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 an operating device (23) having a first operating group (24) and a second operating group (25) configured to at least laterally seal tubes (4). One of the respective first operating group (24) and the respective second operating group (25) comprises a movable pair (26) of interactive projections (27) configured to interact with the tube (4) from opposite sides of the tube (4) in use and configured to move relative to each other. The operating device (23) further comprises an actuating device (28) operably coupled to the interaction projections (27) of the pair (26) and comprising an actuating body (29) configured to move linearly in the direction of movement (D) and to change the relative position of the interaction projections (27) of the interaction projections (27) of the pair (26) during movement in the direction of movement (D); a first guide surface (30) and a second guide surface (31) spaced apart from each other and configured to induce linear movement of the movable body (29); one or more first rollers (32) coupled to the first guide surface (30) and the actuating body (29); and / or one or more second rollers (33) coupled to the second guide surface (31) and to the actuating body (29).

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 a first operating group and a second operating group configured to at least partially form and transversely seal and cut a tube that is advanced in use.

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

[0011] The operating device further comprises an actuation device coupled to the interaction protrusions and configured to change the relative positions of the interaction protrusions.

[0012] The actuation device includes an actuation body coupled to the inter-protrusions and configured to move linearly, thereby changing the relative positions of the inter-protrusions.

[0013] The actuating device further comprises a first guide surface and a second guide surface configured to guide the linear movement of the actuating body. During its movement, the actuating body slides on the first guide surface and the second guide surface.

[0014] 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

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming apparatus.

[0016] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming device as claimed in claim 1.

[0018] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package forming device are claimed in the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1 .

[0019] According to the invention, a packaging machine according to claim 15 is also provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] 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;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of a detail of a package forming apparatus with some parts removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the package forming device details;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of a detail with some parts removed for clarity;

[0025] Figure 5 It is taken along the first section Figure 4 a partial cross-sectional view with parts removed for clarity;

[0026] Figure 6 It is taken along the second section Figure 4 partial cross-sectional views with parts removed for clarity; and

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An enlarged perspective view of a portion in cross-section with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In more detail, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3 .

[0034] Preferably, the web 3 comprises a succession of patterns, each pattern defining a final graphic pattern of a respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 operates, when in use, to ensure that the package 2 comprises a respective pattern.

[0035] 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.

[0036] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0037] 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 .

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Special References Figure 1The packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming device 10 configured to transversely seal, preferably transversely cut the tube 4 to obtain a semi-finished package, preferably a packaging bag. Preferably, the package forming device 10 may also be configured to shape the tube 4.

[0042] Preferably, the package forming device 10 may comprise an advancement space within which the tube 4 is advanced in use.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In addition, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise:

[0045] 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;

[0046] - 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

[0047] - A filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 .

[0050] 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 .

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 .

[0055] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may further comprise a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on the longitudinal seam portion 6 in order to ensure that the tube 4 is sealed along the longitudinal seam portion 6 .

[0056] 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.

[0057] Special References Figure 1 and Figure 2 The packaging forming device 10 may include one or more (preferably multiple) operating devices 23 (only partially shown to the extent required for understanding the present invention), each of which is configured to at least transversely seal and preferably transversely cut the tube 4 and / or shape (form) the tube 4.

[0058] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each operating device 23 to transversely seal and preferably transversely cut the tube 4 along equidistant transverse sections, thereby preferably forming a respective first transverse sealing band 5 and / or a respective second transverse sealing band.

[0059] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming device 10 may comprise at least two (preferably exactly two) operating devices 23 .

[0060] More in detail and with particular reference to Figure 2 , each operating device 23 may comprise at least a first operating group 24 and a second operating group 25 , which are configured to cooperate with each other to at least transversely seal, preferably cut and also at least partially form the tube 4 .

[0061] In particular, each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are movable relative to each other, preferably such that each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are moved toward and away from each other.

[0062] In more detail, each operating device 23 can be controlled between an active configuration and a rest configuration, in which the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 approach each other to seal the tube 4, and preferably also transversely cut and / or at least partially form the tube 4, and in the rest configuration, the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are retracted from each other.

[0063] In addition, the package forming device 10 may further include a conveying unit configured to advance each first operation group 24 and each second operation group 25 along a corresponding first advancing path and a corresponding second advancing path, respectively.

[0064] In more detail, the first propulsion path and the second propulsion path may include an operating portion and a return portion. When in use, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 are advanced along the operating portion along the propulsion direction of the tube 4. When in use, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 are advanced along the return portion in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the tube 4, thereby returning each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 to the corresponding operating portion.

[0065] In addition, during the advancement of the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 along the corresponding operating part, each operating device 23 can be controlled from the corresponding rest configuration to the corresponding active configuration, thereby preferably transversely sealing the tube 4, and preferably also transversely cutting and at least partially forming the tube 4.

[0066] In more detail, in use, after completing each transverse seal of the tube 4 , preferably after a respective transverse cut and / or partial forming thereof, each operating device 23 can be controlled to return to a respective rest configuration.

[0067] In other words, during the advancement of each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 along the corresponding operating portion, each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 can move toward each other. After the corresponding transverse sealing, preferably the corresponding transverse cutting and partial forming of the tube 4 are completed, each first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are retracted from each other.

[0068] Special References Figure 6 , each operating device 23, preferably one of the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 (in the embodiment shown, the respective second operating group 25), comprises a movable pair 26 of interacting protrusions 27, which are configured to interact with the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 when in use.

[0069] In particular, the inter-protrusions 27 in each pair 26 of inter-protrusions 27 are movable relative to each other, preferably so as to selectively move the inter-protrusions 27 towards each other or away from each other.

[0070] Preferably, each pair 26 of interacting protrusions 27 is controllable between a first extreme position in which the corresponding interacting protrusions 27 are configured to be separated from the tube 4 when in use, and a second extreme position in which the corresponding interacting protrusions 27 are configured to be in contact with the tube 4 when in use.

[0071] Preferably, the corresponding mutual projections 27 of each pair 26 of mutual projections 27 can be closer to each other when in the second extreme position than when in the first extreme position. In other words, the mutual projections 27 are retracted from each other when in the first extreme position and approach each other when in the second extreme position.

[0072] In more detail, the interacting projections 27 of each pair 26 may be configured to interact with the tube 4 being advanced in use, from the opposite side of the tube 4 , preferably when in the second extreme position, so as to exert a pulling force on the tube 4 .

[0073] In more detail, each pair 26 of interacting protrusions 27 can be configured to control and / or change the advancement of the tube 4 so that the tube 4 is "aligned", which means that each pair 26 of interacting protrusions 27 ensures that the corresponding operating equipment 23 (preferably the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25) transversely seals and / or cuts the tube 4 at the expected area of ​​the corresponding pattern, in particular so that the corresponding finished package 2 has the corresponding desired pattern.

[0074] Furthermore, the interlocking projections 27 of each pair 26 may be configured to exert a controlled pulling force on the tube 4 so as to “pull” the tube 4 in a downstream direction along the tube advancement path Q.

[0075] In more detail, the controlled pulling force may depend on the relative distance between the respective inter-protrusions 27 of each pair 26, preferably on the degree to which the inter-protrusions 27 of each pair 26 are controlled between the respective first and second extreme positions. In other words, the controlled pulling force may depend on the actual interaction position at which the inter-protrusions 27 of the pair 26 cease interacting with the tube 4, the actual interaction position being between or corresponding to the respective first and second extreme positions. In other words, the controlled pulling force is a function of the relative distance between the respective inter-protrusions 27.

[0076] Preferably, when the inter-protrusions 27 of the respective pairs 26 are in the respective first extreme positions, the respective inter-protrusions 27 are separated (spaced apart) from the tube 4 advanced along the tube advancement path Q during use, i.e., the respective inter-protrusions 27 do not contact the tube 4 and therefore do not apply any pulling force to the tube 4. In other words, when the inter-protrusions 27 of the respective pairs 26 are in the respective first extreme positions, the respective inter-protrusions 27 are positioned so that they do not interact with the tube 4 advanced along the advancement path Q.

[0077] Preferably, when the inter-protrusions 27 of a respective pair 26 are in the respective second extreme position, the respective inter-protrusions 27 , in use, contact the tube 4 advanced along the tube advancement path Q and preferably exert a maximum pulling force on the tube 4 .

[0078] Furthermore, the inter-protrusions 27 of each pair 26 may be configured to be controllable between a first extreme position and a second extreme position in order to control the pulling force exerted by the respective inter-protrusion 27 on the tube 4 .

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the mutual projections 27 of each pair 26 may also be configured to fold the tube 4 , preferably to different degrees, so as to define a flap of a respective semi-finished product package.

[0080] In this context, it is considered that each semi-finished product package may comprise a pair of sealing fins arranged at opposite ends of the semi-finished product package and flaps protruding laterally from the opposite ends.

[0081] Special References Figures 3 to 7 , each operating device 23 comprises an actuating device 28 operatively coupled to the interacting projections 27 of the corresponding pair 26 .

[0082] Each actuation device 28 may comprise:

[0083] an actuating body 29 configured to move linearly along the movement direction D and to change the relative position of the respective inter-protrusions 27 of the respective pairs 26 of inter-protrusions 27 during the movement along the movement direction D;

[0084] a first guide surface 30 and a second guide surface 31 , which are spaced apart from each other and are configured to guide the linear movement of the respective actuating body 29 ;

[0085] one or more first rollers 32 having a first axis of rotation B transverse to the direction of movement D and coupled to the first guide surface 30 and the actuating body 29 ; and / or

[0086] One or more second rollers 33 having a second axis of rotation C transverse to the direction of movement D and coupled to the second guide surface 31 and to the actuating body 29 .

[0087] In particular, by each actuating device 28 having one or more first rollers 32 and / or one or more second rollers 33 , wear may be reduced (compared to solutions known in the art).

[0088] Preferably, in use, during linear movement of the actuating body 29 along the movement direction D, one or more respective first rollers 32 roll on the respective first guide surface 30 and / or one or more respective second rollers 33 roll on the respective second guide surface 31 .

[0089] For more details, refer to Figure 6 , the corresponding one or more first rollers 32 of each actuating device 28 can contact the corresponding first guide surface 30 and can be connected to the corresponding actuating body 29, and / or the corresponding one or more second rollers 33 of each actuating device 28 can contact the second guide surface 31 and can be connected to the corresponding actuating body 29.

[0090] In more detail, each first roller 32 and / or each second roller 33 may comprise a respective shaft 34 mounted to the respective actuating body 29 and defining a respective first axis of rotation B or a respective second axis of rotation C.

[0091] Furthermore, each first roller 32 and / or each second roller 33 may comprise a running wheel 35 rotatably coupled to the respective shaft 34. Preferably, the shaft 34 itself is not rotatable about the respective first axis of rotation B or the respective second axis of rotation C.

[0092] Alternatively, each shaft 34 may be rotatably coupled to the respective actuating body 29 about the respective first rotation axis B or the respective second rotation axis C.

[0093] Special References Figure 6 and Figure 7Each actuator body 29 may include one or more first seats 40, each of which accommodates at least one corresponding first roller 32; and / or one or more second seats 41, each of which accommodates at least one corresponding second roller 33. Preferably, the corresponding shaft 34 may be at least partially arranged in the corresponding first seat 40 or the corresponding second seat 41.

[0094] Preferably, when in use, the movement control of each actuating body 29 depends on the advancement of the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 along the first advancement path and the second advancement path respectively, in particular so that the interactive protrusions 27 of each pair 26 ensure that the tube 4 is "aligned", thereby allowing the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 to transversely seal and / or cut the tube 4 at the intended area of ​​the corresponding pattern.

[0095] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuating device 28 may include a plate 42 having a corresponding second guide surface 31 and one or more elastic elements 43 (e.g., one or more springs) applying a spring force F on the plate 42 and toward the corresponding actuating body 29.

[0096] In particular, the one or more elastic elements 43 can be configured to apply a spring force F to the plate 42 so as to press the plate 42 and / or the second guide surface 31 against the second roller 33. In addition, the action of the spring force F can also cause the first roller 32 to press against the first guide surface 30.

[0097] Furthermore, one or more elastic elements 43 ensure that the first roller 32 remains in contact with the first guide surface 30 and that the second roller 33 remains in contact with the second guide surface 31 .

[0098] Preferably, each actuation device 28 may further comprise one or more guide pins 44 , each guide pin being connected to a respective plate 42 , being surrounded by a respective elastic element 43 and being configured to guide the respective elastic element 43 .

[0099] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 28 can include a housing 45, and the corresponding actuation body 29, first guide surface 30, and second guide surface 31 can be disposed within the housing 45. In addition, the corresponding plate 42 can also be disposed within the housing 45.

[0100] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each housing 45 may include a fixing block 46 carrying a corresponding guide pin 44. Preferably, the corresponding one or more elastic elements 43 may be interposed between the corresponding fixing block 46 and the corresponding plate 42.

[0101] Furthermore, each housing 45 may include and / or carry a respective first guide surface 30 .

[0102] More in detail and with particular reference to Figure 6 Each first guide surface 30 and the corresponding second guide surface 31 may define a movement space therebetween and at least a portion of the corresponding actuating body 29 may be disposed within the movement space. Preferably, the movement space is positioned within the corresponding housing 45.

[0103] Specifically, the actuating body 29 is arranged in the movement space such that the actuating body 29 moves linearly in the movement space.

[0104] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuating body 29 may include a first surface 48 facing the corresponding first guide surface 30 and a second surface 49 opposite the first surface 48 and facing the corresponding second guide surface 31 .

[0105] Special References Figures 3 to 5 , each interacting projection 27 can perform an angular movement about a corresponding axis of rotation E.

[0106] Furthermore, a movement of the respective actuating body 29 in the movement direction D results in an angular movement of the respective inter-protrusion 27 about the respective rotation axis E, thereby moving the inter-protrusions 27 towards and away from each other.

[0107] Preferably, a movement of the respective actuating body 29 along the movement direction D causes an angular movement of the respective inter-protrusion 27 , thereby controlling the pairs 26 of inter-protrusions 27 between a respective first extreme position and a respective second extreme position.

[0108] In more detail, each actuating body 29 may include a first end 50 and a second end 51 opposite to the first end 50 .

[0109] Preferably, one inter-protrusion 27 of each pair 26 of inter-protrusions 27 may be coupled to a respective first end 50 , and the other inter-protrusion 27 of each pair 26 of inter-protrusions 27 may be coupled to a respective second end 51 .

[0110] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 3 The package forming device 10 may further include one or more actuation groups 55, each coupled to at least one actuation body 29 and configured to move the corresponding actuation body 29 along the corresponding movement direction D. Preferably, each actuation group 55 may include a cam mechanism configured to control the movement of the corresponding actuation body 29 along the corresponding movement direction D.

[0111] Preferably, each actuating device 28 may further comprise a control rod 56 connected to the respective actuating body 29 and the respective actuating group 55 .

[0112] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, at least one inner portion of each control lever 56 may be movably disposed within the corresponding housing 45 .

[0113] Preferably, each actuation group 55 may be connected to an outer portion of a corresponding control rod 56 , which may be arranged outside the corresponding housing 45 .

[0114] Furthermore, the respective cam mechanism may comprise a coupling rod 57 connected to the respective control rod 56 , preferably to the respective outer part, and a respective cam follower.

[0115] Special References Figure 2 and Figure 6 Each operating device 23 may comprise at least one sealing assembly having a respective sealing element 58 and a respective counter-sealing element 59 configured to cooperate with each other to laterally seal the other tube 4 .

[0116] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operating group 24 may include a respective sealing element 59 , and the respective second operating group 25 may include a respective counter-sealing element 59 .

[0117] More specifically, each sealing element 58 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 59 may be configured to at least laterally compress, in particular lay flat and squeeze, and laterally seal the tube 4 , in particular during advancement of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0118] Furthermore, each sealing element 58 and corresponding counter-sealing element 59 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 .

[0119] In more detail, each sealing element 58 can include a source configured to generate the energy required to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 58 can be a sonotrode having an ultrasonic transmitter, or the sealing element 58 can include an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-sealing element 59 can be a passive element (i.e., without an active source). For example, the counter-sealing element 59 can be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0120] In addition, each operating device 23 may include at least one cutting assembly configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting assembly may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after sealing the tube 4 by the corresponding sealing assembly.

[0121] Preferably, each sealing element 58 and the corresponding counter-sealing element 59 can be moved toward and retracted from each other, respectively, when the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 are moved toward and retracted from each other, respectively.

[0122] Each cutting assembly may include a cutting blade associated with one of the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 , preferably associated with the respective second operating group 25 .

[0123] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each handling device 23 may also include a shaping shell assembly configured to shape the tube 4 , preferably at least partially defining the shape of the package 2 .

[0124] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each forming shell assembly can include at least a first half-shell 60 and a second half-shell 61 that are configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially define the shape of the package 2. Preferably, each first half-shell 60 and the corresponding second half-shell 61 can be configured to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4.

[0125] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and corresponding second half shells 60 , 61 may be coupled to the first operating group 24 , and the other of the first and corresponding second half shells 60 , 61 may be coupled to the second operating group 25 .

[0126] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first and second half shells 60 , 61 may be coupled to the sealing element 59 , and the other of the first and second half shells 60 , 61 may be coupled to the counter-sealing element 49 .

[0127] Preferably, each first half-shell 60 and the corresponding second half-shell 61 can be moved toward and retracted from each other, while the corresponding first operating group 24 and the corresponding second operating group 25 can be moved toward and retracted from each other, respectively.

[0128] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0129] 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.

[0130] In more detail, during operation of the package forming device 10, the operating device 23 transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4. Preferably, the operating device 23 also forms the tube 4.

[0131] During operation of each operating device 23 , the respective first operating group 24 and the respective second operating group 25 are cyclically moved toward and withdrawn from each other.

[0132] Furthermore, by means of the actuating device 28 , by moving the respective actuating body 29 along the respective movement direction D, the mutual projections 27 of each pair 26 are selectively moved between a respective first extreme position and a respective second extreme position.

[0133] Thereby, the first roller 32 rolls on the first guide surface 30 , and the second roller 33 rolls on the second guide surface 31 .

[0134] Furthermore, the elastic element 43 exerts a spring force F on the corresponding plate 42 .

[0135] Preferably, the movement of each actuating body 29 can be controlled by a corresponding actuating group 55 .

[0136] Each first operating group 24 and corresponding second operating group 25 advances along a corresponding first advancement path and a corresponding second advancement path, respectively.

[0137] 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.

[0138] In particular, the actuating device 28 has reduced wear, thereby allowing the operating precision of the inter-protrusions 27 to be improved over time, as well as the operating stability to be improved over time.

[0139] Obviously, changes may be made to the package forming device 10 and / or to the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1), said package forming device (10) being configured to seal at least transversely a tube (4) in order to obtain a package (2) from said tube (4); wherein the package forming device (10) comprises at least one operating apparatus (23) having a first operating group (24) and a second operating group (25) configured to at least transversely seal the tube (4); wherein one of the respective first operating group (24) and the respective second operating group (25) comprises a movable pair (26) of interacting projections (27), the pair (26) of interacting projections (27) being configured to interact with the tube (4) from opposite sides of the tube (4) in use and being configured to move relative to each other; wherein the operating device (23) further comprises an actuating device (28) operatively coupled to the pair (26) of interacting protrusions (27); wherein the actuating device (28) comprises: an actuating body (29) configured to move linearly along a movement direction (D) and to change the relative position of the interacting protrusions (27) of the pair (26) of interacting protrusions (27) during movement along the movement direction (D); and a first guide surface (30) and a second guide surface (31) spaced apart from each other and configured to guide the linear movement of the actuating body (29); The actuating device (28) further comprises: one or more first rollers (32) having a first axis of rotation (B) transverse to said direction of movement (D) and coupled to said first guide surface (30) and said actuating body (29); and / or - one or more second rollers (33) having a second axis of rotation (C) transverse to the movement direction (D) and coupled to the second guide surface (31) and to the actuating body (29).

2. The packaging forming device according to claim 1, wherein: In use, during the linear movement of the actuating body (29) along the movement direction (D), the one or more first rollers (32) roll on the first guide surface (30) and / or the one or more second rollers (33) roll on the second guide surface (31).

3. A packaging forming device according to claim 2, wherein each of the one or more first rollers (32) and / or each of the one or more second rollers (33) includes a corresponding shaft (34), which is mounted to the actuator body (29) and defines the corresponding first rotation axis (B) or the corresponding second rotation axis (C).

4. A package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more first rollers (32) contact the first guide surface (31) and are connected to the actuating body (29); and / or The one or more second rollers (33) contact the second guide surface (31) and are connected to the actuating body (29).

5. A packaging forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating body (29) includes one or more first seats (40), each accommodating at least one corresponding first roller (32), and / or the actuating body (29) includes one or more second seats (41), each accommodating at least one corresponding second roller (31).

6. A packaging forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (28) comprises a plate (42) having the second guide surface (31) and one or more elastic elements (43), which apply a spring force (F) to the plate (42) and toward the actuating body (29).

7. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide surface (30) and the second guide surface (31) define a movement space, and at least a part of the actuating body (29) is arranged in the movement space.

8. The packaging forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating body (29) comprises a first surface (48) facing the first guide surface (30) and a second surface (49) opposite the first surface (48) and facing the second guide surface (31).

9. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuation group (55) coupled to the actuation body (29) and configured to move the actuation body (29) along the movement direction (D).

10. The package forming device according to claim 9, wherein the actuating group (55) comprises a cam mechanism configured to move the actuating body (29) along the moving direction (D).

11. The package forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the actuating device (28) further comprises a control rod (56) connected to the actuating body (29) and the actuating group (55).

12. A package forming device according to claim 11, wherein each interacting projection (27) is angularly movable about a respective axis of rotation (E); wherein movement of the actuating body (29) in the movement direction (D) causes an angular movement of the interacting projections (27) about the respective rotational axes (E), thereby moving the interacting projections (27) towards and away from each other.

13. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conveying unit configured to advance the first operation group (24) and the second operation group (25) along a first advancing path and a second advancing path, respectively; in, When in use, the actuating body (29) moves according to the advancement of the first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25).

14. The package forming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25) comprises a sealing element (58), and the other of the first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25) comprises a counter-sealing element (59); The sealing element (58) and the counter-sealing element (59) are configured to cooperate to compress and laterally seal the tube (4).

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

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