Filling of packages

Abstract

A method is presented of filling a package (1) suitable for containing a product (P), for example coffee; the package (1) comprising two side walls (2, 4), two side gussets (3, 5) and a bottom (6), for example a bottom surface; the side walls (2, 4), the side gussets (3, 5) and the bottom (6) forming the containment volume (7) and the filling mouth (8) of the package (1); wherein the method includes a step of partially pre-welding the filling mouth (8), prior to filling the package (1) with the product (P), so as to obtain a package (1) with a partially pre-welded mouth (8).

Description

[0001] FILLING OF PACKAGES

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of packaging machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to the filling of packages made of flexible material.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Various types of packaging machines are known from the prior art for packaging packages made of flexible material and containing products of various kinds, for example food products such as instant coffee, powdered or in beans, biscuits or the like.

[0005] Such packages generally comprise two side walls, substantially parallel to each other, two side gussets and a bottom, for example a bottom surface. The side walls, the gussets and the bottom form the containment volume and the filling mouth of the package, with the filling mouth being opposite to the bottom. Examples of such packages and methods for making them can be found in the European patent applications EP 3 395 709 A1 , EP 3 790 809 A1 , and EP 3 790 733 A1 .

[0006] Packaging machines are often designed and suitable for packaging packages of certain sizes and cannot operate with larger packages. Mainly for reasons of space, for example between one station and another of the packaging machine, the arms that open the filling mouth of the packages, before filling the package, generally have a predetermined maximum opening equal to the size of the gussets of the largest package that can be filled with the packaging machine, when these gussets are unfolded.

[0007] However, if it is necessary to fill a larger package, it is difficult to use existing packaging machines because the package can no longer be opened completely by the arms that open the filling mouth. In this case, the gussets are not completely unfolded and can therefore interfere with the filling operations, compromising the entire packaging process.

[0008] The present invention, therefore, aims to solve this technical problem. According to the present invention, it is possible to adapt existing packaging machines for packaging packages larger than those for which the machine was originally designed. Summary

[0009] The present invention is based on the idea of partially pre-welding the filling mouth of the package before filling the package with the desired product.

[0010] In the context of this invention, the terms "partially pre-welding the mouth," "partial pre-welding of the mouth," and similar terms indicate that the welding line does not extend the entire length of the filling mouth of the package so that the mouth remains open in the portion where the welding line does not extend. In other words, partial welding of the filling mouth allows the extension of the filling mouth to be reduced compared to the configuration without welding, while still maintaining a portion of the filling mouth open.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided of filling a package suitable for containing a product, for example coffee; the package comprising two side walls, two side gussets and a bottom, for example a bottom surface; the side walls, the side gussets and the bottom forming the containment volume and the filling mouth of the package; wherein the method includes a step of partially pre-welding the filling mouth, prior to filling the package with the product, so as to obtain a package with a partially pre-welded mouth.

[0012] The partial pre-welding of the filling mouth of the package allows the package to be adapted to the existing packaging machine or, in any case, to create smaller packaging machines that can be used to fill large packages. By reducing the size of the package filling mouth, the package can be adapted to any existing packaging machine so that it can adequately open the package filling mouth before filling.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the partial pre-welding involves welding only a portion of the side gussets to the respective side walls. For example, at least one fifth, preferably at least one quarter, more preferably at least one third, and most preferably at least half of the length of the side gussets may be prewelded.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the portions of the two side gussets welded respectively on the side walls have the same length. For example, it is possible to pre-weld at least one fifth, preferably at least one quarter, even more preferably at least one third, and even more preferably at least half of the length of the side gussets. This configuration can be particularly advantageous when the package is symmetrical and the packaging machine opens the filling mouth of the package so that the two side walls remain parallel to each other. Or when the package is asymmetrical and the packaging machine opens the filling mouth of the package so that the two side walls form a V-shape.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the portions of the two side gussets welded to the side walls have different lengths. For example, at least one fifth, preferably at least one quarter, more preferably at least one third, and even more preferably at least half of the length of one side gusset and a different fraction of the length of the other side gusset can be pre-welded. This configuration can be particularly advantageous when the package is symmetrical and the packaging machine opens the filling mouth of the package so that the two side walls form a V- shaped structure.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, no portion of one of the two side gussets is welded. According to this embodiment, only a portion of the other of the two side gussets is partially welded. For example, it is possible to pre-weld at least one fifth, preferably at least one quarter, more preferably at least one third, and most preferably at least half of the length of one side gusset while no portion of the other side gusset is welded.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the filling mouth of the package can be prewelded by welding portions of the gussets to the respective side walls of the package. In this way, when the packaging machine opens the filling mouth of the package, in order to subsequently fill the package, the open filling mouth has a perfectly rectangular shape.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps subsequent to the step of partially pre-welding the filling mouth and carried out in the order in which they are listed: (a) opening of the prewelded filling mouth; (b) filling of the containment volume; (c) complete welding of the filling mouth so as to close the package.

[0019] After the filling mouth has been suitably pre-welded, the package can be opened, then filled with a specific product and hermetically closed, sealing the package to protect the product contained therein.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes, between the opening of the filling mouth and the filling step, a step of deployment of the containment volume of the package.

[0021] If the package is made of a particularly thick and / or rigid material, it may be necessary to enlarge the gussets and side walls of the package using special means provided by the packaging machine in order to fully utilize the filling volume of the package. In fact, opening the filling mouth and filling the package with the product to be inserted may not be sufficient to completely expand the filling volume of the package, and therefore the package may not be filled adequately. Examples of assemblies for opening packages, packaging machines, and methods for opening packages that involve the deployment of the containment volume of the package are described in the international patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489. Assemblies for opening packages such as those described in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 can also be implemented in the present invention. The teaching of the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 with respect to the configuration of such assemblies is therefore incorporated in its entirety into the present application by reference. Methods for opening packages as described in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 may also be implemented in the present invention to enlarge the containment volume of the package. The teaching of the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 with respect to these methods is therefore incorporated in its entirety into this application, for reference.

[0022] The present invention further concerns a filling machine for packages suitable for containing a product, for example coffee; the packages comprising two side walls, two side gussets and a bottom, for example a bottom surface; the side walls, the side gussets and the bottom forming the containment volume and the filling mouth of the package; wherein the filling machine comprises filling means suitable for inserting the product within the containment volume and first welding means placed upstream of the filling means, so as to perform the partial pre-welding of the filling mouth prior to filling the package by means of the filling means.

[0023] By means of a filling machine comprising first welding means and filling means, it is possible to pre-weld the package according to the present invention before filling it with a product by means of the filling means.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first welding means are configured to perform pre-welding of only a portion of the side gussets. For example, it is possible to pre-weld at least one fifth, preferably at least a quarter, more preferably at least a third, and even more preferably at least half of the length of the side gussets.

[0025] By welding only a portion of the side gussets to the respective side walls of the package, the filling mouth, when open, has a perfectly rectangular shape, suitable for filling the package by using the filling means.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the filling machine further comprises holding arms suitable for opening the filling mouth of the package.

[0027] The holding arms are the means of the packaging machine suitable for opening the filling mouth of the package. The holding arms, especially for reasons of space relating to the size of each station of the packaging machine, can only widen by a predetermined distance. Packages that are pre-welded according to the method of the present invention, even if originally too large for the holding arms of a given packaging machine, can be adapted for use in these existing packaging machines.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the filling machine further comprises an assembly for opening packages, suitable for opening the containment volume of the package.

[0029] The assembly for opening packages is suitable for completely expanding the filling volume of a package made of thick and / or rigid material. The assembly for opening packages pushes the bottom of the package and expands the side walls and side gussets of the package so that the containment volume of the package can be fully utilized during the filling phases. Examples of assemblies for opening packages, packaging machines and methods for opening packages involving the deployment of the containment volume of the package are described in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489. Assemblies for opening packages as described in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 can also be implemented in the present invention. The teaching of the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 with respect to the configuration of such assemblies is therefore incorporated in its entirety into the present application for reference. Methods for opening packages as described in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 may also be implemented in the present invention to enlarge the containment volume of the package. The teaching of the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489 with respect to these methods is therefore incorporated in its entirety into this application for reference.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the filling machine further comprises second welding means placed downstream of the filling means and suitable for completely seal the filling mouth so as to close the package.

[0031] Once the package has been filled, it is necessary to completely close the filling mouth to ensure that the product contained in the package is adequately protected.

[0032] Brief description of the figures

[0033] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which the same reference numbers and / or signs indicate the same and / or similar and / or corresponding parts of the machine.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of a package made of flexible material to be filled using the method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figs. 2A to 2C schematically show the package according to the present invention, viewed from above, in three different stages of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figs. 3A to 3C schematically show the package according to the present invention, viewed from above, with three different types of partial pre-welding according to three alternative embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 schematically shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine in a stage of use according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 4 bis shows Fig. 4 seen from above.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine from Fig. 4 in a further stage of use.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine of Fig. 5 in a further stage of use.

[0040] Fig. 7 shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine of Fig. 6 in a further stage of their use.

[0041] Fig. 8 schematically shows a 3D view of a packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Detailed description

[0043] The present invention is described below with reference to specific embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the individual embodiments described in the following detailed description and shown in the figures, as the embodiments described merely exemplify various aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

[0044] The present invention relates to a method for filling a package 1 suitable for containing a product P, for example ground coffee, biscuits or dog food.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of a package made of flexible material to be filled using the method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Package 1 comprises two side walls 2, 4, which are substantially parallel to each other, two side gussets 3, 5 and a bottom 6 designed as a bottom surface, wherein the side walls 2, 4, the gussets 3, 5 and the bottom 6 form the containment volume 7 and the filling mouth 8 of package 1 , wherein the filling mouth 8 is opposite to the bottom To describe the figures more easily, a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ is defined with reference to package 1 when it is placed inside the first welding means 101 of a packaging machine 100, which will be described with reference to Fig. 4. More specifically, the XY plane is defined as the plane parallel to the bottom surface of package 1 , where X is the axis parallel to the two side gussets 3, 5 and Y is the axis parallel to the two side walls 2, 4 of package 1 and the Z axis is the axis perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0047] Package 1 is made of flexible material, for example PET12 - PE70 or PET MET12 - PE70. It is suitable for containing various types of products, for example food products such as instant coffee, powdered or ground coffee, biscuits or even dog and cat treats or similar products.

[0048] The method comprises a partial pre-welding phase of the filling mouth 8 of package 1, before filling package 1 with the filling product P, so as to have a package 1 with a pre-welded mouth 8. In particular, the method involves welding only a portion 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B of the gussets 3, 5 respectively on the side walls 2, 4, as will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2A to 2C. With reference to these figures it will also be clarified why partial pre-welding of the filling mouth 8 of package 1 is advantageous.

[0049] The method further comprises the following steps, which are carried out in the order in which they are listed, after the partial pre-welding of the filling mouth 8: a) opening of the filling mouth 8; b) filling of the containment volume 7 of package 1 ; c) complete welding of the filling mouth 8.

[0050] In these steps, the filling mouth 8 is opened so that the containment volume 7 of package 1 can be filled with a product P. Finally, the filling mouth 8 of package 1 is completely sealed hermetically to ensure that the freshness of the product P inserted therein is maintained.

[0051] The method may also include, between step a) and step b), the following optional step: a1) deployment of the containment volume 7 of package 1. As explained in detail in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489, this phase may be particularly advantageous if the package is made of a particularly thick and / or rigid material and the mere opening of the filling mouth 8 and the discharge of the product P into package 1 do not ensure the total unfolding of package 1 and therefore the possibility of fully utilizing its containment volume.

[0052] The method according to the present invention can be implemented by means of a packaging machine 100 shown, for example, in Fig. 4 and comprising first welding means 101, suitable for partially welding the filling mouth 8 of package 1, holding arms 102 suitable for opening the filling mouth 8 of the package, and filling means 104, which discharge the product P into the containment volume 7 of package 1 through the filling mouth 8.

[0053] Although the packaging machine will be explained in more detail with reference to figures 4 to 8, figures 2A to 3C schematically show why it is particularly advantageous to partially weld the filling mouth 8 of package 1.

[0054] Figs. 2A to 2C schematically show the package according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, in three different stages of the method according to the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 2A shows package 1, viewed from above, i.e., on a plane parallel to the XY plane with the filling mouth partially open. The holding arms 102 of the packing machine 100, better described with reference to Fig. 4, i.e. the elements of the packaging machine 100 that deal with the opening of the filling mouth 8 of package 1 in order to fill it, can be moved away from each other by a certain predetermined maximum length LXIO2- In the illustrated case, the holding arms 102 open, in this case, remaining parallel to each other and thus so that the two side walls 2, 4 of package 1 remain parallel to each other. The filling means 104, suitable for filling the containment volume 7 of the packages 1 with the product P, and better described with reference to Fig. 7, have dimensions Lx 4 and Ly 4 along the X axis and along the Y axis, respectively. Preferably, Lx-102 is equal to or greater than the length LXIO4, so that the filling means 104 dispense the product P only inside package 1 .

[0056] If package 1 is such that its gussets 3, 5, when fully unfolded, have a maximum length l_X3,5 greater than Lx-102, when the two holding arms 104 open package 1 by a maximum length LXIO2> the gussets 3, 5 cannot unfold completely and remain folded inside the filling mouth 8 of package 1, as shown schematically in Fig. 2A. In particular, the innermost part of gussets 3, 5 gets in the way during filling operations. The product P could, in fact, be dispensed in regions 5p, 3p, outside the containment volume 7 of package 1 , causing unnecessary waste and / or inaccuracy in the quantity of product filled into package 1. Further, the part of the gussets 3, 5 delimiting the region 5p, 3p may also come into contact with the filling means 104, preventing their regular operation.

[0057] Fig. 2B shows package 1, viewed from above, i.e., on a plane parallel to the XY plane, and with gussets 3, 5 partially welded according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it can be seen how the two gussets 3, 5 have been welded to the two side walls 2, 4, respectively. More specifically, it can be seen how portions 5A and 5B of gusset 5 are welded to side walls 2 and 4 respectively, and portions 3A and 3B of gusset 3 are welded to side walls 2 and 4 respectively. The length of the welding, i.e. the length of portions 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, is such that the non-welded part of the gussets 3C, 5C has a length Lxscsc less than or equal to the maximum predetermined distance I_xio2 of the holding arms 102, as better explained with reference to Fig. 2C. Package 1 is shown here open along the X direction by a length LX' less than the length LXIO2. Part of gussets 3, 5 still extends within the containment volume 7 of package 1.

[0058] Fig. 2C shows package 1, viewed from above, i.e., on a plane parallel to the XY plane of Fig. 2B, with gussets 3, 5 partially welded and with the filling mouth open. Since portions 3C and 5C of gussets 3 and 5 have been made by welding regions 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B of gussets 3, 5, so to have a length Lxscsc less than or equal to the maximum predetermined length of separation of the holding arms Lx 2> when the holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100 are fully open, also the portions 3C and 5C of the gussets 3, 5 are fully unfolded. In this way, the filling mouth 8 of package 1 has the ideal shape and dimensions, so that the filling means 104 can discharge the product P into the containment volume 7 of package 1, without waste and without risk that the gussets 3,5 prevent the regular operation of the filling means 104. Figs. 3A to 3C schematically show the package according to the present invention, viewed from above, with three different types of partial pre-welding according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 3A shows package 1, viewed from above, i.e., on a plane parallel to the XY plane. Package 1 has, in the case shown, an asymmetrical structure. In particular, one of the two side gussets 3 is shorter than the other side gusset 5. For convenience, we define the shorter gusset as the right gusset 3 and the longer gusset as the left gusset 5. The holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100, better described with reference to Fig. 4, i.e. the elements of the packaging machine 100 that deal with the opening of the filling mouth 8 of package 1 in order to fill it, can be moved away from each other by a certain maximum predetermined length I_xio2. In the case shown, the holding arms 102 open to form a V-shaped structure and thus so that the two side walls 2, 4 of package 1 open to form a V-shaped structure. I_xio2 is the length of the open part of the V opposite its apex. In the case illustrated in Fig. 3A, both side gussets 3, 5 have been partially pre-welded symmetrically, i.e. so that portions 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B of gussets 3, 5 pre-welded to side parts 2, 4 respectively all have the same length. In this way, when the holding arms 102 open to form a V-shaped structure, the unwelded portions of the gussets 3C, 5C have different lengths I_x3c a n d Lxsc- In particular, the length |_x3c of the unweldedered portion 3C of the right gussets 3 is shorter than the length Lxsc of the unweldedered portion 5 of the left gussets 5.

[0060] In summary, in the case of asymmetrical package 1, to obtain the effect that gussets 3, 5 do not interfere with the filling of package 1 , if the holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100 open to form a V-shape, the most suitable solution may be to partially pre-weld the gussets 3, 5 to the respective side walls 2, 4, symmetrically.

[0061] Fig. 3B shows package 1, viewed from above, i.e., on a plane parallel to the XY plane. Package 1 has, in the case shown, an asymmetrical structure. In particular, the two side gussets 3, 5 are not the same length. The holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100, which are better described with reference to Fig. 4, i.e., the elements of the packaging machine 100 that are responsible for opening the filling mouth 8 of package 1 in order to fill it, can be moved away from each other by a certain predetermined maximum length I_x-io2. In the case shown, the holding arms 102 open to form a V-shaped structure and thus so that the two side walls 2, 4 of package 1 open to form a V-shaped structure. I_x-io2 is the length of the open part of the V, opposite its apex.

[0062] In the case illustrated in Fig. 3B, the side gussets 3, 5 have been partially prewelded asymmetrically, i.e. so that the portions 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B of the gussets 3, 5 prewelded respectively to the side parts 2, 4 are equal in length two by two. More specifically, the length of portions 3A and 3B, which are equal to each other, is greater than the length of portions 5A and 5B, which are also equal to each other. In this way, when the holding arms 102 open to form a V-shaped structure, the unwelded portions of gussets 3C and 5C have different lengths |_x3c and Lxsc- In particular, the length Lxac of the unwelded portion 3C of the right gussets 3 is less than the length Lxsc of the unwelded portion 5 of the left gussets 5.

[0063] In summary, in the case of asymmetrical package 1 , to obtain the effect that gussets 3, 5 do not interfere with the filling of package 1 , in the event that the holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100 open to form a V-shaped structure, the most suitable solution may be to partially pre-weld the gussets 3, 5 to the respective side walls 2, 4 asymmetrically, as explained above.

[0064] Fig. 3C shows package 1 , viewed from above, i.e., on a plane parallel to the XY plane. Package 1 has, in the case shown, an asymmetrical structure. In particular, the two side gussets 3, 5 are not the same length. The holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100, which are better described with reference to Fig. 4, i.e. the elements of the packaging machine 100 that are responsible for opening the filling mouth 8 of package 1 in order to fill it, can be moved away from each other by a certain predetermined maximum length LXIO2. In the case shown, the holding arms 102 open to form a V-shaped structure and thus so that the two side walls 2, 4 of package 1 open to form a V-shaped structure. Lx2 is the length of the open part of the V, opposite its apex.

[0065] In the case shown in Fig. 3C, only the side gusset 3 has been partially pre-welded. More specifically, the right gusset 3 has been partially pre-welded and the left gusset has not been pre-welded. In this way, when the holding arms 102 open to form a V- shaped structure, the not-welded portion of the right gussets 3C has a length Lxsc and the not-welded portion of the left gussets has a length greater than Lxsc and, in particular, equal to the length of the gussets itself.

[0066] In summary, in the case of asymmetrical package 1, to obtain the effect that gussets 3, 5 do not interfere with the filling of package 1 , if the holding arms 102 of the packaging machine 100 open to form a V-shaped structure, the most suitable solution may be to partially pre-weld only one of the two gussets 3, 5 to the respective side walls 2, 4.

[0067] Fig. 4 schematically shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine in a stage of use according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows a closed package 1 , taken for example from a stack of packages to be filled, and a packaging machine 100.

[0069] The packaging machine 100 may include gripping means, not shown in the figure, suitable for picking up package 1. More specifically, the gripping means may include gripping elements suitable for picking up the packages 1 , one at a time, from a stack of closed packages 1 to be filled. The gripping elements may include, for example, vacuum suction cups.

[0070] The packaging machine 100 further comprises first welding means 101 and pairs of holding arms 102. The Cartesian reference system XYZ has been defined with respect to package 1, when this is inserted in the first welding means 101, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0071] The first welding means 101 can receive package 1 from the gripping means. The first welding means 101 are placed upstream of the filling means 104, not shown in the figure, and provide for the partial welding of the gussets 3, 5 on the side walls 2, 4 of the package, for example as explained with reference to Figures 2B and 3C.

[0072] The first welding means 101 comprise two gripping arms which grip package 1 on the side of the filling mouth 8 and partially weld the gussets 3, 5 along the predetermined portions 3A, 3B and 5A, 5B, so that the unwelded portion of the gussets 3C, 5C has a length Lxscsc equal to or less than the maximum distance Lx 2 of the holding arms 102.

[0073] The first welding means 101 may be thermal welders, ultrasonic welders or any other type of suitable welder.

[0074] Fig. 4 bis shows Fig. 4 viewed from above.

[0075] Here, the first welding means 101 hold package 1 and weld gussets 3, 5 in portions 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B to side walls 2, 4 of package 1, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C. The first welding means 101 may be thermal welders, ultrasonic welders or any other type of suitable welder.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine in a further stage of use.

[0077] This figure shows how the first welding means 101 have moved in the Y direction, so that the partially welded package 1 passes to a pair of holding arms 102.

[0078] The holding arms 102 are suitable for transporting package 1 to the next stations of the packaging machine 100 and are movable so as to open the filling mouth 8 of package 1. The maximum distance that the holding arms 102 can move away from each other is equal to a predetermined value I_xio2, which may depend, for example, on the dimensions of each of the stations of the packaging machine 100 and on the total space that the packaging machine 100 can occupy.

[0079] The holding arms 102 may include suction cups which, once placed on package 1, create a vacuum and suck onto the side walls 2, 4, gripping them.

[0080] It is clear to those skilled in the art that, if package 1 to be closed includes gussets 3, 5 which, when unfolded, have a length less than l_xi02, then the first welding means 101 will not be used and the holding arms 102 will be programmed to widen so as to unfold the gussets 3, 5 completely, opening to a width less than I_xio2 so as not to damage package 1. Fig. 6 shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine in a further stage of use.

[0081] The packaging machine 100 shown in Fig. 6 further comprises an assembly for opening packages 103. The assembly for opening packages 103 comprises spreading elements 136, 137, a pressing element 138 and a support surface 139.

[0082] The spreading elements 136, 137, preferably two, may each comprise a rectangular paddle whose long side is parallel to the vertical Z direction. The pressing element

[0083] 138 comprises two elements: a vertical rod parallel to the Z direction and an X-shaped element, lying in the XY plane, the center point of which is replaced by a segment. The vertical rod of the pressing element 138 may be shorter than the spreading elements 136, 137. The spreading elements 136, 137 are made so that they can close completely around the pressing element 138 inserted between them.

[0084] The support surface 139 comprises a plate parallel to the XY plane. The support surface 139 has dimensions at least equal to or greater than the bottom surface of package 1 , so that the bottom surface of package 1 can rest on the support surface

[0085] 139 when the pressing element 138 opens it.

[0086] Driving means 133 are suitable for moving the various parts of the assembly for opening packages 103 in a synchronized manner.

[0087] The assembly for opening packages 103 is suitable, by means of the spreading elements 136, 137 and the pressing element 138, for completely unfolding the containment volume 7 of package 1, lowering its bottom 6 and widening its side walls 2, 4. This operation is not always necessary, but is particularly advantageous if the material of which package 1 is made is rigid and the containment volume 7 of package 1 cannot be exploited simply by opening the filling mouth 8 of package 1 and introducing the product P into package 1.

[0088] Further details and examples relating to the opening unit can be found in the International patent application No. PCT / IB2025 / 055489, the teachings of which, with regard to the structure and operation of the opening unit, are incorporated here in their entirety for reference purposes. Fig. 7 shows a 3D view of the package and the packaging machine in a further stage of their use.

[0089] The packaging machine 100 shown in Fig. 7 further comprises filling means 104.

[0090] The filling means 104 comprise a cylinder through which the product to be inserted into package 1 passes. The filling means 104 discharge the product P into the containment volume 7 of package 1. The filling means 104, as explained with reference to Figures 2A to 2C, have a dimension Lx4 along the X axis. More specifically, LXIO2 is equal to orgreater than the length LXIO4, so that the fill Ing means 104 dispense the product P only inside package 1, avoiding unnecessary waste.

[0091] Downstream of the filling means 104, the packaging machine 100 further comprises second welding means 105, shown in figure 8, for the total closure of the filling mouth 8 of package 1.

[0092] Fig. 8 schematically shows a 3D view of a packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] For the sake of completeness, Figure 8 schematically shows a packaging machine 100 comprising all the stations described above. More specifically, fig. 8 shows the first welding means 101, for partial pre-welding the filling mouth 8 of package 1 , pairs of holding arms 102 which carry package 1 from one station to another, an assembly for opening packages 103, for opening the containment volume 7 of package 1 , filling means 104, for inserting the product P into package 1, and second welding means 105 for the complete and final closure of the filling mouth 8 of package 1.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present invention can be made in light of the above teaching and within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the subject matter and scope of protection of the invention.

[0095] For example, the first welding means shown in the figures are thermal welders, but any other type of welder that can partially weld the gussets to the side walls of the package can be used. Further, although the implementation of the present invention has been shown in a carousel-type machine, the present invention can also be implemented in linear-type machines.

[0096] Further, although the implementation of the present invention has been shown with a flat-bottomed package with side gussets, i.e., with a bottom 6 formed as a two- dimensional bottom surface, the present invention can also be implemented with envelope-type packages with side gussets, i.e., packages comprising two side walls, two side gussets connecting the side walls, and a substantially one-dimensional bottom, i.e., corresponding to a connecting and / or folding line between the side walls.

[0097] Finally, those areas that are considered to be known to those skilled in the art have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention described.

[0098] Consequently, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is only limited by the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0099] Reference numbers

[0100] 1 package

[0101] 2. 4 side walls

[0102] 3. 5 side gussets

[0103] 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B pre-welded portions of the side gussets

[0104] 6 bottom

[0105] 7 containment volume

[0106] 8 filling mouth

[0107] Lz length of the package along the Z direction. filling machine first welding means holding arms assembly for opening packages filling means second welding means

Claims

Claims1. A method of filling a package (1) suitable for containing a product (P), for example coffee; said package (1) comprising two side walls (2, 4), two side gussets (3, 5) and a bottom (6), for example a bottom surface; said side walls (2, 4), said side gussets (3, 5) and said bottom (6) forming the containment volume (7) and the filling mouth (8) of said package (1); wherein said method includes a step of partially pre-welding said filling mouth (8), prior to filling said package (1) with said product (P), so as to obtain a package (1) with a partially pre-welded mouth (8).

2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein said partial pre-welding of the filling mouth (8) involves welding only a portion (3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) of said two side gussets (3, 5) respectively on said side walls (2, 4).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the portions (3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) of said two side gussets (3, 5), welded respectively on said side walls (2, 4), have the same length.

4. Method according to claim 2, wherein the portions (3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) of said two side gussets (3, 5), welded respectively on said side walls (2,4), have different lengths.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein no portion of one of said two side gussets (3, 5) is welded.

6. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said method further comprises the following steps subsequent to the step of partially pre-welding said filling mouth (8) and carried out in the order in which they are listed:(a) opening of said partially pre-welded filling mouth (8);(b) filling of said containment volume (7);(c) complete welding of said filling mouth (8) so as to close said package (1).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein said method further comprises the following step carried out between said step (a) and said step (b):(a1) deploying said containment volume (7) of said package (1).

8. Filling machine (100) for packages (1) suitable to contain a product (P), for example coffee; said packages (1) comprising two side walls (2, 4), two side gussets (3, 5) and a bottom (6), for example a bottom surface; said side walls (2, 4), said side gussets (3, 5) and said bottom (6) forming the containment volume (7) and the filling mouth (8) of said 2 package (1); wherein said filling machine (100) comprises filling means (104) suitable for inserting said product (P) within said containment volume (7) and first welding means (101) placed upstream of said filling means (104) so as to perform a partial pre-welding of said filling mouth (8), prior to filling said package (1) by means of said filling means (104).

9. Filling machine (100) according to claim 8, wherein said first welding means (101 ) are configured to perform a pre-welding of only a portion (3A, 5A) of said side gussets (3, 5).

10. Filling machine (100) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, further comprising holding arms (102) suitable to open said filling mouth (8) of said package (1).

11. Filling machine (100) according to any one of claims from 8 to 10, further comprising an assembly for opening packages (103), suitable to deploy said containment volume (7) of said package (1).

12. Filling machine (100) according to any one of claims from 8 to 11 , further comprising second welding means (105) placed downstream of said filling means (104) and suitable to completely seal said filling mouth (8) so as to close said package (1).

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