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

Abstract

The package forming apparatus (10) includes an actuation device (23) having a first actuation group (24) and a second actuation group (25) configured to at least transversely seal a tube (4) formed from a web (3) of packaging material. Either the first actuation group (24) or the second actuation group (25) includes a pair (46) of interacting tabs (26). The package forming apparatus (10) includes a cam mechanism (28) configured to control the relative position of the pair of interacting tabs (26). The cam mechanism (28) includes at least a cam channel (29) and a cam follower (30) connected to the pair of interacting tabs (26), movably disposed within the cam channel (29), and configured to move within the cam channel (28) along a forward direction (D1). Interaction between the cam follower (30) and the cam channel (29) controls the relative position of the interacting tabs (26).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products, in particular pourable food products. [Background technology]

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

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is formed by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure, for example a paper base layer covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material 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 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 pair of interaction tabs controllable between a first limit position where the interaction tabs are spaced apart from the tube and a second limit position where the interaction tabs interact with the advancing tube, the interaction tabs being farther apart when in the first limit position than when in the second limit position.

[0011] The package forming apparatus also includes a cam mechanism configured to control the pair of interacting tabs between the first and second actuating configurations.

[0012] The cam mechanism comprises a parallelogram system on which the cam followers operate, which requires precision mounting. 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.

[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] 2 is a schematic diagram showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 3A]2 is a detailed perspective view of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a detailed perspective view of the package-forming apparatus of FIG. 3A in a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3C is an enlarged perspective view of some of the details of FIGS. 3A and 3B, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of another portion of the detail of FIGS. 3A and 3B, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of a portion of the package forming apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. 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, such as paper or cardboard, sandwiched between at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g. polyethylene), preferably one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defining the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0024] Additionally, the multi-layer packaging material may include 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 include 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] Preferably, the web 3 comprises sequentially arranged patterns, each of which defines the final graphic pattern of the corresponding package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 operates such that, in use, the packages 2 each include a corresponding pattern.

[0028] Furthermore, 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 examples, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0030] In some possible embodiments, each package 2 has at least a first lateral seal band 5 located at a first end of the package 2, and preferably further has a second lateral seal band located at a second end opposite the first end.

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

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 corresponding 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 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.

[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, 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.

[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 6 .

[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 supply the flowable product into the tube 4 in use.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more (preferably multiple) actuating devices 23 (partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the present invention), each actuating device 23 configured to at least laterally seal the tube 4, preferably to laterally cut the tube 4, or to form (shape) the tube 4.

[0048] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each actuating device 23 to transversely seal, and preferably transversely cut, the tube 4 along equally spaced cross sections, thereby forming a corresponding first transverse seal band 5 and / or second transverse seal band.

[0049] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two actuation devices 23, preferably exactly two.

[0050] More particularly, and referring to FIG. 2, each actuation device 23 may include at least a first actuation group 24 and a second actuation group 25, which are configured to cooperate with each other to at least transversely seal, preferably cut, and at least partially form the tube 4.

[0051] In particular, each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 may be movable relative to one another, and preferably each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 is movable toward and away from one another.

[0052] More specifically, each actuation device 23 may be controllable between an actuation configuration in which the respective first actuation group 24 and the respective second actuation group 25 move relative to one another to seal, preferably transversely cut, and / or at least partially form the tube 4, and a rest configuration in which the respective first actuation group 24 and the respective second actuation group 25 are moved away from one another.

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

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

[0055] Furthermore, each actuating device 23 may be controlled from a respective rest state to a respective actuated state as each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 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.

[0056] More particularly, in use, after the transverse sealing of the tube 4 is completed, preferably after the transverse cutting and / or partial forming is completed, each actuation device 23 can be controlled to return to its respective rest state.

[0057] That is, as each first working group 24 and each second working group 25 advances along their respective working sections, each first working group 24 and each second working group 25 may be moved closer to each other. After each transverse sealing, and preferably each transverse cutting and / or part forming, of the tube 4 is completed, each first working group 24 and each second working group 25 is pulled away from each other.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6, each actuation device 23 (preferably either each first actuation group 24 or each second actuation group 25) comprises a pair of movable interaction tabs 26 configured to interact from opposite sides of the tube 4 in use.

[0059] In particular, the interaction tabs 26 of each pair of interaction tabs 26 are movable relative to one another, and preferably are selectively movable to move the interaction tabs 26 toward or away from one another.

[0060] Preferably, each pair of interaction tabs 26 is controllable between a first limit position in which they are detached from the tube 4 in use and a second limit position in which they are in contact with the tube 4 in use.

[0061] Preferably, the interaction tabs 26 of each pair may be closer to each other when in the second limit position than when in the first limit position, i.e., the interaction tabs 26 may be farther apart when in the first limit position and closer to each other when in the second limit position.

[0062] More particularly, each pair of interacting tabs 26 may be configured to interact from opposite sides of the advance tube 4 during use and apply a pulling force to the tube 4 when in the second limit position.

[0063] More specifically, each pair of interacting tabs 26 may be configured to control and / or modify the advancement of tube 4 so that tube 4 is "aligned" with a corresponding actuation device 23. That is, each pair of interacting tabs 26 is configured to cause a corresponding actuation device 23, in particular a corresponding first actuation group 24 and a corresponding second actuation group 25, to transversely seal and / or cut tube 4 in the area of ​​the intended pattern, in particular so that each final package 2 has a respective desired pattern.

[0064] Additionally, each pair of interacting tabs 26 may be configured to apply a controlled pulling force to the tube 4 to “pull” the tube 4 downstream along the tube advancement path Q.

[0065] More specifically, the controlled pulling force may depend on the relative distance between each pair of interaction tabs 26, and preferably may depend to some extent on whether the actual interaction position at which each pair of interaction tabs 26 stops when interacting with the tube 4 (the position at which each pair of interaction tabs 26 stops when interacting with the tube 4) is between the first limit position and the second limit position of each pair of interaction tabs 26. In other words, the controlled pulling force may depend on the actual interaction position at which each pair of interaction tabs 26 stops when interacting with the tube 4, and the actual interaction position is between the respective first limit position and the respective second limit position, or corresponds to the respective second limit position. In other words, the controlled pulling force is a function of the relative distance between the interaction tabs 26.

[0066] Preferably, when each respective pair of interaction tabs 26 is in its respective first limit position, each interaction tab 26 is spaced apart (at a distance) from tube 4 as tube 4 advances along tube advancement path Q, i.e., each interaction tab 26 is not in contact with tube 4 and therefore does not apply a pulling force to tube 4. In other words, when each respective pair of interaction tabs 26 is in its respective first limit position, each interaction tab 26 is positioned so as not to interact with tube 4 as tube 4 advances along tube advancement path Q.

[0067] Preferably, when each pair of interacting tabs 26 is in its respective second limit position, each interacting tab 26 contacts the tube 4 as the tube 4 advances along the tube advancement path Q in use, and preferably exerts maximum tensile force on the tube 4.

[0068] Furthermore, each pair of interacting tabs 26 may be configured to be controlled (i.e., stopped) between a first limit position and a second limit position, thereby controlling the pulling force that each interacting tab 26 exerts on the tube 4.

[0069] Alternatively, or additionally, each pair of interacting tabs 26 may be configured to fold the tube 4 to define a flap of the corresponding semi-finished pack.

[0070] In this context, it should be considered that each blank pack may comprise a pair of sealing fins arranged at opposite ends of the blank pack and flaps projecting laterally from the opposite ends.

[0071] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, referring to Figures 3A-5, the package forming apparatus 10 may further include a cam mechanism 28 configured to control the relative position of each pair of interacting tabs 26 as each first actuating group 24 and each second actuating group 25 advances along their respective first advancement paths (preferably corresponding actuating portions) and their respective second advancement paths (preferably corresponding actuating portions).

[0072] More specifically, the cam mechanism 28 may be configured to selectively control the relative positions of each pair of interacting tabs 26 relative to one another, and to selectively control each pair of interacting tabs 26 between a first limit position and a second limit position. Preferably, the cam mechanism 28 may be configured to control each pair of interacting tabs 26 between any relative position between the first limit position and the second limit position.

[0073] 3A-5, the cam mechanism 28 may include: - one or more cam channels 29; and - one or more cam followers 30, each connected to a respective pair of interacting tabs 26, movably arranged within one cam channel 29, configured to move within the respective cam channel 29 along a forward direction D1 when the respective first actuating group 24 and the respective second actuating group 25 advance along their first actuating paths, preferably along their respective actuating portions, and configured to move along a second path, preferably in their respective actuating portions.

[0074] In particular, the forward direction D1 may be defined by or relative to the cam channel 29.

[0075] Preferably, the interaction of each cam follower 30 with a respective cam channel 29 controls the relative position of each interacting tab 26, and in particular, controls the relative position of each respective pair of interacting tabs 26 between a first limit position and a second limit position.

[0076] More specifically, the interaction of each cam follower 30 with its respective cam channel 29 controls the relative position between each pair of interacting tabs 26, thereby controlling the pulling force acting on the tube 4. In particular, the tube 4 can be controlled to be transversely sealed or cut at a desired location, thereby obtaining a package 2 having a desired pattern.

[0077] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cam mechanism 28 may include one cam channel 29 and one cam follower 30 for each actuation device 23. In the specific embodiment disclosed, the cam mechanism 28 may include two cam channels 29 and two cam followers 30.

[0078] Advantageously, the cam mechanism 28 may further comprise an actuation unit 31 configured to move each cam channel 29 along a corresponding cam movement direction D2 (a direction perpendicular to the corresponding feed direction D1).

[0079] The actuation unit 31 may be configured to change the relative position of each cam channel 29, thereby defining a relative forward direction D1 for each cam channel 29. That is, each cam channel 29 may be positioned in different positions by the actuation unit 31, but the cam channels 29 always define a relative forward direction D1.

[0080] Furthermore, as each cam channel 29 moves along its corresponding cam travel direction D2, its corresponding cam follower 30 also moves along its corresponding cam travel direction D2, thereby changing the relative positions of its corresponding interacting tabs 26 relative to one another, preferably so as to control each pair of its corresponding interacting tabs 26 between their corresponding first and second limit positions.

[0081] Preferably, the actuation unit 31 may be configured to control the extent to which each pair of interacting tabs 26 controls the tensile force acting on the tube 4, and therefore the extent to which the cam channels 29 move along the corresponding cam movement direction D2.

[0082] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each cam channel 29 extends linearly along central axis B.

[0083] Furthermore, each cam follower 30 advances linearly within its respective cam channel 29 during use.

[0084] More particularly, each cam channel 29 may include a respective first wall 32 and a respective second wall 33 spaced apart from the first wall 32. Each cam follower 29 may be disposed between the respective first wall 32 and the respective second wall 33 and may be configured to engage therewith in use, preferably such that movement of the cam channel 29 along the cam movement direction D2 is transmitted to each cam follower 30.

[0085] More particularly, each first wall 32 and each second wall 33 may be parallel to one another.

[0086] Preferably, each first wall 32 and / or each second wall 33 may be parallel to the respective central axis B.

[0087] 3A, 3B and 5, the drive unit 31 may comprise one or more support bars 34 that each support a respective cam channel 29 and one or more actuators 35 (only some of which are shown). Each actuator 35 may be connected to a respective support bar 34 and configured to move a respective cam channel 29 along a cam movement direction D2, and therefore move the support bar 34 along a respective cam movement direction D2.

[0088] Preferably, each support bar 34 may be movably connected to a corresponding support post (not shown) of the package forming apparatus 10 .

[0089] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each cam movement direction D2 may comprise a first component perpendicular to the respective central axis B and a second component parallel to the respective central axis B.

[0090] In particular, the movement of each cam channel 29 along its respective cam movement direction D2 may be a linear movement.

[0091] 3A, 3B, and 5, each support bar 34 can be designed such that a corresponding cam movement direction D2 includes a first component and a second component. More specifically, each support bar 34 can be designed such that actuation of a corresponding actuator 35 causes movement along the corresponding cam movement direction D2.

[0092] More specifically, each support bar 34 may include a respective first end 40 and a second end 41 opposite the first end 40 .

[0093] Advantageously, each first end 40 is angularly movable about a first axis of rotation C, and each second end 41 is angularly movable about a second axis of rotation E, thereby allowing each support bar 34 and each cam channel 29 to be configured to move along a corresponding cam movement direction D2.

[0094] Preferably, each first end 40 and each second end 41 may be connected to a respective support post so as to be angularly movable about a respective first axis of rotation C and a respective second axis of rotation E.

[0095] Additionally, each support bar 34 may include a respective intermediate portion 42 interposed between or connected to the respective first end 40 and second end 41 .

[0096] Preferably, each cam channel 29 may be attached to a respective intermediate portion 42 .

[0097] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, each first end 40 and each second end 41 may be formed to protrude laterally and / or laterally from the respective intermediate portion 42.

[0098] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each intermediate portion 42 extends linearly along a corresponding longitudinal axis F.

[0099] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each actuator 35 may be connected to either a respective first end 40 or a respective second end 41. Furthermore, the other of the respective first end 40 or the respective second end 41 moves angularly in response to the angular movement driven by the respective actuator 35.

[0100] In the particular example shown, each actuator 35 may be connected to a respective second end 41 and configured to directly drive angular movement about a respective second axis of rotation E, while each first end 40 moves angularly about a respective first axis of rotation C due to the angular movement of the respective second end 41.

[0101] Preferably, each actuator 35 may comprise an electric motor 36 .

[0102] 3A to 4, each cam mechanism 28 may further include one or more coupling bars 43, each of which holds one cam follower 30 and is connected to a pair of interacting tabs 26.

[0103] Preferably, each actuation device 23 may include an actuation mechanism 49 (only a portion of which is shown) operatively coupled to a respective pair of interacting tabs 26 and configured to actuate relative movement of the respective interacting tabs 26 relative to one another.

[0104] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each coupling bar 43 may be connected to a respective actuation mechanism 49 and configured to transfer motion of the respective cam follower 30 to the actuation mechanism 49, which in turn transfers that motion to a respective pair of interacting tabs 26.

[0105] In some possible example embodiments, each coupling bar 43 may be angularly movably connected to a respective actuation device 23, preferably connected to either a respective first actuation group 24 or a respective second actuation group 25. More preferably, each coupling bar 43 may be angularly movably connected about an axis of rotation G.

[0106] Additionally, angular movement of the linkage bar 43 may cause a corresponding linear movement of the actuator bar of the actuation mechanism 49 .

[0107] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 23 may include a connecting structure 44 having a first portion 45 and a second portion 46 that are movable relative to one another. Preferably, each first portion 45 and second portion 46 may be movable toward one another and away from one another.

[0108] Preferably, each first actuation group 24 may be connected to / supported by a respective first portion 45, and each second actuation group 25 may be connected to / supported by a respective second portion 46. Furthermore, movement of each first portion 45 and each second portion 46 causes movement of the first actuation group 24 and second actuation group 25, respectively.

[0109] Preferably, each connecting bar 43 is angularly movably connected, or may be hingedly connected, to either the respective first portion 45 and the respective second portion 46, thereby configured to define a respective axis of rotation G.

[0110] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the operation of the cam mechanism 28 is coordinated depending on the relative positions of the respective first actuating groups 24 and the respective second actuating groups 25, and / or the respective first portions 45 and the respective second portions 46, with respect to one another.

[0111] That is, as described above, each pair of interacting tabs 26 is positioned to interact with the tube 4 so that lateral sealing and lateral cutting are performed at the correct positions. Therefore, each pair of interacting tabs 26 needs to be controlled from a corresponding first limit position to a corresponding second limit position before or while each actuation device 23 is controlled from a rest state to an actuated state.

[0112] In FIG. 3A, the first portion 45 and each second portion 46 are separated from each other with each actuation device 23 in its respective rest position (i.e., with each first actuation group 24 and each second actuation group 25 separated from each other), and in this state, each pair of interaction tabs 26 is also at or near its respective first limit position.

[0113] 3B, first portion 45 and each second portion 46 approach each other, which in turn brings each first actuation group 24 and each second actuation group 25 closer to each other. In particular, the state shown in FIG. 3B corresponds to a state in which each actuation device 23 is in its respective actuated configuration. Furthermore, before first actuation group 25 and each second actuation group 26 approach each other, each pair of interacting tabs 26 are moved closer to each other and into mating interaction with tube 4.

[0114] With particular reference to FIG. 2 , each actuation device 23 may include at least one seal assembly including a respective seal element 47 and a respective counter-seal element 48 configured in cooperation with each other to laterally seal the tube 4 .

[0115] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each first working group 24 may include a respective seal element 47 and each second working group 25 may include a respective counter-seal element 48 .

[0116] More specifically, each sealing element 47 and respective counter-seal element 48 may be configured to at least laterally compress, particularly flatten and squeeze, to laterally seal the tube 4, particularly while the tube 4 advances along the tube advancement path Q.

[0117] Additionally, each sealing element 47 and corresponding counter-seal element 48 may be configured to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4 .

[0118] More specifically, each sealing element 47 may comprise a source that generates the energy necessary to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 58 may be a sonotrode with an ultrasonic oscillator, or the sealing element 58 may comprise an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-seal element 48 may be a passive element without an active source. For example, the counter-seal element 48 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0119] Additionally, each actuation device 23 may include at least one cutting assembly configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting assembly may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after the tube 4 has been sealed by the respective sealing device.

[0120] Preferably, each seal element 47 and each counter seal element 48 can be configured to move toward and away from each other when the corresponding first actuating group 24 and second actuating group 25 move toward and away from each other.

[0121] Each cutting assembly may include a cutting blade associated with either the respective first working group 24 or second working group 25, and preferably includes a cutting blade associated with the second working group 25.

[0122] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 23 may further include a molded shell assembly (not shown, as known) configured to form a tube 4, preferably configured to at least partially define the shape of the package 2.

[0123] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each molded shell assembly may include at least a first half shell (not shown, as known) and a second half shell 59 configured to together at least partially define the shape of the package 2. Preferably, each first half shell and each second half shell 59 may be configured to contact the tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube 4.

[0124] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first half shell and the second half shell 59 may be coupled to the first actuation group 24, and the other of the first half shell and the second half shell 59 may be coupled to the second actuation group 25.

[0125] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first half shell and the second half shell 59 may be coupled to the seal element 47, and the other of the first half shell and the second half shell 59 may be coupled to the counter-seal element 48.

[0126] Preferably, each first half shell and each second half shell 49 may be moved such that each first working group 24 and each second working group 25 moves toward and away from each other.

[0127] 3A and 3B, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 55 that movably supports each actuation device 23.

[0128] The support structure 55 may include one or more support assemblies 56 (only one shown), each of which movably supports one actuation device 23 .

[0129] In some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include two, preferably exactly two, actuation devices 23, and the support structure 55 may include two, preferably exactly two, support assemblies 56.

[0130] Preferably, the support assemblies 56 may be spaced apart from one another.

[0131] More preferably, the support assemblies 56 may be arranged such that, in use, the advancing tube 4 is interposed between the support assemblies 56. That is, the support assemblies 56 may define and / or delimit an advancement space through which the tube 4 advances in use.

[0132] Advantageously, each support assembly 56 may comprise a respective first guide 57 and a respective second guide 58 spaced from the first guide 29 .

[0133] Preferably, each connecting structure 44 may be movably coupled to a respective first guide 57 and second guide 58 .

[0134] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each support bar 34 may extend parallel to and / or be positioned adjacent to a respective second guide 58 .

[0135] In some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 23 may be connected to a corresponding connection structure 44 so as to protrude into the advancement space of the tube 4 .

[0136] More specifically, each first actuation group 24 and each second actuation group 25 may be configured to be supported by a respective first portion 45 and a respective second portion 46 and to be disposed within the advancement space.

[0137] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0138] 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.

[0139] More particularly, during operation of the package forming apparatus 10, the actuation device 23 transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4. Preferably, the actuation device 23 forms the package 2 from the tube 4.

[0140] During operation of each actuation device 23, the respective first actuation group 24 and the respective second actuation group 25 cyclically move towards and away from each other.

[0141] Additionally, each pair of interacting tabs 26 is selectively moved between a respective first limit position and a respective second limit position by a cam mechanism 28 .

[0142] Each first operating group 24 and each second operating group 25 advances along a respective first forward path and second forward path, thereby causing the corresponding cam follower 30 to move along an advance direction D1 within the corresponding cam channel 29.

[0143] Furthermore, each actuation unit 31 moves its respective cam channel 29 along its respective cam movement direction D2, causing its respective cam follower 30 to move along the cam movement direction D2, thereby changing the relative positions of its corresponding interaction tabs 26.

[0144] The advantages of the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 of the present invention are clear from the above description.

[0145] In particular, the cam mechanism 28 employs a simple design that allows for precise control of the relative position between the interacting tabs 26 of each pair of interacting tabs 26 .

[0146] Furthermore, another advantage is that the cam mechanism 28 can be easily assembled even with limited assembly precision, since each cam follower 30 interacts with the cam channel 29, more precisely with the respective first wall 32 and the respective second wall 33.

[0147] 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), said package forming device (10) configured to at least transversely seal a tube (4) formed from a web of packaging material (3) and to form a package (2) from said tube (4), The package forming apparatus (10) comprises at least one actuating device (23), the actuating device (23) comprising a first actuating group (24) and a second actuating group (25), the first actuating group (24) and the second actuating group (25) being configured to seal the tube (4) at least laterally; one of the first actuation group (24) and the second actuation group (25) comprises a pair of opposing interacting tabs (26), which interact with each other from opposite sides of the tube (4) in use and are movable relative to each other; The package forming device (10) includes a cam mechanism (28) configured to control the relative positions of the pair of interacting tabs (26); The cam mechanism (28) includes at least a cam channel (29); a cam follower (30) connected to the pair of interacting tabs (26), movably disposed within the cam channel (29), and configured to move within the cam channel (28) along a forward direction (D1); Interaction between the cam follower (30) and the cam channel (29) controls the relative position of the interacting tabs (26). A package forming device (10).

2. the cam mechanism (28) further comprises an actuation unit (31) configured to move the cam channel (29) along a cam movement direction (D2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (D1); As the cam channel (28) moves along the cam movement direction (D2), the cam follower (29) also moves along the cam movement direction (D2), causing the relative positions of the interacting tabs (26) to change with respect to one another. The package forming apparatus of claim 1 .

3. The actuation unit (31) comprises a support bar (34) supporting the cam channel (29), and an actuator (35) connected to the support bar (34) and configured to move the support bar (34) along the cam movement direction (D2). The package forming apparatus of claim 2 .

4. The cam channel (28) extends linearly along a central axis (B); the support bar (34) has a cam movement direction (D2) with a first component perpendicular to the central axis (B) and a second component parallel to the central axis (B); The package forming apparatus of claim 3 .

5. The support bar (34) has a first end (40) and a second end (41) opposite the first end (40); the first end (40) is angularly movable about a first axis of rotation (C) and the second end (41) is angularly movable about a second axis of rotation (E) to move the support bar (34) and the cam channel (29) along the cam movement direction (D2); The package forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The actuator (35) is connected to either the first end (40) or the second end (41). The package forming apparatus of claim 5 .

7. The support bar (34) has a first end (40), a second end (41) opposite to the first end (40), and an intermediate portion (42) extending linearly between the first end (40) and the second end (41), the first end (40) and the second end (41) project laterally from the intermediate portion (42); The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. the pair of interacting tabs (26) are controllable between a first limit position in which they are spaced apart from the tube (4) in use and a second limit position in which they are in contact with the tube (4) in use; Interaction between the cam follower (30) and the cam channel (29) controls the pair of interacting tabs (26) between the first limit position and the second limit position. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cam channel (29) extends linearly. The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The cam channel (28) comprises a first wall (31) and a second wall (33) spaced from the first wall; The cam follower (30) is interposed between the first wall (31) and the second wall (33) and configured to engage with the first wall (31) and the second wall (33). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The cam mechanism (28) includes a connecting bar (43) that supports the cam follower (30) and connects the cam follower (30) to a pair of opposing tabs (26). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The actuation device (23) includes an actuation mechanism (49) coupled to the pair of interacting tabs (26) and the coupling bar (43), and configured to move the interacting tab (26) of the pair of interacting tabs (26) as a result of interaction between the cam follower (30) and the cam channel (29). The package forming apparatus of claim 11.

13. a transport unit configured to advance the first and second working groups (24, 25) along a first and second forward path, respectively; the cam follower (30) is configured to move within the cam channel (29) along the forward direction (D1) as the first and second operating groups (24, 25) move along the first and second forward paths; The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. one of the first working group (24) and the second working group (25) includes a sealing element (47), and the other of the first working group (24) and the second working group (25) includes a counter-seal element (48); The sealing element (47) and the counter-seal element (48) are configured in cooperation to compress and laterally seal the tube (4). 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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