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

Abstract

A package forming apparatus (10) is described comprising a handling device (23) having a first handling group (24) and a second handling group (25) configured to at least laterally seal a tube (4) made of a web (3) of packaging material. One of the respective first operating group (24) and the respective second operating group (25) includes a pair (46) of movable interaction projections (26). The package forming device (10) includes a cam mechanism (28) configured to control a relative position of the interactive projections (26) of the pair of interactive projections (26). The cam mechanism (28) comprises at least a cam channel (29) and a cam follower (30) coupled to the pair of interactive projections (26), movably arranged within the cam channel (29), and configured to move within the cam channel (29) in a propulsion direction (D1). Interaction of the cam follower (30) with the cam channel (29) allows control of the relative position of the interactive projections (26) relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Advantageously, the present 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 food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped packaging for liquid or pourable foods, known as TetraBrik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made from a sealed and folded laminated strip of packaging material. This 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 of 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, superimposed on the heat-sealable plastic material layer, which is in turn covered with another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which forms the inner surface of the packaging that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0005] Such packaging is usually produced on a fully automatic packaging machine that advances a web of packaging material through a sterilizing device in a sterilization station to sterilize the web of packaging material and then advances it to an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment) where the sterilized web of packaging material is held and advanced. While the web of packaging material is advanced through the isolation chamber, it is folded and longitudinally sealed at a tube forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam portion, which 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 during advancement in a vertical advancement direction is transversely sealed in a package forming device of a packaging machine and subsequently cut along equidistant transverse sections.

[0007] In this way pillow packs are obtained, each having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transverse sealing band and a bottom transverse sealing band.

[0008] A typical packaging machine includes: 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 forming it 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 device, which is suitable for forming, transversely sealing and cutting individual packages from the tube of packaging material.

[0009] The package forming apparatus comprises at least one operating device having at least first and second operating groups configured to cooperatively at least partially form and transversely seal and cut a tube that is advanced in use.

[0010] The operating device further includes a pair of interlocking projections that are controllable between a first extreme position in which the interlocking projections are separated from the tube and a second extreme position in which the interlocking projections interact with the advancing tube. In the first extreme position, the interlocking projections are further apart from each other than in the second extreme position.

[0011] The package forming apparatus further comprises a cam mechanism configured to control the pairs of interacting projections between a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration.

[0012] The cam mechanism comprises a parallelogram system on which the cam follower operates and therefore requires precise mounting.

[0013] Although the known package forming devices and / or packaging machines operate satisfactorily, there is a desire in the art to further improve the known package forming devices and / or the known packaging machines. Summary of the Invention

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

[0015] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming device as claimed in claim 1.

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

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

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now 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 package forming device according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

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

[0022] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a detail of the package forming device in a first configuration with some parts removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A a perspective view of a detail of the package forming device in a second configuration with some components removed for clarity;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the detail with some parts removed for clarity;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B a perspective view of another detail of the device with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of some details of a package forming device with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference numeral 1 generally designates a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable foodstuffs such as milk, milk drinks, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, juices, wines, ketchup, emulsions, drinks containing pulp, salt, sugar or the like.

[0028] In more detail, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a multilayer packaging material, preferably a multilayer packaging material having heat-sealing properties (ie the multilayer packaging material portions can be sealed to each other).

[0029] 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-sealing plastic material (e.g. polyethylene) with the fibrous material layer interposed therebetween. Preferably, one of the two layers of heat-sealing plastic material may define the inner face of the package 2 that comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0030] Furthermore, the multilayer packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, such as an aluminium foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is preferably arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibre material.

[0031] Preferably, the packaging material may further comprise a further layer of heat-sealing plastic material interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibre material.

[0032] In more detail, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3 .

[0033] Preferably, the web 3 comprises a succession of patterns, each pattern defining a final graphic pattern of a respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 operates, when in use, to ensure that the package 2 comprises a respective pattern.

[0034] 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 it transversely, and preferably cutting the tube 4 transversely.

[0035] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0036] According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may comprise at least a first transverse sealing band 5 arranged at a first end of the package 2 , and preferably also a second transverse sealing band arranged at a second end of the package 2 opposite the first end.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may define a transverse top sealing band, and each second transverse sealing band may define a transverse bottom sealing band.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Special References Figure 1The packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming device 10 configured to transversely seal, preferably transversely cut the tube 4 to obtain a semi-finished package, preferably a packaging bag. Preferably, the package forming device 10 may also be configured to shape the tube 4.

[0041] Preferably, the package forming device 10 may comprise an advancement space within which the tube 4 is advanced in use.

[0042] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a final folding device which is configured to receive the semi-finished packages from the package forming device 10 and to form the packages 2 therefrom.

[0043] In addition, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise:

[0044] a transfer device 11 configured to advance the web 3 along a web advancement path P, preferably to a tube forming station where, in use, the web 3 is formed into a tube 4; and configured to advance the tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q;

[0045] - a tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 configured to form the tube 4 from the web 3 which is advanced in use and to longitudinally seal the tube 4; and

[0046] - A filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0047] In more detail, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise an isolation chamber 14, which preferably delimits an internal environment 15 from an external environment 16. Preferably, the internal environment 15 may be a sterile environment, preferably comprising a controlled atmosphere.

[0048] 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 .

[0049] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilization unit configured to sterilize the web 3 being advanced during use, preferably being arranged along the web advancement path P upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 12 .

[0050] In more detail, the conveying device 11 can 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 device 10 and / or at least partially within the package forming device 10. Preferably, the expression "intermediate of the tube 4" means 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 in order to obtain the tube 4, preferably by gradually folding the web 3 by overlapping the (longitudinal) edges of the web 3 with each other.

[0051] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may be arranged so that the tube 4 may have a vertical orientation.

[0052] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may include at least two forming ring assemblies 17, preferably disposed within the isolation chamber 14, and even more preferably within the interior 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. Thereby, in use, a seam portion 6 of the tube 4 may be formed.

[0053] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may include a sealing head 18 , which is preferably disposed 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 .

[0054] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may further include a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on the longitudinal seam portion 6 to ensure that the tube 4 is sealed along the longitudinal seam portion 6 .

[0055] Preferably, the filling device 13 may comprise a filling conduit 19 configured to, in use, direct the pourable product into the tube 4. Preferably, the filling conduit 19 may, in use, be at least partially placed within the tube 4 to feed the pourable product into the tube 4 in use.

[0056] Special References Figure 1 and Figure 2 The packaging forming device 10 may include one or more (preferably multiple) operating devices 23 (only partially shown to the extent required for understanding the present invention), each of which is configured to at least transversely seal and preferably transversely cut the tube 4 and / or shape (form) the tube 4.

[0057] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each operating device 23 to transversely seal and preferably transversely cut the tube 4 along equidistant transverse sections, thereby preferably forming a respective first transverse sealing band 5 and / or a respective second transverse sealing band.

[0058] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming device 10 may comprise at least two (preferably exactly two) operating devices 23 .

[0059] More in detail and with particular reference to Figure 2 , each operating device 23 may comprise at least a first operating group 24 and a second operating group 25 , which are configured to cooperate with each other to at least transversely seal, preferably cut and also at least partially form the tube 4 .

[0060] In particular, each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are movable relative to each other, preferably such that each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are moved toward and away from each other.

[0061] In more detail, each operating device 23 can be controlled between an active configuration and a rest configuration, in which the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 move towards each other to seal the tube 4, and preferably also transversely cut and / or at least partially form the tube 4, and in the rest configuration, the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 retract from each other.

[0062] In addition, the package forming device 10 may further include a conveying unit configured to advance each first operation group 24 and each second operation group 25 along a corresponding first advancing path and a corresponding second advancing path, respectively.

[0063] In more detail, the first propulsion path and the second propulsion path may include an operating portion and a return portion. When in use, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 are advanced along the operating portion along the propulsion direction of the tube 4. When in use, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 are advanced along the return portion in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the tube 4, thereby returning each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 to the corresponding operating portion.

[0064] In addition, during the advancement of the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 along the corresponding operating part, each operating device 23 can be controlled from the corresponding rest configuration to the corresponding active configuration, thereby preferably transversely sealing the tube 4, and preferably also transversely cutting and at least partially forming the tube 4.

[0065] In more detail, in use, after completion of each transverse seal, and preferably after a respective transverse cut and / or partial forming of the tube 4, each operating device 23 can be controlled back to a respective rest configuration.

[0066] In other words, during the advancement of each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 along the corresponding operating portion, each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 can move toward each other. After the corresponding transverse sealing, preferably the corresponding transverse cutting and / or partial forming of the tube 4 is completed, each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are retracted from each other.

[0067] Special References Figure 6 Each operating device 23 (preferably one of the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25) comprises a pair of movable interacting projections 26 which are configured to interact with the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof in use.

[0068] In particular, the inter-protrusions 26 in each pair of inter-protrusions 26 are movable relative to each other, preferably so as to selectively move the inter-protrusions 26 towards each other or away from each other.

[0069] Preferably, each pair of interactive protrusions 26 is controllable between a first extreme position in which the corresponding interactive protrusions 26 are configured to be separated from the tube 4 when in use, and a second extreme position in which the corresponding interactive protrusions 26 are configured to be in contact with the tube 4 when in use.

[0070] Preferably, the corresponding mutual projections 26 of each pair of mutual projections 26 can be closer to each other when in the second extreme position than when in the first extreme position. In other words, the mutual projections 26 are retracted from each other when in the first extreme position and are closer to each other when in the second extreme position.

[0071] In more detail, each pair of inter-protrusions 26 may be configured to interact with the tube 4 as it is advanced in use, from opposite sides of the tube 4 , preferably when in the second extreme position, to exert a pulling force on the tube 4 .

[0072] In more detail, each pair of interacting protrusions 26 can be configured to control and / or modify the advancement of the tube 4 so that the tube 4 is "aligned" with the corresponding operating device 23, which means that each pair of interacting protrusions 26 ensures that the corresponding operating device 23 (preferably the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25) transversely seals and / or cuts the tube 4 at the expected area of ​​the corresponding pattern, in particular so that the corresponding finished package 2 has the corresponding desired pattern.

[0073] Furthermore, each pair of inter-protrusions 26 may be configured to exert a controlled pulling force on the tube 4 so as to “pull” the tube 4 in a downstream direction along the tube advancement path Q.

[0074] In more detail, the controlled pulling force can depend on the relative distance between each pair of corresponding inter-protrusions 26, preferably on the degree to which each pair of inter-protrusions 26 is controlled between a corresponding first extreme position and a corresponding second extreme position. In other words, the controlled pulling force can depend on the actual interaction position at which the pair of inter-protrusions 26 cease to interact with the tube 4, the actual interaction position being between or corresponding to the corresponding first extreme position and the corresponding second extreme position. In other words, the controlled pulling force is a function of the relative distance between the corresponding inter-protrusions 26.

[0075] Preferably, when the respective pairs of inter-protrusions 26 are in the respective first extreme positions, the respective inter-protrusions 26 are separated (spaced apart) from the tube 4 advanced along the tube advancement path Q during use, i.e., the respective inter-protrusions 26 do not contact the tube 4 and therefore do not apply any pulling force to the tube 4. In other words, when the respective pairs of inter-protrusions 26 are in the respective first extreme positions, the respective inter-protrusions 26 are positioned such that they do not interact with the tube 4 advanced along the advancement path Q.

[0076] Preferably, when the respective pairs of inter-protrusions 26 are in the respective second extreme positions, the respective inter-protrusions 26 , in use, come into contact with the tube 4 advanced along the tube advancement path Q, and preferably exert a maximum pulling force on the tube 4 .

[0077] Furthermore, each pair of inter-protrusions 26 may be configured to be controlled (ie stopped) between a first extreme position and a second extreme position in order to control the pulling force exerted on the tube 4 by the respective inter-protrusions 26 .

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, each pair of inter-protrusions 26 may also be configured as a folded tube 4 so as to define a flap of a respective semi-finished product package.

[0079] In this context, it is considered that each semi-finished product package may comprise a pair of sealing flaps arranged at opposite ends of the semi-finished product package and flaps protruding laterally from the opposite ends.

[0080] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, particularly with reference to Figures 3a to 3b, Figure 5 The packaging forming device 10 may further include a cam mechanism 28, which is configured to control the relative positions of each pair of interactive protrusions 26 relative to each other during the advancement of each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 along the corresponding first advancement path, preferably the corresponding operating part, and the corresponding second advancement path, preferably the corresponding operating part.

[0081] More specifically, the cam mechanism 28 can be configured to selectively control the relative position of each pair of inter-protrusions 26 relative to each other, so as to selectively control the corresponding pair of inter-protrusions 26 between the corresponding first extreme position and the corresponding second extreme position. Preferably, the cam mechanism 28 can be configured to control each pair of inter-protrusions 26 between any relative positions between the corresponding first extreme position and the corresponding second extreme position.

[0082] Special References Figures 3A to 5 , the cam mechanism 28 may include:

[0083] - one or more cam channels 29; and

[0084] - one or more cam followers 30, each connected to a respective pair of interacting protrusions 26, movably arranged in a respective cam channel 29, and configured to move in the respective cam channel 29 along the advancement direction D1 during and / or as a result of the advancement of the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 along the first advancement path, preferably the respective operating portion, and the second advancement path, preferably the respective operating portion.

[0085] In particular, the advancing direction D1 may be defined by and / or relative to the cam channel 29 .

[0086] Advantageously, the interaction of each cam follower 30 with the respective cam channel 29 allows controlling the relative position between the respective inter-protrusions 26 of the respective pair of inter-protrusions 26, preferably so as to control the respective pair of inter-protrusions 26 between the first and second extreme positions.

[0087] In more detail, the interaction of each cam follower 30 with the corresponding cam channel 29 allows the relative position between the corresponding pairs of interacting protrusions 26 to be controlled, thereby controlling the tension acting on the tube 4, preferably so as to ensure that the tube 4 is transversely sealed and / or cut at the desired position, thereby enabling a package 2 with the desired pattern to be obtained.

[0088] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cam mechanism 28 can include one respective cam channel 29 and one respective cam follower 30 for each operating device 23. In the particular exemplary embodiment disclosed, the cam mechanism 28 can include two cam channels 29 and two cam followers 30.

[0089] Advantageously, the cam mechanism 28 may further comprise an actuating unit 31 configured to move each cam channel 29 in a respective cam movement direction D2 transverse to the respective advancement direction D1 , preferably selectively.

[0090] It should be noted that the actuation unit 31 can be configured to change the corresponding position of each cam channel 29, thereby defining a corresponding propulsion direction D1 relative to the corresponding cam channel 29. In other words, each cam channel 29 can be arranged at a different position by the actuation unit 31. However, the cam channel 29 always defines the corresponding propulsion direction D1.

[0091] In addition, the movement of each cam channel 29 along the corresponding cam movement direction D2 also causes the movement of the corresponding cam follower 30 along the corresponding cam movement direction D2, thereby causing the relative positions of the corresponding pairs of corresponding interactive protrusions 26 relative to each other to change, preferably so as to control the corresponding pairs of interactive protrusions 26 between the corresponding first extreme position and the corresponding second extreme position.

[0092] Preferably, the actuation unit 31 may be configured to control the extent of movement of the cam channel 29 along the respective cam movement direction D2 so as to obtain control over the pulling force exerted on the tube 4 by the respective pair of interacting protrusions 26 .

[0093] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each cam channel 29 extends linearly along the central axis B.

[0094] Furthermore, each cam follower 30 advances linearly within the corresponding cam channel 29 during use.

[0095] In more detail, each cam channel 29 may include a respective first wall 32 and a respective second wall 33 spaced apart from the respective first wall 32. The respective cam follower 30 may be interposed between the respective first wall 32 and the respective second wall 33 and may be configured to engage with the respective first wall 32 and the respective second wall 33 when in use, preferably such that movement of the cam channel 29 along the respective cam movement direction D2 is transmitted to the respective cam follower 30.

[0096] In more detail, each first wall 32 and the corresponding second wall 33 may be parallel to each other.

[0097] Advantageously, each first wall 32 and / or respective second wall 33 may be parallel to the respective central axis B.

[0098] For more details and reference Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 5 The actuating unit 31 may include one or more support rods 34, each carrying a corresponding cam channel 29 and one or more actuators 35 (only partially shown), each actuator being coupled to a corresponding support rod 34 and configured to move the support rod 34 along the corresponding cam movement direction D2, so that the corresponding cam channel 29 moves along the cam movement direction D2.

[0099] Preferably, each support rod 34 may be movably connected to a corresponding support column (not shown) of the package forming device 10 .

[0100] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each cam movement direction D2 may include a first component perpendicular to the corresponding central axis B and a second component parallel to the corresponding central axis B.

[0101] In particular, the movement of each cam channel 29 along the corresponding cam movement direction D2 may be a linear movement.

[0102] Special References Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 5 , each support rod 34 can be designed so that the corresponding cam movement direction D2 includes a first component and a second component. In more detail, each support rod 34 can be designed so that actuation of the corresponding actuator 35 can result in movement along the corresponding cam movement direction D2.

[0103] More specifically, each support rod 34 may include a first end 40 and a second end 41 opposite to the corresponding first end 40 .

[0104] Advantageously, each first end 40 is angularly movable about the first rotation axis C and the respective second end 41 is angularly movable about the second rotation axis E in order to move the respective support rod 34 and thereby the respective cam channel 29 in the respective cam movement direction D2 .

[0105] Preferably, each first end portion 40 and each second end portion 41 may be connected to a respective support column for angular movement about a respective first rotation axis C and a respective second rotation axis E, respectively.

[0106] In addition, each support rod 34 may further include a corresponding middle portion 42 interposed between and / or connected to the corresponding first end portion 40 and the corresponding second end portion 41 .

[0107] Preferably, each cam channel 29 may be mounted to a corresponding intermediate portion 42 .

[0108] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each first end portion 40 and respective second end portion 41 may project laterally and / or laterally away from the respective intermediate portion 42 .

[0109] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each intermediate portion 42 can extend linearly along a corresponding longitudinal axis F.

[0110] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuator 35 can be coupled to one of the corresponding first end 40 and the corresponding second end 41. In addition, the other of the corresponding first end 40 and the corresponding second end 41 performs angular movement due to the angular movement actuated by the corresponding actuator 35.

[0111] In the particular case shown, each actuator 35 can be connected to a corresponding second end 41 and can be configured to directly actuate a corresponding angular movement around a corresponding second rotation axis E, while the corresponding first end 40 performs an angular movement around the corresponding first rotation axis C due to the angular movement of the corresponding second end 41.

[0112] Preferably, each actuator 35 may include an electric motor 36 .

[0113] Special References Figures 3A to 4 Each cam mechanism 28 may also include one or more coupling rods 43 , each carrying a respective cam follower 30 and coupled to a respective pair of interacting projections 26 .

[0114] Preferably, each operating device 23 may comprise an actuation mechanism 49 (only partially shown) operably coupled to the respective pair of inter-protrusions 26 and configured to actuate relative movement of the respective inter-protrusions 26 with respect to each other.

[0115] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each coupling rod 43 can be connected to a corresponding actuation mechanism 49 and configured to transmit movement of the corresponding cam follower 30 to the corresponding actuation mechanism 49, which in turn transmits movement to the corresponding pair of interacting protrusions 26.

[0116] According to some possible embodiments, each coupling rod 43 can also be angularly movably connected to a corresponding operating device 23, preferably one of a corresponding first operating group 24 and a corresponding second operating group 25. More preferably, each coupling rod 43 can be angularly moved around the rotation axis G.

[0117] Furthermore, an angular movement of the coupling rod 43 can result in a linear movement of the actuating rod of the corresponding actuating mechanism 49 .

[0118] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each operating device 23 may include a connecting structure 44 having a respective first portion 45 and a respective second portion 46 movable relative to each other. Preferably, each first portion 45 and respective second portion 46 can be moved toward each other and retracted from each other.

[0119] Preferably, each first operation group 24 can be connected to and / or carried by the corresponding first part 45 and the corresponding second operation group 25 can be connected to and / or carried by the corresponding second part 46. In addition, the movement of each first part 45 and the corresponding second part 46 respectively causes the movement of the corresponding first operation group 24 and the corresponding second operation group 25.

[0120] Preferably, each coupling lever 43 may be angularly movably connected and / or articulated to one of the respective first portion 45 and the respective second portion 46 , preferably defining a respective axis of rotation G.

[0121] Preferably and as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, operation of the cam mechanism 28 is coordinated with respect to respective relative positions of the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 and / or the respective first portion 45 and the respective second portion 46 relative to one another.

[0122] In other words, as already described above, each pair of interlocking projections 26 must interact with the tube 4 so that the transverse sealing and transverse cutting occur in the correct positions. Therefore, before or during the control of the corresponding operating device 23 from the rest configuration to the active configuration, each pair of interlocking projections 26 must be controlled from the corresponding first extreme position towards the corresponding second extreme position.

[0123] exist Figure 3A , the first part 45 and the corresponding second part 46 are retracted from each other, at which time the corresponding operating device 23 is in a corresponding rest configuration (i.e., the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are retracted from each other), wherein the corresponding pair of interactive protrusions 26 are also in or close to the corresponding first extreme position.

[0124] exist Figure 3B , the first portion 45 and the corresponding second portion 46 are close to each other, thereby also causing the corresponding first operation group 24 and the corresponding second operation group 25 to be close to each other. In particular, Figure 3B The state shown corresponds to the respective operating device 23 in the respective active configuration. Furthermore, before the first operating group 25 and the respective second operating group 26 are moved towards each other, the respective pairs of respective interacting projections 26 are moved towards each other in order to engage and interact with the tube 4.

[0125] Special References Figure 2 Each operating device 23 may comprise at least one sealing assembly having a respective sealing element 47 and a respective counter-sealing element 48 configured to cooperate with each other to seal transversely the tube 4 .

[0126] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operating group 24 may include a respective sealing element 47 , and the respective second operating group 25 may include a respective counter-sealing element 48 .

[0127] More specifically, each sealing element 47 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 48 may be configured to at least laterally compress, in particular lay flat and squeeze, and laterally seal the tube 4 , in particular during advancement of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0128] Furthermore, each sealing element 47 and corresponding counter-sealing element 48 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 .

[0129] In more detail, each sealing element 47 can include a source configured to generate the energy required to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 58 can be a sonotrode having an ultrasonic transmitter, or the sealing element 58 can have an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-sealing element 48 can be a passive element (i.e., without an active source). For example, the counter-sealing element 48 can be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0130] In addition, each operating device 23 may include at least one cutting assembly configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting assembly may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after sealing the tube 4 by the corresponding sealing assembly.

[0131] Preferably, each sealing element 47 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 48 can be moved toward and retracted from each other simultaneously with the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 being moved toward and retracted from each other.

[0132] Each cutting assembly may include a cutting blade associated with one of the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 , preferably with the respective second operating group 25 .

[0133] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each handling device 23 may also comprise a forming shell assembly (not shown and known per se) configured to shape the tube 4 , preferably at least partially defining the shape of the package 2 .

[0134] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each forming shell assembly may include at least a first half-shell (not shown and known per se) and a second half-shell 59 configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially define the shape of the package 2. Preferably, each first half-shell and the respective second half-shell 59 may be configured to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof.

[0135] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells 59 can be coupled to the first operational group 24 , and the other of the first and second half shells 59 can be coupled to the second operational group 25 .

[0136] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells 59 may be coupled to the sealing element 47 , and the other of the first and second half shells 59 may be coupled to the counter-sealing element 48 .

[0137] Preferably, each first half-shell and the respective second half-shell 59 can be moved toward and retracted from each other, while the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 are respectively moved toward and retracted from each other.

[0138] Special References Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 55 that movably carries each operating device 23 .

[0139] The support structure 55 may include one or more support assemblies 56 (only one shown), each movably carrying a respective operating device 23 .

[0140] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include two (preferably exactly two) handling devices 23 , and the support structure 55 may include two (preferably exactly two) support assemblies 56 .

[0141] Preferably, the support assemblies 56 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0142] More preferably, the support assemblies 56 may be arranged such that, in use, the advancing tube 4 may be interposed between the support assemblies 56. In other words, the support assemblies 56 may define and / or delimit an advancement space through which, in use, the tube 4 is advanced.

[0143] Advantageously, each support assembly 56 may include a respective first guide 57 and a respective second guide 58 spaced apart from the respective first guide 57 .

[0144] Preferably, each connection structure 44 may be movably coupled to a corresponding first guide 57 and a corresponding second guide 58 .

[0145] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each support rod 34 may extend parallel to the corresponding second guide 58 and / or may be arranged adjacent to the corresponding second guide 58 .

[0146] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each operating device 23 can be connected to a corresponding connection structure 44 so as to protrude into the advancement space of the tube 4 .

[0147] In more detail, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 may be carried by a corresponding first portion 45 and a corresponding second portion 46 , respectively, so as to be arranged within the propulsion space.

[0148] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0149] In more detail, a conveying device 11 advances the web 3 along a web advancing path P. A tube forming and sealing device 12 forms a tube 4 from the advancing web 3 and longitudinally seals the tube 4. In addition, a filling device 13 fills the tube 4 with the pourable product, and a package forming device 10 forms, transversely seals, and transversely cuts the tube 4, thereby obtaining a package 2.

[0150] In more detail, during operation of the package forming device 10, the handling device 23 transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4. Preferably, the handling device 23 also forms the package 2 from the tube 4.

[0151] During operation of each operating device 23 , the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 are cyclically moved toward and retracted from each other.

[0152] Furthermore, each pair of interlocking protrusions 26 is selectively moved between a respective first extreme position and a respective second extreme position by a cam mechanism 28 .

[0153] Each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are advanced along the corresponding first advancement path and the corresponding second advancement path, respectively, thereby causing the corresponding cam follower 30 to move within the corresponding cam channel 29 along the corresponding advancement direction D1.

[0154] Furthermore, each actuating unit 31 moves the corresponding cam channel 29 along the corresponding cam movement direction D2 , also causing the corresponding cam follower 30 to move along the cam movement direction D2 , which in turn causes the relative positions between the corresponding pairs of corresponding interacting protrusions 26 to change.

[0155] From the above description, the advantages of the pack forming device 10 and / or the packing machine 1 according to the invention will become apparent.

[0156] In particular, the cam mechanism 28 has a simple design, allowing precise control of the relative position between the respective inter-projections 26 of each pair of inter-projections 26 .

[0157] Another advantage that can be seen is that, since each cam follower 30 interacts with the cam channel 29 , more precisely with the respective first wall 32 and the respective second wall 33 , the cam mechanism 28 can be easily mounted with limited requirements on mounting precision.

[0158] Obviously, changes may be made to the package forming device 10 and / or to the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1), the package forming device (10) being configured to at least transversely seal a tube (4) made of a web (3) of packaging material to obtain a package (2) from the tube (4); wherein the package forming device (10) comprises at least one operating apparatus (23) having a first operating group (24) and a second operating group (25) configured to at least transversely seal the tube (4); wherein one of the respective first operating group (24) and the respective second operating group (25) comprises a pair of movable interacting projections (26), and the pair of interacting projections (26) are configured to interact with the tube (4) from opposite sides of the tube (4) in use and are configured to move relative to each other; wherein the package forming device (10) includes a cam mechanism (28) configured to control the relative positions of the interacting protrusions (26) in the pair of interacting protrusions (26); The cam mechanism (28) at least comprises: - a cam channel (29); and a cam follower (30) coupled to the pair of interacting projections (26), movably arranged in the cam channel (29), and configured to move in the cam channel (28) along an advancement direction (D1); The interaction of the cam follower (30) with the cam channel (29) allows control of the relative positions of the interacting projections (26) with respect to each other.

2. The packaging forming device according to claim 1, wherein the cam mechanism (28) further comprises an actuating unit (31), the actuating unit (31) being configured to move the cam channel (29) along a cam movement direction (D2) transverse to the advancing direction (D1); The movement of the cam channel (28) along the cam movement direction (D2) also causes the cam follower (29) to move along the cam movement direction (D2), thereby causing the relative positions of the interacting protrusions (26) to change.

3. The packaging forming device according to claim 2, wherein the actuating unit (31) includes a support rod (34) carrying the cam channel (29); and an actuator (35) coupled to the support rod (34) and configured to move the support rod (34) along the cam movement direction (D2) to cause the cam channel (29) to move along the cam movement direction (D2).

4. The packaging forming device according to claim 3, wherein the cam channel (28) extends linearly along the central axis (B); The support rod (34) is designed so that the cam movement direction (D2) includes a first component perpendicular to the central axis (B) and a second component parallel to the central axis (B).

5. The packaging forming device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support rod (34) comprises a first end (40) and a second end (41) opposite to the first end (40); The first end portion (40) can be angularly moved around a first rotation axis (C), and the second end portion (41) can be angularly moved around a second rotation axis (E), thereby causing the support rod (34) and the cam channel (29) to move along the cam movement direction (D2).

6. The package forming apparatus of claim 5, wherein the actuator (35) is coupled to one of the first end (40) and the second end (41).

7. The packaging forming device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the support rod (34) comprises a first end portion (40), a second end portion (41) opposite to the first end portion (40), and a middle portion (42) extending linearly along the longitudinal axis (F); The first end portion (40) and the second end portion (41) protrude laterally from the middle portion (42).

8. A package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pair of interacting protrusions (26) are controllable between a first extreme position in which the respective interacting protrusions (26) are configured to be separated from the tube (4) in use and a second extreme position in which the respective interacting protrusions (26) are configured to be in contact with the tube (4) in use; The interaction of the cam follower (30) with the cam channel (29) allows the pair of interacting projections (26) to be controlled between the respective first extreme position and the respective second extreme position.

9. A package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam channel (29) extends linearly.

10. A package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam channel (28) comprises a first wall (32) and a second wall (33) spaced apart from the first wall (31); The cam follower (30) is interposed between the first wall (31) and the second wall (33), and is configured to engage with the first wall (31) and the second wall (33).

11. A packaging forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam mechanism (28) comprises a coupling rod (43) which carries the cam follower (30) and couples the cam follower (30) to the pair of interacting protrusions (26).

12. A packaging forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the operating device (23) includes an actuating mechanism (49) coupled to the pair of interacting protrusions (26) and the coupling rod (43), and is configured to move the interacting protrusion (26) in the pair of interacting protrusions (26) due to the interaction of the cam follower (30) with the cam channel (29).

13. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conveying unit configured to advance the first operation group (24) and the second operation group (25) along a first advancing path and a second advancing path, respectively; The cam follower (30) is configured to move along the propulsion direction (D1) within the cam channel (29) during and / or as a result of the movement of the first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25) along the first propulsion path and the second propulsion path, respectively.

14. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25) comprises a sealing element (47), and the other of the first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25) comprises a counter-sealing element (48); The sealing element (47) and the counter-sealing element (48) are configured to cooperate to compress and laterally seal the tube (4).

15. Packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) of pourable products from an advancing tube (4), the tube (4) being formed from a web (3) of packaging material and longitudinally sealed; The packaging machine (1) comprises: a conveying device (11) configured to advance the web (3) of packaging material 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 said tube (4) from said web (3) of packaging material and to longitudinally seal said tube (4); - a filling device (13) for filling said tube (4) with said pourable product; and - A package forming device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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