Package forming device for a packaging machine and packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package forming apparatus (10) configured to be selectively equipped with one or more first-type and second-type lateral sealing devices (23) different from the first type. The package forming apparatus (10) includes at least one actuating device (22), which includes a carrier (30), a first support portion (31) and a second support portion (32) fixed to the carrier (30) and movable relative to each other, a first actuating group (24) connected to the carrier (30) and connected to at least one of the first support portion (31) and the second support portion (32), and a second actuating group (25) connected to at least one of the first support portion (31) and the second support portion (33). When the sealing device (23) is of a first type, the first operating group (24) is fixed to the first support (31) and the second operating group (25) is fixed to the second support (32), and when the sealing device (23) is of a second type, the first operating group (24) is fixed to the second support (32) and the second operating group (25) is fixed to the first support (31).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a package forming device for a packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products. [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 package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is formed by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure, for example a paper base layer covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), for example aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic that ultimately forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of package is typically produced by a fully automatic packaging machine that advances the packaging web through a sterilization station where it is sterilized, and then into an isolation chamber (a closed, sterile environment) where the sterilized packaging web is maintained. While the packaging web advances through the isolation chamber, it is longitudinally folded and sealed in a tube-forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam, and the tube is further fed along a vertical advance direction.

[0006] To complete the forming operation, the tubes are filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, sealed along equally spaced transverse cross sections while being conveyed vertically through the package forming device of the packaging machine, and then cut.

[0007] Pillow packages are thus obtained, each having a longitudinal sealing band, an upper lateral sealing band, and a lower lateral sealing band.

[0008] A typical packaging machine includes a web conveying device that conveys a web of packaging material along a web conveying path and forms a tube from the web for conveying along a tube conveying path; a sterilizing device that sterilizes the web of packaging material before forming it into a tube; a tube forming and sealing device located at least partially within the isolation chamber that forms a tube from the conveyed web of packaging material and seals the tube longitudinally; a filling device that fills the tube with a pourable product; and a package forming device that forms individual packages from the tube of packaging material, seals them transversely, and cuts them.

[0009] The package forming apparatus comprises at least one actuation device comprising at least a first actuation group and a second actuation group configured to, in use, at least partially form, transversely seal and cut the advancing tube.

[0010] Each actuation device further comprises a carrier movably coupled to a support structure of the package forming apparatus, a first support supporting the first actuation group, and a second support supporting the second actuation group, wherein the first support and the second support are attached to the carrier and therefore move with the carrier.

[0011] Additionally, the first and second actuation groups are laterally displaced from the first and second supports, respectively.

[0012] Each actuation device includes at least one sealing device configured to laterally seal the tube, each sealing device including a sealing element associated with a respective first actuation group and a counter-seal element associated with a respective second actuation group.

[0013] Furthermore, it is known that the sealing technique employed in the packaging device depends on whether or not the packaging material contains a conductive layer (particularly an aluminum layer).

[0014] More specifically, depending on the type of packaging material, the sealing device may be of a first type or a second type, particularly if the packaging material does not include an electrically conductive layer, the sealing device is of the first type that operates by ultrasonic sealing, and if the packaging material includes an electrically conductive layer, the sealing device is of the second type that operates by induction heating.

[0015] Therefore, to change the specific composition of the packaging material (e.g., changing the packaging material fed into the packaging machine from one that includes an electrically conductive layer to one that does not), the packaging machine must be reconfigured. Thus, a conventional packaging machine can only operate with one type of packaging material. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] Therefore, while known package forming apparatus and / or packaging machines function satisfactorily, there remains a need in the art to further improve known package forming apparatus and / or known packaging machines, particularly to enable the configuration of the package forming apparatus to be altered so that the packaging machine can accommodate multiple types of packaging materials.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming apparatus that allows for easy modification of the configuration of the package forming apparatus.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1.

[0020] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the package forming apparatus are set forth in the claims that depend directly and indirectly from claim 1.

[0021] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 15.

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

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine with a package forming device according to the invention, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 in a first configuration from a first viewpoint with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 3 from a second perspective with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of some of the details of FIGS. 3 and 4, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of some of the details of FIGS. 3 and 4, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of some of the details of FIGS. 3 and 4, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of some details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 according to a first view and a second configuration; [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of a detail of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 8 from a second perspective with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of flowable products, in particular flowable food products, in particular milk, milk drinks, yogurt, yogurt drinks, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, pulp-containing drinks, salt, sugar, etc.

[0025] More particularly, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce the packages 2 from multi-layer packaging material. Preferably, a multi-layer packaging material is used that is heat-sealable (i.e., multiple layers of the multi-layer packaging material can be sealed to one another).

[0026] More particularly, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, sandwiched between at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g. polyethylene), preferably one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defining the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0027] Additionally, the multi-layer packaging material may include a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminum layer or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferably disposed between the layer of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0028] In some embodiments, the multi-layer packaging material may include a conductive layer, such as an aluminum layer, which may be heated by induction heating, as described below.

[0029] Preferably, the packaging material may include a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material sandwiched between the gas and light barrier layer and the fibrous layer.

[0030] More particularly, the multi-layer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3 .

[0031] Preferably, the web 3 comprises sequentially arranged patterns which define the final graphic pattern of each package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 operates such that, in use, a package 2 includes each pattern.

[0032] Further, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to form a tube 4 from the web 3, seal the tube 4 longitudinally, fill the tube 4 with the pourable product, seal transversely, and preferably cut transversely to produce the package 2.

[0033] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 can extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0034] In some possible embodiments, each package 2 has at least a first transverse seal band 5 located at a first end of the package 2, and preferably further has a second transverse seal band located at a second end opposite the first end.

[0035] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may be substantially spaced apart along each longitudinal axis A from each second transverse sealing band.

[0036] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 defines an upper transverse sealing band and each second transverse sealing band defines a lower transverse sealing band.

[0037] Additionally, each package 2 may further have a longitudinal seam 6. Preferably, each first transverse seal band 5 and / or each second transverse seal band may be transverse, preferably perpendicular to the corresponding longitudinal seam 6.

[0038] 1, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming apparatus 10 for transversely sealing and preferably transversely cutting the tube 4 to obtain semi-finished packages, preferably package pouches. Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to form the tube 4.

[0039] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be provided with an advancement space through which the tube 4 advances during use.

[0040] Additionally, the packaging machine 1 may include a final folding device for forming packages 2 from the semi-finished packages received from the package forming device 10 .

[0041] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 - a web transport device 11 configured to advance the web 3 along a web advancement path P, preferably to a tube forming station, and in use to form the web 3 into a tube 4 and advance the tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q; - a tube forming and sealing device 12 configured in use to form a tube 4 from the web 3 and longitudinally seal the tube 4; and - a filling device 13 for filling the tubes 4 with a flowable product; may also be provided.

[0042] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise an isolation chamber 14 that separates an internal environment 15 from an external environment 16. Preferably, the internal environment 15 may be a sterile environment that includes a controlled atmosphere.

[0043] Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may be at least partially disposed within the isolation chamber 14, particularly the internal environment 15, and may be configured to fold and seal the tube 4 along its length within the isolation chamber 14, particularly the internal environment 15.

[0044] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a sterilisation unit for sterilising the web 3 during use, preferably arranged upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 12 along the forward path P of the web.

[0045] More specifically, the conveying device 11 is configured to advance the tube 4 and intermediate tubes 4 along the tube advance path Q, and may preferably be configured to advance them from the tube forming and sealing device 12 and / or partly within the package forming device 10. Preferably, the expression "intermediate tubes 4" refers to any configuration of the web 3 before it obtains a tubular structure, and means the state after the folding of the web 3 by the tube forming and sealing device 12 has begun. That is to say, the intermediate tube 4 product is the result of a process of folding the web 3 step by step to obtain the tube 4, and is preferably formed by overlapping the (longitudinal) ends of the web 3 on top of each other.

[0046] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 can be positioned so that the tube 4 has a vertical orientation.

[0047] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may include at least two forming ring assemblies 17, preferably disposed within the isolation chamber 14, and more preferably within the interior environment 15, configured to gradually fold the web 3, preferably with the ends of the web 3 overlapping each other, in unison to form the tube 4, thereby forming the seam 6 of the tube 4 during use.

[0048] Further, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may be disposed within the isolation chamber 14, more preferably within the internal environment 15, and may include a sealing head 18 configured to longitudinally seal the tube 4, preferably along the longitudinal seam 6.

[0049] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may include a pressure device that applies a mechanical force to the longitudinal seam 6 of the tube 4 to ensure a seal along the longitudinal seam 6 .

[0050] Preferably, the filling device 13 may comprise a filling pipe 19 configured, in use, to direct the pourable product into the tube 4. Preferably, the filling pipe 19 may be configured to be at least partially located within the tube 4 in use and to deliver the flowable product into the tube 4 in use.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more (preferably multiple) actuating devices 22 (partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the invention), each actuating device 22 configured to at least laterally seal the tube 4, preferably to transversely cut the tube 4, or at least partially form (shape) the tube 4.

[0052] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each actuation device 22 and may be configured to seal the tube 4 at least laterally, and preferably along each cross section.

[0053] More preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each of the handling devices 22 to at least partially form the tube 4 and / or to cut the tube 4 transversely.

[0054] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two actuation devices 22, and preferably exactly two actuation devices.

[0055] More particularly, each handling device 22 may comprise a lateral sealing device 23 configured to seal the tube 4 laterally, preferably along a respective lateral cross section of the tube 4 .

[0056] Each sealing device 23 can be of a first type and a second type different from the first type.

[0057] Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 is configured to be selectively (i.e., alternately) equipped with the first type lateral sealing device 23 and the second type lateral sealing device 23. It is emphasized that the package forming apparatus 10 is capable of using both the first type sealing device 23 and the second type sealing device 23.

[0058] In more detail, when the package forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a first type of sealing device 23, each actuating device 22 is equipped with one respective first type of sealing device 23, and when the package forming apparatus 10 is equipped with a second type of sealing device 23, each actuating device 22 is equipped with one respective second type of sealing device 23.

[0059] It should be emphasized that the package forming apparatus 10 may have only one first type sealing device 23 or only one second type sealing device 23, i.e., the package forming apparatus 10 may not have at least one first type sealing device 23 and at least one second type sealing device 23 at the same time.

[0060] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each sealing device 23 is either of the ultrasonic type (first type) or of the induction heating type (second type), and the lateral sealing is obtained by ultrasonically heating the packaging material or by inducing eddy currents in an electrically conductive layer (preferably a metal layer, more preferably an aluminum layer) of the packaging material.

[0061] That is, each sealing device 23 of the first type is configured to laterally seal the tube 4 by ultrasonic sealing, and each sealing device 23 of the second type is configured to laterally seal the tube 4 by induction heating.

[0062] The sealing techniques mentioned above (i.e., ultrasonic sealing and induction heating) are only limiting examples, and solutions based on other sealing techniques are expressly contemplated.

[0063] 3 to 5 show a packaging machine 1 equipped with a first type sealing device 23, and FIGS. 8 and 9 show a packaging machine 1 equipped with a second type sealing device 23.

[0064] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, 8 and 9, each sealing device 23 comprises one seal element 41 and one counter-seal element 42 configured in cooperation with each other to seal the tube 4 laterally.

[0065] Preferably, each sealing element 41 and each counter-seal element 42 may be configured to compress and laterally seal the tube 4 .

[0066] More specifically, each sealing element 41 may comprise an energy source configured to generate the energy required to obtain the sealing effect, in particular the heating of the packaging material. Preferably, the sealing element 41 defines whether the sealing device 23 is of a first or second type. That is, if the sealing device 23 is of the first type, the sealing element 41 may be a sonotrode equipped with at least one ultrasonic emitter, and if the sealing device 23 is of the second type, the sealing element 41 may comprise an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-seal element 42 may be a passive element (i.e., an element without an active source). For example, the counter-seal element 42 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0067] More particularly, and referring to FIG. 2, each actuation device 22 may include at least a first actuation group 24 and a second actuation group 25, which are configured to cooperate with each other to seal the tube 4 at least laterally, preferably cut the tube 4 laterally, and / or at least partially form the tube 4.

[0068] In particular, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 may be movable relative to one another, and preferably each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 is movable toward and away from one another.

[0069] More specifically, each actuating device 22 may be controllable between an actuating configuration in which each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 move toward each other to laterally seal, preferably laterally cut, and / or at least partially form the tube 4, and a resting configuration in which each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 are moved away from each other.

[0070] Furthermore, each first working group 24 comprises a sealing element 41 and each second working group 25 comprises a counter-seal element 42 .

[0071] Preferably, each sealing element 41 and each counter-seal element 42 may be configured to move toward or away from each other in conjunction with the movement of each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 toward or away from each other.

[0072] Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a transport unit for advancing each of the first and second operating groups 24 and 25 along the first and second advancing paths.

[0073] More specifically, each first forward path and each second forward path may have an actuating section in which each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 advances along the forward direction of the tube 4 when in use, and a return section in which each first actuating group 26 and each second actuating group 27 advances along a direction opposite to the forward direction of the tube 4 when in use, configured to advance in the direction opposite to the forward direction of the tube 4 and return each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 to their respective actuating section.

[0074] Furthermore, each actuating device 22 may be controlled from a rest state to an actuated state as each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 advances along each operating section, and may preferably be configured to perform a lateral seal and / or a lateral cut and / or form at least a portion of the tube 4.

[0075] More particularly, in use, after transverse sealing of the tube 4 is completed, preferably after transverse cutting and / or partial forming is completed, the actuation device 22 may be controlled to return to a rest state.

[0076] That is, as each of the first and second working groups 24 and 25 advances along the working section, the first and second working groups 24 and 25 may be moved closer to each other. After each of the transverse sealing and / or transverse cutting and / or part forming of the tube 4 is completed, the first and second working groups 24 and 25 are moved away from each other.

[0077] 3, 4, 8 and 9, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 26 that movably supports each actuation device 22.

[0078] The support structure 26 may include at least one support assembly 27 that movably supports one of the operating devices 22 .

[0079] In some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include two, preferably exactly two, actuation devices 22, and the support structure 26 may include two, preferably exactly two, support assemblies 27. Preferably, the support assemblies 27 may be spaced apart from one another. More preferably, the support assemblies 27 may be positioned such that the advancing tube 4 in use is interposed between the support assemblies 27. That is, the support assemblies 27 may define and / or delimit an advancement space through which the tube 4 advances in use.

[0080] Preferably, each support assembly 27 may include a first guide 28, preferably having a linear shape, and a second guide 29, preferably having a linear shape, the second guide 29 being spaced apart from the first guide 28.

[0081] Preferably, the support structure 26 , and more preferably each support assembly 27 , may extend along a longitudinal axis B.

[0082] More preferably, each first guide 28 and each second guide 29 may define a longitudinal axis B and / or extend along a linear axis parallel to the longitudinal axis B.

[0083] Preferably, each first guide 28 and each second guide 29 may have a vertical orientation.

[0084] As will be described below, each first guide 28 and each second guide 29 at least partially defines a first forward path for the first working group 24 and a second forward path for the second working group 25 .

[0085] 3-9, each actuation device 22 further comprises a carrier 30 movably coupled to the support structure 26, preferably movably coupled to one of the respective support assemblies 27. Preferably, each carrier 30 may be movably coupled to a first guide 28 and a second guide 29.

[0086] Preferably, each carrier 30 can be movable along a linear direction D (particularly the front-to-rear direction).

[0087] Preferably, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 may be connected to a carrier 30 .

[0088] Furthermore, the transport unit may be configured to move each carrier 30, preferably in a reciprocating motion, along each first guide 28 and each second guide 29, thereby moving each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 along a first forward path and a second forward path.

[0089] Furthermore, each operating device 22 is attached to each carrier 30 and includes a first support portion 31 and a second support portion 32 that are movable relative to each other.

[0090] Preferably, each first support portion 31 and each second support portion 32 may be movable, more preferably may be angularly movable around each rotation axis, and may be movable between a first position in which each first support portion 31 and each second support portion 32 are spaced apart from each other, and a second position in which each first support portion 31 and each second support portion 32 are close to each other.

[0091] Each first operating group 24 is connected to either the first support portion 31 or the second support portion 32, and each second operating group 25 is connected to the other of the first support portion 31 and the second support portion 32.

[0092] In particular, it depends on whether the first operating group 24 is connected to the first support 31 or to the second support 32, and whether the packaging machine 1 operates with a first type of sealing device 23 or with a second type of sealing device 23. In other words, whether the first operating group 24 is connected to the first support 31, respectively, or the second support 32, respectively, depends on the particular packaging material used.

[0093] More specifically, if the sealing device 23 used is of the first type, the first operating group 24 is fixed, in particular removably, to each first support 31, and the second operating group 25 is fixed, in particular removably, to each second support 32.

[0094] Furthermore, if the sealing device 23 used is of the second type, the first actuating group 24 is fixed, in particular removably, to the respective second support 32, and the second actuating group 25 is fixed, in particular removably, to the respective first support 31.

[0095] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, when the first support 31 and the second support 32 are in the first and second positions, respectively, the first actuating group 24 and the second actuating group 25 can be in a rest configuration and an actuated configuration.

[0096] Advantageously, each first support portion 31 is provided with a plurality of first fixing points 36, preferably in the form of first fixing holes, and each second support portion 32 is provided with a plurality of second fixing points 37, preferably in the form of second fixing holes.

[0097] If the sealing device 23 is of the first type (see for example Figures 3 to 5), the first operating group 24 is fixed, in particular removably, at a first fixing point 36 of the first support 31, preferably by a respective first fixing element, more preferably by a screw or bolt, and the second operating group 25 is fixed, in particular removably, to the second support 32 at a second fixing point 37, in particular by a second fixing element, more preferably by a screw or bolt.

[0098] If the sealing device 23 is of the second type (see for example Figures 8 and 9), the first operating group 24 is fixed, in particular removably, to the second support 32, preferably by means of second fixing elements, more preferably by means of screws or bolts, at second fixing points 37, and the second operating group 25 is fixed, in particular removably, to the first support 31, respectively at first fixing points 36, preferably by means of first fixing elements, more preferably by means of screws or bolts.

[0099] Thus, when the packaging machine 1 operates with a packaging material that does not include an electrically conductive layer, preferably does not include a metal layer, and more preferably does not include an aluminum layer, the sealing device 23 is of a first type, and therefore the first actuating device 24 is fixed to the first support 31 at a first fixing point 36, and the second actuating device 24 is fixed to the second support 32 at a second fixing point 37. When the packaging machine 1 operates with a packaging material that includes an electrically conductive layer, preferably a metal layer, and more preferably an aluminum layer, the sealing device 23 is of a second type, and therefore the first actuating device 24 is fixed to the second support 32 at the second fixing point 37, and the second actuating device 24 is fixed to the first support 31 at the first fixing point 37.

[0100] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operating group 24 may include a first connecting bar 38 and each second operating group 25 may include a second connecting bar 39 .

[0101] More specifically, when the sealing device 23 is of the first type, the first connecting bar 38 is attached to the first support 31 at the first fixing position 36, preferably by a first fixing element, and the second connecting bar 39 is attached to the second support 32 at the second fixing position 37, preferably by a second fixing element. On the other hand, when the sealing device 23 is of the second type, the first connecting bar 38 is attached to the second support 32 at the second fixing position 37, preferably by a second fixing element, and the second connecting bar 39 is attached to the first support 31 at the first fixing position 36, preferably by a first fixing element.

[0102] Thus, if the packaging machine 1 is currently operating with a packaging material that does not include an electrically conductive layer (preferably a metal layer, more preferably an aluminum layer), and it is desired to modify the packaging machine 1 to operate with a packaging material that does include an electrically conductive layer (preferably a metal layer, more preferably an aluminum layer), the first connecting bars 37 and the second connecting bars 38 are separated from the first support parts 31 and the second support parts 32, respectively, to allow the first operating group 24 and the second operating group 25 to be removed. The first connecting bars 37 and the second connecting bars 38 are then attached to the second support parts 32 and the first support parts 31, respectively, thereby attaching a new first operating group 24 (with a sealing element 41 belonging to the second type of sealing device 23) and a new second operating group 25 (with a counter-seal element 42 belonging to the second type of sealing device 23) to the second support parts 32 and the first support parts 31.

[0103] On the other hand, if the packaging machine 1 is currently operating with a packaging material including a metal layer (preferably aluminum foil) and it is desired to modify the packaging machine 1 to operate with a packaging material that does not include a metal layer (preferably aluminum foil), the first connecting bar 37 and the second connecting bar 38 can be removed from the second support 32 and the first support 31, respectively, and the first operating group 24 and the second operating group 25 can be removed. Then, the first connecting bar 37 and the second connecting bar 38 can be attached to the first support 31 and the second support 32, thereby attaching a new first operating group 24 (with respective seals 41 belonging to the first type of sealing device 23) and a new second operating group 25 (with respective counter-seal elements 42 belonging to the first type of sealing device 23) to the first support 31 and the second support 32.

[0104] It should be noted that each first connecting bar 37 and each second connecting bar 38 protrudes laterally from the first support portion 31 or the second support portion 32 when fixed to the first support portion 31 or the second support portion 32.

[0105] More specifically, each first fixing element may extend to the first fixing point 36 through the first connecting bar 38 or the second connecting bar 39, and each second fixing element may extend to the second fixing point 37 through the second connecting bar 39 or the first connecting bar 38.

[0106] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first connecting bar 38 may include a first mating surface and each second connecting bar 39 may include a second mating surface.

[0107] Furthermore, each first support portion 31 may have a first abutment surface, and each second support portion 32 may have a second abutment surface.

[0108] When the sealing device 23 is of the first type, the first engagement surface engages with the first abutment surface and the second engagement surface engages with the second abutment surface, whereas when the sealing device 23 is of the second type, the first engagement surface engages with the second abutment surface and the second engagement surface engages with the first abutment surface.

[0109] Preferably, each first engagement surface, each second engagement surface, each first abutment surface and each second abutment surface may be planar and / or may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B and / or may be substantially perpendicular to the first guide 28 and the second guide 29 when the first part 31 and the second part 32 are in the second position.

[0110] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the first fixing points 36 may be different from the second fixing points 37, and / or the relative arrangement of each of the first fixing points 36 of the plurality of first fixing points 36 may be different from the relative arrangement of each of the second fixing points 37 of the plurality of second fixing points 36. This ensures that the first actuating device 24 and the second actuating device 25 are correctly attached to the first support 31 and the second support 32 depending on whether the sealing device 23 is of the first or second type. In fact, when setting up the packaging machine 1, a technical operator cannot incorrectly attach the first connecting bar 37 to the second support 32 and the second connecting bar 38 to the first support 31 if the sealing device 23 is of the first type. Similarly, the first connecting bar 37 cannot be incorrectly attached to the first support 31 and the second connecting bar 38 to the second support 32 if the sealing device 23 is of the second type.

[0111] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first connecting bar 38 may include a plurality of first through-holes, and each second connecting bar 39 may include a plurality of second through-holes.

[0112] When the sealing device 23 is of a first type, the first through hole is aligned with the first fixing point 36 and the second through hole is aligned with the second fixing point 37, and when the sealing device 23 is of a second type, the first through hole is aligned with the second fixing point 37 and the second through hole is aligned with the first fixing point 36.

[0113] Furthermore, when the sealing device 23 is of the first type, the first through holes are positioned differently than when the sealing device 23 is of the second type, ensuring that the first through holes coincide with the respective first fixing points 36 when the sealing device 23 is of the first type, and that the first through holes coincide with the respective second fixing points 37 when the sealing device 23 is of the second type.

[0114] Furthermore, when the sealing device 23 is of the first type, the second through holes are arranged in a different position than when the sealing device 23 is of the second type, thereby ensuring that when the sealing device 23 is of the first type, the second through holes coincide with the second fixing points 37, and when the sealing device 23 is of the second type, the second through holes coincide with the first fixing points 36.

[0115] 2-6, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 may include a half shell 40, with each half shell 40 configured to at least partially form a tube 4. In particular, in use, each half shell 40 of each first operating group 24 may be configured to cooperate with a half shell 40 of each second operating group 25 to at least partially form a tube 4.

[0116] Preferably, the two half shells 40 of the actuating device 23 may be moved away from and towards each other when the first actuating group 24 and the second actuating group 25 are controlled to their rest configuration and actuated configuration, and / or when the first support portion 31 and the second support portion 32 are in their first position and second position.

[0117] Furthermore, the actuation device 22 may comprise at least one cutting assembly configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting assembly may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after the tube 4 has been sealed by the sealing element 41 and the counter-seal element 42.

[0118] The cutting assembly may include a cutting blade.

[0119] Preferably, the second working group 25 may comprise a cutting blade of a cutting assembly.

[0120] In particular, the half shells 40 may be laterally movable from the first support 31 or the second support 32 .

[0121] Furthermore, the sealing element 41 may be laterally movable from the first support 31 and the second support 32 when the first actuation group 24 is connected to the first support 31 and the second support 32 .

[0122] Furthermore, the counter-seal element 42 may be laterally movable from the second support 32 and the first support 31 when the second actuation group 25 is connected to the second support 32 and the first support 31 .

[0123] 3 to 6, the actuation device 22, and in particular the second actuation group 25, may comprise a pair of movable interaction tabs 43 configured to interact with the tube 4 from opposite sides in use.

[0124] Preferably, the interaction tabs 43 of a pair of interaction tabs 43 may be movable relative to one another, and preferably may be selectively movable to move the interaction tabs 43 toward or away from one another.

[0125] Preferably, the pair of interaction tabs 43 may be controllable between a first limit position in which they are detached from the tube 4 when in use, and a second limit position in which they are in contact with the tube 4 when in use.

[0126] Preferably, the interaction tabs 43 of the pair of interaction tabs 43 may be closer to each other when in the second limit position than when in the first limit position, i.e., the interaction tabs 43 may be far apart when in the first limit position and close to each other when in the second limit position.

[0127] More specifically, the pair of interacting tabs 43 may be configured to interact from opposite sides of the advance tube 4 in use and apply a pulling force to the tube 4 when in the second limit position.

[0128] More specifically, the pair of interacting tabs 43 may be configured to control and / or modify the advancement of the tube 4 so that the tube 4 is "aligned" with the actuation device 22. That is, the pair of interacting tabs 43 are configured to cause the actuation device 22, and in particular the first actuation group 24 and the second actuation group 25, to laterally seal and / or cut and / or at least partially form the tube 4 in the area of ​​the intended pattern, in particular so that the final package 2 has the desired pattern.

[0129] Additionally, the pair of interacting tabs 43 may be configured to apply a controlled pulling force to the tube 4 to "pull" the tube 4 downstream along the tube advancement path Q.

[0130] More specifically, the controlled pulling force may depend on the relative distance between the pair of interaction tabs 43, and preferably may depend to some extent on an actual interaction position where the pair of interaction tabs 43 stop when interacting with the tube 4, which is between the first limit position and the second limit position of the pair of interaction tabs 43. In other words, the controlled pulling force may depend on an actual interaction position where the pair of interaction tabs 43 stop when interacting with the tube 4, and the actual interaction position is between the first limit position and the second limit position or corresponds to the second limit position. In other words, the controlled pulling force is a function of the relative distance between the interaction tabs 43.

[0131] Alternatively, or additionally, a pair of interacting tabs 43 may be configured to fold the tube 4 to define flaps of the semi-finished pack.

[0132] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation device 22, preferably the second actuation group 25, may further include an actuation device 44 connected to each of the pair of interaction tabs 43 and configured to move the interaction tabs 43 relative to one another.

[0133] More specifically, each actuation device 44 may include a control bar 45 connected to a pair of interaction tabs 43 for driving the pair of interaction tabs 43 to move.

[0134] More specifically, the actuation device 44 may comprise an inner bar disposed within the second connecting bar 39 .

[0135] The inner bar may be operably coupled to a pair of interaction tabs 43 and a control bar 45 .

[0136] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may further include at least one cam mechanism 46, preferably at least two cam mechanisms 46, connected to at least one control bar 45 and configured to move the control bar 45 to cause movement of a corresponding interaction tab 43.

[0137] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first support portion 31 may include a plurality of first attachment points 50, e.g., in the form of first attachment holes, and the second support portion 32 may include a plurality of second attachment points 51, e.g., in the form of second attachment holes.

[0138] Preferably, the control bar 45 may be attached to the first support 31 at a first attachment point 50 using a first attachment element, such as a screw or a bolt, if the sealing device 23 is of the second type (see Figures 8 and 9), and may be attached to the second support 32 (see Figures 3 and 4) at a second attachment point 51 using a second attachment element, such as a screw or a bolt, if the sealing device 23 is of the first type.

[0139] Preferably, the plurality of first attachment points 50 and the plurality of second attachment points 51 may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the mirror axis E, and may preferably be parallel to the longitudinal axis B and / or the first guide 28 and the second guide 29.

[0140] 3-9, the carrier 30 may include a first coupling structure 52 and a second coupling structure 53 that connect the carrier 30 to the first guide 28 and the second guide 29.

[0141] Preferably, the second coupling structure 53 may include a first portion 54 and a second portion 55 that contact the second guide 29 from opposite sides.

[0142] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the carrier 30 may include a support plate 56 having a first connection region 57 and a second connection region 58 .

[0143] Preferably, the first connection region 57 and the second connection region 58 may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry F, which may preferably be parallel to the longitudinal axis B and / or the first guide 28 and the second guide 29 .

[0144] Furthermore, if the sealing device 23 is of a first type, the first portion 54 may be connected to the first connection region 57 and the second portion 55 may be connected to the second connection region 57, and if the sealing device 23 is of a second type, the second portion 55 may be connected to the first connection region 57 and the first portion 54 may be connected to the second connection region 58.

[0145] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0146] More specifically, the conveying device 11 conveys the web 3 along a web advance path P. The tube forming and sealing device 12 forms tubes 4 from the conveyed web 3 and seals the tubes 4 longitudinally. Furthermore, the filling device 13 fills the tubes 4 with a pourable product, and the package forming device 10 seals the tubes 4 transversely and cuts them transversely to obtain packages 2.

[0147] More particularly, during operation of the package forming apparatus 10, the actuation device 22 transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4. Preferably, the actuation device 22 forms the package 2 from the tube 4.

[0148] During operation of each actuation device 22, the first actuation group 24 and the second actuation group 25 periodically move toward and away from each other.

[0149] The advantages of the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 of the present invention are clear from the above description.

[0150] In particular, the packaging machine can accommodate both packaging materials having a layer of conductive material, preferably a metal layer, more preferably an aluminum layer, and packaging materials not having a layer of conductive material, thereby increasing the flexibility and versatility of the packaging machine 1.

[0151] A further advantage is that the first attachment point 50 and the second attachment point 51 are mirror images, so that when modifications are made that change the position of, for example, the seal element 41 and the counter seal element 42, the position of the interaction tab 43 also changes.

[0152] A further advantage is that the first connection region 57 and the second connection region 58 are mirror images of each other, which makes it easy to change the position of the first part 54 and the second part 55 of the support plate 56, for example, if it becomes necessary to change the position of the sealing element 41 and the counter-seal element 42.

[0153] Obviously, modifications may be made to the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1), the package forming device (10) being configured to seal at least laterally a tube (4) to form a package (2) from the tube; the package forming apparatus (10) is configured to selectively include at least one lateral sealing device (23) of a first type and a second type different from the first type; The package forming device (10) a support structure (26); at least one actuation device (22) movably coupled to said support structure (26) and configured to seal said tube (4) at least laterally; Equipped with The actuation device (22) a carrier (30) movably coupled to said support structure (26); a first support portion (31) and a second support portion (32) attached to the carrier (30) and movable relative to each other; a first actuation group (24) connectable to one of the first support (31) or the second support (33); a second actuation group (25) connectable to the other of the first support (31) and the second support (33); Equipped with the first working group (24) comprises a sealing element (41) of the sealing device (23), and the second working group (25) comprises a counter-seal element (42) of the sealing device (23); The first support portion (31) has a plurality of first fixing points (36), and the second support portion (32) has a plurality of second fixing points (37); When the sealing device (23) is of the first type, the first operating group (24) is fixed to the first support (31) at the first fixing points (36) and the second operating group (25) is fixed to the second support (32) at the second fixing points (37), and when the sealing device (23) is of the second type, the first operating group (24) is fixed to the second support (32) at the second fixing points (37) and the second operating group (25) is fixed to the first support (31) at the first fixing points (36). A package forming device (10).

2. the first type of sealing device (23) is configured to laterally seal the tube (4) by ultrasonic sealing, and the second type of sealing device (23) is configured to laterally seal the tube (4) by induction heating; The package forming apparatus of claim 1 .

3. the first fixing points (36) are different from the second fixing points (37) and / or the relative arrangement of the first fixing points (36) is different from the relative arrangement of the second fixing points (37); The package forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first support portion (31) and the second support portion (32) are movable between a first position where the first support portion (31) and the second support portion (32) are spaced apart from each other and a second position where the first support portion (31) and the second support portion (32) are close to each other; The first operating group (24) and the second operating group (25) move together with the first support (31) and the second support (32). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first operating group (24) comprises a first connecting bar (38), and the second operating group (25) comprises a second connecting bar (39), and when the sealing device (23) is of the first type, the first connecting bar (38) is fixed to the first support (31) at the first fixing position (36) and the second connecting bar (39) is fixed to the second support (32) at the second fixing position (37), and when the sealing device (23) is of the second type, the first connecting bar (38) is fixed to the second support (32) at the second fixing position (37) and the second connecting bar (39) is fixed to the first support (31) at the first fixing position (36); The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first connecting bar (38) has a first engagement surface and the second connecting bar (39) has a second engagement surface; The first support portion (31) has a first abutment surface, and the second support portion (32) has a second abutment surface, When the sealing device (23) is of the first type, the first engagement surface engages with the first abutment surface and the second engagement surface engages with the second abutment surface, and when the sealing device (23) is of the second type, the first engagement surface engages with the second abutment surface and the second engagement surface engages with the first abutment surface. The package forming apparatus of claim 5 .

7. The first connecting bar (38) has a plurality of first through holes, and the second connecting bar (39) has a plurality of second through holes; When the sealing device (32) is of the first type, the first through hole is aligned with the first fixing point (36) and the second through hole is aligned with the second fixing point (37), and when the sealing device (23) is of the second type, the first through hole is aligned with the second fixing point (37) and the second through hole is aligned with the first fixing point (36). The package forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The second working group (25) comprises: a pair of movable interaction tabs (43), the pair of interaction tabs (43) being configured to interact from opposite sides of the tube (4) in use and configured to be movable relative to each other; an actuation device (44) connected to the pair of interaction tabs (43) and configured to actuate the movement of the interaction tabs (43); Equipped with the actuation device (44) comprises a control bar (45) connected to the pair of interaction tabs (43) for actuating the movement of the pair of interaction tabs (43); The first support (31) comprises a plurality of first attachment points (50), and the second support (32) comprises a plurality of second attachment points (51); the control bar (45) is attached to the first support (31) at the first attachment point (50) if the sealing device (23) is of the second type, and to the second support (32) at the second attachment point (51) if the sealing device (32) is of the first type; The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first attachment point (50) and the second attachment point (51) are mirror images of each other with respect to a mirror axis (E). The package forming apparatus of claim 8.

10. the carrier (30) is movable along a linear direction (D), the mirror axis (E) being parallel to the linear direction (D), and / or the support structure (26) extends along a longitudinal axis (B), the mirror axis (E) being parallel to the longitudinal axis (B); and / or The support structure (26) comprises at least a first guide (28) and a second guide (29), the carrier (30) is movably coupled to the first guide (28) and the second guide (29), and the mirror axis (E) is parallel to the first guide (28) and the second guide (29). The package forming apparatus of claim 9.

11. The support structure (26) includes a first guide (28) and a second guide (29) spaced apart from the first guide (28); The carrier (30) is movably coupled to the first guide (28) and the second guide (29); a first connecting structure (52) and a second connecting structure (53) that connect the carrier (30) to the first guide (28) and the second guide (29); The carrier (30) comprises a support plate (56) having a first connecting portion (57) and a second connecting portion (58); The second coupling structure (53) comprises a first portion (54) and a second portion (55); When the sealing device (23) is of the first type, the first part (54) is connected to the first connection area (57) of the support plate (56) and the second part (55) is connected to the second connection area (58) of the support plate (56), and when the sealing device (23) is of the second type, the first part (54) is connected to the second connection area (58) of the support plate (56) and the second part (55) is connected to the first connection area (57) of the support plate (56). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The first connection region (57) and the second connection region (58) are mirror images symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (F). The package forming apparatus of claim 11.

13. the second working group (25) comprises cutting blades adapted to cut transversely through the tube (4); The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A transport unit is provided which is configured to transport the first and second working groups (24, 25) along a first and second forward path, respectively. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) of pourable product from an advancing tube (4) formed from a web of packaging material (3) and sealed longitudinally, said packaging machine (1) comprising: a conveying device (11) configured to advance the packaging material web (3) along a web advancement path (P) and to advance said tube (4) along a tube advancement path (Q); a tube forming and sealing device (12) configured to form the tube (4) from the packaging material (3) and seal the tube (4) longitudinally; a filling device (13) for filling the tube (4) with a pourable product; The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A packaging machine (1).

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