Package forming apparatus and packaging machine

Abstract

A package forming apparatus (1) comprising a first actuation unit (4) and a second actuation unit (4) is described. Each of the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) comprises a plurality of actuation devices (7), each actuation device (7) configured to operate a tube (3) filled with a product that can be dispensed to form a package (2) in cooperation with other actuation devices (7), and also comprises a transport device (8) configured to advance the plurality of actuation devices (7) along a forward path (Q). The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are controllable between an operating configuration in which the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are configured to operate the tube (3), and a resting configuration. At least one of the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) is angularly movable about a rotation axis (A), thereby controlling the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) between the operating configuration and the resting configuration.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a package forming device for forming a pourable product, preferably a package for a pourable food product, preferably a sealed package. 【0002】 Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine comprising a package forming device for forming a pourable product, preferably a package for a pourable food product, preferably a sealed package. 【Background Art】 【0003】 As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature sterilized) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials. 【0004】 As a typical example, there is a rectangular parallelepiped package for a liquid or pourable food product known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark). This is made by sealing and folding a laminated laminate packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure in which both sides of a base layer of, for example, carton and / or paper are covered with a heat-sealing plastic material layer such as polyethylene. In the case of a sterile package for a long-term preservation product such as UHT milk, the packaging material further includes a layer of an oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), for example, an aluminum foil, and this layer is overlaid on the layer of the heat-sealing plastic material and is further covered with another layer of a heat-sealing plastic material that forms the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food. 【0005】 This type of package is usually manufactured by a fully automatic packaging machine. The packaging machine feeds a web of packaging material into a sterilization device, sterilizes the web at a sterilization station, and then conveys it to an isolation chamber. Inside the isolation chamber, the web is held, conveyed, formed into a tube shape, and sealed longitudinally. 【0006】 To complete the molding process, the tube is filled with a dispensable product, such as a dispensable food, and sealed laterally. Then, within the package forming device of a packaging machine, it is cut along equally spaced cross-sections as it moves forward along the vertical forward direction. 【0007】 The resulting pillow packages each have a vertical sealing section, an upper horizontal sealing section, and a lower horizontal sealing section. 【0008】 A typical packaging machine comprises a conveying device that advances a web of packaging material along a web advance path and transports the tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advance path; a sterilizing device for sterilizing the web of packaging material before forming it into a tube; a tube forming and sealing device configured to form a tube from the web of packaging material being transported and to seal the tube longitudinally, at least partially located in an isolation chamber; a filling device for filling the tube with a dispenseable product; and a package forming device configured to form, laterally seal, and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material. 【0009】 Certain package forming apparatuses include a first and second actuation unit, spaced apart from each other, which define a forward space through which a tube advances. Each of the first and second actuation units comprises a plurality of actuation devices and a transport device configured to advance the actuation devices along a forward path. The actuation devices of the first actuation unit are associated with the actuation devices of the second actuation unit. Furthermore, the actuation devices of the first and second actuation units are configured to cooperate with each other to partially form, laterally seal, and laterally cut the tube to form a package. 【0010】 For example, one type of package forming apparatus described in European Patent Application EP-A-3254980 relies on linear motor technology, i.e., moving an operating device forward by generating a locally controlled electromagnetic field that interacts with a magnetic or paramagnetic element of the operating device. 【0011】 In another solution, the conveying device is equipped with an endless chain, and the actuator is connected to the endless chain. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0012】 While known packaging forming devices and / or packaging machines function well enough, there is a demand in the industry for further improvements to these devices. [Means for solving the problem] 【0013】 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved package forming apparatus for forming sealed packages. 【0014】 According to the present invention, a package forming apparatus as described in claim 1 is provided. 【0015】 Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package forming apparatus are described in claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1. 【0016】 According to the present invention, the packaging machine described in claim 15 is provided. 【0017】 Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0018】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the package forming apparatus according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a part of the package forming apparatus, a perspective view showing the package forming apparatus in its first configuration, with some parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the second configuration of the detailed part of Figure 2, with some parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a modified example of a detailed part of FIG. 2, and a part thereof is removed for clarity. 【Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention】 【0019】 Reference numeral 1 generally indicates a package forming apparatus for manufacturing a package 2, preferably a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable product that advances from a tube 3, preferably along a tube advancement path P, and preferably filled with a pourable product, particularly a pourable food product such as milk, milk beverages, yogurt, yogurt beverages, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, beverages containing pulp, salts, sugars, etc. 【0020】 Preferably, the package forming apparatus 1 may be part of a packaging machine configured to manufacture a package 2 of a pourable product. 【0021】 More specifically, the packaging machine may be configured to manufacture the package 2 from a multi-layer packaging material, preferably. Preferably, the multi-layer packaging material may have heat-sealability (i.e., portions of the multi-layer packaging material can be sealed to each other). 【0022】 Even more specifically, the multi-layer packaging material may include at least one layer of a fibrous material such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic materials (such as polyethylene) that sandwich the layers of the fibrous material. Preferably, one of these two layers of heat-sealable plastic materials may define the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product. 【0023】 Furthermore, the multi-layer packaging material may include a layer of a gas / light barrier material such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and is preferably disposed between one of the layers of the heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of the fibrous material. 【0024】 Preferably, the packaging material may comprise an additional heat-sealable plastic material layer interposed between a gas- and light-barrier material layer and a fiber material layer. 【0025】 More particularly, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web of packaging material. 【0026】 Further, the packaging machine may be configured to manufacture the package 2 by forming the tube 3 from a web of packaging material, sealing the tube 3 longitudinally, filling the tube 3 with a pourable product, operating the package forming device 1 to at least partially shape the tube 3, sealing it transversely, and preferably cutting the tube 3 transversely. 【0027】 More particularly, the packaging machine may comprise a tube forming device for forming and longitudinally sealing the tube 3, and a filling device for filling the tube 3 with a pourable product. 【0028】 Preferably, the tube 3 may extend along a central axis. 【0029】 Furthermore, the tube forming device - a conveying unit configured to advance a web of packaging material along a web advancing path, preferably to a tube forming station, where, in use, the web of packaging material is formed into the tube 3 and the tube 3 is advanced along a tube advancing path P; - a tube forming and sealing device configured to form the tube 3 from the advancing web of packaging material and seal the tube 3 longitudinally, in use. may comprise. 【0030】 More specifically, the tube forming apparatus may preferably further include an isolation chamber that partitions the internal sterile environment from the external environment. Preferably, the tube forming and sealing apparatus may be at least partially located within the isolation chamber, particularly within the internal environment, and may be configured to fold and longitudinally seal the tube 3 within the isolation chamber, particularly within the internal environment. 【0031】 Furthermore, the packaging machine may include a sterilization unit configured to sterilize the web of packaging material as it advances during use. Preferably, the sterilization unit is located upstream of the tube forming device. 【0032】 Preferably, the package forming apparatus 1 may be located downstream of the tube forming apparatus and configured to receive the tube 3 from the tube forming apparatus. 【0033】 Referring to Figure 1, the package forming apparatus 1 may be configured to manipulate a tube 3 formed from a web of packaging material. 【0034】 The package forming apparatus 1 comprises a first operating unit 4 and a second operating unit 5 arranged at intervals from each other, and the tube 3 moves forward in the forward space 6 formed by these units when in use. 【0035】 Preferably, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are configured to cooperate with each other to operate the tube 3 to form the package 2 from the tube 3 as it advances during use, when controlled by the actuation configuration. 【0036】 As will be described later, the first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5 can also be controlled in a dormant configuration different from the operating configuration. 【0037】 Furthermore, when the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are in a dormant configuration, there may be multiple specific configurations of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5. In other words, rather than there being a single (unique) dormant configuration, preferably, multiple configurations of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are defined as dormant configurations. 【0038】 Preferably, when the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are controlled in a dormant configuration, maintenance work on the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 becomes easier. 【0039】 In particular, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may be arranged with a gap between them in the lateral, preferably vertical, direction with respect to the tube forward path P. 【0040】 More specifically, each of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 is: - Multiple actuators 7, each actuator 7 configured to operate the tube 3 in coordination with other actuators 7 to form a package 2 from the tube 3, - A transport device 8 configured to move multiple actuators 7 forward along a forward path Q (preferably an infinite forward path Q), It is equipped with. 【0041】 More specifically, the actuator 7 of the first actuator unit 4 is configured to work in cooperation with the actuator 7 of the second actuator unit 5 to operate the tube 3, preferably at least partially shaping and / or sealing it laterally and / or cutting it laterally, in order to form the package 2 from the tube 3. 【0042】 More specifically, the actuator 7 of the first actuator unit 4 and the actuator 7 of the second actuator unit 5 may form a pair of actuators 7 configured to cooperate with each other to operate the tube 3. 【0043】 Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the package forming apparatus 1 further includes a support frame 9 that supports the first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5. 【0044】 More specifically, the support frame 9 defines and / or defines the internal space 10. Furthermore, the tube 3 may advance from the internal environment defined by the isolation chamber into the internal space 10 during use. 【0045】 Furthermore, the forward space 6 may be located within the internal space 10, and / or may correspond to a part of the internal space 10. 【0046】 According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the support frame 9 can support the isolation chamber. More specifically, the isolation chamber may be erected vertically from the support frame 9. 【0047】 Furthermore, during use, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are positioned within the internal space 10 while they operate the tube 3 to form the package 2. 【0048】 More specifically, the support frame 9 may include a support platform 11. Preferably, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may be connected to the support platform 11 and / or supported by the support platform 11. In particular, the support platform 11 may be located at the first end of the support frame 9. 【0049】 Furthermore, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 can also be connected to the connection portion 13 of the support frame 9. Preferably, the connection portion 13 may be positioned opposite the support platform 11. More preferably, the connection portion 13 may be positioned at the second end of the support frame 9. 【0050】 The first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5 may be interposed between the support frame 9 and the connecting portion 13. 【0051】 Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the first actuating unit 4 and the second actuating unit 5 can be controlled to an actuating configuration in which they are configured to operate the tube 3, and to a resting configuration in which the first actuating unit 4 and the second actuating unit 5 are controlled away from the actuating configuration. That is, in the actuating configuration, the first actuating unit 4 and the second actuating unit 5 are in a standard position in which they can operate the tube 3 to form the package 2. In the resting configuration, the first actuating unit 4 and the second actuating unit 5 cannot operate the tube 3. In particular, maintenance work on the first actuating unit 4 and / or the second actuating unit 5 can be performed in the resting configuration. 【0052】 It should be noted that, as an advantage, when controlled by the operating configuration, the first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5 are located within the internal space 10. 【0053】 Figures 1 and 2 show the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 in their operating configuration. Figure 2 shows that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are fully positioned within the internal space 10. 【0054】 Figure 3 shows the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 in a dormant configuration. It should be considered that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may occupy different specific positions in the dormant configuration. This is shown, for example, by comparing the configuration in Figure 3 with the configuration in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows some modified versions of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5. 【0055】 Advantageously, at least one of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5, preferably the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5, is angularly movable about their respective rotation axis A, preferably parallel to and / or perpendicular to the tube forward path P. 【0056】 In the illustrated example, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are rotatable around the same axis of rotation A. In another embodiment not shown, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are rotatable around separate axes of rotation A, where the axis of rotation A of the first actuation unit 4 is different from the axis of rotation A of the second actuation unit 5. In yet another embodiment (not shown), only one of the first actuation unit 4 or the second actuation unit 5 is rotatable around axis A, and the other first actuation unit 4 or second actuation unit 5 may be fixed in space and to the support frame 9. 【0057】 Furthermore, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are configured such that at least one of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5, and / or both the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5, can be controlled between their respective operating configurations and their respective resting configurations by angular movement around their respective rotation axis A. 【0058】 More specifically, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may be positioned at their respective first angular positions with respect to the rotation axis A when in the actuation configuration. 【0059】 Furthermore, when controlled in a paused configuration, the angular position of the first actuation unit 4 and / or the second actuation unit 5 with respect to the rotation axis A may differ from the first angular position. 【0060】 It should be noted that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 can be separated from the operating configuration by changing the angular position of either one or both of them. 【0061】 In the idle configuration shown in Figure 3, the first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5 are rotated by 180 degrees around their respective rotation axis A, compared to the operating configuration shown in Figure 2. 【0062】 Returning to Figure 2, we can see that the angular positions of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 correspond to the first angular positions with respect to their respective rotation axes A, and that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are arranged within the internal space 10. 【0063】 Returning to Figure 3, both the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are angularly moved around the rotation axis A, so that both the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are positioned at a second angular position with respect to the rotation axis A. A technical operator can easily access the space formed between the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 to perform maintenance work. 【0064】 Returning to Figure 3, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 can be at least partially positioned within the external space 12 defined by the support frame 9, and the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are controlled in a resting configuration. Preferably, in this situation, the second angular position of the first actuation unit 4 and the second angular position of the second actuation unit 5 are different from the first angular position with respect to the rotation axis A. 【0065】 Therefore, it is preferable that the support platform 11 and connecting portion 13 of the support frame 9 be located on the side surface of the support frame 9. 【0066】 According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the rotation axis A of the first actuation unit 4 and the rotation axis A of the second actuation unit 5 coincide. 【0067】 According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may be angle-movably connected to the connection portion 13 of the support platform 11 and the support frame 9. 【0068】 Preferably, the rotation axis A extends between the support platform 11 and the connection portion 13 of the support frame 9, and / or may be defined by these. 【0069】 Referring to Figure 4, each of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may have at least one contact surface 15 that contacts each other when the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are controlled in the actuation configuration. In the modified version of Figure 4, each of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may have two contact surfaces 15. On the other hand, in the modified versions of Figures 2 and 3, each of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may have only one contact surface 15. 【0070】 Furthermore, the first actuation unit 4 may include one or more first interaction elements 16, and the second actuation unit 5 may include one or more second interaction elements 17. The first interaction elements 16 may be configured to engage and / or interact with the second interaction elements 17 when the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are controlled in the actuation configuration. In particular, this ensures that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are correctly positioned (and maintained) in the actuation position. 【0071】 Preferably, the first interaction element 16 and the second interaction element 17 may be complementary to each other. 【0072】 More specifically, the first interaction element 16 may be selected from the group including pins, bars, and rods, and the second interaction element 17 may be selected from the group including holes, grooves, and slots. 【0073】 According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 1 may further include a first locking device configured to lock a first actuation unit 4 and a second actuation unit 5 in an actuation configuration. 【0074】 Additionally, or alternatively, the package forming apparatus 1 may include a second locking device configured to lock the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 in a non-actuated configuration. 【0075】 According to some possible embodiments, the first actuation unit 4 and / or the second actuation unit 5 may comprise at least a portion of the first locking device and / or the second locking device, and / or the support frame 9 may comprise another portion of the first locking device and / or the second locking device configured to cooperate with the portions of the first locking device and the second locking device. 【0076】 According to some non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 1 may further include a partitioning element 18. Furthermore, at least one of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 can contact the partitioning element 18 when in the actuation configuration to ensure the desired positions of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 relative to the tube 3 during use. In other words, the partitioning element 18 may be configured to ensure that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are positioned at a first angular position when in the actuation configuration. 【0077】 Preferably, the support frame 9, and more preferably the support platform 11, may support the partition element 18. 【0078】 Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in more detail, the support frame 9 may comprise a plurality of bars 19, including, for example, vertically arranged bars 19 and horizontally arranged bars 19. Furthermore, the support frame 9 may comprise a plurality of wall elements 20 (partially shown) interposed between each bar 19. The support frame 9 may comprise one or more doors (not shown) that are selectively movable between an open position that allows access to the inner space 10 and a closed position that prevents access to the inner space 10. Furthermore, one or more doors may be configured to be positioned in the open position so that the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 can be positioned in the outer space 12. 【0079】 Referring to Figures 2 to 4, each of the first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5 may include a support structure 21 that supports the operating device 7 and the conveying device 8. 【0080】 The support structure 21 may be angularly movable about the rotation axis A. 【0081】 Furthermore, the support structure 21 may be hinged to the support frame 9, preferably the connection portion 13 between the support platform 11 and the support frame 9, and the hinge axis may define the axis of rotation A. 【0082】 According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the support structure 21 may be hinged to the support frame 9 at the first lateral portion 22. 【0083】 Furthermore, the support structure 21 may include a second lateral portion 23 facing the first lateral portion 22. Preferably, the second lateral portion 23 may include a contact surface 15. 【0084】 In the modified examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, the respective contact surfaces 15 may be located in the central parts of the first and second operating units 4 and 5, respectively. On the other hand, in the modified example shown in Figure 4, the contact surfaces 15 may be located in the end sections of the lateral portions 23. 【0085】 More specifically, the support platform 11 comprises support columns 24, and the support structure 21, preferably the first lateral portion 22, may comprise first connecting elements 25, preferably through holes, which are angularly movable to the support columns 24. In particular, the first connecting elements 25 may be arranged to overlap each other. 【0086】 Furthermore, the support structure 21 may also include a second connecting element 26 facing the first connecting element 25, and the second connecting element 26 may have a through hole. Preferably, the second connecting elements 26 may be arranged to overlap each other. 【0087】 Preferably, the connecting portion 13 of the support frame 9 may include a coupling pin 27 that preferably protrudes toward the support platform 11. 【0088】 Preferably, the second coupling element 26 may be coupled to the coupling pin 27 in a manner that allows for angular movement. 【0089】 According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 8 may be configured to advance the actuator 7 along the actuator Q1 and return Q2 of the forward path Q. 【0090】 More specifically, the actuator 7 may be configured to operate the tube 3 and retract it when moving forward along the operating section Q1 and the return section Q2 during use. In other words, the actuator 7 may be configured to operate the tube 3 when moving forward along the operating section of the forward path Q1. 【0091】 Furthermore, the actuator 7 may be configured to be controlled from a standby configuration to an operating configuration while advancing along the actuator Q1. In particular, when controlled in the operating configuration, the actuator 7 may be configured to prioritize operating the tube 3, at least partially shaping it, and / or sealing it laterally, and / or cutting it laterally. Furthermore, when controlled in the standby configuration, the actuator 7 may be configured to be retracted from the tube 3. 【0092】 Preferably, the actuator 7 may be configured to be controlled in a standby configuration while moving forward along the return section Q2 of the forward path Q. 【0093】 More specifically, the actuator 7 may move forward along the actuator Q1 of the forward path Q, in the same direction as the tube 3. 【0094】 More specifically, referring to Figure 3, the actuator 7 is, - Preferably, with the actuator 7 controlled by the operating configuration, a half shell 36 configured to at least partially form the tube 3, - Preferably, with the actuator 7 controlled by the operating configuration, one of either a sealing element or an opposing sealing element is configured to seal the tube 3 laterally between adjacent packages 2, It may be provided. 【0095】 According to several possible embodiments, the actuator 7 of the first actuator unit 4 may include an opposing sealing element, and the actuator 7 of the second actuator unit 5 may also include a sealing element. Alternatively, the actuator 7 of the first actuator unit 4 may include a sealing element, and the actuator 7 of the second actuator unit 5 may also include an opposing sealing element. 【0096】 Furthermore, it should be noted that the actuator 7 having a sealing element may be configured to cooperate with the actuator 7 having an opposing sealing element. In this way, the sealing element and the opposing sealing element cooperate with each other and with the actuator 7 controlled by the actuator configuration to position the tube 3 horizontally and seal the tube horizontally. 【0097】 More specifically, the half shell 36 may be configured to be movable, for example, by angular motion and / or linear motion, between at least a first limit position and a second limit position, in which position the half shell 36 may be configured to be engageable with the tube 3. 【0098】 Advantageously, the half shell 36 may be positioned at the first limit position and the respective second limit positions when the actuator 7 is controlled in standby and operating configurations. 【0099】 According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the package forming apparatus 1 may include a cam mechanism for controlling the half shell 36 between a standby configuration and an operational configuration. 【0100】 At least some of the actuators 7 may include a cutting element configured to cut the tube 3 laterally, preferably the actuator 7 is controlled in an operating configuration and the cutting is performed after the later sealing of the tube 3 has been completed. 【0101】 Preferably, the actuator 7 of the first actuator unit 4 and the actuator 7 of the second actuator unit 5 may both include a single cutting element. 【0102】 More specifically, as shown in the concrete examples in Figures 1 to 4, the transport device 8 may be configured to control the actuator 7 to move forward along the forward path Q by a locally controlled electromagnetic field. 【0103】 More specifically, the transport device 8 may comprise a plurality of carts 37 and a control unit 38 configured to move the carts 37 along an auxiliary forward path R, preferably an infinite loop-shaped auxiliary forward path R. In particular, the carts 37 may be movably connected to the control unit 38. 【0104】 Preferably, the control unit 38 may be configured to selectively advance one cart 37 independently of the other carts 37. 【0105】 Furthermore, the control unit 38 may include a plurality of induction coils and be configured to selectively generate a local electromagnetic field for controlling the forward movement of the cart 37. The cart 37 may also include one or more magnetic or paramagnetic elements configured to interact with the local electromagnetic field. 【0106】 Furthermore, the actuator 7 may be connected to the cart 37 and preferably displaced laterally from the cart 37. 【0107】 Furthermore, as the cart 37 moves forward along the auxiliary forward path R, the actuator 7 moves forward along the forward path Q. 【0108】 The auxiliary forward path R may be parallel to the forward path Q. 【0109】 During use, the packaging machine forms package 2 from the web of packaging material, and package 2 is filled with a dispensable product. 【0110】 The tube forming device forms a tube 3 from the web of packaging material, the filling device fills the tube 3, and the package forming device 1 manipulates the tube 3 to obtain a package 2 filled with a dispenseable product. 【0111】 More specifically, during the operation of the package forming apparatus 1, the tube 3 passes through the forward space 6, and the first operating unit 4 and the second operating unit 5 work together to obtain the package 2. 【0112】 More specifically, the actuator 7 of the first actuator unit 4 preferably cooperates periodically with the actuator 7 of the second actuator unit 5 to form each package 2 from the advancing tube 3. 【0113】 Furthermore, during the operation of tube 3, the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are controlled in an operating configuration. If necessary, manufacturing may be interrupted and / or stopped and / or terminated, and the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 may be controlled in a idle configuration. This is done by moving either the first actuation unit 4 or the second actuation unit 5 around the rotation axis A. 【0114】 A technical operator can perform maintenance work while the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 are controlled in a dormant configuration. 【0115】 The advantages of the package forming apparatus 1 and / or packaging machine according to the present invention are clear from the above description. 【0116】 In particular, the fact that at least one of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 is rotatable around the rotation axis A makes maintenance work easier. 【0117】 Furthermore, the possibility of arranging the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 in a dormant configuration is advantageous in that it allows technical operators to access the components of the first actuation unit 4 and the second actuation unit 5 from the external space 12. 【0118】 Clearly, modifications may be made to the package forming apparatus 1 and / or packaging machine described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims. 【0119】 According to several possible embodiments not shown, the multiple actuators 7 of the first actuator unit 4 and the multiple actuators 7 of the second actuator unit 5 may be connected to each other and / or define an endless chain. Furthermore, the conveying device may be configured to advance the endless chain along an auxiliary forward path so as to advance the actuators 7 along a forward path Q.

Claims

[Claim 1] A package forming apparatus (1) that forms a package (2) from a tube (3) filled with a dispenseable product, The package forming apparatus (1) is The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are arranged at a distance from each other and define the forward space (6) through which the tube (3) moves forward during use, Equipped with, Each of the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) is, Multiple actuators (7) are configured to operate the tube (3) in cooperation with other actuators (7) to form the package (2), A transport device (8) configured to move the plurality of actuators (7) forward along a forward path (Q), Equipped with, The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are configured to operate the tube (3) in the operating configuration, and to be controlled separately from the operating configuration in the idle configuration. At least one of the first operating unit (4) and the second operating unit (5) is angularly movable about the rotation axis (A), The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are configured to be controllable between the actuation configuration and the pause configuration by angular movement of either the first actuation unit (4) or the second actuation unit (5) relative to the rotation axis (A). Package forming apparatus (1). [Claim 2] Both the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are angularly movable about the rotation axis (A), The first actuation unit (4) and / or the second actuation unit (5) can be controlled between the actuation configuration and the pause configuration by angular movement of the first actuation unit (4) and / or the second actuation unit (5) around the rotation axis (A). The package forming apparatus according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The rotation axis (A) of the first operating unit (4) and the rotation axis (A) of the second operating unit (5) coincide. The package forming apparatus according to claim 2. [Claim 4] Each of the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) is provided with a contact surface (15), and the contact surface (15) of either the first actuation unit (4) or the second actuation unit (5) contacts the other contact surface (15) of either the first actuation unit (4) or the second actuation unit (5) as controlled in the actuation configuration. A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [Claim 5] The first actuation unit (4) comprises one or more first interaction elements (16), and the second actuation unit (5) comprises one or more second interaction elements (17). The first interaction element (16) is configured to engage with the second interaction element (17), and the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are controlled by the actuation configuration. A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Claim 6] The first interaction element (16) and the second interaction element (17) are complementary to each other and / or The first interaction element (16) is selected from the group including pins, bars, and rods, and / or the second interaction element (17) is selected from the group including holes, grooves, and slots. The package forming apparatus according to claim 5. [Claim 7] A first locking device configured to lock the first operating unit (4) and the second operating unit (5) in the operating configuration, and / or The system includes a second locking device configured to lock the first operating unit (4) and the second operating unit (5) in the pause configuration, A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Claim 8] Furthermore, it includes a partition element (18), At least one of the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) contacts the partition element (18) when in the actuation configuration, and ensures the desired position of the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) relative to the tube (3) when in use. A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Claim 9] Furthermore, it is equipped with a support frame (9), The support frame (9) supports the first operating unit (4) and the second operating unit (5), A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [Claim 10] The support frame (9) comprises the support platform (11), and the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are connected to the support platform (11) so as to be angularly movable. The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are connected to the connection portion (13) of the support frame (9) so as to be angularly movable. The rotating shaft (A) extends between the support platform (11) and the connecting portion (13) of the support frame (9), Both the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are angularly movable about the same axis of rotation (A). The package forming apparatus according to claim 9. [Claim 11] The support frame (9) defines and / or comprises the internal space (11), The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are arranged within the internal space (11) when controlled by the actuation configuration. The package forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10. [Claim 12] The first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) can be at least partially positioned within the external space (12) defined by the support frame (9), and the first actuation unit (4) and the second actuation unit (5) are positioned in the resting configuration. The package forming apparatus according to claim 11. [Claim 13] The tube (3) moves forward along the tube forward path (P) when in use. The rotation axis (A) is parallel to the tube forward path (P), and / or The rotation axis (A) has a substantially vertical orientation. A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [Claim 14] The transport device (8) comprises a plurality of carts (37) and is configured to move the plurality of carts (37) forward along an auxiliary forward path (P). The actuator (7) is connected to the cart (37), When the cart (37) is transported along the auxiliary transport path (R), the actuator (7) is transported along the forward path (Q). The multiple actuators (7) of the first actuator unit (4) and the multiple actuators (7) of the second actuator unit (5) are connected to each other and / or define an endless chain. The conveying device is configured to advance the chain along an infinite forward path. A package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. [Claim 15] A packaging machine for forming a package (2) filled with a dispenseable product, The invention comprises a tube forming apparatus configured to form a tube (3) from a web of packaging material, and a package forming apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, configured to form a package from the tube. packaging machine.

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