Measuring device for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, system for setting the spring, method for measuring the spring force of the spring and method for setting the spring

Abstract

A measuring device (26) for measuring the spring force setting of a spring (24) in a pressing assembly (21) of a tube forming and sealing device (9) is described. The measuring device has a force gauge (27) for measuring the spring force, particularly a tension gauge (27), and is provided with a pin (29) configured to contact the spring (24) in use; an adapter element (28) including a load device (38) configured to control the movement of the pin (29) and gradually increase the force applied to the spring (24) by the pin (29) in use; and a clamping element (30), preferably having a generally C-shape, which can be coupled to a support structure arranged in a fixed position relative to the spring (24) in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, a system for setting a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, a method for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, and a method for setting a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, many liquid or pourable foods, such as juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, wine, and ketchup, are sold in packages made of aseptic packaging materials.

[0003] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for liquids or pourable foods, called Tetra Pak Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layered structure, including a base layer, such as a paper base layer, covered on both sides by heat-sealable plastic material layers (such as polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products (such as UHT milk), the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier material layer (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is stacked on top of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and covered by another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which forms the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0004] This type of packaging is typically produced on fully automated packaging machines. These machines push the packaging material web through a sterilization station to sterilize it, then into an isolation chamber (a closed, sterile environment). In the isolation chamber, the sterilized packaging material web is held and pushed further. As the packaging material web moves through the isolation chamber, it is longitudinally folded and sealed in a tube-forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam, which is then further fed in a vertical direction.

[0005] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product, especially a pourable food, and then sealed laterally within the packaging forming device of the packaging machine. It is then cut along equidistant cross-sections as it is advanced in the vertical direction.

[0006] This results in pillow-shaped packaging, with each pillow-shaped package having a longitudinal sealing strip, a top transverse sealing strip, and a bottom transverse sealing strip.

[0007] Typical packaging machines include conveying equipment for advancing packaging material webs, sterilization equipment for sterilizing the packaging material webs before forming tubes, tube forming and sealing equipment configured to form tubes from the advanced packaging material webs and longitudinally seal the tubes, filling equipment for filling the tubes with pourable products, and packaging forming equipment suitable for forming, laterally sealing, and cutting individual packages from the packaging material tubes.

[0008] More specifically, the filling equipment includes a filling pipe and a pressing assembly. The filling pipe is used to continuously feed pourable product into the pipe during use, and the pressing assembly is used to apply mechanical force to the pipe during the sealing stage, particularly to the longitudinal joint portion. The pressing assembly includes at least one pressure roller and at least one reverse pressure roller to apply mechanical force to the longitudinal joint portion from opposite sides, wherein the reverse pressure roller is typically supported by a lower forming ring and the pressure roller is supported by the filling pipe. Typically, the pressure roller is arranged inside the pipe and connected to the filling pipe by a spring (preferably a leaf spring) to apply a spring force to the longitudinal joint portion during use.

[0009] One of the most important settings for a packaging machine is the spring force applied to the longitudinal seam, as it affects the quality of the longitudinal seal. Typically, once the packaging material web is removed from the pressing assembly area, the operator can manually install and set the spring using a dynamometer. Therefore, this process is highly dependent on the operator's experience and can be prone to human error. Although the procedures for measuring spring force, installing, and setting the spring are known to be performed satisfactorily, there is a desire in the art to further improve and simplify this process. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing device, which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and is easy to manufacture and economical.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a system for incorporating springs in the pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing device, which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and is easy to manufacture and economical.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing device. This method overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and is easy to manufacture and economical.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for incorporating a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing device, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and is easy to manufacture and economical.

[0014] According to the present invention, and in accordance with the appended claims, there are provided a measuring device for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, a system for providing a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, a method for measuring the spring force of a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus, and a method for providing a spring in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine with a packaging forming device. Some parts have been omitted for clarity. - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of specific parts of the packaging machine; some parts have been omitted for clarity. - Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the housing, which encloses a system for arranging springs in the pressing assembly of the tube forming and sealing apparatus implemented according to the invention; - Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the measuring device implemented according to the present invention; - Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the system prototype; - Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Measuring equipment and Figure 5 The prototype is Figure 2 A side view when used on a specific component. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The designation 1 generally indicates a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products, particularly pourable foods such as milk, milk beverages, yogurt, yogurt drinks, fruit juice, wine, ketchup, lotions, and beverages containing fruit pulp, salt, sugar, etc. More specifically, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to produce packages 2 from multi-layer packaging materials. Preferably, the multi-layer packaging material has heat-sealing properties (i.e., the portions of the multi-layer packaging material can be sealed to each other).

[0017] More specifically, the multilayer packaging material may include at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g., paper or cardboard) and at least two heat-sealed plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene) interposed between the fibrous material layers. Preferably, one of the two heat-sealed plastic material layers may define an inner surface of the package 2 that comes into contact with the pourable product. Furthermore, the multilayer packaging material may also include gas-barrier and light-barrier material layers, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferably arranged between one of the heat-sealed plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. Preferably, the packaging material may also include another heat-sealed plastic material layer interposed between the gas-barrier and light-barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0018] More specifically, multi-layer packaging materials can be provided in the form of web 3.

[0019] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 is configured to produce packaging 2 by means of a tube 4 formed by a web 3, a longitudinal sealing tube 4, a pourable product filling tube 4, and a transverse sealing and preferably transverse cutting tube 4.

[0020] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A and includes at least a first transverse sealing strip 5, and preferably also includes a second transverse sealing strip arranged at opposite ends of the package 2.

[0021] In addition, each package 2 also includes a longitudinal seam portion 6. Preferably, each first transverse sealing strip 5 and / or each second transverse sealing strip is transverse (preferably perpendicular to) the corresponding longitudinal seam portion 6.

[0022] Special reference Figure 1 The packaging machine 1 includes a packaging forming device 7 configured to at least partially form a tube 4, and preferably also to laterally seal and / or laterally cut the tube 4 to obtain a package 2.

[0023] In addition, packaging machine 1 includes: - Conveying device 8, which is configured to advance web 3 and pipe 4 along conveying path P; - Tube forming and sealing equipment 9, configured to form tube 4 from the advancing web 3 and longitudinally seal tube 4; and - Filling device 10 for filling tube 4 with pourable product.

[0024] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 includes an isolation chamber 11, which preferably isolates an internal environment 12 from an external environment. Preferably, the internal environment 12 is a sterile (sterilized) environment, preferably containing a controlled atmosphere. Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 9 is at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber 11, particularly within the internal environment 12, and is configured to fold and longitudinally seal the tube 4 within the isolation chamber 11, particularly within the internal environment 12.

[0025] In addition, the packaging machine 1 includes a sterilization unit configured to sterilize the advancing web 3, preferably arranged upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 9 along the conveying path P.

[0026] The tube forming and sealing device 9 includes at least two forming assemblies 13, 14, preferably arranged within an isolation chamber 11, and even more preferably within an internal environment 12, configured to cooperate with each other, preferably by gradually folding the web 3 into a tube 4 by overlapping the relative longitudinal edges of the web 3. This forms a seam portion 6 in use. The forming assemblies 13, 14 are parallel and spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the forming assemblies 13, 14 are arranged coaxially with each other. Specifically, the tube forming and sealing device 9 includes forming assemblies 13 and 14 (one after another) placed continuously along a conveying path P, supported by a fixed structure, and interacting with the web 3 of the packaging material.

[0027] More specifically, forming components 13 and 14 are configured to progressively fold the web 3 of the packaging material into a tube 4 (cylinder), and to superimpose the (first) lateral portion 3A of the web 3 of the packaging material onto the (second) lateral portion 3B of the web 3 of the packaging material opposite to the (first) lateral portion 3A, to form a continuous tube 4. Forming component 14 is placed downstream of forming component 13 along the conveying path P.

[0028] Now, special reference will be made Figure 2 The forming assembly 14 is described in detail. The forming assembly 14 includes a fixed forming ring 15 that surrounds a web 3 of packaging material and supports a plurality of (e.g., six) rollers 16, which cooperate to fold the web 3 of packaging material. Each roller 16 has a corresponding side surface having a generally concave shape (i.e., the diameter of the web 3 of packaging material that contacts the end of the first roller 16 is larger than the diameter that contacts its center). The side surfaces of the rollers 16 define forced channels for the folded web 3 of packaging material. A corresponding gap 7 is defined between the forming ring 15 and the side surface of each roller 16.

[0029] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 9 includes a sealing device 18 having a sealing head 19, which is preferably arranged within the isolation chamber 11, and even more preferably within the internal environment 11, and is configured to longitudinally seal the tube 4, preferably along the longitudinal joint portion 6. Advantageously, the forming assembly 14 is placed downstream of the sealing head 19 along the conveying path P. In other words, in use, the longitudinal joint portion 6 is sealed by activating the sealing head 18. Preferably, but not necessarily, the sealing head 19 is at least partially located within the isolation chamber 11.

[0030] More specifically, the sealing head 19 is configured to transfer heat energy to the pipe 4, particularly to the longitudinal joint portion 6, to longitudinally seal the pipe 4. The sealing head 19 may operate by induction heating and / or by heating a gas flow and / or by ultrasonic and / or by laser heating and / or by any other means.

[0031] Preferably, the filling device 10 includes a filling conduit 20 configured to guide pourable product into the pipe 4. Preferably, the filling conduit 20 is at least partially disposed within the pipe 4 to continuously feed pourable product into the pipe 4 during use. The filling conduit 20 is in fluid connection to a pourable product storage tank (not shown) adapted to store pourable product to be packaged. Specifically, the filling conduit 20 is configured to guide pourable product into the pipe 4 during use.

[0032] Finally, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 9 includes a pressing assembly 21 configured to apply mechanical force to the tube 4 during the sealing stage. Specifically, the pressing assembly 21 is configured to apply mechanical force to the longitudinal joint portion 6 to ensure a longitudinal seal of the tube 4. The pressing assembly 21 includes at least one pressure roller 22 and at least one reverse pressure roller 23 adapted to apply mechanical force to the longitudinal joint portion 6 from opposite sides. Specifically, in use, the longitudinal joint portion 6 is positioned between the pressure roller 22 and the reverse pressure roller 23. Advantageously, the reverse pressure roller 23 is supported by a forming ring 14.

[0033] Advantageously, the pressure roller 22 is supported by the filling pipe 20.

[0034] Pressure roller 22 is arranged inside tube 4. More specifically, pressure roller 22 is supported by spring 24 connected to filling tube 20. In particular, spring 24 may include an elastomer, such as a bent (metal) plate as shown. The elastomer can be configured to return to its original shape upon release after deformation.

[0035] The first end of the spring 24 is connected to the pressure roller 22. In particular, the spring 24 has a second end (opposite to the first end) connected to the filling pipe 20. Preferably, the spring 24 is a (single) leaf spring 24.

[0036] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A system 25 for setting the spring 24 is shown. In other words, the system 25 is configured to set the spring force applied by the spring 24 to the longitudinal seam portion 6 to a predetermined value. Advantageously, the housing C surrounds the system 25. The system 25 is configured to set the spring 24 during the shutdown phase of the packaging machine 1, once the web 3 of the packaging material has been removed from the area of ​​the pressing assembly 21.

[0037] System 25 includes a measuring device 26 configured to measure the spring force of spring 24. Measuring device 26 includes a force gauge 27, particularly a dynamometer 27, and an adapter element 28 implemented to support the dynamometer 27. Preferably, the dynamometer 27 is digital.

[0038] The force gauge 27 (e.g., digital or analog) includes a display D for visualizing the measured spring force. The force gauge 27 is connected to a pin 29 that projects toward a spring 24 during use. In use, the pin 29 is configured to contact the spring 24, such as its elastomer.

[0039] Adapter element 28 is connected to clamping element 30. Clamping element 30 is configured to preferably be connected to forming ring 14 or any other support structure arranged in a fixed position relative to spring 24. In other words, clamping element 30 is implemented to be fixedly connected to forming ring 15 or support structure in a non-movable and non-releasable manner.

[0040] The clamping element 30 is generally C-shaped, with an upper flat surface 31 facing the tension gauge 27 and a lower generally flat surface arranged to contact the upper surface of the forming ring 15 during use. The clamping element 30 also includes an appendage 32 projecting from the lower surface and configured to engage the gap 17. Finally, the clamping element 30 is provided with a securing device 33 (e.g., a screw) for fastening the clamping element 30 to the forming ring 15.

[0041] The adapter element 28 also includes a support bracket 34 for the force gauge 27. The support bracket 34 is generally L-shaped and has an upper flat surface for supporting the force gauge 27 and a lower surface that slides on the upper surface 31 during use.

[0042] Finally, the adapter element 28 includes a connecting bracket 35 having a first portion configured to connect to the central portion of the clamping element 30. This first portion is provided with a through slit for adjusting (and regulating) the height of the connecting bracket 35 relative to the clamping element 30 via the fixing device 36. In other words, the position of the connecting bracket 35 relative to the clamping element 30 is adjustable.

[0043] The connecting bracket 35 also includes a (second) portion configured to connect to the support bracket 34. The second portion has an upper surface on which the support bracket 34 slides during use. The second portion is provided with a rectangular through slot to allow the connecting device 37 to slide therein. The connecting device 37 is defined by a nut and pin that are fixed to and project downwards from the support bracket 34.

[0044] Finally, the connecting bracket 35 includes a (third) portion configured to be connected to the support bracket 34 via a load device 38. Advantageously, the load device 38 includes an annular screw 38. The annular screw 38 is operated (controlled) by an operator.

[0045] Specifically, the load screw 38 is configured to control the movement of the pin 29 and gradually increase the force applied by the pin 29 to the spring 24 during use. The position of the support bracket 34 (and thus the force gauge 27) relative to the connecting bracket 35 is controlled by operating the ring screw 38. The ring screw 38 is configured to control the movement of the support bracket 34 (and thus the force gauge 27) in the direction Y from a retracted position (where the pin 29 does not contact the spring 24) to an intermediate position (where the pin 29 contacts the spring 24) and to a final position (where the predetermined spring force displayed by the force gauge 27 can be checked).

[0046] System 25 also includes a load 42 as shown in the figure. The load 42 can be coupled to a sample (part) 40 of the packaging material to define a sample 39 (i.e., when connected to the sample 40 of the packaging material, the sample 39 is defined by the load 42). The load 42 ranges from 20gr to 100gr; preferably, the load 42 is in the range of 40gr to 75gr, and even more preferably, the load 42 is 50gr.

[0047] The load 42 is configured to be positioned in the region of the spring 24. Advantageously, the load 42 is configured to be positioned at the spring 24, for example at the end where it connects to the roller 22. The load 42 is configured to apply a gravitational force in use that indicates the setting of the spring 24.

[0048] Advantageously, due to the load 42, the operator is able to objectively assess the correct setting of the spring 24.

[0049] The packaging material sample 40 includes a first half of material that overlaps with a second half of material defining an overlapping region 41. Preferably, a load 42 can be releasably coupled to the packaging material sample 40 to replace the attached packaging material sample 40.

[0050] Preferably, the thickness of the overlapping area 41 is substantially equal to 1 mm. More specifically, the sample 40 of the packaging material is configured as the longitudinal seam portion 6 of the reproduction tube 4. In use, the sample 40 of the packaging material is implemented as being inserted between the pressure roller 22 and the reverse pressure roller 23. Advantageously, the sample 40 of the packaging material may not be part of the system 25. Different samples 40 of the packaging material may be connected to the load 42.

[0051] More specifically, as previously described, the ring screw 38 is configured to control the support bracket 34 (and thus the tension gauge 27) to move in the direction Y to a final position corresponding to a predetermined spring force displayed in the display D.

[0052] The methods for measuring the spring force of spring 24 using system 25 include the following: -Optionally, the initial stage of adjusting the position (i.e., height) of the connecting bracket 35 relative to the clamping element 30 by means of the fixing device 36; - Connect the adapter element 28 to the molding assembly 14; in detail, connect the clamping element 30 to the molding ring 15 by inserting the appendage 32 into the gap 17 and fastening the fixing device 33; -Measure the spring force, for example, via the display D of the force gauge 27; - Adjust the position of pin 29 according to the measured spring force; and - To achieve the predetermined force.

[0053] The method may include one or more of the following: - Turn on the dynamometer 27 and stabilize it to the zero Newton stage; - The operator begins to slightly move the ring screw 38, thereby moving the force gauge 27 from the retracted position where the pin 29 is not in contact with the spring 24 to the intermediate position where the pin 29 is in contact with the spring 24; when the pin 29 contacts the spring 24, the measured spring force begins to rise and is readable in the display D.

[0054] By slightly moving the ring screw 38, the measured spring force, visible in the display D, continues to increase, and the pin 29 begins to slightly move the pressure roller 22 away from the reverse pressure roller 23.

[0055] The method of setting the spring 24 through system 25 may also include one or more of the following: - Couple a portion 40 of the packaging material to the load 42, then arrange the portion 40 of the packaging material between the pressure roller 22 and the reverse pressure roller 23, so that the load 42 is closer to the ground relative to the portion 40 of the packaging material; and - Check the force indicated by the force gauge 27 when the sample 40 of the packaging material begins to move due to the gravity of the load 42.

[0056] In other words, the final step can be written as checking whether sample 39 falls when the predetermined force is readable in display D.

[0057] In other words, when the predetermined force is readable in the display D, the sample 39 should begin to move / fall.

[0058] Finally, if sample 39 falls before the force gauge 27 displays the predetermined force, or if sample 39 does not fall when the force gauge 27 displays the predetermined force, the curvature of spring 24 must be adjusted.

[0059] The system 25 described above has several advantages; in particular, it has been shown to provide more precise and accurate measurements of spring force, greater process repeatability, and less operator dependence. Furthermore, the adapter element 28 can be easily mounted on many different molding components 14.

[0060] Reference tag list 1 Packaging machine 2 Packaging 3 Packaging material width 4 tubes 5 sealing strips 6. Longitudinal joint section 7 Packaging Forming Apparatus 8 transmission devices 9-tube forming and sealing equipment 10 filling equipment 11 Isolation Room 12 Internal Environment 13 Molding Components 14 Molded Components 15 forming rings 16 rolls 17 gaps 18 Sealing Equipment 19 sealing head 20 Filling Pipe 21 compression components 22 pressure rollers 23 Reverse pressure rollers 24 springs 25 system 26 Measuring equipment 27 tension gauge 28 adapter components 29 pins 30 clamping elements 31 Upper surface 32 appendages 33 Fixing device 34 support brackets 35 connecting bracket 36 Fixing devices 37 Connecting Device 38 load elements / screws 39 samples 40 samples of packaging materials 41 Overlapping regions 42 load P teleportation path D monitor C casing Y direction

Claims

1. A measuring device (26) for measuring the spring force of a spring (24) in a pressing assembly (21) of a tube forming and sealing apparatus (9), said measuring device (26) comprising: - A force gauge (27), particularly a tension gauge (27), for measuring the force of the spring, and provided with a pin (29) configured to contact the spring (24) in use; - An adapter element (28) comprising a load device (38) configured to control the movement of the pin (29) and, in use, gradually increase the force applied by the pin (29) to the spring (24), and - Clamping element (30), preferably having a generally C-shape, can be coupled to a support structure arranged in a fixed position relative to the spring (24) during use.

2. The measuring device (26) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a fixed forming ring (15) supporting a plurality of rollers (16) configured to cooperate with a web (3) of folded packaging material, and wherein a corresponding gap (17) is defined between the forming ring (15) and the side surface of each roller (16); the clamping element (30) includes an appendage (32) configured to engage one of the gaps (17) in use.

3. The measuring device (26) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter element (28) includes a connecting bracket (35) having a first portion configured to be connected to the clamping element (30), wherein the position of the connecting bracket (35) relative to the clamping element (30) is adjustable.

4. The measuring device (26) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting bracket (35) is provided with a through slot for adjusting its height relative to the clamping element (30) by means of a fixing device (36).

5. The measuring device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (30) includes an upper surface (31), and wherein the adapter element (28) includes a support bracket (34) for supporting the force gauge (27), the adapter element (28) having a lower surface that slides along the direction (Y) on the upper surface (31) in use.

6. The measuring device (26) according to claim 5, wherein the adapter element (28) includes a connecting bracket (35) having a rectangular through slot for allowing the connecting device (37) to slide therein; the connecting device (37) is at least partially fixed to the support bracket (34).

7. The measuring device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load device (38) comprises an annular screw (38), and wherein the movement of the pin (29) is obtained by rotating the annular screw (38).

8. A system for providing a spring (24) in a pressing assembly (21) of a tube forming and sealing apparatus (9), the system comprising: - Measuring device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as - A load (42) is configured to be positioned at the spring (24) and apply gravity in accordance with the setting of the spring.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the load (42) is coupled to a sample (40) of packaging material, wherein a first half of the material overlaps with a second half of the material, defining an overlap area (41) to reproduce the longitudinal seam portion (6) of the tube (4) of the packaging material.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the load (42) is coupled to a sample (40) of packaging material having a thickness of substantially 1 mm.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the support structure comprises a fixed forming ring (15) surrounding a web (3) of packaging material, and the pressing assembly (21) comprises a pressure roller (22) positioned at one end of the spring (24) and a reverse pressure roller (23) arranged on the forming ring (15); a sample (40) of the packaging material is configured to be inserted between the pressure roller (22) and the reverse pressure roller (23) in use.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the load (42) is configured to disengage the sample (40) of the packaging material from the pressure roller (22) and the reverse pressure roller (23).

13. A method for measuring the spring force of a spring (24) in a pressing assembly (21) of a tube forming and sealing apparatus (9), the tube forming and sealing apparatus comprising a forming assembly (14) for progressively folding a web (3) of packaging material into a tube (4) and arranging it in a fixed position relative to the spring (24); the method comprising the steps of: - Provide a measuring device (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; - The clamping element (30) is connected to the support structure, preferably the clamping element (30) having a generally C-shape; - Measure the spring force; - Adjust the position of the pin (29) according to the measured spring force; - To achieve the predetermined force.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising adjusting the position of the pin (29) by turning the annular screw (38).

15. A method for providing a spring (24) in a pressing assembly (21) of a tube forming and sealing apparatus (9), the method comprising the steps of the method according to claim 13 or 14 and the following additional steps: - Couple the sample (40) of the packaging material to the load (42); - Position the sample (40) of the packaging material between the pressure roller (22) of the pressing assembly (21) connected to one end of the spring (24) and the reverse pressure roller (23) of the pressing assembly (21) connected to the forming assembly (14); wherein the load (42) is positioned closer to the ground relative to the sample (40) of the packaging material; - Check the force indicated by the force gauge (27) when the sample (40) of the packaging material begins to move due to the gravity of the load (42).

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: If the sample (40) of the packaging material begins to move before the force gauge (27) displays the predetermined force, or if the sample (40) of the packaging material does not move when the force gauge (27) displays the predetermined force, the curvature of the spring (24) is adjusted.

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