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

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a package forming apparatus (10) including an actuation device (25) configured to transversely seal a tube (4) and a support structure (27) that movably supports the actuation device (25). The support structure (27) includes a first guide (29), a second guide (30), and a support device (31) movably coupled to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30) and supporting the actuation device (25). The support device (31) includes a first coupling structure (32) and a second coupling structure (33) that couple the support device (31) to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30), respectively. The second coupling structure (33) includes at least a first wheel (32) and one or more second wheels (35). The first wheel (32) and each second wheel (33) are arranged to contact the second guide (30) from opposite sides thereof. The second coupling structure (33) includes one or more elastic elements (42), each coupled to one respective second wheel (35) and configured to elastically couple each second wheel (35) to the second guide (30).

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 foods, 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 foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made 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 a heat-sealable plastic layer such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), for example aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic that ultimately forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of packaging 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 tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, sealed transversely, and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in the package forming device of the packaging machine while advancing along a vertical direction.

[0007] A typical packaging machine comprises a conveying device for advancing a web of packaging material along a web advancement path, a tube formed from the web of packaging material along the tube advancement path, and a sterilization device for sterilizing the web of packaging material before it is formed into a tube; a tube forming and sealing device disposed at least partially within the isolation chamber and configured to form a tube from the advancing web of packaging material and longitudinally seal the tube; a filling device for filling the tube with a pourable product; and a package forming device adapted to form, transversely seal and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material.

[0008] The package forming apparatus includes at least one actuation device configured to at least partially form, transversely seal, and cut the tube, and a support structure that movably carries the actuation device.

[0009] The support structure includes a first guide, a second guide spaced apart from the first guide, and a support device movably coupled to the first guide and the second guide and carrying the actuation device.

[0010] The support device further includes a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure that couple the support device to the first guide and the second guide, respectively. In use, the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure move back and forth along the first guide and the second guide, respectively. By providing that the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure are coupled to the first guide and the second guide, respectively, rotational movement can be avoided, allowing guided linear movement of the actuation device.

[0011] The first coupling structure includes a hollow shell that surrounds the first guide and is movable along the first guide, and the second coupling structure includes first and second sliding surfaces that engage with the second guide from opposite sides thereof. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] 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.

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

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

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1.

[0016] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the package forming apparatus are set forth in the claims that depend directly and indirectly from claim 1.

[0017] According to the present invention there is also provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 15.

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

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine equipped with a package forming device according to the invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing details of the package molding apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a detail of FIG. 3 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 4A with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view of another portion of the detail of FIG. 3, with parts removed for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, such as milk, milk drinks, yogurt, yogurt drinks, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, drinks containing fruit pulp, salt, sugar, etc.

[0021] More particularly, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from multi-layer packaging material. Preferably, the multi-layer packaging material has heat-sealing properties (i.e., parts of the multi-layer packaging material can be sealed to each other).

[0022] More particularly, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiching the layers of fibrous material between them. Preferably, one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0023] 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 one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] Preferably, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0025] More particularly, the multi-layer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3 .

[0026] Additionally, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 by forming tubes 4 from web 3, sealing tubes 4 longitudinally, filling tubes 4 with a pourable product, sealing transversely, and preferably cutting tubes 4 transversely.

[0027] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0028] According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may include at least a first transverse seal band 5 positioned at a first end of the package 2 and preferably a second transverse seal band positioned at a second end of the package 2 opposite the first end.

[0029] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may be substantially spaced apart from each second transverse sealing band along the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0030] Preferably, each first transverse sealing band 5 may define an upper transverse sealing band and each second transverse sealing band may define a lower transverse sealing band.

[0031] Furthermore, each package 2 may comprise a longitudinal seam 6. Preferentially, each first transverse sealing band 5 and / or each second transverse sealing band may be transverse, preferentially perpendicular to the respective longitudinal seam 6.

[0032] 1, the packaging machine 1 may include a package forming device 10 configured to transversely seal and preferentially transversely cut the tube 4 to obtain the package 2. Preferably, the package forming device 10 may be configured to form the tube 4.

[0033] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 - a conveying device 11 configured to advance the web 3 along a web advancement path P, preferentially to a tube forming station, where, in use, the web 3 is formed into a tube 4, and the conveying device 11 is configured to 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 advancing web 3 and longitudinally seal the tube 4; a filling device 13 for filling the tube 4 with a pourable product; may include:

[0034] More particularly, the packaging machine 1 may preferably 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, and preferably comprises a controlled atmosphere.

[0035] Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may be at least partially disposed within the isolation chamber 14, in particular the internal environment 15, and is configured to fold and longitudinally seal the tube 4 within the isolation chamber 14, in particular the internal environment 15.

[0036] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a sterilisation unit configured to sterilise the advancing web 3 in use, preferably the sterilisation unit being located upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 12 along the web advancement path P.

[0037] More specifically, the conveying device 11 may be configured to advance the tube 4 and any intermediate form of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q, preferably from the tube forming and sealing device 12 to the package forming device 10 and / or at least partially within the package forming device 10. Preferably, the term "intermediate form of the tube 4" refers to any configuration of the web 3 before obtaining a tubular structure and after folding of the web 3 by the tube forming and sealing device 12 has begun. In other words, the intermediate form of the tube 4 is the result of gradually folding the web 3 to obtain the tube 4, preferentially obtained by overlapping the (longitudinal) ends of the web 3 on top of each other.

[0038] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may be positioned so that the tube 4 is vertically oriented.

[0039] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing device 12 includes at least two forming ring assemblies 17 preferentially disposed within an isolation chamber 14 and further preferentially disposed within an internal environment 15, and is configured to cooperate with one another to gradually fold the web 3 into a tube 4, preferably by overlapping the ends of the web 3 together, thereby forming a seam portion 6 of the tube 4 during use.

[0040] Further, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may preferably include a sealing head 18 disposed within the isolation chamber 14, and more preferably within the interior environment 15, and preferably configured to longitudinally seal the tube 4 along the longitudinal seam 6.

[0041] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 12 may include a pressure assembly configured to apply a mechanical force to the longitudinal seam 6 to ensure sealing of the tube 4 along the longitudinal seam 6.

[0042] Preferably, the filling device 13 may include a filling pipe 19 configured to, in use, direct the pourable product into the tube 4. Preferably, the filling pipe 19 may be at least partially disposed within the tube 4 so as to, in use, provide the pourable product into the tube 4.

[0043] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 25, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more, preferably multiple, actuating devices 25 (only partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the invention), each actuating device 25 configured to at least laterally seal and preferably laterally cut and / or shape (form) the tube 4.

[0044] Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 may comprise a transport unit (not shown) configured to advance the handling devices 25 preferentially along their respective paths.

[0045] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control the actuating device 25 and the conveying unit to transversely seal the tube 4 along equally spaced transverse cross sections, preferably to cut the tube 4, and preferably to form each first transverse sealing band 5 and / or each second transverse sealing band.

[0046] With particular reference to FIG. 2, each actuation device 25 may include at least one sealing assembly 26 configured to laterally seal the tube 4, and more preferably form a respective primary transverse seal band.

[0047] Additionally, each actuation device 25 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 assembly 26.

[0048] More preferably, each cutting assembly may be configured to cut a respective transverse main seal band, thereby preferably forming one respective first transverse seal band 5 and one respective second transverse seal band. In other words, each transverse main seal band includes one respective first transverse seal band 5 and one respective second transverse seal band. More specifically, each transverse main seal band may include one respective first transverse seal band 5 of a first package 2 and one respective second transverse seal band of a second package 2, the second package 2 being disposed downstream of the first package 2 along the tube advance path Q.

[0049] More specifically, each second transverse sealing band obtained after cutting by the cutting assembly 26 may be part of a preceding package 2 (with respect to the tube advance path Q), and each first transverse sealing band 5 may be part of a succeeding package 2 (with respect to the tube advance path Q). More specifically, after the cutting operation is performed by the respective cutting assembly, the preceding package 2 with its respective second transverse sealing band may be separated from the tube 4, while the succeeding package 2 with its respective first transverse sealing band 5 may still be attached to the tube 4 (in particular, each succeeding package 2 defines an end of the tube 4 and thereafter defines a new preceding package 2).

[0050] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 25 may also include a molded shell assembly (not shown, but known as such) configured to form the tube 4, preferably at least partially define the shape of the package 2.

[0051] With particular reference to FIGS. 3-6, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure 27 that movably carries an actuation device 25.

[0052] The support structure 27 may comprise one or more support assemblies 28 (only one shown), each support assembly 28 movably carrying at least one, and preferably exactly one, manipulation device 25 .

[0053] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two, and preferably exactly two, operating devices 25, and the support structure 27 may include at least two, and preferably exactly two, support assemblies 28.

[0054] Preferably, the support assemblies 28 may be spaced apart from one another.

[0055] More preferably, the support assemblies 28 may be arranged such that, in use, the advancing tube 4 is interposed between the support assemblies 28 .

[0056] More specifically, the support assembly 28 may define a space through which the tube 4 advances, in use.

[0057] Preferably, each support assembly 28 may include a respective first guide 29, a respective second guide 30 spaced apart from the respective first guide 29, and at least one respective support device 31 movably coupled to the respective first guide 29 and second guide 30 and carrying one respective operating device 25.

[0058] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each support device 31 comprises: a respective first coupling structure 32 and a respective second coupling structure 33 connecting the support device 31 to the first guide 29 and the second guide 30, respectively; may be provided with at least

[0059] Preferably, each second connecting structure 33 may comprise at least a first wheel 34 rotatable about a first axis of rotation B and one or more, preferably at least two, and more preferably exactly two, second wheels 35, each of which is rotatable about a respective second axis of rotation C.

[0060] More specifically, each of the first wheels 34 and each of the second wheels 35 may be arranged to contact the second guide 30 from the opposite side thereof.

[0061] In other words, each first wheel 34 may contact a first surface 40 of a respective second guide 30, and each second wheel 35 may contact a second surface 41 of a respective second guide 30, and in particular, each second surface 41 is opposite to a respective first surface 40.

[0062] Furthermore, in use, each first wheel 34 may travel on a respective first surface 40 and each second wheel 35 may travel on a respective second surface 41 .

[0063] Advantageously, each second coupling structure 33 may also include one or more elastic elements 42, such as springs, each coupled to a respective second wheel 35 and configured to elastically couple each second wheel 35 to a respective second guide 30, preferably to a respective second surface 41.

[0064] By providing the first wheel 34, at least one second wheel 35 and the elastic element 42, it is possible to reduce wear associated with the movement of the second connecting structure 33.

[0065] More particularly, in use, the transport unit may preferably actuate a movement, preferentially a linear movement, of the support device 31 so as to advance the respective manipulation device 25 (in particular along the respective path).

[0066] Furthermore, the movement of the support device 31 is determined by the movement of the respective first coupling structure 32 and the respective second coupling structure 33 which is determined by interaction with the respective first guide 29 and the respective second guide 30 .

[0067] More specifically, each second wheel 35 may be movable linearly, preferentially along the direction of movement D1, towards or away from each first wheel 34, in particular at least partly thanks to a respective elastic element 42. In this way, contact between each second wheel 35 and each second guide 30 is ensured, preferably with a desired force.

[0068] 3 to 5, each of the first guides 29 and each of the second guides 30 may extend (linearly) along a respective first central axis E and a respective second central axis F. Preferably, each of the first central axis E and each of the second central axes F may be parallel to each other. According to the illustrated example, each of the first central axis E and each of the second central axes F may have a substantially perpendicular orientation.

[0069] Preferably, each of the first guides 29 and each of the second guides 30 may be spaced apart along directions perpendicular to the first central axis E and the second central axis F, respectively.

[0070] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cross section of each first guide 29 with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to each first central axis E may be circular.

[0071] Further, or in addition, the cross section of each second guide 30 with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to each second central axis F may be rectangular.

[0072] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each direction of movement D1 may be transverse, preferentially (substantially) perpendicular to the respective second central axis F.

[0073] With particular reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, each second wheel 35 may be interposed between each second guide 35 and each elastic element 42 .

[0074] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second coupling structure 33 may further comprise a respective support plate 43 .

[0075] Preferably, each first wheel 34 and each second wheel 35 may be coupled to a respective support plate 43 .

[0076] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, and with particular reference to FIG. 5 , each first wheel 34 may be fixed relative to its respective support plate 43, i.e., the first wheel 34 may rotate relative to its respective support plate 43, but may not move linearly away from its respective support plate 43.

[0077] Furthermore, each first wheel 34 may not move (other than any rotation) towards or away from its respective second wheel 35 relative to a portion of the second connecting structure 33.

[0078] With particular reference to FIG. 5, each support plate 43 may have a first connection region 44 and a second connection region 45 .

[0079] Preferably, each first wheel 34 is connected to a respective first connection area 44 and each second wheel 35 is connected to a respective second connection area 45 .

[0080] More preferably, each first connection region 44 and each second connection region 45 may include a fixing point that allows each first wheel 34 and each second wheel 35 to be connected to each first connection region 44 and each second connection region 45, respectively.

[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first connection region 44 and each second connection region 45 may be mirror symmetrical with respect to a respective axis of symmetry G. In particular, each fixing point is mirror symmetrical.

[0082] Preferably, each first connection region 44 may correspond to each second connection region 45, i.e., each first connection region 44 including each fixing point may have the same shape and / or configuration and / or arrangement as each second connection region 45 including each fixing point.

[0083] This is advantageous because in some operating modes of the packaging machine 1, it may be necessary to preferentially couple each of one or more second wheels 35 to a first connection area 44 and each of the first wheels 34 to a respective second connection area 45 due to specific operations that one or more operating devices 25 must perform on the tube 4.

[0084] This is easily possible due to the fact that the first connection region 44 and the second connection region 45 are mirror symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry G and that the first connection region 44 has the same shape and / or configuration and / or arrangement as the respective second connection region 45.

[0085] More specifically, each second connecting structure 33 may comprise a housing 46 and preferably a further housing 47, and each second wheel 35 may be connected to the respective housing 46, and preferably each first wheel 34 may be connected to the respective further housing 47.

[0086] Furthermore, each housing 46 may be coupled to each second connection region 45 so as to couple each second wheel 35 to each second connection region 45. Similarly, each further housing 47 may be coupled to each first connection region 44 so as to couple each first wheel 34 to each first connection region 44.

[0087] In this way, each first wheel 34 can be connected to a respective first connection region 44 and each second wheel 35 can be connected to a respective second connection region 45, or, if desired, each first wheel 34 can be connected to a respective second connection region 45 and each second wheel 35 can be connected to a respective first connection region 44.

[0088] More specifically, each housing 46 and each further housing 47 may be connected to a respective second connection region 45 and a respective first connection region 44 by a respective fixing point.

[0089] According to some possible non-illustrated embodiments, each housing 46 may be coupled and / or connectable to a respective first connection region 44, and each further housing 47 may be coupled and / or connectable to a respective second connection region 45.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, and particularly referring to Figure 4B, each housing 46 may include an opposing abutment surface 48 and an opposing engagement surface. Furthermore, each resilient element 42 may abut against one of the abutment surfaces 48 and the engagement surface. Preferably, each resilient element 42 may be interposed between the respective abutment surface 48 and the respective engagement surface.

[0091] 4B, each second coupling structure 33 may further include one or more coupling elements 50, each of which rotatably carries one second wheel 35. Preferably, each coupling structure 33 carries a single coupling element 50.

[0092] Preferably, each second wheel 35 may be coupled to a first end of a respective coupling element 50 .

[0093] Furthermore, each connecting element 50 may be movable along a linear direction, in particular parallel to each moving direction D1. Preferably, each connecting element 50 may be movable in a direction toward and away from each second guide 30 and / or each first wheel 34.

[0094] Preferably, each elastic element 42 may be associated with each linking element 50 and configured to allow movement of each linking element 50 along each linear direction.

[0095] In particular, in use, each second wheel 35 may move towards and away from each second guide 30 as a result of linear movement of the connecting element 50 .

[0096] More specifically, each second connecting structure 33, preferably each connecting element 50, may have an accommodation space 51, and at least a portion of each elastic element 42 may be disposed within each accommodation space 51.

[0097] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each coupling element 50 may include a respective abutment surface 48. Preferably, each abutment surface 48 may define a respective receiving space 51.

[0098] More specifically, each coupling element 50 may comprise a main portion having a respective receiving space 51 and being (integrally) connected to a respective first end.

[0099] More specifically, each main portion may include a hollow portion that defines a respective receiving space 51 .

[0100] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each coupling element 50 may be disposed within a respective housing 46 .

[0101] Preferably, each housing 46 may include at least one inlet opening that allows a lubricant to be supplied within each housing 46 to lubricate each connecting element 50. More preferably, each housing 46 may include one or more channels fluidly connected to the at least one inlet opening and configured to distribute the lubricant within each housing 46.

[0102] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second connecting structure 33 may include one or more fastening elements 52, each fastening element 52 interacting with one respective elastic element 42 and fixing each respective elastic element 42 within a respective accommodating space 51.

[0103] Preferably, each fastening element 52 is removably coupled to a respective housing 46 and may be preferentially fastened thereto.

[0104] More specifically, each housing 46 may include a respective housing seat for each fastening element 52 .

[0105] More specifically, each fastening element 52 may include a first interacting element, and each housing seat may include a second interacting element. Interaction between the first interacting element and the second interacting element may releasably fasten the fastening element 52 to the respective housing 46. According to the illustrated non-limiting example, each fastening element 52 includes a first thread, and each housing seat includes a second thread, to releasably fasten the fastening element 52 to the respective housing 46.

[0106] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each fastening element 52 may include a respective engagement surface.

[0107] According to the illustrated preferred, non-limiting embodiment, each second coupling structure 30 comprises two second wheels 35 spaced apart from one another. Each first wheel 34 contacts each second guide 30 at a first relative position, and each second wheel 35 contacts each second guide 30 at a second relative position. In particular, each relative first position and each relative second position are dynamic, i.e., each relative first position and each relative second position move with the movement of each second coupling structure 33.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the illustrated non-limiting example, each first wheel 34 and each second wheel 35 are arranged such that imaginary lines connecting each first relative position and each second relative position to one another define an imaginary triangle. In particular, a first imaginary line connects two second relative positions to one another, a second imaginary line connects one of the two second relative positions to the first relative position, and a third imaginary line connects the other of the two second relative positions to the first relative position.

[0109] In other words, when considering projection onto two dimensions, in particular onto a plane having the first central axis E and the second central axis F, each first relative position is interposed between each second relative position, and further in other words, each first wheel 34 is interposed between each second wheel 35.

[0110] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, each first coupling structure 32 may include a housing shell 56 that surrounds and is movable along the respective first guide 32 .

[0111] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each support device 31 may include a coupling structure 57 coupled to a respective first coupling structure 32 and a respective second coupling structure 33 .

[0112] More specifically, each coupling structure 57 may be interposed between a respective first guide 29 and a respective second guide 30 .

[0113] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the transport unit may be configured to move each support device 31 linearly parallel to each first guide 29 and each second guide 30 to move each manipulation device 25 along a respective path.

[0114] Furthermore, the advancement of each support device 31 is determined by the movement of the respective first linking structure 32 and the respective second linking structure 33 along the first guide 29 and the second guide 30, respectively.

[0115] More specifically, the transport unit may be configured to move the first coupling structure 32 and the second coupling structure 33 back and forth along the respective first guide 29 and the respective second guide 30.

[0116] Furthermore, during use, each first coupling structure 32 and each second coupling structure 33 may move linearly back and forth.

[0117] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each cutting assembly may include a cutting element, e.g., a blade, configured to cut the tube 4 laterally, preferably along the respective transverse main seal band.

[0118] With particular reference to FIG. 2, each seal assembly 26 may preferably include a sealing element 58 and a counter-sealing element 59 configured to cooperatively seal within each other's tube 4 to form a respective transverse primary seal band.

[0119] More specifically, each sealing element 58 and each counter-sealing element 59 may be configured to compress, particularly lay flat and squeeze, at least laterally to seal the tube 4 laterally, particularly while the tube 4 advances along the tube advancement path Q.

[0120] Furthermore, each sealing element 58 and each counter-sealing element 59 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof.

[0121] More specifically, each sealing element 58 may comprise a source configured to generate the energy necessary to obtain the sealing effect, for example, the sealing element 58 may be a sonotrode with an ultrasonic emitter or may comprise an electromagnetic induction source.

[0122] Each counter-sealing element 59 may be a passive element (i.e., without an active source), for example, the counter-sealing element 59 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0123] More particularly, and with particular reference to FIG. 2 , each actuation device 25 may comprise at least a first operating group 60 and a second operating group 61 configured to cooperate with the respective first operating group 60 to at least transversely seal, and preferably cut, and at least partially form the tube 4.

[0124] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first operational group 60 may include a respective sealing element 58 and each second operational group 61 may include a respective counter-sealing element 59 .

[0125] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each second operating group 61 may comprise a respective cutting element 29 .

[0126] Preferably, one of the respective first operating group 60 and the respective second operating group 61 of each actuation device 25 may comprise and / or carry a respective cutting element 29 .

[0127] Furthermore, each first operational group 60 and each second operational group 61 may be connected to a respective support device 31 .

[0128] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 25 may comprise a connection assembly connected to a respective support device 31 , preferentially by a connection structure 57 .

[0129] Preferably, each first operating group 60 and each second operating group 61 may be connected to a respective connection assembly, and more preferably, each first operating group 60 and each second operating group 61 may protrude laterally from the respective connection assembly, in particular so that each first operating group 60 and each second operating group 60 may be positioned in a space through which the tube 4 advances in use.

[0130] Furthermore, a space may be interposed between each of the support assemblies 28. More specifically, a space may be interposed between each of the two first guides 29.

[0131] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each actuation device 25 may be controlled between an actuated configuration in which the respective first operating group 60 and the respective second operating group 61 are moved towards each other to seal and preferably cut and form the tube 4, and a rest configuration in which the respective first operating group 60 and the respective second operating group 61 are moved away from each other.

[0132] Further, the transport unit may be configured to advance each support device 31 (back and forth along a direction parallel to each first guide 29 and each second guide 30) to advance the first operating group 60 along a first advancement path and the second operating group 61 along a second advancement path.

[0133] Furthermore, each first operating group 60 and each second operating group 61 may be configured to cooperate with each other to form a package 2 as they advance along their respective operating sections of the first advancement path and the second advancement path, respectively.

[0134] Additionally, the first and second forward paths may each comprise a respective return section that allows the first and second operating groups 60, 61 to return to their respective operating sections.

[0135] It should be noted that while advancing along the respective return sections, each actuating device 25 is in a rest configuration, whereas while advancing along the respective operating sections, each actuating device 25 can be controlled in a respective actuating configuration.

[0136] According to some 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 (not shown, as known) configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially define the shape of package 2. Preferably, each first half shell and each second half shell may be configured to contact tube 4 from opposite sides of the tube.

[0137] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first half shell and the second half shell may be coupled to a first operational group 60, and the other of the first half shell and the second half shell may be coupled to a second operational group 61.

[0138] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of the first half shell and the second half shell may be coupled to the sealing element 58, and the other of the first half shell and the second half shell may be coupled to the counter-sealing element 47.

[0139] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0140] More specifically, the conveying device 11 advances the web 3 along a web advance path P. The tube forming and sealing device 12 forms tubes 4 from the advancing web 3 and longitudinally seals the tubes 4. Furthermore, the filling device 13 fills the tubes 4 with a pourable product, and the package forming device 10 forms, transversely seals, and transversely cuts the tubes 4 to obtain packages 2.

[0141] More particularly, during operation of the package-forming apparatus 10, the actuation device 25 transversely seals and preferably cuts the tube 4, in particular through each transverse main seal band, to obtain each filled package 2. Preferably, the actuation device 25 also forms the tube 4.

[0142] Furthermore, during operation of the package forming apparatus 10, the transport device moves the support device 31 linearly so as to advance the actuating devices 25, in particular the respective first operating groups 60 and the respective second operating groups 61.

[0143] During the movement of the support device 31 , the respective first connecting portion 32 and the respective second connecting portion 33 move along the respective first guide 29 and the respective second guide 30 .

[0144] The advantages of the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0145] In particular, since each second coupling structure 30 has a respective first wheel 34, one or more second wheels 35 and at least one elastic element 42, it is possible to reduce the formation of wear.

[0146] A further advantage resides in the reduction of bouncing effects and / or noise.

[0147] A further advantage is improved control of lateral sealing and / or cutting of the tube 4 over time, particularly due to reduced wear.

[0148] Furthermore, the Applicant has noticed that the support device 31 allows easier handling, in particular by making it easier to attach the second connecting structure 33. Indeed, the operator can attach and lock the elastic element 42 once the second connecting structure 33 is connected to the second guide 30.

[0149] Another advantage is that the transport unit is easier to operate.

[0150] However, it will be apparent that changes may be made to the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1), configured to seal a tube (4) at least laterally to obtain a package (2) from said tube, comprising: The package molding device (10) an actuation device (25) configured to transversely seal the tube (4); a support structure (27) for movably carrying said actuation device (25); Equipped with The support structure (27) a first guide (29); a second guide (30) spaced apart from the first guide (29); at least one support device (31) movably coupled to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30), carrying the at least one actuation device (25); Equipped with The support device (31) a first coupling structure (32) and a second coupling structure (33) connecting the support device (31) to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30), respectively; Equipped with The second coupling structure (33) comprises at least a first wheel (32) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (B) and one or more second wheels (35), each of the second wheels (35) being rotatable about a second axis of rotation (C); The first wheel (32) and the second wheel (33) are arranged to contact the second guide (30) from opposite sides thereof, the second coupling structure (33) comprises one or more elastic elements (42), each elastic element being coupled to a respective one of the second wheels (35) and configured to elastically couple the second wheels (35) to the second guide (30); A package forming device (10).

2. The second wheel (35) is linearly movable toward or away from the first wheel (34). The package molding apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The first wheel (34) does not move toward or away from the second wheel (35) relative to a portion of the second coupling structure (33); The package molding apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the second wheel (35) is interposed between the second guide (30) and the elastic element (42); The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second coupling structure (33) further comprises one or more coupling elements (50) each rotatably carrying one respective second wheel (35); The connecting element (50) is movable along a linear direction (D1), The elastic element (42) is connected to the connecting element (50) and configured to allow movement of the connecting element (50) along the linear direction (D1). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The connecting element (50) has a receiving space (51), At least a portion of the elastic element (42) is disposed within the receiving space (51). The package molding apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The connecting element (50) has an abutment surface (48), and the elastic element (42) abuts against the abutment surface (48).

7. The package molding apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The second coupling structure (33) comprises a housing (46), and the coupling element (50) is disposed within the housing (46); The housing (46) includes an inlet opening for supplying a lubricant into the housing (46) to lubricate the connecting element (50). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The second connecting structure (33) comprises one or more receiving spaces (51); At least a portion of the elastic element (42) is disposed within the receiving space (51); The second connecting structure (33) comprises one or more fastening elements (52), which interact with one elastic element (42) to fix the elastic element (42) within the receiving space (51). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The fastening element (52) has an engagement surface, and the elastic element (42) abuts against the engagement surface.

10. The package molding apparatus of claim 9.

11. The second coupling structure (33) comprises two second wheels (35) spaced apart from each other; the first wheel (34) contacts the second guide (30) at a first relative position, and the second wheel (35) contacts the second guide (30) at a second relative position; the first wheel (34) and the second wheel (35) are arranged such that imaginary lines connecting the first relative position and the second relative position define an imaginary triangle; The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second connecting structure (33) comprises a support plate (43), The support plate (43) has a first connection area (44) and a second connection area (45), the first wheel (34) is connected to the first connection area (44), and the second wheel (35) is connected to the second connection area (45); The first connection area (44) and the second connection area (45) are mirror symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (G). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first coupling structure (32) includes a housing shell (56) that surrounds the first guide (29) and is movable along the first guide (29). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the actuation device (25) comprises at least a first operating group (60) and a second operating group (61) configured to cooperate with the first operating group (60) to transversely seal the tube (4); one of the first operating group (60) and the second operating group (61) comprises and / or carries a sealing element (58), and the other of the first operating group (60) and the second operating group (61) comprises and / or carries a counter-sealing element (59); 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 (4) and longitudinally sealed, 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 said tube (4) with a pourable product; A package forming apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A packaging machine (1).

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