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

Abstract

The package forming apparatus (10) includes a support structure (26) and at least one actuator (22). The actuator (22) includes a carrier (30) movably connected to the support structure (26) and a shell assembly (31) controllable between an actuated configuration and a rest configuration. The package forming apparatus (10) further includes a transport unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) and the actuator (22) together, and a drive unit (37) configured to control the shell assembly (31) between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration. The drive unit (37) includes a drive mechanism (38) operably coupled to the shell assembly (31) and associated with the carrier (30), and a drive group (39) mounted to the support structure (26), coupled to the drive mechanism (38), and configured to differentially move the carrier (30) and the drive mechanism (38) to move the shell assembly (31) between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration.

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 heat-sealable plastic layers 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 a further layer of heat-sealable plastic that ultimately defines the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of package is typically produced on 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 advancement path and forms a tube from the web for conveying along a tube advancement 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, the actuation device comprising at least a first actuation group and a second actuation group configured, in use, to at least partially form, transversely seal and cut the advancing tube.

[0010] The actuation device includes a shell assembly for at least partially forming the tube, the shell assembly being controllable between an actuated configuration in which the shell assembly is configured to at least partially form the tube and a rest configuration in which the shell assembly is decoupled from the tube.

[0011] The first and second working groups each include half shells that move apart and towards each other with the shell assembly in its rest and working configurations.

[0012] The actuation device comprises a carrier movably coupled to a support structure of the package forming apparatus, and a hydraulic drive unit mounted on the carrier and coupled to the shell assembly (particularly the half shells) and configured to move the shell assembly between a rest configuration and an actuated configuration. 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 which allows for greater flexibility in controlling shell assembly.

[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.

[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: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[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] FIG. 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] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of some of the details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 3 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of FIG. 4 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view of some of the details of FIG. 3 with parts removed for clarity. 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 paperboard, sandwiched between at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g. polyethylene), with one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material preferably defining 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 heat-sealable plastic material layer and the textile material layer.

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

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

[0027] Preferably, the web 3 comprises sequentially arranged patterns which define the final graphic pattern of the package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 operates such that, in use, the package 2 includes each pattern.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 can extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0030] In some possible embodiments, the 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.

[0031] Preferably, the first transverse sealing band 5 may be substantially spaced along the longitudinal axis A from the second transverse sealing band.

[0032] Preferably, the first transverse sealing band 5 defines an upper transverse sealing band and the second transverse sealing band defines a lower transverse sealing band.

[0033] Furthermore, the package 2 further comprises a longitudinal seam 6. Preferably, the first transverse seal band 5 and / or the second transverse seal band may be transverse, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal seam 6.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be provided with an advancement space through which the tube 4 advances during use.

[0036] 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 .

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] More specifically, the conveying device 11 is configured to advance the tube 4 and intermediate tubes 4 along the tube advancement path Q, preferably from the tube forming and sealing device 12 and / or partly within the package forming device 10. Preferably, the expression "intermediate tube 4" refers to any configuration of the web 3 before obtaining a tubular structure, and means the state after 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, preferably formed by overlapping the (longitudinal) ends of the web 3 on top of each other.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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, and may be configured to gradually fold the web 3 in concert with one another, preferably with the ends of the web 3 overlapping one another, to form the tube 4, thereby forming the seam 6 of the tube 4 during use.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 1 and 2, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more, preferably multiple, actuating devices 22, each configured to at least partially form, and preferably at least laterally seal and / or transversely cut, the tube 4.

[0048] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control the actuation device 22 to at least partially form the tube 4 and / or transversely seal and / or preferably transversely cut the tube 4 along equally spaced cross sections.

[0049] 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 22.

[0050] More particularly, and referring to FIG. 2 , the actuation device 22 may comprise at least a first actuation group 23 and a second actuation group 24 configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form, preferably transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4.

[0051] Preferably, the first and second operating groups 23, 24 are movable relative to one another, and preferably may be movable to move the first and second operating groups 23, 24 towards and away from one another.

[0052] More specifically, the actuation device 22 may be controllable between an active configuration in which the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 25 move relative to one another to at least partially form, preferably laterally seal and / or laterally cut the tube 4, and a rest configuration in which the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 25 are moved away from one another.

[0053] Additionally, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a transport unit 25 for advancing the first and second operating groups 23, 24 along their respective forward paths.

[0054] More specifically, the forward path may include an actuating section in which each of the first actuating groups 23 and each of the second actuating groups 24 advances along the forward path direction of the tube 4 when in use, and a return section in which the first actuating groups 23 and each of the second actuating groups 24 advance along a direction opposite to the forward path direction of the tube 4 when in use, and which is configured to advance in a direction opposite to the forward path direction of the tube 4 and return each of the first actuating groups 24 and each of the second actuating groups 25 to their corresponding actuating sections when in use.

[0055] Furthermore, each actuating device 22 can be controlled from a rest configuration to an active configuration as the first actuating group 23 and the second actuating group 25 advance along the operating portion to at least partially form the tube 4, and more preferably to laterally seal and / or cut the tube 4.

[0056] More particularly, in use, after at least partial forming, preferably transverse sealing, and transverse cutting of the tube 4 is complete, the actuation device 22 may be controlled to return to the rest configuration.

[0057] That is, as the first and second working groups 24, 25 advance along the working section, the first and second working groups 23, 24 may be moved closer to each other. After at least partial forming, preferably transverse sealing, and / or transverse cutting of the tube 4 is completed, the first and second working groups 23, 24 are moved away from each other.

[0058] 3 and 4, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 26 (partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the invention) that movably supports the actuation device 22.

[0059] The support structure 26 may include at least one support assembly 27 that movably supports the actuation device 22 .

[0060] 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, in use, the advancing tube 4 is interposed between the support assemblies 27. That is, the support assemblies 27 may define and / or partition an advancement space through which the tube 4 is advanced in use.

[0061] Advantageously, the support assembly 27 may comprise a first guide 28, preferably having a linear shape, and a second guide (not shown), preferably having a linear shape, positioned spaced apart from the first guide 28.

[0062] Preferably, the support structure 26, and more preferably the support assembly 27, may extend along a longitudinal axis B.

[0063] More preferably, the first guide 28 and the second guide may define a longitudinal axis B and / or extend along a linear axis parallel to the longitudinal axis B.

[0064] Preferably, the first guide 28 and the second guide may have a vertical orientation.

[0065] As described below, the first guide 28 and the second guide may at least partially define the forward path of the first working group 23 and the forward path of the second working group 24 .

[0066] 3-6, the actuation device 22 further comprises a carrier 30 movably coupled to the support structure 26, preferably to one of the support assemblies 27. Preferably, the carrier 30 may be movably coupled to a first guide 28 and a second guide.

[0067] Preferably, the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 24 may be carried by a carrier 30. More preferably, movement of the carrier 30 causes movement of the actuation devices 22, preferably causing movement of the corresponding first actuation group 23 and the corresponding second actuation group 24.

[0068] More specifically, the transport unit 25 may be configured to move the actuating device 22, preferably the carrier 30, more preferably the first actuating group 23 and the second actuating group 24 along a first forward path.

[0069] Furthermore, the transport unit 25 may be configured to move the carrier 30, particularly back and forth, along the first guide 28 and the second guide, thereby moving the first operating group 23 and the second operating group 24 along a forward path.

[0070] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 6, the actuation device 22 comprises a shell assembly 31 that is controllable between an actuated configuration in which the shell assembly 31 is configured to at least partially form the tube 4 and a rest configuration in which the shell assembly 31 is separated from the tube 4.

[0071] More particularly, the shell assembly 31 comprises two half shells 32 configured to at least partially form the tube 4 when the shell assembly 31 is in an activated configuration.

[0072] Preferably, the two half shells 32 of the shell assembly 31 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 when the shell assembly 31 is in the activated configuration.

[0073] More specifically, the first working group 23 comprises one of the half shells 32 of the shell assembly 31 and the second working group 24 comprises another of the half shells 32 of the shell assembly 31 .

[0074] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the shell assembly 31 may be in an actuated configuration and a rest configuration, and the actuation device 22 may be in an active configuration and a rest configuration.

[0075] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the two half shells 32 of the shell assembly 31 may be moved away from or towards each other with the shell assembly 31 in its rest and actuated configurations.

[0076] More specifically, in the shell assembly 31, when the shell assembly 31 is controlled to the rest configuration and the operating configuration, the half shells 32 belonging to the first operating group 23 and the half shells 32 belonging to the second operating group 24 can be disposed in a first position and a second position, respectively. In particular, the half shells 31 of the first operating group 23 and the half shells 32 of the second operating group 24 can be spaced apart when disposed in the first position and can be close to each other when disposed in the second position.

[0077] To control the shell assembly 31 between the rest configuration and the working configuration, and preferably to control the half shells 32 between the first and second positions, the package forming apparatus 10 further comprises at least one drive unit 37 configured to control the at least one shell assembly 31 between the rest configuration and the working configuration, and preferably configured to control the half shells 32 between the first and second positions.

[0078] More specifically, the drive unit 37 includes: a drive mechanism 38 operatively coupled to the shell assembly 31, preferably the half shells 32, and preferably associated with and preferably coupled to the carrier 30; and a drive group 39 mounted on the support structure 26 and coupled to the drive mechanism 38 and configured to move the drive mechanism 38 to move the shell assembly 31 between the rest configuration and the activated configuration, and preferably to move the half shells 32 between the first position and the second position; Equipped with.

[0079] The drive group 39 is configured to move the drive mechanism 38 along a second forward path parallel to the first forward path and to create a difference between a first motion profile and a second motion profile between the movement of the carrier 30 and the movement of the drive mechanism 38 (i.e., to at least temporarily apply the first motion profile to the drive mechanism 38 and apply a second motion profile, different from the first motion profile, to the carrier 30), thereby actuating the shell assembly 31 between a rest configuration and an actuated configuration, and preferably actuating the half shells 32 between a first position and a second position.

[0080] More specifically, the drive group 39 may be configured to move the drive mechanism 38 along the second advancement path according to a motion profile that differs from the further motion profile of the carrier 30 as it is moved along the first advancement path. In particular, the first motion profile of the drive mechanism 38 and the further motion profile of the carrier 30 may differ from one another by the speed at which the drive group 39 moves the drive mechanism 38 along the second advancement path differing from the further speed at which the transport unit 25 moves the carrier 30 along the first advancement path. Because the motion profile of the drive mechanism 38 differs from the further motion profile of the carrier 30, relative motion occurs between the drive mechanism 38 and the carrier 30, which moves the shell assembly 31 between a rest configuration and an activated configuration, and preferably moves the half shells 32 between a first position and a second position.

[0081] Applicant has determined that this improves the flexibility of the package forming apparatus 10 and allows for more precise control of the shell assembly 31 .

[0082] As the drive mechanism 38 is associated with the carrier 30 and the shell assembly 31, the drive group 39 must operate as follows: - causing the drive mechanism 38 to move together with the carrier 30 (i.e., the drive mechanism 38 and the carrier 30 move in synchronism with the same motion profile), thereby maintaining the shell assembly 31 in its current configuration; and - Moving the shell assembly 31 from its current configuration, preferably to a rest configuration or to an operating configuration, so that the drive mechanism 38 does not move with the carrier 30 (i.e., so that the drive mechanism and carrier 30 move asynchronously, i.e., with different motion profiles).

[0083] Preferably, the current configuration may correspond to a dormant configuration, a working configuration, or a configuration intermediate between the dormant and working configurations.

[0084] In other words, the drive group 39 may slow down or speed up the speed at which the drive mechanism 38 moves along the second forward path relative to the speed at which the carrier 30 moves along the first forward path, and may perform operations to move each shell assembly 31 between the rest configuration and the operating configuration.

[0085] Preferably, the transport unit 25 may be configured to move the carrier 30 along a first linear direction D1, preferably in a reciprocating motion.

[0086] Additionally, the drive group 39 may be configured to move the drive mechanism 38, preferably in a reciprocating motion, along a second linear direction D2 parallel to the first linear direction D1.

[0087] 4-6, the drive mechanism 38 may comprise at least one control bar 40, preferably at least two control bars 40, and more preferably exactly two control bars 40, operatively connected to the drive group 39 and the shell assembly 31. Preferably, the two control bars 40 may be parallel and adjacent to each other.

[0088] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the drive group 39 may be configured to move the control bar 40 along the second forward path, and more particularly, to move the control bar 40 linearly. More preferably, the drive group 39 may be configured to differentiate between the movement of the carrier 30 and the movement of the control bar 40 (i.e., to move each carrier 30 and each control bar 40 according to a different motion profile), thereby actuating the shell assembly 31 to move between the rest configuration and the activated configuration, and more particularly actuating the shell assembly 31 to move between the rest configuration or the activated configuration.

[0089] Preferably, each control bar 40 moves simultaneously.

[0090] Preferably, each control bar 40 may have a linear shape.

[0091] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the control bars 40 of the drive mechanism 38 may be parallel to one another.

[0092] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the carrier 30 may have a support housing 41, and the control bar 40 may be movably disposed within the support housing 41. Preferably, the movement of the control bar 40 may be guided within the support housing 41.

[0093] When the drive group 39 moves the control bar 40 synchronously with respect to the carrier 30, no relative movement occurs between the control bar 40 and the support housing 41. Furthermore, when the drive group 39 moves the control bar 40 asynchronously with respect to the carrier 30, relative movement occurs between the control bar 40 and the support housing 41, causing the current configuration of the shell assembly 31 to change.

[0094] 3, 4 and 6, the half shell 32 may include a main plate 42 and two side plates 43 configured to engage with the tube 4 when the half shell 32 is in the second position, i.e., when the shell assembly 31 is in the activated configuration.

[0095] More specifically, the main plate 42 and / or the side plate 43 may be movable, preferably angularly movable, and configured to engage with the tube 4 when the half shell 32 is in the second position and move away from the tube 4 when the half shell 32 is in the first position.

[0096] 4 and 6, the actuation device 22 may include a drive mechanism 38 and two control mechanisms 44 operably connected to the half shells 32. Preferably, the drive mechanism 38 is configured to drive the control mechanisms 44.

[0097] More specifically, the control mechanism 44 may be connected to the main plate 42 and / or the side plate 43 and is configured to drive the movement of the main plate 42 and / or the side plate 43, and is controlled in particular by the drive mechanism 38.

[0098] Preferably, the control bar 40 of the drive mechanism 38 may be coupled to a control mechanism 44 .

[0099] Additionally, the drive group 39 may be configured to move the control bar 40 in response to movement of the carrier 30 and to differentially move the control bar 40 relative to movement of the carrier 30 (i.e., to move the control bar 40 and carrier 30 with different motion profiles) to drive movement of the control mechanism 44 and move the half shells 32 between the first and second positions.

[0100] More specifically, the control mechanism 44 may include a shaft 45 connected to the connecting bar 40 and rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0101] Further, the control mechanism 44 may include a lever assembly 46 connected to the shaft 45 and the main plate 42 and side plate 43, and configured to move the main plate 42 and side plate 43 when the shaft 45 moves angularly about the rotation axis.

[0102] Preferably, the drive mechanism 38, preferably the control bar 40, may be operably coupled to the shaft 45. More preferably, when the control bar 40 undergoes relative movement with respect to the support housing 41, angular movement of the shaft 45 is actuated.

[0103] More particularly, the drive mechanism 38 may comprise a support 47 connected to and / or carried by the control bar 40, and two connecting bars 48 which are hingedly connected to the support 47 and operably connected to the control mechanism 44, preferably a shaft 45, and configured to actuate angular rotation of the shaft 45 about the axis of rotation.

[0104] Preferably, each connecting bar 48 may have a boomerang shape.

[0105] In use, when the control bar 40 moves relative to the support housing 41 , the connecting bar 48 rotates about the hinge axis, thereby actuating angular movement of the shaft 45 .

[0106] Referring to Figures 3-6, the drive group 39 may have the following configuration: - endless belt 52; - an actuator bar 53 connected to the endless belt 52 and to the drive mechanism 38; and an actuator 54, preferably an electric motor, more preferably a servo motor, configured to move the endless belt 52 along the belt advancement path and selectively move the actuator bar 53;

[0107] In particular, the actuator bar 53 may be connected to the control bar 40 .

[0108] Preferably, the drive mechanism 38 supports the control bar 40 and may include a coupling element 55 connected to the actuator bar 53 .

[0109] More specifically, to maintain the shell assembly 31 in a current configuration, the actuator 54 may be configured to move the endless belt 52 so that the drive mechanism 38, preferably the control bar 40, moves synchronously relative to the carrier 30, and to change the current configuration between a rest configuration and an actuated configuration, the actuator 54 may be configured to selectively move the endless belt 52 so that the drive mechanism 38, preferably each control bar 40, moves asynchronously relative to the carrier 30.

[0110] In particular, each actuator 54 may be located in a fixed position during use, ie, the actuator 54 does not move while the carrier 30 and / or drive mechanism 38, preferably the control bar 40, moves.

[0111] More specifically, the drive group 39 may include at least one drive pulley 56 connected to the actuator 54 and at least one auxiliary pulley 57. Further, the endless belt 54 may be wrapped around the drive pulley 56 and the at least one auxiliary pulley 57.

[0112] In use, the actuator 54 drives the angular motion of the drive pulley 56, which causes the endless belt 52 to move along the belt advance path. In particular, the direction of advancement is determined by the rotational direction of the angular motion of the drive pulley 56. Movement of the endless belt 52 also results in movement of the actuator bar 53.

[0113] Furthermore, by accelerating or decelerating the endless belt 52, each control bar 40 can be moved relative to each carrier 30, and in particular relative to each support housing 41.

[0114] In particular, each drive pulley 56 and each auxiliary pulley 57 may be located in a fixed position during use, i.e., each drive pulley 56 and each auxiliary pulley 57 does not move when the corresponding carrier 30 and / or the corresponding drive mechanism 38, in particular the respective control bar 40, moves.

[0115] 3 and 4, the actuation device 22 may comprise a first support 60 and a second support 61 fixed to the carrier 30 and movable relative to each other.

[0116] Preferably, the first support portion 60 and the second support portion 61 may be movable between a first position in which the first support portion 60 and the second support portion 61 are separated from each other and a second position in which the first support portion 60 and the second support portion 61 are closer to each other, and more preferably may be angularly movable around a rotation axis.

[0117] Furthermore, the first actuation group 23 may be connected to a first support 60 and the second actuation group 24 may be connected to a second support 61 .

[0118] In particular, the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 24 may be connected to the first support 60 and the second support 61 and are configured to move together with the first support 60 and the second support 61 .

[0119] More specifically, when the first support portion 60 and the second support portion 61 are in the first and second positions, the first operating group 23 and the second operating group 24 may be moved away from each other or closer to each other, respectively.

[0120] Furthermore, the first support 60 and the second support 61 may be controlled to a first position and a second position, and the actuation device 22 may be controlled to a rest configuration and an active configuration.

[0121] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming unit 10 may include at least one, preferably two, actuating units 62 coupled to the first support 60 and the second support 61 and configured to control the relative movement of the first support 60 and the second support 61, preferably configured to move the first support 60 and the second support 61 between a first position and a second position.

[0122] 3 and 4, the transport unit 25 may include a connecting bar 63 connected to the carrier 30, a main endless belt 64 supporting the connecting bar 63, and a main actuator 65 (preferably an electric motor) configured to move the main endless belt 64 to move the connecting bar 63 and the carrier 30.

[0123] Preferably, the primary actuator 65 is configured to move the primary endless belt 64 along a first forward direction and a second forward direction opposite the first forward direction, thereby moving the carrier 30 back and forth along the support structure 26, preferably along the first guide 28 and the second guide.

[0124] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation device 22 may include one seal element 66 and one counter-seal element 67 configured to laterally seal the tube 4. Preferably, one of the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 24 may include the seal element 66, and the other of the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 24 may include the counter-seal element 67. More preferably, the seal element 66 may be associated with the first actuation group 23, and the counter-seal element 67 may be associated with the second actuation group 24.

[0125] Preferably, the sealing element 66 and the counter-seal element 67 may be configured to cooperate to compress and laterally seal the tube 4 .

[0126] More specifically, the sealing element 66 may comprise an energy source configured to generate the energy required to obtain the sealing effect, in particular the heating of the packaging material. For example, the sealing element 66 may be a sonotrode with an ultrasonic emitter, or the sealing element 66 may comprise an electromagnetic induction source. The counter-seal element 67 may be a passive element (i.e., an element without an active energy source). For example, the counter-seal element 67 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0127] Preferably, the sealing element 66 and the counter-seal element 67 may be configured to move toward and away from each other as the first operating group 23 and the second operating group 24 move toward and away from each other.

[0128] Additionally, the actuation device 22 may comprise at least one cutting assembly configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, the cutting assembly may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after the tube 4 has been sealed by the sealing element 66 and the counter-seal element 67.

[0129] Each cutting assembly may include a cutting blade associated with either the first working group 23 or the second working group 24. Preferably, each cutting assembly may include a cutting blade associated with the second working group 24.

[0130] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0131] More specifically, conveying device 11 advances web 3 along web advancement path P. Tube forming and sealing device 12 forms tubes 4 from advancing web 3 and longitudinally seals tubes 4. Additionally, filling device 13 fills tubes 4 with a pourable product, and package forming device 10 at least partially forms, transversely seals, and transversely cuts tubes 4 to obtain packages 2.

[0132] More particularly, during operation of the package forming apparatus 10 , the actuation device 22 at least partially forms, preferably transversely seals, and preferably cuts the tube 4 .

[0133] During operation of the actuation device 22, the first actuation group 23 and the second actuation group 24 move cyclically towards and away from each other.

[0134] Additionally, the shell assembly 31 is cyclically controlled between a rest configuration and an actuated configuration.

[0135] In particular, the carrier 30 is advanced along a first advancement path by the transport unit 25 and along a second advancement path by the drive group 39 .

[0136] A drive group 39 selectively moves a drive mechanism 38 relative to carrier 30 to control shell assembly 31 between rest and operating configurations.

[0137] The advantages of the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 of the present invention are clear from the above description.

[0138] In particular, the drive unit 37 allows the shell assembly 31 to be flexibly controlled.

[0139] Furthermore, the shell assembly 31 can be precisely controlled.

[0140] 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 at least partially form a tube (4) for forming a package (2) from the tube; The package forming device (10) a support structure (26); at least one actuation device (22) movably connected to said support structure (26) and configured to at least partially form said tube (4); Equipped with The actuation device (22) comprises at least: a carrier (30) movably connected to said support structure (26); a shell assembly (31), the shell assembly (31) being controllable between an actuated configuration configured to at least partially form the tube (4) and a rest configuration configured to separate the shell assembly (31) from the tube (4); Equipped with The package forming apparatus (10) further comprises: a transport unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) and the actuation device (22) along a first advancement path; a drive unit (37), the drive unit (37) configured to control the shell assembly (31) between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration; Equipped with The drive unit (37) a drive mechanism (38) operably connected to said shell assembly (31) and associated with said carrier (30); a drive group (39) mounted on the support structure (26), coupled to the drive mechanism (38), and configured to move the drive mechanism (38) to move the shell assembly (31) between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration; Equipped with The drive group (39) is configured to move the drive mechanism (38) along a second advancement path parallel to the first advancement path and to create a differential between the movement of the carrier (30) and the movement of the drive mechanism (38) to move the shell assembly (31) between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration. A package forming device (10).

2. The drive group (39) is configured to selectively move the drive mechanism (38) synchronously with respect to the carrier (30) to maintain the current configuration of the shell assembly (31), and to selectively move the drive mechanism (38) asynchronously with respect to the carrier (30) to change the current configuration. The package forming apparatus of claim 1 .

3. The transport unit (25) is configured to move the carrier (30) along a first linear direction, and the drive group (39) is configured to move the drive mechanism (38) along a second linear direction parallel to the first linear direction. The package forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the carrier (30) comprises a support housing (41), the drive mechanism (38) comprises at least one control bar (40) movably disposed within the support housing (41) and operably coupled to the drive group (39) and the shell assembly (31); The drive group (39) is operable to create a difference between the movement of the support housing (41) and the movement of the at least one control bar (40) to move the shell assembly (31) between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The drive group (39) Endless belt (52) an actuator bar (53) connected to the endless belt (52) and the drive mechanism (38); configured to move the endless belt (52) along a belt advancement path; an actuator (54) configured to selectively move the actuator bar (53) and the drive mechanism (38) synchronously with respect to the carrier (30) to maintain the shell assembly (31) in a current configuration, and to selectively move the actuator bar (53) and the drive mechanism (38) asynchronously with respect to the carrier (30) to change the current configuration; Equipped with The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the actuation device (22) comprises a first actuation group (23) and a second actuation group (24) configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube (4); The first working group (23) and the second working group (24) comprise half shells (32) of the shell assembly (31); the half shells (32) of the first working group (23) and the half shells (32) of the second working group (24) are configured to engage the tube (4) from opposite sides; When the shell assembly (31) is controlled to the rest configuration and the operating configuration, the half shells (32) of the first operating group (23) and the half shells (32) of the second operating group (24) are arranged in a first position and a second position, The half shells (32) of the first operating group (23) and the half shells (32) of the second operating group (24) are spaced apart when disposed in the first position and are close to each other when disposed in the second position; The drive mechanism (38) is operably coupled to the half shell (32) and configured to move the half shell (32) between the first position and the second position. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The actuation device (22) comprises two control mechanisms (44) connected to the drive mechanism (38) and the half shells (32); The drive mechanism (38) comprises at least one control bar (40), the at least one control bar (40) being operably coupled to the drive group (39) and the control mechanism (44), the drive group (39) being configured to move the at least one control bar (40) in response to movement of the carrier (30), and to actuate movement of the two control mechanisms (44) by differentially moving the at least one control bar (40) relative to movement of the carrier (30) to move the two half shells (32) between the first position and the second position. The package forming apparatus of claim 6.

8. The drive mechanism (38) a support (47) connected to said at least one control bar (40); two connecting bars (48) hingedly connected to said support (47) and operably connected to said control mechanism (44); Equipped with The package forming apparatus of claim 7.

9. The control mechanism (44) includes a shaft (45) connected to the connecting bar (48) and rotatable about a rotation axis. The package forming apparatus of claim 8.

10. The half shell (42) comprises a main plate (42) and two side plates (43) configured to engage with the tube (4), and is configured to engage with the tube (4) when the half shell (42) is in the second position. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. One of the first operating group (23) and the second operating group (24) comprises a sealing element (66), and the other of the first operating group (23) and the second operating group (24) comprises a counter-seal element (42); Either the first working group (23) or the second working group (24) comprises a cutting blade; The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. The support structure (26) comprises at least a first guide (28) and a second guide, and the carrier (30) is movably coupled to the first guide (28) and the second guide; The transport unit (25) is configured to move the carrier (30) back and forth along the first guide (28) and the second guide, and advance the carrier (30) along the first advancement path. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The transport unit (25) comprises a main endless belt (64) supporting a connecting bar (63) connected to the carrier (30), and a main actuator (65) configured to move the main endless belt (64) along the first forward direction and a second forward direction opposite to the first forward direction. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The actuation device (22) a first working group (23) and a second working group (24) configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form said tube (4); a first support portion (60) and a second support portion (61) attached to the carrier (30) and movable relative to each other; Equipped with The first support portion (60) supports the first operating portion (23), and the second support portion (61) supports the second operating portion (24), The package forming device (10) comprises an actuation unit (62) coupled to the first support (60) and the second support (61), and configured to control relative movement between the first support (60) and the second support (61). 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 (3) of packaging material, 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 web (3) of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube (4); 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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