected to, in particular transported by, a corresponding first fixing assembly 55 and a corresponding second fixing assembly 56, respectively.

[0128] In more detail, each first cam follower 46 can be configured to interact with the first inlet cam profile 42 to control the corresponding first engagement portion 58 from the corresponding retracted position to the corresponding engagement position, and interact with the first outlet cam profile 44 to control the corresponding first engagement portion 58 from the corresponding engagement position to the corresponding retracted position.

[0129] In a similar manner, each second cam follower 47 can be configured to interact with the second inlet cam profile 43 to control the corresponding second engagement portion 59 from the corresponding retracted position to the corresponding engagement position, and interact with the second outlet cam profile 45 to control the corresponding second engagement portion 59 from the corresponding engagement position to the corresponding retracted position.

[0130] In more detail, especially with reference to Figure 4 5 c , each first fixing assembly 55 and each second fixing assembly 55 may include a respective support structure 60 for movably transporting the respective first engaging portion 58 and the respective second engaging portion 59 , respectively.

[0131] In particular, each first engaging portion 58 and each second engaging portion 59 can be connected to the corresponding support structure 60 in a manner of angular movement around the corresponding rotation axis. The movement of each first engaging portion 58 and each second engaging portion 59 between the corresponding retracted position and the engaged position is achieved by angularly moving the corresponding engaging portion 58 and the corresponding second engaging portion 59 around the corresponding rotation axis.

[0132] Preferably, each first engagement portion 58 and each second engagement portion 59 comprises a spring element 61, so that the first engagement portion 58 and the second engagement portion 59 are maintained in the engaged position and the retracted position without intervention of the control device 26. In particular, the control device 26 is configured to apply a force that can counteract the force applied by the spring element 62.

[0133] Special reference Figure 1 , the package filling device 10 may be configured to produce packages 2 and to fill the packages 2 with a pourable product.

[0134] In more detail, the package filling device 10 may be configured to produce the packages 2 by forming the tube 62 from the web 3 , sealing the tube 62 longitudinally, filling the tube 62 with the pourable product and sealing and cutting the tube 62 transversely.

[0135] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0136] Specifically, the package filling device 10 forms the packages 2 , conveys the packages 2 to the conveying device 11 , and the conveying device 11 pushes the packages 2 from the entry station 12 to the exit station 13 .

[0137] In more detail, the package filling device 10 forms the tube 62 from the web 3 , seals the tube 62 longitudinally and shapes, seals and cuts the tube 62 transversely to obtain the packages 2 .

[0138] During operation of the conveying device 11 , the inlet conveyor 16 pushes the packages 2 along the inlet path P, in particular from the inlet station 12 to and / or towards the terminal station 30 .

[0139] During the advancement of each package 2 along the inlet station 12, a respective carrier 14 is brought close, in particular under the control of the planar motor 15, so that the respective support platform 24 is located between the respective packages 2, while the respective fixing device 25 is in the respective open configuration. The respective fixing device 25 is then controlled to the respective fixed configuration by the control device 26, in particular the inlet cam mechanism 40. When the latter occurs, the carrier 14 is advancing along the respective receiving path R.

[0140] Once the corresponding fixing device 25 is controlled to the corresponding fixing configuration, the corresponding package 2 can be separated from the inlet conveyor 16. Preferably, the package 2 is in contact with the corresponding carrier 14 and the inlet conveyor 16 when the corresponding carrier 14 advances along a portion of the receiving path R, and in particular, after the package 2 reaches the terminal 30, the package 2 loses contact with the inlet conveyor 16 and continues to advance by the propulsion of the corresponding carrier 14.

[0141] Preferably, before controlling the respective fixing device 25 to become the respective fixing configuration, the respective carrier 14 is moved by the planar motor 15 along the third linear axis Z and towards the respective package 2 so as to bring the respective package 2 into contact with the respective supporting platform 24 .

[0142] Furthermore, the carrier 14 continues to advance in order to deliver the respective package 2 onto the outlet conveyor 18. The carrier 14 may push the respective package 2 onto the outlet conveyor 18 directly or indirectly (eg, first arriving at the station 29).

[0143] Each package 2 comes into contact with the outlet conveyor 18 at the starting station 31 while still in contact with the respective carrier 14 .

[0144] When the corresponding carrier 14 advances along the release path S, the control device 26, in particular the exit cam mechanism 41, controls the corresponding fixing device 25 to change from the corresponding fixing configuration to the corresponding opening configuration. Then, the carrier 14 withdraws from the corresponding package 2, and the package 2 is transported to the exit station 13 by the exit conveyor 18.

[0145] Preferably, after controlling the corresponding fixing device 25 to become the corresponding open configuration, the corresponding carrier 14 is moved along the third linear axis Z and away from the corresponding package 2 by the planar motor 15 .

[0146] The advantages of the conveying device 11 and / or the packaging machine 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0147] In particular, the conveying device 11 allows the packages 2 to be advanced flexibly.

[0148] Furthermore, the conveying device 11 can process the packages 2 downstream of the package filling device 10 in a flexible and scalable manner.

[0149] Furthermore, the conveying device 11 can process packages 2 of different formats without any time-consuming modifications.

[0150] Obviously, modifications may be made to the conveying device 11 and / or the packaging machine 1 and / or the carrier 14 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0151] According to some possible embodiments not shown, each carrier 14 may comprise a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion. Preferably, each first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion are movable independently of each other.

[0152] Each first vehicle section and each second vehicle section includes and / or defines a respective portion of a corresponding support platform 24 .

[0153] In addition, the planar motor 15 can be configured to control the advancement of each first carrier portion and the corresponding second carrier portion, thereby controlling the corresponding fixing device 25 between the open configuration and the fixed configuration by controlling the relative position between each first carrier portion and the corresponding second carrier portion. Preferably, the planar motor 15 can advance each first carrier portion and the corresponding second carrier portion independently of each other, but still in a coordinated manner, so that each first carrier portion and the corresponding second carrier portion can receive, advance and release the corresponding package 2.

[0154] Furthermore, each first carrier section and each second carrier section may carry a corresponding first fixed assembly 55 and a corresponding second fixed assembly 56, respectively.

[0155] Furthermore, each fixing device 25 can be controlled to a respective fixed configuration by moving the respective first and second carrier parts closer to each other, and can be controlled to a respective open configuration by moving the respective first and second carrier parts away from each other.

[0156] In more detail, each first carrier portion and each second carrier portion may comprise at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element in order to interact with the local electromagnetic field generated by the coil.

[0157] According to the present disclosure, one or more embodiments relate to a conveying device (11) for advancing packages (2) filled with a pourable product from an inlet station (12) to an outlet station (13), the conveying device (11) comprising: - a plurality of carriers (14), each carrier being configured to transport at least one package (2), and each carrier (14) having a corresponding fixture (25) and a support platform (24) for transporting the fixture (25); wherein the fixture (25) is controllable into an open configuration and a fixed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the fixture (25) allows receiving or releasing the corresponding package (2); and in the fixed configuration the corresponding fixture (25) is controllable into an open configuration and a fixed configuration. Preparation (25) to fix the corresponding package (2); - a planar motor (15) configured to selectively and independently move each of the carriers (14); and - A control device (26) for controlling each fixing device (25) to change from a corresponding open configuration to a corresponding fixed configuration after and / or during receipt of a corresponding package (2), for example at an entry station (12) or a receiving station (17), and for controlling each fixing device (25) to change from a corresponding fixed configuration to a corresponding open configuration before and / or during release of a corresponding package (2), for example at an exit station (13) or a releasing station (19).

[0158] In particular, at the inlet station, there may be a spacing (27) between the planar motor (15) and the package (2) so as to allow the planar motor (15) and the corresponding package (2) to be inserted between the corresponding support platform (24).

[0159] The conveying device (11) may include: an inlet conveyor (16) configured to advance the packages (2) from the inlet station (12) to and / or through a receiving station (17) where each package (2) is transferred onto a respective carrier (14); - an outlet conveyor (18) configured to push the packages (2) away from at least a release station (19) where At , each package (2) is released from the respective carrier (2) to an exit station (13).

[0160] The inlet conveyor (16) and the outlet conveyor (18) are configured to advance each package (2) in a manner spaced apart from the planar motor (15), and so that a corresponding spacing (27) between the planar motor (15) and the package (2) allows a corresponding support platform (24) to be inserted between the planar motor (15) and the corresponding package (2).

[0161] The inlet conveyor (16) may be configured to advance each package (2) along the inlet path (P) at a predetermined first advancement speed.

[0162] The planar motor (15) may be configured to control the propulsion of each carrier (14) along the receiving path (R) at a speed corresponding to a first propulsion speed.

[0163] Each carrier (14) may be propelled through a receiving station (17) as it progresses along the receiving path (R).

[0164] The receiving path (R) may be parallel to a portion of the inlet path (P), and when advancing along the receiving path (R), the corresponding support platform (24) may be inserted between the planar motor (15) and the corresponding package (2).

[0165] The control device (26) may be configured to control each fixing device (25) to change from a respective open configuration to a respective fixed configuration during at least a portion of the advancement of the respective carrier (14) along the receiving path (R).

[0166] The exit conveyor (18) may be configured to advance each package (2) at a predetermined second advancement speed and along the exit path (Q).

[0167] The planar motor (15) may be configured to control the advancement of each carrier (14) along the release path (S) at a speed corresponding to the second advancement speed.

[0168] Each carrier (14) may advance through a release station (19) as it advances along the release path (S).

[0169] The release path (R) may be parallel to at least a portion of the outlet path (Q), and when advancing along the release path (S), the corresponding support platform (14) is inserted between the planar motor (15) and the corresponding package (2).

[0170] The control device (26) may be configured to control each fixing device (25) to change from a respective fixing configuration to a respective open configuration during advancement of the respective carrier (14) along at least a portion of the release path (S).

[0171] The planar motor (15) may be configured, in use, to advance each carrier (14) synchronously with respect to a respective package (2) as the respective package (2) is advanced by a respective inlet conveyor (16) or a respective outlet conveyor (18).

[0172] The control device (26) may include at least one inlet cam mechanism (40) associated with the inlet conveyor (16) and at least one outlet cam mechanism (41) associated with the outlet conveyor (18).

[0173] The inlet cam mechanism (40) and the outlet cam mechanism (41) may be configured to control the fixing device (25) to change from the open configuration to the fixed configuration and from the fixed configuration to the open configuration, respectively.

[0174] The inlet cam mechanism (40) may include at least one inlet cam profile (42, 43), and the outlet cam mechanism (41) may include at least one outlet cam profile (44, 45).

[0175] The inlet cam profiles (42, 43) and the outlet cam profiles (44, 45) may be mirror images of each other.

[0176] Each fixing device (25) may include a first fixing component (55) and a second fixing component (56). The first fixing component (55) and the second fixing component (56) may be configured to engage the corresponding package (2) from opposite sides of the corresponding package (2) to control the fixing device (25) into a corresponding fixing configuration.

[0177] Each first fixing assembly (55) may include a first engaging portion (58) which may be controlled into a retracted position and an engaging position, in which the first engaging portion (58) is configured to be retracted from and engaged to the corresponding package (2), respectively.

[0178] When the corresponding fixing device (25) is controlled to the corresponding open configuration and the corresponding fixed configuration, the corresponding first engagement portion (58) can be in the corresponding retracted position and the corresponding engaged position, respectively.

[0179] Each second fixing assembly (56) may include a second engaging portion (59) that can be controlled to a retracted position and an engaging position, in which the second engaging portion (59) is configured to be retracted from and engaged to the corresponding package (2), respectively. When the corresponding fixing device (25) is controlled to a corresponding open configuration and a corresponding fixed configuration, the corresponding second engaging portion (59) can be in the corresponding retracted position and the corresponding engaging position, respectively.

[0180] The control device (26) may include: - a first inlet cam profile (42) and a second inlet cam profile (43) associated with the inlet conveyor (16) and spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a first advancement space (48) for at least a portion of the fixing device (25); and - a first outlet cam profile (44) and a second outlet cam profile (45) associated with the outlet conveyor (18) and spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a second advancement space (49) for at least a portion of the fixing device (25).

[0181] The fixing device (25) may include a plurality of first cam followers (46) and a plurality of second cam followers (47), each of the former being carried by a corresponding first fixing assembly (55) and each of the latter being carried by a corresponding second fixing assembly (56). The first cam followers (46) may be configured to interact with the first inlet cam profile (42) for controlling the corresponding first engaging portion (58) to change from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding engaged position, and to interact with the first outlet cam profile (44) for controlling the corresponding first engaging portion (58) to change from a corresponding engaged position to a corresponding retracted position. The second cam followers (47) may be configured to interact with the second inlet cam profile (43) for controlling the corresponding second engaging portion (59) to change from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding engaged position, and to interact with the second outlet cam profile (45) for controlling the corresponding second engaging portion (59) to change from a corresponding engaged position to a corresponding retracted position.

[0182] Each of the inlet conveyor (16) and the outlet conveyor (18) may include a respective pair of first and second conveyor belt conveyors (37, 38) spaced apart from each other. The respective first and second conveyor belt conveyors (37, 38) in each pair may be configured to insert and grasp the package (2) between each other and cooperate to advance the package (2) between each other.

[0183] One or more embodiments relate to a packaging machine (1) for producing packages (2) filled with a pourable product, the packaging machine (1) comprising: - a package filling device (10) for filling the package (2) with a pourable product; and - At least one of the aforementioned conveying devices (11).

[0184] One or more embodiments relate to a carrier (14) for a conveyor (11) for advancing packages (2) filled with a pourable product according to the above description; the conveyor (11) has a planar motor (15) configured to selectively advance the carrier (14). The carrier (14) comprises a support platform (24) for supporting the packages (2) and a fixing device (25), the fixing device (25) being controllable into an open configuration and a fixed configuration, in which the fixing device (25) allows receiving or releasing each package (2); in the fixed configuration, each fixing device (25) fixes each package (2);

[0185] Each fixing device (25) comprises a first fixing component (55) and a second fixing component (56), which are spaced apart from each other to define a receiving space (57) for the corresponding package (2);

[0186] Wherein, the first fixing assembly (55) and the second fixing assembly (56) are configured to engage the corresponding package (2) from opposite sides of the corresponding package, thereby controlling the fixing device (25) to a corresponding fixing configuration.

[0187] Each first fixing component (55) may include a first engaging portion (58), which may be controlled to a retracted position and an engaging position, in which the first engaging portion (58) is configured to be retracted from the corresponding package (2) and engaged to the corresponding package (2), respectively; wherein, when the corresponding fixing device (25) is controlled to a corresponding open configuration and a corresponding retaining configuration, the corresponding first engaging portion (58) is respectively in a corresponding retracted position and a corresponding engaged position.

[0188] Each second fixing component (56) may include a second engaging portion (59), which can be controlled to a retracted position and an engaging position, in which the second engaging portion (59) is configured to retract from the corresponding package (2) and engage to the corresponding package (2), respectively; wherein, when the corresponding fixing device (25) is controlled to a corresponding open configuration and a corresponding retaining configuration, the corresponding second engaging portion (59) is respectively in a corresponding retracted position and a corresponding engaging position.

[0189] Each first fixing assembly (55) may include a respective first cam follower (46) configured to interact with the cam profiles (42, 44) for controlling the first fixing assembly (55) between the retracted position and the engaged position.

[0190] Each second fixing assembly (56) may include a respective second cam follower (47) configured to interact with the cam profiles (43, 45) for controlling the second fixing assembly (56) between the retracted position and the engaged position.

Claims

1. A conveying device (11) for advancing packages (2) filled with a pourable product from an inlet station (12) to an outlet station (13), the conveying device comprising: a plurality of carriers (14), each of which is configured to transport at least one package (2) and each of which has a respective fixing device (25) and a support platform (24) for transporting the fixing device (25); wherein the fixing device (25) can be controlled into an open configuration, in which the fixing device (25) allows receiving or releasing the respective package (2), and into a fixed configuration, in which the respective fixing device (25) fixes the respective package (2); - a planar motor (15) configured to selectively and independently move each of said carriers (14); and - A control device (26), which is used to control each fixing device (25) to change from the corresponding open configuration to the corresponding fixed configuration after and / or during receiving the corresponding package (2), and to control each fixing device (25) to change from the corresponding fixed configuration to the corresponding open configuration before and / or during releasing the corresponding package (2).

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, comprising: an inlet conveyor (16) configured to advance the packages (2) from the inlet station (12) to and / or through a receiving station (17) where each package (2) is transferred onto a respective carrier (14); an exit conveyor (18) configured to push the packages (2) away from at least a release station (19) at which each package (2) is released from the respective carrier (2) to an exit station (13), wherein the control device (26) is configured to control each fixing device (25) to change from the corresponding open configuration to the corresponding fixed configuration after and / or during receiving the corresponding package (2) at the receiving station (17), and to control each fixing device (25) to change from the corresponding fixed configuration to the corresponding open configuration before and / or during releasing the corresponding package (2) at the releasing station (19), The inlet conveyor (16) and the outlet conveyor (18) are configured to advance each package (2) in a manner spaced apart from the planar motor (15), and such that a corresponding spacing (27) between the planar motor (15) and the package (2) allows the corresponding support platform (24) to be inserted between the planar motor (15) and the corresponding package (2).

3. A conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each package (2) is advanced at a predetermined first advancement speed and along an inlet path (P); wherein the planar motor (15) is configured to control each carrier (14) to be propelled along the receiving path (R) at a speed corresponding to the first propulsion speed; The control device (26) is configured to control each fixing device (25) to change from the respective open configuration to the respective fixed configuration during at least a portion of the advancement of the respective vehicle (14) along the receiving path (R).

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein: - each carrier (14) is propelled through a receiving station (17) as it advances along said receiving path (R); and / or - the receiving path (R) is parallel to a portion of the inlet path (P) and, while advancing along the receiving path (R), the respective support platform (24) is inserted between the planar motor (15) and the respective package (2).

5. The conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each package (2) is advanced at a given second advancement speed and along an exit path (Q); wherein the planar motor (15) is configured to control each carrier (14) to be propelled along the release path (S) at a speed corresponding to the second propulsion speed; as well as The control device (26) is configured to control each fixing device (25) to change from the respective fixing configuration to the respective open configuration during at least a portion of the advancement of the respective carrier (14) along the release path (S).

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein: - each carrier (14) is advanced through a release station (19) as it advances along said release path (S); and / or - the release path (R) is parallel to at least a portion of the outlet path (Q), and when advancing along the release path (S), the corresponding support platform (14) is inserted between the planar motor (15) and the corresponding package (2).

7. The conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (26) comprises at least one inlet cam mechanism (40) and at least one outlet cam mechanism (41); in, The inlet cam mechanism (40) and the outlet cam mechanism (41) are configured to control the fixing device (25) to change from the open configuration to the fixed configuration and from the fixed configuration to the open configuration, respectively.

8. The conveying device according to claim 7, wherein the inlet cam mechanism (40) comprises at least one inlet cam profile (42, 43) and the outlet cam mechanism (41) comprises at least one outlet cam profile (44, 45); The inlet cam profile (42, 43) and the outlet cam profile (44, 45) are mirror-symmetrical to each other.

9. A conveying device according to claim 8, wherein the fixing device (25) includes at least one cam follower (46, 47), which is configured to interact with the at least one inlet cam profile (42, 43) at the inlet station (12) and to interact with the at least one outlet cam profile (44, 45) at the outlet station (12).

10. The conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fixing device (25) comprises a first fixing assembly (55) and a second fixing assembly (56); in, The first fixing assembly (55) and the second fixing assembly (56) are configured to engage the respective package (2) from opposite sides of the respective package (2) to control the fixing device (25) into the respective fixing configuration.

11. The conveying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (26) comprises: - a first inlet cam profile (42) and a second inlet cam profile (43), spaced apart from each other so as to define a first advancement space (48) for at least a portion of the fixing device (25); as well as - a first outlet cam profile (44) and a second outlet cam profile (45), spaced apart from each other so as to define a second advancement space (49) for at least a portion of the fixing device (25); and The fixing device (25) comprises a plurality of first cam followers (46) and a plurality of second cam followers (47). The first cam follower (46) and the second cam follower (47) are configured to interact with the first inlet cam profile (42) and the second inlet cam profile (43) at the inlet station (12), and to interact with the first outlet cam profile (44) and the second outlet cam profile (45) at the outlet station (12).

12. A conveying device according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the first cam follower (46) is configured to interact with the first inlet cam profile (42) and the first outlet cam profile (44) to control the movement of the first fixed assembly (55). The second cam follower (47) is configured to interact with the second inlet cam profile (43) and the second outlet cam profile (45) to control the movement of the second fixed assembly (56).

13. A packaging machine (1) for producing packages (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising: - a packaging filling device (10) for filling the packaging (2) with the pourable product; as well as - At least one conveying device (11) according to any of the preceding claims.

14. A carrier (14) of a conveying device (11) for advancing packages (2) filled with a pourable product; the conveying device (11) having a planar motor (15) configured to selectively advance the carrier (14); The carrier (14) comprises a support platform (24) for supporting a package (2) and a fixing device (25) controllable into an open configuration and a fixed configuration, wherein in the open configuration, the fixing device (25) allows receiving or releasing the corresponding package (2), and in the fixed configuration, the corresponding fixing device (25) fixes the corresponding package (2).

15. The carrier (14) according to claim 13, wherein each fixing device (25) comprises a first fixing assembly (55) and a second fixing assembly (56) spaced apart from each other, the first fixing assembly (55) and the second fixing assembly (56) defining a receiving space (57) for the corresponding package (2); The first fixing assembly (55) and the second fixing assembly (56) are configured to engage the corresponding package (2) from opposite sides of the corresponding package (2), thereby controlling the fixing device (25) to the corresponding fixing configuration.

16. A vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each first fixing assembly (55) comprises a respective first cam follower (46) configured to interact with a cam profile (42, 44) to control the first fixing assembly (55) between the retracted position and the engaged position; and / or Each second fixing assembly (56) includes a corresponding second cam follower (47) configured to interact with a cam profile (43, 45) to control the second fixing assembly (56) between the retracted position and the engaged position.

Images