Seal quality inspection device for determining the quality of a seal band, packaging plant having a seal quality inspection device, method for determining the quality of a seal band and method for producing a composite package - Patents.com

Abstract

A seal quality inspection device (1) is described for determining the quality of a seal band (2), the seal band (2) being formed of a first band portion (3), a second band portion (4) and a layer of heat seal material (5) interposed between the first band portion (3) and the second band portion (4). The seal quality inspection device (1) comprises a first clamping device (12) and a second clamping device (13) configured to clamp a sample (14) having the seal band (2) therebetween. The device also comprises an actuation device (15) configured to actuate relative movement of the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13) to cause peeling of the seal band (2), and a vision system (16) configured to capture images of the seal band (2) during peeling.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal quality inspection device for determining the quality of sealing bands, in particular sealed composite packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging plant for packaging pourable products, in particular pourable food products, in hermetically sealed composite packages with one or more sealing bands, which packaging plant comprises a seal quality inspection device.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for determining the quality of the seal band of a sealed composite package filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

[0004] Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of forming a sealed composite package of a pourable product, particularly a pourable food product. [Background technology]

[0005] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in sealed composite packages made of sterilized multi-layer packaging materials.

[0006] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped pourable food package known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated web-like packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure consisting of a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil, which is superimposed with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner side of the package that will ultimately come into contact with the food.

[0007] This type of package is typically produced in a fully automatic packaging machine, in which, in use, a web of packaging material is advanced through a sterilization unit of the packaging machine to sterilize the web of packaging material. The sterilized web of packaging material is then maintained in an isolation chamber and advanced, folded longitudinally and sealed to form a tube, and advanced further. The tube is further filled with the pourable product, transversely sealed, and cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections within the package forming apparatus of the packaging machine during the advancement of the tube.

[0008] More specifically, the package forming apparatus includes a plurality of form and seal assemblies, each of which, when in use, forms, transversely seals and cuts a tube to obtain a single package.

[0009] Each form-and-seal assembly comprises a respective sealing unit for transversely sealing the tube by locally compressing the tube and heating a respective portion of the layer of heat-sealable plastic material to obtain a respective transverse seal portion, the heating being performed, for example, by a sealing unit generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0010] Each forming and sealing assembly also includes a cutting device for cutting the transverse seal portion, thereby separating the sealed composite package from the tube and forming a first transverse seal band and a second transverse seal band, each of which belongs to the just-formed sealed composite package, while each of which belongs to the directly subsequently formed sealed composite package.

[0011] The quality of the transverse seal bands is important and therefore needs to be monitored during the packaging process.

[0012] To perform the test measurements, composite package samples are taken from a plurality of molded composite packages at timed intervals. From each sampled composite package, a sample is prepared having a respective transverse seal band. After preparation of each sample, a technical operator uses stretch pliers designed to tear the respective seal band, allowing the technician to observe the sealing results.

[0013] However, the test results depend on the experience of the technical operator.

[0014] Although the known means for controlling the quality of transverse seal bands have provided good results, a need is felt in the field for further improving the means for controlling the quality of transverse seal bands. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple, low-cost seal quality inspection device which allows reliably and repeatedly to determine the quality of a seal band.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging plant having an improved seal quality inspection apparatus in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for determining the quality of a sealing band which is simple and low cost.

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for forming sealed composite packages of pourable products, particularly pourable food products, which is simple and low cost.

[0019] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for inspecting seal quality as claimed in independent claim 1.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the seal quality inspection device are set out in the claims which depend directly or indirectly on claim 1.

[0021] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging plant as claimed in claim 10 or 11.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for determining the quality of a sealing band as set forth in claim 12.

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the method are set forth in the claims which depend directly or indirectly on claim 12.

[0024] Further according to the present invention there is provided a method for forming a sealed composite package as claimed in claim 14 or 15. [Means for solving the problem]

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a top perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a seal quality inspection apparatus in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is another top perspective view of a portion of the seal quality inspection apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of details of the seal quality inspection apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of details of the seal quality inspection apparatus of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, showing further details of the seal quality inspection apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view, with parts removed for clarity, of further details of the seal quality inspection apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 2 is a top view of another portion of the seal quality inspection apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 8a] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of samples with seal bands at different times during a testing procedure. [Figure 8b] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of samples with seal bands at different times during a testing procedure. [Figure 8c] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of samples with seal bands at different times during a testing procedure. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal band inspected by the seal quality inspection device of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 1 shows position-dependent printed force curves measured during the test procedure. [Figure 11] 1 is a plot of time-dependent force curves measured during the test procedure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the formation of a sealed composite package. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram of a seal quality inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Number 1 indicates as a whole a seal quality inspection device for determining the quality of a seal band 2 (see Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 9), in particular of a sealed composite package filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as (pasteurized) milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc.

[0028] In particular, the sealed composite package may be formed from a multi-layer packaging material.

[0029] More specifically, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiching the layers of fibrous material between each other, with one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defining an inner surface of the composite package that contacts the pourable product.

[0030] Furthermore, the packaging material may comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0031] More specifically, the sealed composite package may comprise at least one longitudinal sealing band and one, in particular two, transverse sealing bands 2 .

[0032] Preferably, the device 1 may be configured to determine the quality of the transverse sealing bands 2 .

[0033] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the sealed composite package may be obtained from a single blank, which is formed into a sleeve having longitudinal seal bands, which is then formed into the sealed composite package, requiring the formation of at least one, in particular two, transverse seal bands 2.

[0034] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment, the multi-layer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web. In particular, the web may be comprised of a plurality of repeating patterns, each pattern defining a respective blank for forming one respective sealed composite package.

[0035] According to such an embodiment, the web is formed into a tube, sealed longitudinally, filled with pourable product, sealed transversely, and cut along equally spaced cross sections to form respective sealing bands 2.

[0036] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the sealed composite package comprises a longitudinal seal band and in particular a pair of respective transverse seal bands 2 arranged on opposite sides of the sealed composite package. In particular, one transverse seal band 2 may define a transverse upper seal band and the other transverse seal band 2 may define a transverse lower seal band.

[0037] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each seal band 2 may be formed from a first band portion 3, a second band portion 4, and a layer 5 of heat seal material interposed between the first band portion 3 and the second band portion 4.

[0038] More specifically, each sealing band 2 may result from the overlapping of two portions of a multi-layer packaging material and a respective seal of the two overlapping portions.

[0039] More specifically, each first band portion 3 and each second band portion 4 may be composed of a respective layer of fibrous material, in particular a respective layer of fibrous material corresponding to a portion of a layer of fibrous material of the multi-layer packaging material.

[0040] Furthermore (see FIG. 9), the layer of heat-sealing material 5 may result from sealing two overlapping portions together and fusing the respective layers of heat-sealing plastic material. In particular, the layer of heat-sealing material 5 may be formed from at least a first portion of heat-sealing material 6 and a second portion of heat-sealing material 7.

[0041] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the device 1 includes: - a first clamping device 12 and a second clamping device 13 configured to clamp a sample 14 having a sealing band 2 between each other such that the sealing band 2 is interposed between the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13; an actuation device 15 configured to actuate a relative movement between the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13, causing the peeling of the sealing band 2 of the sample 14; - a vision system 16 configured to take images of the seal band 2 of the sample 14 during peeling; Equipped with.

[0042] Preferably, the seal quality inspection device comprises a working position for receiving the sample 14. In particular, the sample 14 is received at the working position interposed between the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13, and peeling of the sealing band 2 occurs when the sample 14 is in the working position.

[0043] In particular, each sample 14 is prepared from a respective composite package.

[0044] More specifically, each sample 14 may be prepared to have a (substantially) flat shape.

[0045] Preferably, each sample 14 may exhibit a substantially rectangular or quadratic shape. In particular, substantially rectangular and quadratic shape indicates that the shape of the sample 14 may be at least approximated by a rectangle or a square.

[0046] Each sample 14 may comprise a respective sealing band 2 and a first portion 17 and a second portion 18, and each sealing band 2 may be interposed between the first portion 17 and the second portion 18. Furthermore, the first band portion 3 and the second band portion 4 may be integrally connected to the first portion 17 and the second portion 18, respectively.

[0047] Further, each sample 14 may include a first edge and a second edge, with a respective sealing band 2 interposed between the first edge and the second edge.

[0048] It should be understood that the sample 14 may also include additional features, such as a closure that is part of the package.

[0049] In particular, the actuator 15 is configured to pull the first band portion 2 and the second band portion 3 apart from each other to cause peeling, in particular, this allows insight into the layer of heat seal material 5, in particular the first portion 6 and the second portion 7.

[0050] In other words, in this application, the term "peel" contemplates a specifically controlled separation of portions of the sealing band 2 from each other. In a specific example, the peel occurs between the first band portion 3 and the second band portion 4.

[0051] In particular, the actuator 15 allows repeated measurements of different samples 14 under controlled and defined conditions.

[0052] More specifically, the actuator 15 may be configured to apply a defined force profile (force per time) and / or movement profile (velocity per time) to the various sealing bands 2. Such defined force profile and / or movement profile may be applied repeatedly.

[0053] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the apparatus 1 may advantageously comprise an analysis unit operably connected to the vision system 16 and configured to analyze one or more images acquired by the vision system 16 and determine the quality of the sealing band 2 as a function of the one or more images.

[0054] In particular, the analysis unit may be configured to receive and at least temporarily store the images.

[0055] Preferably, the vision system 16 may be configured to capture a sequence of images representative of the time evolution of the peeling of the sealing band 2, in particular the time evolution of the shape of the layer of heat seal material 5. Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show diagrammatically examples of the shape of the sample 14, in particular the sealing band 2, at different times of the peeling of the respective sealing band 2.

[0056] In particular, the analysis unit may be configured to analyze one or more of the time-series images taken during the peeling of one respective sealing band 2 so as to determine the quality of the sealing band 2 .

[0057] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit may be configured to analyze one or more images to detect the presence of defects such as channels, burn marks, plastic chunks, etc.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the analysis unit may be configured to detect a movement or tear or force profile of the first band portion 3, the second band portion 4 and / or the layer of heat seal material.

[0059] Preferably, the analysis unit may be configured to operate in the visual domain (analysing one or more images independently of other images), the time domain (analysing temporal changes in images), or in multi-domain (analysing images in the time domain and in the visual domain and combining information from the time domain and the visual domain).

[0060] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit may be configured to analyze the images by means of an artificial intelligence algorithm, for example a neural network.

[0061] 1 to 7, the actuator 15 may be configured to change the relative position of the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 in a direction D that is transverse, in particular a (substantially) perpendicular, to the sealing band 2. In other words, the actuator 15 is configured to exert a force in a transverse, in particular a (substantially) perpendicular, direction D to the sealing band 2.

[0062] Advantageously, the actuator 15 comprises: a first carriage 19 carrying a first clamping device 12; a second carriage 20 carrying a second clamping device 13; an actuator 21, in particular an electric motor, operatively connected to the first carriage 19 and / or the second carriage 20 and configured to control the relative position of the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 in order to control the relative position of the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13; Equipped with.

[0063] According to the particular embodiment shown, the actuator 21 may be configured to move both the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20. In particular, the actuator 21 may be configured to move the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 in opposite directions according to the same velocity profile.

[0064] Alternatively, the actuator 21 may be configured to move only one of the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 .

[0065] With particular reference to FIG. 4, the actuator 15 may include a control shaft 22 operably connected to the actuator 21, the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20, thereby operably connecting the actuator 21 to the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20.

[0066] In particular, the actuator 21 may be configured to rotate the control shaft 22 about the axis of rotation so as to move the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 .

[0067] Preferably, the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 each comprise a coupling element 23 operatively connected to the control shaft 22 .

[0068] More specifically, the control shaft 22 may be operatively connected to the connecting element 23 by a respective threading and / or a respective ball screw.

[0069] More specifically, the control shaft 22 may be composed of a first thread coupled to a coupling element 23 of the first carriage 19 and a second thread coupled to a coupling element 23 of the second carriage 20 having an opposing meaning to the first thread such that movement of the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 can occur in opposite directions.

[0070] More specifically, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the actuator 15 may comprise one or more tracks 24, in particular having a rectangular shape, configured to guide the movement of the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20.

[0071] In particular, the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 comprise respective slide elements 25 movably coupling the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20, respectively, on one or more corresponding tracks 24.

[0072] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the apparatus 1 may also be provided with a force detection device 26 configured to determine a time-dependent force curve (see FIG. 11) and / or a position-dependent force curve (see FIG. 10), in particular a position indicative of the relative distance between the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13, the force acting on the sealing band 2 during its peeling, and / or the force exerted by the actuator 15 on the sample 14 while the actuator 15 moves the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 away from each other during use.

[0073] According to some possible embodiments, the force detection device 26 may comprise one or more force cells and / or encoders connected to the actuator 21 .

[0074] The force detection device 26 can determine force curves such as those shown in Figures 10 and / or 11. Points I, II and III of each force curve indicate the instant at which the vision system 16 captures an image of the sample 14, which image has, at a particular time and / or capture position, a respective exemplary shape as shown in Figures 8a, 8b and 8c.

[0075] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first clamping device 19 and the second clamping device 20 each comprise a respective first clamping surface and a respective second clamping surface, in particular facing the respective first clamping surface, for clamping a portion of the sample 14 between the respective first clamping surface and the respective second clamping surface.

[0076] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each first clamping surface may be discrete, i.e. the first clamping surface may be formed by a number of portions separated from one another, or the first clamping surface may be continuous.

[0077] Furthermore, each second clamping surface may be discrete (as shown in the illustrative embodiment) or continuous.

[0078] In particular, each of the first and second clamping surfaces may extend along a respective longitudinal axis. Preferably, when the sample 14 is clamped by the first and second clamping devices 12, 13, the sealing band 2 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first and second clamping surfaces.

[0079] More specifically, the first clamp device 12 and the second clamp device 13 may each be composed of a respective first clamp portion 30 having a respective first clamp surface and a second clamp portion 31 having a respective second clamp surface.

[0080] More specifically, each first clamp portion 30 may include a plurality of clamp fingers 32, each of which carries a portion of a first clamping surface. In particular, each clamp finger 32 may be equally spaced apart from the other clamp fingers 32 along a direction parallel to a respective longitudinal axis of the respective first clamping surface.

[0081] Furthermore, each second clamping part 31 may be composed of a number of base elements, each aligned with one respective clamp finger 32 and each carrying a portion of a respective second clamping surface. In particular, a portion of the respective second clamping surface faces a respective portion of the first clamping surface carried by the respective clamp finger 32.

[0082] Preferentially, each clamp finger 32 may be controllable, and in particular selectively controllable, between a clamping position in which the clamp finger 32 is configured to cooperate with the respective base element to clamp a portion of the sample 14, and a released position in which the clamp finger 32 is spaced away from the respective base element so that a portion of the sample 14 can be positioned between the clamp finger 32 and the respective base element.

[0083] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each of the first clamping devices 12 and the second clamping devices 13 is controllable in a respective receiving configuration and a respective clamping configuration so as to be able to receive and clamp a respective portion of the sample 14, respectively.

[0084] Preferably, the apparatus 1 may comprise a controller 34 configured to selectively control the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 in the receiving configuration and the clamping configuration.

[0085] In particular, to control the first clamp device 12 and the second clamp device 13 in their respective receiving configurations and their respective clamping configurations, the control device 34 may be configured to control some or all of the respective clamp fingers 32 in their corresponding release and clamping positions, respectively.

[0086] Further, the control device 34 may be configured to selectively control some of the clamp fingers 32 of the first clamp device 12 and / or the second clamp device 13 in a release position and a clamp position to determine a particular peel profile during operation of the device 1.

[0087] In particular, the control device 34 may be configured to move the respective first clamping surfaces and the respective second clamping surfaces towards and away from each other, in whole or in part (in particular by selectively controlling the clamp fingers 32), in order to control the first clamping device 12 or the second clamping device 13 in their respective clamping and receiving configurations.

[0088] Preferably, each clamp finger 32 is angularly movable, and in particular selectively angularly movable, about a respective axis of rotation between a clamped position and a released position.

[0089] Preferably, each clamp finger 32 can be specifically and selectively biased to one of the clamped or released positions.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the control device 34 may be comprised of two control groups 35, one associated with the first clamp device 12 and the other associated with the second clamp device 13, to selectively control each first clamp device 12 and each second clamp device 13 between their respective clamping configurations and their respective receiving configurations.

[0091] Preferably, each control group 35 is operable with eccentricity.

[0092] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the control device 34 may include one or more control elements 43 configured to selectively engage or disengage one or more respective clamp fingers 32 from a respective control group 35, in particular a respective eccentric, preferentially so that the one or more respective clamp fingers 32 are positioned in a release position.

[0093] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 5, the vision system 16 may include an imaging device 36, such as a video camera, for capturing an image of the seal band 2 during peeling, and an illumination device 37, in particular for illuminating the sample 14 and / or at least the seal band 2.

[0094] Preferably, the imaging device 36 is positioned such that the imaging device 36 is vertically spaced from the sample 14, in particular above the sample 14, e.g. such that the sample 14 is clamped by the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13.

[0095] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the vision system 16 may also comprise optical filters, in particular polarizing filters, which may be associated with the illumination device 37 and / or the imaging device 36.

[0096] In particular, referring to FIG. 13, the device may further comprise a polarizing filter 51. The polarizing filter 51 is interposed between the imaging device 36 of the vision system 16 and the working position, in other words, the polarizing filter 51 is interposed between the imaging device 36 and the sealing band 2 received at the working position. The polarizing filter 51 is preferably spaced apart from the imaging device 36 and / or from the sample 14. As mentioned above, an illumination device 37 is provided to illuminate the sealing band 2 (and / or the sample 14) located at the working position. Although only one illumination device 37 is illustrated in FIG. 13, a pair of illumination devices 37 is preferably provided on the opposite side of the imaging device 36. Such a configuration improves the quality of the image acquired by the imaging device.

[0097] Preferably, the polarizing filter 51 is of the circular type. In other non-limiting embodiments, the polarizing filter 51 is of the linear and / or elliptical type.

[0098] In particular, the distance H between the sealing band 2 (and / or the sample 14) and the polarizing filter 51 is between 10 mm and 50 mm, more in particular between 20 mm and 40 mm, for example 30 mm or 31 mm.

[0099] In particular, the lighting device 37 may be a LED bar illuminator. According to a preferred embodiment, the angle α defined between the light beam emitted by the lighting device 37 and the sealing band 2 (and / or the sample 14) is less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 60 degrees or less than 45 degrees.

[0100] In one embodiment, the imaging device 36 may be of the type described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0013819 A1 and / or WO 201702715 A1. It is expressly understood that all features of the imaging device described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0013819 A1 and / or WO 201702715 A1 may be applied to the imaging device of this embodiment. More specifically, in this embodiment, the imaging device 36 includes a polarizing filter 51 (i.e., the polarizing filter 51 is integrated into the imaging device 36). The polarizing filter 51 includes a plurality of units (or chips), each having a first linear polarizing filter portion and a second linear polarizing filter portion, each having a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction, respectively. In other words, the receiving polarizing filter includes, for each unit, a respective plurality of linear polarizing filter portions, each having a respective polarization direction different from the others. More specifically, for each unit, the receiving polarizing filter includes four sections with respective polarization directions spaced at an angle of 45° from each other (e.g.: 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). For each linear polarizing filter section, the imaging device 36 (i.e. camera) includes a photoelectric conversion section. Thus, the imaging device 36 (i.e. camera) includes multiple photoelectric conversion sections. The photoelectric conversion sections are symmetrical. Preferably, each unit defines (or corresponds to) one pixel. In an embodiment, each photoelectric conversion section defines one pixel. Thus, for each snap, the imaging device 36 (i.e. camera) captures multiple images (each filtered by a respective linear filter section), e.g. four images. The control unit is configured to process the images to generate a single image, which is analyzed to identify defects in the sealing area.

[0101] For example, the control unit may be configured to apply glare reduction algorithms and / or degree of linear polarization (DOLP) techniques.

[0102] Advantageously, the sample 14 is clamped by the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 so that the imaging device 36 faces and images the inner surface of the sample 14 (i.e., the sample 14 is oriented toward the imaging device 36 so that the surface of the sample 14 corresponds to the inner surface of each composite package that is in contact with the pourable product).

[0103] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, the device 1 may comprise a housing 38 (only partially shown for clarity) in which at least the first clamping device 12, the second clamping device 13, the vision system 16, and at least a portion of the actuation device 15 are disposed.

[0104] More particularly, the housing 38 may comprise an access port 39 movably, in particular hingedly, connected to the fixed part 40. In particular, the access port 39 may be raised and lowered to allow and block access, respectively, to the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13. Thus, the sample 14 can be placed and removed and the device 1 can be operated in complete safety.

[0105] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the housing 38 may comprise a material that limits the passage of light, which may improve imaging quality.

[0106] Additionally, the access port 39 may include two side walls and a front wall that are not shown in FIGS.

[0107] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the housing 38 may also include support legs 41 that allow the device 1 to be placed on a support surface. Preferably, the support leg or legs 41 may be height adjustable.

[0108] With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, the apparatus 1 may include an alignment guide 42 configured to facilitate alignment and centering of the sample 14 .

[0109] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging plant, in particular the device 1, may be equipped with a human-machine interface to enable interaction between a user and the device 1.

[0110] Preferably, the human machine interface may be configured to receive commands for controlling the operation of the apparatus 1 .

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, the human machine interface may comprise a screen and may be configured to display one or more of the acquired images and / or to display the resulting force curves.

[0112] According to some possible embodiments, the human-machine interface may be configured to display the results of the evaluation performed by the analysis unit.

[0113] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the device comprises a reading (or scanning) device configured to read (or scan) an identification code (or identification mark) present on the sample. The identification code may be a QR code, a bar code, a number or other type of code. The reading device may be defined by a vision system (in which case the camera of the vision system also reads the identification code) or may include a dedicated camera. In particular, the identification code is read before peeling of the sealing band. The analysis unit may be configured to associate one or more images of the sealing band taken by the vision system with said identification code. This allows to associate information related to the sample (e.g. information about the manufacturing process of the sample) with the images taken by the vision system, improving the traceability and quality check of the sample.

[0114] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the seal quality inspection device 1 may be part of a packaging plant configured to form sealed composite packages filled with pourable products. In particular, the seal quality inspection device 1 may be configured to determine the quality of one or more seal bands 2 of a sample composite package removed from the overall production, in particular at predetermined time intervals and / or at specific events.

[0115] The packaging factory is equipped with one seal quality inspection device, - a packaging device having one or more sealing bands 2, in particular two transverse sealing bands and / or one longitudinal sealing band, for forming a plurality of sealed composite packages filled with a pourable product, - a sampling unit for sampling one or more sealed composite packages from the plurality of sealed composite packages; The present invention may also include:

[0116] In particular, the packaging machine produces a plurality of composite packages which advance along an advancement path, and the sampling unit is disposed downstream of the packaging machine along the advancement path.

[0117] The seal quality inspection device 1 may be used to determine the quality of one or more seal bands 2 of one or more sealed composite packages sampled by the sampling unit. In particular, one or more samples 14 are prepared from the sampled one or more composite packages.

[0118] More particularly, the packaging apparatus may be configured to produce sealed composite packages from multi-layer packaging material, particularly provided in the form of a web.

[0119] Furthermore, the packaging plant, in particular the packaging device, may comprise a control unit arranged to control the operation of the packaging device.

[0120] Furthermore, the packaging apparatus may comprise a transverse sealing device for generating transverse seal bands of the sealed composite package. In particular, the control device is operatively connected to the transverse sealing device and is configured to control the operation of the transverse sealing device in particular depending on the quality determined by the seal quality inspection device 1 of the one or more seal bands 2 of the sampled one or more sealed composite packages.

[0121] More specifically, the packaging device comprises: a conveying device for advancing the web along a web advancement path (in a known manner) to a forming station; - an isolation chamber, said isolation chamber having an internal environment, in particular an internal sterile environment comprising a sterile gas, and being separated from a (hostile) external environment, - a tube forming and sealing apparatus configured, in use, to form a tube from an advancing web within an internal environment and longitudinally seal the tube within the internal environment; - a filling device for filling the tubes with a pourable product; - a package forming device configured to form, transversely seal, and transversely cut an advancement tube to form a composite package; It may comprise:

[0122] In particular, the package forming apparatus may comprise a transverse sealing device.

[0123] Furthermore, the packaging apparatus may comprise a sterilization unit configured to sterilize the advancing web, in use, at a sterilization station, in particular the sterilization station being arranged along the advancing path of the web upstream of the forming station.

[0124] Preferably, the tube forming and sealing apparatus is arranged so that the tube is oriented vertically.

[0125] More particularly, the tube forming and sealing apparatus may be configured to gradually fold the web into a tube, particularly by overlapping longitudinal ends of the web with one another, thereby forming a longitudinal seam portion of the tube, in use, and in particular a portion of the longitudinal seam portion defining a longitudinal seal band of the respective sealed composite package.

[0126] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus may comprise at least two forming ring assemblies, particularly disposed within the isolation chamber, configured to cooperate with one another to gradually fold the web into a tube, particularly by overlapping the longitudinal ends of the web with one another.

[0127] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing device may comprise a sealing head, in particular arranged in the isolation chamber, configured to seal the tube longitudinally, in particular along the longitudinal seam.

[0128] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing apparatus may include a pressure assembly configured to apply a mechanical force to the longitudinal seam.

[0129] The package forming device includes: - a plurality of form-and-seal assemblies, each configured to at least form the tube, transversely seal the tube, and in particular to transversely cut the tube; - a transfer unit configured to advance the forming and sealing assembly; It may comprise:

[0130] More specifically, each molded and sealed assembly: - a molded shell configured to at least partially define a shape of the composite package; a sealing unit adapted to at least laterally compress, in particular to flatten and compress, the tube and to laterally seal the tube; It may comprise:

[0131] In particular, the transverse sealing device may comprise a sealing unit of a form-and-seal assembly. Preferably, the control unit may be configured to control the operation (e.g. power, force, etc.) of the sealing unit depending on the determined quality of the transverse sealing band 2.

[0132] Additionally, each form-and-seal assembly may include a cutting device for transversely cutting the tube.

[0133] Preferably, each sealing device may be configured to form a main sealing band, and in particular each cutting device may be configured to cut the main sealing band transversely.More preferably, each main sealing band, once cut, may form a respective transverse sealing band 2 of the preceding composite package and a respective transverse sealing band 2 of the following (subsequent) composite package, in particular the latter still being part of the tube.

[0134] More specifically, each molded shell may comprise at least a first half shell and a second half shell configured to cooperatively define, at least in part, the shape of the respective composite package, and in particular, the first half shell and the second half shell may be configured to contact the tube from opposite sides thereof.

[0135] Furthermore, each sealing unit may comprise a respective first part (e.g. a sonotrode) particularly associated with the first half-shell and a respective second part (e.g. anvil) particularly associated with the second half-shell, the respective first part and the respective second part being configured to cooperate in particular to laterally compress and laterally seal the tube.

[0136] In particular, the control unit may be configured to control the operation of each first part, for example a sonotrode, depending on the determined quality of the sealing band 2 .

[0137] In use, the packaging plant produces sealed composite packages filled with pourable products, particularly pourable food products.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 12, the operation of a packaging plant is as follows: a) forming a plurality of sealed composite packages having one or more sealing bands 2 and filled with a pourable product; b) sampling one or more sealed composite packages from the plurality of sealed composite packages; c) determining, in particular by means of the device 1, the quality of one or more seal bands 2 of one or more sampled sealed composite packages; Equipped with.

[0139] Preferentially, steps b) and c) are carried out during step a), in particular repeatedly. More preferably, the result of step c) is used to control step a).

[0140] More specifically, during step a), the transverse sealing device may form the transverse seal bands of the sealed composite package. Preferably, the transverse sealing device may be controlled as determined during step c) in response to a determined quality of one or more seal bands 2 of one or more sampled sealed composite packages.

[0141] Furthermore, during step a), - advancing a web of packaging material; - folding the web of packaging material into a tube; - sealing the tube longitudinally; - injecting the tube; - forming a tube; - sealing the tube laterally; - cutting the tube transversely; It may comprise:

[0142] More particularly, during step c) c1) clamping the sample 14 having the sealing band 2 by a first clamping device 12 and a second clamping device 13, the sealing band 2 being interposed between the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13; c2) peeling off the sealing band 2, in particular by actuating a relative movement between the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 by means of an actuating device 15; c3) capturing, during execution of sub-step c2), one or more images of the sealing band 2, in particular by means of the vision system 16; It may comprise:

[0143] Preferably, during the execution of step c), a sub-step c4) of analysing is performed, in particular by an analysis unit, during which sub-step c4) one or more images are analysed, in particular by the analysis unit, so as to determine the quality of the sealing band 2. Preferably, in sub-step c4), one or more images are analysed in order to detect the presence of defects.

[0144] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, during sub-step c4), new values ​​of the parameters used during step a), in particular during the transverse sealing, can be proposed and / or provided to the packaging machine and / or to a technical operator.

[0145] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, also during step c), a sub-step of preparing a sample 14 is carried out, during which the sample 14 is cut out from the sampled sealed composite package (taken during step b)).

[0146] More specifically, in sub-step c1), first the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 are controlled, in particular by the control device 34, into their respective receiving configurations, and a portion of the sample 14 is placed between the first clamping surface and the respective second clamping surface, in particular with the aid of the positioning guide 42. Thereafter, the first clamping device 12 and the second clamping device 13 are controlled, in particular by the control device 34, into their respective clamping configurations, whereby a portion of the sample 14 is clamped between the first clamping surface and the respective second clamping surface.

[0147] Furthermore, during sub-step c2), the actuator 15 moves the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 20 away from each other according to a specifically determined movement profile.

[0148] Preferentially, during substep c2), the force detection device 26 may monitor the force curve.

[0149] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of reading (or scanning) an identification code present on the sample and associating the one or more images of the sealing band with the identification code, which may be a QR code, a bar code, or other type of code.

[0150] The advantages of the seal quality inspection device 1 and / or the packaging plant and / or the method according to the invention should be clear from the above description.

[0151] In particular, the seal quality inspection device 1 can perform repeated measurements on different samples 14 under defined conditions.

[0152] A further advantage is that the quality assessment of the sealing band 2 can be carried out independently of the experience of the technician.

[0153] An added benefit is that the images can be analyzed automatically.

[0154] Changes may be made to the seal quality inspection device 1 and / or the packaging plant and / or the method described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seal quality inspection device (1) for determining the quality of a seal band (2), the seal band (2) being formed from a first band portion (3), a second band portion (4), and a heat seal material layer (5) interposed between the first band portion (3) and the second band portion (4); The seal quality inspection device (1) a working position for receiving a sample (14) having said sealing band (2); a first clamping device (12) and a second clamping device (13) configured to clamp the sample (14) having the sealing band (2) therebetween, the sealing band (2) in the working position being interposed between the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13); an actuation device (15) configured to actuate relative movement between the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13) so as to cause peeling of the sealing band (2); a vision system (16) configured to capture images of the sealing band (2) during peeling; A seal quality inspection device (1) comprising:

2. and further comprising an analysis unit operatively connected to the vision system (16) and configured to analyze one or more images acquired by the vision system (16) and determine a quality of the sealing band (2) as a function of the one or more images. The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. the analysis unit is configured to analyze the one or more images to detect the presence of defects. The seal quality inspection device according to claim 2.

4. the actuating device (15) is configured to modify the relative position of the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13) in a transverse direction, in particular a vertical direction, with respect to the sealing band (2); The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

5. The actuation device (15) a first carriage (19) carrying the first clamping device (12); a second carriage (20) carrying the second clamping device (13); an actuator (21) operatively coupled to the first carriage (19) and the second carriage (20), configured to control the relative position of the first carriage (19) and the second carriage (20) to control the relative position of the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13); Equipped with The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

6. a force detection device (26) configured to determine a time-dependent and / or position-dependent curve of the force acting on the sealing band (2) during peeling; Further provided with The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

7. the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13) have respective first clamping surfaces and respective second clamping surfaces, and clamp a portion of the sample (14) between the respective first clamping surfaces and the respective second clamping surfaces; The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

8. The vision system (16) comprises at least an illumination device (37) for illuminating the sealing band (2) and an imaging device (36) for capturing an image of the sealing band (2) during peeling. The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

9. the vision system (16) comprises an imaging device (36) for capturing an image of the sealing band (2) during peeling, The seal inspection device further includes a polarizing filter (51) interposed between the imaging device (36) and the working position, and preferably, the polarizing filter (51) is of a circular type, an elliptical type, or a linear type. The seal quality inspection device according to claim 1 .

10. 1. A packaging plant for packaging pourable products in sealed composite packages formed from multi-layer packaging material, comprising: a packaging device having one or more sealing bands (2) for forming a plurality of sealed composite packages filled with a pourable product; a sampling unit for sampling one or more sealed composite packages from the plurality of sealed composite packages; a seal quality inspection device (1) according to claim 1 for determining the quality of one or more seal bands (2) of one or more sampled sealed composite packages; A packaging plant comprising:

11. The packaging device a transverse sealing device for creating a transverse seal band of the sealed composite package; a control unit operably connected to the transverse sealing device and configured to control operation of the transverse sealing device in response to the determined quality of the one or more seal bands (2) of the sampled one or more sealed composite packages; Equipped with 11. Packaging plant according to claim 10.

12. A method for determining the quality of a sealing band (2) of a sealed composite package filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, said sealing band (2) being formed from a first band portion (3), a second band portion (4) and a layer (5) of heat-sealing material interposed between said first band portion (3) and said second band portion (4), The quality determination method is clamping the sample (14) having the sealing band (2) with a first clamping device (12) and a second clamping device (13) so that the sealing band (2) is interposed between the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13); peeling off the sealing band (2) by actuating relative movement between the first clamping device (12) and the second clamping device (13); capturing one or more images of the sealing band (2) during the peeling step; A quality determination method comprising:

13. further comprising an analyzing step, during which the one or more images are analyzed to determine the quality of the sealing band (2), and during which the one or more images are analyzed to detect the presence of defects, 13. The quality determination method of claim 12.

14. reading the identification code of said sample (14); associating said one or more images of said sealing band (2) with said identification code; Further provided with 13. The quality determination method of claim 12.

15. 1. A method of forming a sealed composite package filled with a pourable product from a multi-layer packaging material, comprising: forming a plurality of sealed composite packages having one or more sealing bands (2) and filled with a pourable product; sampling one or more sealed composite packages from the plurality of sealed composite packages; determining the quality of the one or more sealing bands (2) of the sampled one or more sealed composite packages according to a quality determination method as claimed in claim 12; method.

16. During the forming step, a transverse sealing device is activated to form transverse seal bands of the sealed composite package, and the activation of the transverse sealing device is controlled depending on the determined quality of the one or more seal bands (2) of the sampled one or more sealed composite packages.

16. The method of claim 15.

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