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

Abstract

A package forming apparatus (10) for a packaging machine (1) is described, comprising an actuation device (25) having a first operating group (26) and a second operating group (27). Each first operating group (26) and each second operating group (27) comprises a respective half shell (28) and a control device (29). Each half shell (28) comprises a main forming plate (30) and two side forming plates (31). Each main forming plate (30) is angularly movable about a first rotation axis (B) between a first angular position and a second angular position, and each side forming plate (31) is angularly movable about a second rotation axis (C) between a third angular position and a fourth angular position. Each control device (29) is configured to asynchronously actuate the angular movement of each main forming plate (30) from its first angular position to its second angular position and the angular movement of each side forming plate (31) from its respective third angular position to its respective fourth angular position.

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 web of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, for example, a paper base layer covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), for example, aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic that ultimately forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of packaging is typically produced on a fully automatic packaging machine that advances the packaging web through a sterilization station for sterilization, then into an isolation chamber (a closed, sterile environment) where the sterilized packaging web is maintained and advanced. 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 advanced in a vertical 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] Pillow packages are thus obtained, each having a longitudinal seal band, an upper transverse seal band, and a lower transverse seal band.

[0008] A typical packaging machine comprises a conveying device that advances a web of packaging material along a web advancement path, a tube that is formed from the web of packaging material along the tube advancement path, and a sterilization device that sterilizes the web of packaging material before it is formed into the tube; a tube forming and sealing device at least partially disposed within the isolation chamber and configured to form a tube from the advancing packaging material web and longitudinally seal the tube; a filling device that fills the tube with a pourable product; and a package forming device adapted to form, transversely seal and cut individual packages from the packaging material tube.

[0009] The package forming apparatus comprises at least one actuating device, typically at least two actuating devices, each having at least a first operating group and a second operating group configured to at least partially form and, in use, cooperatively transversely seal and cut the advancing tube.

[0010] Each first operational group and each second operational group includes a respective half shell configured to at least partially form a tube, each half shell including a respective main forming plate and two side forming plates that, in use, contact the tube to at least partially form the tube.

[0011] Typically, the main forming plate is fixed, and the respective first operating group or the respective second operating group moves relative to the tube toward and into contact with the tube, thereby contacting the tube, and the two side forming plates are angularly movable about their respective rotation axes to move the side forming plates toward and into contact with the tube. 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 molding 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 view of a packaging machine with a package forming device according to the invention, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 3a] 2A-2C are front perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 in three different stages of operation; [Figure 3b] 2A-2C are front perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 in three different stages of operation; [Figure 3c] 2A-2C are front perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIG. 1 in three different stages of operation; [Figure 4a] 3a-3c are rear perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIGS. 3a-3c at three different stages of operation; [Figure 4b] 3a-3c are rear perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIGS. 3a-3c at three different stages of operation; [Figure 4c] 3a-3c are rear perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the package forming apparatus of FIGS. 3a-3c at three different stages of operation; [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of some of the details of FIGS. 3a-3c and 4a-4c, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6a] FIG. 3 is an enlarged rear view of some of the details of FIGS. 3a-3c and 4a-4c, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is an enlarged front view of a portion of FIG. 6a with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a further portion of the details of FIGS. 3a-3c and 4a-4c, 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, milky liquids, pulp-containing drinks, 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] Furthermore, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise a layer of a gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially 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 preferentially 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 comprise at least a first transverse sealing band 5 and preferentially a second transverse sealing band, arranged at opposite ends of the package 2.

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

[0030] Preferably, each first transverse seal band 5 may define an upper transverse seal band and each second transverse seal band may define a lower transverse seal 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] With particular reference to FIG. 1 , the packaging machine 1 may include a package forming device 10 configured to at least partially form a tube 4, preferentially transversely seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4 to obtain a package 2.

[0033] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 10 may include an advancement space through which the tube 4 advances in use.

[0034] 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:

[0035] 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.

[0036] Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 12 is at least partially disposed within the isolation chamber 14, particularly the internal environment 15, and is configured to collapse and longitudinally seal the tube 4 within the isolation chamber 14, particularly the internal environment 15.

[0037] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a sterilisation unit configured to sterilise the advancing web 3 in use, preferentially the sterilisation unit being arranged upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 12 along the web advancement path P.

[0038] 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, preferentially 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. Preferentially, the term "intermediate form of the tube 4" refers to any configuration of the web 3 before obtaining a tube 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing device 12 may include a sealing head 18, preferably disposed within the isolation chamber 14, and more preferably within the interior environment 15, configured to longitudinally seal the tube 4, preferably along the longitudinal seam 6.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more, and preferentially a plurality, actuating devices 25 (only partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the invention), each actuating device 25 configured to at least partially form the tube 4 and preferentially seal and / or transversely cut the tube 4.

[0045] Preferentially, the package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each actuating device 25 to at least partially form the tube 4 between two equally spaced cross sections. Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 may transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 4 along the equally spaced cross sections, more preferentially to form a respective first transverse sealing band 5 and / or a respective second transverse sealing band.

[0046] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include at least two actuation devices 25, and preferably exactly two actuation devices 25.

[0047] More specifically, each actuation device 25 may include at least a first actuation group 26 and a second actuation group 27 configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form, and preferentially transversely seal and / or transversely cut, the tube 4.

[0048] In particular, each first operational group 26 and each second operational group 27 may be movable relative to each other, and preferentially each first operational group 26 and each second operational group 27 may be movable towards and away from each other.

[0049] More specifically, each actuation device 25 may be controllable between an actuating configuration in which the respective first operating group 26 and the respective second operating group 27 are brought closer together to at least partially form, preferentially seal laterally, and / or transversely cut the tube 4, and a static configuration in which the respective first operating group 26 and the respective second operating group 27 are preferentially pulled away from each other and from the tube 4.

[0050] Furthermore, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a transport unit configured to advance each of the first operation groups 26 and each of the second operation groups 27 along a respective first advancement path and a respective second advancement path.

[0051] More specifically, each first forward path and each second forward path may comprise an operating portion in which each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 advances in the forward direction of the tube 4 when in use, and a return portion in which each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 advances in the opposite direction to the forward direction of the tube 4 when in use, so that each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 returns to their respective operating portion.

[0052] Furthermore, each actuation device 25 may be controlled from a stationary configuration to an actuation configuration while each first actuation group 26 and each second actuation group 27 advances along their respective actuation portions, preferentially at least partially forming the tube 4, and preferentially at least laterally sealing and transversely cutting the tube 4.

[0053] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include one or more actuation units configured to selectively control each actuation device 25 between a respective actuated configuration and a stationary configuration.

[0054] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 10 may include a support structure that movably carries the actuation device 25 .

[0055] According to some possible embodiments, the support structure may comprise one or more support assemblies, each movably carrying at least one, and preferentially exactly one, respective operating device 25. Preferentially, the package forming apparatus 10 may comprise at least two, and preferentially exactly two, operating devices 25, and the support structure may comprise at least two, and preferentially exactly two, support assemblies.

[0056] Preferably, the support assemblies are spaced apart from one another to define an advancement space.

[0057] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 includes a respective half shell 28 (shown only with respect to the second operating group 27) for at least partially forming the tube 4, and a respective control device 29 (shown only with respect to the second operating group 27) for controlling each half shell 28.

[0058] Preferentially, the two half shells 28 of each actuating device 25 are configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially shape the tube 4, and more preferentially, each actuating device 25 is controlled to a respective actuating position.

[0059] More specifically, the two half shells 28 of each actuation device 25 are moved towards and away from each other while the actuation devices 25 are controlled in actuated and rest configurations, respectively.

[0060] Furthermore, each actuation device 25 is controlled in a respective actuation configuration such that each of the two half shells 28 engages with the tube 4 to at least partially shape the tube 4 .

[0061] Preferentially, each control device 29 may be configured to control each half shell 28 so that each package 2 has a defined volume.

[0062] 3A to 5, each half shell 28 includes a main molding plate 30 and two side molding plates 31 that sandwich the main molding plate 30 between them.

[0063] Each main forming plate 30 is angularly movable between a first angular position (see FIGS. 3a and 4a) and a second angular position (see FIGS. 3c and 4c) about a first axis of rotation B. In particular, each main forming plate 30 can be disposed in the first angular position and the second angular position with the respective actuation device 25 in a rest configuration and an actuation configuration, respectively.

[0064] Preferably, each main forming plate 30 is capable of engaging the tube 4 when in the second angular position.

[0065] Furthermore, each lateral shaping plate 31 is angularly movable about a second axis of rotation C between a third angular position (see Figures 3a and 4a) and a fourth angular position (see Figures 3c and 4c) transversely, preferentially perpendicularly, to the respective first axis of rotation B. In particular, each lateral shaping plate 31 can be arranged in the third and fourth angular positions with each actuation device 25 in a rest configuration and an actuated configuration, respectively.

[0066] Preferably, each side forming plate 31 is capable of engaging the tube 4 when in the fourth angular position.

[0067] Furthermore, each half-shell may be substantially C-shaped with the respective main forming plate 30 and the respective side forming plate 31 in the second and fourth angular positions, respectively.

[0068] Each control device 29 is configured to control, in use, the angular movement of each main forming plate 30 from a respective first angular position to a respective second angular position to move the respective main forming plate 30 onto the tube 4, and to control, in use, the angular movement of each side forming plate 31 from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position to move the respective side forming plate onto the tube 4.

[0069] Furthermore, each control device 29 is configured to asynchronously actuate the angular movement of each main forming plate 30 from the first angular position to the second angular position and the angular movement of each lateral forming plate 31 from the respective third angular position to the fourth angular position, in particular so that, in use, each main forming plate 30 comes into contact with the tube 4 before each lateral forming plate 31 comes into contact with the tube 4, and / or so that each main forming plate 30 reaches its respective second angular position before each lateral forming plate 31 reaches its respective fourth angular position.

[0070] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the respective angular distance of each main forming plate 30 from its respective first angular position to its respective second angular position may be less than the respective angular distance of each side forming plate 31 from its respective third angular position to its respective fourth angular position. In other words, the angular distance between the first angular position and the second angular position is less than the angular distance between the third angular position and the fourth angular position.

[0071] With particular reference to Figures 3a to 5, each control device 29 may comprise a shaft 32 rotatable about a third axis of rotation E, preferably parallel to the respective first axis of rotation B and / or more preferably perpendicular to the respective second axis of rotation C.

[0072] Further, with particular reference to Figures 3a-4c, each shaft 32 may be operatively coupled to a respective main forming plate 30 and a respective side forming plate 31 such that the angular position of each main forming plate 30 with respect to a respective first axis of rotation B and the angular position of each side forming plate 31 with respect to a respective second axis of rotation C are determined according to the angular position of each shaft 32 with respect to a respective third axis of rotation E.

[0073] Figures 3a and 4a show a state in which the shafts 32 are in an angular position about their respective third axes of rotation E, such that each main forming plate 30 is in a respective first angular position and each side forming plate 31 is in a respective third angular position. Figures 3c and 4c show a state in which the shafts 32 are in an angular position about their respective third axes of rotation E, such that each main forming plate 30 is in a respective second angular position and each side forming plate 31 is in a respective fourth angular position. Furthermore, Figures 3b and 4b show intermediate states between the states of Figures 3a and 4a and the states of Figures 3c and 4c.

[0074] In other words, Figures 3a and 4a show the configuration of the half shells 28 with each operating device 25 in a rest configuration, Figures 3c and 4c show the configuration of the half shells 28 with each operating device 25 in an actuated configuration, and Figures 3b and 4b show intermediate configurations of the half shells 28 in transition between the rest configuration and the actuated configuration.

[0075] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each shaft 32 may be configured to rotate about a respective third axis of rotation E to move each main forming plate 30 between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position, and to move each side forming plate 31 between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position.

[0076] More specifically, each shaft 32 may be rotatable in a first rotational direction to move each main forming plate 30 from a respective first angular position to a respective second angular position, and to move each side forming plate 31 from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position.

[0077] Furthermore, each shaft 32 may be rotatable in a second rotational direction opposite to its respective first rotational direction to move each main forming plate 30 from its respective second angular position to its respective first angular position and to move each side forming plate 31 from its respective fourth angular position to its respective third angular position.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each control device 29 may comprise a first lever mechanism 33 coupled to the respective shaft 32 and the respective main forming plate 30, and two second lever mechanisms 34 coupled to the respective shaft 32 and each one of the lateral forming plates 31.

[0079] More specifically, each first lever mechanism 33 and each second lever mechanism 34 may be configured to actuate angular movement of each main molding plate 30 and each side molding plate 31, respectively, in response to angular movement of each shaft 32.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, each first lever mechanism 33 and each second lever mechanism 34 may be configured to operate during angular movement of each shaft 32 about each third rotation axis E, such that the angle of each lateral forming plate 31 from each third angular position to each fourth angular position, and the angle of each main forming plate 30 from each first angular position to each second angular position, in the first rotation direction, each main forming plate 30 reaches its second angular position before each lateral forming plate 31 reaches its fourth angular position.

[0081] More specifically, each first lever mechanism 33 may comprise at least one coupling element 35, preferentially two coupling elements 35 spaced apart from one another and fixed to the respective shafts 32, and at least one coupling bar 36, preferentially two coupling bars 36, hingedly connected to one respective coupling element 35 and to the respective main forming plate 30.

[0082] More specifically, each linkage bar 36 may be hinged to a respective linkage element 35 about a respective first hinge axis and to a respective main forming plate 30 about a respective second hinge axis.

[0083] Preferably, each of the first hinge axes and each of the second hinge axes may be parallel to each other.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, each first hinge axis and each second hinge axis may be parallel to each first axis of rotation B and / or each third axis of rotation E.

[0085] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second lever mechanism 34 may include a first connection element 40 connected to the respective shaft 32, a second connection element 41 connected to the respective lateral molding plate 31, and a connecting mechanism 42 coupled to the respective first connection element 40 and the respective second connection element 41.

[0086] With particular reference to FIG. 7, each linkage 42 may include a ball joint assembly 43 .

[0087] More specifically, each ball joint assembly 43 may include a first ball joint group 44 coupled to a respective first connection element 40 and a second ball joint group 45 coupled to a respective second connection element 41.

[0088] Preferably, each first ball joint group 44 is connected to a respective second ball joint group 45, and more preferably may be fixed.

[0089] More specifically, each first ball joint group 44 may include a first ball element 46 coupled to a respective first connection element 40 and a first element 47 movably arranged relative to the periphery of the first ball element 46.

[0090] Furthermore, each second ball joint group 45 may include a second ball element 48 connected to the respective second connection element 41 and a second element 49 movably arranged around the second ball element 48.

[0091] Preferentially, each first element 47 and each second element 49 may be connected to one another and preferentially fixed to one another.

[0092] Referring particularly to Figures 6a and 6b, each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 may in particular comprise a respective support 50 that rotatably supports each shaft 32 such that each shaft 32 is rotatable about a respective third axis of rotation E.

[0093] Furthermore, each main forming plate 30 may be hinged to a respective support 50 about a respective first axis of rotation B.

[0094] Furthermore, each lateral molding plate 31 may be hinged to a respective support 50 about a respective second axis of rotation C.

[0095] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus may include an actuation device configured to control the operation of each control device to control the angular position of each main forming plate 30 and each angular position of each side forming plate 31.

[0096] Preferably, the actuation device may be configured to control the angular position of the shaft 32 .

[0097] More preferably, the actuation device may be configured to control the angular position of each of the shafts 32 depending on the respective positions of the respective first operating groups 26 and the respective second operating groups 27 along the respective advancement paths.

[0098] With particular reference to FIGS. 2-5, each actuation device 25 may include a respective seal element 55 and a respective counter-seal element 56 configured to cooperate with each other to laterally seal the tube 4 .

[0099] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one of each first operational group 26 and each second operational group 27 may include a respective seal element 47, and the other of each first operational group 26 and each second operational group 27 may include a respective counter seal element 56.

[0100] More specifically, each sealing element 55 and each counter-seal element 56 may be configured to at least laterally compress, particularly flatten and squeeze, to laterally seal the tube 4, particularly during advancement of the tube 4 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0101] Furthermore, each sealing element 55 and each counter-seal element 56 may be configured to engage the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof.

[0102] More specifically, each sealing element 55 may include a source configured to generate the energy necessary to achieve the sealing effect. For example, the sealing element 55 may be a sonotrode with an ultrasonic emitter, or the sealing element 55 may include an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-seal element 56 may be a passive element (i.e., an element without an active source). For example, the counter-seal element 56 may be a metallic anvil or a deformable pad.

[0103] Additionally, each actuation device 25 may include at least one cutting element configured to transversely cut the tube 4. Preferably, each cutting element may be configured to transversely cut the tube 4 after sealing the tube 4 with the respective sealing assembly.

[0104] Each cutting element may be associated with one of a respective first operational group 26 and a respective second operational group 27 .

[0105] With particular reference to Figures 3a to 3c, each actuation device 25, preferentially one of each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27, may comprise a pair of movable interaction tabs 57 configured to interact with the tube 4 from opposite sides thereof in use.

[0106] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0107] More specifically, conveying device 11 advances web 3 along web advance path P. Tube forming and sealing device 12 forms tubes 4 from advancing web 3 and longitudinally seals tubes 4. Furthermore, filling device 13 fills tubes 4 with a pourable product, and package forming device 10 forms, transversely seals, and transversely cuts tubes 4 to obtain packages 2.

[0108] More particularly, during operation of the package forming apparatus 10, the actuation device 25 at least partially forms, preferably transversely seals, and transversely cuts the tube 4.

[0109] During operation, each actuation device 25 is cyclically controlled between a respective rest configuration and a respective actuation configuration.

[0110] Preferably, each first operating group 26 and each second operating group 27 moves cyclically towards and away from each other as they advance along their respective advancement paths to at least partially form, transversely seal and cut the tube 4 to form the package 2.

[0111] The partial shaping of the tube 4 is controlled by the respective half shells 28. To partially shape the tube 4, the respective main shaping plates 30 are moved from a respective first angular position to a respective second angular position, and the respective lateral shaping plates 31 are moved from a respective third angular position to a respective fourth angular position, preferentially by controlling the respective angular positions of the respective shafts 32. In particular, the respective main shaping plates 30 and the respective lateral shaping plates 31 move asynchronously.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In particular, the main forming plate 30 moves asynchronously with respect to each of the side forming plates 31, and by controlling the movement of the side forming plates 31, the volume of the package 2 can be controlled accurately.

[0114] However, it will be apparent that changes may be made to the package forming apparatus 10 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package forming device (10) for a packaging machine (1), configured to at least partially form a tube (4) to obtain a package (2) from said tube (4), said package forming device (10) comprising: at least one actuation device (25) having a first operating group (26) and a second operating group (27) configured to cooperate with each other to at least partially form the tube (4) for forming the package (2); The first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27) comprise half shells (28) for at least partially shaping the tube (4) and control devices (29) for controlling the half shells (28), The half shell (28) comprises a main molding plate (30) and two side molding plates (31) sandwiching the main molding plate (30), the main forming plate (30) is angularly movable about a first rotation axis (B) between a first angular position and a second angular position; the lateral forming plates (31) are angularly movable about a second axis of rotation (C) transverse to the first axis of rotation (B) between a third angular position and a fourth angular position; the control device (29) is configured to, in use, control angular movement of the main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position in order to move the main forming plate (30) onto the tube (4), and to control angular movement of the lateral forming plates (31) from the third angular position to the fourth angular position in order to move the lateral forming plates onto the tube (4); the control device (29) is configured to asynchronously actuate the angular movement of the main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position and the angular movement of the lateral forming plate (31) from the third angular position to the fourth angular position. A package forming device (10).

2. the control device (29) is configured to actuate the angular movement of the main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position and the angular movement of the lateral forming plate (31) from the third angular position to the fourth angular position, and is configured so that, in use, the main forming plate comes into contact with the tube (4) before the lateral forming plate (30) comes into contact with the tube (4), and / or the main forming plate (30) reaches the second angular position before the lateral forming plate (31) reaches the fourth angular position, and / or the angular distance from the first angular position to the second angular position of the main forming plate (30) is smaller than the angular distance from the third angular position to the fourth angular position of the side forming plate (31); The package molding apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the control device (29) is rotatable about a third axis of rotation (E) and comprises a shaft (32) operatively coupled to the main forming plate (30) and the side forming plates (31); the angular position of the main forming plate (30) with respect to the first axis of rotation (B) and the angular position of the side forming plates (31) with respect to the second axis of rotation (C) are determined depending on the angular position of the shaft (32) with respect to the third axis of rotation (E); The package molding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the shaft (32) is configured to rotate about the third axis of rotation (E) to move the main forming plate (30) between the first and second angular positions and to move the side forming plates (31) between the third and fourth angular positions; The package molding apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control device (29) comprises a first lever mechanism (33) coupled to the shaft (32) and the main forming plate (30), and two second lever mechanisms (34) coupled to the shaft (32) and each of the side forming plates (31), respectively; the first lever mechanism (33) and the second lever mechanism (34) are configured to actuate the angular movement of the main forming plate (30) and the lateral forming plate (31), respectively, in response to the angular movement of the shaft (32) about the third axis of rotation (E); and / or the first lever mechanism (33) and the second lever mechanism (34) are configured to actuate the angular movement of the lateral forming plates (31) from the third angular position to the fourth angular position and the angular movement of the main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position during the angular movement of the shaft (32) about the third axis of rotation (E) and in the first direction of rotation; actuating an angular movement of the main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position such that the main forming plate (30) reaches the second angular position before the side forming plates (31) reach the fourth angular position; 5. The package molding apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first lever mechanism (33) comprises a coupling element (35) fixed to the shaft (32) and a coupling bar (36) hingedly connected to the coupling element (35) and the main forming plate (30). The package molding apparatus according to claim 5.

7. the connecting bar (36) is hinged to the connecting element (35) about a first hinge axis and to the main forming plate (30) about a second hinge axis; the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis are parallel to each other; and / or the first hinge axis and / or the second hinge axis are parallel to the third rotation axis (E) and / or the first rotation axis (B); 7. The package molding apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The second lever mechanism (34) comprises a first connecting element (40) connected to the shaft (32), a second connecting element (41) connected to the side molding plate (31), and a connecting mechanism (42) connected to the first connecting element (40) and the second connecting element (41). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The linkage (42) comprises a ball joint assembly (43).

9. The package molding apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The ball joint assembly (43) comprises a first ball joint group (44) coupled to the first connecting element (40) and a second ball joint group (45) coupled to the second connecting element (41); The first ball joint group (44) is connected to the second ball joint group (45).

10. The package molding apparatus of claim 9.

11. The first ball joint group (44) comprises a first ball element (46) connected to the first connecting element (40) and a first element (47) arranged movably relative to the first ball element (46); the second ball joint group (45) comprises a second ball element (48) connected to the second connecting element (41) and a second element (49) arranged movably relative to the second ball element (48); The first element (47) and the second element (49) are connected to each other. The package molding apparatus of claim 10.

12. The first operating group (26) and the second operating group (27) each comprise a support (50) that rotatably carries the shaft (32), the main forming plate (30) is hinged to the support (50) about the first axis of rotation (B); the lateral molding plates (31) are hinged to the support (50) about the second axis of rotation (C); The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 11.

13. and an actuation device for controlling the actuation of the control device to control the angular position of the main forming plate (30) and the angular position of the side forming plates (31). The package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the actuation device (25) is controllable between an actuating configuration in which the half-shells of the first operating group (26) and the half-shells of the second operating group (27) are moved toward each other to at least partially form the tube (4), and a stationary configuration in which the half-shells of the first operating group (26) and the half-shells of the second operating group (27) are moved away from each other; the main forming plate (30) is arranged in the second angular position and the lateral forming plates (31) are arranged in the fourth angular position with the actuating device (25) being controlled in the actuating configuration; the main forming plate (30) is arranged in the first angular position and the lateral forming plates are arranged in the third angular position with the actuating device (25) being controlled in the stationary configuration; 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 longitudinally sealed tubes (4) formed from a web of packaging material, the packaging machine (1) comprising: a conveying device (11) configured to advance a web (3) of packaging material along a web advancement path (P) and to advance a tube (4) along a tube advancement path (Q); a tube forming and sealing device (12) configured to form the tube (4) from the web of 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 14; A packaging machine (1).

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