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

Abstract

The package forming apparatus (10) comprises an operating device (25) configured to laterally seal the tube (4) and a support structure (27) movably carrying the operating device (25). The support structure (27) comprises a first guide (29), a second guide (30) and a support device (31) movably coupled to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30) and carrying the operating device (25). The support device (31) comprises a first coupling structure (32) and a second coupling structure (33) coupling the support device (31) to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30), respectively. The second coupling structure (33) comprises at least a first wheel (34) and one or more second wheels (35). The first wheel (34) and each second wheel (35) are arranged to contact the second guide (30) from opposite sides of the second guide (30). The second coupling structure (33) further comprises one or more elastic elements (42), each elastic element coupled to a respective second wheel (35) and configured to elastically couple the respective second wheel (35) to the second guide (30).

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] A typical packaging machine includes: a conveying device for advancing a web of packaging material along a web advance path and advancing a tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advance 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 configured to form, transversely seal and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material.

[0008] The package forming apparatus comprises at least one handling device configured to at least partially form the tube and to transversely seal and cut the tube; and a support structure movably carrying the handling device.

[0009] The support structure includes a first guide, a second guide spaced apart from the first guide, and a support device movably coupled to the first guide and the second guide and carrying the operating device.

[0010] Furthermore, the support device includes first and second coupling structures for coupling the support device to the first and second guides, respectively. During use, the first and second coupling structures move back and forth along the first and second guides, respectively. By coupling the first and second coupling structures to the first and second guides, respectively, guided linear movement of the operating device is achieved, while avoiding any rotational movement.

[0011] The first coupling structure includes a hollow housing surrounding the first guide and movable along the first guide.The second coupling structure includes a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface engaging the second guide from opposite sides of the second guide.

[0012] 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

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming apparatus.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming device as claimed in claim 1.

[0016] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package forming device are claimed in the claims that are directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1 .

[0017] According to the invention, a packaging machine according to claim 15 is also provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] 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;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of a detail of a package forming apparatus with some parts removed for clarity;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a detail of the package forming apparatus with some parts removed for clarity;

[0022] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 an enlarged side view of a portion of the detail with some parts removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A partial cross-sectional views with parts removed for clarity; and

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A side view of another portion of the detail with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In more detail, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3 .

[0031] 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.

[0032] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Special References Figure 1 The packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming device 10 configured to transversely seal, preferably transversely cut, the tube 4 to obtain the packages 2. Preferably, the package forming device 10 may also be configured to shape the tube 4.

[0038] In addition, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise:

[0039] a transfer device 11 configured to advance the web 3 along a web advancing 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 advancing path Q;

[0040] - 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

[0041] - A filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 .

[0044] 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 .

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may include 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 .

[0049] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may further comprise a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on the longitudinal seam portion 6 in order to ensure that the tube 4 is sealed along the longitudinal seam portion 6 .

[0050] 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.

[0051] Special References Figure 1 and Figure 2 The packaging forming device 10 may include one or more (preferably multiple) operating devices 25 (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.

[0052] Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 may further comprise a conveying unit (not shown) which is configured to advance the handling device 25 preferably along a corresponding path.

[0053] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control the handling device 25 and the conveying unit to transversely seal and preferably cut the tube 4 along equidistant transverse sections, preferably forming respective first transverse sealing bands 5 and / or respective second transverse sealing bands.

[0054] Special References Figure 2 , each operating device 25 may comprise at least one sealing assembly 26 configured to seal the tube 4 transversely, even more preferably thereby forming a respective transverse main sealing zone.

[0055] In addition, each operating device 25 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 with the corresponding sealing assembly 26.

[0056] Even more preferably, each cutting assembly can be configured to cut a respective transverse primary sealing band, thereby preferably forming a respective first transverse sealing band 5 and a respective second transverse sealing band. In other words, each transverse primary sealing band includes a respective first transverse sealing band 5 and a respective second transverse sealing band. Specifically, each transverse primary sealing band can include a respective first transverse sealing band 5 of the first package 2 and a respective second transverse sealing band of the second package 2, the second package 2 being arranged downstream of the first package 2 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0057] In more detail, each second transverse sealing band obtained after cutting by the cutting assembly 26 can be part of the leading package 2 (relative to the tube advancement path Q), and each first transverse sealing band 5 can be part of the trailing package 2 (relative to the tube advancement path Q). Even more in detail, after the cutting operation performed by the respective cutting assembly, the leading package 2 with the respective second transverse sealing band can be separated from the tube 4, while the trailing package 2 with the respective first transverse sealing band 5 can still be attached to the tube 4 (in particular, the respective trailing package 2 defines the end of the tube 4 and then defines a new leading package 2).

[0058] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each handling device 25 may also comprise a shaping 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 .

[0059] Special References Figure 3 6 , the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 27 that movably carries the handling device 25 .

[0060] The support structure 27 may include one or more support assemblies 28 (only one shown), each movably carrying at least one (preferably exactly one) respective operating device 25 .

[0061] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two (preferably exactly two) handling devices 25 , and the support structure 27 may include at least two (preferably exactly two) support assemblies 28 .

[0062] Preferably, the support assemblies 28 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0063] Even more preferably, the support assemblies 28 may be arranged such that, in use, the advancing tube 4 may be interposed between the support assemblies 28 .

[0064] More specifically, the support assembly 28 may define a space within which the tube 4 is advanced in use.

[0065] Advantageously, each support assembly 28 may include a respective first guide 29 and a respective second guide 30 spaced apart from the respective first guide 29 , and at least one respective support device 31 movably coupled to the respective first guide 29 and the second guide 30 and carrying a respective operating device 25 .

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each supporting device 31 may include at least:

[0067] A respective first coupling structure 32 and a respective second coupling structure 33 couple the supporting device 31 to the respective first guide 29 and to the respective second guide 30 , respectively.

[0068] Advantageously, each second coupling structure 33 may comprise at least a first wheel 34 rotatable about a first axis of rotation B, and one or more (preferably at least two, even more preferably exactly two) second wheels 35 rotatable about a respective second axis of rotation C.

[0069] In more detail, each first wheel 34 and the corresponding second wheel 35 may be arranged to contact the second guide 30 from opposite sides of the second guide 30 .

[0070] In other words, each first wheel 34 may contact the first face 40 of the corresponding second guide 30 , and each second wheel 35 may contact the second face 41 of the corresponding second guide 30 , particularly each second face 41 is opposite to the corresponding first face 40 .

[0071] Furthermore, in use, each first wheel 34 may run on a respective first face 40 , and each second wheel 35 may run on a respective second face 41 .

[0072] Advantageously, each second coupling structure 33 may further comprise one or more elastic elements 42 , such as springs, each coupled to a respective second wheel 35 and configured to elastically couple the respective second wheel 35 to the respective second guide 30 , preferably the respective second face 41 .

[0073] By providing the first wheel 34 , the at least one second wheel 35 and the elastic element 42 , wear associated with the movement of the second coupling structure 33 may be reduced.

[0074] In more detail, in use, the transfer unit may actuate a movement, preferably a linear movement, of the support device 31 , preferably causing an advancement of the respective operating device 25 (in particular along a respective path).

[0075] Furthermore, the movement of the supporting device 31 is determined by the movement of the respective first coupling structure 32 and the respective second coupling structure 33 , which in turn is determined by the interaction of the respective first guide 29 and the respective second guide 30 .

[0076] In more detail, each second wheel 35 can preferably be moved linearly along the movement direction D1 towards or away from the respective first wheel 34, in particular at least partially due to the respective elastic element 42. In this way, each second wheel 35 is ensured to be in contact with the respective second guide 30, preferably with the desired force.

[0077] Special References Figures 3 to 5, each first guide 29 and each second guide 30 can extend (linearly) along a corresponding first central axis E and a corresponding second central axis F, respectively. Preferably, each first central axis E and each second central axis F can be parallel to each other. According to the example shown, each first central axis E and each second central axis F can have a substantially perpendicular orientation.

[0078] Preferably, each first guide 29 and the corresponding second guide 30 may be spaced apart along respective directions perpendicular to the first center axis E and the second center axis F.

[0079] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cross-section of each first guide 29 relative to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the corresponding first central axis E may be circular.

[0080] Additionally or additionally, a cross-section of the respective second guide 30 relative to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the respective second center axis F may be rectangular.

[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each movement direction D1 may be transverse to, and preferably (substantially) perpendicular to, the respective second central axis F.

[0082] Special References Figure 4A and Figure 4B , each second wheel 35 may be interposed between a corresponding second guide 35 and a corresponding elastic element 42 .

[0083] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second coupling structure 33 may further include a corresponding support plate 43 .

[0084] Preferably, each first wheel 34 and each second wheel 35 may be coupled to a corresponding support plate 43 .

[0085] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 5 , each first wheel 34 may be fixed relative to the corresponding support plate 43 , that is, the first wheel 34 may rotate relative to the corresponding support plate 43 but may not linearly move away from the corresponding support plate 43 .

[0086] Furthermore, each first wheel 34 cannot move (other than any rotation) relative to a portion of the second coupling structure 33 towards or away from the corresponding second wheel 35 .

[0087] Special References Figure 5 , each support plate 43 may have a first connection area 44 and a second connection area 45 .

[0088] Preferably, each first wheel 34 may be connected to a corresponding first connection area 44 , and each second wheel 35 may be connected to a corresponding second connection area 45 .

[0089] More preferably, each first connection area 44 and the respective second connection area 45 may comprise fixing points allowing each first wheel 34 and each second wheel 35 to be connected to the respective first connection area 44 and the respective second connection area 45 , respectively.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first connection region 44 and the corresponding second connection region 45 may be mirror-symmetrical about the corresponding symmetry axis G. In particular, the corresponding fixing points are mirror-symmetrical.

[0091] Preferably, each first connection area 44 may correspond to a corresponding second connection area 45 , ie, each first connection area 44 including a corresponding fixing point may have the same shape and / or configuration and / or arrangement as a corresponding second connection area 45 including a corresponding fixing point.

[0092] This is advantageous in some operating modes of the packaging machine 1, preferably due to the specific operation that one or more operating devices 25 have to perform on the tube 4, which may require connecting the respective one or more second wheels 35 to the first connecting area 44 and connecting the respective first wheel 34 to the respective second connecting area 45.

[0093] This is easily achieved due to the mirror symmetry of the first connection region 44 and the second connection region 45 about the axis of symmetry G and also due to the fact that the first connection region 44 has the same shape and / or configuration and / or arrangement as the corresponding second connection region 45 .

[0094] In more detail, each second coupling structure 33 may comprise a housing 46 , and preferably a further housing 47 and the respective second wheel 35 may be connected to the respective housing 46 , and preferably the respective first wheel 34 may be connected to the respective further housing 47 .

[0095] Furthermore, each housing 46 can be connected to the respective second connection area 45 in order to connect the respective second wheel 35 to the respective second connection area 45. Similarly, each further housing 47 can be connected to the respective first connection area 44 in order to connect the respective first wheel 34 to the respective first connection area 44.

[0096] In this way, each first wheel 34 can be connected to the corresponding first connection area 44 and the corresponding second wheel 35 can be connected to the corresponding second connection area 45, or, if necessary, each first wheel 34 can be connected to the corresponding second connection area 45 and the corresponding second wheel 35 can be connected to the corresponding first connection area 44.

[0097] More specifically, each housing 46 and each further housing 47 may be connected to a respective second connection region 45 and a respective first connection region 44 , respectively, via respective fixing points.

[0098] According to some possible, not shown, embodiments, each housing 46 may be connected and / or connectable to a respective first connection region 44 , and each further housing 47 may be connected and / or connectable to a respective second connection region 45 .

[0099] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 4B Each housing 46 may include an abutment surface 48 and an engagement surface facing each other. In addition, each elastic element 42 may abut against a corresponding abutment surface 48 and a corresponding engagement surface. Preferably, each elastic element 42 may be interposed between a corresponding abutment surface 48 and a corresponding engagement surface.

[0100] Special References Figure 4B Each second coupling structure 33 may further comprise one or more coupling elements 50, each rotatably carrying a respective second wheel 35. Preferably, each coupling structure 33 carries a single coupling element 50.

[0101] Preferably, each second wheel 35 may be connected to a first end of a corresponding coupling element 50 .

[0102] Furthermore, each coupling element 50 is movable in a linear direction, in particular parallel to the respective movement direction D1 . Preferably, each coupling element 50 is movable towards and away from the respective second guide 30 and / or the respective first wheel 34 .

[0103] Preferably, each elastic element 42 may be associated with a corresponding coupling element 50 and configured to allow the corresponding coupling element 50 to move along a corresponding linear direction.

[0104] In particular, each second wheel 35 may, in use, be moved towards and away from the respective second guide 30 due to linear movement of the coupling element 50 .

[0105] More specifically, each second coupling structure 33 (preferably the corresponding coupling element 50 ) may include a housing space 51 , and at least a portion of the corresponding elastic element 42 may be disposed within the corresponding housing space 51 .

[0106] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each coupling element 50 can include a respective abutment surface 48. Preferably, the respective abutment surface 48 can define a respective housing space 51.

[0107] In more detail, each coupling element 50 may comprise a main part having a respective housing space 51 and being (integrally) connected to a respective first end portion.

[0108] More specifically, each main portion may include a hollow section defining a corresponding housing space 51 .

[0109] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each coupling element 50 may be disposed within a corresponding housing 46 .

[0110] Preferably, each housing 46 may include at least one inlet opening to allow lubricant to be fed into the respective housing 46, thereby lubricating each coupling element 50. More preferably, each housing 46 may also include one or more channels fluidly connected to the at least one inlet opening and configured to distribute lubricant into the respective housing 46.

[0111] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second coupling structure 33 may further include one or more fastening elements 52 , each interacting with a corresponding elastic element 42 and locking the corresponding elastic element 42 within the corresponding housing space 51 .

[0112] Preferably, each fastening element 52 may be removably coupled to (preferably fastened to) a corresponding housing 46 .

[0113] In more detail, each housing 46 may include a respective housing seat for a respective fastening element 52 .

[0114] More specifically, each fastening element 52 may include a first interaction element and the corresponding housing seat may include a second interaction element. The interaction between the first interaction element and the second interaction element allows the fastening element 52 to be removably fastened to the corresponding housing 46. According to the non-limiting example shown, each fastening element 52 includes a first thread and the corresponding housing seat includes a second thread to removably fasten the fastening element 52 to the corresponding housing 46.

[0115] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each fastening element 52 may include a respective engagement surface.

[0116] According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment shown, each second coupling structure 30 includes two second wheels 35 spaced apart from each other. The respective first wheel 34 contacts the respective second guide 30 at a first relative position, and the respective second wheel 35 contacts the respective second guide 30 at a respective second relative position. In particular, each first relative position and the respective second relative position are dynamic, i.e., the respective first relative position and the respective second relative position move as the respective second coupling structure 33 moves.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the non-limiting example shown, each first wheel 34 and the corresponding second wheel 35 are arranged such that the imaginary lines connecting the corresponding first relative position and the corresponding second relative position to each other define an imaginary triangle. In particular, a first imaginary line connects the two second relative positions to each other, a second imaginary line connects one of the two second relative positions to the first relative position, and a third imaginary line connects the other of the two second relative positions to the first relative position.

[0118] In other words, considering a two-dimensional projection, in particular in a plane having the first E and second F centre axes, each first relative position is interposed between respective second relative positions, or in other words, each first wheel 34 is interposed between respective second wheels 35 .

[0119] Special References Figure 3 , each of the first coupling structures 32 may include a housing shell 56 that surrounds the corresponding first guide 32 and is movable along the corresponding first guide 32 .

[0120] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each supporting device 31 may further include a connecting structure 57 connected to the corresponding first coupling structure 32 and the corresponding second coupling structure 33 .

[0121] In more detail, each connection structure 57 may be interposed between a corresponding first guide 29 and a corresponding second guide 30 .

[0122] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the transport unit may be configured to linearly move each supporting device 31 parallel to the corresponding first guide 29 and the corresponding second guide 30 so as to move the corresponding operating device 25 along the corresponding path.

[0123] Furthermore, the advancement of each supporting device 31 is determined by the movement of the respective first coupling structure 32 and the respective second coupling structure 33 along the first guide 29 and the second guide 30, respectively.

[0124] In more detail, the conveying unit may be configured to move the first coupling structure 32 and the second coupling structure 33 back and forth along the corresponding first guide 29 and the corresponding second guide 30 , respectively.

[0125] Furthermore, in use, each first coupling structure 32 and corresponding second coupling structure 33 may be moved back and forth linearly.

[0126] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each cutting assembly may comprise a cutting element, such as a blade, configured to cut the tube 4 transversely, preferably along a respective transverse primary sealing band.

[0127] Special References Figure 2Each sealing assembly 26 may include a sealing element 58 and a counter-sealing element 59 configured to seal the tube 4 in cooperation with each other, preferably for forming respective transverse main sealing bands.

[0128] More specifically, each sealing element 58 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 59 may be configured to at least laterally compress (particularly lay flat and squeeze) and laterally seal the tube 4 , particularly during advancement of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0129] Furthermore, each sealing element 58 and corresponding counter-sealing element 59 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 .

[0130] In more detail, each sealing element 58 may include a source configured to generate the energy required to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 58 may be a sonotrode having an ultrasonic transmitter, or the sealing element 58 may have an electromagnetic induction source.

[0131] Each reverse sealing element 59 may be a passive element (ie, without an active source). For example, the reverse sealing element 59 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0132] More in detail and with particular reference to Figure 2 , each operating device 25 may comprise at least a first operating group 60 and a second operating group 61 configured to cooperate with the respective first operating group 60 in order to at least transversely seal, preferably cut and also at least partially form the tube 4 .

[0133] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operating group 60 may include a respective sealing element 58 , and the respective second operating group 61 may include a respective counter-sealing element 59 .

[0134] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each second operating group 61 may also include a respective cutting element 29 .

[0135] Preferably, the respective first operating group 60 and the respective second operating group 61 of each operating device 25 may comprise and / or carry a respective cutting element 29 .

[0136] Furthermore, each first operating group 60 and the corresponding second operating group 61 may be connected to a corresponding supporting device 31 .

[0137] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each handling device 25 may include a connection assembly connected to a corresponding support device 31 , preferably to a connection structure 57 .

[0138] Preferably, each first operation group 60 and the corresponding second operation group 61 can be connected to the corresponding connection assembly. More preferably, each first operation group 60 and the corresponding second operation group 61 can protrude laterally from the corresponding connection assembly, in particular so that each first operation group 60 and the corresponding second operation group 60 can be arranged in the space in which the tube 4 is advanced during use.

[0139] Furthermore, there may be a space between the respective support assemblies 28. In more detail, there may be a space between the two respective first guides 29.

[0140] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each operating device 25 can be controlled between an active configuration and a rest configuration, in which the corresponding first operating group 60 and the corresponding second operating group 61 move toward each other to seal, and preferably cut and form the tube 4, and in the rest configuration, the corresponding first operating group 60 and the corresponding second operating group 61 retract from each other.

[0141] Furthermore, the transport unit may be configured to propel each support device 31 (back and forth in a direction parallel to the respective first guide 29 and the respective second guide 30 ) so as to propel the first operating group 60 along the first propulsion path and the second operating group 61 along the second propulsion path.

[0142] Furthermore, each first operating group 60 and respective second operating group 61 may be configured to cooperate with one another to form packages 2 while advancing along respective operating sections of the first and second advancing paths, respectively.

[0143] Furthermore, each of the first propulsion path and the second propulsion path may further include a respective return section that allows the first operating group 60 and the second operating group 61 to be returned to the respective operating section.

[0144] It should be noted that when advancing along the corresponding return section, the corresponding operating device 25 is in the rest configuration, while when advancing along the corresponding operating section, the corresponding operating device 25 can be controlled to be in the corresponding active configuration.

[0145] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each shaped shell assembly may include at least a first half-shell (not shown and known per se) and a second half-shell (not shown and known per se) 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 may be configured to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof.

[0146] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells may be coupled to a first operating group 60 , while the other of the first and second half shells may be coupled to a second operating group 61 .

[0147] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells may be coupled to sealing element 58 , while the other of the first and second half shells may be coupled to counter-sealing element 47 .

[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. Furthermore, 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 operating device 25 transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4, in particular by respective transverse main sealing strips, to obtain respective filled packages 2. Preferably, the operating device 25 also forms the tube 4.

[0151] Furthermore, during operation of the package forming device 10 , the transfer unit linearly moves the supporting device 31 in order to advance the operating device 25 , in particular the respective first operating group 60 and the respective second operating group 61 .

[0152] When the supporting device 31 moves, the respective first coupling portion 32 and the respective second coupling portion 33 move along the respective first guide 29 and the respective second guide 30 .

[0153] 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.

[0154] In particular, since each second coupling structure 30 has a corresponding first wheel 34 , one or more second wheels 35 and at least one elastic element 42 , the formation of wear can be reduced.

[0155] Another advantage is that rebound effects and / or noise are reduced.

[0156] Yet another advantage may be seen in better control of the transverse sealing and / or cutting of the tube 4 over time, in particular due to reduced wear.

[0157] Furthermore, the applicant has found that the support device 31 allows easier operation, in particular because the second coupling structure 33 can be more easily installed. In fact, once the second coupling structure 33 is coupled to the second guide 30, the operator can install and lock the elastic element 42.

[0158] Another advantage is that the handling of the transfer unit is facilitated.

[0159] 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), said package forming device (10) being configured to seal at least transversely a tube (4) in order to obtain a package (2) from said tube (4); The packaging forming device (10) at least comprises: - a handling device (25) configured to transversely seal the tube (4); as well as - a support structure (27) movably carrying the operating device (25); Wherein the support structure (27) comprises: - a first guide (29); - a second guide (30) spaced apart from said first guide (29); and at least one supporting device (31) movably coupled to said first guide (29) and said second guide (30) and carrying at least one said operating device (25); The supporting device (31) at least comprises: - a first coupling structure (32) and a second coupling structure (33) coupling the supporting device (31) to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30), respectively; wherein the second coupling structure (33) comprises at least a first wheel (32) rotatable about a first rotation axis (B) and one or more second wheels (35), each second wheel (35) rotatable about a corresponding second rotation axis (C); wherein the first wheel (32) and each second wheel (33) are arranged to contact the second guide (30) from opposite sides of the second guide (30); The second coupling structure (33) further comprises one or more elastic elements (42), each elastic element being coupled to a corresponding second wheel (35) and configured to elastically couple the corresponding second wheel (35) to the second guide (30).

2. A package forming device according to claim 1, wherein each second wheel (35) is linearly movable towards or away from the first wheel (34).

3. The package forming device according to claim 2, wherein the first wheel (34) is not movable towards or away from the corresponding second wheel (35) relative to a portion of the second coupling structure (33).

4. Pack forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each second wheel (35) is interposed between the second guide (30) and the corresponding elastic element (42).

5. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling structure (33) further comprises one or more coupling elements (50), each coupling element rotatably carrying a respective second wheel (35); wherein each coupling element (50) is movable along a linear direction (D1); Each elastic element (42) is connected to a corresponding coupling element (50) and is configured to allow the corresponding coupling element (50) to move along the linear direction (D1).

6. The package forming device according to claim 5, wherein each coupling element (50) comprises a housing space (51); At least a portion of the corresponding elastic element (42) is arranged in the housing space (51).

7. A package forming device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each coupling element (50) comprises an abutment surface (48), and the respective elastic element (42) abuts the respective abutment surface (48).

8. The package forming device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second coupling structure (33) comprises a housing (46), and each coupling element (50) is arranged in the housing (46); The housing (46) includes an inlet opening allowing lubricant to be fed into the housing (46) to lubricate each coupling element (50).

9. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling structure (33) comprises one or more housing spaces (51); wherein at least a portion of each elastic element (42) is arranged in the corresponding housing space (51); The second coupling structure (33) further comprises one or more fastening elements (52), each fastening element (52) interacting with a corresponding elastic element (42) and locking the corresponding elastic element (42) in the corresponding housing space (51).

10. The package forming device according to claim 9, wherein each fastening element (52) comprises an engagement surface, and the corresponding elastic element (42) abuts against the corresponding engagement surface.

11. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling structure (33) comprises two second wheels (35) spaced apart from each other; wherein the first wheel (34) contacts the second guide (30) at a first relative position, and each second wheel (35) contacts the second guide (30) at a corresponding second relative position; wherein the first wheel (34) and the second wheel (35) are arranged such that an imaginary line connecting the first relative position and the corresponding second relative position to each other defines an imaginary triangle.

12. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling structure (33) further comprises a support plate (43); wherein the support plate (43) has a first connection area (44) and a second connection area (45); wherein the first wheel (34) is connected to the first connection area (44), and each second wheel (35) is connected to the second connection area (45); The first connecting region (44) and the second connecting region (45) are mirror-symmetrical about the corresponding axis of symmetry (G).

13. Pack forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling structure (32) comprises a housing shell (56) surrounding the first guide (29) and movable along the first guide (29).

14. The package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (25) comprises at least a first operating group (60) and a second operating group (61), the second operating group (61) being configured to cooperate with the first operating group (60) to transversely seal the tube (4); One of the first operating group (60) and the second operating group (61) includes and / or carries a sealing element (58), and the other of the first operating group (60) and the second operating group (61) includes and / or carries a counter-sealing element (59).

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 for advancing 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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