Cap mounting device for cap mounting device, cap mounting device for packaging machine, and packaging machine equipped with cap mounting device

Abstract

A cap mounting device (16) for a cap mounting device (15) for mounting a cap (7) onto a collar (6) of a package (2) moving along a forward path (P) is disclosed. The cap mounting device (16) includes a cap supply unit (17) for supplying the cap (7) to a transfer station (18) and mounting the cap (7) onto the collar (6), and an alignment unit (19) for aligning the collar (6) of the package (2) with respect to the cap (7) at the transfer station (18). The alignment unit (19) comprises a first guide (20) and a second guide (21) spaced apart from each other, the guides configured to engage with the collar (6) from the opposite side of the collar (6) and to align the collar (6) with respect to the cap (7). Furthermore, it comprises at least one deformation correcting surface (22) that interacts with the collar (6) and corrects deformation of the collar (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap attachment device for a cap mounting device mounted on a packaging machine. The cap attachment device is configured to attach a cap to the color of a package filled with a fluid product, and preferably, the package is formed of a multilayer packaging material.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a cap mounting device for attaching a cap to a package filled with a fluid product. Preferably, the package is formed of a multilayer packaging material.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a packaging machine provided with at least one cap mounting device for packaging a fluid product, preferably a fluid food, in a package, preferably a package formed of a multilayer packaging material.

Background Art

[0004] As is well known, many liquid or fluid foods such as fruit juice, UHT (Ultra High Temperature Treatment) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in sealed packages made of sterilized packaging materials in particular.

[0005] As a typical example, Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), a parallelepiped-shaped packaging material for fluid foods, can be mentioned. This is manufactured by sealing and folding a laminated strip-shaped packaging material. This packaging material has a multilayer structure in which both sides of a base material layer of paperboard or paper are covered with layers of a heat-sealable plastic material (for example, polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage, an oxygen barrier material layer (for example, aluminum foil) is laminated on the heat-sealable plastic material layer, and further covered with a heat-sealable plastic material layer on top of it, finally forming the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0006] Such packages are usually manufactured by a fully automatic packaging machine that forms and fills the package from a multilayer packaging material.

[0007] Some packaging machines are configured to produce packages comprising a body formed from multilayer packaging material and an opening device positioned around the spout of the body. The opening device is configured to allow selective opening and closing of the spout.

[0008] A typical opening device includes a collar positioned around the spout and a cap fitted to the collar that is controllable between a closed and open position.

[0009] The packaging machine comprises a package forming device that forms at least the main body from multilayer packaging material for manufacturing a package with an opening device, and a cap attaching device that applies at least a cap to the package.

[0010] In one embodiment, the package forming apparatus is configured to manufacture a package having a main body formed from a multilayer packaging material and a collar positioned around the spout. The cap attaching apparatus is configured to attach a cap to the collar.

[0011] Typically, a capping device comprises a conveyor device for moving a series of packages supplied from a package forming device along a forward path, a cap mounting device for mounting caps onto collars, and a cap fixing device located downstream of the cap mounting device for securing the caps to the collars. In some possible solutions, the capping device may further include a sealing device located downstream of the cap mounting device and configured to seal the connection between the cap and the body. An example of a capping device is disclosed in European Patent Application EP3153414A1.

[0012] The capping device may also include a supply unit that supplies caps to the package color. An example of such a supply unit is disclosed in European Patent Application EP3205589A1. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] While known capping devices and / or capping machines and / or packaging machines perform to a satisfactory degree, there is a demand in the industry for further improvements to known packaging machines.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap mounting device.

[0015] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap mounting device.

[0016] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] According to the present invention, a cap mounting device as described in independent claim 1 is provided.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the cap attachment device are claimed in claims that directly or indirectly depend on claim 1.

[0019] According to the present invention, a cap mounting device as described in claim 14 is provided.

[0020] According to the present invention, a packaging machine as described in claim 15 is further provided.

[0021] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine equipped with at least one cap-applying device, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 2]It is a schematic diagram of the cap attachment device of the cap mounting device in FIG. 1, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the details of the cap attachment device in FIG. 2 seen from the first perspective, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the details of the cap attachment device in FIG. 2 seen from the second perspective, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 5a] It is a cross-sectional view of the detailed parts in FIGS. 3 and 4, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 5b] It is a plan view of the package with color, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 6] It is a more detailed schematic diagram of the cap mounting device in FIGS. 3 and 4, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of a more detailed part in FIG. 6, with some parts omitted for clarity.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Number 1 indicates the entire packaging machine for manufacturing package 2 filled with a fluid product such as, for example, sterilized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, emulsion, yogurt, milk beverage, etc.

[0024] The packaging machine 1 can be configured to manufacture package 2 filled with a fluid product.

[0025] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to manufacture package 2 from a packaging material having a multilayer structure.

[0026] More specifically, the packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-weldable plastic material arranged so as to sandwich the fibrous material layer from each other. One of these two layers of heat-weldable plastic material forms the inner surface of the package 2 that comes into contact with the fluid product.

[0027] Furthermore, the packaging material may include a gas and light blocking material layer, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and may be configured to be positioned between a heat-weldable plastic material layer and a fiber material layer. Preferably, the packaging material may also include another heat-weldable plastic material layer sandwiched between the gas and light blocking material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0028] More specifically, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3.

[0029] In Figures 1, 5a, and 5b, the package 2 may comprise a main body 4 formed from a multilayer packaging material and an opening device 5 positioned around the spout of the main body 4.

[0030] In some possible embodiments, the spout may be covered with a separation membrane, which is preferably formed from a portion of the multilayer packaging material.

[0031] The opening device 5 may include a collar 6 that protrudes from the main body 4 and is positioned around the spout. Preferably, the collar 6 may have a spout opening for dispensing a fluid product.

[0032] The opening device may further include a cap 7 fixed to the collar 6 and preferably configured to open and close the spout. Preferably, the collar 6 may have an external projection, and the cap 7 may have an internal projection configured to engage with the external projection of the collar 6.

[0033] In particular, the cap 7 is controllable between a closed position where the cap 7 closes the dispensing opening (preventing the outflow of the fluid product) and an open position where the cap 7 opens the dispensing opening (allowing the outflow of the fluid product). Preferably, the cap 7 is fixed to the package 2 and remains in the closed position until it is supplied to the end user.

[0034] Preferably, the cap 7 may be movable (repeatedly) between a closed position and an open position.

[0035] Furthermore, the cap 7 may preferably comprise an annular side wall and a lid preferably hinged to the side wall. Preferably, the lid may be movable to control the cap 7 between a closed position and an open position.

[0036] Preferably, the side wall is positioned to surround a portion of the collar 6 after the cap 7 has been fixed to the collar 6.

[0037] In some possible embodiments, the opening device 5 may further include a coupling element connected to and protruding from the separation membrane. Preferably, the coupling element may be in close contact with the cap 7 and preferably sealed. In particular, when the cap 7 is operated to the open position for the first time, the coupling element follows the movement of the cap 7, separating the separation membrane from the main body 4.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting element may be surrounded by the collar 6. More preferably, the connecting element may have a portion that protrudes from the collar 6.

[0039] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the opening device 5 may further comprise a preferably integrally molded base frame 8 that supports the collar 6 and is connected to the main body 4.

[0040] Preferably, the collar 6 may be integrally formed with the base frame 8 and / or extend from the base frame 8.

[0041] More specifically, color 6 may extend along the central axis A.

[0042] Furthermore, the collar 6 may have an annular shape. Preferably, the collar 6 may have a circular shape.

[0043] More specifically, the collar 6 may have a first end that contacts and is preferably integrally formed with the base frame 8, and a second end that separates the dispensing opening.

[0044] Preferably, the collar 6, and more preferably the first end, has an indentation 9 at the interface between the collar 6, and preferably the first end, and the base frame 8.

[0045] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the collar 6 may be molded onto the body portion 4. Preferably, the collar 6 may be molded onto the web of the packaging material 3 before the packaging 2 is formed and filled.

[0046] More specifically, the collar 6 may be molded together with the base frame 8 into the main body 4. Preferably, the collar 6 is molded together with the base frame 8 into the web of the package material 3 before the molding and filling of the package 2.

[0047] Furthermore, the connecting elements may be molded into the main body portion 4. Preferably, they may be molded into the web of the packaging material before the molding and filling of the package 2.

[0048] In Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 is - A package filling device 14 configured to form and fill a package 2, in particular to form a package 2 from multilayer packaging material and to fill the package 2 with a fluid product; and - At least one cap mounting device 15 configured to secure the cap 7 to the collar 6, It may be provided.

[0049] Preferably, the capping device 15 may be located downstream of the package filling device 14 and may be configured to receive the package 2 from the package filling device 14.

[0050] For simplicity, this specification will not use different terminology to distinguish between a package 2 that needs to receive a cap 7 and a package 2 that already has a cap 7 attached when describing the operation of the cap attachment device 15.

[0051] Referring particularly to Figure 2, the cap mounting device 15 is, - A transport device configured to move package 2 along a forward path P, preferably a linear forward path P, - A cap mounting device 16 configured to attach one cap 7 to a collar 6, It is equipped with.

[0052] As will be described later, the cap mounting device 16 is configured to attach the caps 7 to each collar 6, but after attachment, these caps are not yet fully secured to each collar 6.

[0053] More specifically, during use, after operation of the cap mounting device 16, the collar 6, preferably each side wall, can only be partially bonded to the collar 6. That is, the side wall already surrounds a portion of the collar 6, but does not yet surround all of the portion to be surrounded.

[0054] Therefore, preferably, the cap mounting device 15 may include one or more cap fixing devices for securing the caps 7 to each collar 6. For example, the cap fixing device may be configured to screw and / or push the caps 7 onto the collar 6.

[0055] More preferably, the cap fixing device ensures that the cap 7 (particularly the sidewalls) is fully coupled to the collar 6 during use. For example, the sidewalls are configured to enclose all parts that need to be enclosed after being fixed to the collar 6.

[0056] Preferably, the cap fixing device may be located downstream of the cap mounting device 16 along the forward path P.

[0057] In some possible embodiments, the cap mounting device 15 may comprise only one cap fixing device. Preferably, the cap mounting device 15 may comprise multiple cap fixing devices configured to simultaneously secure the cap 7 to the collar 6.

[0058] In some non-limiting embodiments, the cap mounting device 15 may include one or more cap sealing devices configured to seal the coupling element to the cap 7.

[0059] Preferably, the cap sealing device may be located downstream of the cap fixing device along the forward path P.

[0060] In some possible embodiments, the cap mounting device 15 may comprise only one cap sealing device. Preferably, the cap mounting device 15 may comprise multiple cap sealing devices configured to simultaneously seal the coupling element to the cap 7.

[0061] In Figures 2 to 5a, 6 and 7, the cap mounting device 16 is - A cap supply unit 17 is configured to sequentially supply caps 7 to the transfer station 18, and the transfer station 18 attaches the caps 7 to each color 6; and - At the transfer station 18, an alignment unit 19 is configured to receive the color 6 and align the color 6 with respect to the cap 7. It is equipped with.

[0062] In particular, as package 2 moves forward along the forward path P, it passes through the transfer station 18 (sequentially).

[0063] In particular, the operating range of the alignment unit 19 is set so that when the cap 7 is attached to the collar 6, the collar 6 is correctly aligned with the cap 7 and the cap 7 is correctly attached to the collar 6.

[0064] More specifically, the alignment of the collar 6 and the cap 7 means that the central axis A of the collar 6 is aligned with the central axis B of the cap 7. Preferably, when the cap 7 is transferred to the collar 6, each central axis A may be coaxial with each cap 7.

[0065] In particular, the alignment unit 19 may be configured to ensure the desired relative position of each color 6 at the transfer station 18.

[0066] Preferably, the alignment unit 19 may be configured to center the collar 6. That is, the alignment unit 19 may be configured such that the center point of the collar 6 is in a predetermined position that is substantially the same for all of the collars 6.

[0067] Furthermore, the alignment unit 19 may be configured to compensate for manufacturing tolerances inherent in the connection between the collar 6 and the main body 2.

[0068] The alignment unit 19 comprises a first guide 20 and a second guide 21 spaced apart from each other, which engage with the collar from opposite sides and are configured to align the collar 6 with respect to the cap 7.

[0069] More specifically, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 are configured to engage with the collar 6, and the interaction between the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 and the collar 6 determines the relative position between the collar 6 and the cap 7.

[0070] In particular, the positions of the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 with respect to the transfer station 18 are fixed. Therefore, even if the relative position of the color 6 on the main body 2 changes, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 maintain the correct relative position of the color 6, and the color 6 is correctly positioned at the transfer station 18.

[0071] Returning to Figure 5b, an example is shown where the collar 6 is molded onto the main body 2. The collar 6 is slightly deformed (the right side deviates from the semicircular shape). In this specific example, part of the collar 6 is semicircular, while other parts are not. Such deformation can pose a significant problem regarding the correct attachment of the cap 7. In particular, if the deformation is severe, the cap 7 may not be properly attached, and the package 2 may need to be discarded. A high discard rate is undesirable.

[0072] Therefore, the alignment unit 19 includes at least one deformation correction surface 22 for interacting with the collar 6 and compensating for deformation of the collar 6. Preferably, the deformation correction surface 22 may be configured to engage with a portion of the collar 6 and / or to apply force toward the center of the collar 6.

[0073] More preferably, the deformation correction surface 22 may be configured to correct deformation so that the color 6 forms a substantially circular shape.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the alignment unit 19 may have exactly one deformation correction surface 22. The applicant observed that deformation typically occurs only on one side of the collar 6.

[0075] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the deformation correction surface 22, the first guide 20, and the second guide 21 may be positioned such that, during use, the deformation correction surface 22 engages with the collar 6 after the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 engage with the collar 6. That is, the deformation correction surface 22 begins to correct deformation after the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 have begun to align the collar 6, preferably to the center, and / or before the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 have finished engaging with the collar 6.

[0076] In Figures 2 to 5a and Figure 6, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may be elongated along the forward path P.

[0077] In some possible embodiments, when the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 interact during use, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may define a forward space 23 in which the collar 6 advances.

[0078] More specifically, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may define an inlet opening 27 located downstream of the forward path P and an outlet opening 28 located downstream of the inlet opening 27.

[0079] Preferably, the forward space 23 extends from the inlet opening 27 to the outlet opening 28.

[0080] When in use, the collar 6 moves within the forward space 23 from the entrance opening 27 towards the exit opening 28.

[0081] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may define a central axis C which is preferably parallel to the forward path P.

[0082] More specifically, each of the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may extend from the first end 29 to the second end 30.

[0083] Preferably, the first end 29 defines an inlet opening 27, and the second end 30 defines an outlet opening 28.

[0084] Preferably, the first size of the inlet opening 27 may be larger than the second size of the outlet opening 28. In particular, the first and second sizes can be defined as the distances D1 and D2 between the first end 29 and the second end 30, along a direction perpendicular to the forward path P.

[0085] More specifically, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may each comprise an auxiliary section 31 and a main section 32 located downstream of the auxiliary section 31 with respect to the forward path P.

[0086] Furthermore, the auxiliary part 31 may be inclined with respect to the main part 32.

[0087] Preferably, the auxiliary part 31 holds the first terminal part 29, and the main part 32 holds the second terminal part 30.

[0088] More specifically, the auxiliary portion 31 may have a free end and a connecting end located on the opposite side of the free end and connected to the main portion 32. Preferably, the first terminal portion 29 may have a free end.

[0089] Advantageously, the free end can define the entrance opening 27.

[0090] Preferably, the distance between the free ends (equal to distance D1) (in a direction perpendicular to the forward path P) may be greater than the distance between the connected ends (in a direction perpendicular to the forward path P).

[0091] In other words, the entrance opening 27 may be larger than the rest of the forward space 23, which allows the collar 6 to be received regardless of its exact position and to be properly aligned with the cap 7.

[0092] More specifically, the main sections 32 are parallel to each other and preferably parallel to the forward path P and / or central axis C. Preferably, the transfer station 18 can be positioned along the main sections 32. This allows the collar 6 and / or package 2 to be in contact with the main sections 32, and the cap supply unit 17 to supply the caps 7 onto the collar 6.

[0093] Furthermore, the auxiliary portion 31 may define a part of the forward space 23 that gradually tapers towards the connection end.

[0094] In Figures 5a and 7, each of the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may have a side surface 33 that faces the color 6 when in use.

[0095] Preferably, the side surface 33 may be designed to be complementary to (i.e., to have a complementary shape to) a portion of the collar 7, preferably to the recess 9. In this way, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 are ensured to interact with a defined and locally restricted portion of the collar 6. In particular, it is ensured that the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 reach into the recess 9.

[0096] Additionally, or alternatively, the thickness of the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may be 1.2 mm or less, preferably 1.0 mm or less. This ensures that the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 interact with locally restricted portions of the collar 6 and ultimately do not apply any forces that could cause deformation to the collar 6.

[0097] More specifically, the first guide 20 and the second guide 21 may have a first surface facing the main body 4 and / or base frame 8 when in use, and / or a second surface 34 located on the opposite side of the first surface. Preferably, the first surface may be configured to cover a larger area than the second surface 34.

[0098] Preferably, the side surface 33 may extend between the first surface and the second surface 34.

[0099] Preferably, the side surface 33 may have a section inclined with respect to the first and second surfaces 34. Preferably, the section may extend from the second surface 34 in the direction of the central axis C.

[0100] In Figures 2 to 5a, 6 and 7, the deformation correction surface 22 may comprise a movable surface portion 40 and a main surface portion 41 connected to the movable surface portion 40. In particular, the movable surface portion 40 may be inclined with respect to the main surface portion 41.

[0101] In particular, the main surface portion 41 may be configured to contact the collar 6 in order to correct the deformation of the collar 6, while the moving surface portion 40 may be configured to ensure a smooth force profile acting on the collar 6 and to avoid abrupt interactions between the deformation correction surface 22 and the collar 6.

[0102] Preferably, the main surface portion 41 may be positioned downstream of the moving surface portion 40 in the forward path P.

[0103] Preferably, the movable surface portion 40 may include a connecting section connected to the main surface portion 41 and an initial section opposite the connecting section, and may extend from them. More preferably, the connecting section and / or the main surface portion 41 may be closer to the central axis C than the initial section.

[0104] Preferably, the main surface portion 41 may be parallel to the forward path P and / or the central axis A.

[0105] Preferably, the main surface portion 41 may be parallel to the main portion 32 of the second guide 21, and / or the movable surface portion 40 may be parallel to the auxiliary portion 31 of the second guide 21.

[0106] Additionally, or alternatively, the main surface portion 41 may be arranged in a plane.

[0107] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the deformation correction surface 22 may extend at least to the transfer station 18 and / or to the exit opening 28 and / or be configured to interact with the collar 6 located at the transfer station 18. Thus, the deformation correction surface 22 is configured to contact the collar 6 and correct deformation when the cap 7 is mounted on the collar 6 at the transfer station 18.

[0108] In this way, deformation is corrected when the cap 7 is attached to the collar 6, ensuring that the cap 7 is properly attached. After the cap 7 is attached to the collar 6, the cap 7 ensures that the collar 6 does not elastically return to its original deformed shape, but maintains the desired shape, preferably the desired circular shape.

[0109] Furthermore, the alignment unit 19 may preferably include an auxiliary surface portion 42 connected to the movable surface portion 40 on the deformation correction surface 22. In particular, the movable surface portion 40 may be positioned between the auxiliary surface portion 42 and the main surface portion 41. In particular, the auxiliary surface portion 42 may be positioned so that it does not come into contact with the collar 6.

[0110] More specifically, the auxiliary surface portion 42 may be positioned upstream of the deformation correction surface 22 along the forward path P.

[0111] Preferably, the main surface portion 41 may be closer to the central axis C than the auxiliary surface portion 42.

[0112] The auxiliary surface portion 42 may be parallel to the main surface portion 41.

[0113] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the deformation-correcting surface 22 may be associated with and / or supported by the second guide 21. Preferably, the deformation-correcting surface 22 may extend from the second guide 21, preferably from the second surface 34.

[0114] In some cases, the deformation correction surface 22 may be perpendicular to the second guide 21, preferably to the second surface 34.

[0115] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the second guide 21 and the deformation correction surface 22 may be integrally formed with each other.

[0116] Preferably, the second guide 21 may be closer to the central axis C than the deformation correction surface 22.

[0117] In Figures 2 to 5a and Figure 6, the cap mounting device 16 may further include a support surface 43 that is associated with the first guide 20, preferably the second surface 34, and preferably extends thereto.

[0118] Preferably, the first extension E1 of the first guide 20 relative to the support surface 43 and / or extending from the support surface 43 in the direction of the central axis C is larger than the second extension E2 of the second guide 21 relative to the deformation compensating surface 22, preferably the main surface 41, and / or extending from the deformation compensating surface 22, preferably the main surface 41 in the direction of the central axis C. In particular, the support surface 43 may be positioned to avoid interaction and / or contact with the collar 6. In other words, unlike the deformation compensating surface 22 which may engage with the collar 6, the support surface 43 maintains a state of separation from the collar 7 while advancing within the advance space 23.

[0119] In particular, the first extension E1 and the second extension E2 may be determined along a direction perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0120] Normally, deformation occurs only on one side of the color 7, so it is not necessary to position the support surface 43 as a deformation correction surface.

[0121] In Figures 2, 4, and 5a, the cap supply unit 17 may include a pair of partition walls 44 that engage laterally with the cap 7 from the opposite side at the transfer station 18 and hold the cap 7 when transferring (attaching) the cap 7 to the collar 6. In particular, the partition walls 44 stabilize the cap 7 when transferring it to the collar 6.

[0122] In particular, the partition wall 44 may be positioned above the alignment unit 19.

[0123] Preferably, the partition wall 44 may be positioned parallel to the forward path P and / or the central axis C. Preferably, the partition wall 44 may be positioned on the opposite side of the central axis C to hold the cap 7 between them during transport to the collar 6.

[0124] Preferably, the partition wall 44 may be located at the transfer station 18.

[0125] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the cap supply unit 17 may further include a supply channel 45 configured to accommodate a plurality of caps 7 and to guide the caps 7 to a transfer station 18. Preferably, a partition wall 44 may demarcate the supply channel 45 and / or extend downward from the supply channel 45, at least at the transfer station 18.

[0126] The partition wall 44 of the cap supply unit 17 may be provided regardless of whether or not the deformation correction surface 22 is present. In other words, it is possible to provide an alignment unit 19 having a first guide 20 and a second guide 21, and not necessarily having a deformation correction surface 22, in combination with the partition wall 44 of the transport unit 17.

[0127] Furthermore, the cap supply unit 17 may include a retaining mechanism 46 that can be controlled between an active configuration and a release configuration, in which the retaining mechanism 46 is configured to hold one cap 7 at a time at the transfer station 18, and in which the retaining mechanism 46 is configured to release the caps 7 to one collar 6 at the transfer station 18.

[0128] In some possible embodiments, the cap supply unit 17 may be configured such that the holding mechanism 46 holds the cap 7 at the transfer station 18, while the cap 7 is tilted relative to the receiving collar 6, i.e., the central axis B is tilted relative to the central axis A. Furthermore, only during release, when the cap 7 is mounted onto the collar 6, the cap 7 changes its orientation so that the central axes B and C can become parallel, preferably coaxial, to each other.

[0129] In some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the cap supply unit 17 may further include a pressurizing mechanism 47, such as a pressurizing cam, located downstream of the transfer station 18 along the forward path P, and configured to apply force to the cap 7 toward the body 2 so as to press the cap 7 against the collar 6.

[0130] In Figure 1, the package filling device 14 may be configured to manufacture packages 2 and fill packages 2 with a fluid product.

[0131] More specifically, the package filling device 14 may be configured to form a tube 50 from the web 3, seal the tube 50 longitudinally, fill the tube 30 with a fluid product, and seal and cut the tube 50 transversely.

[0132] During use, packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a fluid product.

[0133] The operation of packaging machine 1 includes at least the following steps: - In particular, the steps of forming a package 2 and filling the package 2 with a fluid product, which are performed by a package filling device 14; and - In particular, the cap mounting device 15 performs the step of fixing the cap 7 to the collar 6, It includes at least [this].

[0134] More specifically, during the forming and filling steps, the tube 50 is formed from the advancing web 3, sealed longitudinally, filled with a fluid product, and then sealed and cut transversely.

[0135] In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may include the step of supplying the package 2, in particular from the package filling device 7 to the capping device 15.

[0136] More specifically, the following substeps are performed in the step of securing the cap. - The cap 7 is attached to the collar 6 using the cap attachment device 16; - Preferably, the cap 7 is secured to the collar 6 using a cap mounting device; - Preferably, the connecting element is sealed in the cap 7.

[0137] When the substep is applied, the alignment unit 19 aligns the collar 6 with respect to the cap 7. Furthermore, the alignment unit 19 may preferably correct the deformation of the collar 6 using the deformation correction surface 22.

[0138] When the substep is applied, the partition wall 44 restricts the movement of the cap 7 so that the cap 7 is properly fitted onto the collar 6.

[0139] The advantages of the cap attachment device 16 and / or cap attachment device 15 and / or packaging machine 1 of the present invention will become clear from the above description.

[0140] In particular, the cap mounting device 16 ensures that the collar 6 is correctly aligned or has the desired shape when the cap 7 is attached to the collar 6.

[0141] Furthermore, the cap mounting device 16 ensures that the cap 7 moves correctly onto the collar 6 due to the presence of the partition wall 44.

[0142] Clearly, modifications may be made to the cap attachment device 16 and / or cap attachment device 15 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cap mounting device (16) for a cap mounting device (15) that attaches a cap (7) to the collar (6) of the package (2) as the package (2) moves forward along the forward path (P), wherein the cap mounting device (16) is A cap supply unit (17) that supplies the caps (7) to the transfer station (18), The transfer station (18) includes an alignment unit (19) that aligns the collar (6) of the package (2) with respect to the cap (7), Equipped with, The aforementioned alignment unit (19) A first guide (20) and a second guide (21) are spaced apart from each other, extending along the forward path (P), engaging with the collar (6) from the opposite side of the collar (6), and configured to align the collar (6) with respect to the cap (7); the first guide (20) and the second guide (21) define a forward space (23), and when in use, the collar (6) moves forward in the forward space (23) while interacting with the first guide (20) and the second guide (21). At least one deformation correcting surface (22) is configured to interact with the collar (6) and correct the deformation of the collar (6), Equipped with, Cap attachment device (16).

2. The deformation correcting surface (22), the first guide (20), and the second guide (21) are positioned such that, when in use, the deformation correcting surface (22) engages with the collar (6) after the first guide (20) and the second guide (21) begin to engage with the collar (6) and / or before the first guide (20) and the second guide (21) finish engaging with the collar (6). The cap mounting device (16) according to claim 1.

3. The deformation correction surface (22) comprises a movable surface portion (40) and a main surface portion (41) connected to the movable surface portion (40), The movable surface portion (40) is inclined with respect to the main surface portion (41). The cap mounting device (16) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The main surface portion (41) is parallel to the forward path (P) and / or the central axis (C) defined between the first guide (20) and the second guide (21), and / or The main surface portion (41) is arranged in a plane. The cap mounting device (16) according to claim 3.

5. The deformation correction surface (22) is configured to extend at least to the transfer station (18) and / or to interact with the collar (6) located at the transfer station (18). A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The deformation correction surface (22) is associated with the second guide (21) and / or supported on the second guide (21) and / or extends from the second guide (21), A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second guide (21) is closer to the central axis (C) defined between the first guide (20) and the second guide (21) than the deformation correction surface (22). A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The cap mounting device (16) further comprises a support surface (43) extending from and / or associated with and / or supported by the first guide (20), and a deformation correcting surface (22) extending from and / or associated with the second guide (21), The first guide (20) and the second guide (21) define the central axis (C), The first extension (E1) of the first guide (20) extending from the support surface (43) toward the central axis (C) is larger than the second extension (E2) of the second guide (21) extending from the deformation correction surface (22) toward the central axis (C). A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first guide (20) and the second guide (21) have sides (33) that face the collar (6) when in use. The aforementioned side (33) is complementary to a part of the aforementioned color (6). The cap mounting device (16) according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The thickness of the first guide (20) and the second guide (21) is 1.2 mm or less. A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The first guide (20) and the second guide (21) extend from the first end (29) to the second end (30), The first end (29) defines an inlet opening (27), and the second end (30) defines an outlet opening (28), and the size (D1) of the inlet opening (27) is greater than the size (D2) of the outlet opening (28), and / or The first guide (20) and the second guide (21) each comprise an auxiliary portion (31) and a main portion (32) located downstream of the auxiliary portion (31), wherein the auxiliary portion (31) is inclined with respect to the main portion (32), and the auxiliary portion (31) comprises a free end and a connecting end located on the opposite side of the free end and connected to the main portion (32), and the distance (D1) between the free ends is greater than the distance between the connecting ends. A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The cap supply unit (17) comprises a pair of partition walls (44) configured to engage laterally with the cap (7) from the opposite side at the transfer station (18), and the partition walls (44) are configured to engage with the cap (7) when the cap (7) is transferred to the collar (6). A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The partition wall (44) is parallel to the forward path (P) and / or central axis (C) defined between the first guide (20) and the second guide (21). The cap mounting device (16) according to claim 12.

14. A cap attachment device (15) for fixing a cap (7) to the collar (6) of a package (2) manufactured by a packaging machine (1), A conveying device for moving the package (2) forward along the forward path (P), A cap mounting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, configured to attach the cap (7) to the collar (6) of the package (2), At least one cap fixing device is positioned downstream of the cap mounting device (16), along the forward path (P), and configured to fix the cap (7) to the collar (6), Equipped with, Cap attachment device (15).

15. A packaging machine (1) that has a color (6) and manufactures packages (2) filled with a fluid product, A package filling device (14) forms a package (2) and fills the package with a fluid product, At least one cap mounting device (15) according to claim 14, A packaging machine (1) equipped with the following:

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