PACKAGE OPENING GROUP

Description

PACKAGE OPENING GROUP The present invention relates to the field of packaging machines. More specifically, the This invention relates to the field of machines for packaging packages in material flexible. More specifically, the present invention relates to a group for opening packaging that can be added for example to an existing packaging machine, in order to supply properly opened packages to the filling station of the machine packaging machine itself. State of the art From the state of the art, several types of packaging machines are known for packaging flexible packaging containing various types of products, such as food products such as instant coffee, powdered or in beans, biscuits or similar. These flexible material packages include two side walls parallel to each other, two side gussets and a bottom surface. The side walls, gussets and bottom surface form the containment volume and the filling mouth of the package, with the filling mouth which is opposite to the bottom surface. Examples of such packages and methods for making them can be found in European patent applications EP 3 395 709 A1, EP 3 790 809 A1 and EP 3 790 733 A1. To be able to fill these packages properly, without waste, it is necessary to open them properly, so that they can be filled appropriately. For example, if the package to be filled is made of a particularly rigid material, for example due to the very nature of the material and / or its thickness, and the product that goes inserted in the package is, however, light, such as coffee powder or cocoa, can It can be difficult to fill the package properly if it is not previously opened. appropriate due to possible bending of the side gussets and / or the bottom of the package. product that must be inserted in the package, in fact, may not be able to smooth out completely the bottom of the package and / or its side gussets, opening it completely. the bottom of the package and / or the side gussets may therefore remain partially folded and in this way, you risk filling the package insufficiently, not using all the capacity its capacity. Furthermore, filling the package properly opened is also preferable for reasons aesthetics and to facilitate the closing and / or storage of filled packages. It is therefore the aim of the present invention to solve this technical problem by providing a solution for properly opening even rigid packages, which need to be filled for example with light products such as coffee or cocoa powder. Summary The present invention is based on the idea of ​​operating on both the side walls and the bottom of the packages to be filled in such a way as to be opened properly to be able to use their full capacity for filling. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a group is provided for the opening of packages to be filled with a product, for example coffee, comprising: elements spreaders and a pressing element; first means of movement suitable for moving the elements spreaders and the pressing element in a solidary manner along a first direction; second means of movement devices for spreading and closing the spreading elements; third means of movements aimed at further moving the pressing element along the first direction, regardless of the divaricating elements. A package opening group structured in this way allows the opening of any packaging, even if the packaging is made of a rigid and / or thick material. In fact, the elements spreaders provide for the separation of the lateral parts of the package, while the element pressing ensures the complete flattening of the bottom of the package, ensuring, in this way the filling volume of the package is as large as possible, depending on of the size of the packaging itself. Examples of particularly rigid materials that can multilayer materials can be used to form packages with side gussets, for example example PET12 / AL7 / PE60, PET12 / AL7 / PE70, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE60, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE70, CARTA80 / PE70, or CARTA90 / PE70 (the numbers indicate the thickness in microns of the layers of the various materials, for example PET12AL7PE60 indicates a sheet multilayer with a 12 micron PET layer, a 7 micron Aluminum layer and a 12 micron Aluminum layer PE of 60 microns). The group according to the present invention is particularly advantageous for open packages made with these materials appropriately. The use of a group according to the present invention in a packaging machine comprising means for filling a package with a product can, therefore, be essential if you want to fill a rigid and / or thick package with a light product, such as coffee or cocoa powder. In fact, only the weight of the product that goes inserted in the package would not be able to open it completely, so make the most of its capacity. To do this, it is necessary to open the door completely. package with the group according to the present invention, so that the filling volume of the packaging reaches the maximum possible value, before the product is inserted. In this In this way, it is possible to ensure that the total capacity of the package is used. The number of spreading elements of the group according to the present invention can be two or more. The divaricating elements can be, for example, four. In this case the elements spreaders are parallel two by two and parallel to the pairs of side walls and to the two side gussets of the package to be opened. The number of spreader elements can increase in based on the particular geometry of the package to be opened. For example, there may be six, eight or ten retractor elements. According to the present invention, the first moving means are adapted to move the spreading elements and the pressing element in a solidary manner along a first direction, for example a vertical direction. The movement of the spreader elements and the pressing controlled by the first means of movement allows the insertion of both the elements spreaders that the pressing element in the package that must be opened and to extract them from the same after the opening operations have been performed. According to the present invention, the second moving means are adapted to spread apart and close the spreader elements. The movement of the spreader elements is controlled by the seconds handling means allows for example to move one away from the other, at least partially, the parallel side walls of the package so as to unfold at least partially and / or completely the side gussets and / or the bottom surface of the package. According to the present invention, the third moving means are adapted to move further the pressing element along the first direction, regardless of the elements spreaders. In particular, the third means of movement allow the element to be moved pressing along the first direction inside the package to open independently with respect to the spreading elements. Both the pressing element and the spreading elements are they can therefore find inside the package to be opened and third party means of handling allow the pressing element to be moved further along the first direction keeping it inside the package and without moving the spreading elements along the same direction. The movement of the pressing element along the first direction controlled by the third means of movement allows to advantageously push the bottom surface of the package so as to smooth it out. The operations of the various means of transport can be regulated for example and controlled by a suitably programmed control unit, for example the control unit of the machine in which the opening group is implemented. According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the elements spreaders comprises a rectangular blade having a maximum width. The rectangular paddle shape of the spreading elements is particularly suitable for the separation of the two side walls of a package from each other, but any other shape that is suitable, can be used. For example, the spreader elements could have a trapezoidal or hairpin shape. It is important, however, that the shape of the spreading elements, as better explained below, it is such that the spreading elements and the pressing element occupy as little space as possible when the spreader elements are in the non-spread position and the pressing element in the retracted position. This facilitates the entry of the group into the package, for its opening. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, one end of the pressing element has the shape of an X, the central point of which is replaced by a segment. The X-shape, whose central point is replaced by a segment, is a particularly suitable for ensuring that the pressing element completely flattens the bottom surface of the package to be opened and to ensure that the spreading elements and the pressing element occupy the as little space as possible when the spreader elements are in the non-spread position and the pressing element in the retracted position. In fact, the spreading elements can be advantageously made, for example in the shape of a rectangular paddle, so as to rest on the segment of the X-shaped element. Obviously, however, any other shape that is suitable can be be used. For example, the end of the pressing element may have the shape of two square brackets or two opposing Cs joined by a central segment. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the segment has length equal to or greater than the maximum width of the spreader elements, so that the spreader elements can close on the pressing element. In this way, the spreading elements and the pressing element take up the least space. possible when the spreading elements are in the non-spread position and the pressing element in the retracted position. The spreader elements can, in fact, rest on the segment of the element X-shaped. This makes it easier to insert the group into the package to be opened. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the opening assembly of packages also includes a support surface suitable for opposing the element of pressing. The presence of a support surface, which contrasts with the pressing element, when this flattens the bottom surface of the package, it is useful to avoid possible damage to the packaging. The support surface, in fact, supports the bottom surface ensuring that the smoothing takes place safely. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the opening assembly of packages also including fourth handling means capable of moving the surface supporting along the first direction in the opposite direction to the pressing element. The movement of the support surface is ensured by means of movement which can be activated before or at the same time as third-party handling equipment. According to a further embodiment of the present invention the third elements of movement vehicles move synchronously with the fourth movement vehicles. In this way the support surface can move before or together with the element pressing and after opening the package. The movement of the support surface can be contemporary with or preceding the further movement of the pressing element for smoothing the bottom surface of the package. In this way the bottom surface of the package can rest on the support surface when the pressing element the flattening. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a packaging machine comprising a group for opening packages according to a any of the embodiments described above The packaging machine according to the present invention is particularly advantageous if the package to be filled is made of a rigid and / or thick material and if the product with which it is filled The package needs to be filled and is light. The group according to the present invention allows the packaging machine to completely open rigid and / or thick packages, allowing the full exploitation of the package's capacity. The packaging machine may, for example, comprise a carousel structure, one of which of the stations is the group according to any of the embodiments of this invention. The package to be filled can advantageously pass from one station to another of the carousel packaging machine, turning, for example clockwise or counterclockwise. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the machine packaging machine also includes gripping means suitable for supplying the packages to the group for the opening of packages. For example, packages can be picked from a stack of packages and the mouth of The filling of the package can be, at least partially opened, to allow entry of the opening group inside the package. According to a further embodiment of the present invention the gripping means They include a gripping element suitable for removing packages from a stack of closed packages. The gripping element may comprise, for example, vacuum suction cups, which adhere to the package, taking it, for example, from a pile of closed packages and transporting it towards the group for opening packages. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the gripping means include two holding arms designed to transport the packages towards the group, in which the retaining arms are preferably movable so as to at least partially open the filling mouth of the packages. The holding arms pick up the packages and transport them preparing them for the group for opening packages. The holding arms may include suction cups with which the arms adhere respectively to the two parallel lateral surfaces of the packages. Furthermore, the arms open and close by opening, at least partially, the filling mouth of the packaging. Opening the filling mouth of the packaging causes the opening group can be inserted into the packages and that the packages are therefore ready to be opened completely from the opening group according to the present invention. The holding arms can be configured to hold the package during the passages to the various stations of the packaging machine. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the machine packaging machine also includes filling means suitable for inserting the product into the package, after it has been opened by the package opening team. Once the package has been completely opened by the opening team, packages according to the present invention, so that its filling volume has reached the maximum possible value, depending on the size of the package, it can be filled with the product, such as coffee or cocoa powder or beans. Since the packaging is completely open, the filling product can be any product with which you want to fill the package, even a light powder, as the capacity of the In any case, the packaging can be fully used, avoiding any possible waste. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the machine The packaging machine also includes closing means to seal the package after it has been filled by the filling means. Once the package is full, it can be closed hermetically, for example sealing it. This completes the packaging process. The package, completely filled with product, it is sealed and ready for the next steps, for example transport and / or sale. The present invention is also based on the idea of ​​providing a method of opening packages in which the packages include two side walls parallel to each other, two side gussets and a bottom surface, in which the side walls, the bellows and the bottom surface form the volume of containment and the filling mouth of the package, where the filling mouth is opposed to the bottom surface; the method comprises the following steps in the order in which they are listed: a) open the filling mouth at least partially so as to open at least partially the package; b) move the two walls away from each other, at least partially parallel sides of the package, so as to at least partially unfold the side gussets and the bottom surface; c) push the bottom surface of the package, so as to flatten the same. The method according to the present invention allows to completely open any packaging, even if the packaging is made of a rigid material, for example due to the nature of the material itself and / or its thickness. Examples of such materials can be PET12 / AL7 / PE60, PET12 / AL7 / PE70, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE60, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE70, CARTA80 / PE70, or CARTA90 / PE70. In fact, the separation of the lateral parts of the packaging from each other and the complete flattening of the bottom of the package, ensure that the filling volume of the package is as large as possible, depending on the size of the packaging itself. Under these conditions, even a package made of rigid and / or thick material can be completely filled with product, even if the product is light and not on its own able to smooth the bottom surface of the package. In fact, if the package to be filled is made of a rigid and / or thick material, which appropriately protects the product contained within it, even during transport and moving the package itself, and the product it is filled with is light, for example a powdered product, such as coffee or cocoa, then it would not be possible to use all of the filling volume of the package, if this was not properly opened before be filled. The method according to the present invention can be implemented by using a group according to the present invention. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, in fact, the method made with the group according to one of the embodiments listed above, is such that the phase b) includes: b1) insertion of the group inside the containment volume through the filling mouth opened in phase a), by means of the first handling means, along a direction parallel to the two side walls of the package, so that the group does not touch the bottom surface of the package; b2) separation from each other, at least partially, of the two parallel side walls of the package, by spreading the spreading elements, inside the containment volume, by means of the second means of movement, in a manner to at least partially unfold the bellows and the bottom surface; and such that phase c) includes: pushing the bottom surface of the package by inserting the element of pressing, by means of third means of movement, along the direction parallel to the two side walls of the package, inside the containment volume, so as to smooth out the bottom surface (F); and such as to also include: d) the closure of the spreading elements for by means of the second means of movement and withdrawal of the pressing element, by means of the third handling means at the height of the spreading elements; e) lifting of the group for the opening of containers, by means of the first means of movement, so as to make it come out of the package containment volume. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the opening method of packaging is such that phase c) also includes: lifting of a support surface, by means of fourth means of movement, along the direction parallel to the two side walls of the package, in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the pressing element, and externally to the package, in correspondence with the bottom surface of the package, in so that the bottom surface rests on the bearing surface when the pressing element smooths it out. The lifting of a support surface, which opposes the pressing element, when this flattens the bottom surface of the package, it is useful to avoid possible damage to the packaging. The support surface, in fact, supports the bottom surface ensuring that the smoothing takes place safely. According to a further embodiment of the present invention the method is implemented with packaging made of particularly rigid material, for example PET12 / AL7 / PE60, PET12 / AL7 / PE70, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE60, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE70, PAPER80 / PE70, or PAPER90 / PE70. According to further embodiments, the method is implemented with packages made of a material having a thickness of at least 70 µm, preferably at least 80 µm, even more preferably at least 90 µm, even more preferably at least 100 µm, even more preferably at least 150 µm, even more preferably at least 160 µm. Such a thickness of the packaging makes it particularly rigid. It is therefore difficult Fill such a package with a product, especially if this product is light. It's easy, in fact, that such a rigid package remains partially closed, because the weight of the product with which it is filled, is not able to open it completely. The group according to this The invention allows you to completely open even a package with these characteristics. The present invention is, furthermore, based on the idea of ​​providing a method of filling a packaging, including: opening the packaging according to one of the methods according to the forms of the above mentioned realization; and filling the package with a product, for example a powdered or granular product, such as coffee beans or ground coffee. Filling the package, after it has been opened with the group according to the This invention is safe and free from waste due to the failure to use the entire filling volume of the package itself. The present invention is furthermore based on the idea of ​​providing a method of modernization of a pre-existing packaging machine, in which a group is added to the machine for the opening of packages according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. The group can be advantageously implemented upstream of the filling station of the machine. Any packaging machine, which includes filling means for the filling a package with a product, may require the addition of a group according to the present invention. This may be necessary, in particular, if the packaging to be filled is made of a rigid and / or thick material and if the product with which the package is to be filled It is light. The unit according to the present invention allows any machine packaging machine to completely open rigid and / or thick packages, allowing complete exploiting the packaging capacity. The use, in a pre-existing packaging machine, including means for the filling a package with a product, of a group according to the present invention is particularly advantageous when you want to fill a rigid and / or thick package with a light product, such as coffee or cocoa powder. In fact, only the weight of the product that it must be inserted into the package, it would not be possible to open it completely, so as to make the most of its capacity. It is therefore advantageous to open the door completely. package with the group according to the present invention, so that the filling volume of the package reaches the maximum possible value, depending on the size of the package same, before the product is inserted. In this way, the total can be ensured exploiting the packaging capacity. Brief description of the figures The present invention will be described with reference to the attached figures, in which the same numbers and / or reference marks indicate the same and / or similar and / or corresponding parts of the machine. Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of a package and assembly according to the present invention. in a phase of operation. Fig. 2 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. Fig. 3 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. Fig. 3bis shows a front view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. Fig. 4bis shows a front view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. Fig. 5bis shows a front view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows a 3D view of the packages and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further stage of operation. Fig. 7 shows a 3D view of a carousel structure of a possible machine packaging machine, comprising a unit according to the present invention. Detailed description In the following, the present invention is described with reference to particular forms of embodiment, as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the individual embodiments described in the following detailed description and shown in the figures, as the embodiments described simply exemplify different aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims. Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of a package and assembly according to the present invention. in a phase of operation. The group 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises spreading elements 6, 7, a pressing element 8 and a support surface 9. Figure 1 also shows pairs of BT retaining arms and a C package to be filled with a P product. The packaging machine M, not shown in the figures, in which a group according to the The present invention may be inserted, may comprise gripping means suitable for taking the C package and prepare it for group 1 opening of C packages. More specifically, the means gripping devices may include gripping elements suitable for picking up the C packages, one by one, from a stack of closed C-packs. The gripping elements may include, for example, vacuum suction cups. To more easily describe the group according to the present invention, a system is defined of Cartesian orthogonal coordinates XYZ, where Z is the vertical direction, parallel to the motion integral with the spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8, X is the direction parallel to the surfaces of the package C, as will be better explained later, and Y is the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions. Package C includes two parallel side walls p1, p3, two side bellows p2, p4 and a bottom surface F, parallel to the XY plane, in which the side walls p1, p3, the bellows p2, p4 and the bottom surface F form the containment volume V and the filling mouth E of the package C, in which the filling mouth E is opposite the bottom surface F. The package C has a height Zc along the vertical direction Z. The spreading elements 6, 7, preferably two, can each comprise a rectangular blade whose long side is parallel to the vertical direction Z. The spreading elements have a maximum width, along the X direction, equal to a value x1. The pressing element 8 comprises two elements: a vertical rod, parallel to the direction Z, and an X-shaped element, lying on the XY plane, whose central point is replaced by a segment 8A, parallel to the direction X and having length x2. The vertical rod of the element of pressing 8 can be shorter than the spreading elements 6, 7. The maximum width x1 of the spreader elements 6, 7 is less than the length x2 of the segment 8A of the shaped element X of the pressing element 8. In this way the spreading elements 6, 7 can close completely around the pressing element 8, inserted between the spreading elements 6, 7. The support surface 9 comprises a plate parallel to the XY plane. The surface of support 9 has dimensions at least equal to or greater than the bottom surface F of the package C, so that the bottom surface F of the package C can rest on the surface of support 9 when the pressing element 8 opens it, as better explained with reference to fig. 4 and 4bis. First moving means 13 are suitable for moving the group 1, in particular the elements spreaders 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 in a solid manner along the Z direction. The first means of movement may include, for example, a linear motor. The means of movement allows the spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 to rise and descend along the vertical direction Z, so as to enter and exit the containment volume of the C package. Second movement means 14 are suitable for spreading and closing the spreading elements 6, 7. The second means of movement 14 could comprise, for example, a cylinder pneumatic. As better shown in Fig. 3 and 3bis, the second means of movement 14 cause the spreader elements 6, 7 to move in the YZ plane with an angular motion. Third movement means 15 are adapted to further move the pressing element 8 along the Z direction, independently of the spreading elements 6, 7. The third means of movement may include, for example, a linear motor. Third means of movement allows the pressing element 8 to go up and down along the direction vertical Z, so as to push the bottom surface F of the package C, as will be better explained with reference to fig. 4 and 4bis. Fourth movement means 16 are suitable for moving the support surface 9 along the vertical direction Z, in the opposite direction to the pressing element 8, so as to support the bottom surface F of the package C when the pressing element 8 push the surface bottom F of package C, as will be better explained with reference to figs. 4 and 4bis. Fig. 1 also shows pairs of BT retaining arms. The BT retaining arms make part of the gripping means of the packaging machine M in which group 1 can be mounted. The BT holding arms are designed to transport the C package towards group 1 and are preferably movable so as to open, at least partially, the filling mouth E of the C package. The BT holding arms can include suction cups which, once placed on package C, by creating a vacuum, they suck in the parallel side walls p1, p3, grasping them. So, the BT retaining arms detaching from each other cause the opening, at least partial, of the filling mouth E. Group 1 shown in figure 1 is in a waiting phase. The spreader elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 are in the highest possible position along the Z direction, and the surface of support 9 is in the lowest possible position along the Z direction. In this way, the two BT holding arms that have just grabbed the C package to be filled can bring it to group 1, so that the package can be opened. Fig. 2 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. The BT holding arms transported package C to group 1. The spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 are in the highest possible position along the Z direction, and the bearing surface 9 is in the lowest possible position along the direction Z. The two BT retaining arms have moved away from each other, so as to open, at least partially, the filling mouth E of the package C, so as to allow the subsequent insertion of the spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 inside the volume of containment V of the package C itself. Fig. 3 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. The two BT retaining arms remain separated from each other. The support surface 9 is in the lowest possible position along the Z direction. The first means of movement 13 they moved the spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 inside the volume of containment V of the package C. The spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 are were brought inside the filling volume V of the container C so that the elements spreaders 6, 7 do not rest on the bottom surface F of container C. This way you avoid that the spreading elements 6, 7 may damage the package C. The second means of movement 14 have spread the spreading elements 6, 7. The spreading elements 6, 7 by spreading out they pushed the parallel side walls p1, p3 in opposite directions to each other of the package C and, as a consequence, the two lateral gussets p2, p4 and the bottom surface F of package C have partially unfolded. Fig. 3bis shows a front view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3bis shows figure 3 seen from the front, along the YZ plane, and so that it can observe the inside of the containment volume V of the package C. You can clearly see how the spreading elements 6, 7 have moved the walls apart. parallel sides p1, p3 of package C and as the bottom surface F of package C is only partially deployed. Fig. 4 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. The two BT retaining arms remain separated from each other. The two elements spreaders 6, 7 remain spread apart. The third means of movement 15 have moved further the pressing element 8 along the vertical direction Z independently of the spreading elements 6, 7. In this way the X-shaped element of the pressing element 8 has completely flattened the bottom surface F of the package C. At the same time, the fourth movement means 16 moved the support surface 9 along the direction vertical Z, in the opposite direction to the pressing element 8. In this way, when the pressing element 8 flattens the bottom surface F of the package C, the surface of support 9 supports it preventing it from getting damaged during the process. At this point the package C is completely open and its containment volume V has reached the maximum possible value given the size of the package C. In these conditions even a package made of rigid material and can often be completely filled of product, even if that product is light and alone would not have been able to smooth out the bottom surface F of package C with its weight alone. Fig. 4bis shows a front view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4bis shows figure 4 seen from the front, along the YZ plane, and so as to be able to observe the inside of the containment volume V of the package C. It is clearly seen that the pressing element 8 has smoothed the bottom surface F of the package C, which rests on the support surface 9. The containment volume V of the Package C has reached its maximum possible value. Fig. 5 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. The two BT retaining arms remain separated from each other. The support surface 9 remains raised to support the bottom surface F of the package C. At this point, the third handling means 15 lifted the pressing element 8 until it reaches the position it was in before having flattened the bottom surface F of the package C and the second handling means 14 have closed the spreading elements 6, 7, around the pressing element 8. Then, the first handling means 14 have raised the spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element 8 so as to make them exit from the volume of V containment of the package. Fig. 5bis shows a front view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5bis shows figure 5 seen from the front, along the YZ plane, and so as to be able to observe the inside of the containment volume V of the package C. It is clearly visible that the spreading elements 6, 7 and the pressing element are now outside the containment volume V of package C. Fig. 6 shows a 3D view of the package and the assembly shown in Fig. 1 in a further operating phase. At this point, the BT holding arms have moved the C package completely opened at a subsequent station of the packaging machine M not shown in the figure. new C package was carried by subsequent BT holding arms, so that can be opened by group 1, according to the procedure described above. The packaging machine M, not shown in the figures, in which the group according to the present invention can be inserted, can include filling means, suitable for filling the volume of containment V of the packages C with the product P. The packaging machine M can also include closing blades suitable for folding the gussets p2, p4 of the package, while the BT retaining arms close the filling mouth E of the same. At this point the A full and resealed C-pack can be sealed, for example by additional sealing means which completely seal the filling mouth E of package C. Package C completely filled it is ready for any possible next stage, for example storage or transportation. Fig. 7 shows a 3D view of a carousel structure of a possible machine packaging machine, comprising a unit according to the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a carousel structure on which the various elements can be mounted machine of a carousel-type packaging machine M. The figure clearly shows the group 1 and the pairs of BT retaining arms. A C package that must be opened with the group 1 and filled with a product P, can pass through the various stations of the carousel, turning, for example, counterclockwise. The present invention also relates to a method for opening packages C, for example packages made with a particularly rigid material, for example PET12 / AL7 / PE60, PET12 / AL7 / PE70, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE60, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE70, PAPER80 / PE70, or PAPER90 / PE70. According to further embodiments, the method is implemented with packages made of a material having a thickness of at least 70 µm, preferably at least 80 µm, even more preferably at least 90 µm, even more preferably at least 100 µm, even more preferably at least 150 µm, even more preferably at least 160 µm. After the package to be filled has been taken from a stack of closed C packages, the The method includes the following steps: a) open the filling mouth E at least partially so as to open at least partially the C package; b) move the two parallel side walls p1, p3 of the package C so as to at least partially unfold the side gussets p2, p4 and the bottom surface F; c) push the bottom surface F of the package C so as to flatten it. In this way, it is ensured that the entire containment volume V of the package can be filled. The method can be realized using group 1 according to one of the forms of realization described above, in which: phase b) includes: b1) insertion of group 1 into the containment volume V through the mouth of filling E opened in said phase a), by means of the first handling means 13, along a Z direction parallel to the two side walls p1, p3 of the package (C), so that group 1 does not touch the bottom surface F of package C; b2) at least partial separation of the two parallel side walls p1 from each other, p3 of package C, by spreading the spreading elements 6, 7, inside of the containment volume V, by means of the second movement means 14, in so as to at least partially deploy the bellows p2, p4 and the bottom surface F; and phase c) includes: c1) pushing of the bottom surface F of the package C by inserting of the pressing element 8, by means of the third movement means 15, along the Z direction parallel to the two side walls p1, p3 of the package C, inside the volume of containment V, so as to flatten the bottom surface F; c2) lifting of a support surface 9, by means of fourth means of movement 16, along the Z direction parallel to the two side walls p1, p3 of the package C, in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the element pressing 8, and externally to the package C, in correspondence with the bottom surface F of package C, so that the bottom surface F rests on the support surface 9, when the pressing element 8 flattens it. The method also includes: d) closing of the spreading elements 6, 7, by means of the second means of movement 14 and withdrawal of the pressing element 8, by means of the third means of movement 15 at the height of the spreading elements 6, 7; e) lifting of group 1 for the opening of packages C, by means of the first means of movement 13, so as to make it exit from the containment volume V of the package C. Finally, the method involves filling the package C with a product P, for example a powdered or granular product, such as coffee beans or ground coffee, and complete sealing of the filling mouth E of the package C. While the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments described above, it is clear to the expert in the field that it is possible to make various modifications to the the present invention in light of the teaching described above and within the scope of the claims attached, without departing from the object and scope of protection of the invention. For example, the end of the pressing element 8 may have the shape of two square brackets or two Cs facing each other and joined by a central segment. Furthermore, even though two rectangular spreader elements were shown, the number and shape of the spreading elements may vary. Furthermore, even though the implementation of the group according to the present invention has been shown in a carousel-type machine, the assembly according to the present invention can be also implemented in linear type machines. Finally, those areas which are considered to be known by experts in the field have not been described to avoid overshadowing the invention described in an unnecessarily overshadowing manner. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is only limited by the scope of protection of the claims annexed. Reference numbers 1 group for opening packages 6, 7 retractor elements x1 width of spreader elements 8 pressing element 8th segment x2 segment length 9 support surface 13, 14, 15, 16 first, second, third and fourth means of movement BT restraining arms Z direction of movement of the first, third and fourth means of transport movement C package p1, p3 parallel side walls p2, p4 side gussets And filling mouth F bottom surface V containment volume Zc length of the package along the Z direction.

Claims

1. Group (1) for opening packages (C) to be filled with a product (P), for example coffee, comprising: spreading elements (6, 7) and a pressing element (8); first movement means (13) suitable for moving said spreading elements (6, 7) and said pressing element (8) together along a first direction (Z); second movement means (14) suitable for spreading and closing said spreading elements (6, 7); third movement means (15) suitable for further moving said pressing element (8) along said first direction (Z) independently of said spreading elements (6, 7).

2. Group (1) for opening packages (C) according to claim 1, wherein each of said spreading elements (6, 7) comprises a rectangular blade having a maximum width (x1).

3. Group (1) for opening packages (C) according to one of the previous claims, wherein one end of said pressing element (8) has the shape of an X, the central point of which is replaced by a segment (8A).

4. Group (1) for opening packages (C) according to claim 3, wherein said segment (8A) has a length equal to or greater than the maximum width (x1) of said spreading elements (6,7), so that said spreading elements (6,7) can close on said pressing element (8).

5. Group (1) for opening packages (C) according to one of the previous claims, further comprising a support surface (9) suitable for opposing said pressing element (8).

6. Group (1) for opening packages (C) according to claim 5, further comprising fourth movement means (16) suitable for moving said support surface (9) along said first direction (Z) in the opposite direction to said pressing element (8).

7. Group (1) for opening packages (C) according to claim 6, wherein said third movement elements (15) move synchronously with said fourth movement means (16).

8. Packaging machine (M) comprising a group (1) for opening packages (C) according to any of claims 1 to 7.

9. Packaging machine (M) according to claim 8, further comprising gripping means (2) suitable for supplying said packages (C) to said group (1) for opening packages (C).

10. Packaging machine (M) according to claim 9, wherein said gripping means (2) comprise a gripping element suitable for picking said packages (C) from a stack of closed packages (C).

11. Packaging machine (M), according to any of claims 9 or 10, wherein said gripping means (2) comprise one or more pairs of holding arms (BT), suitable for transporting said packages (C) towards said group (1) and wherein the holding arms (BT) of each pair are preferably movable so as to at least partially open said filling mouth (E) of said packages (C).

12. Packaging machine (M), according to any of claims 8 to 11, further comprising filling means (10), suitable for inserting said product (P) into said package (C), after the latter has been opened by said group (1) for opening packages (C).

13. Packaging machine (M), according to claim 12, further comprising closing means (11,12) for sealing said package (C) after said package (C) has been filled by said filling means (10).

14. Method of opening packages (C), wherein said packages (C) comprise two side walls parallel to each other (p1, p3), two side gussets (p2, p4) and a bottom surface (F), wherein said side walls (p1, p3), said gussets (p2, p4) and said bottom surface (F) form the containment volume (V) and the filling mouth (E) of said package (C), wherein the filling mouth (E) is opposite said bottom surface (F), said method comprising the following steps in the order in which they are listed: a) at least partially opening said filling mouth (E) so as to at least partially open said package (C); b) at least partially moving said two parallel side walls (p1, p3) of said package (C) away from each other so as to at least partially unfold said side gussets (p2, p4) and said bottom surface (F); c) push said bottom surface (F) of said package (C) so as to flatten it.

15. Method according to claim 14, carried out with the assembly (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein: said step b) comprises: b1) inserting said assembly (1) into said containment volume (V) through said filling mouth (E) opened in said step a), by means of said first movement means (13), along said direction (Z) parallel to said two side walls (p1, p3) of said package (C), so that said assembly (1) does not touch said bottom surface (F) of said package (C); b2) at least partial separation from each other of said two parallel side walls (p1, p3) of said package (C), by spreading apart said spreading elements (6, 7), inside said containment volume (V), by means of said second movement means (14), so as to at least partially unfold said bellows (p2, p4) and said bottom surface (F);and said phase c) comprises: d) pushing said bottom surface (F) of said package (C) by inserting said pressing element (8), by means of said third movement means (15), along said direction (Z) parallel to said two side walls (p1, p3) of said package (C), inside said containment volume (V), so as to flatten said bottom surface (F); said method further comprising: d) closing said spreading elements (6, 7), by means of said second movement means (14) and withdrawing said pressing element (8), by means of said third movement means (15) at the height of said spreading elements (6, 7); e) lifting of the package opening unit (1) (C), by means of said first movement means (13), so as to make it exit from said containment volume (V) of said package (C).; 16. A method of opening packages (C), according to claim 15, wherein said step c) further comprises: c2) lifting a support surface (9), by means of fourth movement means (16), along said direction (Z) parallel to said two side walls (p1, p3) of said package (C), in the opposite direction to said movement direction of said pressing element (8), and externally to said package (C), in correspondence with said bottom surface (F) of said package (C), so that said bottom surface (F) rests on said support surface (9), when said pressing element (8) flattens it.

17. A method according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said packages (C) are made of a material having a thickness of at least 70 µm, preferably at least 80 µm, even more preferably at least 90 µm, even more preferably at least 100 µm, even more preferably at least 150 µm, even more preferably at least 160 µm, for example PET12 / AL7 / PE60, PET12 / AL7 / PE70, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE60, PET12 / PETMET12 / PE70, CARTA80 / PE70, or CARTA90 / PE70.

18. A method of filling a package (C), comprising: opening said package (C) according to one of the methods of claims 14 to 17; and filling said package (C) with a product (P), for example a powdered or granular product, for example coffee beans or ground coffee.

19. Method of modernizing a packaging machine, comprising adding a unit (1) for opening packages (C) according to any of claims 1 to 7 to the machine.