Package forming unit, packaging device having package forming unit, and package forming method

Abstract

The package forming unit (9) includes a plurality of jaw units (17), each having at least one operating assembly (26) adapted to engage with the tube (3) and, in use, at least partially form the advancing tube (3), a sealing element (27) adapted to at least partially transversely seal the tube (3) along the transverse sealing band (18), and a pair of interacting tabs (20) adapted to interact with the tube (3). Each jaw unit (17) includes an operating configuration in which the operating assembly (26), the sealing element (27), and the pair of interacting tabs (20) are controlled in an active state while advancing along the operating portion (R1;S1) as a function of the fill level of the tube (3), and a partial operating configuration in which, in use, the sealing element (27) is controlled in an active state and the operating assembly (26) and / or the pair of interacting tabs (20) are controlled in an inactive state while advancing along the operating portion (R1;S1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a package forming unit for forming sealed packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, formed from a web of packaging material and filled with a pourable product and / or from fillable tubes.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging device comprising a package forming unit formed from a web of packaging material and filled with a pourable product and / or forming sealed packages of pourable product, in particular pourable food products, from fillable tubes.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for forming a pourable product-filled package. [Background technology]

[0004] As is well known, many liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquid or pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure including a base layer, e.g., paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g., polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-life products such as UHT milk, the packaging material further includes an oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), e.g., aluminum foil, superimposed on the layer of heat-sealable plastic material, which is 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.

[0006] This type of package is typically produced on a fully automated packaging machine that advances the web of packaging material through a sterilization station, where the web is sterilized, and then through an isolation chamber (a closed, sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. While the web of packaging material advances through the isolation chamber, it is longitudinally folded and sealed at a tube-forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam, and the tube is further advanced and fed vertically.

[0007] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and while advancing along a vertical direction, is formed, transversely sealed and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in a package forming unit of the packaging machine.

[0008] Pillow packages are obtained in a package forming unit, each pillow package having a longitudinal seal band, an upper transverse seal band and a lower transverse seal band.

[0009] A typical package forming unit includes a plurality of jaw units and a conveyor device for advancing the jaw units. - Two respective operating assemblies engage from different sides of the tube, providing a operation two actuation assemblies configured to form a tube while advancing along the section; - Engages from different sides of the tube, each of which has its own transport path operation two sealing elements configured to laterally seal the tube while advancing along the section; - Each transport route operation a pair of interaction tabs configured to interact with the tube during advancement along the portion; Equipped with.

[0010] Typically, each jaw unit also includes a cutting assembly for severing the tube along the transverse seal bands after formation.

[0011] The actuation assembly, the sealing element, and the pair of interacting tabs are operation The tube advances along the segments, and their interaction with the tube draws the tube along the tube advancement path.

[0012] While such package forming apparatuses have achieved excellent operating results, there is a desire in the art to further improve known package forming apparatuses and / or known packaging apparatuses, particularly so as to enable further increases in production speed.

[0013] In particular, there is a further desire to improve the method of forming the packages to further increase production speeds. 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 package forming unit.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine having an improved package forming unit.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a package. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming unit as claimed in claim 1.

[0018] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the package-forming unit are set out in the dependent claims 2 to 9.

[0019] According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging device as set forth in claim 10 or 11.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for forming a package as set forth in claim 12.

[0021] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the method are set out in the dependent claims 13 to 15.

[0022] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine having a package-forming unit according to the invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the package forming unit of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing details of the package forming unit of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view, with parts removed for clarity, showing further details of the package forming unit of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the package forming unit of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another portion of the package forming unit of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another portion of the package forming unit of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 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., from a tube 3 of a packaging material web 4.

[0025] In particular, in use, the tube 3 extends along a longitudinal axis A, preferably having a vertical orientation.

[0026] The web of packaging material 4 has a multi-layer structure (not shown) and comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a layer of paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, for example comprising polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material. One of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defines the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0027] Preferably, but not necessarily, web 4 comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular disposed between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of textile material. Preferably, but not necessarily, web 4 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, the web 4 has a first side and a second side, and in particular the first side is the side of the web 4 that forms the interior surface of the formed package 2 and that ultimately comes into contact with the filled pourable food product.

[0029] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, a typical package 2 obtained by the packaging machine 1 includes a longitudinal seam portion and a pair of transverse seal bands, in particular a transverse upper seal band and a transverse lower seal band.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the packaging device 1 includes at least: a transport unit 5 configured to advance the web 4 to be formed into a tube 3 along a web advance path P to a tube forming station 6; a tube forming and sealing device 7 configured to form a tube 3 from the web 4 and longitudinally seal the tube 3 in the tube forming station 6; - a filling device 8 configured to fill the tube 3 with a pourable product; - a package forming unit 9 configured to form, transversely seal and transversely cut at least a tube 3 to obtain a package 2; Equipped with.

[0031] Preferably, the package forming unit 9 is configured to advance the tube 3 along the tube advance path Q, in particular in cooperation with the conveying unit 5 .

[0032] More preferably, the package forming unit 9 is configured, in particular in cooperation with the conveying unit 5, to advance the tube 3 and any intermediate part of the tube 3 along the tube advance path Q in a known manner. In particular, the intermediate part of the tube 3 refers to any configuration of the web 4 after the tube forming and sealing device 7 has started folding the web 4, before obtaining the tube structure. In other words, the intermediate part of the tube 3 is obtained by gradually folding the web 4, in particular by overlapping the opposing side edges of the web 4 with each other, to obtain the tube 3.

[0033] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 comprises at least an isolated chamber 13 that at least partially houses the tube forming and sealing device 7 .

[0034] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 comprises an environmental control unit configured to control the environment within the isolation chamber, in particular to form and longitudinally seal the tube 3 in use within a controlled, sterile environment. In particular, the environmental control unit is configured to introduce a sterile gas into the internal environment 14 and / or to control a positive pressure within the isolation chamber 13 above ambient pressure.

[0035] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 further comprises a sterilization device for sterilizing at least a portion of the web 4, 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 being configured to sterilize the web 4 by physical sterilization and / or chemical sterilization.

[0036] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging apparatus 1 comprises a magazine unit adapted to receive and provide the web 4 at the host station. In particular, the transport unit 5 is configured to advance the web 4 from the host station to the tube forming station 6.

[0037] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the tube forming and sealing device 7 is located upstream of the package forming unit 9 .

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 , the filling device 8 comprises a filling pipe 14 that is in fluid connection, or controllable to be in fluid connection, with a pourable product storage tank (not shown, as is known), and in particular extends partially into an isolation chamber 13.

[0039] Preferably, in use, the fill pipe 14 is partially disposed within the tube 3 to deliver pourable product into the advancing tube 3 .

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 7 comprises at least a tube forming assembly configured to form a tube 3 from a web 4, particularly by overlapping the respective lateral edges of the web 4, and at least a sealing head 15 configured to longitudinally seal the tube 3, particularly along the portion of the tube 3 obtained by the overlapping of the lateral edges of the web 4.

[0041] Preferably, but not necessarily, the tube forming assembly and sealing head 15 are located within the isolated chamber 13 .

[0042] Preferably, but not necessarily, the tube forming assembly includes at least a plurality of forming ring assemblies 16, two being shown in the illustrated example, adapted to gradually fold the web 4 into the tube 3. In particular, the forming ring assemblies 16 are arranged in parallel, spaced apart planes, and in particular have a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0043] Preferably, but not necessarily, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 7 includes a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on the tube 3, particularly to facilitate longitudinal sealing of the tube 3. In particular, the pressure assembly is associated with a forming ring assembly 16 that is positioned downstream of other forming ring assemblies 16 along the web advancement path P and / or the tube advancement path Q.

[0044] 2 to 4, the package forming unit 9 includes a plurality of jaw units 17, each adapted to form and at least transversely seal the tube 3 to obtain a transverse sealing band 18, and in particular to transversely cut the tube 3 along a respective transverse sealing band 18, and to obtain a respective package 2 from the tube 3.

[0045] In particular, each jaw unit 17 comprises two jaw portions 19 configured to cooperate with one another to form, transversely seal and, in particular, also transversely cut the tube 3. More particularly, each jaw unit 17 is designed such that one jaw portion 19 is adapted to engage and interact with the tube 3 from a first side thereof and the other jaw portion 19 is adapted to engage and interact with the tube 3 from a second side thereof (different from the first side).

[0046] Furthermore, each jaw unit 17 includes a pair of interacting tabs 20 adapted to interact with the tube 3. In particular, each pair of interacting tabs 20 is adapted to interact with the tube 3 from opposite sides thereof, particularly at a respective transverse sealing band 18, to selectively exert a pulling force on the tube 3 and / or facilitate folding of the tube 3, in use.

[0047] Preferably, each interaction tab 20 is movable between at least a first limit position in which the interaction tab 20 is adapted to engage and interact with the tube 3, and a second limit position in which the interaction tab 20 is disengaged from the tube 3.

[0048] It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the term "disengaged" means that an element, such as the interaction tab 20, is not adapted to perform its nominal function on the tube 3. This also includes the possibility that there may be contact between an element, such as the interaction tab 20, and the tube 3 (e.g., due to movement of the tube 3), but such contact is not adapted to exert the force required to obtain effective function.

[0049] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each pair of interacting tabs 20 is configured to at least partially control the advancement of tube 3 such that tube 3 is "aligned." Web 4 includes multiple (substantially) identical patterns arranged one after the other along web 4. "Aligned" means that each pattern corresponds to (i.e., is fully contained within) one package 2 once tube 3 is formed, sealed, and cut.

[0050] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each pair of interaction tabs 20 is connected to one of the respective jaw portions 19 .

[0051] Preferably, each jaw unit 17 includes a cutting assembly configured to cut the tube 3 along a respective transverse sealing band 18 .

[0052] Furthermore, the package forming unit 9 includes a conveying unit configured to advance one jaw portion 19 of each jaw unit 17 along an infinite conveying path R and to advance the other jaw portion 19 along an infinite conveying path S (different from the conveying path R).

[0053] Further, the transport unit is configured to advance each pair of interaction tabs 20 along transport path R or transport path S (depending on whether each pair of interaction tabs 20 is connected to one jaw portion 19 or the other jaw portion 19).

[0054] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the transport unit is of the chain conveyor type, in which the jaw portions 19 are connected to one another by a chain and / or a plurality of jaw portions 19 define a chain.

[0055] In particular, the transport unit comprises first and second (chain) conveyors parallel to and spaced apart from one another and configured to control and / or actuate the advancement of jaw portions 19 along transport paths R and S, respectively. More particularly, one of the first and second conveyors is also configured to advance pairs of interacting tabs 20.

[0056] More particularly, the transport unit, in particular the first conveyor and the second conveyor, are configured to advance the jaw portion 19 along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1, and are adapted so that during advancement along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1 the jaw portion 19 engages and interacts with the tube 3. In particular, the jaw portion 19 advances (substantially) parallel to and in the same direction as the tube 3 when advancing along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1.

[0057] Similarly, each pair of interaction tabs 20 advances along either operating portion R1 or operating portion S1.

[0058] Preferably, the tube 3 advances, in use, through a space located between the first and second conveyors.

[0059] More particularly, each jaw portion 19 comprises one respective operating assembly 26, in particular having a respective half shell, adapted to engage with the tube 3 and, in use, at least partially form the advancing tube 3, and one respective sealing element 27 adapted to at least partially transversely seal the tube 3 along the transverse sealing band 18.

[0060] In particular, each handling assembly 26 is adapted to contact and at least partially shape the tube 3 to at least partially define the shape of the package 2 .

[0061] In particular, each handling assembly 26 is adapted to cooperate with each other handling assembly 26 to form the tube 3, as is well known and will not be described further.

[0062] In particular, each half shell includes one main plate and two auxiliary side plates protruding from each main plate.

[0063] In particular, each sealing element 27 is adapted to cooperate with a respective other sealing element 27 to transversely seal the tube 3 along the transverse sealing band 18, as is well known and will not be described further.

[0064] Preferably, the conveying units, in particular the first and second conveyors, are configured to advance the respective operating assemblies 26 and the respective sealing elements 27 along the respective conveying paths R or the respective conveying paths S, and further along the respective operating portions R1 or the respective operating portions S1.

[0065] Preferably, the packaging device 1 , in particular the package forming unit 9 , comprises a control unit arranged to control the operation of at least the jaw unit 17 .

[0066] Preferably, the control unit - a respective active state (see Figure 2) configured to engage the advancing tube 3 in use to at least partially form the tube 3, and a respective active state (see Figure 2) configured to disengage from the advancing tube 3 in use. Non an operating assembly 26 having at least an active state (see FIG. 3); a pair of interaction tabs 20 which, in use, are configured to interact with the advancing tube 3 in a respective active state and to disengage from the tube 3 in a respective inactive state (see FIG. 4 ); and - Each operation The moiety R1 or each operationalong portion S1, sealing elements 27 which, in use, during advancement, in their respective active states, are configured to engage the advancing tube 3 and at least partially transversely seal the tube 3 to form respective transverse sealing bands 18; The control circuit is configured to control the

[0067] Preferably, the control unit is also configured to control at least the active operating assembly 26 while moving along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1, and preferentially to selectively control the respective active or the respective inactive operating assembly 26.

[0068] Additionally and / or alternatively, the control unit controls a pair of interaction tabs 20 to at least an active state, preferably each operation The moiety R1 or each operation The actuators are configured to be selectively controlled to a respective active state or a respective inactive state while traveling along the portion S1.

[0069] Preferably, the control unit also, in use, operation The moiety R1 or each operation The actuator assembly 26 and the pair of interacting tabs 20 are configured to be controlled to their respective inactive states during advancement along a portion of the respective transport path R or the respective transport path S different from the portion S1.

[0070] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the sealing elements 27 in their respective inactive states, in which the sealing elements 27, in use, operation The moiety R1 or each operation It is disengaged from the tube 3 while advancing along a portion of the respective conveying path R or the respective conveying path S different from the portion S1.

[0071] Preferably, the control unit is also configured to control each operating assembly 26 into one or more intermediate states in which each operating assembly 26 is in contact with the tube 3, in particular into a state in which each operating assembly 26 is configured to perform a supporting action and / or function and / or into a state in which each operating assembly 26 is withdrawn from and / or engaged with the tube 3.

[0072] Preferably, each half shell is angularly movable about a respective axis of rotation to control a respective operating assembly 26 between a respective active state and a respective inactive state. In particular, each half shell is angularly movable between a first angular position and a second angular position in which the half shell is in an active state and an inactive state, respectively. More specifically, each half shell is disposed in an intermediate state in which the half shell is disposed at an intermediate angular position between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0073] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control each pair of interaction tabs to a state in which each interaction tab 20 is in contact with the tube 3, in particular a state in which each interaction tab 20 is configured to perform a supporting action and / or function, and one or more respective intermediate states in which each interaction tab is withdrawn from and / or engaged with the tube 3.

[0074] Preferably, each jaw unit 17 is configured such that the respective half shells of each jaw unit 17, in particular the respective main plates, are (substantially) parallel to one another and the respective operating assemblies are controlled in their respective active states.

[0075] Preferably, each jaw unit 17 is configured such that the respective half shells of each jaw unit 17, in particular the respective main plates thereof, describe a V-shape, and the respective operating assemblies 26 are controlled in their respective inactive states.

[0076] Preferably, the angle between each half shell and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A is in the range of 87° to 93°, in particular (substantially) equal to 90°, when each operating assembly 26 is controlled to an active state, and is in the range of 95° to 105°, in particular 97° to 103°, when each operating assembly 26 is controlled to an inactive state.

[0077] Preferentially, each pair of interacting tabs 20 is controlled between a respective active state and a respective inactive state by moving the respective interacting tabs 20 towards and away from each other.

[0078] Preferably, the control unit comprises at least the following configurations for controlling each jaw unit 17 as a function of the filling level of the tube 3 and / or the operation of the filling device 8: - an operating configuration in which the respective operating assembly 26, the respective sealing element 27 and the respective pair of interacting tabs 20 are controlled to their respective active states while advancing along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1 in use to form and transversely seal the tube 3; and - a partial operating configuration in which the respective sealing elements 27 are controlled to a respective active state and at least one, preferably both, of the respective operating assemblies 26 and / or the respective pair of interaction tabs 20 are controlled to a respective inactive state during advancement along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1, in use (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0079] It should be noted that the term "fill level" as used herein is a measure of the volume of pourable product present in the tube 3.

[0080] In this way, it is possible to avoid significant contact between the manipulation assembly 26 and / or the interaction tab 20 and the tube 3 when the respective jaw portion 19 advances along the respective manipulation portion R1 or the respective manipulation portion S1. It has been found that such contact can lead to breakage of the tube 3 and / or package 2, particularly when operating at high production speeds with a fill level below a predetermined fill level or above a predetermined further fill level.

[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the control unit is configured to control the jaw unit 17 in a partial operation configuration when the filling level of the tube 3 falls below a predetermined filling level and / or when the operation of the filling device 8 differs from the determined nominal operating conditions and / or when the filling device 8 is switched off.

[0082] In particular, such conditions typically exist during the start and end of operation of the package forming unit 9 and / or packaging device 1, as well as during temporary complete or partial interruption of operation of the package forming unit 9 and / or packaging device 1 and at least the operation of the filling device 8.

[0083] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the control unit comprises a cam mechanism configured to interact with the operating assembly 26 and the pair of interaction tabs 20 during advancement along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1, and an adjustment assembly operably coupled to the cam mechanism for controlling the operating assembly 26 and the pair of interaction tabs 20 in their respective active states or their respective inactive states during advancement along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, the cam mechanism comprises a first cam assembly 29 configured to control the operating assembly 26 to a respective inactive state or a respective active state while progressing along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1.

[0085] More particularly, first cam assembly 29 comprises a pair of cam profiles 30 configured to interact with operating assembly 26, each cam profile 30 being movable (linearly) between at least a first limit position (see dashed line diagram of cam profile 30) and a second limit position (see solid line diagram of cam profile 20) to control operating assembly 26 to a respective active position and a respective inactive position. In particular, the respective first limit position and / or the respective second limit position of each cam profile 30 is controllable to control operation of operating assembly 26 to determine, in use, a particular parameter of package 2 (such as the amount of pourable product present in package 2).

[0086] In particular, the cam profiles 30 are spaced apart from one another, and in particular parallel, and more particularly, the cam profiles 30 approach one another when in their respective first limit positions (dashed lines in FIG. 3 ) and retreat from one another when controlled to their second limit positions (solid lines in FIG. 3 ).

[0087] In particular, the cam profile 30 is designed to control the angular motion of the half shells about their respective axes of rotation during advancement of the respective manipulating assemblies 26 .

[0088] Preferably, the first cam assembly 29 comprises a plurality of first cam followers 31, each connected to one respective operating assembly 26 and configured to operably couple the respective operating assembly 26 to the respective cam profile 30.

[0089] In particular, the cam profiles 30 are, in use, closer to the tubes 3 when located in their respective first limit positions than when located in their respective second limit positions.

[0090] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a first actuator 35 connected to the cam profile 30 and configured to move, in particular simultaneously move, the cam profile 30 between a respective first limit position and a respective second limit position in order to control the operating assembly 26 to a corresponding active state and a corresponding inactive state while moving along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1.

[0091] Preferably, the first cam assembly 29 comprises a pair of fixed cam profiles 32 arranged downstream of one respective cam profile 30 for the respective conveying path R or the respective conveying path S, and in particular the fixed cam profiles 32 are configured to control the actuating assemblies 26 to their respective inactive states while the respective jaw units 19 are controlled in their respective operating configurations.

[0092] 5, the first actuator 35 comprises at least an electric motor 36 and two control bars 37 operatively coupled to the electric motor 36 and each coupled to a respective cam profile 30. In particular, the electric motor 36 is configured to actuate the rotation of the control bar 37 to move the cam profiles 30 between a respective first limit position and a respective second limit position.

[0093] Preferably, the first actuator 35 comprises at least two main eccentrics 38, each connected to one respective control bar 37 and one respective cam profile 30, and configured to convert rotational movement of the respective control bar 37 into linear movement of the respective cam profile 30.

[0094] More preferably, the first actuator 35 also includes at least two auxiliary eccentrics 39, each coupled to one respective cam profile 30, and two coupling groups 40, each coupled to one respective control bar 37 and one respective auxiliary eccentric 39, for coupling each auxiliary eccentric 39 to a respective control bar 37.

[0095] In particular, each auxiliary eccentric 39 is designed to contribute to converting the rotational movement of the respective control bar 37 into linear movement.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, the cam mechanism also includes a pair of interacting tabs 20, each operation During advancement along the portion R1, a second cam assembly 41 is provided which is configured to control a respective inactive state or a respective active state, in particular also one or more respective intermediate states.

[0097] In particular, the second cam assembly 41 comprises a movable cam profile 42 that is movable, in particular linearly movable, between at least a first extreme position (see the solid line diagram of the cam profile 42 in Figure 4) and a second extreme position (see the dashed line diagram of the cam profile 42 in Figure 4) for controlling the pair of interacting tabs 20 to an active state and an inactive state, respectively.

[0098] Preferably, the cam mechanism comprises a plurality of cam followers 43 , each coupled to a pair of interacting tabs 20 and configured to operably couple the pair of interacting tabs 20 to the cam profile 43 .

[0099] Preferably, each jaw unit 17 includes a lever mechanism 44 carrying a respective cam follower 43, connected to a respective pair of interaction tabs 20, and configured to move the pair of interaction tabs 20 between an active state and an inactive state dependent on the engagement of the respective cam follower 43 with the cam profile 42 during use. In particular, each lever mechanism 44 is designed to induce relative simultaneous movement of the respective pair of interaction tabs 20 in function of the interaction between the respective cam follower 43 and the cam profile 42.

[0100] Preferably, the second cam assembly 41 comprises a fixed cam profile 45 arranged downstream of the cam profile 42 with respect to the transport path R or the transport path S. In particular, the fixed cam profile 45 is configured to control the pair of interacting tabs 20 to their respective inactive states while the respective jaw units 19 are controlled in their respective operational configurations.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, the adjustment assembly includes a second actuator 46 operably coupled to the cam profile 42 and configured to move the cam profile 42 (linearly) between a first pole position and a second pole position to control the pairs of interacting tabs 20 in their respective active states and their respective inactive states.

[0102] More particularly, the second actuator 46 comprises at least an electric motor 47, one or more eccentrics 48 coupled to the electric motor 47 and to the cam profile 42, and coupling means 49 for coupling the electric motor 47 to the eccentric(s) 48. In particular, the eccentrics 48 are configured to convert the rotational movement of the electric motor 47 into a linear movement of the cam profile 42.

[0103] In use, packaging apparatus 1 produces packages 2 of pourable product. In particular, packaging apparatus 1 forms tubes 3 from web 4, seals tubes 3 longitudinally, fills tubes 3 with the pourable product, forms tubes 3, seals transversely, and cuts transversely to obtain packages 2.

[0104] In particular, the transport unit 5 advances the web 4 along a web entry path P.

[0105] In particular, the sterilizer sterilizes the web 4 in a sterilization station.

[0106] In particular, the tube forming and sealing device 7 forms the web 4 into the tube 3 and seals the tube 3 longitudinally.

[0107] In particular, the filling device 8 fills the tube 3 with a pourable product.

[0108] Preferably, the package forming unit 9 forms, transversely seals and in particular transversely cuts the tubes 3 for obtaining the packages 2 .

[0109] In particular, operation of the package forming unit 9 includes advancing the jaw portion 19, in particular the operating assembly 26, the sealing element 27 and the pair of interacting tabs 20 along the respective conveying path R or the respective conveying path S.

[0110] Preferably, the operation of the package forming unit 9 comprises: a first step in which the operating assembly 26 is controlled to be active or inactive while advancing along the respective operating portion R1 or along the respective operating portion S1; and / or a second step in which the pair of interaction tabs 20 are controlled to be active or inactive while moving along the respective operating portion R1 or along the respective operating portion S1; Includes.

[0111] Preferably, the operation of the package forming unit 9 includes a lateral sealing step, and the sealing element 27 is controlled to its active state while proceeding along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1 to obtain the respective lateral sealing band 18.

[0112] Preferably, the operation of the package forming unit 9 includes a cutting step, in which the tube 3 is cut along the transverse sealing band 18. In particular, the cutting step is operated after and / or during the transverse sealing step.

[0113] Preferably, the operation of the package forming unit 9 includes a third step in which the jaw unit 17 is controlled in an operating or partially operating configuration depending on the filling level of the tube 3 and / or depending on the operation of the filling device 8.

[0114] In particular, during the third step, if the filling level of the tube 3 is below a predetermined filling level and / or during the filling step, if the amount of pourable product entering the tube 3 is below a threshold value, each jaw unit 17 is controlled in a partial operation configuration.

[0115] More specifically, during the first step, the position of the cam profile 30 is controlled to control the actuation assembly 26 to an active or inactive state.

[0116] In particular, during the first step, each cam profile 30 is moved linearly, in particular by the adjustment assembly, specifically by the first actuator 35, between a respective first limit position and a respective second limit position in order to control the respective position of the operating assembly 26 and between a respective active state and an inactive state.

[0117] More specifically, the first cam profile 30 is moved simultaneously during the first step.

[0118] More specifically, during the first step, the electric motor 36 activates the rotation of the control bar 37 , which rotates the main eccentric 38 and in particular also the auxiliary eccentric 39 , which activates the translation of the cam profile 30 .

[0119] Preferably, during the second step, the position of the cam profile 42 is controlled to control the pair of interacting tabs 20 between an active state or an inactive state. In particular, the second actuator 46 linearly moves the cam profile 42 between a first pole position and a second pole position to control the pair of interacting tabs 20 between the active state and the inactive state. More particularly, the electric motor 47 actuates the rotation of the eccentric 48, resulting in the translation of the cam profile 42.

[0120] The advantages of the package forming unit 9 and / or the packaging device 1 and / or the method according to the invention will be clear from the above description.

[0121] In particular, by controlling the operating assembly 26 and / or the pair of interaction tabs 20 to an inactive state while proceeding along the respective operating portion R1 or the respective operating portion S1, it is possible to avoid any contact with the tube 3 in situations where contact is undesirable.

[0122] A particular advantage resides in the possibility of avoiding contact between the handling assembly 26 and / or the pair of interaction tabs 20 and the tube 3 in situations where the tube 3 is filled with an amount of pourable product below a desired threshold. Such situations may occur at the start or end of operation of the package forming unit 9 and / or packaging device 1. Furthermore, such situations may occur during operation of the package forming unit 9 and / or packaging device 1 and when operation needs to be at least partially interrupted.

[0123] Obviously, modifications can be made to the package forming unit 9 and / or packaging device 1 and / or the method described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package forming unit (9) for forming sealed packages (2) filled with a pourable product from tubes (3) formed from a web (4) of packaging material and filled or capable of being filled with a pourable product, comprising: The package forming unit (9) comprises at least: a plurality of jaw units (17) each having at least one manipulating assembly (26) adapted to engage the tube (3) and, in use, at least partially shape the advancing tube (3), one sealing element (27) adapted to at least partially transversely seal the tube (3) along a transverse sealing band (18), and at least one pair of interacting tabs (20) adapted to interact with the tube (3); a transport unit (5) configured to advance the handling assembly (26), the sealing element (27) and the pair of interacting tabs (20) along respective endless transport paths (R; S); a control unit configured to control the operation of said jaw unit (17); Equipped with The control unit is configured to control: wherein, while the manipulation assembly (26) advances, in use, along the manipulation portion (R1; S1) of the conveying path (R; S), at least in an active state, the manipulation assembly (26) engages, in use, the advancing tube (3) to at least partially form the tube (3); said pair of interaction tabs (20) interact with said advancing tube (3) in use, at least in an active state, while said pair of interaction tabs (20) advances along said operating portion (R1; S1) of said transport path (R; S); while the sealing element (27) advances, in use, along the operating portion (R1; S1) of the conveying path (R; S), in an active state, the sealing element (27) engages, in use, the advancing tube (3) to form a transverse sealing band (18), at least partially transversely sealing the tube (3); The control unit is further configured to control: an inactive state in which the manipulation assembly (26) is disengaged from the advancing tube (3) in use while the manipulation assembly (26) advances along the manipulation portion (R1; S1) of the transport path (R; S); and / or an inactive state in which the pair of interacting tabs (20) disengage from the tube (3) while the pair of interacting tabs (20) advance along the operating portion (R1; S1) of the transport path (R; S) in use; The control unit controls the jaw unit (17) depending on at least the filling level of the tube, an operating configuration in which the operating assembly (26), the sealing element (27) and the pair of interacting tabs (20) are controlled to be in an active state while advancing along the operating portion (R1; S1) to form and transversely seal at least the tube (3); a partial operation configuration, in which, in use, the sealing element (27) is controlled to the active state and the operation assembly (26) and / or the pair of interaction tabs (20) are controlled to an inactive state while advancing along the operation portion (R1; S1); and further configured to control the Package formation unit.

2. the control unit is configured to control the jaw unit in a partial operation configuration when the filling level of the tube is below a predetermined filling level. The package forming unit according to claim 1 .

3. a cam mechanism configured to interact with the operating assembly (26) and / or the pair of interacting tabs (20) while the control unit advances along the operating portion (R1; S1); and an adjustment assembly operatively coupled to the cam mechanism to control the operating assembly (26) and / or the pair of interacting tabs (20) to the active state or the inactive state while the control unit advances along the operating portion (R1; S1).

3. A package forming unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. the cam mechanism comprises a first cam assembly (29) configured to control the operating assembly (26) to the inactive state or the active state while advancing along the operating portion (R1; S1); the first cam assembly (29) comprises a first cam profile (30) configured to interact with the operating assembly (26); the adjusting assembly is configured to move the first cam profile (30) to control the operating assembly to an active or inactive state while advancing along the operating portion (R1; S1); A package forming unit according to claim 3.

5. the adjustment assembly comprises at least one first actuator (35) connected to the first cam profile (30) and configured to move the first cam profile (30) between at least a first limit position and a second limit position, and the operating assembly (26) is controlled between the active state and the inactive state; The package forming unit according to claim 4.

6. the first actuator (35) comprises at least an electric motor (36), at least one control bar (37) operatively coupled to the electric motor (36) and the first cam profile (30), and at least one main eccentric (38) connected to the control bar (37) and the first cam profile (30); the electric motor (36) is configured to actuate the rotation of the control bar (37), and the main eccentric is configured to convert the rotation of the control bar (37) into a translation of the first cam profile (30) between the first and second limit positions; The package forming unit according to claim 5.

7. the cam mechanism comprises a second cam assembly (41) configured to control the pair of interaction tabs (20) to the inactive state or the active state while advancing along the operating portion (R1; S1); the second cam assembly (41) comprises a movable cam profile (42) operably coupled to the adjustment assembly; the adjustment assembly is configured to move the movable cam profile (42) to control the pair of interacting tabs (20) to the inactive state or the active state. The package forming unit according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. the transport unit (5) comprises at least one chain conveyor (24; 25) for transporting the operating assembly (26), the sealing element (27) and the pair of interacting tabs (20); The package forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the jaw unit (17) includes a further manipulation assembly (26) adapted to engage with and partially shape the tube (3), and a further sealing element (27) adapted to engage with the tube (3) and at least partially transversely seal the tube (3) along a transverse sealing band (18); the manipulation assembly (26) is adapted to engage the tube (3) from one side thereof and the further manipulation assembly (26) is adapted to engage the tube (3) from the opposite side thereof, cooperating with each other to form the tube (3); the sealing element (27) is adapted to engage the tube (3) from one side thereof, and the further sealing element (27) is adapted to engage the tube (3) from the opposite side thereof, cooperating with each other to form a transverse seal on the tube (3) along the transverse sealing band (18); the transport unit (5) is configured to advance the further actuating assembly (26) and the further sealing element (27) along an endless transport path (S; R), wherein the control unit is configured to control the further manipulation assembly (26) while it advances along the manipulation portion (S1; R1) of the conveying path (S; R) between an active state in which the further manipulation assembly (26) is configured to engage, in use, the advancing tube (3) to at least form the tube (3) in cooperation with the manipulation assembly (26), and an inactive state in which the further manipulation assembly (26) is disengaged, in use, from the advancing tube (3), the control unit is configured to control the further sealing element (27), such that, in an active state, while the further sealing element (27) advances in use along the operating portion (S1; R1) of the conveying path (S; R), the further sealing element (27) is configured to engage with and transversely seal the advancing tube (3) in use to form a transverse sealing band (18) in cooperation with the sealing element (27), the control unit is configured to control the jaw unit (17) in the operating configuration in an active state while the actuating assembly (26) and the further actuating assembly (26), the sealing element (27) and the further sealing element (27) and the pair of interacting tabs (20) advance along their respective operating portions (R1; S1) for forming and transversely sealing the tube (3), and is configured to control the jaw unit (17) in the partial operating configuration in which, in use, the sealing element (27) and the further sealing element (27) are controlled in an active state while advancing along the operating portion (R1; S1) and the actuating assembly (26) and / or the further actuating assembly (26) and / or the pair of interacting tabs (20) are in an inactive state. A package forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A packaging machine (1) for forming sealed packages (2) filled with a pourable product from a web (4) of packaging material, comprising: a conveying unit (5) configured to advance said web of packaging material (4) along a web advancement path (P) at least to a tube forming station (6); a tube forming and sealing device (7) configured to form a tube (3) from the web (4) of packaging material and longitudinally seal the tube (3) at the tube forming station (6); a filling device (8) adapted to fill the tube (3) with a pourable product; a package forming unit (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to form sealed packages (2) from the tubes (3); A packaging device (1) comprising at least:

11. 11. The packaging device according to claim 10, wherein the control device of the package forming unit (9) controls the jaw unit (17) in the operating configuration or the partially operating configuration depending on the operation of the filling device and / or the filling level of the tube (3).

12. 1. A method of forming a sealed package (2) filled with a pourable product from a tube (3) of a web (4) of packaging material, comprising: advancing the tube (3) along a tube advancement path (Q); Filling said tube (3) with a pourable product; providing a plurality of jaw units (17) each having at least one manipulating assembly (26) adapted to engage with the tube (3) and, in use, at least partially shape the advancing tube (3), one sealing element (27) adapted to at least partially transversely seal the tube (3) along a transverse sealing band (18), and a pair of interacting tabs (20) adapted to interact with the tube (3); advancing the manipulation assembly (26), the sealing element (27) and the pair of interacting tabs (20) along respective endless transport paths (R;S); controlling said manipulation assembly (26) in an active state to engage with the advancing tube (3) to at least partially form said tube (3) while said manipulation assembly (26) advances along the manipulation portion (R1; S1) of said conveying path (R; S); controlling the pair of interaction tabs (20) in an active state in which the pair of interaction tabs (20) interact with the advancing tube (3) while the pair of interaction tabs (20) advances along the operating portion (R1; S1) of the transport path (R; S) and in an inactive state in which the pair of interaction tabs (20) disengage from the tube (3); controlling said sealing elements (27) in an active state, while said sealing elements (27) advance along the operating portion (R1; S1) of said conveying path (R; S), such that each said sealing element (27) engages with the advancing tube (3) and at least partially transversely seals said tube (3) to form a transverse sealing band (18); Controlling said jaw unit (17) depending at least on the filling level of the tube in the following manner: an operating configuration in which the operating assembly (26), the sealing element (27) and the pair of interacting tabs (20) are controlled to be active during advancement along the operating portion (R1; S1) to form and transversely seal at least the tube (3); and a partial operation configuration in which the sealing element (27) is controlled to the active state and the operation assembly (26) and / or the pair of interaction tabs (20) are controlled to an inactive state during advancement along the operation portion (R1; S1); The method includes at least the following.

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein during the step of controlling the jaw unit (17), the jaw unit (17) is controlled to the partial operation configuration if the filling level of the tube (3) is below a predetermined filling level.

14. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein during the step of controlling the operating assembly (26), a first cam profile (30) operatively coupled to the operating assembly (26) during advancement of the operating assembly (26) along the operating portion (R1; S1) is arranged to control the operating assembly (26) to an active state or an inactive state.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein during the step of controlling the pair of interaction tabs (20), a second cam profile (42) operably coupled to each pair of the pair of interaction tabs (20) is arranged to control the pair of interaction tabs (20) into an active state or an inactive state during the advancement of the pair of interaction tabs (20) along the operating portion (R1; S1).

Images