An apparatus for performing operations on packaging material to produce packages containing pourable products and a method relating thereto

Abstract

The present invention describes an apparatus (1) configured to perform operations on packaging materials to produce packaging (2) containing a pourable product. The apparatus (1) includes: an annular chain conveyor (4) extending along a closed-loop path (P), the conveyor including a plurality of chain links (5) distributed along the closed-loop path (P) and sequentially connected to each other, the chain conveyor (4) being capable of driving motion to circulate the links (5) along the closed-loop path (P); at least one link (5) including at least one power tool (7) for performing said operations on the packaging materials and a receiver (8) configured to receive electrical energy and power the tool (7); the apparatus (1) further includes a power supply station (10) disposed at at least a portion (OP, RP) of the closed-loop path (P) and configured to transmit electrical energy, the chain conveyor (4) being configured to move the link (5) through the power supply station (10) so that the receiver (8) receives electrical energy from the power supply station (10) and thereby powers the corresponding tool (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing operations on packaging materials to produce packaging containing a pourable product (preferably a pourable food).

[0002] In particular, without loss of generality, the present invention relates to an apparatus for performing operations on a package containing a pourable product or a tube of packaging material for producing said package.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for performing operations on packaging materials to produce packaging containing a pourable product (preferably a pourable food). Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, many pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, wine, and ketchup, are packaged and sold using sterilized packaging materials.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped packaging for pourable food, Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by folding and sealing rolls of laminated packaging material.

[0006] This packaging material has a multi-layered structure, including a base layer (e.g., made of paper) covered on both sides by heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene).

[0007] For aseptic packaging of products intended for long-term storage, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier layer (e.g., aluminum foil) that covers a heat-sealable plastic material layer, which is then covered with another heat-sealable plastic material layer to form the inner surface of the packaging that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0008] This type of packaging is typically produced on fully automated packaging lines, which contain packaging machines configured to begin forming and filling the packaging from multiple layers of packaging material.

[0009] Specifically, according to a non-limiting example of a packaging machine, a continuous tube is formed from a roll of packaging material initially wound on a spool and fed through multiple unwinding rollers. The packaging material roll is sterilized within the packaging machine (e.g., by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide solution), and once sterilization is complete, the sterilizing agent is removed from the surface of the packaging material (e.g., by evaporation through heating). The sterilized packaging material is then placed in a closed, sterile environment and advanced by the aforementioned unwinding rollers, folded longitudinally and sealed by a known roll folding unit to form a tube.

[0010] The tube is continuously fed in a first direction (usually vertical), filling sterilized food from above, and is formed, sealed, and cut in a second direction (usually orthogonal to the first direction) with equally spaced cross sections.

[0011] To perform the forming and sealing operations, known packaging machines include a forming and sealing unit configured to form a tube, thereby imprinting an external shape on the tube corresponding to the desired packaging shape, and sealing the tube at equidistant cross sections orthogonal to the tube's advancing direction.

[0012] Typically, the packaging machine of the above type includes a pair of alternatingly movable forming and sealing jaws that can be controlled by reciprocating motion along a first direction and a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, thereby interacting with the tube in its continuous portion.

[0013] This results in a so-called pillow-shaped package, which has a longitudinal sealing strip, a top transverse sealing strip, and a bottom transverse sealing strip. The pillow-shaped package is then cut in cross-section to separate it from the rest of the package and guided to the folding unit of the packaging machine for final folding.

[0014] This results in finished product packaging.

[0015] In addition to the packaging machines mentioned above for filling, forming, sealing and folding packages, known packaging production lines may also include so-called "downstream devices," which include equipment such as cap applicators, straw applicators, sampling units, grouping units, scanners / readers, sensor systems and the like.

[0016] As is well known, linear motors used to perform operations are increasingly widely used in packaging production lines, whether in packaging machines or downstream devices.

[0017] Such linear motors typically include a circular track containing an electric solenoid or coil, and multiple trolleys movably coupled to the track, each containing a permanent magnet and capable of moving along the track via electromagnetic interaction with it.

[0018] The linear motors of the above type can be used in forming and sealing units as well as in downstream devices, such as cap applicators, straw applicators, etc.

[0019] Linear motors offer high operational flexibility, making them an ideal solution for performing the aforementioned operations. However, considering the high fixed costs of the circular track itself, the cost of linear motors is also quite high.

[0020] Therefore, the applicant believes it is necessary to find a more cost-effective solution to perform the above operations on packaging materials (i.e., tubes and / or packaging) without affecting operational flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0021] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing operations on packaging materials to produce packaging containing pourable products, which is designed to meet the above-mentioned needs in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0022] This objective is achieved by the device described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended dependent claims.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing operations on packaging materials to produce packaging containing a pourable product, which can meet the above-mentioned requirements in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0024] This objective is achieved by the method described in claim 15. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The following description, by way of example, of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of a portion of a packaging production line according to the present invention, which includes equipment for performing operations on packaging materials; for clarity, some parts have been removed. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The schematic top view of the device shown illustrates an operating state specific to this invention; for clarity, some components have been removed. Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged top view of the chain link of the device shown; some parts have been removed for clarity. Figure 4 for Figure 3 The perspective view of the chain link shown has some parts removed for clarity; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic top view of an alternative configuration of the packaging line is shown; for clarity, some parts have been removed. Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic top view of another alternative configuration of the packaging line shown; some parts have been removed for clarity. Detailed Implementation

[0026] refer to Figure 1 Reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings generally indicates a non-limiting example of an apparatus configured to perform operations on packaging materials to produce a package 2 containing a pourable product (preferably a pourable food, such as pasteurized or UHT milk, water, juice, wine, peas, beans, etc.).

[0027] Preferably, the equipment 1 is part of a packaging line 100, which includes a packaging machine (not shown) configured to produce a plurality of packages 2 in a known manner.

[0028] As a non-limiting example, the packaging machine is configured to form, seal, and fold package 2, starting from a tube of packaging material (not shown), in a known and undescribed manner.

[0029] Therefore, the packaging machine includes: A filling device (not shown) for filling a pourable product into a tube; Forming and sealing equipment (not shown) for forming and sealing tubes in a known and need not be described in detail, thereby obtaining multiple pillow-shaped packages; and A folding device (not shown) is used to fold the pillow-shaped package in a known manner, which does not require detailed description, to obtain the package 2.

[0030] Therefore, the packaging machine is configured to start from a tube, form and seal multiple pillow-shaped packages containing pourable products, and then fold these pillow-shaped packages to obtain the aforementioned formed, sealed and folded package 2 containing pourable products.

[0031] Preferably, the packaging material has a multi-layer structure (not shown) and includes a fibrous material layer (e.g., paper) with heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene) on both sides.

[0032] For aseptic packaging 2 used for long-term storage products (such as UHT milk), the packaging material also includes a gas barrier and light barrier material layer (such as aluminum foil or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) film) that covers a heat-sealing plastic material layer and is then covered with another heat-sealing plastic material layer, which forms the inner surface of packaging 2 that ultimately comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0033] Preferably, this description will (but not without generality) refer to device 1 configured to perform operations on package 2.

[0034] As a non-limiting example, packaging line 100 includes a conveying system 3 (e.g., a belt conveyor) configured to advance a sequence of packaging 2 along a propulsion path A.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, device 1 constitutes the so-called "downstream device" described in the foregoing section of this specification.

[0036] The type of operation that device 1 will perform will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] Alternatively, device 1 may be part of a packaging machine and may constitute one of the aforementioned devices of the packaging machine.

[0038] More specifically, device 1 can be configured to perform operations on a tube of packaging material. For example, device 1 can be composed of the aforementioned forming and sealing equipment. In this case, the conveying system 3 is configured to advance the tube.

[0039] In view of the foregoing, the phrase “configured to perform operations on packaging materials” in this specification and the appended claims is intended to indicate that the device 1 can be configured to perform operations on various forms of packaging materials (packaging, tubing).

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, device 1 includes a ring chain conveyor 4 extending along a closed-loop path P, and the conveyor includes a plurality of chain links 5 distributed along path P and connected to each other in sequence.

[0041] In detail, the chain conveyor 4 surrounds two wheels 6, preferably one of which is a drive wheel and the other is a driven wheel.

[0042] Thus, the chain conveyor 4 can be driven by the drive wheel 6 to circulate and transport section 5 along path P.

[0043] For the sake of brevity, the following description will refer only to a single section 5. The structural and functional characteristics associated with it apply to each section 5 of the chain conveyor 4.

[0044] According to a first aspect of the invention, section 5 includes at least one power tool 7 configured to perform the operation on packaging material (e.g., package 2 advanced by conveyor system 3 along path A), and a receiver 8 (such as...). Figure 4 As shown, the receiver 8 is configured to receive electrical energy and power the tool 7. A set of sections 5 may contain the tool 7, or each section 5 may contain a specific tool 7. The tools 7 in two different sections 5 may be different.

[0045] According to a second aspect of the invention, device 1 includes a power supply station 10 disposed on at least a portion of path P and configured to transmit electrical energy.

[0046] According to a third aspect of the invention, the chain conveyor 4 is configured such that the moving section 5 passes through the power supply station 10, thereby enabling the receiver 8 to receive electrical energy from the power supply station 10 and thus power the corresponding tool 7.

[0047] Specifically, when section 5 passes through power station 10, receiver 8 interacts with power station 10 (e.g., power station 10 may include a suitable transmitter for transmitting electrical energy) to receive electrical energy, which receiver 8 uses to power tool 7. For example, power station 10 may generate an electromagnetic field that can induce a current in receiver 8.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, power station 10 includes a power supply track 11 extending along at least a portion of path P.

[0049] According to the invention, section 5 is configured to carry a corresponding receiver 8 along the power supply track 11 by being driven by the chain conveyor 4, so as to interact with the power supply track 11 and thereby obtain electrical energy.

[0050] In fact, power station 10 consists of power supply track 11.

[0051] In view of the above, the receiver 8 of section 5 can collect electrical energy in a relatively simple way to power the power tool 7 without interfering with the power supply of the device 1 or any other component of the packaging line 100.

[0052] Suitable, the power supply track 11 extends only along the portion of path P that needs to supply power to tool 7.

[0053] For example, the chain conveyor 4 may include an operation section and a return section. The operation section corresponds to the operation branch OP of the path P, along which the tool 7 is configured to perform the operation. The return section corresponds to the return branch RP of the path P.

[0054] In one embodiment, the power supply rail 11 extends along at least a portion of the operating branch OP.

[0055] In one implementation, the power supply rail 11 may also extend along a portion of the return branch RP.

[0056] In one implementation, the power supply rail 11 may be discontinuous along the operating branch OP and / or the return branch RP.

[0057] In other words, the power station 10 preferably has a discontinuous configuration, including a discontinuous power supply track 11 that extends only a portion of the path P.

[0058] It can be said that there are multiple power supply stations 10 and multiple power supply tracks 11 in device 1, or that the power supply track 11 has multiple parts along path P.

[0059] This allows for a more streamlined layout and architecture, reducing the use of raw materials and components, thereby lowering overall costs.

[0060] Advantageously, the power station 10 is configured to transmit electrical energy to the receiver 8 of section 5 via wireless power transmission.

[0061] In detail, such as Figure 4 As shown, there is space between the power supply rail 11 and the receiver 8, so there is no physical contact between them.

[0062] More specifically, the power supply rail 11 includes a first circuit (e.g., a primary coil), while the receiver 8 includes a second circuit (e.g., a secondary coil). Electrical energy is transferred from the first circuit to the second circuit via electromagnetic induction, thus constituting a wireless transmission (i.e., a wireless power connection). For example, current flowing through the first circuit can generate an electromagnetic field, which is configured to induce current in the second circuit.

[0063] The above configuration significantly reduces wear due to the non-contact interaction between the two parts.

[0064] Alternatively, the power supply rail 11 and the receiver 8 can slide into contact with each other (e.g., via conductive brushes). In this case, power transmission may be more efficient and less wear-prone, but losses will increase compared to the wireless transmission described above.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the plurality of sections 5 constituting the chain conveyor 4 includes an actuator 12 (shown schematically only) for driving the movement of a corresponding tool 7 relative to the section 5 itself and during the advancement of the section 5 along the path P.

[0066] According to the present invention, the receiver 8 of section 5 is configured to power the actuator 12 using electrical energy received from the power station 10.

[0067] In fact, when section 5 passes through power station 10, its receiver 8 interacts with power rail 11 to collect electrical energy and power the corresponding actuator 12, thereby driving the movement of the corresponding tool 7.

[0068] Actuator 12 may be an electric motor of a known type, which is configured to be driven by electrical energy from power station 10.

[0069] In the example shown, each section 5 includes a frame 13 that is integrally coupled to the frame 13 of the following section 5 and the preceding section 5 of the chain conveyor 4 along the path P, preferably via a joint 14.

[0070] Preferably, each joint 14 includes a hinge.

[0071] For convenience, the actuator 12 is at least partially disposed within the frame 13.

[0072] More specifically, the motor portion (not visible) of actuator 12 is embedded within frame 13 and connected to receiver 8, while the drive portion of actuator 12 (in...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 (As can be seen in the image) It is positioned outside the frame 13 and mechanically coupled to the tool 7. This drive section defines the movement of the tool 7. The drive section may include suitable gears and / or transmission components for mechanical coupling with the tool 7.

[0073] The tool 7 of at least one section 5 can move relative to the frame 13 of its corresponding section 5 and / or relative to the frame 13 of the subsequent section 5 and the preceding section 5.

[0074] In one embodiment, a set of sections 5 includes actuators 12 of the type described above, such that a plurality of tools 7 can be moved relative to the frame 13 of their respective sections 5.

[0075] In one implementation, all sections 5 include an actuator 12 and a movable tool 7.

[0076] For convenience, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Actuator 12 is configured to drive: The movement of tool 7 relative to the corresponding section 5 along a first direction X parallel to the closed-loop path P; and / or The movement of tool 7 relative to the corresponding section 5 along a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X and the closed-loop path P; and / or Tool 7 moves relative to the corresponding section 5 along a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y; and / or Tool 7 rotates about its own axis; and / or The above-mentioned combination of movements.

[0077] More precisely, the first direction X is defined as parallel to path P along its entire length; the second direction Y is defined as pointing outwards relative to the chain conveyor 4 and path P.

[0078] In summary, according to the present invention, device 1 can realize a "power on board" configuration.

[0079] Thanks to this configuration, the tool 7 can move relative to its section 5 and relative to the chain conveyor 4 by utilizing the "onboard power" provided by the interaction between the receiver 8 and the power station 10. This allows each tool 7 to gain a certain degree of freedom even when using the chain conveyor 4, without the need for an expensive linear motor.

[0080] In addition, the reliability and ease of maintenance of device 1 have been improved, because the maintenance of link 5 is much easier and less expensive than that of independent pulleys or linear motor tracks.

[0081] Therefore, according to the invention, section 5 provides sufficient degrees of freedom for tool 7 by means of actuator 12 powered by power supply rail 11; and when such degrees of freedom are not required (e.g., between operating branches OP), power supply rail 11 is not used.

[0082] Therefore, the number of components and the overall cost associated with equipment 1 can be kept at a low level.

[0083] Furthermore, the flexibility of system 1 in positioning operating branches (OPs) can be significantly improved simply by arranging or shifting the various parts of the power supply track 11 as needed.

[0084] In addition, wear is greatly reduced because the number of mechanical contacts between the cam and the cam follower is reduced or eliminated.

[0085] System 1 also significantly improves flexibility in format conversion: in fact, by simply controlling the aforementioned movement range of each tool 7 (e.g., by a suitable control unit and within the stroke range of actuator 12), the position of tool 7 can be quickly and easily adjusted to accommodate different types of packaging 2.

[0086] The conveyor system 3 can advance the package 2 along path A, and the spacing between the packages is random.

[0087] Therefore, in one embodiment, each actuator 12 may be powered along the return branch RP to drive the corresponding tool 7 to move along the first direction X, thereby adjusting the position of the tool 7 relative to the corresponding package 2 to which its operation is to be performed, such as Figure 2 As shown.

[0088] For this purpose, the device 1 may also include a detector 14 located upstream of the device 1 (particularly upstream of the operating section of the device 1), facing the conveyor system 3, for detecting the position of each package 2 along path A relative to its nominal intended position.

[0089] Then, each detection result is logically provided to the corresponding section 5, so the actuator 12 will adjust the position of the tool 7 accordingly according to the configuration of the present invention.

[0090] In this regard, it should be noted that the power supply station 10 is also configured to transmit logical information (i.e., control information or control) to the receiver 8 via electrical energy.

[0091] Therefore, section 5 is conveniently equipped with a control unit (of known type) configured to receive logic or control information from power station 10 and control actuator 12 accordingly.

[0092] In summary, section 5 is configured to interact with the corresponding package 2 pushed along path A so that the corresponding tool 7 carried by section 5 can perform the above operations on it.

[0093] In one embodiment, at least one section 5, preferably a set of sections 5, includes a pushing member 7a (such as...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown), the pushing member 7a is configured to push / sort the corresponding package 2 out of path A (in particular, push / sort out of conveyor system 3).

[0094] Specifically, the corresponding tool 7 includes a pushing member 7a. More specifically, the corresponding tool 7 is composed of a pushing member 7a.

[0095] Therefore, the receiver 8 of at least one section 5 or a group of sections 5 is configured to power the corresponding actuating member 7a with electrical energy received from the power supply station 10.

[0096] More specifically, actuator 12 can be powered along operating branch OP to drive the corresponding tool 7 (i.e., pusher 7a) to move along the second direction Y, thereby pushing / sorting the corresponding package 2 out of path A and conveying system 3.

[0097] For convenience, actuator 12 can also drive push member 7a to move along the first direction X to adjust the position of tool 7 so that it matches the position of the corresponding package 2 detected by detector 14.

[0098] Suitablely, the movement of each actuating component 7a along the first direction X is based on position information collected by the detector 14.

[0099] In summary, in this case, the operation to be performed includes pushing / sorting the packaging 2.

[0100] In one embodiment, at least two sections 5 each include a pushing member 7b, which is configured to move toward each other (particularly along a first direction X) in order to push the respective packages 2 toward each other along path A.

[0101] In particular, each tool 7 in at least two sections 5 includes a pushing member 7b. More specifically, each corresponding tool 7 consists of a pushing member 7b.

[0102] Therefore, the receivers 8 of the at least two sections 5 are configured to power the corresponding actuating members 7b using electrical energy received from the power supply station 10.

[0103] More specifically, each actuator 12 can be powered along the operating branch OP to drive the corresponding tool 7 (i.e., the pushing member 7b) to move along the first direction X, thereby pushing the corresponding package 2 along the path A toward another package 2.

[0104] In summary, in this case, the operation to be performed includes combining at least two packages 2 together.

[0105] It is worth noting that the two packages 2 may not be adjacent (subsequent), so other packages 2 may be inserted between the two packages 2 along path A and conveyor system 3.

[0106] This operation facilitates the subsequent palletizing of boxes containing package 2 or combinations thereof.

[0107] Suitablely, as described above for the method of pushing member 7a, the movement of each pushing member 7b is based on position information collected by detector 14.

[0108] In one embodiment, tool 7 may include gripper 7c ( Figure 2 For example, it is used to clamp or hold caps to be applied to packaging 2 and apply these caps to packaging 2 as it advances along path A. In other words, device 1 can be defined as a cap applicator for applying caps to packaging 2.

[0109] Therefore, actuator 12 can be powered along the return branch RP to drive the corresponding gripper 7c to move, thereby placing the gripper 7c in the adjusted position after traveling along the operating branch OP. This is in Figure 2 The diagram is shown in the image.

[0110] Suitable, the movement of each gripper 7c is based on position information collected by detector 14.

[0111] In one implementation, the gripper 7c can be controlled to be in an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0112] Advantageously, actuator 12 can be configured to control gripper 7c between open and closed configurations.

[0113] In this way, the power station 10 can also provide the control and drive required for actively clamping and releasing the lid or package 2, thereby avoiding the need for additional dedicated cam systems or complex lever mechanisms.

[0114] In summary, it is evident that, according to the present invention, the "onboard power" configuration of device 1 can easily, simply, and flexibly power and control various power tools 7.

[0115] In this respect, at least one section 5 (preferably a set of sections 5) contains a sensor 7d ( Figure 2 The sensor is configured to detect physical quantities related to the packaging material (particularly the corresponding package 2) and / or to the section 5 itself. For example, sensor 7d may include inertial sensors such as accelerometers and / or gyroscopes.

[0116] In particular, the tool 7 of at least one section 5 or a set of sections 5 includes a sensor 7d so that the operation to be performed includes detecting the physical quantity by means of the sensor 7d.

[0117] According to the present invention, the receiver 8 of at least one section 5 or a group of sections 5 is configured to power the sensor 7d using electrical energy received from the power supply station 10.

[0118] For convenience, in this case, receiver 8 is configured to receive electrical energy from power station 10 along operating branch OP, i.e., when the corresponding section 5 faces the package 2 or packaging material being advanced by conveyor system 3.

[0119] For example, the sensor 7d can be configured to detect one or more of the following: The position of package 2 along path A; The state of package 2 along path A; The weight of package 2; Orientation of package 2; The acceleration of package 2; Packaging speed 2.

[0120] According to the invention, actuator 12 can be powered along the return branch RP to drive the corresponding sensor 7d to move, thereby placing the sensor 7d in an adjusted position after traveling along the operating branch OP. This is in Figure 2 The diagram is shown in the image.

[0121] Suitable, the movement of each sensor 7d is based on the position information collected by the detector 14.

[0122] In this way, each sensor 7d can be correctly positioned relative to the corresponding package 2.

[0123] Thanks to the above configuration, a simple and efficient power supply can be provided to one or more sensors 7d on section 5 without the need for complex power transmission systems (such as cables or other complex and / or bulky equipment), which are incompatible with chain conveyor 4.

[0124] Furthermore, even when using the chain conveyor 4, the position of the sensor 7d can be adjusted without the need for a linear motor.

[0125] In one embodiment, at least one section 5 (preferably a set of sections 5) contains a reader 7e. Figure 2The reader 7e is configured to read information encoded on packaging materials (particularly the corresponding packaging 2), particularly in the form of QR codes, barcodes, or RFID tags.

[0126] In particular, such a tool 7 with at least one section 5 or a set of sections 5 includes a reader 7e, so that the operation to be performed includes reading the information through the reader 7e.

[0127] According to the present invention, the receiver 8 of at least one section 5 or a group of sections 5 is configured to power the reader 7e using electrical energy received from the power station 10.

[0128] For convenience, in this case, receiver 8 is configured to receive electrical energy from power station 10 along operating branch OP, i.e., when the corresponding section 5 faces the package 2 or packaging material being advanced by conveyor system 3.

[0129] For example, the reader 7e can be configured to read the type of packaging 2 or packaging material, the type of pourable product inside packaging 2, the capacity of packaging 2, etc.

[0130] According to the invention, actuator 12 can be powered along the return branch RP to drive the corresponding reader 7e to move, thereby placing the reader 7e in an adjusted position after traveling along the operating branch OP. This is in Figure 2 The diagram is shown in the image.

[0131] Suitablely, the movement of each reader 7e is based on the position information collected by the detector 14.

[0132] In this way, each reader 7e can be correctly positioned relative to the corresponding package 2.

[0133] Thanks to the above configuration, a simple and efficient power supply can be made to one or more readers 7e on section 5 without the need for complex power transmission systems (such as cables or other complex and / or bulky equipment), which are incompatible with chain conveyor 4.

[0134] Furthermore, even when using the chain conveyor 4, the position of the reader 7e can be adjusted without a linear motor.

[0135] For convenience, device 1 may include a control unit configured to communicate logically with the control unit in section 5 above (i.e., to exchange electronic information).

[0136] Therefore, wireless communication between these control units can be easily established, through which the control unit of device 1 can remotely control the drive of tool 7.

[0137] Advantageously, section 5 includes an electrical energy storage member (not shown), such as a battery, which is electrically connected to the receiver 8 and the tool 7 (particularly via the actuator 12) and is configured to store electrical energy from the receiver 8, particularly for a predetermined time, and to supply the stored electrical energy to the tool 7.

[0138] For example, there may be only one power station 10 at the operating branch OP or the return branch RP, because the energy storage component can provide enough electrical energy to the tool 7 (actuator 12) to perform the operation.

[0139] In other words, tool 7 only needs to interact with a single power station 10 once via receiver 8 to cyclically supply power. Therefore, wear and tear can be further reduced and the architecture simplified.

[0140] The device 1 according to the invention provides a very flexible way to operate on packaging materials (tubes, packages 2, or even pillow-shaped packages) in a simple and highly adaptable manner to various needs.

[0141] Therefore, the preferred configuration (non-limiting configuration) of the packaging line 100 shown below benefits from the adaptability, versatility and flexibility of the device 1 of the present invention.

[0142] Figure 5 An alternative configuration of packaging line 100 is shown schematically.

[0143] In this configuration, the packaging line 100 includes two devices 1a and 1b of the type described above.

[0144] Advantageously, devices 1a and 1b are positioned on opposite sides of the conveying system 3, such that their respective operating sections (and their respective operating branches OP) extend parallel to the propulsion path A.

[0145] In this way, multiple operations can be performed on the packaging material or the packaging sequence at the same time.

[0146] For example, devices 1a and 1b can be part of the aforementioned forming and sealing unit, wherein tool 7 is a forming member and / or sealing member, configured to form a tube of packaging material. In this case, devices 1a and 1b are located on opposite sides of the tube.

[0147] Figure 6 An alternative configuration of packaging line 100 is shown schematically.

[0148] In this configuration, the packaging line 100 includes two conveying systems 3a and 3b, each of which is configured to advance a corresponding packaging material tube or a corresponding packaging sequence along a corresponding advance path A1 and A2.

[0149] The packaging line 100 includes a single device 1. The chain conveyor 4 of the single device 1 has two operating sections, corresponding to two operating branches OP1 and OP2 of the path P, respectively, and the tool 7 is configured to perform the operation along these two branches.

[0150] Therefore, each conveying system 3a, 3b is configured to be adjacent to a corresponding operating segment, such that each advance path A1, A2 extends parallel to a corresponding operating branch OP1, OP2.

[0151] In this way, a single device 1 can process multiple packaging sequences 2 or multiple packaging material tubes simultaneously, thereby significantly saving space and cost.

[0152] As can be seen from the above description, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention implements a method for performing operations on packaging materials to produce a package 2 containing a pourable product, the method comprising the following steps: Proceed along propulsion path A the packaging material or multiple packages 2 made of the packaging material; The movement of a chain conveyor 4 extending along a closed-loop path P is driven by the conveyor, which includes a plurality of chain links 5 connected sequentially to each other, at least one link 5 including at least one power tool 7 for performing the operation and a receiver 8 configured to receive electrical energy and power the tool 7. The chain conveyor 4 drives the conveyor section 5 along the closed-loop path P and passes through the power supply station 10. When the power is transmitted through the power station 10 and the corresponding section 5 passes through the power station 10, the power is transmitted to the receiver 8. The tool 7 is powered by electrical energy received from power station 10.

[0153] According to the present invention, the advantages of the cap applicator system 1 will be apparent from the above description.

[0154] In particular, the present invention provides a relatively simple, reliable, flexible and safe device 1 for performing operations on packaging materials, and the device is more cost-effective compared with solutions using linear motors.

[0155] More specifically, the "onboard power" provided by the interaction between receiver 8 and power station 10 can easily enable the mobility of tool 7 relative to its section 5 and chain conveyor 4, thus providing a certain degree of freedom for tool 7 even when using chain conveyor 4, without the need for an expensive linear motor.

[0156] In addition, the reliability and ease of maintenance of device 1 have been improved, because the maintenance of link 5 is much easier and less expensive than that of independent pulleys or linear motor tracks.

[0157] Therefore, according to the invention, section 5 provides sufficient degrees of freedom for tool 7 by means of actuator 12 powered by power supply rail 11; and when these degrees of freedom are not required (e.g., between operating branches OP), power supply rail 11 is not required.

[0158] Therefore, the number of components and the overall cost associated with equipment 1 can be kept at a low level.

[0159] Furthermore, the flexibility of system 1 in positioning operating branches (OPs) can be significantly improved simply by arranging or shifting the various parts of the power supply track 11 as needed.

[0160] Furthermore, wear and tear is greatly reduced because the receiver 8 and the power rail 11 preferably interact with each other in a manner with minimal or no contact (via wireless power transmission).

[0161] Furthermore, the flexibility of System 1 in terms of format conversion is significantly improved: in fact, by simply controlling the aforementioned movement range of each tool 7 (e.g., by a suitable control unit and within the stroke range of the actuator 12), the position of the tool 7 can be quickly and easily adjusted to adapt to different types of packaging 2.

[0162] Furthermore, tools 7, such as sensors 7d or readers 7e, can be implemented on certain sections 5 and, according to the invention, can be easily powered by the “onboard power” configuration of the device 1.

[0163] Obviously, modifications can be made to the device 1 described herein, but they must not deviate from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) configured to perform operations on packaging materials for producing a package (2) containing a pourable product, the apparatus (1) comprising a ring chain conveyor (4) extending along a closed-loop path (P), the conveyor comprising a plurality of sections (5) distributed along the closed-loop path (P) and sequentially connected to each other, the chain conveyor (4) being capable of being driven to circulate the sections (5) along the closed-loop path (P); in, At least one section (5) includes at least one power tool (7) configured to perform the operation on the packaging material and a receiver (8) configured to receive electrical energy and power the tool (7); The device (1) further includes a power supply station (10) located at at least a portion (OP, RP) of the closed-loop path (P), and the power supply station is configured to transmit electrical energy; Furthermore, the chain conveyor (4) is configured to move at least one section (5) through the power station (10), thereby enabling the receiver (8) to receive electrical energy from the power station (10) and thus power the corresponding tool (7).

2. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The power station (10) is configured to transmit electrical energy to the receiver (8) of the section (5) via wireless power transmission.

3. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power supply station (10) includes a power supply track (11) extending along at least a portion (OP, RP) of the closed-loop path (P). Furthermore, the section (5) is configured to carry the corresponding receiver (8) along the power supply track (11) by being driven by the chain conveyor (4) so ​​as to interact with the power supply track (11) and thereby obtain electrical energy.

4. The device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one segment (5) includes an actuator (12) for driving the corresponding tool (7) to move relative to the segment (5) itself during the advancement of the segment (5) along the closed-loop path (P); Furthermore, the receiver (8) of the at least one section (5) is configured to power the actuator (12) using electrical energy received from the power station (10).

5. The device (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The section (5) includes a frame (13) which is integrally coupled to the frame (13) of the next section (5) and the previous section (5) of the chain conveyor (4) along the advance direction of the closed loop path (P). The tool (7) is movable relative to the frame (13) of its corresponding section (5) and / or relative to the frame (13) of the next section (5) and the previous section (5).

6. The device (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein, The actuator (13) is configured to drive: The tool (7) moves relative to the corresponding section (5) in a first direction (X) parallel to the closed-loop path (P); and / or The tool (7) moves relative to the corresponding section (5) along a second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction (X) and the closed-loop path (P); and / or The tool (7) moves relative to the corresponding section (5) along a third direction (Z) orthogonal to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y); and / or The tool (7) rotates about its own axis; and / or The above-mentioned combination of movements.

7. The device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one section (5) includes a sensor (7d) configured to detect physical quantities relating to the packaging material and / or the section (5); in, The tool (7) of at least one section (5) includes the sensor (7d) such that the operation to be performed includes detecting the physical quantity by means of the sensor (7d); Furthermore, the receiver (8) of the at least one section (5) is configured to power the sensor (7d) using electrical energy received from the power station (10).

8. The device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one section (5) includes a reader (7e) configured to read information encoded on the packaging material, particularly information in the form of a QR code, barcode or RFID tag; in, The tool (7) of at least one section (5) includes the reader (7e) such that the operation to be performed includes reading the information through the reader (7e); Furthermore, the receiver (8) of the at least one section (5) is configured to power the reader (7e) using electrical energy received from the power station (10).

9. The device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The tool (7) is configured to perform the operation on a package (2) made of the packaging material and containing a pourable product; Each section (5) is configured to interact with the corresponding package (2) that is advanced along the advancement path (A); At least one section (5) includes a pushing member (7a) configured to push / sort the corresponding package (2) out of the propulsion path (A), and the tool (7) of the at least one section (5) includes the pushing member (7a) such that the operation to be performed includes pushing / sorting the package (2); Furthermore, the receiver (8) of the at least one section (5) is configured to power the push member (7a) with electrical energy received from the power station (10).

10. The device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The tool (7) is configured to perform the operation on a package (2) made of the packaging material and containing a pourable product; Each section (5) is configured to interact with the corresponding package (2) that is advanced along the propulsion path (A); Each of at least two sections (5) includes a pushing member (7b) configured to move toward each other to push the respective packages (2) along the pushing path (A) and toward each other, and each of the tools (7) of the at least two sections (5) includes the pushing member (7b) such that the operation to be performed includes combining the at least two packages (2) together; Furthermore, the receivers (8) of the at least two sections (5) are configured to power the corresponding push members (7b) with electrical energy received from the power station (10).

11. The device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one section (5) includes an energy storage component electrically connected to the receiver (8) and the tool (7), and the energy storage component is configured to store electrical energy from the receiver (8) and provide the stored electrical energy to the tool (7).

12. A packaging line (100) configured to produce packaging (2) starting from a packaging material tube, the packaging line (100) comprising: The apparatus (1) for performing operations on the packaging material as described in any of the preceding claims; A conveying system (3) for advancing the packaging material tubes or packaging (2) sequence.

13. The packaging line as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The conveying system (3) is configured to advance the packaging material tube or the packaging (2) sequence along the propulsion path (A). The packaging line (100) includes at least two of the devices (1a, 1b), and the chain conveyor (4) of each device (1a, 1b) has an operating section and a return section. The operating section corresponds to the operating branch (OP) of the closed-loop path (P), along which the tool (7) performs the operation. The return section corresponds to the return branch (RP) of the closed-loop path (P). Furthermore, the devices (1a, 1b) are arranged on opposite sides of the conveying system (3) such that each operating segment extends parallel to the propulsion path (A).

14. The packaging line (100) of claim 12, comprising two of the conveying systems (3a, 3b), each conveying system being configured to advance a corresponding tube of packaging material or a corresponding sequence of packaging (2) along a corresponding advance path (A1, A2); in, The chain conveyor (4) has at least two operating segments corresponding to the corresponding operating branches (OP1, OP2) of the closed-loop path (P), and the tool (7) is configured to perform the operation along the operating branch; Furthermore, each conveying system (3a, 3b) is set adjacent to a corresponding operating section, such that each propulsion path (A1, A2) extends parallel to a corresponding operating branch (OP1, OP2).

15. A method for performing operations on packaging materials to produce a package (2) containing a pourable product, the method comprising the following steps: Proceed the packaging material or multiple packages made of the packaging material along the propulsion path (A); Drive the chain conveyor (4) extending along a closed-loop path (P) to move, and the chain conveyor includes a plurality of chain links (5) connected to each other in sequence, at least one link (5) including at least one power tool (7) configured to perform the operation and a receiver (8) configured to receive electrical energy and power the tool (7). The chain conveyor (4) is driven to transport the section (5) along the closed loop path (P) and through the power station (10); Electrical energy is transmitted to the receiver (8) through the power station (10) as the corresponding section (5) passes through the power station (10). The tool (7) is powered by the electrical energy received from the power station (10).

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