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

Abstract

A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1) is described, the package forming device (10) comprising an operating device (25) having a first operating group (26) and a second operating group (27). Each first operating group (26) and each second operating group (27) comprise a respective half-shell (28) and a control device (29). Each half-shell (28) comprises a main shaped plate (30) and two lateral shaped plates (31). Each main forming plate (30) is angularly movable about a first axis of rotation (B) between a first angular position and a second angular position, and each lateral forming plate (31) is angularly movable about a second axis of rotation (C) between a third angular position and a fourth angular position. Each control device (29) is configured to asynchronously actuate an angular movement of a respective main forming plate (30) from a first angular position to a second angular position and to actuate an angular movement of a respective lateral forming plate (31) from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position.

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, typically at least two operating devices, each having at least a first operating group and a second operating group configured to cooperate to at least partially form and seal and cut a tube that is advanced in use.

[0010] Each first operating group and each second operating group comprises a respective half-shell configured to at least partially form a tube. Each half-shell comprises a respective main forming plate and two lateral forming plates which, in use, come into contact with the tube so as to at least partially form the tube.

[0011] Typically, the main forming plates are stationary and are brought into contact with the pipe by relative movement of the respective first operating group or the respective second operating group towards and into contact with the pipe. In addition, the two lateral forming plates can be angularly moved about respective rotation axes to move the lateral forming plates towards and into contact with the pipe.

[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] Furthermore, 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 1is 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] Figures 3a to 3c yes Figure 1 isometric front views of details of a package forming device during three different stages of operation, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0022] Figures 4a to 4c yes Figures 3a to 3c a perspective rear view of a detail of a package forming device during three different stages of operation, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4c an enlarged view of some details of the device with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0024] Figure 6a yes Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4c an enlarged rear view of some details of the vehicle with some parts removed for clarity;

[0025] Figure 6b yes Figure 6a an enlarged front view of a portion with parts removed for clarity; and

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4c FIG2 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of a detail with some components 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] 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.

[0034] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0035] According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may comprise at least a first transverse sealing band 5 , and preferably also a second transverse sealing band, arranged at opposite ends of the package 2 .

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 .

[0040] Preferably, the package forming device 10 may comprise an advancement space within which the tube 4 is advanced in use.

[0041] In addition, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise:

[0042] 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;

[0043] - 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

[0044] - A filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 .

[0047] 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 .

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 one another 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.

[0051] 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 .

[0052] 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 .

[0053] 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.

[0054] Special References Figures 2 to 5 The package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more (preferably a plurality) of operating devices 25 (shown only partially to the extent necessary to understand the present invention), each configured to at least partially form, preferably transversely seal and / or transversely cut, a tube.

[0055] Preferably, the package forming device 10 can be configured to control each operating device 25 so as to at least partially form the tube 4 between two spaced-apart transverse sections. In addition, the package forming device 10 can transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 4 along equidistant transverse sections, more preferably thereby forming a respective first transverse sealing band 5 and / or a respective second transverse sealing band.

[0056] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming device 10 may include at least two (preferably exactly two) operating devices 25 .

[0057] In more detail, each operating device 25 may comprise at least a first operating group 26 and a second operating group 27 configured to cooperate with each other in order to at least partially form the tube 4 , preferably in order to transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4 .

[0058] In particular, each first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 are movable relative to each other, preferably such that each first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 are moved toward and away from each other.

[0059] In more detail, each operating device 25 can be controlled between an active configuration and a rest configuration, in which the corresponding first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 approach each other to at least partially form the tube 4, preferably transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4, and in the rest configuration, the corresponding first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 retract towards each other, preferably retract away from the tube 4.

[0060] In addition, the package forming device 10 may further include a conveying unit configured to advance each first operation group 26 and each second operation group 27 along a corresponding first advancing path and a corresponding second advancing path, respectively.

[0061] In more detail, each first propulsion path and each second propulsion path may include an operating portion and a return portion, and when in use, each first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 are advanced along the operating portion in the propulsion direction of the tube 4, and when in use, each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 are advanced along the return portion in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the tube 4, thereby returning each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 to the corresponding operating portion.

[0062] Furthermore, during advancement of the respective first operating group 26 and the respective second operating group 27 along the respective operating section, each operating device 25 can be controlled from a respective rest configuration to a respective active configuration, thereby preferably at least partially forming the tube 4, preferably transversely sealing and transversely cutting the tube 4.

[0063] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more actuation units configured to selectively control each operating device 25 between a respective active configuration and a respective rest configuration.

[0064] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure that movably carries the handling device 25 .

[0065] According to some possible embodiments, the support structure may comprise one or more support assemblies, each support assembly movably carrying at least one (preferably exactly one) respective operating device 25 .

[0066] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may comprise at least two (preferably exactly two) handling devices 25, and the support structure may comprise at least two (preferably exactly two) support assemblies.

[0067] Preferably, the support assemblies may be spaced apart from each other, thereby defining an advancement space.

[0068] Special References Figures 2 to 5 Each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 comprises a respective half-shell 28 (shown only with respect to the second operating group 27 ) for at least partially forming the tube 4 and a respective control device 29 (shown only with respect to the second operating group 27 ) for controlling the respective half-shell 28 .

[0069] Preferably, the respective two half-shells 28 of each operating device 25 are configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube 4, more preferably by controlling the respective operating device 25 in a respective active position.

[0070] In more detail, the two respective half-shells 28 of each operating device 25 are moved towards each other and retracted away from each other, by controlling the operating device 25 to be respectively in the active configuration and the rest configuration.

[0071] Furthermore, by controlling the respective operating device 25 in the respective active configuration, the respective two half-shells 28 are engaged with the tube 4 so as to at least partially form the tube 4 .

[0072] Preferably, each control device 29 can be configured to control the respective half-shell 28 such that the respective package 2 has a determined volume.

[0073] Special References Figures 3a to 5 Each half shell 28 includes a main forming plate 30 and two lateral forming plates 31 between which the main forming plate 30 is inserted.

[0074] Each primary forming plate 30 can be rotated about a first rotation axis B in a first angular position (see FIG. Figure 3a and Figure 4a ) and the second angular position (see Figure 3c and Figure 4c In particular, each primary forming panel 30 can be positioned in a first angular position and a second angular position by the corresponding operating device 25 being in a rest configuration and an active configuration, respectively.

[0075] Preferably, each primary forming panel 30 is engageable with a tube 4 when in the second angular position.

[0076] Furthermore, each lateral forming plate 31 can be rotated about a second rotation axis C (transverse to (preferably perpendicular to) the corresponding first rotation axis B) in a third position (see Figure 3a and Figure 4a ) and the fourth angular position (see Figure 3c and Figure 4c In particular, each lateral shaping panel 31 can be positioned in the third and fourth angular positions by the respective operating device 25 being in the rest configuration and the active configuration, respectively.

[0077] Preferably, each lateral shaped panel 31 can engage with a tube 4 when in the fourth angular position.

[0078] Furthermore, each half-shell may be substantially C-shaped, with the respective main forming panel 30 and the respective lateral forming panel 31 being in the second angular position and the fourth angular position, respectively.

[0079] Each control device 29 is configured to control, in use, the angular movement of a respective main forming panel 30 from a respective first angular position to a respective second angular position for moving, in use, the respective main forming panel 30 onto the tube 4, and to control a respective angular movement of each respective lateral forming panel 31 from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position for moving, in use, the respective lateral forming panel onto the tube 4.

[0080] Furthermore, each control device 29 is configured to asynchronously actuate the angular movement of the respective main forming panel 30 from the first angular position to the second angular position and the angular movement of the respective lateral forming panel 31 from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position, in particular so that, in use, the respective main forming panel 30 comes into contact with the tube 4 before the respective lateral forming panel 31 comes into contact with the tube 4 and / or so that each main forming panel 30 reaches the respective second angular position before the respective lateral forming panel 31 reaches the respective fourth angular position.

[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the respective angular distance from the respective first angular position to the respective second angular position of each main forming panel 30 may be smaller than the respective angular distance from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position of the respective lateral forming panel 31. In other words, the angular distance between the first angular position and the second angular position is smaller than the angular distance between the third angular position and the fourth angular position.

[0082] Special References Figures 3a to 5 Each control device 29 may comprise a shaft 32 rotatable about a third rotation axis E, which is preferably parallel to the respective first rotation axis B and / or transverse to (more preferably perpendicular to) the respective second rotation axis C.

[0083] In addition, special reference Figures 3a to 4c , each shaft 32 can be operably coupled to the corresponding main forming plate 30 and the corresponding lateral forming plate 31, so that the angular position of the corresponding main forming plate 30 around the corresponding first rotation axis B and the angular position of the corresponding lateral forming plate 31 around the corresponding second rotation axis C are determined according to the angular position of the corresponding shaft 32 around the corresponding third rotation axis E.

[0084] Figure 3a and Figure 4a The shaft 32 is shown in an angular position about the respective third axis of rotation E such that the respective main forming panel 30 is in a respective first angular position and the respective lateral forming panel 31 is in a respective third angular position. Figure 3c and Figure 4c The shaft 32 is shown in an angular position about the respective third axis of rotation E such that the respective main forming plate 30 is in the respective second angular position and the respective lateral forming plate 31 is in the respective fourth angular position. Figure 3b and Figure 4b Shown Figure 3a and Figure 4aOne of the Figure 3c and Figure 4c An intermediate state between one of the two.

[0085] In other words, Figure 3a and Figure 4a shows the configuration of the half-shell 28 when the corresponding operating device 25 is in the rest configuration, Figure 3c and Figure 4c The configuration of the half-shell 28 is shown when the corresponding operating device 25 is in the active configuration, while Figure 3b and 4b An intermediate configuration of the half-shell 28 is shown during the transition between the rest configuration and the active configuration.

[0086] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each shaft 32 can be configured to rotate about a respective third rotation axis E, thereby moving the respective main forming panel 30 between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position and moving the respective lateral forming panel 31 between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position.

[0087] In more detail, each shaft 32 is rotatable in a first rotational direction so as to move the respective main forming panel 30 from a respective first angular position to a respective second angular position and the respective lateral forming panel 31 from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position.

[0088] Furthermore, each shaft 32 is rotatable in a second rotational direction opposite to the respective first rotational direction in order to move the respective main forming panel 30 from the respective second angular position to the respective first angular position and to move the respective lateral forming panel 31 from the respective fourth angular position to the respective third angular position.

[0089] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each control device 29 may include: a first lever mechanism 33 coupled to the respective shaft 32 and the respective main forming plate 30; and two second lever mechanisms 34, each coupled to the respective shaft 32 and a respective lateral forming plate 31.

[0090] More specifically, each first lever mechanism 33 and the respective second lever mechanism 34 may be configured to actuate angular movement of the respective main forming panel 30 and the respective lateral forming panel 31 , respectively, according to angular movement of the respective shaft 32 .

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, each first lever mechanism 33 and the respective second lever mechanism 34 may be configured to actuate, during angular movement of the respective shaft 32 about the respective third rotation axis E and in the first rotation direction, angular movement of the lateral forming panel 31 from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position and angular movement of the respective main forming panel 30 from the respective first angular position to the respective second angular position, such that the respective main forming panel 30 reaches the second angular position before the respective lateral forming panel 31 reaches the respective fourth angular position.

[0092] More specifically, each first lever mechanism 33 may include at least one coupling element 35, preferably two coupling elements 35, spaced apart from each other and fixed to the corresponding shaft 32; and at least one coupling rod 36, preferably two coupling rods 36, hinged to one corresponding coupling element 35 and the corresponding main forming plate 30.

[0093] Even more specifically, each coupling lever 36 may be hinged to the respective coupling element 35 about a respective first hinge axis and may be hinged to the respective main forming panel 30 about a respective second hinge axis.

[0094] Preferably, each first hinge axis and the respective second hinge axis may be parallel to each other.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, each first hinge axis and the respective second hinge axis may be parallel to the respective first rotation axis B and / or the respective third rotation axis E.

[0096] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second lever mechanism 34 may include a first connecting element 40 connected to the corresponding shaft 32, a second connecting element 41 connected to the corresponding lateral forming plate 31, and a coupling mechanism 42 coupled to the corresponding first connecting element 40 and the corresponding second connecting element 41.

[0097] Special References Figure 7 , each coupling mechanism 42 may include a ball joint assembly 43 .

[0098] In more detail, each ball joint assembly 43 may include a first ball joint set 44 coupled to the corresponding first connection element 40 and a second ball joint set 45 coupled to the corresponding second connection element 41 .

[0099] Preferably, each first ball joint set 44 may be connected to, and more preferably fixed to, a corresponding second ball joint set 45 .

[0100] In more detail, each first ball joint set 44 may include a first ball element 46 connected to the corresponding first connecting element 40 and a first element 47 movably disposed around the first ball element 46 .

[0101] In addition, each second ball joint set 45 may include a second ball element 48 connected to the corresponding second connecting element 41 and a second element 49 movably arranged around the second ball element 48 .

[0102] Preferably, each first element 47 and the corresponding second element 49 may be connected to each other, preferably fixed to each other.

[0103] Special References Figure 6a and Figure 6b , each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 may comprise a respective support 50 rotatably carrying the respective shaft 32 , in particular such that the respective shaft 32 is rotatable about the respective third axis E of rotation.

[0104] In addition, each primary forming panel 30 may be hinged to a corresponding support 50 and rotate about a corresponding first axis of rotation B.

[0105] Furthermore, each lateral shaped panel 31 can be hinged to the respective support 50 and rotate about the respective second axis of rotation C.

[0106] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus may include an actuating device configured to control the operation of each control device, thereby controlling the angular position of the respective main forming panel 30 and the respective angular position of the respective lateral forming panel 31 .

[0107] Preferably, the actuation device may be configured to control the angular position of the shaft 32 .

[0108] Even more preferably, the actuation device may be configured to control the respective angular position of the shaft 32 as a function of the respective position of the respective first operative group 26 and the respective second operative group 27 along the respective propulsion path.

[0109] Special References Figures 2 to 5 Each operating device 25 may comprise a respective sealing element 55 and a respective counter-sealing element 56 , which are configured to cooperate with each other to laterally seal the other tube 4 .

[0110] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of each first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 may include a corresponding sealing element 47 , and the other of each first operating group 26 and the corresponding second operating group 27 may include a corresponding counter-sealing element 56 .

[0111] More specifically, each sealing element 55 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 56 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.

[0112] Furthermore, each sealing element 55 and corresponding counter-sealing element 56 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof.

[0113] In more detail, each sealing element 55 can include a source configured to generate the energy required to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 55 can be a sonotrode having an ultrasonic transmitter, or the sealing element 55 can include an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-sealing element 56 can be a passive element (i.e., without an active source). For example, the counter-sealing element 56 can be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0114] Additionally, each operating device 25 may comprise at least one cutting element configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting element may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after sealing the tube 4 by the corresponding sealing assembly.

[0115] Each cutting element may be associated with one of a respective first operating group 26 and a respective second operating group 27 .

[0116] Special References Figures 3a to 3c Each operating device 25 (preferably one of the respective first operating group 26 and the respective second operating group 27) may comprise a pair of movable interaction protrusions 57 configured to interact with the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof when in use.

[0117] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0118] 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 a pourable product, and a package forming device 10 forms, transversely seals, and transversely cuts the tube 4 to obtain a package 2.

[0119] In more detail, during operation of the package forming device 10 , the operating device 25 at least partially forms, preferably transversely seals and transversely cuts the tube 4 .

[0120] During operation, each operating device 25 is cycled between a respective rest configuration and a respective active configuration.

[0121] Preferably, the respective first operating group 26 and the respective second operating group 27 are advanced along respective advancement paths and cyclically moved towards and away from each other in order to at least partially form, transversely seal and cut the tube 4 , thereby forming the package 2 .

[0122] The partial forming of the tube 4 is controlled by the respective half-shell 28. To partially form the tube 4, the respective main forming plate 30 is moved from the respective first angular position to the respective second angular position, and the respective lateral forming plate 31 is moved from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position, preferably by controlling the respective angular position of the respective shaft 32. In particular, the respective main forming plate 30 and the respective lateral forming plate 31 are thereby moved asynchronously.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In particular, the asynchronous movement of the main forming plates 30 relative to the respective lateral forming plates 31 allows the volume of the package 2 to be precisely controlled by controlling the movement of the lateral forming plates 31 .

[0125] 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 partially form a tube (4) in order to obtain a package (2) from the tube (4); wherein the package forming apparatus (10) comprises at least one operating device (25), the operating device (25) having a first operating group (26) and a second operating group (27), the first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27) being configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube (4) to form the package (2); wherein each first operating group (26) and each second operating group (27) comprises a respective half-shell (28) for at least partially forming the tube (4) and a respective control device (29) for controlling said respective half-shell (28); Each half shell (28) comprises a main forming plate (30) and two side forming plates (31) between which the main forming plate (30) is inserted; wherein each primary forming plate (30) is angularly movable about a first rotation axis (B) between a first angular position and a second angular position; wherein each lateral forming plate (31) is angularly movable between a first angular position and a fourth angular position about a second rotation axis (C) transverse to the corresponding first rotation axis (B); wherein each control device (29) is configured to control, in use, angular movement of a respective main forming plate (30) from a respective first angular position to a respective second angular position for moving, in use, the respective main forming plate (30) onto the tube (4), and to control respective angular movement of each respective lateral forming plate (31) from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position for moving, in use, the respective lateral forming plate onto the tube (4); Each control device (29) is configured to asynchronously actuate an angular movement of a respective main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position and an angular movement of a respective lateral forming plate (31) from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position.

2. A packaging forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each control device ( 29 ) is configured to actuate angular movement of the respective main forming plate from the first angular position to the second angular position and angular movement of the respective lateral forming plate ( 31 ) from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position, so that the main forming plates ( 30 ) come into contact with the tube ( 4 ) before the respective lateral forming plates ( 30 ) come into contact with the tube ( 4 ) in use and / or each main forming plate ( 30 ) reaches the respective second angular position before the respective lateral forming plate ( 31 ) reaches the respective fourth angular position; and / or The respective angular distance of each main forming panel (30) from the respective first angular position to the respective second angular position is smaller than the respective angular distance of the respective lateral forming panel (31) from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position.

3. A package forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each control device (29) comprises a shaft (32) rotatable about a third axis of rotation (E) and operatively coupled to the respective main forming plate (30) and the respective lateral forming plate (31); The angular position of each main forming plate (30) around the corresponding first rotation axis (B) and the angular position of each lateral forming plate (31) around the corresponding second rotation axis (C) are determined according to the angular position of the corresponding shaft (32) around the corresponding third rotation axis (E).

4. A packaging forming device according to claim 3, wherein each shaft (32) is configured to rotate about the third rotation axis (E) so as to move the corresponding main forming plate (30) between the corresponding first angular position and the corresponding second angular position and to move the corresponding lateral forming plate (31) between the corresponding third angular position and the corresponding fourth angular position.

5. The packaging forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each control device (29) comprises: a first lever mechanism (33) coupled to the shaft (32) and the corresponding primary forming plate (30); and two second lever mechanisms (34), each coupled to the shaft (32) and a respective lateral shaping plate (31); wherein each first lever mechanism (33) and the respective second lever mechanism (34) are configured to actuate angular movement of the respective main forming plate (30) and the respective lateral forming plate (31), respectively, in dependence on angular movement of the respective shaft (32) about the third axis of rotation (E); and / or wherein each first lever mechanism (33) and the respective second lever mechanism (34) are configured to actuate angular movement of the lateral forming panel (31) from the respective third angular position to the respective fourth angular position in the first rotational direction and actuate angular movement of the respective main forming panel (30) from the respective first angular position to the respective second angular position during angular movement of the shaft (32) about the third rotational axis (E), such that the respective main forming panel (30) reaches the second angular position before the respective lateral forming panel (31) reaches the respective fourth angular position.

6. The package forming device according to claim 5, wherein each first lever mechanism (33) comprises a coupling element (35) fixed to the corresponding shaft (32) and a coupling rod (36) hinged to the coupling element (35) and the corresponding main forming plate (30).

7. The package forming device according to claim 6, wherein each coupling rod (36) is hinged to the corresponding coupling element (35) around a first hinge axis and is hinged to the corresponding main forming plate (30) around a second hinge axis; wherein each first hinge axis and the corresponding second hinge axis are parallel to each other; and / or Each first hinge axis and / or the respective second hinge axis is parallel to the respective third rotation axis (E) and / or the respective first rotation axis (B).

8. The packaging forming device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each second lever mechanism (34) includes a first connecting element (40) connected to the shaft (32), a second connecting element (41) connected to the corresponding lateral forming plate (31), and a coupling mechanism (42) connected to the first connecting element (40) and the second connecting element (41).

9. The package forming apparatus of claim 8, wherein each coupling mechanism (42) comprises a ball and socket joint assembly (43).

10. The package forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each ball joint assembly (43) comprises a first ball joint set (44) coupled to the first connecting element (40) and a second ball joint set (45) coupled to the second connecting element (41); Each first ball joint set (44) is connected to a corresponding second ball joint set (45).

11. The package forming device according to claim 10, wherein each first ball joint set (44) includes a first ball element (46) connected to the corresponding first connecting element (40) and a first element (47) movably arranged around the first ball element (46), and the corresponding second ball joint set (45) includes a second ball element (48) connected to the corresponding second connecting element (41) and a second element (49) movably arranged around the second ball element (48); Each first element (47) and the corresponding second element (49) are connected to each other.

12. A package forming device according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein each first operating group (26) and each second operating group (27) comprises a respective support (50) rotatably carrying a respective shaft (32); wherein the respective primary forming panels (30) are hinged to the respective supports (50) and rotate about the respective first rotation axes (B); and The respective lateral forming plates (31) are hinged to the respective support members (50) and rotate around the respective second rotation axis (C).

13. The package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuating device for controlling the operation of each control device, thereby controlling the angular position of the respective main forming plate (30) and the angular position of the respective lateral forming plate (31).

14. A package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each operating device (25) is controllable between an active configuration, in which the respective half-shells of the first operating group (26) and the respective half-shells of the second operating group (27) are brought close to one another to at least partially form the tube (4), and a rest configuration, in which the respective half-shells of the respective first operating group (26) and the respective half-shells of the respective second operating group (27) are retracted from one another; wherein each main forming panel (30) is positioned in a respective second angular position and the respective lateral forming panel (31) is positioned in a respective fourth angular position by controlling the respective operating device (25) in an active configuration; and Wherein, by controlling the corresponding operating device (25) to be in the rest configuration, each main forming panel (30) is positioned in a corresponding first angular position and the corresponding lateral forming panel is positioned in a corresponding third angular position.

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 the tube (4) from the web (3) of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the 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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