Infeed conveyor for folding device, folding device having infeed conveyor, and packaging machine having folding device

Abstract

An infeed conveyor (25) for a folding device (11) for folding semi-finished packs (4) containing a pourable product is described, the infeed conveyor (25) being configured to receive the semi-finished packs (4) and to transfer the semi-finished packs (4) to a folding unit (27) of the folding device (11). The infeed conveyor (25) comprises a carrier (28) for the semi-finished packs (4), a conveying device (29) for advancing the semi-finished packs (4) on the carrier (28) along a feed path (R) and a control device (30) configured to control the transfer of the semi-finished packs (4) onto the carrier (28). The control system (30) comprises a support structure (32), one or more control elements (33) coupled to and projecting from the support structure (32), and a drive assembly (34) configured to drive the support structure (32), thereby advancing the one or more control elements (33) along the transport path (S). The control system (30) further comprises an actuation assembly (35) configured to selectively control the relative position of each control element (33) with respect to the support structure (32).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an infeed conveyor for a folding device for folding pourable products, in particular semi-finished packs of pourable food products.

[0002] The invention also relates to a folding device for folding semi-finished packs of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, into finished packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, the folding device having an infeed conveyor.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a packaging machine for packaging pourable products, in particular pourable food products, into finished packages, comprising a folding device with an infeed conveyor. [Background technology]

[0004] 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 packages made from sterilized packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped pourable food package known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure with 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 ultimately contacts the food product.

[0006] This type of package is usually produced on fully automatic packaging machines.

[0007] Packaging machines are known in which a web of packaging material is advanced through a sterilization device for sterilizing the web of packaging material and into an isolation chamber in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During the advancement of the packaging material web in the isolation chamber, the packaging material web is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, which is further advanced along a (vertical) advance direction. To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, transversely sealed and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in a pack forming unit of the packaging machine during advancement along the advance direction. Pillow packs are thus obtained. These pillow packs each define a sealed semi-finished pack having a central body and a number of flaps projecting from the central body. To obtain a finished package, the pillow packs are further formed and the flaps are folded and sealed to the respective central body.

[0008] A typical packaging machine of this kind is: - a moulding device adapted to mould semi-finished packs filled with a pourable product; - a folding device configured to receive the semi-finished packs from the forming device and to form finished packs from the semi-finished packs; Equipped with.

[0009] A typical folding apparatus comprises an in-feed conveyor configured to receive the semi-finished packs from the forming apparatus and to feed the semi-finished packs to a folding unit of the folding apparatus.

[0010] The in-feed conveyor comprises a carrier for supporting the semi-finished packs and a conveyor belt carrying a plurality of extrusion elements configured to advance the extrusion elements along an advancing path such that, as the conveyor belt advances along a working portion of the advancing path, the extrusion elements direct the semi-finished packs on the carrier along a feed path.

[0011] The operation of the infeed conveyor thereby ensures a correct feeding of the semi-finished packs to the folding unit, in other words the infeed conveyor ensures that the advancing semi-finished packs are synchronized with respect to the folding unit.

[0012] As is known, the semi-finished packs formed by the forming device are obtained by forming, transversely sealing and cutting the tube. Once the semi-finished packs are cut from the tube, they fall by gravity and may be guided by a slide to the infeed conveyor. Since the specific motion profile of each semi-finished pack may be different with respect to the respective motion profiles of the other semi-finished packs, the infeed conveyor may be equipped with a control device providing that the semi-finished packs are guided on carriers so as to enable the synchronous feeding of the semi-finished packs to the folding unit.

[0013] European Patent Application No. 2955118 discloses a folding device having an infeed conveyor with a control device. The control device comprises a pulley and carries a plurality of push-out elements protruding from the pulley. In use, the pulley rotates about an axis of rotation and drives the push-out elements. Furthermore, the push-out elements are configured to finally push each one of the semi-finished packs to correctly align each semi-finished pack on the carrier.

[0014] Although known in-feed conveyors function satisfactorily, there is a need in the art to further improve upon known in-feed conveyors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved in-feed conveyor which is simple and low cost.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved folding device which is simple and low cost.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine in a simple and low cost manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] According to the present invention there is provided an in-feed conveyor according to the independent claims.

[0019] Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0020] According to the present invention there is provided a folding device as claimed in claim 13.

[0021] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging machine as claimed in claim 14 or 15.

[0022] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine having a folding device with an in-feed conveyor according to the invention, with parts removed for clarity; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the in-feed conveyor of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the in-feed conveyor of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the in-feed conveyor of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 5a] 1A-1D show details of the in-feed conveyor during various operational steps, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 5b] 1A-1D show details of the in-feed conveyor during various operational steps, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 5c]1A-1D show details of the in-feed conveyor during various operational steps, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6a] 5a to 5c are front views of the in-feed conveyor at various stages of operation with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6b] 5a to 5c are front views of the in-feed conveyor at various stages of operation with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6c] 5a to 5c are front views of the in-feed conveyor at various stages of operation with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of some of the details of FIG. 4 with parts omitted for clarity; [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of the detail of FIG. 4 with parts omitted for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing (sealed) finished packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., from a web of packaging material 3.

[0025] The web of packaging material 3 may have a multi-layer structure (not shown) and may comprise, for example, a layer of fibrous material, such as a layer of paper or paperboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material, one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defining the inner surface of the finished package that will ultimately contact the pourable product.

[0026] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging material web 3 may comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, for example an aluminum foil, or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, arranged in particular between one of the layers of heat-sealing plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material web 3 may comprise a further layer of heat-sealing plastic interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0027] More specifically, each completed package may extend along a longitudinal axis and have a longitudinal seam portion (extending along the respective longitudinal axis) and a pair of lateral sealing bands, in particular an upper lateral sealing band and a lower lateral sealing band. In particular, each completed package may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.

[0028] Additionally, each finished package may include at least two lateral walls disposed on opposite sides of the finished package (transverse to the respective longitudinal axes) and at least one lateral wall extending between the lateral walls.

[0029] More specifically, one respective side wall of each completed package defines a bottom wall and each other respective side wall defines a top wall, in particular the bottom wall having a support surface adapted to rest on a (horizontal) plane, such as a shelf in a distribution point, and the top wall facing the bottom wall.

[0030] With particular reference to Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce semi-finished packs 4 filled (sealed) with a pourable product, such as, for example, pillow packs, and to further process and / or manipulate and / or form the semi-finished packs 4 to obtain finished packages. In use, firstly the semi-finished packs 4 are produced by the packaging machine 1 and then finished packages are obtained from the semi-finished packs 4 by the packaging machine 1.

[0031] More specifically, each semi-finished pack 4 may comprise at least a central body 5 and a number of flaps projecting from the central body 5 .

[0032] Furthermore, each semi-finished pack 4 may be provided with a longitudinal sealing band 6 and two lateral sealing bands 7 (extending along the axis A) extending along the respective longitudinal axis A and arranged at opposite ends of each semi-finished pack 4.

[0033] In particular, each longitudinal seal band 6 and each transverse seal band 7 defines a corresponding longitudinal seam portion and a corresponding transverse seal band, respectively, of each finished package (derived from each semi-finished pack 4).

[0034] More specifically, the ends of each semi-finished pack 4 may taper from the respective central body 5 towards the respective transverse seal bands 9 .

[0035] More specifically, each end has at least two respective flaps, particularly on opposing side edges.

[0036] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 comprises: - a moulding device 10 adapted to form and / or obtain semi-finished packs 4 of pourable products, - a folding device 11 adapted to receive the semi-finished packs 4 from the forming device 10 and to form finished packages of pourable products from the semi-finished packs 4; The present invention may include at least the following.

[0037] More specifically, the molding apparatus 10 includes: an isolation chamber 12 configured to separate an internal (sterile) environment from an external (hostile) environment; - a conveying device 13 configured to advance the web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station where the web of packaging material 3 is formed, in use, into a tube 8, and to advance the tube 8 along a tube advancement path Q; - a tube forming and sealing device 14 disposed at least partially within the isolation chamber 12 and configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube 8 at a tube forming station within the isolation chamber 12; a filling device 15 for filling the tubes 8 with a pourable product; a pack forming unit adapted to form, transversely seal and in particular transversely cut at least the tube 8 while advancing said tube 8 along a tube advance path Q in order to obtain and / or to manufacture a semi-finished pack 4; It may comprise:

[0038] In particular, the pack forming unit is disposed along the tube advancement path Q downstream of the isolation chamber 12 and the tube forming and sealing apparatus 14 .

[0039] Furthermore, the tube 8 may extend along a longitudinal axis, in particular vertically.

[0040] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilization device for sterilizing the web of packaging material 3 at a sterilization station arranged along the web advancement path P upstream of the tube forming station.

[0041] More specifically, the filling device 15 may be in fluid communication or controllable to be fluidly connected to a pourable product storage tank (not shown as it is known) and may comprise at least a filling tube 16 partially positioned within the tube 8 for supplying the pourable product into the advancing tube 8 in use.

[0042] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 14 may comprise at least a tube forming assembly 17 configured to form a tube 8 from the web of packaging material 3, in particular by overlapping respective opposing lateral edges of the web of packaging material 3, and at least a sealing head 18 configured to seal the tube 8 longitudinally, in particular along a portion of the tube 8 obtained by overlapping the opposing lateral edges of the web of packaging material 3.

[0043] More specifically, a tube former assembly 17 and a sealing head 18 may be disposed within the isolation chamber 12 .

[0044] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the pack forming unit comprises: a plurality of pairs of at least one manipulation assembly (not shown, as it is well known) and at least one respective counter manipulation assembly (not shown, as it is well known); - a transport unit (not shown, as it is known per se) configured to advance the manipulation assembly and each counter manipulation assembly along a respective transport path; Equipped with.

[0045] More specifically, each handling assembly may be configured to cooperate with a respective counter handling assembly of a respective pair to form, transversely seal and, in particular, transversely cut a tube 8 to obtain one respective semi-finished pack 4, in use, in particular as it advances along a respective handling portion of a respective conveying path.

[0046] In particular, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the folding device 15 includes: an in-feed conveyor 25 adapted in particular to receive the semi-finished packs 4 from the forming device 10, more particularly from the pack forming unit, and to feed the semi-finished packs 4 to a transfer station 26; - a folding unit 27 adapted to receive the semi-finished packs 4 from the infeed conveyor 25 at a transfer station 26 and to process and / or manipulate the semi-finished packs 4 so as to obtain finished packages from the semi-finished packs 4; It may comprise:

[0047] In particular, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the in-feed conveyor 25 is - Carrier 28 from semi-finished pack 4, a conveying device 29 for advancing the semifinished packs 4 on the carriers 28 along the feed path R, in particular to the transfer station 26; a control device 30 configured to control the transfer of the semi-finished packs 4 onto the carrier 28; Equipped with.

[0048] Preferably, the infeed conveyor 28 may comprise a slide 31, in particular a curved slide 31, configured to guide the movement of the semi-finished packs 4, in particular before they are transferred onto the carrier 28. The slide 31 may be arranged upstream of the carrier 28 with respect to the forward path of the semi-finished packs 4. Preferably, the slide 31 may be interposed between the forming device 10, in particular the pack forming unit, and the carrier 28 and / or may be connected to the carrier 28.

[0049] In particular, the controller 30 is configured to control the transfer of the semi-finished packs 4 onto the carriers 28 so as to ensure correct placement and / or alignment of the semi-finished packs 4 on the carriers 28 .

[0050] As will become apparent from further description, the controller 30 may be configured to interact only with those semi-finished packs 4 for which the controller 30 requires modification of the motion profile.

[0051] It should be noted that incorrect alignment and / or positioning must be avoided, since the advancement of the respective semi-finished pack 4 would then be out of sync with the operation of the folding unit 27 .

[0052] Also, in case of misalignment and / or misplacement of the semi-finished packs 4, it may occur that such semi-finished packs 4 interfere with parts of the conveying device 29 in an undesirable way.

[0053] Overall, the control device 30 may be configured to ensure a desired synchronization of the semi-finished packs 4 with respect to the operation of the folding device 27 .

[0054] More specifically, and with particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 6c, the control device 30: a support structure 32; - one or more control elements 33 coupled to and projecting from at least a portion 36 of the support structure 32; a drive assembly 34 configured to advance, in particular to rotate, at least a part 36 of the support structure 32, thereby advancing, in particular cyclically advancing, the one or more control elements 33 along a conveying path S, in particular an endless conveying path S; - an actuation assembly 35 configured to selectively control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to a portion 36 of the support structure 32; Equipped with.

[0055] More specifically, and with particular reference to Figures 2 to 4, the support structure 32, in particular portion 36, movably carries one or more control elements 33 and may comprise and / or be defined by a pulley 37 rotatable about a rotation axis B.

[0056] In particular, the drive assembly 34 is configured to rotate the pulley 37 about a rotation axis B in order to advance the control element 33 along a conveying path S, in particular a circular conveying path S.

[0057] Preferably, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to selectively control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32 , and in particular the pulley 37 , depending on the position of each control element 33 along the transport path S.

[0058] More preferably, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to selectively control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32, and in particular the pulley 37, depending on the angular position of each control element 33 with respect to the axis of rotation B.

[0059] More specifically, the transport path S may comprise an operating portion S1 and a return portion S2 for guiding the control element 33 back to the operating portion S1. In particular, when advancing along the operating portion S1, the control element 33 may face the slide 31 or the carrier 28.

[0060] Advantageously, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to selectively control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32, and in particular the pulley 37, as follows. - in use, the control element 33 when advancing along the first section of the operating part S1 is arranged so as not to interfere with any semi-finished packs 4 (see figures 5a and 6a). In particular, in use, the control element 33 when advancing along the first section of the operating part S1 is (substantially) retracted from the semi-finished packs 4. In use, the control element 33 when advancing along the second section of the operating part S1 arranged downstream of the first section is interposed between one semi-finished pack 4 and the successive semi-finished pack 4.

[0061] Further, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to selectively control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32, in particular the pulley 37, so as to retract the control elements 33 from the semi-finished pack 4 as they advance along a third section of the operating portion S1 located downstream of the second section.

[0062] Furthermore, in use, after advancing along the third section, the control element 33 advances along the return portion S2.

[0063] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 6c, each control element 33 may be angularly movable relative to the support structure 32, and in particular the pulley 37, about a respective auxiliary axis of rotation C, in particular parallel to but not coaxial with the axis of rotation B.

[0064] In particular, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to selectively angularly move each control element 33 to control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32 , and in particular the pulley 37 .

[0065] More specifically, each control element 33 may be movably coupled to pulley 37 on a respective lateral side of pulley 37 .

[0066] In particular, at least two control elements 33 may be mounted on each side of the pulley 37 .

[0067] Furthermore, the control elements 33 connected to the same side are equally spaced from each other.

[0068] 4 and 8, the control device 30 may comprise at least one pair of control elements 33, in a particular case two pairs of control elements 33 are shown. Each pair of control elements 33 may consist of two respective control elements 33 spaced apart from each other along a direction D transverse to the conveying path S and / or along a direction D parallel to the axis of rotation B.

[0069] In particular, each set of control elements 33 may be connected to one another by a respective connecting bar 38 .

[0070] Advantageously, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to simultaneously apply the same motion profile to each control element 33 of each pair of control elements 33 .

[0071] With particular reference to Figures 4, 8 and 9, the actuation assembly 35 may include a cam mechanism for selectively controlling the position of each control element 33, and in particular for selectively controlling each angular position relative to each subsidiary axis of rotation C.

[0072] More specifically, the cam mechanism may comprise a cam profile 46 and one or more cam followers 47. Each cam follower 47 may be coupled, in particular connected, to one respective control element 33, in particular to one respective control element 33 of the pair of respective control elements 33.

[0073] In use, as the angular position of each of the control elements 33 connected to one cam follower 47 changes, the angular position of each of the other control elements 33 in each pair of control elements 33 also changes as a result of the presence of the connecting bar 38.

[0074] According to the illustrated embodiment, the pulley 37 may include a cover 48 coupled to one of each side of the pulley 37. The cover 48 may carry the cam profile 46.

[0075] Alternatively, the cam profile 46 may be carried by an inner portion of the pulley 37 .

[0076] With particular reference to Figures 2, 3 and 5a-5c, the drive assembly 34 may include a conveyor belt 49 configured to advance along an endless belt advance path.

[0077] Furthermore, the conveying devices 29 may be provided with respective conveyor belts, and as shown in the particular embodiment, the conveyor belts of the conveying devices 29 may coincide with the conveyor belt 49 .

[0078] Further, the conveyor belt 49 may be coupled to the pulley 37, particularly by a plurality of tooth elements 50 provided on the pulley 37 and the conveyor belt 49, such that rotation of the pulley 37 about the axis of rotation B, in use, results in advancement of the conveyor belt 49 along the belt advancement path.

[0079] Additionally, the drive assembly 34 and / or the conveyor 29 may include an auxiliary pulley 39 spaced apart from the pulley 37. A conveyor belt 49 may be coupled to the auxiliary pulley 39.

[0080] In particular, the auxiliary pulley 39 may be located closer to the transfer station 26 than the pulley 37 .

[0081] Advantageously, the drive assembly 34 and / or the conveying device 29 may include an actuator, such as an electric motor, operatively coupled to and configured to rotate, in use, one of the pulleys 37 and the auxiliary pulley 39 to actuate advancement of the conveyor belt 49 along the belt advancement path.

[0082] Advantageously, the drive assembly 34 and / or the conveying device 29 may comprise a tensioning group (not shown) configured to tension the conveyor belt 49 .

[0083] Returning to Figures 2, 3 and 5a-5c, the conveying device 29 may comprise a number of extrusion elements 53 fixed to and in particular protruding from a conveyor belt of the conveying device 29, in particular the conveyor belt 49. Each extrusion element 53 may be configured to engage with one semi-finished pack 4 and to guide the semi-finished packs 4 on the carrier 28 along the feed path R, in particular to the transfer station 26.

[0084] In particular, the extrusion elements 53 may be arranged at equal intervals along the conveyor belt, in particular the conveyor belt 49 .

[0085] Preferably, each extrusion element 53 may face the carrier 28 when in contact with the respective semi-finished pack 4 in use.

[0086] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each control element 33 may comprise a pressing surface 54 configured to press at least one semi-finished pack 4 at a time so as to align each semi-finished pack against one respective extrusion element 53.

[0087] It should be noted that during operation, it is not necessarily required that the control element 33 presses the respective semi-finished pack 4 by means of the pressing surface 54. This is only necessary if the respective semi-finished pack 4 is not correctly aligned and / or positioned on the carrier 28. However, after being pressed by the pressing surface 54, the respective semi-finished pack 4 is correctly aligned and / or positioned on the carrier 28.

[0088] More specifically, each pressure surface 54 is configured to interact with a respective semi-finished pack 4 passing in front of a respective control element 33 .

[0089] In particular, during use, when the semi-finished pack 4 is in the "delay" state, pushing by the pressure surface 54 takes place.

[0090] Alternatively, or in addition, each control element 33 may comprise an abutment surface 55 configured to receive a respective semi-finished pack 4 one at a time and control the transfer of the semi-finished packs 4 onto the carrier 28 .

[0091] In particular, each abutment surface 55 is configured to retard the advancement of a respective semi-finished pack 4. More particularly, each abutment surface 55 may be engaged by a respective semi-finished pack 4 when, in use, the respective semi-finished pack 4 advances rapidly and needs to be retarded.

[0092] Furthermore, each abutment surface 55 may be engaged by a respective semi-finished pack 4 passing behind a respective control element 33 .

[0093] More specifically, each pressing surface 54 may be disposed downstream of the corresponding contact surface 55 with respect to the conveying path S.

[0094] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each pressing surface 54 may contact a respective semi-finished pack 4 and / or each abutment surface 55 may be engaged by a respective semi-finished pack 4 as the respective control element 33 advances along the second section of the operating portion S1.

[0095] Advantageously, each control element 33 is aligned with one respective pusher element 53 as it advances along the operating portion S1.

[0096] More specifically, the actuation assembly 35 may be configured to control the control elements 33 such that the control elements 33 are not parallel to the respective extrusion elements 53 when moving along the first section of the operating portion S1 and / or the third section of the operating portion S1, and / or are (substantially) parallel to the respective extrusion elements 53 when moving along the second section of the operating portion S1.

[0097] With particular reference to FIG. 1 , the folding unit 27 may be configured to manipulate and / or process the semi-finished packs 4 so as to form and / or shape at least each central body 5 (into the desired form and / or shape of the respective finished package) and to control and / or determine the relative position of the flaps with respect to each central body 5.

[0098] Preferably, the folding unit 27 may be configured to seal each flap to a respective central body 5 .

[0099] In more detail, a transport assembly 56 configured to advance the semi-finished pack 4 along a final advance path; at least one processing unit configured to form and / or shape each central body and / or to fold and seal a flap onto each central body 5 during the advancement of the semi-finished pack 4 along its final advancement path; The present invention may include at least the following.

[0100] More specifically, the transport assembly 56 may include a plurality of retaining pockets 57 configured to hold at least one respective semi-finished pack 4 while advancing the respective semi-finished pack 4 along the final advancement path.

[0101] In use, the packaging machine 1 forms finished packages filled with pourable product.

[0102] In particular, the method of forming the finished package comprises: - forming a semi-finished pack 4 using a forming device 10, - folding the semi-finished packs 4 into finished packages by the operation of a folding device 11; Provide for the Lord.

[0103] More specifically, the step of shaping the semi-finished pack 4 comprises: - advancing the web of packaging material 3 along an advancement path P, in particular by the operation of a conveying device 13; - folding the web of packaging material 3 into a tube 8 by means of a tube forming and sealing device 14, in particular a tube forming assembly 23, in particular in an isolation chamber 12; - longitudinal sealing of the tube 8, in particular in the isolation chamber 12, by actuation of the tube forming and sealing device 14, in particular the sealing head 24; - filling the tube 8 with the pourable product by operating the filling device 15, in particular by directing the pourable product into the tube 8 through the filling tube 16; - advancing the tube 8 along a tube advancement path Q by operation of the conveying device 13; - obtaining semi-finished packs 4 from the tube 8 by forming, transversely sealing and transversely cutting the tube 8 by the action of a pack-forming unit and during the advancement of the tube 8 along the tube advancement path Q; At least the following is provided.

[0104] Additionally, the forming step may comprise sterilizing the web of packaging material 3 in a sterilization station.

[0105] More specifically, the step of folding the semi-finished pack 4 comprises: - feeding the semi-finished packs 4 to a folding unit 27 by the action of an infeed conveyor 25; - a final folding of the semi-finished packs 4 by the action of a folding unit 27; Equipped with.

[0106] More specifically, during the feeding sub-step, the conveying device 29 advances the semi-finished packs 4 on the carrier 28 along the feed path R, in particular to the transfer station 26. In particular, the pushing element 53 pushes the semi-finished packs 4 along the carrier 28 and the feed path R.

[0107] Furthermore, during the feeding sub-step, the control device 30 ensures that the semi-finished packs 4 are transferred in a controlled and desired manner onto the carriers 28. In particular, the control device 30 ensures that the advancement of the semi-finished packs 4 is delayed and / or slowed down so that the semi-finished packs 4 are correctly transferred onto the carriers 28 relative to the respective extrusion elements 53.

[0108] More specifically, during operation of the control device 30, the relative position of the control elements 33 with respect to the support structure 32, and in particular the pulleys 37, is controlled depending on the position of the control elements 33 along the conveying path S, and in particular their angular position with respect to the axis of rotation B.

[0109] More specifically, the angular position of the control element 33 relative to the respective auxiliary rotation axis C is controlled in dependence on the respective angular position relative to the rotation axis B in particular.

[0110] Each abutment surface 55 ensures that the semi-finished pack 4 does not advance too quickly, while each pressure surface 54 ensures correct alignment of the semi-finished pack 4 with respect to the respective extrusion element 53 .

[0111] Advantageously, the actuation assembly 35 controls the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32, and in particular the pulleys 37, as follows: - in use, the control element 33 is arranged so as not to interfere with any semi-finished packs 4 when advancing along the first section of the operating part S1 (see figures 5a and 6a). In particular, in use, the control element 33 is (substantially) retracted from the semi-finished packs 4 when advancing along the first section of the operating part S1; and In use, the control element 33 is interposed between one semi-finished pack 4 and a successive semi-finished pack 4 when advancing along the second section of the operating part S1 arranged downstream of the first section.

[0112] Further, the actuation assembly 35 may control the relative position of each control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32, and in particular the pulley 37, so as to retract the control elements 33 from the semi-finished pack 4 as they advance along the third section of the operating portion S1.

[0113] Furthermore, in use, after advancing along the third section, the control element 33 advances along the return portion S2.

[0114] More specifically, during the final folding step, a respective central body 5 is formed and / or the respective flaps are folded and sealed onto the respective central body 5 to form a finished package from the semi-finished pack 4.

[0115] More specifically, during the final folding step, the semi-finished packs 4 advance (by the action of the transport assembly 56) along a final advance path and are processed (by the action of the processing units) while advancing along the final advance path in order to obtain a finished package. In particular, the processing units form and / or shape the respective central bodies 5 and / or fold and seal the respective flaps onto the respective central bodies 5.

[0116] Furthermore, during the final folding step, the semi-finished packs 4 are inserted into holding pockets 57 in the transfer station 26 .

[0117] The advantages of the in-feed conveyor 25 according to the present invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0118] In particular, the ability to vary the relative position of the control element 33 with respect to the support structure 32 allows for operation at higher production speeds compared to known in-feed conveyors. The control element 33 needs to achieve a correct alignment of the control element 33 between the two semi-finished packs 4 and at the same time avoid the control element 33 impacting the semi-finished packs 4 in an undesirable manner.

[0119] The control element 33 can change its position relative to the support structure 32, thereby making it possible to avoid undesirable shocks as the control element 33 advances along the first section - a possibility not afforded by conventional in-feed conveyors.

[0120] Obviously, changes may be made to the packaging machine 1 and / or the folding device 11 and / or the in-feed conveyor 25 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An infeed conveyor (25) for a folding device (11) for folding a semi-finished pack (4) containing a pourable product, wherein the infeed conveyor (25) is configured to receive the semi-finished pack (4) and transfer the semi-finished pack (4) to a folding unit (27) of the folding device (11), The aforementioned infeed conveyor (25) is The carrier (28) of the aforementioned semi-finished pack (4), A conveying device (29) that moves the semi-finished pack (4) forward on the carrier (28) along the supply path (R), A control device (30) that controls the transfer of the semi-finished pack (4) onto the carrier (28), Equipped with, The control device (30) is Support structure (32) and One or more control elements (33) are coupled to the support structure (32) and protrude from the support structure (32), A drive assembly (34) that drives the support structure (32) to advance one or more control elements (33) along a transport path (S), Equipped with, The control device (30) further comprises an operating assembly (35) that selectively controls the relative position of each control element (33) with respect to the support structure (32). Infeed conveyor (25).

2. The operating assembly (35) selectively controls the relative position of each control element (33) with respect to the support structure (32) depending on the position of each control element (33) along the transport path (S). The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

3. The drive assembly (34) rotates at least a portion (36) of the support structure (32) around the rotation axis (B) in order to rotate the control element (33) around the rotation axis (B) and to advance the control element (33) along the transport path (S), The operating assembly (35) selectively controls the relative position of each control element (33) with respect to the support structure (32) depending on the angular position of each control element (32) with respect to the rotation axis (B). The infeed conveyor according to claim 2.

4. Each of the one or more control elements (33) is angularly movable around its respective auxiliary rotation axis (C) relative to the support structure (32), The operating assembly (35) moves each of the control elements (33) angularly in order to control the relative position of each of the control elements (33) with respect to the support structure (32). The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

5. The operating assembly (35) includes a cam mechanism for selectively controlling the position of each of the control elements (33). The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

6. The cam mechanism comprises a cam profile (46) and one or more cam followers (47). Each of the cam followers (47) is coupled to one control element (33). The infeed conveyor according to claim 5.

7. The support structure (32) is equipped with a pulley (37) that is rotatable around a rotation axis (B) and movably supports one or more control elements (33). The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

8. The drive assembly (34) includes a conveyor belt (49) configured to move forward along the conveyor belt forward path, The conveyor belt (47) is coupled to the pulley (36) such that the rotation of the pulley (36) around its axis of rotation (B) causes the conveyor belt (49) to move forward along the conveyor belt's forward path during use. The infeed conveyor according to claim 7.

9. The conveying device (29) comprises a plurality of extrusion elements (53) fixed to the conveyor belt, Each extrusion element (53) engages with one semi-finished pack (4) during use and guides the semi-finished pack (4) along the supply path (R) onto the carrier (28). The infeed conveyor according to claim 8.

10. The conveying device (29) comprises a plurality of extrusion elements (53), each extrusion element (53) engaging with one of the semi-finished packs (4) during use, and guiding each semi-finished pack (4) along the supply path (R) on the carrier (28). Each control element (33) has a pressing surface (54) configured to press at least one semi-finished pack (4) at once so as to align the semi-finished pack (4) with respect to one pressing element (34), The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

11. The conveying device (29) comprises a plurality of extrusion elements (53), each extrusion element (53) engaging with one of the semi-finished packs (4) during use, and guiding each semi-finished pack (4) along the supply path (R) on the carrier (28). Each control element (33) has a contact surface (55) configured to receive each semi-finished pack (4) and to control the transfer of the semi-finished pack (4) onto the carrier (28). The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

12. The control device (30) comprises at least one pair of control elements (33), Each pair of control elements (33) comprises two control elements (33) spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction (D) with respect to the transport path (S). The actuation assembly (35) simultaneously applies the same motion profile to each of the control elements (33) of each pair of control elements (33). The infeed conveyor according to claim 1.

13. A folding device (11) for folding a semi-finished pack (4) filled with a pourable product into a finished package, The infeed conveyor (25) according to claim 1, A folding unit (27) is configured to receive the semi-finished packs (4) from the infeed conveyor (25) and to process and / or manipulate the semi-finished packs (4) to obtain a finished package from the semi-finished packs (4), It has at least the following features: Folding device (11).

14. A molding apparatus (10) that forms a semi-finished pack (4) of a pourable product, A folding device (11) according to claim 13 for forming a finished pack from the semi-finished pack (4), A packaging machine (1) equipped with the following:

15. The molding apparatus (10) is An isolation chamber (12) that separates the internal environment from the external environment, A conveying device (13) advances the web (3) of the packaging material along a web advancement path (P) to at least the tube forming station where the web (3) of the packaging material is formed on the tube (8) when in use, and advances the tube (8) along a tube advancement path (Q), A tube forming and sealing device (14) is at least partially located within the isolation chamber (12) and forms the tube (8) in the tube forming station within the isolation chamber (12) and seals it in the longitudinal direction. A filling device (15) for filling the tube (8) with a product that can be poured into it, A pack forming unit for forming, sealing laterally, and cutting the tube (8) in order to obtain and / or manufacture a semi-finished pack (4), Equipped with, The packaging machine according to claim 14.

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