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

Abstract

A package forming apparatus (10) configured to manipulate a tube (4) includes at least one manipulation device (25), the manipulation device (25) including a first manipulation group (26) and a second manipulation group (27). The first manipulation group (26) and the second manipulation group (27) are configured to perform relative movement with respect to each other. Each manipulation device (25) includes at least one support group (33) supporting the first manipulation group (26) and the second manipulation group (27). Each first manipulation group (26) is mounted to its respective support group (33) for angular movement about a rotation axis (B). Each first manipulation group (26) is coupled to the support group (33) via a respective shaft (34) that is rotatable about or defines the rotation axis (B). The package forming apparatus (10) comprises a sensor device (28) having a sensor body (40) fixed to the shaft (34) and a sensor head (41) for measuring and / or determining the angular position (α) and / or angular movement (Δα) of the sensor body (40) to measure or determine the angular position of each first operating group (26).

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 known as Tetra Brik Aseptic® for liquid or pourable food products, 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 comprises 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 operating device, typically at least two operating devices, each operating device comprising at least a first operating group and a second operating group configured to at least partially form, transversely seal and cut the advancing tube in use.

[0010] Further, each operating device comprises a support group movably coupled to the first guide and the second guide and which, in use, moves cyclically up and down along the first guide and the second guide, thereby inducing respective movements in the first operating group and the second operating group.

[0011] Furthermore, during use, each first operating group and each second operating group move relative to one another, periodically moving toward and retracting from the tube. In particular, when the first operating group of a first operating device and the second operating group are spaced apart from one another, a first passage is defined between the first operating group of the first operating device and the second operating group. In this manner, the first operating group of a second operating device and the corresponding second operating group, which are positioned adjacent to one another, can pass through the first passage. Similarly, when the first operating group of a second operating device and the corresponding second operating group, which are positioned apart from one another, a second passage is defined between the first operating group and the second operating group of the second operating device. In this manner, the first operating group of a first operating device and the corresponding second operating group, which are positioned adjacent to one another, can pass through the second passage.

[0012] It is therefore necessary to ensure that each first operating group and each second operating group correctly executes their respective relative movements during the advancement that results from the cyclical movement of each support group along the first and second guides. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Although known package forming apparatus and / or packaging machines function satisfactorily, a need is felt in the art to further improve known package forming apparatus and / or known packaging machines.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming apparatus.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1.

[0017] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the package forming apparatus are set forth in the claims that depend directly and indirectly from claim 1.

[0018] According to the present invention there is also provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 15. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [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 diagram showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the detail of FIG. 3, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5] Certain aspects of FIG. 4 are highlighted and parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 shows determined time-dependent curves representing angular movements in some of the details of FIG. 3 compared with characteristic time-dependent curves. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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).

[0023] More particularly, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, for example paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, for example polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material. Preferably, one of the two heat-sealable plastic material layers defines the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0024] Additionally, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferably disposed between the layer of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0025] Preferably, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material sandwiched between the gas and light barrier layer and the fibrous layer.

[0026] More particularly, the multi-layer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3 .

[0027] 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.

[0028] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 can extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0029] In some possible embodiments, each package 2 may include a first transverse seal band 5 and preferably a second transverse seal band located at opposite ends of the package 2 .

[0030] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may be positioned substantially spaced apart from a respective second transverse sealing band along the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Furthermore, each package 2 further has 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 respective longitudinal seam 6.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming device 10 for manipulating, preferably transversely sealing and / or transversely cutting and / or at least partially shaping, a tube 4 to obtain a package 2.

[0034] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be provided with an advancement space through which the tube 4 advances during use.

[0035] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 further includes: - 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 .

[0044] 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.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more, preferably multiple, operating devices 23 (partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the invention), each operating device 23 configured to operate the tube 4, preferably at least laterally seal or transversely cut the tube 4 and / or form (shape) the tube 4.

[0046] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each operating device 23 to transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 4 along equally spaced cross sections, preferably to form a respective first transverse seal band 5 and / or second transverse seal band.

[0047] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two operating devices 25, preferably exactly two.

[0048] More particularly, and referring to FIG. 2, each manipulation device 25 may comprise at least a first manipulation group 26 and a second manipulation group 27 configured to cooperate with each other to manipulate the tube 4, preferably to at least transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4 and / or at least partially form the tube 4.

[0049] In particular, each first operational group 26 and each second operational group 27 may be movable relative to one another, and preferably each first operational group 26 and each second operational group 27 may be movable toward and away from one another.

[0050] Preferably, at least one of the first operation group 26 and the second operation group 27 of each operation device 25 is rotatable (angularly movable) around a respective rotation axis B. Preferably, each of the first operation group 26 and each of the second operation group 27 is rotatable around a respective rotation axis B, thereby controlling the relative position of each of the first operation group 26 and the second operation group 27.

[0051] More specifically, each manipulation device 25 may be controllable between an actuated configuration in which the respective first manipulation group 26 and the respective second manipulation group 27 move towards each other to manipulate, preferably transversely seal and / or transversely cut and / or at least partially form, the tube 4, and a rest configuration in which the respective first manipulation group 26 and the respective second manipulation group 27 are moved away from each other.

[0052] More specifically, each of the first operating groups 26 and / or each of the second operating groups 27 is arranged at a first angular position and a second angular position different from the first angular position relative to the rotation axis B, and the operating devices 25 are controlled to an active configuration and a rest configuration, respectively.

[0053] Preferably, in use, each first operating group 26 and / or each second operating group 27 cyclically moves between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position, thereby cyclically controlling each operating device 25 between a respective active configuration and a respective rest configuration.

[0054] Additionally, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a transport unit for advancing each of the first and second operation groups 26 and 27 along their respective first and second advancement paths.

[0055] More specifically, the first forward path and the second forward path may comprise an actuation section in which each of the first operating groups 26 and each of the second operating groups 27 advances along the forward direction of the tube 4 when in use, and a return section in which each of the first operating groups 26 and each of the second operating groups 27 advances along a direction opposite to the forward direction of the tube 4 when in use, configured to advance in a direction opposite to the forward direction of the tube 4 and return each of the first operating groups 26 and each of the second operating groups 27 to their respective actuation sections.

[0056] Furthermore, each operating device 25 may be controlled from a respective rest configuration to a respective actuated configuration as each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 advances along their respective operating portions, and may be configured to preferably perform a lateral seal, more preferably perform a lateral cut, and at least partially form the tube 4.

[0057] More specifically, each first operating group 26 and / or each second operating group 27 may move from a second angular position to a first angular position and from the first angular position to a second angular position during movement along their respective actuation and return portions.

[0058] In particular, when the first operating groups 26 and the second operating groups 27 of each of the operating devices 25 are spaced apart from one another (i.e., in the rest configuration), a first passageway is defined between the first operating groups 26 and the second operating groups 27 of each of the first operating devices 25. Thus, when the first operating groups 26 and the second operating groups 27 of each of the second operating devices 25 are positioned proximate to one another (i.e., in the actuated configuration), the first operating groups 26 and the second operating groups 27 can pass through the first passageway. In a similar manner, when the first operating groups 26 and the second operating groups 27 of each of the second operating devices 25 are spaced apart from one another (i.e., in the rest configuration), a second passageway is defined between the first operating groups 26 and the second operating groups 27 of each of the first operating devices 25. Thus, the respective first operating groups 26 and the respective second operating groups 27 of the first operating device 25 that are arranged adjacent to each other (i.e. in the operating configuration) can pass through the second passage.

[0059] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more actuation units configured to selectively control each of the actuation devices 25 between an active configuration and an inactive configuration.

[0060] Advantageously, and with reference to Figures 3 to 5, the package forming apparatus 10 may comprise at least one sensor device 28 configured to detect the angular position and / or angular movement of each first operating group 26 and / or each second operating group 27.

[0061] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 includes one sensor device 28 corresponding to each operating device 25 .

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 29 that movably supports the operating device 25 .

[0063] In some possible embodiments, the support structure 29 may comprise one or more support assemblies 30 (only one shown) that movably support at least one, and preferably exactly one, operating device 25 .

[0064] In some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two, and preferably exactly two, operating devices 25, and the support structure 29 may include at least two, and preferably exactly two, support assemblies 30.

[0065] Preferably, the support assemblies 30 may be spaced apart from one another.

[0066] More preferably, the support assemblies 30 may be arranged such that the tube 4, which advances in use, is interposed between the support assemblies 30. More specifically, the support assemblies 30 define an advance space through which the tube 4 advances in use.

[0067] Preferably, each support assembly 30 includes a respective first guide 31, preferably having a linear shape, and a respective second guide 32, preferably having a linear shape, the second guide 32 being spaced apart from the respective first guide 31.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, each operating device 25 may include a respective support group 33.

[0069] Preferably, each support group 33 may be movably connected to a respective support structure 29, preferably to a respective support assembly 30, and more preferably to a respective first guide 31 and second guide 32.

[0070] Preferably, the transport unit may be configured to move each support group 33, preferably in a forward and backward direction, along each first guide 31 and each second guide 32, thereby moving each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 along each forward path.

[0071] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each support group 33 may include a respective first connecting structure and a respective second connecting structure (not shown), which may be configured to connect the support group 33 to the respective first guide 31 and second guide 32.

[0072] 3 to 5, each operating device 25 includes at least one shaft 34 angularly movably coupling a respective first operating group 26 to a respective support device 33. Preferably, the shafts 34 are rotatable about or define a respective axis of rotation B.

[0073] Preferably, each operating device 25 further comprises a shaft 34 (not shown) angularly movably connecting the respective second operating group 27 to the respective support device 33. Preferably, the shaft 34 is further rotatable about or may define a respective axis of rotation B.

[0074] More particularly, each shaft 34 may be fixed to a respective support device 33 and may be rotatable about a respective axis of rotation B.

[0075] Preferably, the shafts 34 associated with each first operating group 26 may be parallel to the shafts 34 associated with each second operating group 27 .

[0076] Preferably, each shaft 34 may include a respective first end 35 and a second end 36 opposite the first end.

[0077] Additionally, each support device 33 may include a respective seat 37 for each first end 35 and second end 36 .

[0078] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each shaft 34 can be disposed transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the respective first guide 31 and / or second guide 32 .

[0079] Preferably, each sensor device 28 may comprise at least one sensor body 40 fixed to the respective shaft 34 and which, in use, moves angularly with the respective shaft 34, preferably about the respective axis of rotation B, and at least one sensor head 41 for determining and / or measuring the angular position and / or angular movement of the sensor body 40, thereby determining and / or measuring the angular position and / or angular movement of the respective first operating group 26 and / or the respective second operating group 27.

[0080] In some possible embodiments, the sensor body 40 may be fixed to a shaft 34 associated with the respective first operating group 26 or second operating group 27, preferably at the respective first end 35.

[0081] In some possible embodiments, each sensor device 28 may comprise two sensor bodies 40, one sensor body 40 fixed to the shaft 34 associated with the respective first operational group 26 and the other sensor body 40 fixed to the shaft 34 associated with the respective second operational group 27. Furthermore, each sensor device 28 may further comprise two sensor heads 41 configured to measure and / or determine the angular position and / or angular movement of the respective sensor body 40.

[0082] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sensor device 28 can measure the angular position and / or angular movement of the respective first operational group 26 and / or second operational group 27 by measuring the angular position and / or angular movement of the respective sensor body 40.

[0083] Therefore, depending on the operation of each sensor device 28, it can be determined whether each operating device 25 is operating correctly or whether one or both of each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 is operating undesirably.

[0084] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sensor body 40 and each sensor head 41 can function as a magnetic encoder.

[0085] More particularly, each sensor body 40 may comprise and / or consist of a magnetic element 42, which is preferably a permanent magnet.

[0086] Preferably, each magnetic element 42 may comprise a plurality of alternating north and south poles. More preferably, the north and south poles may be arranged around a central axis C of the magnetic element 42, which is preferably coaxial with the respective axis of rotation B.

[0087] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each magnetic element 42 may be ring-shaped.

[0088] Preferably, each magnetic element 42 may have a magnetization in a radial direction.

[0089] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sensor head 41 may be positioned adjacent to a respective sensor body 40 and preferably positioned to detect changes in the magnetic field of the respective sensor body 40.

[0090] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sensor head 41 may be fixedly attached to a respective support group 33 .

[0091] Preferably, each sensor head 41 may be selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an inductive sensor, and a rotary potentiometer.

[0092] Most preferably, each sensor head 41 may be configured to measure angular movement of the respective sensor body 40, more preferably by the Hall effect, and to determine angular position from the angular movement.

[0093] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a monitoring unit operatively connected to each sensor head 41 and configured to receive measurement signals from each sensor head 41.

[0094] Preferably, the monitoring unit may be configured to (selectively) determine the respective determined time-dependent curves of the angular position and / or angular movement of one or more sensor bodies 40 (see the solid lines in Figure 6 as an example).

[0095] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the monitoring unit may be configured to compare the determined time-dependent curves with corresponding characteristic time-dependent curves, evaluate differences between the determined time-dependent curves and the characteristic time-dependent curves, and / or evaluate whether the determined time-dependent curves are within an acceptable range relative to the corresponding characteristic time-dependent curves, in particular each characteristic time-dependent curve corresponding to an ideal and / or expected shape and / or course of the respective determined time-dependent curve.

[0096] Preferably, the monitoring unit may be configured to issue an error message, such as a visual and / or audible and / or textual error message, and / or may be controlled to interrupt operation of the package forming apparatus 10 if the difference between one or more determined time-dependent curves and the characteristic time-dependent curve is unacceptable and / or if the determined time-dependent curve is not within an acceptable range (relative to the corresponding characteristic time-dependent curve).

[0097] In some possible embodiments, the monitoring unit may be configured to issue an information message (e.g., a visual and / or audio and / or text error message) regarding the need to perform maintenance work on one or more operating devices 25 based on a comparison of one or more determined time-dependence curves with the respective characteristic time-dependence curves.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, each operating device 25 may include a connection structure 43 supporting the respective first operating group 26 and second operating group 27 .

[0099] Furthermore, each connection structure 43 may be connected to a respective support device 33 at least via a respective shaft 34 .

[0100] Preferably, each connection structure 43 may comprise a respective shaft 34 .

[0101] Preferably, each connection structure 43 may comprise a first portion 44 and a second portion 45 that are movable relative to each other.

[0102] Furthermore, each first portion 44 and corresponding second portion 45 may be rotatably coupled to a respective support device 33 via a respective shaft 34 about a respective axis of rotation B.

[0103] Furthermore, angular movement of each first portion 44 and each second portion 45 corresponds to angular movement of the respective shaft 34. Preferably, each first portion 44 is operatively coupled to each second portion 45 and may be configured such that the angular movement of the first portion 44 and the second portion 45 is synchronized with one another. That is, angular movement of one of the first portion 44 and the second portion 45 causes angular movement of the other of the first portion 44 and the second portion 45.

[0104] Preferably, the angular movement of each first operating group 26 about the axis of rotation B and the angular movement of each second operating group 27 about the axis of rotation B may be synchronized with each other, more preferably by connecting each first part 44 and each second part 45 to each other.

[0105] More particularly, in use, the degree and direction of angular movement of each first operational group 26 corresponds to the degree and direction of angular movement of a respective second operational group 27 .

[0106] Preferably, the angular movement of each first operating group 26 and the angular movement of each second operating group 27 can be synchronized so that each sensor device 28 can have a structure having a single sensor body 40 and a single sensor head 41.

[0107] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operational group 26 may be connected to and / or carried by a respective first portion 44, and each second operational group 27 may be connected to and / or carried by a respective second portion 45.

[0108] Preferably, each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 is arranged to be laterally movable from the respective first portion 44 and second portion 45, and preferably each first operating group 26 and second operating group 27 may be configured to be movable within the advancement space.

[0109] Furthermore, angular movement of each first portion 44 and second portion 45 causes angular movement of the respective first operational group 26 and second operational group 27 .

[0110] Preferably, each connection structure 43 may comprise a bar 48 (only one shown) connecting each first operating group 26 to the first portion 44 and connecting each second operating group 27 to the second portion 45.

[0111] In particular, the actuation unit may be configured to angularly move each first portion 44 and each second portion 45, thereby causing angular movement of each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27.

[0112] With particular reference to FIG. 2, each operating device 25 may comprise a respective sealing element 46 and a respective counter-seal element 47 configured in cooperation with one another to laterally seal the tube 4 .

[0113] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first operational group 26 and the second operational group 26 may include a respective seal element 47, and the other of the first operational group 26 and the second operational group 26 may include a respective counter-seal element 47.

[0114] More specifically, each sealing element 46 and each counter-seal element 47 may be configured to at least laterally compress, particularly flatten and squeeze, to laterally seal the tube 4, particularly during advancement of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0115] Additionally, each sealing element 46 and each counter-seal element 47 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube.

[0116] More specifically, each sealing element 46 may comprise a source configured to generate the energy required to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 46 may be a sonotrode with an ultrasonic oscillator, or the sealing element 46 may comprise an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-seal element 47 may be a passive element (i.e., without an active source). For example, the counter-seal element 47 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0117] Furthermore, each manipulation device 23 may comprise at least one cutting element configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting element may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after sealing the tube 4 with the respective sealing assembly.

[0118] Preferably, each sealing element 46 and counter-seal element 47 may be movable toward or away from each other as each first operating group 26 and second operating group 27 moves from the second angular position to the first angular position and from the first angular position to the second angular position, respectively.

[0119] Each cutting element may be associated with either a respective first operational group 26 or a respective second operational group 27 .

[0120] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each manipulation device 25 may further comprise a first half shell and a second half shell configured to form the tube 4. Preferably, each first half shell and each second half shell is configured to define at least a portion of the tube 4 and to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides.

[0121] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least one of the first half shell and the second half shell may be coupled to a first operational group 26, and the other of the first half shell and the second half shell may be coupled to a second operational group 27.

[0122] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0123] 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.

[0124] More particularly, during operation of the package forming apparatus 10, the manipulation device 25 manipulates, preferably transversely seals, transversely cuts, and at least partially forms, the tube 4.

[0125] During operation of each operating device 25, the respective first operating group 26 and the respective second operating group 27 periodically move between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position. Each sensor device 28 detects and / or measures the angular position and / or angular movement of at least one of the respective first operating group 26 and / or the respective second operating group 27.

[0126] The advantages of the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 of the present invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0127] In particular, the angular position and / or angular movement of the first operational group 26 and / or the second operational group 27 can be monitored by monitoring the angular position α and / or the angular movement Δα of each sensor body 40. This, in turn, can determine whether the first operational group 26 and / or the second operational group 27 are operating as expected.

[0128] Additionally, it may be possible to implement predictive maintenance protocols.

[0129] However, it will be apparent that changes 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) configured to manipulate a tube (4) in order to obtain packages (2) from said tube (4), comprising: The package forming apparatus (10) comprises at least one operating device (25), the operating device (25) comprising a first operating group (26) and a second operating group (27), the first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27) being configured to operate the tube (4) in cooperation with each other to form the package (2); the first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27) are configured to perform a relative movement with respect to each other; The operating device (25) comprises at least one support group (33) for supporting the first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27); the first operating group (26) is attached to the support group (33) so as to be angularly movable about a rotation axis (B); the first operating group (26) is connected to the support group (33) via a shaft (34) that is rotatable about and / or defines the axis of rotation (B); the package forming machine (10) comprises at least one sensor device (28) for measuring and / or determining the angular position and / or angular movement of the first operating group (26), the sensor device (28) comprising a sensor body (40) fixed to the shaft (34) and angularly moving together with the shaft (34) in use, and at least one sensor head (41) configured to measure and / or determine the angular position (α) and / or angular movement (Δα) of the sensor body (40); A package forming device (10).

2. The sensor device (28) functions as a magnetic encoder. The package forming apparatus of claim 1 .

3. The sensor body (40) includes a magnetic element (42). The package forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The magnetic element (42) includes a plurality of alternating north and south poles. The package forming apparatus of claim 3 .

5. the magnetic element (42) is ring-shaped; The package forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The sensor head (41) is fixedly attached to the support group (33). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The sensor head (41) is selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an inductive sensor and a rotary potentiometer. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a monitoring unit operatively connected to the at least one sensor head (41), the monitoring unit being configured to determine a predetermined time-dependent curve of the angular position (α) and / or the angular movement (Δα) of the sensor body (40). The package forming apparatus of claim 7.

9. the monitoring unit is configured to compare the determined time-dependent curve with a characteristic time-dependent curve and evaluate a difference between the determined time-dependent curve and the characteristic time-dependent curve and / or evaluate whether the determined time-dependent curve is within an acceptable range. The package forming apparatus of claim 8.

10. the monitoring unit is configured to issue an error message and / or control an interruption of operation of the packaging forming machine if the difference between the determined time-dependence curves and the characteristic time-dependence curves is not acceptable and / or if the determined time-dependence curves are not within an acceptable range and / or to issue an information message indicating that a maintenance operation needs to be performed based on a comparison of the one or more determined time-dependence curves with the one or more characteristic time-dependence curves, The package forming apparatus of claim 9.

11. the operating device (25) comprises a sealing element (46) configured to transversely seal the tube (4), a cutting element for transversely cutting the tube (4), and a first half-shell and a second half-shell cooperating to at least partially form the tube (4); one of the first operational group (26) and the second operational group (27) comprises the sealing element (46) and / or the first half-shell, and the other of the first operational group (26) and the second operational group (27) comprises the counter-seal element (47) and / or the second half-shell, One of the first operating group (26) and the second operating part (27) includes a cutting element; The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

12. The operating device (25) comprises a connecting structure (43) connected to the support group (33) and having a first part (44) and a second part (45) movable relative to each other; the first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27) are connected to the first part (44) and the second part (45) and are laterally offset from each other; The first part (44) of the connection structure (43) has a shaft (34) and is rotatable around a rotation axis (B), or the second part (45) of the connection structure (43) has the shaft (34) and is rotatable around the rotation axis (B). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

13. Further comprising at least one first guide (31) and one second guide (32); The support group (33) is movably connected to the first guide (31) and the second guide (32); the at least first operating group (26) rotates about the rotation axis (B) when the support group (33) moves along the first guide (31) and the second guide (32); The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the second operating group (27) is angularly movable about a further axis of rotation (B), and in use, the angular movement of the first operating group (26) about the axis of rotation (B) and the angular movement of the second operating group (27) about the further axis of rotation (B) are synchronized with each other. 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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