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

Abstract

A package forming apparatus (10) is described comprising a support structure (26) and at least one operating device (22). The operating device (22) includes a carrier (30) movably coupled to the support structure (26) and a housing assembly (31) controllable between an operating configuration and an idle configuration. The package forming apparatus (10) further comprises: a transfer unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) together with the handling device (22); and a drive unit (37) configured to control each housing assembly (31) between a respective idle configuration and a respective operational configuration. The drive unit (37) comprises: a drive mechanism (38) operably coupled to the housing assembly (31) and associated with the respective carrier (30); and a drive group (39) mounted to the support structure (26) and coupled to the drive mechanism (38) and configured to cause a difference between movement of the carrier (30) and movement of the drive mechanism (38), thereby actuating movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operational configuration.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0010] Each operating device comprises a respective shell assembly for at least partially forming the tube, the shell assembly being controllable between an operating configuration in which the shell assembly is configured to at least partially form the tube and an idle configuration in which the shell assembly is separated from the tube.

[0011] Each of the respective first and second operative groups comprises a respective half-shell that is retracted from and brought closer to each other when the respective shell assembly is in the idle configuration and the operative configuration, respectively.

[0012] Each operating device also includes: a carrier, which is movably coupled to the support structure of the packaging forming device; and a hydraulic drive unit, which is mounted to the carrier and coupled to the corresponding shell assembly (in particular the corresponding half shell), and is configured to move the corresponding shell assembly between the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration.

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

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming device, preferably allowing the shell assembly to be controlled in a more flexible manner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the details of the package forming device, wherein some parts are removed for clarity;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 an enlarged perspective view of a detailed portion of the components with some components removed for clarity; and

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Side view of some details with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] In further 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-sealable plastic material (e.g. polyethylene) with the fibrous material layer interposed therebetween. Preferably, one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner face of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

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

[0032] Preferably, the web 3 comprises a continuous array of patterns, each pattern defining a final graphic pattern of a respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 operates, when in use, to ensure that the package 2 comprises a respective pattern.

[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 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.

[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] Especially reference 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 a semi-finished package, preferably a packaging bag. Preferably, the package forming device 10 may also be configured to shape the tube 4.

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

[0041] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a final folding device which is configured to receive the semi-finished packages from the package forming device 10 and to form the packages 2 therefrom.

[0042] In addition, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise:

[0043] 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;

[0044] - 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

[0045] - A filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 .

[0048] 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 .

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 .

[0053] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing device 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 .

[0054] 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.

[0055] Especially reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The package forming apparatus 10 may comprise one or more (preferably a plurality) of operating devices 22 , each configured to at least partially form, preferably also at least transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4 .

[0056] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each operating device 22 so as to at least partially form the tube and / or transverse seal and transversely cut the tube 4 along equidistant transverse sections.

[0057] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming device 10 may include at least two (preferably exactly two) operating devices 22 .

[0058] More in detail and with particular reference to Figure 2 Each operating device 22 may comprise at least a first operating group 23 and a second operating group 24 configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube 4 , preferably also transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4 .

[0059] Preferably, each first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 are movable relative to each other, preferably such that each first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 are moved towards and away from each other.

[0060] In more detail, each operating device 22 can be controlled between an active configuration and a rest configuration, in which the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 approach each other to at least partially form, preferably also transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4, and in the rest configuration, the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 are retracted from each other.

[0061] In addition, the package forming device 10 may further include a conveying unit 25 configured to advance each first operation group 23 and each second operation group 24 along a corresponding advancement path.

[0062] In more detail, each propulsion path may include an operating part and a return part. When in use, the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 are propulsed along the operating part along the propulsion direction of the tube 4. When in use, each first operating group 23 and each second operating group 24 are propulsed along the return part in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the tube 4, thereby returning each first operating group 23 and each second operating group 24 to the corresponding operating part.

[0063] Furthermore, during advancement of the respective first operating group 23 and the respective second operating group 24 along the respective operating section, each operating device 22 can be controlled from the respective rest configuration to the respective active configuration to preferably at least partially form, more preferably transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4.

[0064] In more detail, in use, after completing at least partial shaping of the tube 4, preferably also transverse sealing and transverse cutting, each operating device 22 can be controlled to return to the respective rest configuration.

[0065] In other words, during the advancement of each first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 along the corresponding operating portion, each first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 can move toward each other. After the corresponding at least partial forming of the tube 4, preferably also the transverse sealing and / or transverse cutting, each first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 are retracted from each other.

[0066] Especially reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 26 (shown only partially to the extent necessary to understand the present invention) that movably carries each handling device 22.

[0067] The support structure 26 may include one or more support assemblies 27 , each movably carrying a respective operating device 22 .

[0068] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include two (preferably exactly two) handling devices 22, and the support structure 26 may include two (preferably exactly two) support assemblies 27. Preferably, the support assemblies 27 may be spaced apart from each other. Even more preferably, the support assemblies 27 may be arranged so that the tube 4, which is advanced during use, may be inserted between the support assemblies 27. In other words, the support assemblies 27 may define and / or delimit a propulsion space through which the tube 4 is advanced during use.

[0069] Advantageously, each support assembly 27 may comprise a respective first guide 28 , preferably having a linear shape, and a respective second guide (not shown), preferably having a linear shape, spaced apart from the respective first guide 28 .

[0070] Preferably, the support structure 26 , more preferably each support assembly 27 , may extend along a respective longitudinal axis B.

[0071] More preferably, each first guide 28 and each second guide may extend along a linear axis defining and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis B.

[0072] Preferably, each first guide 28 and each second guide may assume a vertical orientation.

[0073] As will be explained in greater detail further below, each first guide 28 and the corresponding second guide may at least partially define a corresponding advancement path of the corresponding first operating group 23 and a corresponding advancement path of the corresponding second operating group 24 .

[0074] Especially reference Figures 3 to 6 , each operating device 22 further comprises a carrier 30 movably coupled to the support structure 26 (preferably coupled to a corresponding support assembly 27). Preferably, each carrier 30 may be movably coupled to a corresponding first guide 28 and a corresponding second guide.

[0075] Preferably, each first operation group 23 and corresponding second operation group 24 can be carried by a corresponding carrier 30. More preferably, the movement of the corresponding carrier 30 also causes the movement of the corresponding operation device 22, preferably the movement of the corresponding first operation group 23 and the corresponding second operation group 24.

[0076] More specifically, the transfer unit 25 may be configured to move each operating device 22 , preferably each carrier 30 , and more preferably the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 along the first advancing path.

[0077] Furthermore, the transfer unit 25 may be configured to move each carrier 30 preferably back and forth along the corresponding first guide 28 and the corresponding second guide so as to move the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 along the corresponding advancement path.

[0078] Specific reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 Each operating device 22 comprises a shell assembly 31 which is controllable between an operating configuration in which the shell assembly 31 is configured to at least partially shape the tube 4 and an idle configuration in which the shell assembly 31 is configured to be separated from the tube 4 .

[0079] In more detail, each shell assembly 31 comprises two half-shells 32 configured to cooperate to at least partially form the tube 4 when the shell assembly 31 is in the respective operating configuration.

[0080] Preferably, the respective two half-shells 32 of each shell assembly 31 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 when the shell assembly 31 is in the operational configuration.

[0081] In more detail, each first operating group 23 includes one of the respective half-shells 32 of the respective shell assembly 31 , and the respective second operating group 24 includes the other of the respective half-shells 32 of the respective shell assembly 31 .

[0082] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each housing assembly 31 can be in a respective operational configuration and a respective idle configuration when the respective operating device 22 is in a respective active configuration and a respective rest configuration.

[0083] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the two half-shells 32 of each shell assembly 31 can be retracted from and moved closer to each other when the corresponding shell assembly 31 is in the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration, respectively.

[0084] More specifically, for each housing assembly 31, when the corresponding housing assembly 31 is controlled in the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration, the corresponding half housing 32 of the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding half housing 32 of the corresponding second operating group 24 can be arranged in the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position, respectively. In particular, the corresponding half housing 32 of the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding half housing 32 of the corresponding second operating group 24 can be retracted from each other when located in the corresponding first position, and can be moved closer to each other when located in the corresponding second position.

[0085] In order to control each shell component 31 between a corresponding idle configuration and a corresponding operating configuration, and preferably control the corresponding half shell 32 between a corresponding first position and a corresponding second position, the packaging forming device 10 also includes one or more drive units 37, each of which is configured to control at least one corresponding shell component 31 between a corresponding idle configuration and a corresponding operating configuration, and preferably control the corresponding half shell 32 between a corresponding first position and a corresponding second position.

[0086] More specifically, each drive unit 37 comprises:

[0087] a drive mechanism 38 operatively coupled to the respective shell component 31 , preferably the respective half-shell 32 , and associated with the respective carrier 30 , preferably coupled to the respective carrier 30 ; and

[0088] a drive group 39 mounted to the support structure 26 and coupled to the respective drive mechanism 38 and configured to move the respective drive mechanism 38 and thereby actuate the respective shell assembly 31 between the idle configuration and the working configuration, preferably actuate the respective half-shell 32 between the respective first position and the second position.

[0089] Each drive group 39 is configured to cause the corresponding drive mechanism 38 to move along a second propulsion path parallel to the corresponding first propulsion path, and to create a difference between the movement of the carrier 30 and the movement of the drive mechanism 38 (i.e., at least temporarily applying a first motion trajectory to the corresponding drive mechanism 38 and applying a second motion trajectory different from the first motion trajectory to the corresponding carrier 30), thereby actuating the corresponding shell assembly 31 to move between the idle configuration and the operating configuration, preferably the corresponding half shell 32 to move between the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position.

[0090] In more detail, each drive group 39 can be configured to move the corresponding drive mechanism 38 along the second propulsion path according to a motion trajectory that is different from the motion trajectory according to which the corresponding carrier 30 is moved along the first propulsion path. In particular, because the speed at which the corresponding drive group 39 moves the corresponding drive mechanism 38 along the second propulsion path is different from the speed at which the corresponding transfer unit 25 moves the corresponding carrier 30 along the first propulsion path, the first motion trajectory of the corresponding drive mechanism 38 and the motion trajectory of the corresponding carrier 30 may differ from each other. Because the corresponding motion trajectory of the corresponding drive mechanism 38 is different from the corresponding motion trajectory of the corresponding carrier 30, relative movement occurs between the corresponding drive mechanism 38 and the corresponding carrier 30, which causes the corresponding shell assembly 31 to move between the idle configuration and the operating configuration, preferably the corresponding half-shell 32 to move between the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position.

[0091] The Applicant has observed that this allows increasing the flexibility of the package forming device 10 and allows for a more precise control of the respective shell assembly 31 .

[0092] It should be noted that since each drive mechanism 38 is associated with a respective carrier 30 and a respective housing assembly 31 , the respective drive group 39 must operate:

[0093] - causing the corresponding drive mechanism 38 to move together with the corresponding carrier 30 (in other words, the drive mechanism 38 and the carrier 30 move synchronously, i.e., have the same motion trajectory) so as to maintain the corresponding shell assembly 31 in the current configuration; and

[0094] - The corresponding drive mechanism 38 does not move together with the corresponding carrier 30 (in other words, the actuation mechanism and the carrier 30 move asynchronously, i.e. have different motion trajectories) in order to move the corresponding shell assembly 31 from the current configuration to the corresponding idle configuration, or to the corresponding operating configuration.

[0095] Preferably, each current configuration may correspond to a corresponding idle configuration, a corresponding operating configuration, or an intermediate configuration between the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration.

[0096] In other words, each drive group 39 can decelerate and accelerate the advancement of the corresponding drive mechanism 38 along the corresponding second advancement path relative to the advancement of the corresponding carrier 30 along the corresponding first advancement path, thereby actuating the movement of the corresponding shell assembly 31 between the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration.

[0097] Preferably, the transfer unit 25 may be configured to move (preferably back and forth) each carrier 30 along the first linear direction D1 .

[0098] Additionally, each drive group 39 may be configured to move (preferably back and forth) the corresponding drive mechanism 38 along a second linear direction D2 that is parallel to the corresponding first linear direction D1 .

[0099] Especially reference Figures 4 to 6 Each drive mechanism 38 may include at least one control rod 40, preferably at least two control rods 40, more preferably exactly two control rods 40, operatively connected to the corresponding drive group 39 and the corresponding housing assembly 31. Preferably, the corresponding two control rods 40 may be parallel and adjacent to each other.

[0100] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the corresponding drive group 39 can be configured to move the corresponding control rod 40 along the second propulsion path, in particular, to linearly move the corresponding control rod 40. More preferably, the corresponding drive group 39 can be configured to cause a difference between the movement of the corresponding carrier 30 and the movement of the corresponding control rod 40 (i.e., to move the corresponding carrier 30 and the corresponding control rod 40 according to different motion trajectories) so as to actuate the movement of the corresponding shell assembly 31 between the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration, in particular, to move the corresponding shell assembly 31 in the corresponding idle configuration or the corresponding operating configuration.

[0101] Preferably, the respective control rods 40 are moved simultaneously.

[0102] Preferably, each control rod 40 may have a straight shape.

[0103] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the control rods 40 of each drive mechanism 38 may be parallel to one another.

[0104] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each carrier 30 may include a support housing 41 and the corresponding control rod 40 may be movably arranged within the support housing 41. Preferably, the movement of each control rod 40 may be guided within the corresponding support housing 41.

[0105] When the corresponding drive group 39 synchronously moves the corresponding control rod 40 relative to the corresponding carrier 30, no relative movement occurs between the corresponding control rod 40 and the corresponding support housing 41. In addition, when the corresponding drive group 39 asynchronously moves the corresponding control rod 40 relative to the corresponding carrier 30, relative movement occurs between the corresponding control rod 40 and the corresponding support housing 41, and the current configuration of the corresponding housing assembly 31 changes.

[0106] Especially reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 Each half-shell 32 may include a main plate 42 and two side plates 43 configured to engage the tube 4 when the corresponding half-shell 32 is in the second position (ie, when the corresponding shell assembly 31 is in the operating configuration).

[0107] More specifically, each main plate 42 and / or corresponding side plate 43 may be movable, preferably angularly movable, so as to engage with the tube 4 when the corresponding half-shell 32 is in the corresponding second position and to move away from the tube 4 when the corresponding half-shell 32 is in the corresponding first position.

[0108] Especially reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 , each operating device 22 may include two control mechanisms 44, each operatively coupled to a respective drive mechanism 38 and a respective half-shell 32. Preferably, the respective drive mechanism 38 is configured to actuate the respective control mechanism 44.

[0109] In more detail, each control mechanism 44 may be connected to the corresponding main plate 42 and / or the corresponding side plate 43 and may be configured to actuate movement of the corresponding main plate 42 and / or the corresponding side plate 43 , in particular controlled by the corresponding drive mechanism 38 .

[0110] Preferably, the corresponding control rod 40 of each drive mechanism 38 may also be coupled to a corresponding control mechanism 44 .

[0111] In addition, each drive group 39 can be configured to move the corresponding control rod 40 according to the movement of the corresponding carrier 30, and cause a difference in the movement of the corresponding control rod 40 relative to the movement of the corresponding carrier 30 (i.e., move the corresponding control rod 40 and the corresponding carrier 30 with different motion trajectories) so as to actuate the movement of each of the corresponding two control mechanisms 44, thereby moving the corresponding two half shells 32 between the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position.

[0112] In more detail, each control mechanism 44 may include a respective shaft 45 connected to a respective coupling rod 48 and rotatable about a respective rotation axis.

[0113] Additionally, each control mechanism 44 may include a respective lever assembly 46 connected to the respective shaft 45 and the respective main plate 42 and the respective side plate 43 and configured to move the respective main plate 42 and the respective side plate 43 upon angular movement of the respective shaft 45 about the respective rotation axis.

[0114] Preferably, each drive mechanism 38, preferably a respective lever 40, can be operatively coupled to a respective shaft 45. More preferably, in case the respective lever 40 performs a relative movement with respect to the respective support housing 41, an angular movement of the respective shaft 45 is actuated.

[0115] In more detail, each drive mechanism 38 may comprise a support 47 connected to and / or carried by a respective control rod 40, and two coupling rods 48, each hinged to the support 47 and each operably connected to a respective control mechanism 44, preferably a respective shaft 45, and configured to actuate an angular rotation of the shaft 45 about a respective axis of rotation.

[0116] Preferably, each coupling rod 48 may have a boomerang shape.

[0117] In use, upon movement of the respective control lever 40 relative to the respective support housing 41 , the respective coupling lever 48 rotates about the respective hinge axis and thereby actuates a respective angular movement of the respective shaft 45 .

[0118] Especially reference Figures 3 to 6 , each drive group 39 may include:

[0119] - annular belt 52;

[0120] - an actuating rod 53 connected to the endless belt 52 and the corresponding drive mechanism 38; and

[0121] An actuator 54 , preferably an electric motor, more preferably a servo motor, configured to move the endless belt 52 along the belt advancement path and selectively move the actuator rod 53 .

[0122] In particular, the actuator rod 53 may be coupled to a corresponding control rod 40 .

[0123] Preferably, each drive mechanism 38 may comprise a coupling element 55 carrying the respective control rod 40 and connected to the respective actuator rod 53 .

[0124] In further detail, the actuator 54 can be configured to move the annular belt 52 in a manner that the corresponding drive mechanism 38 (preferably the corresponding control rod 40) moves synchronously relative to the corresponding carrier 30 to maintain the corresponding shell assembly 31 in a current configuration, and selectively move the annular belt 52 in a manner that the corresponding drive mechanism 38 (preferably the corresponding control rod 40) moves asynchronously relative to the corresponding carrier 30 to change the corresponding current configuration between the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration.

[0125] In particular, each actuator 54 may be arranged in a fixed position when in use, ie the actuator 54 does not move when the respective carrier 30 and / or the respective drive mechanism 38 (preferably the respective control rod 40 ) moves.

[0126] In more detail, each drive group 39 may include at least one driving pulley 56 and one or more auxiliary pulleys 57 connected to the corresponding actuator 54. In addition, the corresponding endless belt 54 may be wound around the corresponding driving pulley 56 and the corresponding one or more auxiliary pulleys 57.

[0127] In use, the actuator 54 actuates the angular movement of the corresponding driving pulley 56, thereby causing the movement of the corresponding endless belt 52 along the corresponding belt propulsion path. In particular, the direction of propulsion is thus dependent on the rotational direction of the angular movement of the corresponding driving pulley 56. The movement of the corresponding endless belt 52 also causes the movement of the corresponding actuator rod 53.

[0128] Furthermore, by accelerating and decelerating the corresponding endless belt 52 , the corresponding control rod 40 can be moved relative to the corresponding carrier 30 (preferably the corresponding support housing 41 ).

[0129] In particular, each active pulley 56 and each auxiliary pulley 57 can be arranged in a fixed position when in use, i.e., each active pulley 56 and each auxiliary pulley 57 does not move when the corresponding carrier 30 and / or the corresponding drive mechanism 38 (preferably the corresponding control rod 40) moves.

[0130] Especially reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , each operating device 22 may include a first supporting portion 60 and a second supporting portion 61 mounted to the corresponding carrier 30 and movable relative to each other.

[0131] Preferably, each first support portion 60 and each second support portion 61 can be movable, more preferably can be angularly moved around the corresponding rotation axis between a corresponding first position and a corresponding second position, in which each first support portion 60 and the corresponding second support portion 61 can be retracted from each other, and in the corresponding second position, each first support portion 60 and the corresponding second support portion 61 can be close to each other.

[0132] Furthermore, each first operating group 23 may be connected to a corresponding first supporting portion 60 and a corresponding second operating group 24 may be connected to a corresponding second supporting portion 61 .

[0133] In particular, each of the first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 may be connected to the corresponding first supporting portion 60 and the corresponding second supporting portion 61 , respectively, so as to move together with the corresponding first supporting portion 60 and the corresponding second supporting portion 61 , respectively.

[0134] In more detail, when the first supporting portion 60 and the corresponding second supporting portion 61 are in the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position, respectively, the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 may be retracted from and approached to each other, respectively.

[0135] Furthermore, when the corresponding operating device 22 is controlled in the corresponding rest configuration and the corresponding operating configuration, the corresponding first supporting portion 60 and the corresponding second supporting portion 61 may be controlled in the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position, respectively.

[0136] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging forming unit 10 may include one or more actuating units 62, preferably two, each coupled to a corresponding first support portion 60 and a corresponding second support portion 61 and configured to control the corresponding relative movement between the corresponding first support portion 60 and the corresponding second support portion 61, preferably to move the corresponding first support portion 60 and the corresponding second support portion 61 between the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position.

[0137] Especially reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The transfer unit 25 may include a coupling rod 63 connected to the carrier 30, a main endless belt 64 carrying the coupling rod 63, and a corresponding main actuator 65, preferably an electric motor, configured to move the main endless belt 64 and thereby move the coupling rod 63 and the corresponding carrier 30.

[0138] Preferably, the main actuator 65 may be configured to move the main endless belt 64 in a first propulsion direction and a second propulsion direction opposite the first propulsion direction so as to move the carrier 30 back and forth along the support structure 26 , preferably along the respective first guide 28 and the respective second guide.

[0139] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each operating device 22 may include a corresponding sealing element 66 and a corresponding reverse sealing element 67 configured to transversely seal the tube 4. Preferably, one of the corresponding first operating group 23 and the second operating group 24 may include the corresponding sealing element 66 and the other of the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 may include the corresponding reverse sealing element 67. More preferably, each sealing element 66 may be associated with the corresponding first operating group 23, and the corresponding reverse sealing element 67 may be associated with the corresponding second operating group 24.

[0140] Preferably, each sealing element 66 and corresponding counter-sealing element 67 may be configured to cooperatively compress and laterally seal the tube 4 .

[0141] In more detail, each sealing element 66 can include a source configured to generate the energy required to achieve a sealing effect (particularly, to achieve heating of the packaging material). For example, the sealing element 66 can be a sonotrode having an ultrasonic transmitter, or the sealing element 66 can include an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-sealing element 67 can be a passive element (i.e., lacking an active source). For example, the counter-sealing element 67 can be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0142] Preferably, each sealing element 66 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 67 can approach and retract from each other as the corresponding first operating group 23 and the corresponding second operating group 24 approach and retract from each other, respectively.

[0143] Furthermore, each operating device 22 may comprise 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 it by a respective sealing element 66 and a respective counter-sealing element 67.

[0144] Each cutting assembly may include a cutting blade associated with one of the respective first operating group 23 and the respective second operating group 24 , preferably with the respective second operating group 24 .

[0145] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0146] 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 at least partially forms, transversely seals, and transversely cuts the tube 4 to obtain a package 2.

[0147] In more detail, during operation of the package forming device 10 , the operating apparatus 22 at least partially forms the tube 4 , preferably also transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4 .

[0148] During operation of each operating device 22 , the respective first operating group 23 and the respective second operating group 24 are cyclically moved toward and retracted from each other.

[0149] Furthermore, the housing assembly 31 is cycled between respective idle and operational configurations.

[0150] In particular, each carrier 30 is advanced along a corresponding first advancement path by a corresponding transport unit 25 , and advanced along a corresponding second advancement path by a corresponding drive mechanism 38 via a corresponding drive group 39 .

[0151] In order to control the movement of the corresponding housing assembly 31 between the corresponding idle configuration and the corresponding operating configuration, the corresponding drive group 39 selectively controls the movement of the corresponding drive mechanism 38 relative to the corresponding carrier 30 .

[0152] 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.

[0153] In particular, due to the drive unit 37, the housing assembly 31 can be controlled in a flexible manner.

[0154] Furthermore, the shell assembly 31 can be precisely controlled.

[0155] Obviously, changes may be made to the package forming device 10 and / or 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); The packaging forming device (10) comprises: - a supporting structure (26); as well as - at least one handling device (22) movably coupled to the support structure (26) and configured to at least partially form the tube (4); The operating device (22) at least comprises: - a carrier (30) movably coupled to the support structure (26); and a shell assembly (31) controllable between an operating configuration, in which the shell assembly (31) is configured to at least partially form the tube (4), and an idle configuration, in which the shell assembly (31) is configured to be separated from the tube (4); The packaging forming device (10) further comprises: a transport unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) together with the handling device (22) along a first propulsion path; and - a drive unit (37) configured to control each housing assembly (31) between a respective said idle configuration and a respective said operating configuration; The driving unit (37) comprises: - a drive mechanism (38) operatively coupled to said housing assembly (31) and associated with said respective carrier (30); and a drive group (39) mounted to the support structure (26) and coupled to the drive mechanism (38) and configured to move the drive mechanism (38) to actuate the housing assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operational configuration; The drive group (39) is configured to move the drive mechanism (38) along a second propulsion path parallel to the first propulsion path and cause a difference between the movement of the carrier (30) and the movement of the drive mechanism (38), thereby actuating the movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operating configuration.

2. A packaging forming device according to claim 1, wherein the drive group (39) is configured to selectively cause the drive mechanism (38) to move synchronously relative to the carrier (30) to maintain the shell assembly (31) in a current configuration, and selectively cause the drive mechanism (38) to move asynchronously relative to the carrier (30) to change the current configuration.

3. The packaging forming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveying unit (25) is configured to move the carrier (30) along a first linear direction, and the drive group (39) is configured to move the drive mechanism (38) along a second linear direction parallel to the first linear direction.

4. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (30) comprises a support housing (41), and the drive mechanism (38) comprises at least one control rod (40) movably arranged within the support housing (41) and operatively coupled to the drive group (39) and the shell assembly (31); The drive group (39) is configured to cause a difference between movement of the support housing (41) and movement of the at least one control rod (40), thereby actuating movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operational configuration.

5. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive group (39) comprises: - annular belt (52); - an actuator rod (53) connected to the endless belt (52) and the drive mechanism (38); as well as - an actuator (54) configured to move the endless belt (52) along a belt propulsion path, and to selectively move the actuator rod (53) and thereby synchronously move the drive mechanism (38) relative to the carrier (30) so as to maintain the shell assembly (31) in a current configuration, and to selectively move the actuator rod (53) and thereby asynchronously move the drive mechanism (38) relative to the carrier (30) to change the current configuration.

6. A package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (22) comprises a first operating group (23) and a second operating group (24) configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube (4); wherein each of the first operating group (23) and the second operating group (24) comprises a respective half shell (32) of the shell assembly (31); wherein the half shells (32) of the first operating group (23) and the half shells (32) of the second operating group (24) are configured to engage with the tube (4) from opposite sides of the tube (4); in, When the shell assembly (31) is controlled in the idle configuration and the operational configuration, the corresponding half shells (32) of the first operational group (23) and the corresponding half shells (32) of the second operational group (24) are arranged in a corresponding first position and a corresponding second position, respectively; wherein the respective half shells (32) of the first operating group (23) and the respective half shells (32) of the second operating group (24) are retracted from each other when in the respective first positions and approach each other when in the respective second positions; The drive mechanism (38) is operably coupled to the half-shell (32) and is configured to move the half-shell (32) between the respective first position and the respective second position.

7. The package forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each operating device (22) comprises two control mechanisms (44), each coupled to a corresponding said drive mechanism (38) and a corresponding half-shell (32); wherein the drive mechanism (38) includes at least one control rod (40) operatively coupled to each of the drive group (39) and the corresponding control mechanism (44); The drive group (39) is configured to move the at least one control rod (40) according to the movement of the carrier (30) and cause a difference in the movement of the at least one control rod (40) relative to the movement of the carrier (30) so as to actuate the movement of the two control mechanisms (44), thereby moving the two half-shells (32) between the corresponding first position and the corresponding second position.

8. The packaging forming device according to claim 7, wherein the driving mechanism (38) comprises: - a support (47) connected to said at least one control rod (40); as well as - Two coupling rods (48), each coupling rod (48) being articulated to said support (47) and each coupling rod (48) being operatively connected to a respective control mechanism (44).

9. The package forming device according to claim 8, wherein each control mechanism (44) comprises a respective shaft (45) connected to the respective coupling rod (48) and rotatable about a respective rotation axis.

10. A packaging forming device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each half shell (42) comprises a corresponding main plate (42) and two side plates (43), and the side plates (43) are configured to engage with the tube (4) when the corresponding half shell (42) is in the second position.

11. The package forming device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein one of the first operation group (23) and the second operation group (24) comprises a sealing element (66), and the other of the first operation group (23) and the second operation group (24) comprises a counter-sealing element (42); and One of the first operation group (23) and the second operation group (24) includes a cutting blade.

12. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (26) comprises at least a first guide (28) and a second guide, and the carrier (30) is movably coupled to the first guide (28) and the second guide; The transport unit (25) is configured to move the carrier (30) back and forth along the first guide (28) and the second guide to advance the carrier (30) along the first advancement path.

13. A packaging forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying unit (25) includes a corresponding main annular belt (64) carrying a coupling rod (63) connected to the carrier (30) and a corresponding main actuator (65) configured to move the main annular belt (64) along a first propulsion direction and a second propulsion direction opposite to the first propulsion direction.

14. A package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each handling device (22) comprises: - a first operating group (23) and a second operating group (24) configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube (4); as well as - a first support portion (60) and a second support portion (61) mounted to the carrier (30) and movable relative to each other; wherein the first support portion (60) carries the first operating group (23) and the second support portion (61) carries the second operating group (24); The packaging forming device (10) includes an actuating unit (62) coupled to the first supporting portion (60) and the second supporting portion (61) and configured to control relative movement between the first supporting portion (60) and the second supporting portion (61).

15. Packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) of pourable products from an advancing tube (4), the tube (4) being formed from a web (3) of packaging material and longitudinally sealed; The packaging machine (1) comprises: a conveying device (11) configured to advance the web (3) of packaging material along a web advancement path (P) and to advance the tube (4) along a tube advancement path (Q); - a tube forming and sealing device (12) configured to form said tube (4) from said web (3) of packaging material and to longitudinally seal said tube (4); - a filling device (13) for filling said tube (4) with said pourable product; and - A package forming device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images