Conveying apparatus, folding apparatus having a conveying apparatus and packaging machine having a folding apparatus

Abstract

There is described a conveying apparatus (26) for advancing packages (2) comprising a plurality of retaining spaces (40) for housing the packages (2), each retaining space (40) being delimited by a respective first delimiting element (44) and a respective second delimiting element (45) and a conveying device (41) comprising a support base (46) carrying the first delimiting elements (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) and being configured to advance the first delimiting elements (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) and thereby also the retaining spaces (40) along an advancement path (S) and through a feeding station (42) at which a package (2) is fed into a respective retaining space (40) and a discharge station (43) at which the package (2) is discharged from the respective retaining space (40). The first delimiting elements (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) are movably connected to the support base (46). The conveying apparatus (26) comprises a control device (48) configured to control a relative movement of each first delimiting element (44) and the respective second delimiting element (45) during advancement of each first delimiting element (44) and the respective second delimiting element (45) along the advancement path (S).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for advancing packages, in particular for advancing finalized packages of a pourable product formed from semi-finalized packs of the pourable product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a folding apparatus for forming finalized packages of a pourable product from semi-finalized packs of the pourable product and having a conveying apparatus.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, into finalized packages and having a folding apparatus for folding semi-finalized packs into the finalized packages.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0006] Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines.

[0007] There are known packaging machines that advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material and into an isolation chamber in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material within the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, the tube being further fed along an (vertical) advancing direction. In order to complete the forming operations, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections during advancement along the advancing direction. Pillow packs are so obtained. These pillow packs define sealed semi-finalized packs having each a central main body, two sealing fins resulting from transversally sealing and cutting the tube and protruding from the respective central main body and a plurality of flaps laterally protruding from the central main body. In order to obtain the finalized packages, the pillow packs are further formed and the sealing fins and the flaps are folded and sealed onto the respective central main bodies.

[0008] A typical packaging machine of this type comprises: a forming apparatus configured to form the semi-finalized packs being filled with the pourable product; and a folding apparatus configured to receive the semi-finalized packs from the forming apparatus and to form the finalized packages from the semi-finalized packs.

[0009] There is known a type of folding apparatus comprising a folding unit for forming the finalized packages from the semi-finalized packs and a conveying apparatus configured to receive the finalized packages from the folding apparatus and to advance the finalized packages towards secondary packaging apparatuses such as palletizers, wrappers, or the like.

[0010] A known kind of conveying apparatus comprises a conveyor belt.

[0011] Even though the known conveying apparatuses for folding apparatuses work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the known conveying apparatuses.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved conveying apparatus.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved folding apparatus.

[0014] It is an even further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a conveying apparatus according to the respective independent claim.

[0016] Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is also provided a folding apparatus according to claim 13 or 14.

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

[0019] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine having a folding apparatus comprising a conveying apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the transformation of a semi-finalized pack into a finalized package, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of a detail of the folding apparatus of Figure 1 including the conveying apparatus, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 4, 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of portions of the conveying apparatus of Figures 1 and 3, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 7a and 7b show in further detail portions of the conveying apparatus of Figures 1 and 3 to 6, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 8 schematically shows an orientation of finalized packages 2 during operation of the conveying apparatus of Figures 1 and 3 to 6. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing finalized packages 2, preferentially sealed finalized packages 2, of a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, emulsions, beverages with pulp, salt, sugar and the like.

[0021] Preferentially, finalized packages 2 are formed from a multilayer packaging material. Even more preferentially, finalized packages 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.

[0022] More specifically, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the respective inner face of finalized packages 2 eventually contacting the pourable product.

[0023] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may also comprise a layer of gas-and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] In more detail, each finalized package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A (see Figures 2 and 8), and preferentially may have a longitudinal seam portion (extending along the respective longitudinal axis A) and a pair of transversal sealing fins, preferentially a transversal top sealing fin and a transversal bottom sealing fin.

[0025] Preferentially, each finalized package 2 may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.

[0026] Furthermore, each finalized package 2 may comprise at least a first end portion and a second end portion arranged at opposite sides of finalized package 2 and an intermediate portion interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. Preferentially, each first end portion may define a bottom of the respective finalized package 2 and each second end portion may define a top of the respective finalized package 2.

[0027] In further detail, each first end portion and each second end portion may comprise at least one respective transversal wall (being transversal to the respective longitudinal axis A of the respective finalized package 2).

[0028] Preferentially, each intermediate portion may comprise and / or define a side wall, e.g. formed from a plurality of interconnected side wall portions, extending between the respective transversal walls.

[0029] More specifically, the respective transversal wall of each first end portion may define a bottom wall and the respective transversal wall of each second end portion may define a top wall. Preferentially, the bottom wall may have a support surface adapted to be placed on a (horizontal) plane, such as e.g. a shelf within a distribution point, and the top wall may be opposite to the bottom wall.

[0030] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each finalized package 2 may also comprise an opening device, such as a closure or a lid.

[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each opening device may be applied to the respective multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, or onto semi-finalized packs 5 (which will be described in more detail in the following) or onto finalized packages 2.

[0032] Preferentially, each opening device may be provided on the respective second end portion, preferentially the respective transversal wall defining the respective top wall.

[0033] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce (sealed) semi-finalized packs 5, such as e.g. pillow packs, being filled with the pourable product and to further treat and / or manipulate and / or form semi-finalized packs 5 for obtaining finalized packages 2.

[0034] With particular reference to Figures 2, 3 and 8, each finalized package 2 extends along the respective longitudinal axis A, and more specifically also along a first transversal axis perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis A and a second transversal axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and the first transversal axis.

[0035] Preferentially but not necessarily, an extension of each finalized package 2 along the respective longitudinal axis A is larger than an extension along the respective first transversal axis and an extension along the respective second transversal axis.

[0036] With particular reference to Figure 2, each semi-finalized pack 5 may extend along a respective longitudinal axis B, and preferentially may comprise a longitudinal sealing band 6 (extending along and / or being parallel to longitudinal axis B).

[0037] Each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise a central main body 8, one or more flaps 9 protruding away, preferentially laterally protruding away, from the respective central main body 8 and one or more transversal sealing fins 10, preferentially transversal to longitudinal axis B.

[0038] In further detail, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 may be arranged at a respective end portion of the respective semi-finalized pack 5. In even further detail, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 may result from transversally sealing the respective semi-finalized pack 5.

[0039] Preferentially, each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise at least two transversal sealing fins 10, preferentially transversal to longitudinal axis B, and two pairs of flaps 9, each pair being associated with one respective sealing fin 10.

[0040] More specifically, each pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 are arranged at a respective end portion of the respective semi-finalized pack 5.

[0041] Even more specifically, one pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 are arranged at a first end portion 11 of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 and the other pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 are arranged at a second end portion 12 of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 opposite to the respective first end portion 11.

[0042] Moreover, each sealing fin 10 may define a respective transversal sealing fin of the respective finalized package 2 (obtained from the respective semi-finalized pack 5).

[0043] Additionally, each sealing fin 10 may protrude from the respective central main body 8 along a direction parallel to the respective longitudinal axis B.

[0044] Each longitudinal sealing band 6 may define a corresponding longitudinal seam portion of the respective finalized package 2 (obtained from the respective semi-finalized pack 5).

[0045] With particular reference to Figure 2, each end portion, in particular each first end portion 11 and each second end portion 12, may taper from the respective central main body 8 to and / or into the respective sealing fin 10 and the respective flaps 9.

[0046] Preferentially, each flap 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 are connected to one another.

[0047] In further detail, each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise the respective first end portion 11, the respective second end portion 12 and an intermediate portion interposed between first end portion 11 and second end portion 12.

[0048] With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 may comprise at least: a forming apparatus 15 configured to form and / or obtain semi-finalized packs 5 of the pourable product, preferentially from the multilayer packaging material, even more preferentially from web of packaging material 3; and a folding apparatus 16 configured to receive the semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to form finalized packages 2 of the pourable product from semi-finalized packs 5.

[0049] In more detail, forming apparatus 15 may comprise: an isolation chamber 17 configured to separate an inner (sterile) environment from an outer (hostile) environment; a conveying device 18 configured to advance web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station at which web of packaging material 3 is formed, in use, into a tube 19 and for advancing tube 19 along a tube advancement path Q; a tube forming and sealing device 20 at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 17 and configured to form and longitudinally seal tube 19 at the tube forming station within isolation chamber 17; a filling device 21 for filling tube 19 with the pourable product; and a pack forming unit configured to at least form and transversally seal tube 19, preferentially to also transversally cut tube 19, preferentially during advancement of tube 19 along tube advancement path Q, for obtaining and / or producing semi-finalized packs 5.

[0050] Preferentially, each sealing fin 10 may result from transversally sealing and cutting tube 19.

[0051] Preferentially, the pack forming unit may be arranged downstream of isolation chamber 17 and tube forming and sealing device 20 along tube advancement path Q.

[0052] Moreover, tube 19 may extend along a longitudinal axis, preferentially having a vertical orientation.

[0053] Furthermore, packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion of web of packaging material 3 at a sterilization station arranged upstream of the tube forming station along web advancement path P.

[0054] In more detail, filling device 21 may comprise at least a filling pipe 22 being in fluid connection or being controllable to be in fluid connection with a pourable product storage tank (not shown and known as such) and being, in use, partially placed within tube 19 for feeding the pourable product into the, in use, advancing tube 19.

[0055] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the pack forming unit may comprise: a plurality of pairs of at least one operative assembly (not shown and known as such) and at least one respective counter-operative assembly (not shown and known as such); and a conveying unit (not shown and known as such) configured to advance the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies along respective conveying paths.

[0056] More specifically, each operative assembly may be configured to cooperate, in use, with the respective counter-operative assembly of the respective pair for forming, transversally sealing, and preferentially also transversally cutting, tube 19 for obtaining one respective semi-finalized pack 5, in particular when, in use, advancing along a respective operative portion of the respective conveying path.

[0057] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, folding apparatus 16 is configured to form finalized packages 2 from the respective semi-finalized packs 5.

[0058] Advantageously, folding apparatus 16 is, more specifically also forming apparatus 15 is, arranged on and / or arrangeable on a support surface, in particular a horizontal support surface.

[0059] The support surface can be a floor of a production hall and / or a base structure placed within a production hall may comprise the support surface.

[0060] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, folding apparatus 16 comprises: a folding unit 25 configured to form finalized packages 2 from semi-finalized packs 5; and a conveying apparatus 26 configured to advance finalized packages 2, in particular towards secondary packaging machines such as palletizers, carton packers, wrappers and the like.

[0061] More specifically, conveying apparatus 26 is arranged such that folding unit 25 feeds finalized packages 2 to conveying apparatus 26.

[0062] Additionally, folding apparatus 16 may also comprise an infeed conveyor configured to receive semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 25.

[0063] In more detail, folding unit 25 comprises: a plurality of retaining pockets 30, each retaining pocket 30 being configured to receive one respective semi-finalized pack 5 at a time; and a conveying device 31 configured to advance retaining pockets 30 along an endless path R and through a receiving station 32 at which each semi-finalized pack 5 is fed into one respective retaining pocket 30 and a release station 33 at which each finalized package 2 is released from the respective retaining pocket 30; and a manipulation assembly 34 configured to execute, in use, a plurality of manipulation steps (see Figure 2) on semi-finalized packs 5 advancing, in use, within the respective retaining pockets 30 and between receiving station 32 and release station 33 so as to form finalized packages 2 from semi-finalized packs 5.

[0064] More specifically, finalized packages 2 are formed from semi-finalized packs 5 by interaction of manipulation assembly 34 with semi-finalized packs 5 while semi-finalized packs 5 advance, in use, between receiving station 32 and release station 33.

[0065] In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance together with the respective retaining pockets 30 from receiving station 32 to release station 33.

[0066] More specifically, the infeed conveyor may be interposed between conveying device 31 and forming apparatus 15.

[0067] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, conveying device 31 is arranged such that endless path R comprises a main portion R1 extending between receiving station 32 and release station 33, in particular from receiving station 32 to release station 33. Thus, manipulation assembly 34 is configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along main portion R1.

[0068] Additionally, main portion R1 comprises a first operative section R1a, a second operative section R1b and a connecting section R1c, in particular a curved connecting section R1c, connecting first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b with one another.

[0069] More specifically, first operative section R1a may extend from receiving station 32 to connecting section R1c and second operative section R1b may extend from connecting section R1c to release station 33.

[0070] In particular, second operative section R1b is arranged downstream of first operative section R1a along endless path R.

[0071] Moreover, endless path R may also comprise a return portion R2, in particular a curved return portion R2, connecting second operative section R1b with first operative section R1a. In particular, in use, retaining pockets 30 are empty when moving along return portion R2 and are ready to receive a new semi-finalized pack 5.

[0072] In particular, return portion R2 extends from release station 33 to receiving station 32.

[0073] Preferentially, endless path R has an oval-like shape.

[0074] Preferentially but not necessarily, at least parts of first operative section R1a and of second operative section R1b have a rectilinear shape. More preferentially, first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b are rectilinear.

[0075] Advantageously, manipulation assembly 34 is configured not to actively manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 when semi-finalized packs 5 advance, in use, along connecting section R1c.

[0076] In particular, manipulation assembly 34 comprises at least: one, more specifically at least two, even more specifically exactly two, folding devices 36, each one configured to partially fold respective sealing fins 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 from a respective unfolded position in which each sealing fin 10 protrudes from the respective central main body 8 to a partially folded position in which the sealing fin 10 is folded towards and / or onto the respective central main body 8 and / or to partially fold each respective flap 9 of each semi-finalized pack 5 from a respective non-folded position in which each flap 9 protrudes away from the respective central main body 8 to a respective partially bent position in which the flap 9 is folded towards the respective central main body 8; and a bonding device 37 configured to bond, in particular by heating and pressing, flaps 9 onto the respective central main bodies 8.

[0077] With particular reference to Figure 3, each retaining pocket 30 may be delimited by two spaced apart retaining plates 70.

[0078] In particular, each retaining plate 70 is coupled to conveying device 31.

[0079] Conveying device 31 is configured to advance retaining plates 70 along endless path R so as to advance retaining pockets 30 along endless path R.

[0080] In further detail, conveying device 31 comprises a chain 71 carrying retaining plates 70 and an actuation mechanism for advancing chain 71 and therewith retaining plates 70. In particular, chain 71 comprises a plurality of links, each link caring a respective plate 70.

[0081] More specifically, the actuation mechanism comprises at least two gear wheels, an actuator coupled to one of the two gear wheels and configured to rotate the respective gear wheel around a rotation axis so as to advance chain 71 and retaining plates 70.

[0082] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 7b, conveying apparatus 26 comprises: a plurality of retaining spaces 40 for housing finalized packages 2; and a conveying device 41 configured to advance retaining spaces 40 along an advancement path S, more specifically an endless advancement path S, even more specifically a circular advancement path S, and through a feeding station 42 at which finalized packages 2 are fed into the respective retaining spaces 40 and a discharge station 43 at which finalized packages 2 are discharged from the respective retaining spaces 40.

[0083] In more detail, folding unit 25 and conveying apparatus 26 are arranged such that finalized packages 2 are, in use, transferred from folding unit 25, in particular the respective retaining pockets 30, into the respective retaining spaces 40 at feeding station 42.

[0084] In particular, feeding station 42 is arranged at release station 33.

[0085] Moreover, finalized packages 2 are discharged from the respective receiving spaces 40 at discharge station 43, e.g. onto further conveyors 51 such as belt conveyors.

[0086] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 6, each retaining space 40 is delimited by a respective pair of delimiting elements, each pair of delimiting elements comprising a respective first delimiting element 44 and a respective second delimiting element 45.

[0087] More specifically, the respective first delimiting element 44 of each pair of delimiting elements is arranged downstream of the respective second delimiting element 45 of the respective pair of delimiting elements along advancement path S. In other words, each first delimiting element 44 of the respective pair of delimiting elements defines a trailing delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 of the respective pair of delimiting elements defines a leading delimiting element 45.

[0088] Moreover, first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 are connected to conveying device 41.

[0089] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 6, conveying device 41 is configured to advance first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 along advancement path S and through feeding station 42 and discharge station 43 so as to advance retaining spaces 40 along advancement path S and through feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0090] In further detail, conveying device 41 comprises a support base 46 carrying first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45.

[0091] Moreover, conveying device 41 is configured to move support base 46 for advancing retaining spaces 40, in particular first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45, along advancement path S.

[0092] In further detail, conveying device 41 also comprises an actuator 47, e.g. an electrical motor, configured to actuate movement of support base 46 for advancing retaining spaces 40, in particular first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45, along advancement path S.

[0093] More specifically, support base 46 is rotatable about a support base rotation axis C and conveying device 41, in particular actuator 47, is configured to rotate support base 46 about support base rotation axis C so as to advance retaining spaces 40, in particular first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45, along advancement path S.

[0094] Advantageously, support base 46 has a (substantially) circular shape.

[0095] Preferentially but not necessarily, first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 are spaced about support base rotation axis C.

[0096] Advantageously, support base rotation axis C defines together with the horizontal support surface an angle different from 90°, i.e. support base rotation axis C is not perpendicular to the horizontal support surface. In particular, support base rotation axis C is inclined with respect to the horizontal support surface.

[0097] More specifically, support base rotation axis C is inclined towards folding unit 25.

[0098] Preferentially but not necessarily, the angle defined between a vertical direction and support base rotation axis C ranges between 30° and 80°, more specifically between 45° and 65°. The Applicant has observed that such an orientation allows an improved working efficiency.

[0099] Preferentially but necessarily, first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 are mounted to a peripheral portion of support base 46.

[0100] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 6, each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 is movably connected to support base 46, i.e. first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 can execute a relative movement with respect to support base 46.

[0101] Furthermore, conveying apparatus 26 comprises a control device 48 configured to control a relative movement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 during advancement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 along advancement path S.

[0102] In more detail, control device 48 is configured to control a relative position of the respective first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 of each pair of delimiting elements.

[0103] Advantageously, control device 48 is configured such to control the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to clamp the respective finalized packages 2 between the respective first delimiting elements 44 and the respective second delimiting elements 45 during advancement of the respective first delimiting elements 44 and the respective second delimiting elements 45 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43. Additionally, control device 48 is configured such to control the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to allow to feed finalized packages 2 into and discharge finalized packages 2 out of the respective retaining spaces 40 at, respectively, feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0104] In more detail, control device 48 is configured to move each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 towards one another after the respective retaining space 40 having received the respective finalized packages 2 at feeding station 42 and to move each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 away from one another prior to releasing the respective finalized packages 2 at discharge station 43.

[0105] In further detail, each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 is angularly movably coupled to (a respective portion) of support base 46 and each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 is angularly movable about a respective delimiting element rotation axis E, more specifically a respective delimiting element rotation axis E parallel to support base rotation axis C.

[0106] Advantageously, control device 48 is configured to control an angular movement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 about the respective delimiting element rotation axis E and during advancement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 along advancement path S.

[0107] Moreover, control device 48 is configured to control a respective first angular position of each first delimiting element 44 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E in dependence of a respective angular position of first delimiting element 44 with respect to support base rotation axis C and to control a respective second angular position of each second delimiting element 45 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E in dependence of a respective angular position of second delimiting element 45 with respect to support base rotation axis C.

[0108] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 6, support base 46 comprises a first support plate 49 and a second support plate 50 spaced apart from one another along support base rotation axis C.

[0109] In more detail, first delimiting elements 44 are connected, more specifically rotatably coupled (hinged), to first support plate 49 and second delimiting elements 45 are connected, more specifically rotatably coupled (hinged), to second support plate 50.

[0110] In further detail, each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 comprises a respective interaction portion 55 configured to interact with finalized packages 2 and a connection portion 56 angularly movably coupled to support base 46, in particular to first support plate 49 and second support plate 50, respectively.

[0111] More specifically, each connection portion 56 radially protrudes from support base 46, and the respective interaction portion 55 (axially) extends from the respective connection portion 56.

[0112] With particular reference to Figures 7a and 7b, control device 48 comprises: a first cam profile 57, more specifically having an endless shape; a plurality of first cam followers, each one operatively connected to one respective first delimiting element 44, and configured to interact with first cam profile 57 (for controlling the respective first angular position of the respective first delimiting element 44 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E); a second cam profile 58, more specifically having an endless shape; and a plurality of second cam followers, each one operatively connected to one respective second delimiting element 45 and configured to interact with second cam profile 58 (for controlling the respective second angular position of the respective second delimiting element 45 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E).

[0113] According to the example shown, control device 48 comprises a control plate 59 carrying on a first side first cam profile 57 and on a second side, opposite to the first side, second cam profile 58.

[0114] Moreover, control plate 59 is interposed between first support plate 49 and second support plate 50.

[0115] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 6, conveying apparatus 26 also comprises a support structure 60 extending (at least) between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43 and being configured to carry finalized packages 2 during advancement of finalized packages 2 from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43.

[0116] More specifically, support structure 60 is arc-shaped.

[0117] In particular, in use, during advancement of finalized packages 2 from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43 the respective bottom walls of finalized packages 2 are in contact with support structure 60.

[0118] Additionally, conveying apparatus 26 comprises a lateral support 61, e.g. connected to support structure 60, extending at least between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43 and being configured to laterally support finalized packages 2 during advancement of finalized packages 2 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0119] In particular, in use, during advancement of finalized packages 2 from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43 the respective side walls of finalized packages 2 are in contact with lateral support 61.

[0120] With reference to Figure 8, when each finalized package 2 is arranged within retaining space 40 and is at feeding station 42 (the finalized package 2 being shown on the left in Figure 8), a respective first angle α 1 is defined between longitudinal axis A of finalized package 2 and support base rotation axis C. Additionally, when each finalized package 2 is arranged within retaining space 40 and is at discharge station 43 (the finalized package 2 being shown on the right in Figure 8), a respective second angle α 2 is defined between longitudinal axis A of finalized package 2 and support base rotation axis C.

[0121] Advantageously, first angle α 1 and second angle α 2 equal one another.

[0122] Moreover, the respective first angle α 1 of each finalized package 2 equals the respective first angles α 1 of the other finalized packages 2.

[0123] Moreover, the respective second angle α 2 of each finalized package 2 equals the respective first angles α 2 of the other finalized packages 2.

[0124] Advantageously, when each finalized package 2 is arranged within retaining space 40 and is at discharge station 43 (the finalized package 2 being shown on the right in Figure 8) longitudinal axis A of finalized package 2 is arranged along a substantially vertical direction, in particular a vertical direction.

[0125] In use, packaging machine 1 forms finalized packages 2 filled with the pourable product.

[0126] In particular, the method for forming finalized packages 2 comprises the main steps of: forming semi-finalized packs 5, in particular by operation of forming apparatus 15; and folding semi-finalized packs 5 into finalized packages 2, in particular by operation of folding apparatus 16.

[0127] In more detail, the main step of forming semi-finalized packs 5, comprises at least the steps of: advancing web of packaging material 3 along advancement path P, in particular by operation of conveying device 18; folding web of packaging material 3 into tube 19, in particular within isolation chamber 17, in particular by operation of tube forming and sealing device 20; longitudinally sealing tube 19, in particular within isolation chamber 17, in particular by operation of tube forming and sealing device 20; filling tube 19 with the pourable product, in particular by operation of filling device 21, more in particular filing pipe 22; advancing tube 19 along tube advancement path Q, in particular by operation of conveying device 18 and / or the pack forming unit; and obtaining semi-finalized packs 5 from tube 19 by forming, transversally sealing and transversally cutting tube 19, in particular by operation of the pack forming unit, during advancement of tube 19 along tube advancement path Q.

[0128] Moreover, the step of forming may also comprise the step of sterilizing web of packaging material 3 at the sterilization station.

[0129] In more detail, the step of folding semi-finalized packs 5 comprises the sub-steps of: feeding semi-finalized packs 5 into retaining pockets 30 at receiving station 32; advancing retaining pockets 30 along endless path R through receiving station 32 and release station 33, in particular by operation of conveying device 31, thereby advancing semi-finalized packs 5 along main portion R1; and manipulating semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b, in particular by operation of manipulation assembly 34.

[0130] During the sub-step of manipulating at least one manipulation step is executed on semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along first operative section R1a and at least another manipulation step is executed on semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along second operative section R1b.

[0131] In use, a step of conveying is also provided during which retaining spaces 40 advance along advancement space S.

[0132] In particular, respective finalized packages 2 are placed into retaining spaces 40 at feeding station 42 and are discharged from retaining spaces 40 at discharge station 43.

[0133] Moreover, during the step of conveying, control device 48 controls the relative position of the each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 of each pair of delimiting elements, in particular in dependence of the angular position of first delimiting element 44 with respect to support base rotation axis C and of the angular position of second delimiting element 45 with respect to support base rotation axis C.

[0134] Advantageously, during the step of conveying, control device 48 controls the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to clamp the respective finalized packages 2 between the respective first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 during advancement of the respective first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43. Additionally, during the step of conveying, control device 48 controls the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to allow to feed finalized packages 2 into and discharge finalized packages 2 out of the respective retaining spaces 40 at, respectively, feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0135] The advantages of conveying apparatus 26 and / or folding apparatus 16 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0136] In particular, conveying apparatus 26 allows to provide for an improved guidance during advancement from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43.

[0137] Moreover, conveying apparatus 26, thanks to the possibility of controlling the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45, allows to avoid rotations of finalized packages 2 during advancement of finalized packages 2 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0138] Clearly, changes may be made to conveying apparatus 26, and or folding apparatus 16 and / or packaging machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing finalized packages 2, preferentially sealed finalized packages 2, of a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, emulsions, beverages with pulp, salt, sugar and the like.

[0021]Preferentially, finalized packages 2 are formed from a multilayer packaging material. Even more preferentially, finalized packages 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.

[0022]More specifically, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the respective inner face of finalized packages 2 eventu...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for advancing packages, in particular for advancing finalized packages of a pourable product formed from semi-finalized packs of the pourable product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a folding apparatus for forming finalized packages of a pourable product from semi-finalized packs of the pourable product and having a conveying apparatus.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, into finalized packages and having a folding apparatus for folding semi-finalized packs into the finalized packages.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0006] Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines.

[0007] There are known packaging machines that advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material and into an isolation chamber in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material within the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, the tube being further fed along an (vertical) advancing direction. In order to complete the forming operations, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections during advancement along the advancing direction. Pillow packs are so obtained. These pillow packs define sealed semi-finalized packs having each a central main body, two sealing fins resulting from transversally sealing and cutting the tube and protruding from the respective central main body and a plurality of flaps laterally protruding from the central main body. In order to obtain the finalized packages, the pillow packs are further formed and the sealing fins and the flaps are folded and sealed onto the respective central main bodies.

[0008] A typical packaging machine of this type comprises: a forming apparatus configured to form the semi-finalized packs being filled with the pourable product; and a folding apparatus configured to receive the semi-finalized packs from the forming apparatus and to form the finalized packages from the semi-finalized packs.

[0009] There is known a type of folding apparatus comprising a folding unit for forming the finalized packages from the semi-finalized packs and a conveying apparatus configured to receive the finalized packages from the folding apparatus and to advance the finalized packages towards secondary packaging apparatuses such as palletizers, wrappers, or the like.

[0010] A known kind of conveying apparatus comprises a conveyor belt.

[0011] Even though the known conveying apparatuses for folding apparatuses work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the known conveying apparatuses.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved conveying apparatus.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved folding apparatus.

[0014] It is an even further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a conveying apparatus according to the respective independent claim.

[0016] Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is also provided a folding apparatus according to claim 13 or 14.

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

[0019] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine having a folding apparatus comprising a conveying apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the transformation of a semi-finalized pack into a finalized package, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of a detail of the folding apparatus of Figure 1 including the conveying apparatus, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 4, 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of portions of the conveying apparatus of Figures 1 and 3, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 7a and 7b show in further detail portions of the conveying apparatus of Figures 1 and 3 to 6, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 8 schematically shows an orientation of finalized packages 2 during operation of the conveying apparatus of Figures 1 and 3 to 6. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing finalized packages 2, preferentially sealed finalized packages 2, of a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, emulsions, beverages with pulp, salt, sugar and the like.

[0021] Preferentially, finalized packages 2 are formed from a multilayer packaging material. Even more preferentially, finalized packages 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.

[0022] More specifically, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the respective inner face of finalized packages 2 eventually contacting the pourable product.

[0023] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may also comprise a layer of gas-and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] In more detail, each finalized package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A (see Figures 2 and 8), and preferentially may have a longitudinal seam portion (extending along the respective longitudinal axis A) and a pair of transversal sealing fins, preferentially a transversal top sealing fin and a transversal bottom sealing fin.

[0025] Preferentially, each finalized package 2 may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.

[0026] Furthermore, each finalized package 2 may comprise at least a first end portion and a second end portion arranged at opposite sides of finalized package 2 and an intermediate portion interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. Preferentially, each first end portion may define a bottom of the respective finalized package 2 and each second end portion may define a top of the respective finalized package 2.

[0027] In further detail, each first end portion and each second end portion may comprise at least one respective transversal wall (being transversal to the respective longitudinal axis A of the respective finalized package 2).

[0028] Preferentially, each intermediate portion may comprise and / or define a side wall, e.g. formed from a plurality of interconnected side wall portions, extending between the respective transversal walls.

[0029] More specifically, the respective transversal wall of each first end portion may define a bottom wall and the respective transversal wall of each second end portion may define a top wall. Preferentially, the bottom wall may have a support surface adapted to be placed on a (horizontal) plane, such as e.g. a shelf within a distribution point, and the top wall may be opposite to the bottom wall.

[0030] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each finalized package 2 may also comprise an opening device, such as a closure or a lid.

[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each opening device may be applied to the respective multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, or onto semi-finalized packs 5 (which will be described in more detail in the following) or onto finalized packages 2.

[0032] Preferentially, each opening device may be provided on the respective second end portion, preferentially the respective transversal wall defining the respective top wall.

[0033] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce (sealed) semi-finalized packs 5, such as e.g. pillow packs, being filled with the pourable product and to further treat and / or manipulate and / or form semi-finalized packs 5 for obtaining finalized packages 2.

[0034] With particular reference to Figures 2, 3 and 8, each finalized package 2 extends along the respective longitudinal axis A, and more specifically also along a first transversal axis perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis A and a second transversal axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and the first transversal axis.

[0035] Preferentially but not necessarily, an extension of each finalized package 2 along the respective longitudinal axis A is larger than an extension along the respective first transversal axis and an extension along the respective second transversal axis.

[0036] With particular reference to Figure 2, each semi-finalized pack 5 may extend along a respective longitudinal axis B, and preferentially may comprise a longitudinal sealing band 6 (extending along and / or being parallel to longitudinal axis B).

[0037] Each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise a central main body 8, one or more flaps 9 protruding away, preferentially laterally protruding away, from the respective central main body 8 and one or more transversal sealing fins 10, preferentially transversal to longitudinal axis B.

[0038] In further detail, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 may be arranged at a respective end portion of the respective semi-finalized pack 5. In even further detail, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 may result from transversally sealing the respective semi-finalized pack 5.

[0039] Preferentially, each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise at least two transversal sealing fins 10, preferentially transversal to longitudinal axis B, and two pairs of flaps 9, each pair being associated with one respective sealing fin 10.

[0040] More specifically, each pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 are arranged at a respective end portion of the respective semi-finalized pack 5.

[0041] Even more specifically, one pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 are arranged at a first end portion 11 of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 and the other pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 are arranged at a second end portion 12 of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 opposite to the respective first end portion 11.

[0042] Moreover, each sealing fin 10 may define a respective transversal sealing fin of the respective finalized package 2 (obtained from the respective semi-finalized pack 5).

[0043] Additionally, each sealing fin 10 may protrude from the respective central main body 8 along a direction parallel to the respective longitudinal axis B.

[0044] Each longitudinal sealing band 6 may define a corresponding longitudinal seam portion of the respective finalized package 2 (obtained from the respective semi-finalized pack 5).

[0045] With particular reference to Figure 2, each end portion, in particular each first end portion 11 and each second end portion 12, may taper from the respective central main body 8 to and / or into the respective sealing fin 10 and the respective flaps 9.

[0046] Preferentially, each flap 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 are connected to one another.

[0047] In further detail, each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise the respective first end portion 11, the respective second end portion 12 and an intermediate portion interposed between first end portion 11 and second end portion 12.

[0048] With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 may comprise at least: a forming apparatus 15 configured to form and / or obtain semi-finalized packs 5 of the pourable product, preferentially from the multilayer packaging material, even more preferentially from web of packaging material 3; and a folding apparatus 16 configured to receive the semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to form finalized packages 2 of the pourable product from semi-finalized packs 5.

[0049] In more detail, forming apparatus 15 may comprise: an isolation chamber 17 configured to separate an inner (sterile) environment from an outer (hostile) environment; a conveying device 18 configured to advance web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station at which web of packaging material 3 is formed, in use, into a tube 19 and for advancing tube 19 along a tube advancement path Q; a tube forming and sealing device 20 at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 17 and configured to form and longitudinally seal tube 19 at the tube forming station within isolation chamber 17; a filling device 21 for filling tube 19 with the pourable product; and a pack forming unit configured to at least form and transversally seal tube 19, preferentially to also transversally cut tube 19, preferentially during advancement of tube 19 along tube advancement path Q, for obtaining and / or producing semi-finalized packs 5.

[0050] Preferentially, each sealing fin 10 may result from transversally sealing and cutting tube 19.

[0051] Preferentially, the pack forming unit may be arranged downstream of isolation chamber 17 and tube forming and sealing device 20 along tube advancement path Q.

[0052] Moreover, tube 19 may extend along a longitudinal axis, preferentially having a vertical orientation.

[0053] Furthermore, packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion of web of packaging material 3 at a sterilization station arranged upstream of the tube forming station along web advancement path P.

[0054] In more detail, filling device 21 may comprise at least a filling pipe 22 being in fluid connection or being controllable to be in fluid connection with a pourable product storage tank (not shown and known as such) and being, in use, partially placed within tube 19 for feeding the pourable product into the, in use, advancing tube 19.

[0055] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the pack forming unit may comprise: a plurality of pairs of at least one operative assembly (not shown and known as such) and at least one respective counter-operative assembly (not shown and known as such); and a conveying unit (not shown and known as such) configured to advance the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies along respective conveying paths.

[0056] More specifically, each operative assembly may be configured to cooperate, in use, with the respective counter-operative assembly of the respective pair for forming, transversally sealing, and preferentially also transversally cutting, tube 19 for obtaining one respective semi-finalized pack 5, in particular when, in use, advancing along a respective operative portion of the respective conveying path.

[0057] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, folding apparatus 16 is configured to form finalized packages 2 from the respective semi-finalized packs 5.

[0058] Advantageously, folding apparatus 16 is, more specifically also forming apparatus 15 is, arranged on and / or arrangeable on a support surface, in particular a horizontal support surface.

[0059] The support surface can be a floor of a production hall and / or a base structure placed within a production hall may comprise the support surface.

[0060] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, folding apparatus 16 comprises: a folding unit 25 configured to form finalized packages 2 from semi-finalized packs 5; and a conveying apparatus 26 configured to advance finalized packages 2, in particular towards secondary packaging machines such as palletizers, carton packers, wrappers and the like.

[0061] More specifically, conveying apparatus 26 is arranged such that folding unit 25 feeds finalized packages 2 to conveying apparatus 26.

[0062] Additionally, folding apparatus 16 may also comprise an infeed conveyor configured to receive semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 25.

[0063] In more detail, folding unit 25 comprises: a plurality of retaining pockets 30, each retaining pocket 30 being configured to receive one respective semi-finalized pack 5 at a time; and a conveying device 31 configured to advance retaining pockets 30 along an endless path R and through a receiving station 32 at which each semi-finalized pack 5 is fed into one respective retaining pocket 30 and a release station 33 at which each finalized package 2 is released from the respective retaining pocket 30; and a manipulation assembly 34 configured to execute, in use, a plurality of manipulation steps (see Figure 2) on semi-finalized packs 5 advancing, in use, within the respective retaining pockets 30 and between receiving station 32 and release station 33 so as to form finalized packages 2 from semi-finalized packs 5.

[0064] More specifically, finalized packages 2 are formed from semi-finalized packs 5 by interaction of manipulation assembly 34 with semi-finalized packs 5 while semi-finalized packs 5 advance, in use, between receiving station 32 and release station 33.

[0065] In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance together with the respective retaining pockets 30 from receiving station 32 to release station 33.

[0066] More specifically, the infeed conveyor may be interposed between conveying device 31 and forming apparatus 15.

[0067] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, conveying device 31 is arranged such that endless path R comprises a main portion R1 extending between receiving station 32 and release station 33, in particular from receiving station 32 to release station 33. Thus, manipulation assembly 34 is configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along main portion R1.

[0068] Additionally, main portion R1 comprises a first operative section R1a, a second operative section R1b and a connecting section R1c, in particular a curved connecting section R1c, connecting first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b with one another.

[0069] More specifically, first operative section R1a may extend from receiving station 32 to connecting section R1c and second operative section R1b may extend from connecting section R1c to release station 33.

[0070] In particular, second operative section R1b is arranged downstream of first operative section R1a along endless path R.

[0071] Moreover, endless path R may also comprise a return portion R2, in particular a curved return portion R2, connecting second operative section R1b with first operative section R1a. In particular, in use, retaining pockets 30 are empty when moving along return portion R2 and are ready to receive a new semi-finalized pack 5.

[0072] In particular, return portion R2 extends from release station 33 to receiving station 32.

[0073] Preferentially, endless path R has an oval-like shape.

[0074] Preferentially but not necessarily, at least parts of first operative section R1a and of second operative section R1b have a rectilinear shape. More preferentially, first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b are rectilinear.

[0075] Advantageously, manipulation assembly 34 is configured not to actively manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 when semi-finalized packs 5 advance, in use, along connecting section R1c.

[0076] In particular, manipulation assembly 34 comprises at least: one, more specifically at least two, even more specifically exactly two, folding devices 36, each one configured to partially fold respective sealing fins 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 from a respective unfolded position in which each sealing fin 10 protrudes from the respective central main body 8 to a partially folded position in which the sealing fin 10 is folded towards and / or onto the respective central main body 8 and / or to partially fold each respective flap 9 of each semi-finalized pack 5 from a respective non-folded position in which each flap 9 protrudes away from the respective central main body 8 to a respective partially bent position in which the flap 9 is folded towards the respective central main body 8; and a bonding device 37 configured to bond, in particular by heating and pressing, flaps 9 onto the respective central main bodies 8.

[0077] With particular reference to Figure 3, each retaining pocket 30 may be delimited by two spaced apart retaining plates 70.

[0078] In particular, each retaining plate 70 is coupled to conveying device 31.

[0079] Conveying device 31 is configured to advance retaining plates 70 along endless path R so as to advance retaining pockets 30 along endless path R.

[0080] In further detail, conveying device 31 comprises a chain 71 carrying retaining plates 70 and an actuation mechanism for advancing chain 71 and therewith retaining plates 70. In particular, chain 71 comprises a plurality of links, each link caring a respective plate 70.

[0081] More specifically, the actuation mechanism comprises at least two gear wheels, an actuator coupled to one of the two gear wheels and configured to rotate the respective gear wheel around a rotation axis so as to advance chain 71 and retaining plates 70.

[0082] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 7b, conveying apparatus 26 comprises: a plurality of retaining spaces 40 for housing finalized packages 2; and a conveying device 41 configured to advance retaining spaces 40 along an advancement path S, more specifically an endless advancement path S, even more specifically a circular advancement path S, and through a feeding station 42 at which finalized packages 2 are fed into the respective retaining spaces 40 and a discharge station 43 at which finalized packages 2 are discharged from the respective retaining spaces 40.

[0083] In more detail, folding unit 25 and conveying apparatus 26 are arranged such that finalized packages 2 are, in use, transferred from folding unit 25, in particular the respective retaining pockets 30, into the respective retaining spaces 40 at feeding station 42.

[0084] In particular, feeding station 42 is arranged at release station 33.

[0085] Moreover, finalized packages 2 are discharged from the respective receiving spaces 40 at discharge station 43, e.g. onto further conveyors 51 such as belt conveyors.

[0086] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 6, each retaining space 40 is delimited by a respective pair of delimiting elements, each pair of delimiting elements comprising a respective first delimiting element 44 and a respective second delimiting element 45.

[0087] More specifically, the respective first delimiting element 44 of each pair of delimiting elements is arranged downstream of the respective second delimiting element 45 of the respective pair of delimiting elements along advancement path S. In other words, each first delimiting element 44 of the respective pair of delimiting elements defines a trailing delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 of the respective pair of delimiting elements defines a leading delimiting element 45.

[0088] Moreover, first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 are connected to conveying device 41.

[0089] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 6, conveying device 41 is configured to advance first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 along advancement path S and through feeding station 42 and discharge station 43 so as to advance retaining spaces 40 along advancement path S and through feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0090] In further detail, conveying device 41 comprises a support base 46 carrying first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45.

[0091] Moreover, conveying device 41 is configured to move support base 46 for advancing retaining spaces 40, in particular first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45, along advancement path S.

[0092] In further detail, conveying device 41 also comprises an actuator 47, e.g. an electrical motor, configured to actuate movement of support base 46 for advancing retaining spaces 40, in particular first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45, along advancement path S.

[0093] More specifically, support base 46 is rotatable about a support base rotation axis C and conveying device 41, in particular actuator 47, is configured to rotate support base 46 about support base rotation axis C so as to advance retaining spaces 40, in particular first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45, along advancement path S.

[0094] Advantageously, support base 46 has a (substantially) circular shape.

[0095] Preferentially but not necessarily, first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 are spaced about support base rotation axis C.

[0096] Advantageously, support base rotation axis C defines together with the horizontal support surface an angle different from 90°, i.e. support base rotation axis C is not perpendicular to the horizontal support surface. In particular, support base rotation axis C is inclined with respect to the horizontal support surface.

[0097] More specifically, support base rotation axis C is inclined towards folding unit 25.

[0098] Preferentially but not necessarily, the angle defined between a vertical direction and support base rotation axis C ranges between 30° and 80°, more specifically between 45° and 65°. The Applicant has observed that such an orientation allows an improved working efficiency.

[0099] Preferentially but necessarily, first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 are mounted to a peripheral portion of support base 46.

[0100] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 6, each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 is movably connected to support base 46, i.e. first delimiting elements 44 and second delimiting elements 45 can execute a relative movement with respect to support base 46.

[0101] Furthermore, conveying apparatus 26 comprises a control device 48 configured to control a relative movement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 during advancement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 along advancement path S.

[0102] In more detail, control device 48 is configured to control a relative position of the respective first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 of each pair of delimiting elements.

[0103] Advantageously, control device 48 is configured such to control the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to clamp the respective finalized packages 2 between the respective first delimiting elements 44 and the respective second delimiting elements 45 during advancement of the respective first delimiting elements 44 and the respective second delimiting elements 45 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43. Additionally, control device 48 is configured such to control the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to allow to feed finalized packages 2 into and discharge finalized packages 2 out of the respective retaining spaces 40 at, respectively, feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0104] In more detail, control device 48 is configured to move each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 towards one another after the respective retaining space 40 having received the respective finalized packages 2 at feeding station 42 and to move each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 away from one another prior to releasing the respective finalized packages 2 at discharge station 43.

[0105] In further detail, each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 is angularly movably coupled to (a respective portion) of support base 46 and each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 is angularly movable about a respective delimiting element rotation axis E, more specifically a respective delimiting element rotation axis E parallel to support base rotation axis C.

[0106] Advantageously, control device 48 is configured to control an angular movement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 about the respective delimiting element rotation axis E and during advancement of each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 along advancement path S.

[0107] Moreover, control device 48 is configured to control a respective first angular position of each first delimiting element 44 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E in dependence of a respective angular position of first delimiting element 44 with respect to support base rotation axis C and to control a respective second angular position of each second delimiting element 45 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E in dependence of a respective angular position of second delimiting element 45 with respect to support base rotation axis C.

[0108] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 6, support base 46 comprises a first support plate 49 and a second support plate 50 spaced apart from one another along support base rotation axis C.

[0109] In more detail, first delimiting elements 44 are connected, more specifically rotatably coupled (hinged), to first support plate 49 and second delimiting elements 45 are connected, more specifically rotatably coupled (hinged), to second support plate 50.

[0110] In further detail, each first delimiting element 44 and each second delimiting element 45 comprises a respective interaction portion 55 configured to interact with finalized packages 2 and a connection portion 56 angularly movably coupled to support base 46, in particular to first support plate 49 and second support plate 50, respectively.

[0111] More specifically, each connection portion 56 radially protrudes from support base 46, and the respective interaction portion 55 (axially) extends from the respective connection portion 56.

[0112] With particular reference to Figures 7a and 7b, control device 48 comprises: a first cam profile 57, more specifically having an endless shape; a plurality of first cam followers, each one operatively connected to one respective first delimiting element 44, and configured to interact with first cam profile 57 (for controlling the respective first angular position of the respective first delimiting element 44 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E); a second cam profile 58, more specifically having an endless shape; and a plurality of second cam followers, each one operatively connected to one respective second delimiting element 45 and configured to interact with second cam profile 58 (for controlling the respective second angular position of the respective second delimiting element 45 with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis E).

[0113] According to the example shown, control device 48 comprises a control plate 59 carrying on a first side first cam profile 57 and on a second side, opposite to the first side, second cam profile 58.

[0114] Moreover, control plate 59 is interposed between first support plate 49 and second support plate 50.

[0115] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 6, conveying apparatus 26 also comprises a support structure 60 extending (at least) between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43 and being configured to carry finalized packages 2 during advancement of finalized packages 2 from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43.

[0116] More specifically, support structure 60 is arc-shaped.

[0117] In particular, in use, during advancement of finalized packages 2 from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43 the respective bottom walls of finalized packages 2 are in contact with support structure 60.

[0118] Additionally, conveying apparatus 26 comprises a lateral support 61, e.g. connected to support structure 60, extending at least between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43 and being configured to laterally support finalized packages 2 during advancement of finalized packages 2 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0119] In particular, in use, during advancement of finalized packages 2 from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43 the respective side walls of finalized packages 2 are in contact with lateral support 61.

[0120] With reference to Figure 8, when each finalized package 2 is arranged within retaining space 40 and is at feeding station 42 (the finalized package 2 being shown on the left in Figure 8), a respective first angle α 1 is defined between longitudinal axis A of finalized package 2 and support base rotation axis C. Additionally, when each finalized package 2 is arranged within retaining space 40 and is at discharge station 43 (the finalized package 2 being shown on the right in Figure 8), a respective second angle α 2 is defined between longitudinal axis A of finalized package 2 and support base rotation axis C.

[0121] Advantageously, first angle α 1 and second angle α 2 equal one another.

[0122] Moreover, the respective first angle α 1 of each finalized package 2 equals the respective first angles α 1 of the other finalized packages 2.

[0123] Moreover, the respective second angle α 2 of each finalized package 2 equals the respective first angles α 2 of the other finalized packages 2.

[0124] Advantageously, when each finalized package 2 is arranged within retaining space 40 and is at discharge station 43 (the finalized package 2 being shown on the right in Figure 8) longitudinal axis A of finalized package 2 is arranged along a substantially vertical direction, in particular a vertical direction.

[0125] In use, packaging machine 1 forms finalized packages 2 filled with the pourable product.

[0126] In particular, the method for forming finalized packages 2 comprises the main steps of: forming semi-finalized packs 5, in particular by operation of forming apparatus 15; and folding semi-finalized packs 5 into finalized packages 2, in particular by operation of folding apparatus 16.

[0127] In more detail, the main step of forming semi-finalized packs 5, comprises at least the steps of: advancing web of packaging material 3 along advancement path P, in particular by operation of conveying device 18; folding web of packaging material 3 into tube 19, in particular within isolation chamber 17, in particular by operation of tube forming and sealing device 20; longitudinally sealing tube 19, in particular within isolation chamber 17, in particular by operation of tube forming and sealing device 20; filling tube 19 with the pourable product, in particular by operation of filling device 21, more in particular filing pipe 22; advancing tube 19 along tube advancement path Q, in particular by operation of conveying device 18 and / or the pack forming unit; and obtaining semi-finalized packs 5 from tube 19 by forming, transversally sealing and transversally cutting tube 19, in particular by operation of the pack forming unit, during advancement of tube 19 along tube advancement path Q.

[0128] Moreover, the step of forming may also comprise the step of sterilizing web of packaging material 3 at the sterilization station.

[0129] In more detail, the step of folding semi-finalized packs 5 comprises the sub-steps of: feeding semi-finalized packs 5 into retaining pockets 30 at receiving station 32; advancing retaining pockets 30 along endless path R through receiving station 32 and release station 33, in particular by operation of conveying device 31, thereby advancing semi-finalized packs 5 along main portion R1; and manipulating semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b, in particular by operation of manipulation assembly 34.

[0130] During the sub-step of manipulating at least one manipulation step is executed on semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along first operative section R1a and at least another manipulation step is executed on semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along second operative section R1b.

[0131] In use, a step of conveying is also provided during which retaining spaces 40 advance along advancement space S.

[0132] In particular, respective finalized packages 2 are placed into retaining spaces 40 at feeding station 42 and are discharged from retaining spaces 40 at discharge station 43.

[0133] Moreover, during the step of conveying, control device 48 controls the relative position of the each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 of each pair of delimiting elements, in particular in dependence of the angular position of first delimiting element 44 with respect to support base rotation axis C and of the angular position of second delimiting element 45 with respect to support base rotation axis C.

[0134] Advantageously, during the step of conveying, control device 48 controls the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to clamp the respective finalized packages 2 between the respective first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 during advancement of the respective first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43. Additionally, during the step of conveying, control device 48 controls the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45 such to allow to feed finalized packages 2 into and discharge finalized packages 2 out of the respective retaining spaces 40 at, respectively, feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0135] The advantages of conveying apparatus 26 and / or folding apparatus 16 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0136] In particular, conveying apparatus 26 allows to provide for an improved guidance during advancement from feeding station 42 to discharge station 43.

[0137] Moreover, conveying apparatus 26, thanks to the possibility of controlling the relative position of each first delimiting element 44 and the respective second delimiting element 45, allows to avoid rotations of finalized packages 2 during advancement of finalized packages 2 between feeding station 42 and discharge station 43.

[0138] Clearly, changes may be made to conveying apparatus 26, and or folding apparatus 16 and / or packaging machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing finalized packages 2, preferentially sealed finalized packages 2, of a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, emulsions, beverages with pulp, salt, sugar and the like.

[0021]Preferentially, finalized packages 2 are formed from a multilayer packaging material. Even more preferentially, finalized packages 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.

[0022]More specifically, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the respective inner face of finalized packages 2 eventu...

Claims

1. Conveying apparatus (26) for advancing packages (2) comprising: - a plurality of retaining spaces (40) for housing the packages (2), each retaining space (40) being delimited by a respective pair of delimiting elements comprising a respective first delimiting element (44) and a respective second delimiting element (45); - a conveying device (41) comprising a support base (46) carrying the first delimiting elements (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) and being configured to advance the first delimiting elements (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) and thereby also the retaining spaces (40) along an advancement path (S) and through a feeding station (42) at which a package (2) is fed into a respective retaining space (40) and a discharge station (43) at which the package (2) is discharged from the respective retaining space (40); wherein each first delimiting element (44) and each second delimiting element (45) are movably connected to the support base (46); wherein the conveying apparatus (26) comprises a control device (48) configured to control a relative movement of the first delimiting element (44) and the respective second delimiting element (45) of each pair of delimiting elements during advancement of the first delimiting element (44) and the second delimiting element (45) along the advancement path (S).

2. Conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device (48) is configured to control a relative position of the first delimiting element (44) and the respective second delimiting element (45) of each pair of delimiting elements.

3. Conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each first delimiting element (44) and each second delimiting element (45) is rotatably coupled to the support base (46) and each first delimiting element (44) and each second delimiting element (45) is angularly movable about a respective delimiting element rotation axis (E); wherein the control device (48) is configured to control an angular movement of each first delimiting element (44) and each second delimiting element (45) about the respective delimiting element rotation axis (E) during advancement of each first delimiting element (44) and each second delimiting element (45) along the advancement path (S) .

4. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support base (46) is rotatable about a support base rotation axis (C) and the conveying apparatus (26) is configured to rotate the support base (46) about the support base rotation axis (C) so as to advance the retaining spaces (40) along the advancement path (S).

5. Conveying apparatus according to claim 4 when depending on claim 3, wherein each delimiting element rotation axis (E) is parallel to the support base rotation axis (C).

6. Conveying apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 when depending on claim 3, wherein the control device (48) is configured to control a respective first angular position of each first delimiting element (44) with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis (E) and a respective second angular position of each second delimiting element (45) with respect to the respective delimiting element rotation axis (E) in dependence of a respective angular position of the first delimiting element (44) with respect to the support base rotation axis (C) and of a respective angular position of the second delimiting element (45) with respect to the support base rotation axis (C).

7. Conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the conveying apparatus (26) is configured to be placed on a horizontal support surface; wherein the support base rotation axis (C) defines together with the horizontal support surface an angle different from 90° and / or the support base rotation axis (C) is inclined with respect to the horizontal support surface.

8. Conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein each package (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (A); wherein the respective longitudinal axis (A) of each package (2) when being placed within the respective retaining space (40) defines with the support base rotation axis (C) a first angle (α1) and a respective second angle (α2) when being, respectively, at the feeding station (42) and the discharge station (43); wherein the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) equal one another.

9. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (48) comprises: - a first cam profile (57); - a plurality of first cam followers, each one operatively connected to one respective first delimiting element (44), and interacting with the first cam profile (57); - a second cam profile (58); and - a plurality of second cam followers, each one operatively connected to one respective second delimiting element (45) and interacting with the second cam profile (58).

10. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (48) is configured to control the first delimiting elements (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) such to clamp a respective package (2) between the first delimiting element (44) and the second delimiting elements (45) of a respective pair of delimiting elements during advancement of the package (2) between the feeding station (42) and the discharge station (43).

11. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a support structure (60) extending at least between the feeding station (42) and the discharge station (43) and being configured to carry the packages (2) during advancement of packages (2) from the feeding station (42) to the discharge station (43).

12. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a lateral support (61) extending between at least the feeding station (42) and the discharge station (43) and being configured to laterally support the packages (2) during advancement of packages (2) between the feeding station (42) and the discharge station (43).

13. Folding apparatus (16) for forming finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5) filled with a pourable product and comprising: - a folding unit (25) configured to form the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5); and - a conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Folding apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the conveying apparatus is arranged such to receive the finalized packages (2) from the folding unit (25).

15. Packaging machine (1) for producing finalized packages (2) of a pourable product comprising at least: - a forming apparatus (15) configured to form semi-finalized packs (5) of the pourable product; and - a folding apparatus (16) according to claim 13 or 14 for forming the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5).

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