Forming tool, forming device having the forming tool, and packaging machine having the forming device

Abstract

A molding tool (40) is described for molding an opening device (3) comprising a collar (6) having a pouring outlet, a lid (7) covering the pouring outlet, and a gripping element (8) connected to the lid (7) and protruding from the lid (7). The molding tool (40) comprises a plurality of molding tool parts (41, 42, 43), and is controllable between a molding configuration in which the molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) approach each other to define a mold cavity and a release configuration in which the molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) are spaced apart from each other to enable removal of the molded opening device (3). At least one molding tool part (41) comprises a base (55) and a molding element (56) coupled to the base (55) and configured to at least partially define the shape of a part of the opening device (3). The base (55) comprises a first metallic material and the molding element (56) comprises a second metallic material different from the first metallic material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding tool for molding an opening device, in particular to a molding tool for molding an opening device in a packaging material, and more particularly to a molding tool for molding an opening device in a multi-layer packaging material.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a molding device for molding an opening device, in particular a molding device for molding an opening device in a packaging material, and even more particularly to a molding device for molding an opening device in a multi-layer packaging material.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming a sealed package of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food, comprising a molding device for molding an opening device in a packaging material, in particular a multi-layer packaging material.

Background Art

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

[0005] As a typical example, a parallelepiped package for pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark) can be mentioned, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure in which both sides of a fibrous base material layer such as paper or cardboard are covered with layers of a heat-sealing plastic material such as polyethylene. In the case of a sterile package for a long-term storable product such as UHT milk, the packaging material includes a layer of an oxygen barrier material such as aluminum foil, which layer overlaps with a layer of a heat-sealing plastic material and is further covered with another layer of a heat-sealing plastic material to finally form the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0006] This type of package is typically manufactured on a fully automatic packaging machine that advances a web of packaging material, sterilizes it, forms it into a tube, and fills it with a product that can be poured before making individual sealed packages.

[0007] Certain packages are known to include an opening device operable to access the pourable product.

[0008] Such opening devices are typically obtained in a molding process from a molten polymer.

[0009] Among such opening devices, there are also post - attachment types that are attached to the filled package body after forming the package body from the packaging material.

[0010] Other types of opening devices are formed directly in the packaging material, particularly before the packaging material is manipulated to obtain the package.

[0011] To form the opening device in the packaging material, the automatic packaging machine may include a molding system for forming the opening device in the packaging material, which may be provided, in particular, in the form of a web.

[0012] A typical molding system includes a plurality of molding devices having at least one molding tool that can be coupled to the packaging material. Each molding tool is composed of a plurality of molding tool parts. The molding tool parts are movable towards each other and separable from each other. When moved towards each other, the molding tool parts define respective mold cavities of the molding tool, and these mold cavities define the shape of the opening device.

[0013] By separating the molding tool parts from each other, the formed opening device can be demolded and a new portion of the packaging material can be aligned with the molding tool parts.

[0014] Moreover, each molding device includes one respective injection device coupled to each molding tool for injecting molten polymer into each mold cavity.

[0015] Despite the fact that known molding devices and molding tools function satisfactorily well, there is a desire in this field to further improve known molding devices and / or known molding tools.

[0016] In particular, in this field, it is desirable to improve the heat conduction characteristics of the molding tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0017] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved molding tool.

[0018] Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved molding device.

[0019] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine having a molding device.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is provided a molding tool according to claim 1.

[0021] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the molding tool are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0022] Also, according to the present invention, there is provided a molding device according to claim 13 or 14.

[0023] According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine according to claim 15.

[0024] Hereinafter, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Reference numeral 1 generally indicates a packaging machine for manufacturing (sealed) packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable foods such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., each package 2 having at least one respective opening device 3.

[0027] More specifically, each package 2 may comprise a respective body 4 for containing the pourable product, and each opening device 3 may be connected to a respective body 4.

[0028] In particular, each body 4 may be formed from a packaging material, preferably provided in the form of a web 5 of packaging material.

[0029] According to the disclosed specific embodiment, each opening device 3 may be formed on a respective body 2. More specifically, each opening device 3 may be formed on each part of the packaging material that defines the respective body 4 after forming the package body 2 from the packaging material, in particular the packaging material.

[0030] Alternatively, the opening device 3 may be formed independently of the packaging material and attached to each body 4 by means such as welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesion with an adhesive. According to such a solution, each body 4 is obtained from the packaging material in a state where the opening device 3 is not applied, and the opening device 3 is then applied for the first time.

[0031] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to manufacture the package 2 from the packaging material, and in particular, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 5.

[0032] Preferably, each opening device 3 may be configured to enable access to and / or pouring out of the pourable product packaged within each package 2, in particular within each body 4, especially after the operation of the opening device 3. In particular, the operation of the opening device 3 may be reversible or irreversible.

[0033] Preferably, each opening device 3 may be integrally formed.

[0034] With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each opening device 3 - a collar 6 having a pouring outlet, - a lid 7 covering the pouring outlet, - a gripping element 8 connected to the lid 7 and protruding from the lid 7, and may include.

[0035] In particular, the collar 6, the lid 7, and the gripping element 8 may be integral with each other, that is, the collar 6, the lid 7, and the gripping element 8 may be made as a single part.

[0036] More specifically, each collar 6 may include respective inlet openings and may define respective flow paths extending between the respective pouring outlets and the respective inlet openings. Each pouring outlet enables the pourable product to flow out of the flow path, while the inlet opening enables the pourable product to enter the respective flow paths from the respective bodies 4.

[0037] Each color 6 may include an inner surface 9 that defines each flow path and / or faces each flow path, and an outer surface 10 opposite the inner surface 9.

[0038] Preferably, each lid 7 can be detachably connected to the color 6, particularly at the edge of the color 6 that defines each pouring outlet.

[0039] In this way, it is ensured that each poured product of each package 2 is separated from the external (hostile) environment. Furthermore, it is also possible to remove the lid 7 from the color 6 to release each pouring outlet and pour out the product that can be poured from each pouring outlet.

[0040] More specifically, each lid 7 is controllable between a closed position where the lid 7 covers each pouring outlet and an open position where the lid 7 releases each pouring outlet.

[0041] Before initially controlling each lid 7 to its respective open position, the lid 7 seals each pouring outlet, but it is still possible to newly place the lid 7 in its respective closed position without achieving the sealing of each pouring outlet. In fact, the lid 7 only closes the pouring outlet.

[0042] It should be noted that each lid 7 is in the closed position and is delivered to the consumer in a state of being rupturably connected to its respective color 6.

[0043] Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, each lid 7 may include a first lid surface 15 and a second lid surface 16 opposite the first lid surface 15. In particular, the first lid surface 15 may face the external environment, and / or the second lid surface 16 may face each flow path, particularly when the lid 7 is in the closed position.

[0044] More specifically, each gripping element 8 is configured to be gripped by a user, particularly to move the lid 7, and more particularly to move the lid 7 from each closed position to each open position and / or from each open position to each closed position.

[0045] Preferably, each gripping element 8 may include a first gripping surface 17 and a second gripping surface 18 facing the first gripping surface 17. In particular, during use, the user grips the gripping element 8 such that one finger contacts the first gripping surface 18 and the other finger contacts the second gripping surface 19.

[0046] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each gripping element 8 may protrude radially from the respective lid 7.

[0047] Each gripping element 8 may also include a plurality of ripples, and in particular the ripples improve the grip force of the gripping element 8.

[0048] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each opening device 3 may include a base frame 19 configured to couple the opening device 3 to the respective body 4, particularly around the designated spout of the body 4.

[0049] In particular, each collar 6 may be integrally connected to and extend from the respective base frame 19.

[0050] Preferably, each opening device 3 may include a retaining element 20 integrally connected to the collar 6 and / or the base frame 19, specifically, integrally connected to the collar 6 and the lid 7. In particular, each retaining element 20 retains the respective lid 7 to the respective collar 6 and / or base frame 19.

[0051] Furthermore, each opening device 3 may include a tamper evidence element 21 connected to the lid 7 and the collar 6. The tamper evidence element 21 may be destroyed when the lid 7 is first controlled to the open position.

[0052] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each opening device 3 may include a gripping element 22 configured to interact with the mooring element 20 and hold each lid 7 in its respective open position. Preferably, the gripping element 22 may protrude from each base frame 19.

[0053] Preferably, the packaging material may be a multi-layer packaging material. In other words, the packaging material may have a multi-layer structure (not shown).

[0054] More specifically, the packaging material may include at least one layer of a fibrous material, such as a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of a heat-sealing plastic material, such as polyethylene, interposed between the layers of the fibrous material. One of these two layers of heat-sealing plastic material defines the inner surface of the package 2, particularly of each body 4, and contacts the ultimately pourable product.

[0055] Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material may also include a layer of a gas-barrier and light-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, disposed particularly between one of the layers of the heat-sealing plastic material and the layer of the fibrous material. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material may include a further layer of a heat-sealing plastic material interposed between the layer of the gas-barrier and light-barrier material and the layer of the fibrous material.

[0056] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging material may include a first surface and a second surface, particularly the first surface being the surface of the packaging material that forms the inner surface of the formed package 2, particularly of the formed body 4, and contacts the ultimately filled pourable food product.

[0057] According to the illustrated example, the packaging material is provided in the form of a web 5. Preferably, the web 5 may comprise a plurality of repeating units (arranged at equal intervals) arranged continuously relative to each other, particularly along the web 5. In particular, each repeating unit forms the basis of one respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to manufacture the packages 2 from the web 4 such that each package 2 results from one respective repeating unit.

[0058] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to apply at least one respective opening device 3 to each repeating unit, particularly in a mold.

[0059] In particular, each repeating unit may be defined by one respective pattern present on the web 5. More specifically, the patterns are substantially identical in all repeating units and may differ in fine details from other repeating units. Examples of differences in fine details include the presence of information tags indicating, for example, the manufacturing date, manufacturing lot, personal information, etc.

[0060] Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 comprises at least a package forming device 25 for forming the packages 2 from the packaging material, particularly the web 5.

[0061] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a forming system 26 for forming the opening device 3 in the packaging material, particularly the web 5.

[0062] Preferably, the package forming device 25 - a conveying device 27 configured to advance the web 5 along a web advancing path P at least to a tube forming station where the web 5 is formed into a tube 28, - a tube forming and sealing device 29 configured to form the tube 28 from the web 5 and seal the tube 28 longitudinally at the tube forming station, - a filling device 30 configured to fill the tube 28 with a product that can be poured into the tube 28, - To obtain the package 2, there may be provided a package forming unit 31 configured to form at least the tube 28, seal it laterally, and cut it. It may be provided with.

[0063] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 may further be provided with a sterilization device for sterilizing the web 5. In particular, the sterilization device may be configured to sterilize the web 5 by physical and / or chemical sterilization.

[0064] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the forming system 26 may be arranged upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 29, particularly upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 29 and the sterilization device, along the web advancement path P.

[0065] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may also be provided with a first web buffer unit 32 and / or a second web buffer unit 33, and in particular, the first web buffer unit 32 and / or the second web buffer unit 33 may be of a variable type (i.e., the buffer capacity of each web buffer unit can be (dynamically) changed).

[0066] Preferably, the first web buffer unit 32 may be arranged upstream of the forming system 26 along the web advancement path P.

[0067] Preferably, the second web buffer unit 33 may be arranged downstream of the forming system 26 along the web advancement path P.

[0068] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the conveying device 27 may be configured to intermittently advance the web 5 within the forming system 26. In this way, while stopping the advancement of the web 5 within the forming system 26, a plurality of opening devices 3 can be formed on the web 5, and a part of the web 5 carrying the formed opening devices 3 can be advanced from the forming system 26.

[0069] To ensure the continuous production of the package 2 (i.e., without interruption, in other words, in a non-discontinuous manner), the first web buffer unit 32 and the second web buffer 33 can be operated such that the advancement of the web 5 downstream of the forming system 26, particularly downstream of the forming system 26 and the second web buffer 33, is continuous.

[0070] The forming system 26 may comprise one or more forming devices, and each forming device is configured to form one or more opening devices 3 (at a time) on the web 5, particularly on at least one respective repeating unit. According to some possible embodiments, each forming device may be configured to form one respective opening device 3 (at a time).

[0071] Preferably, the forming device 26 may comprise a conveyor unit (particularly a part of the conveying device 27) configured to intermittently advance and stop the web 5, and in particular, each forming device may be configured to form the respective opening device 3 on the web 5 during the stop of the web 5.

[0072] Preferably, the forming devices may be arranged continuously with respect to each other, particularly at equal intervals from each other.

[0073] By having a plurality of forming devices and / or by configuring each forming device to form a plurality of opening devices 3 each time, it becomes possible to ensure the continuous production of the package body 2.

[0074] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the web 5 may comprise a plurality of holes, and in use, each forming device may be configured to form the opening device 3 on the web 5 and around the holes. In particular, the holes may define the designated pouring openings of the package 2, particularly of each body 4.

[0075] According to some non-limiting embodiments, each hole may be a through-hole. Alternatively, each hole may be covered with a coating layer.

[0076] In particular, each repeating unit may comprise one hole.

[0077] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, each forming device - at least one forming tool 40 that can be joined and / or is joined to the packaging material, in particular to the web 5, in particular in each respective repeating unit, and - an injection device configured to inject molten polymer into each forming tool 40. may be provided.

[0078] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, one or more forming devices may each comprise a plurality of forming tools 40 configured to receive molten polymer from a respective injection device.

[0079] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, each forming tool 40 may comprise a mold cavity (occupied by each respective opening device 3 in FIG. 3), the mold cavity defining the shape of each respective opening device 3, in particular various parts of the opening device 3 such as each respective lid 7, each respective collar 6, each respective gripping element 8, in particular the shape of the base frame 19, the mooring element 20, the tamper-evidence element 21 and the gripping element 22.

[0080] More particularly, each forming tool 40 may comprise a plurality of forming tool parts, in particular comprising and / or consisting of a metallic material, the forming tool parts being movable towards and away from each other such that a respective mold cavity is defined and / or formed, and a respective formed opening device 3 can be demolded when the forming tool parts are moved away from each other.

[0081] In other words, when the forming tool 40 is in its respective forming configuration, a respective mold cavity is formed and is ready to receive molten polymer, and when the forming tool 40 is in its respective release configuration, the formed opening device 3 can be removed from the plurality of forming tool parts.

[0082] More specifically, each forming tool 40 may include at least a first forming tool portion 41 and a second forming tool portion 42. Preferably, the first forming tool portion 41 and the second forming tool portion 42 cooperate with each other in particular to define a part of each die cavity, whereby the shape of each gripping element 8 can be defined.

[0083] Preferably, each forming tool 40 may also include a third forming tool portion 43.

[0084] Preferably, the first forming tool portion 41, the second forming tool portion 42 and the third forming tool portion 43 may cooperate to define each die cavity, particularly when the forming tool 40 is in the forming configuration.

[0085] More specifically, the first forming tool portion 41, the second forming tool portion 42 and the third forming tool portion 43 may be configured to change their relative positions so that the forming tool 40 moves between the forming configuration and the disengaged configuration.

[0086] In particular, the first forming tool portion 41, the second forming tool portion 42 and the third forming tool portion 43 are brought closer to each other when the respective forming tool 40 is in the forming configuration, and are pulled away from each other when the respective forming tool 40 is in the disengaged configuration.

[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each forming device may include one or more moving devices for controlling the relative positions of the first forming tool portion 41, the second forming tool portion 42 and the third forming tool portion 43.

[0088] According to the specific embodiment shown, the second forming section 42 may in particular be composed of a first section 44 and a second section 45 configured to undergo relative movement to approach and separate from each other so as to enable control of each forming tool 40 between the forming configuration and the mold release configuration.

[0089] In particular, when each forming tool 40 is in the forming configuration and the releasing configuration, the first section 44 and the second section 45 approach and separate from each other, respectively.

[0090] Preferably, one or more moving devices may be configured to control the relative positions of the first section 44 and the second section 45.

[0091] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, each first forming tool portion 41 and each third forming tool portion 43 may be configured such that the respective portions of the mold cavity defined by the first forming tool portion 41 and each third forming tool portion 43, particularly by the cooperation of the first forming tool portion 41 and each third forming tool portion 43, may define the shape of the respective lid 7; and / or

[0092] Each second forming tool portion 42, together with the third forming tool portion 43, particularly in cooperation with the third forming tool portion 43, can define a further portion of the mold cavity, and the further portion can at least partially define the shape of the respective collar 6.

[0093] More particularly, each third forming tool portion 43, together with the respective first portion 44 and the respective second portion 45, may define a further portion of the mold cavity for defining the shape of the respective collar 6.

[0094] According to some further embodiments, each second forming tool portion 42, particularly each first section 44 and each second section 45, may together with the third forming tool portion 43 define respective portions of the mold cavity, and the mold cavity defines the shape of the respective base frame 19 of the aperture device 3 to be formed.

[0095] Furthermore, each third forming tool portion 43 and the second forming tool portion 42, particularly each first portion 44 and each second portion 45, are configured to interpose the packaging material therebetween in use, particularly when each forming tool 40 is controlled in each forming configuration.

[0096] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second molding tool part 42 is - a first cavity 46 configured to define a respective first zone of each mold cavity and to define the shape of a respective mooring element 20 of the opening device 3 to be molded, and / or - a respective second cavity (occupied by the molded tamper evidence element 21 in FIG. 3), configured to define the shape of a respective tamper evidence element 21 of the opening device 3 to be molded and to define a respective second zone of each mold cavity, and / or - a respective third cavity 47 configured to define a respective third zone of each mold cavity and to define the shape of a respective gripping element 22 of the opening device 3 to be molded; and / or - a fourth cavity 48 configured to define a respective fourth zone of each mold cavity and to define the shape of a respective rim of the opening device 3 to be molded, the rim defining a respective spout, and may comprise.

[0097] More specifically, each first section 44 and each second section 45 may each comprise respective portions of each first cavity 46 and / or each second cavity and / or each third cavity 47 and / or each fourth cavity 48.

[0098] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, each first molding tool part 41 and each second molding tool part 42 may be configured such that, after molding of the opening device 3, the first molding tool part 41 contacts a respective first gripping surface 17 and the second molding tool part 42 contacts a respective second gripping surface 18.

[0099] More specifically, each first molding tool part 41 may be composed of a first interface surface 51, and each second molding tool 42 is in a state where each molding tool 40 is in its respective molding shape, thereby defining each part of each mold cavity that defines each gripping element 8 of each opening device 3, and may be composed of a second interface surface 52 arranged at an interval from each first interface surface 51. Further, each first interface surface 51 contacts each first gripping surface 17 after molding of each opening device 3, and each second interface surface 52 contacts each second gripping surface 18 after molding of each opening device 3.

[0100] In particular, each gripping element 8 may be interposed between each first interface surface 51 and each second interface surface 52 after molding of each opening device 3.

[0101] Furthermore, the surface structure of each gripping element 8, in particular, the surface structures of each first gripping surface 17 and each second gripping surface 18, may be defined by the surface structures of each first interface surface 51 and each second interface surface 52.

[0102] The applicant has confirmed that by partitioning the part of the mold cavity that defines the gripping element 8 by the first molding tool part 41 and the second molding tool part 42, the detachment of the opening device 3, particularly each gripping element 8, becomes easier. In particular, the detachment of the gripping element 8 is easier compared to the case where the gripping element 8 is formed as a part of a mold cavity formed as a single cavity within the molding tool part.

[0103] The applicant has confirmed that it is particularly advantageous when the gripping element 8 has ripples in order to improve the gripping of the gripping element 8.

[0104] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each first molding tool part 41 and each third molding tool part 43 may be configured such that the first molding tool part 41 contacts the first lid surface 15 after molding of the respective opening device 3, and the third molding tool part 43 contacts the second lid surface 16 after molding of the respective opening device 3.

[0105] More specifically, each first molding tool part 41 may include a third boundary surface 53, and each second molding tool part 42 may include a fourth boundary surface 54 spaced apart from the respective third boundary surface 53 in a state where the respective molding tool 40 is in the respective molding configuration, thereby defining respective portions of the respective mold cavities that define the respective lids 7 of the respective opening devices 3. Further, each third boundary surface 53 contacts the respective first lid surface 15 after molding of the respective opening device 3, and each fourth boundary surface 54 contacts the respective second lid surface 16 after molding of the respective opening device 3.

[0106] Preferably, the first boundary surface 51 and the third boundary surface 53 may be connected to each other.

[0107] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first molding tool part 41 and each second molding tool part 42 may be configured to perform relative movement along a first direction D1 that is transverse, particularly perpendicular, to each first gripping surface 17 and / or each second gripping surface 18 and / or the first boundary surface 51 and / or the second boundary surface 52 during control of the molding tool 40 between the molding configuration and the demolding configuration.

[0108] In other words, the relative movement along the first direction D1 can result from moving only the first molding tool part 41 along the first direction D1, moving only the second molding tool part 42 along the first direction D1, or moving the first molding tool part 41 and the second molding tool part 42 in opposite senses along the first direction D1.

[0109] Preferably, each first molding tool part 41 and each third molding tool part 43 can be configured to perform relative movement along a direction parallel to the first direction D1 during control of the molding tool 40 between the molding configuration and the mold release configuration.

[0110] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first section 44 and each second section 45 can be configured to perform relative movement along a second direction D2 that is transverse, particularly perpendicular, to the first direction D1 during control of the molding tool 40 between the molding configuration and the release configuration.

[0111] In particular, referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, each first molding tool part 41 may comprise a base 55 and a molding element 56, particularly a molding element 56 that at least partially defines the shape of the gripping element 8 and / or the lid 7.

[0112] In particular, each molding element 56 may contact the respective first gripping surface 17 and / or the respective first lid surface 15 after molding of the respective opening device 3.

[0113] More specifically, in particular, each molding element 56, together with the respective second molding tool part 42, may be configured to define a part of the respective mold cavity that defines the shape of the respective gripping element 8, and / or, together with the respective third molding tool part 43, may be configured to define a part of the respective mold cavity that defines the shape of the respective lid 7.

[0114] More specifically, the molding element 56 may comprise the respective first interface surface 51 and / or the respective third interface surface 53.

[0115] More specifically, each base 55 has a housing sheet 57, and each forming element 56 may be disposed within the housing sheet 57. Preferably, the forming element 56 may be fixed within the housing sheet 57 by fixing elements such as screws, pins, etc., and / or by friction.

[0116] Even more specifically, the ends of each forming element 56 are disposed within their respective housing sheets 57. In particular, the ends are complementary to their respective housing sheets 57.

[0117] Furthermore, each housing sheet 57 may include a wall 58, particularly an annular wall 58, and / or may be delimited by the wall 58.

[0118] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each base 55 may include a first metal material, and each forming element 56 may include a second metal material different from the first metal material.

[0119] In this way, it is possible to improve and / or adjust the thermal conductivity of the first forming tool part 41, particularly the forming element 56.

[0120] Preferably, the second metal material may have a higher thermal conductivity than the first metal material.

[0121] Preferably, the first metal material may be made of stainless steel and / or may be stainless steel.

[0122] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the second metal material may include aluminum and / or an aluminum alloy, and / or may be an aluminum alloy.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, the second metal material may include copper and / or a copper alloy, and / or may be a copper alloy.

[0124] Preferably, the second metal material may contain chromium and / or titanium and / or iron and / or magnesium and / or silicon and / or zinc and / or manganese. In particular, when the second metal material consists of iron and / or silicon, these may be impurities.

[0125] Examples of the second metal material may be Alumec® 89, Alumec® 79, Alumec® 99, etc. Alternatively, the second metal material may be Formaplast® 160, Formaplast® 200, Formaplast® 240, etc.

[0126] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the second metal material may contain at least 90% by weight of aluminum or copper.

[0127] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6, each molding tool 40 can include a plurality of cooling channels 59 configured to receive a cooling fluid for cooling the molding tool 40.

[0128] In particular, each first molding tool portion 41, particularly each base 55 and each molding element 56, may be provided with one or more cooling channels 59.

[0129] Furthermore, each second molding tool portion 42 and / or each third molding tool portion 43 may each be provided with a cooling channel 59.

[0130] Preferably, the cooling channels 59 can be in fluid communication with the cooling fluid distribution device of each molding device and / or each molding system 26.

[0131] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, each molding tool 40 may also include at least one injection channel 60 that is in fluid communication with the respective mold cavity when the molding tool 40 is in the molding configuration, and the injection channel 60 is configured to enable the introduction of molten polymer into the respective mold cavity.

[0132] According to the specific embodiment shown, each third molding tool part 43 may include an injection channel 60.

[0133] Preferably, each injection channel 60 can be in fluid communication with a respective injection device.

[0134] In use, the packaging machine 1 can form packages 2 each having an opening device 3.

[0135] The opening device 3 is formed by the operation of a molding system 26, in particular one or more molding devices.

[0136] Preferably, the opening device 3 is formed directly in the packaging material, in particular the web 5, and more preferably before forming the packaging material.

[0137] The operation of each molding device is assumed to control each molding tool 40 from a demolding configuration to a molding configuration, in particular thereby sandwiching the packaging material, in particular the web 5, between a respective second molding tool part 42 and a respective third molding tool part 43.

[0138] Next, each injection device injects the molten polymer into a respective mold cavity, in particular through a respective injection channel 60.

[0139] Thereafter, each molding tool 40 is returned to the demolding configuration and controlled so that the respective molding opening device 3 can be demolded from the molding tool 40.

[0140] More specifically, one or more respective moving devices change the relative positions of a respective first molding tool part 41, a respective second molding tool part 42, and a respective third molding tool part 43 to control the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration and from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration. Further, the relative positions of a respective first section 44 and a respective second section 45 may be changed.

[0141] In particular, changing the relative positions of each first molding tool part 41 and each second molding tool part 42 requires controlling the relative movement of the first molding tool part 41 and each second molding tool part 42 along the first direction D1. To control the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration, it is necessary to bring the first molding tool part 41 and each respective second molding tool part 42 closer to each other, and to control the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration, it is necessary to move the first molding tool part 41 and each respective second molding tool part 42 away from each other.

[0142] In particular, changing the relative positions of each first molding tool part 41 and each third molding tool part 43 requires controlling the relative movement of the first molding tool part 41 and each third molding tool part 43 along a direction parallel to the first direction D1. To control the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration, it is necessary to bring the first molding tool part 41 and each respective third molding tool part 43 closer to each other, and to control the molding tool 40 from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration, it is necessary to move the first molding tool part 41 and each respective third molding tool part 43 away from each other.

[0143] Preferably, also, the relative positions of each third molding tool part 43 and each second molding tool part 42 may be actuated. The relative positions of each third molding tool part 43 and each second molding tool part 42 may be changed along a direction parallel to the first direction D1. More specifically, the control in the molding configuration requires bringing the third molding tool part 43 and each respective second molding tool part 42 closer to each other, and the control in the demolding configuration requires moving the third molding tool part 43 and each respective second molding tool part 42 away from each other.

[0144] Advantageously, when controlling the molding tool 40 from the demolding configuration to the molding configuration or from the molding configuration to the demolding configuration, the relative positions of each first section 44 and each second section 45 may be controlled.

[0145] In particular, when controlling the molding tool 40 in each molding configuration, each first section 44 and each second section 45 may approach each other, and when controlling the molding tool 40 in each release configuration, each first section 44 and each second section 45 may be separated from each other.

[0146] The advantages of the molding tool 40 and / or the molding device and / or the molding system 26 and / or the packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0147] In particular, the heat conductivity can be optimized by the molding tool 40.

[0148] However, it is obvious that modifications may be made to the molding tool 40 and / or the molding device and / or the molding system 26 and / or the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A molding tool (40) for forming an opening device (3) comprising a collar (6) having a spout, a lid (7) covering the spout, and a gripping element (8) connected to the lid (7) and protruding from the lid (7), The molding tool (40) comprises a plurality of molding tool parts (41, 42, 43), and is controllable to a molding configuration in which the molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) approach each other to define a mold cavity, and a detachment configuration in which the molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) are spaced apart from each other to allow the molded opening device (3) to be removed. At least one molding tool portion (41) comprises a base (55) and a molding element (56) coupled to the base (55) and configured to at least partially define the shape of a portion of the opening device (3), The base (55) comprises a first metal material, and the molding element (56) comprises a second metal material different from the first metal material. Molding tool (40).

2. The base (55) is made of the first metal material, and the molding element (56) is made of the second metal material. The molding tool according to claim 1.

3. The second metal material has a greater thermal conductivity than the first metal material. The molding tool according to claim 1.

4. The first metal material includes and / or consists of stainless steel. The molding tool according to claim 1.

5. The second metal material includes aluminum and / or aluminum alloys and / or copper and / or copper alloys. The molding tool according to claim 1.

6. The second metallic material comprises chromium and / or titanium and / or iron and / or magnesium and / or silicon and / or zinc and / or manganese, and / or The second metal material comprises at least 90% by weight of aluminum or copper. The molding tool according to claim 5.

7. The base (55) has a housing sheet (57), and the molded element (56) is disposed within the housing sheet (57). The molding tool according to claim 1.

8. The end of the molding element (56) is positioned within the housing sheet (57), and the end is complementary to the housing sheet (57). The molding tool according to claim 7.

9. The molding element (56) at least partially defines the shape of the gripping element (8) and / or lid (7) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The molding tool according to claim 1.

10. At least a first molding tool portion (41) having the base (55) and the molding element (56), and at least a second molding tool portion (42) define a part of the cavity that defines the shape of the gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The molding elements (56) of the first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) are configured to contact the first gripping surface (17) of the opening device (3) after the opening device (3) has been formed, and the second molding tool portion (42) is configured to contact the second gripping surface (17) of the gripping element (8) after the opening device (3) has been formed, and the second molding tool portion (42) is configured to contact the second gripping surface (18) of the gripping element (3) after the opening device (3) has been formed, and the second gripping surface (18) is configured to face the first gripping surface (17). The molding tool according to claim 1.

11. One or more molding tool parts (41, 42, 43) are provided with multiple cooling channels (59), The molding tool according to claim 1.

12. The opening device (3) is configured to be molded into a multilayer packaging material. The molding tool according to claim 1.

13. A molding apparatus for forming an opening device (3), The at least one molding tool (40) according to claim 1, An injection device configured to inject a molten polymer into the mold cavity of the at least one molding tool (40) when the at least one molding tool (40) is in a molding configuration, A molding apparatus equipped with the following features.

14. The molding apparatus is configured to form the opening device (3) onto the packaging material, The molding tool (40) is configured to be bonded to the packaging material when in the molding configuration. The molding apparatus according to claim 13.

15. A packaging machine (1) for forming a package (2) filled with a pourable product, having at least one opening device (3), A molding apparatus according to claim 13 for forming an opening device (3) in a packaging material, A package molding apparatus (25) for manufacturing the package (2) from the packaging material, A packaging machine (1) equipped with the following:

Images