Conveying device, capping machine, packaging machine, and package conveying method

Abstract

The belt conveying device (7) comprises a belt conveying system (10) that conveys packages (2) between an inlet station (11) and an outlet station (12) along a portion (A1) of a conveying path (A), and a control unit (CU) configured to control the operation of the belt conveying system (10). The belt conveying system (10) comprises two conveyor belts (13) configured to contact the sides of the packages (2) as they move along the portion (A1). The conveying device (7) further comprises at least a first sensor device (15) configured at a first detection station (16) between the inlet station (11) and the outlet station (12) to detect the presence of packages (2) at the first detection station (16) and to generate a first signal related to the presence of the detected packages (2). The control unit is configured to accelerate and / or decelerate the conveyor belts (13) based on the first signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for a processing machine, particularly to a conveying device for continuously conveying packages filled with pourable products, particularly pourable foods.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a processing machine having at least one conveying device for processing packages filled with pourable products, particularly pourable foods.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a packaging machine provided with at least one conveying device for manufacturing packages filled with pourable products, particularly pourable foods.

[0004] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a method for continuously conveying packages filled with pourable products, particularly pourable foods.

Background Art

[0005] As is well known, many liquid or pourable foods such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treatment) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packaging containers made from packaging materials based on paper or cardboard. A typical example of this type of package is Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is manufactured by folding and sealing a web made of laminated packaging material.

[0006] The packaging material has a multilayer structure with a fibrous material (e.g., paper or cardboard) as the base layer and layers of a polymer material (e.g., polyethylene) that can be heat-sealed on both sides. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term preservation products such as UHT milk, since storage and distribution are carried out at room temperature, the packaging material usually has a layer of a material that blocks gas and light (e.g., aluminum foil) laminated on top of a layer of a polymer material that can be heat-sealed, and then a layer of a polymer material that can be heat-sealed is coated on top of that to finally form the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0007] The packages formed from the multilayer packaging materials described above are typically manufactured using fully automated packaging machines. These machines form packages from at least the multilayer packaging materials and fill the packages with dispenseable food.

[0008] Typical packaging machines include at least filling machines such as Tetra Pak® A3 / Flex, which employ molding, filling, and sealing technology. Specifically, the dispensable food is first filled into a tube of multilayer packaging material, which is then molded, sealed, and cut to obtain multiple sealed pillow packs containing the dispensable food. These pillow packs are then mechanically folded to form each of the finished, nearly rectangular packages.

[0009] The formed packages may be further processed in one or more processing machines.

[0010] For example, a processing machine may be provided, located downstream of the filling machine and configured to perform one or more additional processes on the package. For example, the processing machine may include a capping device for attaching caps to the package and / or a straw attachment device for attaching straws to the package.

[0011] In most cases, the filling machine and the processing machine are connected to each other via a conveying device.

[0012] An example of a packaging machine conveying device is a belt conveying system comprising at least one belt conveying system comprising two conveyor belts forming a passage between which packages pass, and configured to move the packages forward in a coordinated manner from opposite sides and engage with each other. In a processing machine and / or processing device in which packages are processed continuously, the belt conveying system is generally configured to convey packages into at least one processing device, including at least one processing device (e.g., a capping device), which comprises multiple sheets and is arranged along a path defined by an auxiliary conveyor.

[0013] In particular, the belt conveying system is configured to supply packages to an auxiliary conveyor so that each package is positioned correctly and supplied to its respective sheet. While known conveying devices are sufficiently functional, further improvements to known conveying devices are desired in this field.

[0014] European Patent Application Publication EP3135613A1 discloses a known transport system. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for transporting a series of packages filled with dispenseable products or dispenseable food along a forward path.

[0016] Advantageously, another object of the present invention is to provide a capping machine comprising at least one conveying device for capping a dispenseable product, particularly a package filled with a dispenseable food.

[0017] Advantageously, another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine comprising at least one processing device for producing a dispenseable product, in particular a package filled with a dispenseable food.

[0018] Advantageously, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for transporting a series of packages filled with pourable products, particularly pourable foods, along a forward path.

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine equipped with at least one conveying device according to the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 2] It is a schematic top view showing details of the conveying device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the speed profile of the conveying device of FIG. 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Number 1 shows the entire packaging machine for manufacturing the package 2 filled with pourable products such as milk, milk beverages, yogurt, yogurt beverages, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, beverages containing fruit pulp, salt, sugar, etc.

[0022] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to manufacture the package 2 from a multilayer packaging material.

[0023] Even more specifically, the multilayer packaging material may include a layer of a fibrous material such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material (such as polyethylene) sandwiched therebetween. Of these layers of heat-sealable plastic material, at least one layer may define the inner surface of the package 2 that comes into contact with the flowable product.

[0024] Furthermore, the multilayer packaging material may preferably include a layer of a gas and light barrier material containing a metal material and / or made of a metal material, disposed between one of the layers of the heat-sealable polymer material and the layer of the fibrous material.

[0025] Preferably, the packaging material may further include an additional layer of a heat-sealable polymer material laminated between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0026] Furthermore, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3. <第

[0027] In Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 may include a package forming device 4 for forming a package 2, more specifically for forming and filling a package 2, and more specifically for forming a package 2 from a multilayer packaging material and filling the package 2 with a product that can be dispensed. More specifically, the package forming device 4 may be configured to form a package 2 and fill the package 2 with a product that can be dispensed.

[0028] More specifically, the package forming apparatus 4 may be configured to form a tube 5 from a web 3, seal the tube 5 longitudinally, fill the tube 5 with a flowable product, and seal and cut the tube 5 laterally.

[0029] The packaging machine 1 is preferably located downstream of the package forming device 4 and may include at least one processing machine 6 for processing the packages 2.

[0030] The packaging machine 1 may further include at least one conveyor (not shown) for transporting the packages 2 from the package forming device 4 to the processing machine 6.

[0031] In Figure 2, the processing machine 6 may include a conveying device 7 that transports a series of packages 2 along at least the forward path A. Preferably, the conveyor can be configured to transport a series of packages 2 from the package forming device 4 to the conveying device 7.

[0032] The processing unit 6 may comprise one or more processing units 9 configured to perform at least one process on the package 2 (which is supplied to the processing unit 9). In certain disclosed embodiments, the processing unit 6 may be a capping machine configured to attach a cap 24 to the package 2.

[0033] More specifically, the conveying device 7 may include at least one belt conveying system 10 for moving the package 2 along section A1 of the conveying path A and for moving the package 2 between an inlet station 11 (where the belt conveying system 10 receives the package 2) and an outlet station 12 (where the belt conveying system 10 releases the package 2).

[0034] More specifically, the belt conveying system 10 may comprise at least two conveyor belts 13 spaced apart from each other, defining a passage P1 between them, and each moving and / or advancing along a closed-loop path L1. Preferably, the conveyor belts 13 may be spaced apart along a direction lateral, preferably perpendicular, to the portion A1.

[0035] More specifically, the conveyor belt 13 may be configured to cooperate with the package 2 as it moves forward along section A1. Specifically, the conveyor belt 13 may be configured to engage with the package 2 from opposite sides as it moves and / or moves forward along each path L1.

[0036] In particular, during use, the conveyor belt 13 engages with the package 2, and as the conveyor belt 13 moves forward along the path L1, the package 2 moves forward along section A1.

[0037] The conveying device 7, preferably the belt conveying system 10, may include one or more motors configured to advance the conveyor belt 13 at least along the path L1. The one or more motors may be configured to drive the conveyor belt 13 synchronously.

[0038] Preferably, one or more motors may be servo motors.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, the belt conveying system 10 may include two motors, each connected to a single conveyor belt 13.

[0040] In another embodiment, the belt conveying system 10 may include one motor and a gear mechanism configured to connect the motor to each conveyor belt 13.

[0041] The conveying device 7 (preferably a belt conveying system 10) may include a plurality of pulleys and / or rollers 14 around which the conveyor belt 13 is wound.

[0042] More specifically, the pulley and / or roller 14 may be operationally connected to one or more motors and configured to move the conveyor belt 13 forward along the path L1 and to drive the conveyor belt 13 synchronously.

[0043] The conveying device 7 may include a control unit CU configured to control the operation of the belt conveying system 10, and more particularly the operation of the conveyor belt 13, and more specifically the operation of one or more motors, to control the conveyor belt 13 to move and / or advance along the path L1.

[0044] The belt conveying system 10 may further include at least a first sensor device 15 located at a first detection station 16 positioned between an inlet station 11 and an outlet station 12.

[0045] The first sensor device 15 may be configured to detect the presence of a package 2 at the first detection station 16 and to generate a first signal associated with the presence of a package 2 detected at the first detection station 16. More specifically, the first sensor device 16 may be configured to generate a first signal for each package 2 as a series of packages 2 move along section A1.

[0046] Furthermore, by knowing the moment when package 2 passes the first detection station 16, it becomes possible to release package 2 at the exit station 12 at a desired timing, as will be described later.

[0047] Furthermore, the first sensor device 15 may be operationally connected to a control unit CU and configured to receive a first signal corresponding to package 2 from the first sensor device 15. Preferably, the control unit CU may be configured to associate the first signal corresponding to package 2 so that it can determine the relative position of package 2 and exit station 12 as package 2 moves further along section A1 after passing the first detection station 16.

[0048] In more detail, the first sensor device 15 may include at least one photocell configured to detect the position of the package 2 at the first detection station 16 and generate a first signal.

[0049] More specifically, the control unit CU is configured to accelerate and decelerate the conveyor belt 13 based on a first signal, so that the package 2 is released at a predetermined speed at the exit station 12.

[0050] Specifically, the predetermined speed is constant and is the same for all consecutive packages 2.

[0051] In some possible embodiments, a certain predetermined speed may be changed during operation.

[0052] In this embodiment, before the modification, all packages of the first consecutive package 2 are released at the same first predetermined rate, and after the modification, all packages of the second consecutive package 2 are released at a second predetermined rate.

[0053] Preferably, the control unit CU may be configured to accelerate and decelerate the conveyor belt 13 based on a first signal, so that the package 2 is released at the exit station 12 at a predetermined position and / or distance or multiple thereof. This allows the package 2 to fit onto the sheet of the auxiliary conveyor.

[0054] More specifically, the control unit CU may control the conveyor belt 13, preferably one or more motors, so that package 2 undergoes at least one acceleration step and at least one deceleration step. Preferably, one acceleration step takes place after or before at least one deceleration step.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit CU may be configured to control the conveyor belt 13, preferably one or more motors, based on the leading package of a series of packages 2 along at least portion A1.

[0056] In this specification, “leading package” means the package 2 in each row that is furthest forward in section A1, i.e., the package 2 closest to the exit station 12, and therefore the package 2 that will be released soon. In other words, the leading package is the package 2 that is further upstream along section A1 than each of the other packages 2.

[0057] It should be noted that when package 2, which is defined as the leading package, is released at exit station 12, the subsequent package 2 becomes the leading package.

[0058] This means that the consecutive package 2 is defined as the first package at some point in time.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit CU may be configured to control the conveyor belt 13 based on a first signal generated when the leading package passes the first detection station 16.

[0060] For example, even if the first signal of the leading package is generated while package 2 is passing through the first detection station 16, or if another package 2 is the leading package, the control unit CU can correctly associate the first signal with the leading package.

[0061] More specifically, the control unit CU may be configured to associate a first signal generated by the first sensor device 15 during use with each package 2 when it is (temporarily) present at the first detection station 16, and to control the conveyor belt 13 based on the first signal when that package 2 becomes the leading package.

[0062] More specifically, before defining each leading package, each package may receive one or more acceleration steps and one or more deceleration steps by controlling the conveyor belt 13 from the control unit CU based on a first signal associated with package 2, which was the leading package before the current leading package. On the other hand, once package 2 is defined as the leading package, package 2 may receive only one acceleration step and only one deceleration step before being defined as the leading package, as will be further explained with reference to Figure 3 below.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit CU may be configured to control the conveyor belt 13 in response to a first signal associated with the leading package, the distance that package 2 has traveled along section A1 after being detected by the first detection station 16 and before becoming the leading package, or one or more acceleration steps and one or more deceleration steps that the leading package has undergone before becoming the leading package.

[0064] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the control unit CU may be configured to control the conveyor belt 13, and in particular one or more motors, such that the packages 2 are discharged at the exit station 12 at positions that are equally spaced or multiples of equal spacing from one another.

[0065] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the distance between the first detection station 16 and the exit station 12 may be such that the package 2 undergoes at least one acceleration step and one deceleration step before reaching the exit station 12.

[0066] Preferably, the distance between the first detection station 16 and the exit station 12 may be greater than a predetermined length of each package 2 in the forward path A and / or portion A1 of the package 2.

[0067] In this specification, the predetermined length of each package 2 refers to the dimension parallel to portion A1 and / or the dimension corresponding to the extension of the portion of each package 2 that is in contact with the conveyor belt 13.

[0068] Preferably, the distance between the first detection station 16 and the exit station 12 may be selected such that the precise position of the first detection station 16 does not need to be adjusted after the format change.

[0069] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the distance between the first detection station 16 and the exit station 12 may be adjusted during format change.

[0070] According to the example shown in Figure 2 and preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first detection station 16 is positioned (substantially) centrally between the inlet station 11 and the exit station 12, such that the distance between the inlet station 11 and the first detection station 16 is (substantially) the same as the distance between the first detection station 16 and the exit station 12.

[0071] Preferably, by positioning the first detection station 16 approximately in the center between the inlet station 11 and the outlet station 12, it is not necessary to adjust the distance between the first detection station 16 and the outlet station 12 after or during a format change.

[0072] Preferably, the belt conveying system 10 may further include a second sensor device 17 located at a second detection station 18, preferably coinciding with an exit station 12.

[0073] The second sensor device 17 may be configured to detect the presence of a package 2, particularly a package 2 immediately before release, more specifically a leading package 2, at the second detection station 18, and to generate a second signal related to the presence of the detected package 2 at the second detection station 18. Preferably, the second sensor device 17 may be configured to detect a package 2 that has not been detected by the first sensor device 15 during use. That is, during use, the first sensor device 15 cannot generate a first signal related to an undetected package 2, and therefore the control unit CU cannot control the conveyor belt 13 to correctly release the undetected package 2.

[0074] More specifically, the second sensor device 17 may include at least one photocell.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, the first sensor device 15 and / or the second sensor device 17 may include an emitting photocell 25 and a light-receiving photocell 26, which are located on the opposite side of the belt conveying system 10. In particular, the emitting photocell 25 may be configured to emit electromagnetic waves along a direction perpendicular to portion A1.

[0076] Furthermore, the light-receiving photocell 26 may be configured to receive electromagnetic wave signals. Preferably, the light-emitting photocell 25 and the light-receiving photocell 26 may be LED photocells or laser photoelectric sensors.

[0077] In preferred non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting photocell 25 and the light-receiving photocell 26 may be laser photocells.

[0078] More specifically, the first sensor device 15 and / or the second sensor device 17 may be operably connected to the control unit CU.

[0079] More specifically, the control unit CU may control the belt conveying system 10, in particular the conveyor belt 13, and more particularly one or more of its motors. This causes the conveyor belt 13 to be accelerated and / or decelerated based on the second signal, so that the packages 2, in particular the package 2 immediately before release, and more specifically the leading package 2, are released at a predetermined speed at the exit station 12. To elaborate further, a series of packages 2 may consist of rows of packages 2, and if two or more packages 2 move forward in contact with each other within that row, the first sensor device 15 may not be able to detect the presence of all packages 2 in the row at the first detection station 16. Therefore, the first sensor device 15 may not be able to detect one or more packages 2 at the first detection station 16.

[0080] Advantageously, the second sensor device 17 can function as a safety device to detect the presence of package 2 at the exit station 12 if the first sensor device 15 cannot detect package 2 at the first detection station 16 due to the rows of packages. In particular, based on the second signal, the control unit CU can control the conveyor belt 13 to correctly release package 2 at a predetermined speed and discharge it at positions equally spaced or multiples of equal spacing from each other. Regardless of the position at the inlet station 11, and regardless of whether the packages are arranged in rows or randomly, discharge to the downstream auxiliary conveyor 19 always occurs at positions equally spaced or multiples of equal spacing from each other.

[0081] Referring to Figure 2, the conveying device 7 may further include an auxiliary conveyor 19 configured to receive a series of packages 2 from the belt conveying system 10 and transport them along the auxiliary path B to the processing device 8 and / or advance within the processing device 8. Preferably, the processing device 8 may be located downstream of the belt conveying system 10.

[0082] More specifically, the auxiliary conveyor 19 may comprise a plurality of sheets 20, each sheet 20 configured to move along at least one path C parallel to the auxiliary path B and to accommodate at least one package 2. More specifically, the sheets 20 may be arranged at equal intervals from one another. Preferably, the distance between the sheets 20 can define equal intervals.

[0083] More specifically, the auxiliary conveyor 19 is configured to advance the sheet 20 at a predetermined forward speed along at least the path C.

[0084] The auxiliary conveyor 19 may include two conveyor belts 21 that are spaced apart from each other to determine a passage P2 between them and move and / or advance along a closed loop path L2.

[0085] Preferably, the auxiliary conveyor 19 may be equipped with one or more motors, which are configured to advance the conveyor belt 21 along the path L2, and preferably drive the conveyor belt 21 synchronously.

[0086] Preferably, the auxiliary conveyor 19 may further include at least two pulleys and / or rollers 22 around which the conveyor belt 21 is wound.

[0087] More specifically, the pulley and / or roller 22 may be operably connected to one or more motors and configured to move the conveyor belt 13 forward along the path L1 and to drive the conveyor belt 13 synchronously.

[0088] Furthermore, at least one conveyor belt 21 may include a plurality of protruding elements 23 configured to engage with packages 2 moving along the auxiliary path B.

[0089] In some possible non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor belt 21 has teeth or projection elements 23, and two consecutive projection elements 23 define a sheet 20 between them.

[0090] Preferably, two consecutive projection elements 23 may define a sheet 20 between them.

[0091] More specifically, two consecutive projection elements 23 may be configured to cooperate with the package 2 as it advances onto a sheet 20 defined between them, holding the package 2 in place as it moves along the auxiliary path B toward the processing unit 8.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the belt conveying system 10 may be configured to space the packages 2 apart from each other and / or align the packages 2 with respect to the sheet 20 so that the packages 2 released at the exit station 12 are supplied to the sheet 20.

[0093] More specifically, the belt conveying system 10 may be configured to align the packages 2 with respect to the sheets 20 such that the distances are equal to or multiples thereof of the distances between the sheets 20, so that the packages 2 are released at equal distances relative to each other.

[0094] Furthermore, the belt conveying system 10 may be configured such that a predetermined speed is set depending on the forward speed. Preferably, the belt conveying system 10 may be configured such that the predetermined speed substantially matches (or is equal to) the forward speed.

[0095] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the forward speed may be set depending on the desired productivity.

[0096] Preferably, the first sensor device 15 and / or the second sensor device 17 may be configured to detect the position of package 2 relative to the exit station 12 in order to confirm whether the position of package 2 being detected coincides with the sheet 20.

[0097] Preferably, the belt conveying system 10 may be configured to undergo at least one acceleration step and one deceleration step if, as the package 2 moves along section A1, the position of the package 2 detected by at least the first sensor device 15 does not coincide with the corresponding sheet 20.

[0098] In detail, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit CU may be configured to move and / or advance the conveyor belt 13 according to a speed profile S generated based on at least a first signal. In this specification, the speed profile represents the change in speed over time.

[0099] More specifically, the speed profile S may be obtained from the sum of a basic speed profile U assigned to the conveyor belt 13 and multiple corrected speed profiles assigned to package 2, which is defined as the leading package.

[0100] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the basic velocity profile U may correspond to a predetermined velocity and preferably remain constant over time.

[0101] More specifically, the leading package may undergo only one acceleration step and only one deceleration step based on the corrected velocity profile. In particular, this method makes it possible to correctly align each package 2 upon release and to return the velocity of package 2 to a predetermined velocity.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit CU is configured to calculate a corrected speed profile such that each leading package undergoes one acceleration step and one deceleration step so that each leading package is released at a predetermined speed at the exit station. The control unit CU is configured to calculate the corrected speed profile as a function of a first signal detected by a first sensor device 15 and / or a second signal detected by a second sensor device 17.

[0103] In particular, each correction speed profile In detail, when the control unit CU controls the conveyor belt 13 based on the leading package, the leading package undergoes one acceleration step and one deceleration step based on the corrected speed profile, which can affect other packages 2 (other packages in the column) that do not define the leading package. This means that packages 2 that do not define the leading package may undergo one or more acceleration steps and one or more deceleration steps based on the corrected speed profile calculated for the leading package, and that the corrected speed profile calculated for a package 2 that defines the leading package may depend at least in part on the preceding / previous leading package 2, i.e., the corrected speed profile calculated for a package that defined the leading package based on the corrected speed profile and was released at a predetermined speed at the exit station.

[0104] Preferably, a corrected speed profile calculated for the leading package, which is one of the packages 2 in a series of packages 2, may be applied to the conveyor belt 13, particularly the basic speed profile U, when the preceding package 2 (the preceding / previous leading package) is released at the exit station 12.

[0105] More specifically, the velocity profile S may be the sum of the basic velocity profile U and the corrected velocity profiles obtained for package 2 of the series of packages 2.

[0106] The basic speed profile U may include a section in which the conveyor belt 13 moves at a constant speed, preferably a predetermined speed.

[0107] The correction speed profile may be generated based on a package (preferably package 2) that defines the leading package at a specific point in time.

[0108] In particular, the corrected speed profile may be calculated by the control unit CU based on the first signal and set to align package 2 to sheet 20 and release package 2 at a predetermined speed. More specifically, the corrected speed profile may be applied by the control unit CU to a basic speed profile U and set to align package 2 to sheet 20 and release package 2 at a predetermined speed. Preferably, the corrected speed profile may be applied to the conveyor belt 13 by one or more motors controlled by the control unit CU and configured to align package 2 to sheet 20 and release package 2 at a predetermined speed.

[0109] More specifically, the corrected speed profile may be calculated by the control unit CU and preferably applied to the basic speed profile U via one or more motors on the conveyor belt 13. This results in one acceleration step and one deceleration step when package 2 is the leading package.

[0110] In detail, package 2 is released at the exit station 12 at a predetermined speed after a corrected speed profile is applied to the conveyor belt 13.

[0111] It should be noted that the velocity profile S may differ from that shown in the specific example in terms of magnitude or velocity over time.

[0112] Furthermore, Figure 3 schematically illustrates the operation of the conveying device 7, preferably the belt conveying system 10, taking into account the interaction between the detection of the package 2 at the first detection station 16 and the control of the conveyor belt 13. The signal from the second detection sensor 17 is also shown.

[0113] In the speed profile S shown in Figure 3, a specific example, the first package 2 and the second package 2 are arranged consecutively, and the first package 2 is moving upstream of the second package 2 along the forward path A. The signals from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 17 will be explained with reference to this situation.

[0114] In Figure 3, the first package 2 is initially detected by the first detection station 16, generating a signal for the first detection station 16 indicated by FD1. Because the first package 2 extends along a direction parallel to section A1, the signal from the first detection sensor 15 takes precedence for a certain period of time (depending on the forward speed of the first package 2). After the first package 2 passes the first detection station 16, the signal from the first detection sensor 15 changes again, and the first package 2 is no longer detected.

[0115] To properly release the first package 2 from the belt conveying system 10, the control unit CU controls the conveyor belt 13 according to a corrected speed profile V1 determined based on the signal from the first detection sensor 15 associated with the first package 2. In a specific case, the corrected speed profile V1 performs a deceleration step first, followed by an acceleration step (when the first package 2 is the leading package). Furthermore, the corrected speed profile V1 also includes sections where neither deceleration nor acceleration is performed on the first package 2.

[0116] Meanwhile, the second detection sensor 17 detects the presence of the first package 2 at the second detection station 18 and generates the signal SD1.

[0117] Furthermore, the first detection sensor 15 detects the presence of the second package 2 at the first detection station 16 and generates the signal FD2.

[0118] When the first package 2 is released, the second package 2 becomes the leading package, and the control unit CU controls the speed profile S according to the signal FD2. In particular, a corrected speed profile V2, which includes acceleration and deceleration steps, is applied.

[0119] Similarly, the second sensor device 17 records the presence of the second package 2 at the second detection station 18 and generates the signal SD2.

[0120] As shown in Figure 3, since each package 2 extends along section A1, the first detection device 15 and the second detection device 17 detect the presence of each package 2 at intervals required for each package 2 to pass through the first detection station 16 or the second detection station 18. Furthermore, each detection also depends on the specific acceleration and deceleration experienced by the conveyor belt 13. Thus, each package 2 may be detected by the first detection device 15 or the second detection device 17 at different time intervals.

[0121] Referring to Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 9 may be arranged along a portion of the auxiliary path B. Preferably, the processing unit 9 may be arranged sequentially along path B. More specifically, according to a particular embodiment disclosed, the processing unit 9 may comprise and / or consist of a capping device 9a configured to apply a cap 24 to each package 2 supplied to the capping device 9a.

[0122] Preferably, the processing apparatus 9, and more preferably the cap mounting apparatus 9a, may move and / or advance along a path parallel to path B.

[0123] In some non-limiting embodiments (not shown), the processing apparatus 9 may include and / or consist of a straw attachment device configured to attach at least one straw to a package 2 supplied to a straw attachment device.

[0124] In some non-limiting embodiments (not shown), the processing apparatus 9 may include and / or consist of a corrugated cardboard packaging apparatus configured to pack the package 2 into a carton.

[0125] In some non-limiting embodiments (not shown), the processing apparatus 9 may include and / or consist of a storage device configured to store the packages 2.

[0126] In another embodiment (not shown), the processing apparatus 9 may include, and / or consist of, a decorative coating apparatus configured to apply and / or engrave at least one decoration on a package 2 supplied to a decorative coating apparatus.

[0127] During use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a dispensable product.

[0128] In particular, the package forming device 4 forms the package 2 and supplies the package 2 to the processing machine 6, and the conveying device 7 conveys the package 2 to the processing machine 8 and / or into the processing machine 8.

[0129] More specifically, the package molding apparatus 4 forms a tube 5 from the web 3, seals and molds the tube 5 in the longitudinal direction, seals it laterally, and cuts it laterally to obtain the package 2.

[0130] Package 2 is transported to the entrance station 11 by a conveyor, preferably a transport device 7, and the operation of the transport device 7 is started.

[0131] During the operation of the conveying device 7, the continuous packages 2 are first conveyed along the forward path A, and then conveyed along the auxiliary path B.

[0132] A method for transporting a series of packages 2 along at least one forward path A comprises at least the following steps: - Preferably, package 2 is supplied to the inlet station 11; - The package 2 moves forward along the forward path A by the conveyor belt 13; - The presence of package 2 is detected at the first detection station 16; - Generate a first signal associated with the presence of package 2 detected at the first detection station 16; - Preferably, based on at least a first signal, the conveyor belt 13 is controlled so that package 2 undergoes at least one acceleration step and / or one deceleration step; and - Package 2 is released from exit station 12 at a predetermined speed.

[0133] Preferably, the forward step is performed between the detection step, the generation step, and the control step.

[0134] This method may further include the following steps: - As package 2 advances along section A1, the presence of the released package 2 is further detected at the second detection station 18; - Generate a second signal related to the presence of detected package 2; - Preferably, based on the second signal, the conveyor belt 13 is further controlled so that each package 2 being released undergoes one acceleration step and / or one deceleration step.

[0135] Furthermore, this method may include the following steps: - The package 2 released at exit station 12 is further advanced onto auxiliary conveyor 19; - Further supply package 2 to seat 20, which is moving forward along path C; - The auxiliary conveyor 19 transports the package 2 along the auxiliary path B to the processing device and into the processing device; - At least one process is performed on the package 2 within the processing apparatus using at least one processing apparatus 9; for example, the process comprises attaching at least one cap 24 to the package 2, and / or attaching at least one cap 24 to the package 2.

[0136] Preferably, the step to be performed is carried out during the step to further advance.

[0137] More specifically, in the supply step, the inlet conveyor 11 supplies the package 2 to the inlet station 11 along section A1 and within passage P1.

[0138] During the forward step, the conveyor belt 13 moves and / or moves forward, in particular by one or more motors, and also moves and / or moves forward along the path L1, engaging with the package 2 which moves forward along section A1 from its opposite side.

[0139] The subsequent package 2 is then advanced to the first detection station 16.

[0140] In the detection step, the first sensor device 15 detects the presence or absence of package 2 at the first detection station 16 and confirms whether the detected package 2 is placed on the corresponding sheet 20.

[0141] Following the detection step, in the generation step, the first sensor device 15 generates a first signal related to the presence of package 2 detected by the first detection station 16.

[0142] The first signal is then transmitted to the control unit (CU).

[0143] In the control step, the control unit CU calculates a correction speed profile associated with package 2 based on the first signal in order to align package 2 with the corresponding sheet 20.

[0144] In the control step, the control unit CU adds a correction speed profile to the basic speed profile U of the conveyor belt 13. That is, the correction speed profile is applied to the conveyor belt 13 via one or more motors controlled by the control unit CU.

[0145] More specifically, the conveyor belt 13 is accelerated and / or decelerated, and is controlled in particular by one or more motors, and undergoes one acceleration step and / or one deceleration step so that each package 2 is released at a predetermined speed at the exit station 12.

[0146] Package 2 may perform an acceleration step immediately before or after a deceleration step.

[0147] After accelerating / decelerating to a predetermined speed, in the forward step, package 2 moves forward along section A1 towards the second detection station 18.

[0148] In the subsequent detection step, the second sensor device 17 detects the presence of package 2 that would otherwise be released at the second detection station 18 if it was not detected by the first sensor device 15, and the detected package 2 is then correctly released at the exit station 12.

[0149] In a further step, following the detection step, the second sensor device 17 generates a second signal related to the presence of package 2 detected at the second detection station 18.

[0150] The second signal is then transmitted to the control unit (CU).

[0151] In the subsequent control step, the control unit CU calculates a correction speed profile for package 2 based on the second signal in order to align package 2 with sheet 20.

[0152] In a further control substep, the control unit CU adds a correction speed profile to the basic speed profile U of the conveyor belt 13. That is, the correction speed profile is applied to the conveyor belt 13 via one or more motors controlled by the control unit CU, and package 2 undergoes one of the acceleration step and / or deceleration step.

[0153] If package 2 is correctly aligned with sheet 20 during the control step, no further steps are performed.

[0154] During the release step, package 2 is released from exit station 12 at a predetermined speed.

[0155] In the subsequent supply step, the package 2 released from the exit station 12 is supplied to the seat 20 which is moving forward at a forward speed along the auxiliary path B.

[0156] In detail, when package 2 is supplied to sheet 20, package 2 is advanced along auxiliary path B by auxiliary conveyor 19, and in particular by conveyor belt 21.

[0157] In a further step, the conveyor belt 21 moves and / or advances along path L2 and, in particular, is controlled to move and / or advance by one or more motors, while engaging a package 2 advancing along auxiliary path B from its opposite side.

[0158] The continuous package 2 is then advanced to the processing unit 8 and into its interior.

[0159] Finally, in the execution step, package 2 undergoes one process by a processing unit 9 comprising and / or consisting of one cap-fitting device 9a. Specifically, a cap 24 is attached to package 2 as it moves along the auxiliary path B by the cap-fitting device 9a.

[0160] The advantages of the packaging machine 1 and / or conveying device 7 of the present invention should be clear from the above description.

[0161] In detail, the conveying device 7, in particular the belt conveying system 10, can supply a continuous stream of packages 2 to the entrance station 11 in a flexible and unpredictable manner without the need to pre-group the packages 2 into compact rows using reduction rollers.

[0162] Furthermore, the belt conveying system 10 can align the packages 2 onto the discontinuous sheets 20 so that continuous packages 2 can be supplied to the sheets 20.

[0163] Furthermore, if the first sensor device 15 cannot detect package 2 at the first detection station 16 due to the row of package 2, the second sensor device 17 acts as a safety system / control measure to detect the presence of package 2 at the exit station 12 and correctly align the detected package 2 with the sheet 20 just before it is released.

[0164] Clearly, modifications may be made to the packaging machine 1 and / or conveying device 7 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A conveying device (7) that transports a continuous dispensing product package (2) along at least a forward path (A), A belt conveying system (10) moves the package (2) forward along a portion (A1) of the forward path (A) between an inlet station (11) that receives the package (2) and an outlet station (12) that discharges the package (2), A control unit (CU) configured to control the operation of the belt conveying system (10), The belt conveying system (10) comprises two conveyor belts (13) spaced apart from each other, which move forward along a path (L1) and are configured to engage packages (2) moving forward along the portion (A1) of the forward path (A) from opposite sides. A first detection station (16) located between the entrance station (11) and the exit station (12) includes at least a first sensor device (15) configured to detect the presence of the package (2) and generate a first signal related to the detected presence of the package (2), The control unit (CU) is configured to accelerate and / or decelerate the conveyor belt (13) based on the first signal. The transport device (7) includes a second sensor device (17) located at the second detection station (18) and configured to detect the presence of the package (2) released from the exit station (12) and to generate a second signal related to the presence of the package (2) at the exit station (12). Equipped with, Conveying device (7).

2. The control unit (CU) is configured to accelerate and / or decelerate the conveyor belt (13) so that the detected package (2) is released from the exit station (12) at a predetermined speed. The conveying device (7) according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined speed is the same for each of the consecutive packages (2) detected by the first sensor device (15). The conveying device (7) according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned leading package undergoes only one acceleration step and one deceleration step. The transport device (7) according to claim 3.

5. The belt conveying system (10) comprises one or more motors configured to advance the conveyor belt (13) along the path (L1), The control unit (CU) is configured to control the one or more motors during use such that the one or more motors advance the conveyor belt (13) and the package (2) is released from the exit station (12) at a predetermined speed, and / or the package (2) undergoes at least one acceleration step and one deceleration step. A conveying device (7) according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The second detection station (18) substantially coincides with the exit station (12). A conveying device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Furthermore, it further comprises a continuous package (2), Each package (2) has a predetermined length along the forward path (A), The distance between the first detection station (16) and the exit station (12) is greater than the predetermined length of each package (2). A conveying device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The transport device (7) includes an auxiliary conveyor (19) having a plurality of sheets (20), Each sheet (20) is configured to accommodate at least one package (2), and is configured to advance along the auxiliary path (19), The belt conveying system (10) is configured to align the packages with the sheet (20) so that the packages (2) released from the exit station (12) are supplied to the sheet (20). A conveying device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The control unit (CU) is configured to accelerate and / or decelerate the conveyor belt (13) so that the detected package (2) is released from the exit station (12) at a predetermined speed. The auxiliary conveyor (19) is configured to move the sheet (20) forward at a predetermined forward speed. The belt conveying system (10) is configured such that the predetermined speed substantially matches the specified forward speed. The conveying device (7) according to claim 8.

10. The packages (2) are ejected from each other at a distance equal to the distance between the sheets (20) or a multiple thereof. The conveying device (7) according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A cap-attaching device (6) for attaching a cap (24) to a package (2) filled with a dispensable product, wherein the cap-attaching device (6) is A conveying device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, One or more cap mounting devices (9a) configured to attach at least one cap (24) to the package (2), Equipped with, The one or more cap mounting devices (9a) are arranged downstream of the belt conveying system (10). Cap attachment device (6).

12. A packaging machine (1) that manufactures packages (2) filled with a dispenseable product, wherein the packaging machine (1) A package forming apparatus (4) for forming the package (2) and filling the package (2) with a product that can be poured into it, The at least one cap mounting device (6) according to claim 11, A packaging machine (1) equipped with the following:

13. A method for transporting a continuous package (2) containing a dispensable product along at least a forward path (A), wherein the method is The steps include: moving the package (2) forward along a portion (A1) of the forward path (A) between an entrance station (11) and an exit station (12) by two conveyor belts (13) that are spaced apart from each other and engage the package (2) from opposite sides; The first detection station (15), located between the entrance station (11) and the exit station (12), detects the presence of the package (2) at the first detection station (15), The steps include generating a first signal related to the presence of the package (2) detected at the first detection station (15), A step of controlling the conveyor belt (13) based on at least the first signal, The steps include: releasing the package (2) at the exit station (12); Equipped with, moreover, The steps include detecting the presence of the package (2) to be released at the exit station (12), The steps include generating a second signal related to the presence of the package (2) at the output station (12), Equipped with, The conveyor belt (13) is controlled in accordance with the second signal. method.

14. The conveyor belt (13) is controlled to release the packages (2) at a predetermined speed at the exit station (12). The method according to claim 13.

15. A method for attaching a cap (24) to a package (2) filled with a dispensable product, comprising a method for transporting the package (2) according to the method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the transport method further includes The steps include: moving the package (2) released from the exit station (12) forward to an auxiliary conveyor (19); and the auxiliary conveyor (19) having a plurality of sheets (20) that move along at least one auxiliary path (B) at a predetermined forward speed. The steps include supplying the package (2) to the sheet (20), The steps include moving the package (2) to the cap-fitting device (8) and into its interior using an auxiliary conveyor (19), Equipped with, The method for attaching the aforementioned cap further includes: The step of attaching the cap (24) to the package (2) using at least one cap attachment device (9a), A method that includes [a certain feature].

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