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). At least a first molding tool part (41) and at least a second molding tool part (42) define a part of a mold cavity that defines the shape of the gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The first molding tool part (41) and the second molding tool part (42) are configured such that, after molding of the opening device (3), the first molding tool part (41) contacts a first gripping surface (17) of the gripping element (8) and the second molding tool part (42) contacts a second gripping surface (18) of the gripping element (8), and the second gripping surface (18) faces the first gripping surface (17).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a forming device for forming an opening device, in particular a forming device for forming an opening device in a packaging material, and even more particularly a forming device for forming 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 forming device for forming 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 of sterilized packaging materials.

[0005] As a typical example, there is a parallelepiped package for pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), 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 device 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 forming process from molten polymer.

[0009] Among such opening devices, there are also those that are retrofitted and 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 operating the packaging material to obtain the package.

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

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

[0013] By separating the forming 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 forming tool parts.

[0014] Moreover, each molding device includes a respective injection device coupled to a respective 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 facilitate the demolding of the molded opening device.

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, a molding tool according to claim 1 is provided.

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

[0022] Also, according to the present invention, a molding device according to claim 12 or 13 is provided.

[0023] According to the present invention, a packaging machine according to claim 14 is provided.

[0024] Hereinafter, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily 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

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

[0030] Alternatively, the opening device 3 may be formed independently of the packaging material and attached to each main body 4 by means such as welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesion with an adhesive. According to such a solution, each main 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 applied for the first time thereafter.

[0031] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to manufacture the package 2 from the packaging material. 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, particularly within each main 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] Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, each opening device 3 comprises - a collar 6 having a spout, - a lid 7 covering the spout, - a gripping element 8 connected to the lid 7 and protruding from the lid 7. and may be provided with.

[0035] In particular, the collar 6, the lid 7, and the gripping element 8 may be integral with each other, i.e., 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 spouts and the respective inlet openings. Each spout enables the pourable product to flow out of the flow path, while the inlet opening enables the pourable product to enter the respective flow path from the respective main body 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 pour 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 pour outlet and pour out the product that can be poured from each pour outlet.

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

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

[0042] It should be noted that each lid 7 reaches the consumer in the closed position and is ruptureably connected to its respective color 6.

[0043] Particularly referring 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 for moving the lid 7, and more particularly for moving 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 comprise a first gripping surface 17 and a second gripping surface 18 facing the first gripping surface 17. In particular, in 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 project 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 particularly, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each opening device 3 may comprise 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 comprise a retaining element 20 integrally connected to the collar 6 and / or the base frame 19, in a specific example 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 comprise a tamper evidence element 21 connected to the lid 7 and the collar 6. The tamper evidence element 21 may be broken 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 respective 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 respective body 4, and contacts the finally 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 where the first surface is 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 finally 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) that are 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 package 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 may be substantially identical for 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 package 2 from a 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 advance 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, a package forming unit 31 configured to form at least the tube 28, seal it laterally, and cut it. may be provided.

[0063] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise 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 advancing path P.

[0065] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may also comprise a first web buffer unit 32 and / or a second web buffer unit 33, particularly the first web buffer unit 32 and / or the second web buffer unit 33 are of 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 advancing path P.

[0067] Preferably, the second web buffer unit 33 may be arranged downstream of the forming system 26 along the web advancing 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] In order to ensure 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 can be arranged continuously with respect to each other, particularly at equal intervals with respect to 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 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; - an injection device configured to inject the 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 the molten polymer from respective injection devices.

[0079] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, each forming tool 40 may comprise a mold cavity (occupied by respective opening devices 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 specifically, each forming tool 40 may comprise a plurality of forming tool parts, in particular including and / or consisting of a metallic material, the forming tool parts being closable to each other, thereby defining and / or defining a forming configuration of each respective mold cavity, and the forming tool parts being separable from each other, thereby enabling the respective formed opening device 3 to be demolded, and may be controllable in a demolding configuration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0089] In particular, when each forming tool 40 is in the forming configuration and the release 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 may 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 define respective portions of the mold cavity together with the third forming tool portion 43, and the mold cavity defines the shape of the respective base frame 19 of the opening 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 during 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 configured to - a first cavity 46 configured to define a respective first zone of each mold cavity and to define the shape of each 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 each 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 each 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 each rim of the opening device 3 to be molded, the rim defining a respective spout, and may include.

[0097] More specifically, each first section 44 and each second section 45 may each include 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] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 - 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 the respective first gripping surface 17 and the second molding tool part 42 contacts the respective second gripping surface 18.

[0099] More specifically, each first molding tool part 41 may be composed of a first boundary 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 boundary surface 52 spaced apart from each first boundary surface 51. Further, each first boundary surface 51 contacts each first gripping surface 17 after molding of each opening device 3, and each second boundary 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 boundary surface 51 and each second boundary 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 boundary surface 51 and each second boundary 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 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 forming tool part 41 and each third forming tool part 43 may be configured such that the first forming tool part 41 contacts the first cover surface 15 after forming of the respective opening device 3, and the third forming tool part 43 contacts the second cover surface 16 after forming of the respective opening device 3.

[0105] More specifically, each first forming tool part 41 may comprise a third interface surface 53, and each second forming tool part 42 may be spaced apart from the respective third interface surface 53 in a state where each forming tool 40 is in its respective forming configuration, thereby defining respective portions of the respective mold cavities that define the respective covers 7 of the respective opening devices 3. Further, the respective third interface surfaces 53 contact the respective first cover surfaces 15 after forming of the respective opening devices 3, and the respective fourth interface surfaces 54 contact the respective second cover surfaces 16 after forming of the respective opening devices 3.

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

[0107] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first forming tool part 41 and each second forming 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 interface surface 51 and / or the second interface surface 52 during control of the forming tool 40 between the forming configuration and the releasing configuration.

[0108] In other words, the relative movement along the first direction D1 may result from moving only the first forming tool part 41 along the first direction D1, moving only the second forming tool part 42 along the first direction D1, or moving the first forming tool part 41 and the second forming 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 may be configured such that, during control of the molding tool 40 between the molding configuration and the release configuration, the first molding tool part 41 and each third molding tool part 43 perform relative movement along a direction parallel to the first direction D1.

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

[0111] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, each first molding tool part 41 may comprise a base 55 and a molding element 56, in particular 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 first lid surface 15 after molding of the respective opening device 3.

[0113] More particularly, 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 forming element 56 may comprise the respective first boundary surface 51 and / or the respective third boundary 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 the respective housing sheet 57. In particular, the ends are complementary to the respective housing sheet 57.

[0117] Furthermore, each housing sheet 57 may comprise 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 comprise a first metal material, and each forming element 56 may comprise 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 molding tool part 41, particularly of 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 consist of and / or be stainless steel.

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

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, the second metal material may comprise and / or be copper and / or 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 allow the introduction of molten polymer into the respective mold cavity.

[0132] According to the specific embodiments 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 on 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 the respective second molding tool parts 42 and the respective third molding tool parts 43.

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

[0139] Thereafter, each molding tool 40 is returned to the demolding configuration and controlled so that the respective 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 the respective first molding tool part 41, the respective second molding tool part 42, and the 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 the respective first section 44 and the 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 move 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 move 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 moving 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 molding tool 40 facilitates the demolding of the opening device 3.

[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 the first molding tool portion (41) and at least the second molding tool portion (42) define a portion of the mold cavity that defines the shape of the gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) are configured such that the first molding tool portion (41) contacts the first gripping surface (17) of the gripping element (8) after the opening device (3) has been formed, and the second molding tool portion (42) contacts the second gripping surface (18) of the gripping element (8) after the opening device (3) has been formed, and the second gripping surface (18) faces the first gripping surface (17). Molding tool (40).

2. The first molding tool portion (41) comprises a first interface (51), and the second molding tool portion (42) comprises a second interface (52) positioned at a distance from the first interface (51), which divides the portion of the mold cavity that defines each gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) that is controlled by the molding configuration and formed by the molding tool (40). The first interface (51) comes into contact with the first gripping surface (17) after the opening device (3) is formed, and the second interface (52) comes into contact with the second gripping surface (18) after the opening device (3) is formed. The molding tool according to claim 1.

3. The first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) are configured such that, during control of the molding tool (40) between the molding configuration and the detachment configuration, the first molding tool portion (41) and the respective second molding tool portions (42) perform relative movement along a first lateral direction (D1) with respect to the respective first gripping surface (17) and / or the respective second gripping surface (18). The molding tool according to claim 1.

4. Further comprising a third molding tool portion (43), The first molding tool portion (41) and the third molding tool portion (43) are configured such that the portion of the mold cavity defined by the first molding tool portion (41) and the third molding tool portion (43) defines the shape of the lid (7). The first molding tool portion (41) and the third molding tool portion (43) are configured such that, after the opening device (3) is formed, the first molding tool portion (41) contacts the first lid surface (15) of the lid (7), and the third molding tool portion (43) contacts the second lid surface (16) of the lid after the opening device (3) is formed, so that the second lid surface (16) faces the first lid surface (15). The molding tool according to claim 1.

5. The second molding tool portion (42), together with the third molding tool portion (43), defines a further portion of the mold cavity, and the further portion defines at least partially the shape of the collar (6) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The molding tool according to claim 1.

6. The first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) are configured such that relative movement of the first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) along the first direction (D1) can cause the first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) to move closer to and further apart from each other. The molding tool (40) comprises a third molding tool portion (43), The third molding tool portion (41) is configured such that it can move closer to and away from the first molding tool portion (41) by the relative movement of the third molding tool portion (43) with respect to the first molding tool portion (41) along a second direction parallel to the first direction (D1). The molding tool according to claim 5.

7. The first molding tool portion (41) comprises a base (55) having a housing sheet (57) and a molding element (56) disposed within the housing sheet (57), The molding element (56) partially defines the shape of the gripping element (8) and / or the lid (7) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The molding tool according to claim 1.

8. The base (55) includes stainless steel, and the molding element (56) includes aluminum and / or copper. The molding tool according to claim 7.

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

10. The molding tool portion (41, 42, 43) includes and / or is made of metal. The molding tool according to claim 1.

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

12. 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 at least one molding tool (40) when at least one molding tool (40) is in a molded shape, A molding apparatus equipped with the following features.

13. The molding apparatus is configured to form an opening device (3) on the packaging material. The molding tool (40) is configured to be bonded to the packaging material when in a molded configuration. The molding apparatus according to claim 12.

14. 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 12 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:

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