Folding device and packaging machine having the folding device

Abstract

A folding apparatus (16) is described for producing a final package (2) from a semi-finished pack (5) having a central body (8), at least one flap (9), and at least one sealing fin (10). The folding apparatus (16) comprises at least a plurality of holding pockets (32) and a conveying device (33). Each holding pocket (32) comprises a respective folding device (45) configured to fold a respective sealing fin (10) and a respective flap (9). Each folding device (45) comprises a folding element (46) movable between a rest position for folding the sealing fin (10) and the flap (9) and an actuating position. The folding apparatus (16) further comprises an actuating unit (48) configured to move each folding element (46).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging pourable products, in particular pourable food products, into final packages, the packaging machine comprising a folding device for folding semi-finished packs into the final packages. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped pourable food package known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminate packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure consisting of a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material, ultimately forming the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of packaging is usually produced on fully automatic packaging machines.

[0006] Packaging machines are known that advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization device for sterilizing the web of packaging material and into an isolation chamber in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During the advancement of the web of packaging material in the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, which is then fed further along the (vertical) advance direction. To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, transversely sealed, and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in a pack-forming unit of the packaging machine while advancing along the advance direction. Pillow packages are thus obtained. These pillow packages each define a sealed semi-finished pack having a central body and, resulting from the transverse sealing and cutting of the tube, two sealing fins protruding from each central body and a plurality of flaps protruding laterally from the central body. To obtain the final package, the pillow packages are further formed, and the sealing fins and flaps are folded and sealed to the respective central body.

[0007] Typical packaging machines of this type include: - a forming device configured to form semi-finished packs filled with pourable product; - a folding device configured to receive the semi-finished packs from the forming device and form a final package from the semi-finished packs; Equipped with.

[0008] A typical folding apparatus comprises an infeed conveyor configured to receive the semi-finished packs from the forming apparatus and feed the semi-finished packs to a folding unit of the folding apparatus, which is configured to fold the semi-finished packs into a final package.

[0009] Folding machines of the type are known which include a plurality of holding pockets configured to hold semi-finished packs and a conveying device configured to intermittently advance the holding pockets along an endless path past a receiving station where the semi-finished packs are fed into the holding pockets and a discharging station where the final packages are discharged.

[0010] The folding unit also includes a fixed flap folding device disposed in a processing station interposed between the receiving station and the discharging station and configured to simultaneously fold the flaps onto the respective central bodies, thereby folding the sealing fins.

[0011] Furthermore, the folding unit also comprises a heat treatment device arranged in a heat treatment station interposed between the treatment station and the discharge station and configured to heat treat the flaps and / or a portion of the respective central bodies to seal the flaps to the respective central bodies.

[0012] While known folding devices, and particularly known folding units, function satisfactorily, it is believed that there is a need in the art for further improvements to known folding devices, and particularly known folding units. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved folding device.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0015] According to the present invention there is provided a folding device according to the independent claims.

[0016] Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the present invention there is also provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 16. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine having a folding device according to the invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the transformation of a semi-finished pack into a final package, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the folding device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the folding device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4A] 2A-2C are enlarged side views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of portions of the folding device of FIG. 1 in different states; [Figure 4B] 2A-2C are enlarged side views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of portions of the folding device of FIG. 1 in different states; [Figure 4C] 2A-2C are enlarged side views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of portions of the folding device of FIG. 1 in different states; [Figure 5A] 2A-2C are enlarged side views, with parts removed for clarity, showing further details of portions of the folding device of FIG. 1 in different states; [Figure 5B] 2A-2C are enlarged side views, with parts removed for clarity, showing further details of portions of the folding device of FIG. 1 in different states; [Figure 5C] 2A-2C are enlarged side views, with parts removed for clarity, showing further details of portions of the folding device of FIG. 1 in different states; [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of a further portion of the folding device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing preferably sealed final packages 2 for pourable products, preferably pourable food products, such as pasteurized milk, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, yogurt, dairy drinks, yogurt drinks, emulsified drinks, pulpy drinks, salt, sugar, etc.

[0021] Preferably, the packaging material 2 may be formed from a multi-layer packaging material. More preferably, the package 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.

[0022] More specifically, the multi-layer packaging material, preferably the web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiching the layers of fibrous material between them. One of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner surface of each of the final packaging bodies 2 that will ultimately contact the pourable product.

[0023] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the multilayer packaging material, preferably the web of packaging material 3, may comprise a layer of gas-barrier and light-barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferably disposed between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the multilayer packaging material, preferably the web of packaging material 3, may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas-barrier and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] More specifically, each final package body 2 may have, along its longitudinal axis, preferably a longitudinal seam portion (extending along its respective longitudinal axis) and a pair of lateral sealing fins, preferably a lateral upper sealing fin and a lateral lower sealing fin.

[0025] Preferably, each final package 2 may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.

[0026] Furthermore, each final package body 2 may have at least a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of the final package body 2, and an intermediate portion interposed between the first and second ends. Preferably, each first end may define a bottom portion of the respective final package 2, and each second end may define a top portion of the respective final package 2.

[0027] More particularly, each first end and each second end may comprise at least one respective lateral wall (transverse to the respective longitudinal axis of the respective final package 2).

[0028] Preferably, each intermediate portion may comprise and / or define a side wall extending between the respective lateral walls, for example formed from a plurality of interconnected side wall portions.

[0029] More specifically, the respective lateral walls of each first end may define a bottom wall, and the respective lateral walls of each second end may define a top wall. Preferably, the bottom wall has a support surface adapted to be placed on a (horizontal) plane, such as a shelf in the dispensing point, and the top wall may be opposite the bottom wall.

[0030] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each final package 2 may also include an opening device such as a closure or lid.

[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each opening device may be applied to a respective multi-layer packaging material, in particular to a web of packaging material 3, or to a semi-finished pack 5, or to a final package 2.

[0032] Preferably, each opening device may be provided in a respective lateral wall defining a respective second end, preferably a respective top wall.

[0033] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce pourable product-filled (sealed) semi-finished packs 5, such as pillow packs, and to further process and / or manipulate and / or shape the semi-finished packs 5 to obtain final packages 2.

[0034] Referring particularly to Figure 2, each semi-finished pack 5 may extend along a respective longitudinal axis A and may preferably be provided with a longitudinal sealing band 6 (extending along and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis A).

[0035] Each semi-finished pack 5 may comprise a central body 8, one or more flaps 9 projecting from the respective central body 8, preferably laterally, and one or more lateral sealing fins 10, preferably transversely relative to the longitudinal axis A.

[0036] More specifically, each sealing fin 10 may be disposed at a respective end 7 of the semi-finished pack 5 .

[0037] Preferably, each semi-finished pack 5 may comprise at least two transverse sealing fins 10 arranged at respective opposite ends 7 of each semi-finished pack 5, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis A.

[0038] Furthermore, each sealing fin 8 may define a respective lateral sealing fin of a respective final package 2 (obtained from a respective semi-finished pack 5).

[0039] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each sealing fin 10 may protrude from a respective central body 8 along a direction parallel to a respective longitudinal axis A.

[0040] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each longitudinal seal band 6 may define a corresponding longitudinal seam portion of each final package 2 (obtained from each semi-finished pack 5).

[0041] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each end 7 may taper from a respective central body 8 and / or towards a respective sealing fin 10 .

[0042] Preferably, each flap 9 may carry a portion of a respective sealing fin 10 .

[0043] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, at least one end 7 may include two respective flaps 9 extending laterally from opposite sides of a respective central body 8. More particularly, each end 7 may include at least two flaps 9.

[0044] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each semi-finished pack 5 may have a respective first end 11, a respective second end 12 opposite the respective first end 11, and an intermediate portion 13 interposed between the first end 11 and the second end 12.

[0045] Preferably, the first end portions 11, the second end portions 12 and the intermediate portions 13 form the first end portions, the second end portions and the intermediate portions of the final package body 2, respectively.

[0046] Each first end 11 and each second end 12 may be provided with one sealing fin 10 and a pair of flaps 9 respectively.

[0047] Furthermore, each first end 11 and each second end 12 may comprise one end 7 .

[0048] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 comprises at least: - a forming device 15 configured to form and / or obtain semi-finished packs 5 of pourable products, preferably formed from a multi-layer packaging material, more preferably from a web 3 of packaging material; and - a folding device 16 configured to receive the semi-finished packs 5 from the forming device 15 and to form the semi-finished packs 5 into final packages 2 for the pourable product; It may comprise:

[0049] More specifically, the molding device 15 includes: - Isolation chambers 17 configured to separate the inner (sterile) environment from the outer (hostile) environment; - a conveying device 18 configured to advance the web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P and to advance the tube 19 along a tube advancement path Q at least to a tube forming station where, in use, the web of packaging material 3 is formed into a tube 19; - a tube forming and sealing device 20 disposed at least partially within the isolated chamber 17 and configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube 19 at a tube forming station within the isolated chamber 17; - a filling device 21 for filling the tubes 19 with a pourable product; and a pack-forming unit adapted to form and transversely seal at least the tube 19 and preferably to transversely cut the tube 19 while advancing it along the tube advance path Q in order to obtain and / or produce the semi-finished packs 5; It may comprise:

[0050] In particular, each sealing fin 10 may result from a transverse seal and cut in the tube 19 .

[0051] Preferably, the pack forming unit may be located downstream of the isolation chamber 17 and the tube forming and sealing device 20 along the tube advance path Q.

[0052] Furthermore, the tube 19 may extend along a longitudinal axis, which preferably has a vertical direction.

[0053] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilisation device for sterilising at least a portion of the web of packaging material 3 at a sterilisation station arranged along the web advancement path P upstream of the tube forming station.

[0054] More particularly, the filling device 21 may comprise at least a filling pipe 22 which is in fluid communication with, or controllable to be in fluid communication with, a storage tank for the pourable product (not shown as it is well known) and which is partially positioned within the tube 19 to supply the pourable product to the advancing tube 19 in use.

[0055] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 20 may comprise at least a tube forming assembly 23 configured to form a tube 19 from the web of packaging material 3, particularly by overlapping respective opposing lateral edges of the web of packaging material 3, and at least a sealing head 24 configured to seal the tube 19 longitudinally, particularly along the portion of the tube 19 obtained by overlapping the opposing lateral edges of the web of packaging material 3.

[0056] More specifically, a tube forming assembly 23 and a sealing head 24 may be disposed within the isolated chamber 17 .

[0057] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the pack-forming unit comprises: - a plurality of pairs of at least one manipulation assembly (not shown, as it is well known) and at least one counter-manipulation assembly (not shown, as it is well known); and a transport unit (not shown, as it is well known) configured to advance the manipulation assembly and each counter-manipulation assembly along a respective transport path; It may comprise:

[0058] More specifically, each manipulating assembly may be configured to cooperate with a respective counter-manipulating assembly of a respective set to form, transversely seal and preferably also transversely cut a tube 19 to obtain one respective semi-finished pack 5, in use, in particular as it advances along a respective manipulating portion of a respective conveying path.

[0059] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3A to 6, the folding apparatus 16 may comprise at least a folding unit 30 (only partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the invention) configured to obtain final packages 2 from each semi-finished pack 5, and preferably an in-feed conveyor 31 configured to advance the semi-finished packs 5 to the folding unit 30.

[0060] More specifically, the infeed conveyor 31 may be interposed between the folding unit 30 and the forming device 15 and configured to receive the semi-finished packs 5 from the forming device 15 and supply the semi-finished packs 5 to the folding unit 30.

[0061] 1 and 3A-5C, the folding device 16, and in particular the folding unit 30, - a plurality of holding pockets 32 configured to receive one respective semi-finished pack 5 at a time; and a conveying device 33 (only partly shown insofar as necessary for the understanding of the invention) configured to advance the holding pockets 32 along an endless path, passing through a receiving station 34 at which each semi-finished pack 5 is fed into one respective holding pocket 32, and preferentially through a discharging station at which each finished package 2 is discharged from its respective holding pocket 32; It may comprise:

[0062] Preferably, the folding apparatus 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may be configured to manipulate the semi-finished packs 5 to form the final package 2 while advancing the holding pockets 32 along an endless path.

[0063] More specifically, during use, each semi-finished pack 5 can be folded into each final package 2 while being held within each holding pocket 32 ​​and while each holding pocket 32 ​​is advanced between the receiving station 34 and the discharging station.

[0064] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-4C, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a retention space defined by preferably at least two respective retention plates 35 of each retention pocket 32.

[0065] More specifically, one retaining plate 35 may be positioned along the endless path upstream of another retaining plate 35. In other words, each retaining pocket 32 ​​may include a leading retaining plate 35 (relative to the endless path) and a trailing retaining plate 35 (relative to the endless path).

[0066] Preferably, but not necessarily, the respective retaining plates 35 of each retaining pocket 32 ​​may be configured to perform relative movement to allow insertion and release of the semi-finished packs 2. Additionally, the respective retaining plates 35 of each retaining pocket 35 may be configured to engage with the respective semi-finished packs 5 and the respective final packages 2, for example, to secure and / or shape the respective semi-finished packs 5 and the respective final packages 2.

[0067] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, one of the holding plates 35 in each holding pocket 32, e.g., the subsequent holding plate 35, may be fixed (immovable) relative to the conveying device 33, and the other of the holding plates 35 in each holding pocket 32, e.g., the subsequent holding plate 35, may be movable relative to the conveying device 33 so as to control the relative movement between the respective holding plates 35 in each holding pocket 32.

[0068] 1 and 4A-4C, the conveying apparatus 33 may be configured to advance the holding pockets 32 through a receiving station 34 where one semi-finished pack 5 at a time is fed into each holding pocket 32. Preferably, the conveying apparatus 33 may be configured to advance the holding pockets 32 through a discharging station where the final packaging bodies 2 forming the semi-finished packs 5 are discharged from the holding pockets 32 while advancing within the holding pockets 32.

[0069] As will be described in more detail below, the transport device 33 may be configured to advance the holding pockets 32 through one or more processing stations, which are interposed between the receiving station 34 and the discharging station.

[0070] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the conveying device 33 may be configured to intermittently advance the holding pockets 32 along an endless path.

[0071] More particularly, the transport device 33 may comprise conveyor wheels 38 rotatable about respective axes of rotation B.

[0072] Furthermore, the conveying device 33 may comprise an actuation unit configured to actuate, preferably intermittently, the rotation of the conveyor wheels 38 for advancing the holding pockets 32 along the endless path.

[0073] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each holding pocket 32 ​​may be conveyed by a conveyor wheel. Preferably, the holding pockets 32 may be angularly spaced apart from one another about the axis of rotation B.

[0074] More specifically, each retaining plate 35 may project radially from the conveyor wheel 38 .

[0075] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, one retaining plate 35 of each retaining pocket 32 ​​may be integral with the conveyor wheel 38, and the other retaining plate 35 may be movable relative to the conveyor wheel 38.

[0076] More specifically, each trailing retaining plate 35 may be integral with the conveyor wheel 38 and / or each leading retaining plate 35 may be movable relative to the conveyor wheel 38 .

[0077] 1, each semi-finished pack 5 may be supplied to a receiving station 34 by an infeed conveyor 31. At the receiving station 34, each semi-finished pack 5 is transferred from the infeed conveyor 31 to a respective holding pocket 32.

[0078] 1 and 3-4C, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a first terminal end 37 and a second terminal end 36 opposite the first terminal end 37. Preferably, each second terminal end 36 may be adjacent to and / or connected to a conveyor wheel 38.

[0079] Additionally, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include an open end disposed at a respective first terminal end 37 .

[0080] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each semi-finished pack 5 can be positioned within its respective holding pocket 32 ​​such that its respective second end 12 is positioned adjacent to its respective second terminal 36 and its respective first end 11 is positioned adjacent to its respective first terminal 37.

[0081] Furthermore, each semi-finished pack 5 can be supplied to each holding pocket 32 ​​with its respective sealing fin 10 in the deployed position and its respective flap 9 in the unfolded position, i.e., the sealing fin 10 protruding along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A and the flap 9 protruding preferably laterally from the respective central body 8.

[0082] Operation of the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, foresees folding each sealing fin 10 from its respective unfolded position to a folded position in which each sealing fin 10 is folded onto and / or towards a respective central body 8, preferably onto a respective second end 12 thereof, and / or towards the central body 8. Folding each flap 9 from its respective unfolded position to a bent position in which it is folded onto and / or towards a respective central body 8, preferably onto a respective intermediate portion 13 thereof, and / or towards the central body 8.

[0083] 1 and 3-5C, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a respective folding device 45 configured to fold a respective sealing fin 10 from an unfolded position to a folded position and a respective flap 9 from an unfolded position to a bent position. Preferably, each folding device 45 may be configured to fold the sealing fin 10 and flap 9 disposed at the second end 36.

[0084] Furthermore, each folding device 45 may be configured to fold a respective sealing fin 10 and a respective flap 9 protruding from each second end 12 .

[0085] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each folding device 45 may be disposed at and / or define a respective second end 36 .

[0086] In particular, each semi-finished pack 5 is inserted into its respective retaining pocket 32 ​​such that, in use, each folding device 45 is configured to fold each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 disposed in the respective retaining pocket 32 ​​before the other sealing fins 10 and other flaps 9 of each semi-finished pack 5. Accordingly, in the following description, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 that enters its respective retaining pocket 32 ​​first will be referred to as the leading sealing fin 10 and the leading flap 9, respectively, and each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 that follows the leading sealing fin 10 and the leading flap 9 will be referred to as the trailing sealing fin 10 and the trailing flap 9 (i.e., the trailing sealing fin 10 is the fin opposite the leading sealing fin 10 and the trailing flap 9). Accordingly, each leading sealing fin 10 and each leading flap 9 is disposed adjacent to the respective second terminal end 36, and each trailing sealing fin 10 and each trailing flap 9 is disposed adjacent to the respective first terminal end 37.

[0087] More particularly, each folding device 45 may be configured to fold a respective leading sealing fin 10 and leading flap 9 .

[0088] As further illustrated below, according to this non-limiting embodiment, the trailing sealing fin 10 may be folded by an alternative mechanism rather than the folding device 45. In particular, the alternative mechanism may be at a fixed station rather than being associated with a single holding pocket 32.

[0089] Advantageously, and with particular reference to Figures 3A to 5C, each folding device 45 may comprise a folding element 46 movable between a rest position (see Figures 4A and 5A) and an actuated position (see Figures 4C and 5C) to move the respective leading sealing fin 10 from an unfolded position to a folded position and the respective leading flap 9 from an unfolded position to a folded position.

[0090] Preferably, when in the rest position, each folding element 46 allows the respective semi-finished pack 5 to be inserted into the respective retaining pocket 32 ​​without interacting with the respective leading sealing fin 10 and the respective leading flap 9.

[0091] Preferably, each folding device 45 may comprise a free space 47 for receiving a respective leading sealing fin 10, preferably a respective leading sealing fin 10, in the deployed position of the receiving station 34. Preferably, with each folding element 46 in its respective rest position, each folding element 46 is prevented from interacting with a respective leading sealing fin 10 during placement of a respective semi-finished pack 5 in a respective retaining pocket 32. Further preferably, each folding element 46 may be configured to move through its respective free space 47 during movement from its respective rest position to its respective operative position during use.

[0092] More specifically, during use, each folding element 46 may be designed to be located in a respective rest position with the respective holding pocket 32 ​​in the receiving station 34, so that during insertion of a respective semi-finished pack 5, the respective leading sealing fin 10 can enter the free space 47 without being moved from its deployed position and / or without colliding with any part of the respective holding pocket 32. This ensures that during insertion of a respective semi-finished pack 5 into a respective holding pocket 32, the respective leading sealing fin 10 entering the respective holding space is not subjected to undesirable mechanical shocks. Furthermore, this allows the semi-finished packs 5 to be handled gently.

[0093] Advantageously, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may further comprise an actuation unit 48 configured to set each folding element 46 in a respective rest position at the receiving station 34 and to move each folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective actuation position while each holding pocket 32 ​​advances from the receiving station 34 along an endless path, preferentially to the release station.

[0094] Therefore, folding of each leading sealing fin 10 and each leading flap 9 can only begin when each semi-finished pack 5 is placed in its respective holding pocket 32. Therefore, the entire folding process can be precisely controlled without applying unnecessary stress to the semi-finished pack 5.

[0095] More particularly, and with particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 5C, each folding element 46 may comprise at least a first interacting surface 49 configured to engage with a respective leading sealing fin 10 and one or more, preferably at least two, more preferably exactly two, second interacting surfaces 50 configured to engage with a respective leading flap 9 so as to fold the respective leading sealing fin 10 into a folded position and the respective leading flap 9 into a respective folded position.

[0096] Preferably, one second interaction surface 50 of each folding element 46 may be configured to interact with one of the respective leading flaps 9 of each semi-finished pack 5, and the other second interaction surface 50 of each folding element 46 may be configured to interact with the other respective leading flap 9.

[0097] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of each first interaction surface 49 may be interposed between two respective second interaction surfaces 50 .

[0098] Preferably, each first interaction surface 49 and / or each second interaction surface 50 may have a curved portion.

[0099] Preferably, the respective second interaction surfaces 50 of each folding element 46 may be spaced apart from one another along the major axis C of the respective folding element 46 .

[0100] Preferably, at least a portion of the two second interaction surfaces 50 of each folding element 46 may face each other.

[0101] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each folding element 46 may comprise a main bar 51 and two lateral projections 52 projecting from the main bar 51 .

[0102] Preferably, each main bar 51 extends along a respective major axis C, and each lateral projection 52 may be spaced apart from one another along the respective major axis C.

[0103] More preferably, each lateral projection 52 may extend from a respective end 53 of each main bar 51 .

[0104] Preferably, each main bar 51 and each lateral projection 52 may be provided as a single piece.

[0105] Preferably, each lateral protrusion 52 may have a respective second interaction surface 50 with one of the respective folding elements 46 and each main bar 51 may be provided with a respective first interaction surface 49 .

[0106] 3A-4C , each folding element 46 may be configured to, during movement of the folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective active position, preferentially begin moving each leading sealing fin 10 from its respective unfolded position toward its respective folded position through interaction of its respective first interacting surface 49 with its respective leading sealing fin 10. After at least partially folding each leading sealing fin 10, the folding element 46 preferentially begin moving each leading flap 9 from its respective unfolded position toward its respective folded position through interaction of its respective second interacting surface 50 with its respective leading flap 9. In this manner, correct folding of each leading sealing fin 10 and each leading flap 9 of each semi-finished pack 5 can be ensured.

[0107] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each folding element 46 may be configured such that, during movement of the folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective operative position, its respective first interaction surface 49 preferentially engages with its respective leading sealing fin 10, thereby folding its respective leading sealing fin 10 in the forward direction of the retaining pocket 32, i.e., in the forward direction of the respective retaining pocket 32 ​​along the endless path. Furthermore, during movement of each folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective operative position, its respective first interaction surface 49 may move in the forward direction. This is particularly advantageous when each semi-finished pack 5 is equipped with a respective opening device. In this way, the leading sealing fin 10 is in fact folded over the sealing band 6, allowing the top wall of the final package 2 to obtain a large area free from the seal and therefore to receive a corresponding large opening device.

[0108] Preferably, after each semi-finished pack 5 is placed in its respective holding pocket 32, each folding element 46, preferably each first interacting surface 49, can be positioned behind (downstream of) the respective preceding sealing 10 along the endless path.

[0109] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each holding pocket 32 ​​may include a seat 59 for a respective folding element 46. In particular, each folding element 46 may be movably disposed within a respective seat 59.

[0110] With particular reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 5A-5C, each holding pocket 32 ​​may be preferentially located at and / or partially define the respective second terminal portion 36 and may include an abutment surface 61 designed to receive and / or carry an engaging portion of, preferentially, the respective second end 12 of the respective central body 8 of the respective semi-finished pack 5.

[0111] Preferably, in use, each semi-finished pack 5 can be introduced into each receiving pocket 32 ​​until each engaging portion abuts against each abutment surface 61 .

[0112] Preferably, each leading sealing fin 10 can protrude from its respective engagement portion into its respective free space 47 when the engagement portion is engaged (resting) with its respective abutment surface 61 and each folding element 46 is in its respective rest position.

[0113] Advantageously, the actuation unit 48 can be configured to control each folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective working position, with the respective engagement portion abutting against the respective abutment surface 61, and with the respective leading sealing fin 10 preferentially protruding into the free space 47. In other words, in use, the actuation unit 48 moves each folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective working position only after the respective engagement portion abuts against the respective abutment surface 61. In this way, gentle handling of the semifinished packs 5 can be ensured.

[0114] With particular reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a support structure 62 preferentially located at the respective second terminal end 36 .

[0115] Preferably, each support structure 62 may include a respective abutment surface 61 .

[0116] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each support structure 62 may comprise and / or define and / or delimit a respective seat 59 .

[0117] More specifically, each support structure 62 may include a pair of grooves that at least partially define a respective seat 59. Furthermore, a portion of each folding element 46, and in particular a portion of each main bar 51, may move within the respective grooves as it moves between its respective rest position and its respective actuated position.

[0118] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each support structure 62 may be fixed to one respective carrier plate 35 , preferably to each subsequent carrier plate 35 and / or fixed carrier plate 35 .

[0119] With particular reference to Figures 4A-5C, the actuation unit 48 may be configured to angularly move each folding element 46 to control each folding element 46 from a respective rest position to a respective actuated position.

[0120] Preferably, as each folding element 46 moves from its respective rest position to its respective operative position, the folding element 46 moves in an advancement direction, i.e., in the direction of advancement of the retention pocket 32 ​​along the endless path.

[0121] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, and with particular reference to Figures 3B and 6, the actuation unit 48 may include a cam mechanism 64 that moves the folding elements 46 between their respective rest positions and their respective actuation positions.

[0122] Preferably, the cam mechanism 64 may comprise a cam profile 65 (see FIG. 6) and a plurality of cam followers 66 (see FIG. 3B), each cam follower 66 coupled to one respective folding element 46.

[0123] Furthermore, the actuation unit 48 may further comprise a plurality of linkage structures 67 , each carrying one respective cam follower 66 and connected to one respective folding element 46 .

[0124] Preferably, each folding element 46 is hinged to a respective connecting structure 67 and may be angularly movable about an axis of rotation E.

[0125] More particularly, each linking structure 67 may comprise a first portion 68 hinged to the transport device 33, preferably the transport wheel 38, and a second portion 69 hinged to the respective first portion 68. Furthermore, each folding element 46 may be hinged to the respective second portion 69.

[0126] Preferably, the transport device 33, preferably the transport wheel 38, may also be configured to move each linkage structure 67 along an endless path.

[0127] In particular, advancement of the linking structures 67 occurs (substantially) simultaneously relative to the respective retaining pockets 32. More particularly, the cam mechanism 64 may be configured to undergo movement relative to the respective retaining pockets 32 as each linking structure 67 advances along the endless path, controlling each folding element 46 between a respective rest position and a respective actuated position.

[0128] Furthermore, during the advancement of each linking structure 67, each first portion 68, each second portion 69 and each folding element 46 undergoes a respective angular movement.

[0129] In use, the interaction of the cam follower 66 with the cam profile 65 may determine the specific movement of each folding element 46 .

[0130] More particularly, in use, the cam followers 66 are arranged relative to one another along an endless path and move cyclically along the cam profile 65, preferably causing each folding element 46 to move cyclically between a respective rest position and a respective actuated position.

[0131] More particularly, in use, the angular position of the cam follower 66 relative to the axis of rotation B may determine the position and / or movement of the folding element 46 .

[0132] With particular reference to FIG. 6, the folding device 16, preferably the folding unit 30, may comprise a plate 70 carrying a cam profile 65.

[0133] Preferably, the plate 70 may be mounted on the transport device 33 in a fixed position relative to the transport wheel 38 .

[0134] Additionally, plate 70 may include a further cam profile 71 configured to determine the relative movement of each retaining plate 35 in each retaining pocket 32 ​​.

[0135] The folding device 16, preferably the folding unit 30, may preferably comprise a further cam follower 72, each coupled to a respective retaining plate 35 of one of the respective retaining pockets 32, e.g. a respective leading retaining plate 35, and configured to run along a further cam profile 71 so as to determine the relative movement.

[0136] 5A-5C, each holding pocket 32 ​​may comprise a housing sheet 75 configured to receive an opening device of a respective semi-finished pack 5. Each housing sheet 75 may be provided, for example, in the form of an opening provided in a respective support structure 54 and a respective folding element 50.

[0137] Preferably, each folding element 46 may include a notch 76 configured to prevent the folding element 46 from contacting the respective opening device during movement of the folding element 46 from the rest position to the activated position.

[0138] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may further comprise a sealing device, preferably having a heating unit, configured to heat-seal a leading flap 9 to each central body 8, preferably to each intermediate portion 13. In particular, the heating unit may be configured to heat the leading flap 9.

[0139] Furthermore, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, and even more particularly the sealing device, may further comprise a pressing device configured to exert a force on the leading flap 9 to facilitate sealing the leading flap 9 to the respective central body 9, preferably the respective middle portion 13.

[0140] According to an embodiment not shown, additionally or alternatively, each folding device 45, preferably each folding element 46, may be configured to exert a force on the leading flap 9 to promote sealing of the leading flap 9.

[0141] Referring particularly to Figure 1, the folding device 16, and in particular the folding unit 30, may comprise a folding group 77 configured to fold each trailing sealing fin 10 and each trailing flap 9 independently of the folding of each leading sealing fin 10 and each leading flap 9.

[0142] In particular, the folding group 77 may be configured to fold each trailing flap 9 onto a respective first end 11 , in particular onto a portion of the semi-finished pack 5 that will become the bottom wall of each final package 2 .

[0143] Preferably, the folding group 77 may be fixed relative to the holding pocket 32, i.e., the folding group 77 does not move and interacts with each semi-finished pack 5 when placed and remains in a fixed position.

[0144] Furthermore, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may also comprise an auxiliary sealing device for sealing each trailing flap 9 to each central body 8, preferably to each first end 11 thereof.

[0145] In use, the packaging machine 1 forms a final package 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0146] In particular, the method for forming the package 2 comprises the following main steps: - forming the semi-finished pack 5 by operating the forming device 15; and - folding the semi-finished packs 5 into the final packages 2 by operating the folding device 16;

[0147] More specifically, the main steps of forming the pack 5 comprise at least the following steps: - advancing the web of packaging material 3 along the advance path P, in particular by actuation of the conveying device 18; - folding the web of packaging material 3 into a tube 19, in particular within the isolation chamber 17, by operation of the tube forming and sealing device 20, in particular the tube forming assembly 23; - longitudinal sealing of the tube 19, in particular in the isolation chamber 17, by actuation of the tube forming and sealing device 20, in particular the sealing head 24; - filling the tube 19 with pourable product by operating the filling device 21, in particular the filling pipe 22; - by actuation of the conveying device 18 and / or the pack forming unit, the tube 19 is advanced along the tube advance path Q; and The pack forming unit operates to form, transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 19 while advancing the tube 19 along the tube advance path Q, thereby obtaining semi-finished packs 5 from the tube 19.

[0148] Additionally, the forming step may comprise sterilizing the web of packaging material 3 in a sterilization station.

[0149] More specifically, the step of folding the semi-finished pack 5 comprises the following sub-steps: - feeding the semi-finished packs 5 to the folding unit 30 by operating the infeed conveyor 31; and - The folding unit 30 is operated to finally fold the semi-finished pack 5.

[0150] More specifically, during the feeding sub-step, the semi-finished packs 5 can be fed into respective holding pockets 32 at a receiving station 34 .

[0151] Preferably, while being fed into the retaining pocket 32, each leading sealing fin 10 is in its respective free space 47, preferably at the same time that each engaging portion of each semi-finished pack 5 can abut against each abutment surface 61.

[0152] Furthermore, during the final folding substep, the retaining pocket 32 ​​advances preferentially intermittently along an endless path.

[0153] While advancing the holding pocket 32, each folding device 45 moves each folding element 46 from its respective rest position to its respective working position, thereby folding each leading sealing fin 10 from its respective deployed position to its respective folded position and folding each leading flap 9 from its respective unfolded position to its respective bent position.

[0154] Preferably, control of the folding elements 46 from their respective rest positions to their respective working positions is driven by a cam mechanism 64 .

[0155] In one embodiment, the leading flaps 9 can be heated by a heating unit to seal the leading flaps 9 to their respective main central bodies 8 .

[0156] Furthermore, in the final folding sub-step, the folding group 77 also folds the trailing sealing fin 10 and the trailing flap 9 .

[0157] Additionally, an auxiliary sealing device may seal the trailing flaps 9 to the respective central body 8, preferably at the respective first ends 11 thereof.

[0158] The advantages of the folding device 16, preferably the folding unit 30, according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0159] In particular, the semi-finished pack 5 is treated gently when folding the leading sealing fin 10 and leading flap 9.

[0160] However, it will be apparent that changes may be made to the folding device 16 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the protective envelope defined in the appended claims.

[0161] According to some non-limiting embodiments, each seat 59 may include a guide surface configured to guide the movement of each folding element 46 as it moves between its respective rest position and its respective actuated position.

Claims

1. A folding device (16) for producing final packages (2) from semi-finished packs (5) filled with a pourable product, each semi-finished pack (5) comprising a central body (8), at least one flap (9) projecting from said central body (8), and at least one sealing fin (10) projecting from said central body (8); The folding device (16) includes at least: a plurality of holding pockets (32) configured to receive said semi-finished packs (5); a conveying device (33) configured to advance the holding pockets (32) along an endless path, passing through a receiving station (34) where the semi-finished packs (5) are fed into one of the holding pockets (32); Equipped with each holding pocket (32) comprises a folding device (45) configured to fold the sealing fin (10) from an unfolded position, in which the sealing fin (10) projects from the central body (8), to a folded position, in which the sealing fin (10) is folded onto and / or towards the central body (8), and to fold the flaps (9) from an unfolded position, in which the flaps project away from the central body (8), to a folded position, in which the flaps (9) are folded onto and / or towards the central body (8); the folding device (45) comprises a folding element (46) movable between a rest position and an actuated position to move the sealing fin (10) from the deployed position to the folded position and the flap (9) from the unfolded position to the folded position; the folding device (16) further comprises an actuation unit (48) configured to set the folding element (46) in the rest position at the receiving station (34) and to move the folding element (46) from the rest position to the actuation position during advancement of the holding pocket (32) from the receiving station (34) along the endless path. Folding device (16).

2. the folding element (46) comprises at least a first interaction surface (49) configured to engage with the sealing fin (10) and a second interaction surface (50) configured to engage with the flap (9) so as to fold the sealing fin (10) into the folded position and the flap (9) into the folded position, respectively, during movement of the folding element (46) from the rest position to the actuated position; The folding device according to claim 1 .

3. The folding element (46) comprises at least a main bar (51) having the first interaction surface (49) and at least one lateral protrusion (52) extending from the main bar (51) and having the second interaction surface (50).

3. The folding device according to claim 2.

4. The semi-finished pack (5) comprises two flaps (9) projecting from opposite sides of the central body (8), The folding element (46) comprises two second interaction surfaces (50) spaced apart from one another; One of the second interaction surfaces (50) is configured to interact with one of the flaps (9), and the other of the second interaction surfaces (50) is configured to interact with the other of the flaps (9).

4. The folding device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. At least a portion of the two second interaction surfaces (50) of the folding element (46) faces each other; 5. The folding device according to claim 4.

6. the folding element (46) comprises at least a main bar (51) having the first interaction surface (49) and two lateral projections (52) projecting from the main bar (51); Each of the lateral projections (52) has one of the second interaction surfaces (50), and the two lateral projections (52) are spaced apart from each other.

6. A folding device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The folding element (46) is configured such that, during the movement of the folding element (46) from the rest position to the working position, the folding element (46) first starts to move the sealing fin (10) from the unfolded position to the folded position, and after at least partially folding the sealing fin (10), the folding element (46) starts to move the flap (9) from the unfolded position to the bent position. A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the actuation unit (48) is configured to angularly move the folding element (46) to control the folding element (46) from the rest position to the actuation position; A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The actuation unit (48) comprises a cam mechanism (64) for moving the folding element (46) between the rest position and the actuation position. A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The cam mechanism (64) comprises a cam profile (65) and a plurality of cam followers (66), each cam follower (66) being coupled to one of the folding elements (46); 10. The folding device according to claim 9.

11. The actuation unit (48) further comprises a plurality of coupling structures (67), each of which carries a respective one of the cam followers (66) and is coupled to a respective one of the folding elements (46); the coupling structure (67) comprises a first part (68) hinged to the carrier device (33) and a second part (69) hinged to the first part (68); The folding element (46) is hinged to the second portion (68).

11. The folding device according to claim 10.

12. the holding pocket (32) has a free space (47) for receiving the sealing fin (10) in the deployed position at the receiving station (34); The folding element (46) is configured to release the free space (47) when in the rest position and to move through the free space (47) to engage with the sealing fin (10) when moving to the actuated position. A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the retaining pocket (32) comprises an abutment surface (61) designed to receive and / or carry an engaging portion of the central body (8) of the semi-finished pack (5), the actuation unit (48) is configured, in use, to control the folding element (46) from the rest position to the actuation position with the engagement portion engaging the abutment surface (61) and the sealing fin (10) protruding into the free space (47). A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the folding element (46) is configured such that during movement of the folding element (46) from the rest position to the working position, the folding element (46) folds the sealing fin (10) along the endless path in the direction of advancement of the retaining pocket (32). A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the conveying device (33) is configured to intermittently advance the holding pocket (32) along the endless path; A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A packaging machine for producing final packages (2) of pourable products, comprising: a forming device (15) adapted to form said pourable product semi-finished pack (5); a folding device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for forming the final package (2) from the semi-finished pack (5); A packaging machine comprising at least:

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