Package forming device for packaging machine and packaging machine for forming package filled with pourable product

Abstract

The invention describes a package forming apparatus (10) configured to at least laterally seal and laterally cut a tube (4) to obtain a package (2) and comprising a control unit and at least one operating device (25) configured to laterally seal and cut the tube (3). The at least one operating device (25) comprises at least one cutting assembly (26) having a cutting element (29) configured to transversely cut the tube (4). The cutting element (29) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The packaging machine (1) comprises a sensor device (31, 31 ') configured to measure a relative distance between at least one surface (32, 32') of the cutting element (29) and at least one sensor device (31, 31 ') and / or to detect at least one position of at least the surface (32). The sensor device (31, 31 ') and / or the control unit are / is configured to determine whether the cutting element (29) is in and / or has returned to the retracted position depending on the measured distance and / or the detected at least one position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pack forming device of a packaging machine for forming packs filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming packages filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product. Background Art

[0003] As is known to all, many liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable foods, called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made of a sealed and folded laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure, comprising a base layer (e.g. paper) covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g. polyethylene). For aseptic packaging for long-term storage products (e.g. UHT milk), the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and in turn covers another layer of heat-sealable plastic material, forming the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0005] Such packaging is usually produced on a fully automatic packaging machine, which passes the packaging material roll through a sterilizing device for sterilizing the packaging material roll in a sterilizing station and then sends it to an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment) where the sterilized packaging material roll is stored and advanced. During the packaging material roll's passage through the isolation chamber, the packaging material roll is folded and longitudinally sealed at a tube forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam portion, which tube is further fed in a vertical advancement direction.

[0006] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and transversely sealed and subsequently cut along equidistant transverse cross sections in a pack forming unit of a packaging machine during advancement in a vertical advancement direction.

[0007] This results in pillow packs, each having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transverse sealing band and a bottom transverse sealing band.

[0008] A typical packaging machine comprises: a conveying device for advancing a web of packaging material along a web advancement path and advancing a tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advancement path; a sterilizing device for sterilizing the web of packaging material before it is formed into a tube; a tube forming and sealing device, which is at least partially arranged in an isolation chamber and is configured to form a tube from the advancing web of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube; a filling device for filling the tube with a pourable product; and a package forming unit, which is suitable for forming, transversely sealing and cutting individual packages from the tube of packaging material.

[0009] The package forming unit includes a plurality of operating devices, each operating device having a corresponding first operating group and a corresponding second operating group; and a conveying unit, which is configured to advance each first operating group and each second operating group along a corresponding advancement path. In addition, each first operating group and the corresponding second operating group are configured to form and shape the tube in cooperation with each other when aligned with the tube and advancing along the corresponding active portion of the corresponding advancement path.

[0010] Each operating group comprises a respective sealing device configured to transversely seal the tube along a respective transverse sealing band, and a cutting element configured to transversely cut the tube at the respective sealing band.

[0011] Each cutting element is placed in a housing seat defined by a corresponding first operating group or a corresponding second operating group.

[0012] Furthermore, each cutting element can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. The movement from the retracted position to the extended position allows the cutting action to be performed, while the movement from the extended position back to the retracted position ensures that the cutting element is rearranged in the housing seat.

[0013] Although the known packaging machines work well, there is still a desire in the art to further improve the known packaging machines. Summary of the invention

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming apparatus.

[0015] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0016] According to the present invention, a package forming device according to claim 1 is provided.

[0017] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package forming device are claimed in the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1 .

[0018] According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 14 or 15. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine having a pack forming device according to the invention, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a detail of a package forming device of , with some parts removed for clarity;

[0022] Figure 3a and 3b According to the first embodiment of the present invention and in two different configurations Figure 1 A perspective view of a detail of a package forming apparatus with some parts removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3a and 3b a partially exploded view of a portion of a detail of the invention, wherein some parts are removed for clarity;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a perspective schematic diagram of a portion of a detail of the invention with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0025] Figure 6 According to the second embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a detail of a package forming device with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Number 1 denotes an integral packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products (particularly pourable foods, such as milk, milk drinks, yogurt, yogurt drinks, juices, wines, ketchup, emulsions, drinks containing pulp, salt, sugar, etc.).

[0027] In more detail, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a multilayer packaging material. Preferably, the multilayer packaging material has heat-sealing properties (ie parts of the multilayer packaging material can be sealed to each other).

[0028] In more detail, the multilayer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g. paper or cardboard), and at least two layers of heat-sealed plastic material (e.g. polyethylene), with the fibrous material layers being placed between each other. Preferably, one layer of the two layers of heat-sealed plastic material may define the inner surface of the package 2 in contact with the pourable product.

[0029] Furthermore, the multilayer packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas barrier and light barrier material, such as an aluminium foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferably arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibre material.

[0030] Preferably, the packaging material may further comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material, the further layer of heat-sealable plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas barrier and light barrier material and the layer of fibre material.

[0031] In more detail, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a roll 3 .

[0032] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce the packages 2 by forming the tube 4 from the web 3 , sealing the tube 4 longitudinally, filling the tube 4 with the pourable product and sealing and cutting the tube 4 transversely.

[0033] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0034] According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may comprise at least one first transverse sealing band 5 and preferably also a second transverse sealing band arranged at the opposite end of the package 2 .

[0035] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may be substantially spaced apart along the respective longitudinal axis A from the respective second transverse sealing band.

[0036] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may define a top transverse sealing band, and each second transverse sealing band may define a bottom transverse sealing band.

[0037] Furthermore, each package 2 may further comprise a longitudinal seam portion 6. Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 and / or each second transverse sealing band may be transverse to, preferably perpendicular to, the respective longitudinal seam portion 6.

[0038] Special References Figure 1 , the packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming device 10 configured to transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 4 to obtain the packages 2. Preferably, the package forming device 10 may also be configured to form the tube 4.

[0039] In addition, the packaging machine 1 may also include: a conveying device 11 configured to advance the coil 3 along a coil advancement path P, preferably to a tube forming station where, in use, the coil 3 is formed into a tube 4, and configured to advance the tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q; - a tube forming and sealing device 12 arranged, in use, to fold a tube 4 from an advancing web 3 and to longitudinally seal the tube 4; and A filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with a pourable product.

[0040] In more detail, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise an isolation chamber 14, which preferably separates an internal environment 15 from an external environment 16. Preferably, the internal environment 15 may be a sterile environment, preferably comprising a controlled atmosphere.

[0041] Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may be at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber 14 , in particular within the interior environment 15 , and configured to fold and longitudinally seal the tube 4 within the isolation chamber 14 , in particular within the interior environment 15 .

[0042] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilisation unit configured to sterilise the advancing web 3 in use, preferably arranged along the web advancement path P upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 12 .

[0043] In more detail, the conveying device 11 may be configured to advance the tube 4 and any intermediate of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q, preferably from the tube forming and sealing device 12 to the package forming apparatus 10. Preferably, the expression intermediate of the tube 4 refers to any configuration of the web 3 before the tube structure is obtained and after the tube forming and sealing device 12 starts folding the web 3. In other words, the intermediate of the tube 4 is the result of gradually folding the web 3 to obtain the tube 4, preferably by overlapping the (longitudinal) edges of the web 3 with each other.

[0044] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may be arranged so that the tube 4 may have a vertical orientation.

[0045] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may include at least two forming ring assemblies 17, preferably arranged in the isolation chamber 14, more preferably arranged in the internal environment 15, configured to cooperate with each other to gradually fold the web 3 into the tube 4, preferably by overlapping the edges of the web 3. Thus, in use, the seam portion 6 of the tube 4 can be formed.

[0046] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may comprise a sealing head 18 which is preferably arranged within the isolation chamber 14 , even more preferably within the internal environment 15 , and is configured to seal the tube 4 longitudinally, preferably along the longitudinal seam portion 6 .

[0047] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may further include a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on the longitudinal seam portion 6 to ensure sealing of the tube 4 along the longitudinal seam portion 6 .

[0048] Preferably, the filling device 13 may comprise a filling tube 19 configured to direct the pourable product into the tube 4 in use. Preferably, the filling tube 19 may be placed at least partially within the tube 4 in use to feed the pourable product into the tube 4 in use.

[0049] Special References Figure 1 and 2 The packaging forming device 10 may include one or more, preferably a plurality of operating devices 25 (only partially shown to the extent required for understanding the present invention), each operating device 25 being configured to at least transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 4, and preferably form (shape) the tube 4.

[0050] Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 may further include a conveying unit (not shown) configured as an advancing operation device 25 .

[0051] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control the operating device 25 and the conveying unit to transversely seal and cut the tube 4 along equidistant transverse cross sections, preferably thereby forming respective first transverse sealing bands 5 and / or respective second transverse sealing bands.

[0052] Special References Figures 2 to 6 Each operating device 25 may include at least one cutting assembly 26, which is configured to transversely cut the tube 4, and preferably, also includes at least one sealing assembly 27, which is configured to transversely seal the tube 4, and even more preferably, thereby forming a corresponding transverse main sealing belt.

[0053] Preferably, each cutting assembly 26 may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after sealing the tube 4 by the corresponding sealing assembly 27 .

[0054] Even more preferably, each cutting assembly 26 can be configured to cut a corresponding transverse main sealing band, thereby preferably forming a corresponding first transverse sealing band 5 and a corresponding second transverse sealing band. In other words, each transverse main sealing band includes a corresponding first transverse sealing band 5 and a corresponding second transverse sealing band. More specifically, each transverse main sealing band can include a corresponding first transverse sealing band 5 of the first package 2 and a corresponding second transverse sealing band of the second package 2, and the second package 2 is arranged downstream of the first package 2 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0055] In more detail, each second transverse sealing band obtained after cutting by the cutting assembly 26 can be a part of the leading package 2 (relative to the tube advancement path Q), and each first transverse sealing band 5 can be a part of the trailing package 2 (relative to the tube advancement path Q). In more detail, after the cutting operation is performed by the corresponding cutting assembly 26, the leading package 2 with the corresponding second transverse sealing band can be separated from the tube 4, while the corresponding trailing package 2 with the corresponding first transverse sealing band 5 can still be attached to the tube 4 (in particular, the corresponding trailing package 2 defines the end of the tube 4 and then defines (i.e. becomes) a new leading package 2).

[0056] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each handling device 25 may also include a forming housing assembly configured to form the tube 4 , preferably at least partially defining the shape of the package 2 .

[0057] Special References Figures 3b to 5 Each cutting assembly 26 may include a cutting element 29, such as a blade, which is configured to cut the tube 4 transversely, preferably along a corresponding transverse main sealing band.

[0058] In more detail, each cutting element 29 can be in a corresponding retracted position (see Figure 3a ) and the corresponding extended position (see Figure 3b )

[0059] Furthermore, during use, each cutting element 29 moves from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding extended position to transversely cut the tube 4, preferably to cut a corresponding transverse main sealing band, and returns from a corresponding extended position to a corresponding retracted position to retract the cutting element 29 from the tube 4.

[0060] Preferably, each cutting element 29 is configured to be controllable in a respective retracted position in order to avoid an undesired interaction of the cutting element 29 with the tube 4 , in particular since such an undesired interaction may result in damage to the tube 4 .

[0061] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each operating device 25 may include a respective housing seat 30 for a respective cutting element 29 .

[0062] Preferably, each cutting element 29 may be completely disposed within the corresponding housing seat 30 when in the corresponding retracted position, and may at least partially extend from the corresponding housing seat 30 when in the corresponding extended position.

[0063] In particular, by arranging each cutting element 29 completely within the respective housing seat 30 when in the respective retracted position, it is ensured that the cutting element 29 does not interact with the tube 4 in an undesired manner.

[0064] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 , preferably the package forming device 10 , may comprise a control unit configured to control the operation of the at least one package forming device 10 .

[0065] Advantageously, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise at least one sensor device 31, which is configured to detect at least one position of at least one surface 32 of each cutting element 29 and / or to measure a relative distance of at least one surface 32 relative to at least one sensor device 31, in particular a relative distance relative to a reference portion of the sensor device 31.

[0066] Preferably, the control unit may be operatively connected to each sensor device 31. Even more preferably, the control unit may be configured to receive detection and / or measurement results from each sensor device 31.

[0067] Advantageously, each sensor device 31 and / or control unit may be configured to determine, based on the detected at least one position and / or the measured relative distance, whether the corresponding cutting element 29 is in the retracted position in use.

[0068] Preferably, each operating device 25 may comprise a respective sensor device 31 configured to measure a relative distance of at least one respective surface 32 of each cutting element 29 relative to at least one sensor device 31 , in particular a respective reference portion.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, each sensor device 31 may be configured to detect at least one position of at least one respective surface 32 .

[0070] Preferably, at least one position corresponds to a retracted position of the cutting element 29 .

[0071] According to this embodiment, the sensor 31 may be a sensor capable of determining whether the at least one surface 32 is in at least one position, and thus whether the cutting element 29 is in the retracted position.

[0072] Advantageously, each sensor device 31 and / or control unit may be configured to determine whether the respective cutting element 29 has returned to the retracted position (or not) based on the measured relative distance and / or the detected at least one position.

[0073] In particular, in use, during movement of the respective cutting element 29 between the respective retracted position and the respective extended position, the respective at least one surface 32 of each cutting assembly 26 moves with the respective cutting element 29. Thus, the relative position of the respective surface 32 with respect to the sensor device 31 corresponds to and is a measure of the relative position of the respective cutting element 29 with respect to the sensor device 31.

[0074] More specifically, each sensor device 31 may be configured to determine the relative distance to the respective surface 32 after (and preferably also during) movement of the respective cutting element 29 from the respective extended position to the respective retracted position.

[0075] Applicants have discovered that determining whether a cutting element 29 has returned to a respective retracted position allows monitoring whether any undesired interaction between the respective cutting element 29 and the tube 4 has occurred.

[0076] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sensor device 31 and / or the control unit may be configured to determine whether each cutting element 29 reaches a respective retracted position during its movement from the respective extended position to the respective retracted position.

[0077] Furthermore, if, during use, one or more sensor devices 31 and / or the control unit determine that one or more cutting elements 29 do not reach the corresponding retracted position during movement from the corresponding extended position to the corresponding retracted position, the control unit can be configured to issue an alarm signal, such as a visual and / or audio signal and / or a text message, and / or interrupt the operation of the packaging machine 1 and / or at least the packaging forming device 10.

[0078] Special References Figure 4 and 5 , each cutting element 29 may include at least one cutting edge 33 configured to transversely cut the tube 4, preferably transversely cut the tube 4 along the corresponding transverse main sealing band. In other words, in use, each cutting edge 33 engages and penetrates the tube 4, preferably engages and penetrates the corresponding transverse main sealing band, so as to cut the tube 4, preferably cut the corresponding transverse main sealing band.

[0079] In addition, each cutting element 29 may further include an auxiliary edge 34 opposite to the corresponding cutting edge 33 .

[0080] Furthermore, each cutting element 29 may extend along the main axis B. Preferably, each cutting element 33 may extend parallel to the corresponding main axis B.

[0081] according to Figures 3a to 5 In the particular embodiment shown, each auxiliary edge 34 may include at least one surface 32 , and the corresponding sensor device 31 may be configured to measure a relative distance from the at least one surface 32 of the corresponding auxiliary edge 34 , and / or detect at least one position of the at least one surface 32 .

[0082] Preferably, each auxiliary edge 34 may include two respective surfaces 32 spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the respective main axis B.

[0083] In addition, each sensor device 31 can be configured to measure the relative distance to one or more corresponding surfaces 32 of the corresponding cutting assembly 26, preferably the relative distance to the corresponding cutting element 29, and more preferably the relative distance to the corresponding auxiliary edge 34, and each sensor device 31 and / or the control unit can be configured to determine whether the corresponding cutting element 29 is in the retracted position based on the relative distance to the two surfaces 32 during use.

[0084] Alternatively, or additionally, each sensor device 31 may be configured to detect at least one position of a plurality of corresponding surfaces 32 .

[0085] In addition, according to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each sensor device 31 can be configured to determine the direction of the corresponding cutting element 29 and / or the corresponding cutting edge 33 and / or the corresponding main axis B based on the relative distance between the sensor device 31 and the two corresponding surfaces 32, for example, relative to the tube 4 and / or the corresponding shell seat 30 and / or the corresponding sealing assembly 27, to determine the direction of the corresponding cutting element 29 and / or the corresponding cutting edge 33 and / or the corresponding main axis B.

[0086] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sensor device 31 may include at least one sensor 35 configured to measure a relative distance to a corresponding surface 32 .

[0087] Alternatively, or additionally, at least one sensor 35 is configured to detect at least one position of a respective surface 32 .

[0088] Preferably, according to Figures 3a to 5In an embodiment, each sensor device 31 may include two sensors 35, which are preferably spaced apart in a direction parallel to the corresponding main axis B, and each sensor device 31 is configured to measure the relative distance to a corresponding surface 32 of the corresponding cutting assembly 26, preferably to the corresponding cutting element 29, and even more preferably to the corresponding auxiliary edge 34, wherein the corresponding surfaces 32 are different from each other and are preferably spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the corresponding main axis B.

[0089] Alternatively, or additionally, each of the two sensors 35 is configured to detect at least one position of a respective surface 32 .

[0090] Preferably, each sensor device 31 and / or control unit can be configured to determine, in use, whether the corresponding cutting element 29 is in and / or has returned to the corresponding retracted position based on the relative distance determined by each of the at least two sensors 35 and / or based on at least one position detected by each of the at least two sensors 35.

[0091] Furthermore, each sensor device 31 and / or the control unit may be configured to determine the direction of a respective cutting element 29 , preferably a respective cutting edge 33 , based on the relative distance determined by the at least two sensors 35 .

[0092] Preferably, the direction of each cutting element 29 should be according to the desired direction (i.e., the corresponding main axis B has the desired direction), which means that each part of the cutting element 29 hits the corresponding main sealing band at the same time relative to other parts. If the direction deviates from the desired direction, some parts of the corresponding cutting element 29 may hit the corresponding main sealing band at different times.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case where each cutting element 29 has a desired direction, the two relative distances are equal to each other. In the case where the direction deviates from the desired direction, the relative distances are different from each other.

[0094] In other words, a difference between the distance measured by one sensor 35 and the distance measured by another sensor 35 may indicate that the cutting element 29 is not arranged in the desired orientation, which may negatively affect the quality of the cutting operation.

[0095] According to some possible embodiments, each sensor 35 can be selected from a group including proximity sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, photoelectric proximity sensors, inductive proximity sensors, magnetic proximity sensors, Doppler effect-based proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors and Hall effect sensors, fiber optic sensors, etc.

[0096] According to some possible embodiments, each sensor 35 can be an analog sensor or a digital sensor. In particular, the analog sensor can be configured to provide a continuous signal according to a specific relative position (i.e., a relative specific distance) of the corresponding cutting element 29, while the digital sensor can be configured to provide a discrete signal, i.e., indicating whether the corresponding cutting element 29 is in the retracted position.

[0097] Special References Figure 4 and 5 Each cutting assembly 26 may further comprise a rod 38 which is fixedly, preferably integrally connected to the corresponding cutting element 29 , preferably integrally connected at the corresponding auxiliary edge 34 .

[0098] Preferably, each rod 38 may be fixed to the respective cutting element 29 such that any movement of the respective cutting element 29 also results in movement of the respective rod 38 and vice versa.

[0099] Furthermore, each operating device 25 may include a corresponding auxiliary seat 39 , and the corresponding rod 38 may be movably arranged in the corresponding auxiliary seat 39 .

[0100] More specifically, each rod 38 may include a first end 40 secured to (preferably integral with) a corresponding cutting element 29 and a second end 41 opposite the first end 40 .

[0101] Preferably, each cutting assembly 26 may further include a respective spring element 42 configured to apply a retraction force to the rod 39 when the respective cutting element 29 is in the respective extended position.

[0102] More specifically, each spring element 42 may surround and be coupled to a corresponding rod 39 , and may abut against at least one abutment surface 43 of a corresponding operating device 25 .

[0103] For more details, see in particular Figure 2 Each operating device 25 may comprise at least a first operating group 44 and a second operating group 45 configured to cooperate with the corresponding first operating group 44 in order to at least transversely seal and cut the tube 4, preferably also at least partially form the tube 4.

[0104] Preferably, one of the respective first operating group 44 and the respective second operating group 45 of each operating device 25 may include and / or carry a respective cutting element 29 .

[0105] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the delivery unit may be configured to advance the first operating portion 44 along a first (annular) advancement path, and to advance the second operating portion 45 along a second (annular) advancement path.

[0106] Furthermore, each first operating portion 44 and the corresponding second operating portion 45 may be configured to cooperate with each other to form a package 2 while advancing along the corresponding operating portions of the first and second paths, respectively.

[0107] In addition, each of the first advancing path and the second advancing path may further include a corresponding return portion that allows the first operating portion 44 and the second operating portion 44 to be returned to the corresponding operating portion.

[0108] Special References Figure 2 Each sealing assembly 27 may include a sealing element 46 and a counter-sealing element 47, which are configured to cooperate with the tube 4 to seal, preferably to form a corresponding transverse main sealing zone.

[0109] More specifically, each sealing element 46 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 47 can be configured to at least laterally compress, in particular flatten and squeeze, and laterally seal the tube 4, in particular during the advancement of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q and when a portion of the tube 4 is between two corresponding packages 2.

[0110] Furthermore, each sealing element 46 and corresponding counter-sealing element 47 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 .

[0111] In more detail, each sealing element 46 may include a source configured to generate the energy required to obtain the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 46 may be a sonotrode having an ultrasonic transmitter, or the sealing element 46 may have an induction source.

[0112] Each anti-sealing element 47 may be a passive element (ie, without an active source). For example, the anti-sealing element 47 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0113] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operating group 44 may include a corresponding sealing element 46 , and the corresponding second operating group 45 may include a corresponding counter-sealing element 47 .

[0114] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each second operating group 45 may include a respective cutting element 29 .

[0115] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each anti-sealing element 47 may include a corresponding cutting element 29 .

[0116] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each sealing element 46 may include a groove configured to receive a portion of a corresponding cutting element 29, preferably at least a corresponding cutting edge 33, wherein the corresponding cutting element 29 is in a corresponding extended position.

[0117] Special References Figure 4 Each sealing assembly 27 , preferably each respective second operating group 46 , more preferably each counter-sealing element 47 , may comprise a respective seat 49 for each sensor 35 .

[0118] Advantageously, each sensor 35 may be arranged at least partially inside the cover 50 .

[0119] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each forming shell assembly may include at least a first half shell (not shown and known) and a second half shell (not shown and known), which are configured to at least partially cooperate with each other to define the shape of the package 2. Preferably, each first half shell and the corresponding second half shell may be configured to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof.

[0120] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells may be coupled to a first operating group 44 , while the other of the first and second half shells may be coupled to a second operating group 45 .

[0121] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells may be coupled to a sealing element 46 , and the other of the first and second half shells may be coupled to a counter-sealing element 47 .

[0122] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0123] In more detail, the conveying device 11 advances the web 3 along the web advancement path P to the forming station 8. The tube forming and sealing device 12 forms the tube 4 from the advancing web 3 and longitudinally seals the tube 4. Furthermore, the filling device 13 fills the tube 4 with the pourable product, and the package forming device 10 forms, transversely seals and transversely cuts the tube 4 to obtain the package 2.

[0124] In more detail, during operation of the package forming device 10, the operating device 25 transversely seals and cuts the tube 4, preferably by respective transverse main sealing strips, to obtain respective filled packages 2. Preferably, the operating device 25 also forms the tube 4.

[0125] Preferably, during transverse cutting, each cutting element 29 moves from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding extended position. Afterwards, each cutting element 29 moves back to a corresponding retracted position.

[0126] Furthermore, each sensor device 31, preferably each sensor 35, measures a relative distance to the respective surface 32 and / or detects at least one position of the respective surface 32. In this way, the sensor device 31 and / or the control unit can determine whether the respective cutting element 29 has returned to the respective retracted position.

[0127] In the event that one or more cutting elements 29 do not return to the respective retracted position, the control unit may issue an alarm signal and / or may interrupt production.

[0128] refer to Figure 6 , numeral 31' denotes an alternative sensor device of a packaging machine according to the invention; since sensor device 31' is similar to sensor device 31, the following description is limited to the differences between them and the same references are used, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

[0129] In particular, the sensor device 31' differs from the sensor device 31 in that each sensor device 31', preferably at least one corresponding sensor 35, can be configured to measure the relative distance between the corresponding surface 32' of the corresponding rod 38 and the sensor device 31' and / or detect at least one position of the corresponding surface 32'.

[0130] In this way, the control unit may be configured to determine whether the respective cutting element 29 is in the retracted position based on the detected at least one position of the respective surface 32' and / or based on the measured relative distance between the respective surface 32' of the respective rod 38 and the sensor device 31. When the respective rod 38 moves together with the respective cutting element 29, the position of the respective cutting element 29 is correlated to the at least one position of the surface 32' of the respective rod 38.

[0131] Preferably, each second end 41 may include a respective surface 32'. Even more preferably, a respective end surface of the second end 41 may define a respective surface 32'.

[0132] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, each sensor device 31 ′ and / or control unit may also be configured to determine a respective relative distance relative to a respective surface 32 of a respective cutting element 29 , preferably relative to a respective auxiliary edge 34 .

[0133] More specifically, each sensor device 31' may also include a respective sensor 35 configured to determine a relative distance to a respective surface 32, in particular in terms of Figures 3a to 5 The method disclosed in the implementation scheme of the present invention.

[0134] Furthermore, each sensor device 31 ′ and / or control unit may also be configured to determine whether the respective cutting element 29 is in and / or has returned to the respective retracted position based on the respective relative distances to one or more surfaces 32 and 32 ′.

[0135] Since the operation of the packaging machine 1 with the handling device 25 equipped with the cutting assembly 26 ′ is similar to the operation of the packaging machine 1 with the handling device 25 equipped with the cutting assembly 26 , we refer to the above description.

[0136] From the above description, the advantages of the packaging machine 1 of the present invention will be apparent.

[0137] In particular, by relying on the sensor device 31 and the sensor device 31 ′, the risk of the cutting element 29 damaging the tube 4 can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0138] Obviously, modifications may be made to the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. - A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1), configured to at least transversely seal and transversely cut the tube (4) to obtain a package (2); in, The package forming apparatus (10) comprises at least one handling device (25) configured to transversely seal and cut the tube (4); wherein the at least one operating device (25) comprises at least one cutting assembly (26) having a cutting element (29), wherein the cutting element (29) is configured to cut the tube (4) transversely; wherein the cutting element (29) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein, in use, the cutting element (29) moves from the retracted position to the extended position to transversely cut the tube (4), and returns from the extended position to the retracted position to retract the cutting element (29) from the tube (4); The packaging forming device (10) further comprises at least one sensor device (31, 31'), which is configured to measure the relative distance between at least one surface (32, 32') of the cutting element (29) and the at least one sensor device (31, 31') and / or detect at least one position of at least one surface (32, 32'), so as to determine whether the cutting element (29) is in and / or has returned to the retracted position based on the measured relative distance and / or the detected at least one position. 2.-The package forming device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (31, 31') and / or the control unit are configured to determine whether the cutting element (29) reaches the retracted position during its movement from the extended position to the retracted position; in, If the sensor device (31, 31') and / or the control unit determines in use that the cutting element (29) does not reach the retracted position during its movement from the extended position to the retracted position, the control unit is configured to issue an alarm signal and / or interrupt the operation of the packaging forming device (10). 3.-A packaging forming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor device (31, 31') includes at least one sensor (35) configured to measure the relative distance between the surface (32, 32') and the at least one sensor (35), and / or to detect at least one position of the surface (32, 32'). 4.-A package forming device according to claim 3, wherein said sensor device (31, 31') comprises at least two sensors (35), each sensor being configured to measure said relative distance between a respective surface (32) of said cutting assembly (26) and said respective sensor (35), and / or to detect said at least one position of a respective surface (32, 32'), said two respective surfaces (32) being different from each other; The sensor device (31, 31') is configured to determine, in use, whether the cutting element (29) is in the retracted position based on each relative distance measured by the at least two sensors (35) and / or each at least one position detected by the at least two sensors (35).

5. - Pack forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor device (31, 31') comprises at least one proximity sensor (35). 6.- The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting element (29) comprises at least one cutting edge (33) configured to cut transversely the tube (4) and an auxiliary edge (34) opposite to the cutting edge (33); The auxiliary edge (34) comprises the surface (32), and the sensor device (31, 31') is configured to measure the relative distance between the surface (32) of the auxiliary edge (34) and the sensor device (31, 31') and / or to detect at least one position of the surface (32) of the auxiliary edge (34). 7.-Package forming device according to claim 6, wherein the cutting element (29) extends along a main axis (B); wherein the sensor device (31, 31') comprises at least two sensors (35) spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the main axis (B); wherein each sensor (35) is configured to determine the relative distance between the sensor (35) and the corresponding surface (32) of the auxiliary edge (34); The sensor device (31, 31') is configured to determine, in use, whether the cutting element (29) is in the retracted position based on the relative distance determined by the at least two sensors (35). 8.-Package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting assembly (26) comprises a rod (38) fixed to the cutting element (29); wherein the rod (38) moves with the cutting element (29) in use; in, The rod (38) comprises the surface (32'), and the sensor device (31') is configured to determine whether the cutting element (29) is in the retracted position based on the relative distance between the sensor device (31') and the surface (32') and / or the at least one position of the surface (32'). 9.-A package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The operating device (25) comprises a housing seat (30); The cutting element (29) is completely arranged in the housing seat (30) in the retracted position and at least partially extends from the housing seat (30) in the extended position. 10.-A pack forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The operating device (25) comprises at least a first operating group (44) and a second operating group (45), the second operating group being configured to cooperate with the first operating group (44) in order to transversely seal and cut the tube (4); Wherein, one of the first operating group (44) and the second operating group (45) includes and / or carries the cutting element (29). 11.-The package forming device according to claim 10, wherein The first operating group (44) includes and / or carries a sealing element (46), while the second operating group (45) includes a counter-sealing element (47); Wherein, the sealing element (46) and the counter-sealing element (47) are configured to engage the tube (4) from opposite sides of the tube (4) so ​​as to laterally compress the tube (4) and laterally seal the tube (4).

12. The package forming device according to claim 11, wherein: The second operating group (45) includes and / or carries the cutting element (29); Wherein the sealing element (46) includes a groove configured to receive a portion of the cutting element (29) when the cutting element (29) is in the extended position. 13.-The package forming device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a conveying unit configured to advance the first operating group (44) and the second operating group (45) along respective operating parts of respective advancement paths; in, The first operating group (44) and the second operating group (46) are configured to cooperate with each other to transversely seal and cut the tube (4) while advancing along the corresponding operating portion. 14.- A packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) of pourable products from a forward tube (4) formed from a web (4) of packaging material and sealed longitudinally; The packaging machine (1) comprises: - a conveying device (11) configured to advance the web of packaging material (3) along a web advancement path (P) and to advance the tube (4) along a tube advancement path (Q); - a tube forming and sealing device (12) configured to form the tube (4) from the packaging material web (3) and to longitudinally seal the tube (4); - a filling device (13) for filling said tube (4) with said pourable product; and - Pack forming device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. 15.-Packing machine according to claim 14, further comprising an isolation chamber (14); in, The tube forming and sealing device (12) is at least partially disposed within the isolation chamber (14) and is configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube (4) within the isolation chamber (14).

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