Forming device for forming an opening device and packaging machine having the forming device

Abstract

A molding apparatus (20, 20', 20'', 20''') for molding an opening device in a web of packaging material (3) is described, comprising at least one mold unit (21, 44, 45) coupleable to the web of packaging material (3) and an injection device (22, 22'') configured to inject molten polymer into the mold unit (21, 44, 45). The injection device (22, 22''') comprises at least a cavity configured to receive molten polymer, an inlet (25) configured to allow introduction of the molten polymer into the cavity, a first outlet configured to allow a first portion of the molten polymer to flow out of the cavity, a first valve element (27, 29, 53) configured to selectively open and close the first outlet, a second outlet configured to allow a second portion of the molten polymer to flow out of the cavity, a second valve element (27, 29, 53) configured to selectively open and close the second outlet, and a pressurizing unit (30) in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to pressurize the molten polymer in the cavity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a forming apparatus for forming an opening device on a web of packaging material, particularly a web of packaging material having a multi-layer structure.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming sealed packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, the packaging machine having a forming device for forming an opening device on a web of packaging material, in particular a web of packaging material having a multi-layer structure. [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, many liquid or flowable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquid or pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, including a base layer of, for example, paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material, for example, polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material also has a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, superimposed on the layer of heat-sealable plastic material, which is then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material that ultimately forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of packaging is typically produced on fully automatic packaging equipment, where a web of packaging material is advanced, sterilized, and then formed into a tube and filled with the pourable product before forming individual sealed packages.

[0006] Some types of packaging are known to include an opening device that can be operated to access the pourable product.

[0007] To provide the package with an opening device, the packaging machine includes a forming system for forming the opening device on the web of packaging material.

[0008] A typical molding system includes a plurality of molding apparatuses, each having a mold unit connectable to a repeating unit of the web of packaging material, each mold unit including a mold cavity defining the shape of the opening device, and each molding apparatus also including an injection device coupled to the respective mold unit for injecting molten polymer into the respective mold cavity.

[0009] The molding system also includes a transport unit that intermittently advances and stops the web of packaging material. While the web of packaging material is stopped, the mold unit engages each repeating unit of the web of packaging material and the injection device injects molten polymer into each mold cavity. The mold unit then disengages from each repeating unit and advances again until the web of packaging material again stops, and the mold unit newly engages a new repeating unit.

[0010] A typical injection device comprises a cavity for receiving molten polymer, an inlet for supplying the molten polymer to the cavity, an outlet for allowing the molten polymer to flow from the cavity into the respective mold cavity, a valve element configured to selectively open and close the fluid connection between the cavity and the mold cavity, and a pressurizing unit for controlling the pressure of the molten polymer in the cavity.

[0011] When forming a complex opening device or an opening device with an extended opening size, such a forming device may have some disadvantages.

[0012] It has also been observed that the size of the forming device is a disadvantage when the opening device has to be applied to repeating units having a size below a certain limit size.

[0013] Thus, while such forming apparatus achieves excellent operating results, there is a desire in the art to further improve known forming apparatus to overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved molding apparatus that is simple and low cost, which overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine with a forming device that easily and economically overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, in a straightforward and low-cost manner.

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a molding apparatus as set forth in claim 1.

[0017] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the forming device are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 16.

[0019] Four non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine with parts removed for clarity. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a molding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a molding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a molding apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a molding apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing (sealed) packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable food products such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., each package 2 having at least one opening device.

[0022] In particular, packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 from a web 3 of packaging material.

[0023] Preferably, each opening device is configured to allow access to and / or dispensing of the pourable product packaged in the respective package 2, in particular after operation of the opening device. In particular, operation of the opening device may be reversible or irreversible.

[0024] An example of an opening device is a lid-spout assembly comprising a spout and a lid configured to selectively open and close the spout's dispensing outlet. Accessing and / or dispensing the pourable product from a package 2 comprising such an opening device requires removal of the lid, which is typically reversible, meaning that the lid can be reattached to the spout.

[0025] Another example of an opening device is a strip that can be removed from each package 2 to form an exit hole and / or to allow the two parts of each package 2 to be at least partially separated from each other.

[0026] Preferably, the web 3 has a multi-layer structure (not shown) and includes at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material, one of which defines the inner surface of the package 2 that will ultimately contact the dispensed product.

[0027] Preferably, but not necessarily, web 3 also comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of textile material. Preferably, but not necessarily, web 3 also comprises a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of textile material.

[0028] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, web 3 includes a first side and a second side, the first side being the side of web 3 that forms the interior surface of the formed package 2 and that ultimately comes into contact with the filled pourable food product.

[0029] Preferably, the web 3 consists of a plurality of repeating units, in particular arranged consecutively (and equally spaced) relative to one another along the web 3, in particular each repeating unit forming the basis of one respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 is configured to produce packages 2 from the web 3 such that each package 2 results from one repeating unit.

[0030] In particular, each repeating unit is defined by one respective pattern present on the web 3. Furthermore, the pattern may be substantially identical for all repeating units and may differ from the others in minor details, such as the presence of an information tag indicating, for example, the production date, the production lot, personal information, etc.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a packaging machine 1 includes at least a package forming device for forming packages 2 from a web 3 .

[0032] Preferably, the package forming apparatus comprises at least: a conveying device 4 configured to advance the web 3 to be formed into a tube 6 along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station 5; - a tube forming and sealing device 7 configured to form a tube 6 from the web 3 and longitudinally seal the tube 3 at the tube forming station 5; - a filling device 8 configured to fill the tube 3 with a pourable product; - a package forming unit 9 adapted to at least form, transversely seal and preferentially transversely cut the tube 3 to obtain (sealed) packages 2; Equipped with.

[0033] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 7 is positioned along the web advancement path P upstream of the package forming unit 9 .

[0034] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 further comprises a sterilization device for sterilizing at least a portion of the web 3, preferably at least the first side, more preferably the first side and the second side, in particular in a sterilization station arranged upstream of the tube forming station 6 along the web advancement path P. In particular, the sterilization device is configured to sterilize the web 3 by physical and / or chemical sterilization.

[0035] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 also comprises a magazine unit 10 adapted to receive and present the web 3 at the host station.

[0036] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 also includes a forming system 11 configured to apply one or more opening devices onto the web 3, in particular at a forming station.

[0037] In particular, the forming system 11 is arranged along the web entry path P upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 7, in particular upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 7 and the sterilization device.

[0038] In particular, the forming system 11 is arranged downstream of the magazine unit 10 along the web entry path P.

[0039] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 is equipped with a web buffer unit 12 and / or a web buffer unit 13, and in particular the web buffer unit 12 and / or the web buffer unit 13 are of variable type (i.e., the buffer capacity of each web buffer unit can be (dynamically) changed).

[0040] Preferably, the buffer unit 12 is located along the web entry path P upstream of the forming system 11 .

[0041] Preferably, the buffer unit 13 is located downstream of the forming system 11 along the web entry path P.

[0042] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the conveying device 4 is configured to continuously advance the web 3 from the magazine unit 10 to the buffer unit 12 and / or the forming system 11 .

[0043] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the conveying device 4 is configured to continuously advance the web 3 from the forming system 11 and / or buffer unit 13 to the tube forming station 6 .

[0044] Preferably, as described in further detail below, the conveying device 4 is configured to advance the web 3 intermittently into the forming system 11 .

[0045] 2, forming system 11 comprises one or more forming apparatuses 20 (only one shown in FIG. 2), each configured to form one or more opening devices (at a time) on web 3, and in particular on at least one respective repeating unit. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each forming apparatus 20 is configured to form one respective opening device (at a time).

[0046] Preferably, the forming system 11 and / or the forming devices 20 comprise a conveyor unit configured to intermittently advance and stop the web 3, and in particular each forming device 20 is configured to form a respective opening device while the web 3 is stopped.

[0047] Preferably, the conveyor unit is configured to advance the web 3 along the forming portion of the path P intermittently.

[0048] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport device 4 comprises a conveyor unit. In particular, the transport device 4 is configured to continuously advance the web 3 along a portion of the path P that is different from the forming portion.

[0049] Preferably, the forming devices 20 are arranged successively, in particular equidistantly, from one another along the forming section.

[0050] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the web 3 includes a plurality of holes, and in use, the opening device is molded onto the web 3 around and / or over the holes.

[0051] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the holes are through holes. Alternatively, the holes can be covered by a covering layer. In particular, the covering layer is defined by a portion of one or more layers of the web 3.

[0052] In particular, each repeat unit contains one hole.

[0053] Preferably, the forming system 11 is configured to form opening devices on the web 3 at the holes, in particular in repeating units.

[0054] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the web 3 is already provided with holes before being placed in the packaging machine 1, in particular in the magazine unit 10.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging machine 1 and / or the forming system 11 comprises a punching unit configured to punch holes in the web 3, in particular before the forming of the opening device. In other words, the punching unit is arranged upstream of the forming device 20 along the web advancement path P.

[0056] Preferably, each molding device 20 comprises: - at least one bondable and / or bonded mould unit 21 in the web 3, in particular in each repeating unit, an injection device 22 configured to inject molten polymer into each mould unit 21; Equipped with.

[0057] More specifically, each mold unit 21 includes at least one mold cavity for forming one opening device, and in particular, each mold cavity is shaped to define the shape and / or form and / or size of the respective opening device.

[0058] According to a non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each molding device 20 comprises one single mold unit 21, in particular having one single mold cavity, and each injection device 22 is configured to direct molten polymer into the (single) mold unit 21, in particular into the (single) mold cavity, and is connected and / or connectable to the respective mold unit 21.

[0059] Preferably, each mold unit 21 includes at least a first mold part 23 and a second mold part 24, and a moving device that moves the first mold part 23 and the second mold part 24 so as to control the mold unit 21 between an open configuration in which the first mold part 23 and the second mold part 24 are spaced apart from each other, and a closed configuration in which the first mold part 23 and the second mold part 24 engage with each other to close their respective mold cavities.

[0060] In particular, each of the first mold parts 23 and each of the second mold parts 24 are arranged so as to interpose the web 3 therebetween. More specifically, one of the first mold part 23 and the second mold part 24 faces a first side of the web 3, and the other of the first mold part 23 and the second mold part 24 faces a second side of the web 3.

[0061] More specifically, each first mold part 23 and each second mold part 24 are configured to sandwich the web 3 together when the respective mold units 21 are controlled to a closed configuration.

[0062] Preferably, each injection device 22 comprises at least: - a (single) cavity configured to receive a molten polymer; an inlet 25 configured to introduce molten polymer into the cavity; a first outlet configured to allow a first portion of the molten polymer to exit the cavity; - a first valve element 27 configured to selectively open and close the first outlet; a second outlet configured to allow a second portion of the molten polymer to exit the cavity; - a second valve element 29 configured to selectively open and close the second outlet; a pressurizing unit 30 in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to control and / or apply pressure to the molten polymer in the cavity; Equipped with.

[0063] It should be noted that each cavity may include one or more channels and / or one or more chambers.

[0064] In particular, each cavity has a volume that defines the maximum polymer dose that can be dispensed from the respective injection device 22 .

[0065] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each injection device 22 is designed so that the volume of its respective cavity is variable and / or adjustable to tailor the polymer dosage specifically required.

[0066] Preferably, each injection device 22 includes a first nozzle 35 having a first outlet and a second nozzle 36 having a second outlet.

[0067] Preferably, first valve component 27 is movably disposed within first nozzle 35 and second valve component 29 is movably disposed within second nozzle 36 .

[0068] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 is movable between a respective open position and a respective closed position. In particular, each first valve element 27 is configured to open and close a respective first outlet when in the respective open and closed positions, and each second valve element 29 is configured to open and close a respective second outlet when in the respective open and closed positions. More specifically, when controlled to their respective open positions, each first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 allows the outflow of a respective corresponding first portion and a respective corresponding second portion of a corresponding molten polymer present in a corresponding cavity.

[0069] Preferably, each first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 are configured to move (simultaneously) from a closed position to an open position, in particular when the pressure exerted by the molten polymer exceeds a respective threshold pressure, in particular as controlled by each pressurizing unit 30.

[0070] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each injection device 22 includes at least a first control element 37 and a second control element 38 configured to exert a respective biasing force to bias a respective first valve element 27 and a respective second valve element 29 toward a respective closed position. In particular, each first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 is configured to move from a respective closed position to a respective open position when pressure exerted by the molten polymer exceeds the respective biasing force.

[0071] Preferably, the respective bias forces of each first control element 37 and each second control element 38 are equal to each other.

[0072] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, each first control element 37 and each second control element 38 is a passive element, in particular a spring, which in particular indicates that it exerts a respective bias force without external control and / or input and / or actuator.

[0073] Alternatively, each first control element 37 and each second control element 38 may be an active element, with the respective element having an external source controlling the application of a biasing force. An example of an active element is an actuator, such as a pneumatic actuator. When each first control element 37 and each second control element 38 is an active element, each first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 is controlled by applying a biasing force, particularly maintaining the biasing force even during movement of the first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 from a closed position to an open position due to the pressure of the molten polymer exceeding the biasing force, or controlling the first valve element 27 and each second valve element 29 from a closed position to an open position after detecting that the pressure exceeds a determined pressure.

[0074] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each injection unit 22 comprises a body 39 having a first (lateral) portion 40 constituting a respective first outlet and / or a respective first nozzle 35, a second (lateral) portion 41 constituting a respective second outlet and / or a respective second nozzle 36, and a connecting portion 42 connecting the respective first portion 40 and the respective second portion 41 to each other. In particular, each first portion 40 comprises a first zone of a respective cavity, each second portion 41 comprises a second zone of a respective cavity, and each connecting portion 42 comprises a connecting zone fluidly connecting the respective first zone and the respective second zone.

[0075] In particular, each first outlet is in direct fluid connection with a respective first zone, and each second outlet is in direct fluid connection with a respective second zone. The term "direct fluid connection" denotes that a respective first portion of molten polymer or a respective second portion of molten polymer flows from a respective first zone or a respective second zone through a respective first outlet or a respective second outlet without passing through any other zone, when, in use, the respective first valve element 27 or the respective second valve element 29 is in its respective open position.

[0076] Preferably, each first valve element 27 is movably disposed within a respective first portion 40 and each second valve element 29 is movably disposed within a respective second portion 41 .

[0077] Preferably, each first portion 40 comprises a respective first nozzle 35 and each second portion 41 comprises a respective second nozzle 36 .

[0078] Preferably, each connecting portion 42 is interposed between a respective first portion 40 and a respective second portion 41 .

[0079] Preferably, each connecting portion 42 is detachably connected to the respective first portion 40 and the respective second portion 41. More preferably, each connecting portion 42 is replaceable with another connecting portion 42 to change the spacing between the respective first portion 40 and the respective second portion 41 and / or to change the volume of the respective cavities.

[0080] Preferably, each inlet 25 is connected to a respective first portion 40 and / or a respective connecting portion 42 .

[0081] Preferably, each injection unit 22 includes a check valve disposed within its inlet 25 to prevent molten polymer from exiting its respective cavity through its respective inlet 25 .

[0082] Preferably, each injection unit 22 includes a heater for controlling the temperature of the molten polymer within the cavity, and particularly for maintaining the polymer in a molten state.

[0083] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each pressure applying unit 30 is operatively connected to a respective connecting portion 42 and / or a respective second portion 41 (see FIG. 2).

[0084] Preferably, each pressurizing unit 30 comprises at least one actuator 43, in particular at least one piston-actuator, which is configured, in use, to pressurize the molten polymer present in the respective cavity.

[0085] More preferably, the actuator 43 is pneumatically driven.

[0086] 2, each injection unit 22 is connected such that the respective first outlet and the respective second outlet, in use, directs first and second portions of molten polymer into the respective mold unit 21, and in particular into the respective mold cavity. In other words, each injection unit 22 is connected to the respective mold unit 21 such that the molten polymer enters the mold cavity through the respective first outlet and the respective second outlet, in use.

[0087] More specifically, each injection device 22 is connected to one mold unit 21 so that, when in use, the respective first outlet and the respective second outlet direct a first portion and a second portion of the molten polymer into the mold unit 21 at the first injection zone and a second injection zone different from the first injection zone, respectively, and in particular so as to inject the molten polymer into the respective (and same) mold cavity.

[0088] In use, packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 of pourable product, each package 2 having an opening device. In particular, packaging machine 1 forms tubes 6 from web 3, seals tubes 6 longitudinally, fills tubes 6 with the pourable product, seals tubes 6 transversely and cuts them transversely to obtain packages 2. Preferably, web 3 is sterilized before forming tubes 6 from web 3.

[0089] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 , in particular the forming system 11 , applies an opening device onto the web 3 , in particular before the web 3 is formed into the tube 6 .

[0090] Preferably, the packaging machine 1, in particular the punching unit, creates holes in the web 3, and the opening device is formed in and / or around the holes by the forming system 11.

[0091] The operation of the forming system 11 is intermittent. In particular, the web 3 advances and stops intermittently within the forming system 11, and each forming device 20 forms one opening device on the web 3 while the web 3 is stopped, in particular one opening device for each repeating unit.

[0092] Preferably, the forming device 20 is simultaneously operated while the web 3 is stationary.

[0093] Preferably, the operation of the punching unit is also performed intermittently, in particular simultaneously with the operation of the forming system 11 .

[0094] More specifically, the operation of each forming device 20 includes the following steps, which are carried out especially while the web 3 is stopped: - engaging each forming unit 21 with the web 3, in particular with each repeating unit; - Fill each cavity with molten polymer, - Controlling the pressure of the molten polymer - Opening the first and second outlets, especially when the pressure of the molten polymer exceeds a threshold.

[0095] Preferably, during the loading step, molten polymer is injected into the cavity through inlet 25 .

[0096] Preferably, during the step of controlling the pressure, the respective pressurizing unit 30, in particular the respective actuator 43, controls, in particular increases, the pressure of the molten polymer in the respective cavity. In particular, the pressurizing unit 30 reduces the volume of the respective cavity in order to increase the pressure of the molten polymer.

[0097] Preferably, during the step of opening the first outlet and the second outlet, a first portion of the molten polymer exits from the respective first outlet and a second portion of the molten polymer exits from the respective second outlet and flows in particular into the respective mold units 21, more particularly into the respective mold cavities.

[0098] Preferably, during the step of opening the first and second outlets, the respective first valve element 27 and the respective second valve element 29 move (passively or actively) from their respective closed positions to their respective open positions, in particular move simultaneously.

[0099] Preferably, during the step of engaging the mould units 21, each mould unit 21 is controlled from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In particular, each first mould part 23 and each second mould part 24 are engaged with each other.

[0100] Furthermore, the operation of each molding device 20 includes the following steps: - Close each first exit and each second exit, - Extracting each mould unit 21 from the web 3, in particular from each repeating unit.

[0101] Preferably, during the step of closing the respective first outlet and the respective second outlet, the respective first valve element 27 and the respective second valve element 29 move (passively or actively) from their respective open positions to their respective closed positions, in particular move simultaneously.

[0102] Preferably, during the step of withdrawing the mould units 21, each mould unit 21 is controlled from a closed configuration to an open configuration, in particular each first mould part 23 and each second mould part 24 is moved away from each other.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3, numeral 20′ denotes another embodiment of a molding apparatus according to the present invention; molding apparatus 20′ is similar to molding apparatus 20, and the following description will be limited to the differences between the two, with the same reference numerals being used wherever possible for identical or corresponding parts.

[0104] In particular, molding apparatus 20' differs from molding apparatus 20 in that molding apparatus 20' comprises mold unit 21 and a further mold unit 44 (similar and / or identical in structure and function to mold unit 21 and not described in detail), and in that each injection device 22 is connected to mold unit 21 and mold unit 44 in use as follows: a first portion of the molten polymer issuing from each first outlet enters the respective mold unit 21, in particular the mold cavity of mold unit 21, and a second portion of the molten polymer issuing from each second outlet enters the respective mold unit 44, in particular the mold cavity of mold unit 44.

[0105] Preferably, mold unit 21 is designed to be able to mold a first opening device on web 3, in particular on each first repeating unit, and mold unit 44 is designed to be able to mold a second opening device on web 3, in particular on a second repeating unit different from the first repeating unit.

[0106] In particular, the respective mold cavities of each mold unit 21 are not in fluid communication with the respective mold cavities of each mold unit 44 .

[0107] The operation of the molding apparatus 20' is similar to that of the molding apparatus 20, and therefore the following description will be limited to the differences between the operation of the molding apparatus 20 and the operation of the molding apparatus 20'.

[0108] In particular, the operation of molding apparatus 20' differs from the operation of molding apparatus 20 in that during the step of opening the first outlet and the second outlet, a first portion of the molten polymer enters each mold unit 21, particularly the mold cavity of mold unit 21, and a second portion of the molten polymer enters each mold unit 44, particularly the mold cavity of mold unit 44.

[0109] That is, the operation of forming apparatus 20' differs from that of forming apparatus 20 in that forming apparatus 20' can form two different opening devices at a time, whereas forming apparatus 20 can form one opening device at a time.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 4, numeral 20″ denotes another embodiment of a molding apparatus according to the present invention; since molding apparatus 20″ is similar to molding apparatus 20′, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two, and the same reference numerals will be used wherever possible for identical or corresponding parts.

[0111] In particular, the forming apparatus 20 ″ differs from the forming apparatus 20 ′ in that each pressure unit 30 , in particular each actuator 43 , is operatively connected to a respective connecting portion 42 .

[0112] The operation of the molding apparatus 20'' is similar to that of the molding apparatus 20', and therefore reference is made to the above description.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 5, numeral 20″ denotes another embodiment of a molding apparatus according to the present invention; since molding apparatus 20″ is similar to molding apparatus 20′, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two, and the same references will be used wherever possible for identical or corresponding parts.

[0114] In particular, molding apparatus 20'' differs from molding apparatus 20' in that it includes a mold unit 45 (similar and / or identical in structure and function to mold unit 21 and not described in further detail) having a third mold cavity, in particular for molding a third opening device different from the first opening device and the second opening device, and in that it includes an injection device 22'''.

[0115] Because injection device 22'' is similar to injection device 22, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two, and the same reference numerals will be used wherever possible for identical or corresponding parts.

[0116] In particular, the injection device 22''' differs from the injection device 22 in that it includes a third outlet configured to allow the outflow of a third portion of the molten polymer from each cavity, and a third valve element 47 (which is similar and / or identical in structure and function to the first valve element 27 and the second valve element 29 and will not be described further) configured to selectively open and close the third outlet.

[0117] Preferably, each injection unit 22'' is connected to a mould unit 45 so that the third portion of the molten polymer enters the mould unit 45, and in particular the mould cavity.

[0118] Preferably, each injection device 22'' differs from injection device 22 in that each main body 39 comprises a third portion 51 having a respective third outlet and a further connecting portion 52 connecting each third portion 51 with a respective second portion 41.

[0119] Preferably, each injection device 22''' includes a third control element 53 similar and / or identical in structure and function to the first control element 37 and the second control element 38 and configured to control the movement of the third valve element 47.

[0120] In particular, each injection device 22'' is configured such that the respective first valve element 27, the respective second valve element 29 and the respective third valve element 47 simultaneously move from their respective closed positions to their respective open positions.

[0121] Preferably, each injection device 22'' differs from injection device 22 in that each pressurizing unit 30 includes an additional actuator 54 for pressurizing the molten polymer in each cavity in two different pressurizing zones.

[0122] In particular, each actuator 43 is operably connected to a respective connecting portion 42 and each actuator 54 is operably connected to a respective connecting portion 53 .

[0123] The operation of forming apparatus 20'' is similar to that of forming apparatus 20', and the following description will be limited to the differences between the operation of forming apparatus 20'' and that of forming apparatus 20'.

[0124] In particular, the operation of each molding device 20'' differs in that during each step of opening the first and second outlets, each injection device 22'' also opens its respective third outlet so as to inject a third portion of the molten polymer into its respective mold unit 45.

[0125] The advantages of the forming apparatus 20, 20', 20'' or 20'' and / or the forming system 11 and / or the packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the above description.

[0126] In particular, by using the forming device 20, 20', 20'' or 20''', it is possible to form an extended opening device or an opening device having a complex shape.

[0127] Another advantage is that the repeat unit can be made to a short length and still have an opening device molded thereon.

[0128] Obviously, modifications may be made to the forming device 20 and / or forming system 11 and / or packaging machine 1 as described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0129] According to another embodiment not shown, each molding device 200 may be equipped with an injection device 22'' so that the first portion of the molten polymer, the second portion of the molten polymer and the third portion of the molten polymer enter one single mold unit 21, in particular a single mold cavity, to mold one single opening device at a time.

[0130] According to another alternative embodiment not shown, the injection device 22''' may include more than two outlets and more than two valve elements.

[0131] According to another embodiment, the web 3 may be in the form of a single sheet, and the packaging machine may be configured to handle a plurality of single sheets to form one respective package 2 from each single sheet. According to such another embodiment, the forming device 20, 20', 20'', 20''' is configured to form an opening device on the single sheet.

Claims

1. A forming device (20, 20', 20'', 20''') for forming an opening device in a web of packaging material (3), comprising: at least one mold unit (21, 44, 45) connectable to said web of packaging material (3); an injection device (22, 22''') configured to inject molten polymer into said mold unit (21, 44, 45); The injection device (22, 22''') comprises: a cavity configured to receive the molten polymer; an inlet (25) configured to allow the molten polymer to be introduced into the cavity; a first outlet configured to allow a first portion of the molten polymer to exit the cavity; a first valve element (27, 29, 53) configured to selectively open and close the first outlet; a second outlet configured to allow a second portion of the molten polymer to exit the cavity; a second valve element (27, 29, 53) configured to selectively open and close the second outlet; a pressurizing unit (30) in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to pressurize the molten polymer within the cavity; A molding device comprising:

2. each of the first valve element (27, 29, 53) and the second valve element (27, 29, 53) is movable between a respective open position and a respective closed position; the first valve element (27, 29, 53) is configured to open and close the first outlet when in the open position and the closed position; the second valve element (27, 29, 53) is configured to open and close the second outlet when in the open position and the closed position; The molding apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the first valve element (27, 29, 53) and the second valve element (27, 29, 53) are configured to move from the closed position to the open position when pressure exerted by the molten polymer exceeds a respective threshold pressure; The molding apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. further comprising at least a first control element (37, 38, 53) and a second control element (37, 38, 53) configured to exert respective biasing forces to bias the first valve element and the second valve element to their respective closed positions; the first valve element (27, 29, 53) and the second valve element (27, 29, 53) are configured to move from their respective closed positions to their respective open positions when pressure exerted by the molten polymer exceeds their respective bias forces; The molding apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The bias forces of the first control element (37, 38, 53) and the second control element (37, 38, 53) are equal to each other. The molding apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first control element (37, 38, 53) and the second control element (37, 38, 53) are passive elements or active elements.

6. The molding apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the first valve component (27, 29, 53) and the second valve component (27, 29, 53) are configured to move simultaneously from the closed position to the open position; The molding device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The injection device (22, 22'') comprises a main body (39) having a first portion (40, 41, 51) constituting the first outlet, a second portion (40, 41, 51) constituting the second outlet, and a connecting portion (42, 52) interposed between the first portion (40, 41, 51) and the second portion (40, 41, 51); the first portion (40, 41, 51) comprises a first zone of the cavity, the second portion (40, 41, 51) comprises a second zone of the cavity, and the connecting portion (42, 52) comprises a connection zone fluidly connecting the first zone and the second zone; The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the pressurizing unit (30) is operably connected to the connecting portion (42, 52) or the second portion (40, 41, 51); The molding apparatus of claim 8.

10. the first portion (40, 41, 51) comprises an inlet (25); 10. The molding apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. the mold unit (21) comprises a mold cavity for forming one respective opening device, and the injection devices (22, 22''') are connected to the mold unit such that, in use, the molten polymer enters the mold cavity through the first outlet and the second outlet. The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. a first mold unit (21, 44, 45) having a first mold cavity for forming the first opening device, and a second mold unit (21, 44, 45) having a second mold cavity for forming the second opening device; the injection device (22, 22'') is connected to the first mold unit (21, 44, 45) and the second mold unit (21, 44, 45) such that a first portion of the molten polymer present in the cavities enters a first mold cavity through a first outlet and a second portion of the molten polymer present in the cavities enters a second mold cavity through a second outlet; The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity are not in fluid communication with each other; The molding apparatus of claim 12.

14. a third outlet configured to allow a third portion of the molten polymer to exit the cavity; and a third valve element (27, 29, 47) configured to selectively open and close a third outlet to selectively allow and prevent the exit of a third portion of the molten polymer; The pressure applying unit (30) comprises a first actuator (43, 54) configured to apply pressure to the molten polymer from a first pressure applying region, and a second actuator (43, 54) configured to apply pressure to the molten polymer from a second pressure applying region different from the first pressure applying region. The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The volume of the cavity is adjustable and / or variable; The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A packaging machine (1) having at least one opening device for forming packages (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising: - a forming device (20, 20', 20'', 20''') according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for forming an opening device on a web (3) of packaging material; a package forming device for producing said packages (2) from said web of packaging material (3); A packaging machine comprising:

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