Packaging machine and method for making single-dose bags

Abstract

Described is a packaging machine (1) for making single-dose bags (B), comprising, in combination: - a station (2) for feeding strips (S1, S2) of material which is at least partly heat-sealable; - a first station (3) for sealing said strips (S1, S2), configured for sealing together said strips (S1, S2), at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone of said single-dose bag (B), said first sealing station (3) also comprising an element (10) for feeding product, configured for filling said single-dose bag (B); - pulling means (4), located downstream of said first sealing station (3) and movable between a first position (P1) close to said first sealing station (3) and a second position (P2) away from said first sealing station (3), for pulling said strips (S1, S2) away from the first sealing station (3); - a cutting station (5), located downstream of said sealing station (3) and configured to cut the above-mentioned sealed strips (S1, S2) to obtain from the above-mentioned sealed strips (S1, S2) the single-dose filter bag (B) and a waste portion; - a drive and control unit (5), configured to activate, according to a predetermined time relationship, the pulling means (4), the first sealing station (3) and the cutting station (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MAKING SINGLE-DOSE BAGS

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for making singledose bags, in particular bags suitable for containing liquid and / or semiliquid and / or powder products, such as, for example, cosmetics, food products, etc.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Packaging machines are known comprising a feeding station, respectively of strips of heat-sealable material and a station for heat-sealing said strips. The heat-sealing station generally comprises a pair of rotating rollers, configured for heat-sealing the strips of heat-sealable material and an element for filling said heat-sealed bag.

[0007] The machines further comprise a station for cutting said strips of heat-sealable material, configured for cutting said strips of heat-sealable material.

[0008] The machines of this type are machines with continuous feeding of the strips of heat-sealable material, the feeding guaranteed by the appropriate feeding rollers that rotate continuously and allow the strips to be fed between the different stations.

[0009] The machines, in order to work in optimal conditions, require the setting, for the single-dose bag being produced, of a plurality of mechanical parameters that influence the tensioning of the strips of heat-sealable material (so as to avoid, for example, the formation of wrinkles).

[0010] It is therefore a particularly felt need to be able to have a packaging machine that can reduce the adjustment requirements, in particular when changing the format of the single-dose bag being produced, and that is particularly flexible when changing the format in use.In addition, the need to be able to guarantee the maintaining, in a particularly precise way, of an optimal sealing temperature at the heat sealing station has been highlighted in the technical sector in question; in fact, the sealing temperature has a significant impact on the quality of the bag being made.

[0011] Aim of the invention

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for packaging single-dose bags and a method of making single-dose bags that are particularly simple and require few adjustments by the operator.

[0013] Furthermore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for packaging single-dose bags and a method for making single-dose bags that is particularly flexible when changing the size of the single-dose bag being made.

[0014] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for packaging single-dose bags and a method of making single-dose bags that allow an optimal sealing temperature to be guaranteed.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The advantages and features of the machine and the method according to the invention are more apparent in the detailed description below of a nonlimiting example embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

[0018] - Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevation view of the machine of Figure 1 , with some components removed;

[0019] - Figure 3 illustrates, according to an enlarged side elevation view, some details of the machine of Figures 1 and 2, according to a first operating configuration;

[0020] - Figure 4 illustrates, according to an enlarged side elevation view, somedetails of the machine of Figures 1 and 2, according to a second operating configuration;

[0021] - Figure 5 illustrates, according to an enlarged side elevation view, some details of the machine of Figures 1 and 2, according to a third operating configuration;

[0022] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the machine illustrated in Figures 2-3; - Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail present in Figure 6; - Figures 8 and 9 illustrate some details, in two different operating configurations, of the machine of Figure 1 ;

[0023] - Figure 10 illustrates, according to a perspective view, an enlargement of a punch of the machine according to the invention and illustrated in the previous drawings;

[0024] - Figures 11 and 12 illustrate in perspective view respective enlargements of an engraving station forming part of the machine according to the invention and illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0025] - Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged detail, relating to a first sealing station, of the machine illustrated in Figure 1.

[0026] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Reference numeral 1 indicates a packaging machine for the production of single-dose bags B.

[0027] These single-dose bags B are suitable for housing any liquid and / or semiliquid product and / or powder and / or grains, for example a cosmetic product, food product (oil, vinegar or other).

[0028] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises a station 2 for feeding strips S1 , S2 of material which is at least partly heat-sealable. Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a station 2 for feeding a first strip S1 and a second strip S2.

[0029] Strips S1 , S2 of at least partially heat-sealable material means strips of material also composed of several layers, of which not necessarily all are heat-sealable.The feeding station 2 comprises a plurality of rollers 13, rotating around respective axes, defining a path of unwinding respective reels M1, M2 of strips S1 , S2 of at least partially heat-sealable material.

[0030] In essence, the heat-sealable material is wound on respective reels M1, M2, and is unwound from these.

[0031] It should be noted that, in Figures 1 and 2, there is a first reel M1 (on which the first strip S1 is wound) and a second reel M2 (on which the second strip S2 is wound).

[0032] The first strip M1 is preferably defined by a sheet of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0033] Preferably the first strip M1 comprises a laminate composed of a first carrier layer positioned externally and a second heat-sealable layer positioned (in the final package) internally, and, optionally, a further insulating or barrier layer may be provided between the carrier layer and the heat-sealable layer.

[0034] It should be noted that the carrier layer is composed of one of the following materials: polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), polypropylene (PP).

[0035] The second strip M2 is preferably defined by a sheet of flexible plastic material.

[0036] According to another aspect, the machine 1 comprises a first station 3 for sealing said strips S1, S2, configured for sealing together said strips S1, S2, at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone of said single-dose bag B.

[0037] In essence, the first sealing station 3 performs a sealing of the two strips S1 and S2 in the vicinity of what will be the edges of the single-dose bag B.

[0038] It should be noted that the first sealing station 3 also comprises an element 10 for feeding product (clearly visible in Figure 6), configured to carry out a filling of said single-dose bag B.The product feeding element 10 is preferably defined by a cannula 6.

[0039] The cannula 6 is in communication with a special circuit for feeding product to be inserted inside the single-dose bag B.

[0040] The supply circuit comprises a product tank (not shown), connected to the cannula 6, and a pump (not shown).

[0041] According to another aspect, the machine 1 comprises pulling means 4, located downstream of said first sealing station 3 and movable (vertically) between a first position R1 close to said first sealing station 3 (illustrated in Figure 3) and a second position P2 away from said first sealing station 3 (illustrated in Figure 4), for pulling said strips S1, S2 away from the first sealing station 3.

[0042] Further, according to another aspect, the machine 1 comprises a cutting station 5, located downstream of said sealing station 3 and configured to cut the above-mentioned sealed strips S1 , S2 (filled with product) to obtain from the above-mentioned sealed strips S1, S2 the single-dose bag (B) and a waste portion.

[0043] According to another aspect, the machine 1 comprises a drive and control unit 5, configured to activate, according to a predetermined time relationship, the pulling means 4, the first sealing station 3 and the cutting station 5.

[0044] In essence, the drive and control unit 5 activates in a cyclic manner, according to a predetermined sequence, the pulling means 4, the first sealing station 3 and the cutting station 5.

[0045] More precisely, the drive and control unit 5 is configured for activating, according to a predetermined time relationship of the stepwise type, the pulling means 4, the first sealing station 3 and the cutting station 5.

[0046] According to another aspect, the machine 1 comprises a second sealing station 11.

[0047] Preferably, the second sealing station 11 is configured for sealing together said strips S1 , S2, at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a region for input of the product by the above-mentioned element 10 forfeeding the product (that is, the cannula 6).

[0048] It should be noted that, according to another aspect, the second sealing station 11 is configured to be moved (preferably vertically) with respect to the first sealing station 3.

[0049] According to another aspect, the above-mentioned second sealing station 11 is defined by the above-mentioned pulling means 4, configured to perform (in addition to the gripping of the strips) a sealing of said strips S1 , S2.

[0050] In other words, the second sealing station 11 is movable (vertically).

[0051] According to another aspect, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the pulling means 4 comprise a first gripping element 4A and a second gripping element 4B, cooperating with each other to tighten between them the above-mentioned strips S1 , S2.

[0052] It should be noted that said first gripping element 4A and second gripping element 4B are movable (vertically) integrally between the above-mentioned first position R1 and second position P2.

[0053] More precisely, the first gripping element 4A and second gripping element 4B are moved (vertically) by means of an actuator, comprising a movement belt 14 wrapped in a closed loop between a pair of pulleys (not illustrated).

[0054] The actuator may comprise an electric motor, connected to one of said pulleys to drive it in rotation.

[0055] More precisely, said first gripping element 4A and second gripping element 4B are movable vertically.

[0056] According to another aspect, at least one of said first gripping element 4A and second gripping element 4B carries a sealing element (that is, heat sealing), more precisely a heat sealing element.

[0057] It should be noted that the second sealing station 11 comprises any type of sealing element, of an electrical type (e.g. with electrical resistors) or ultrasonic type (e.g. sonotrode) or other type.

[0058] According to another aspect, the above-mentioned first gripping element4A is movable (horizontally) at least between: - an operational gripping position P5 (figure 4), in which it is close to said second gripping element 4B,

[0059] - and a non-operational position P6 (figura 3), in which it is distanced from said second gripping element 4B.

[0060] It should be noted that, according to an embodiment not illustrated, both the first and second gripping elements (4A, 4B) could be relatively movable between the above-mentioned operational gripping position P5 and non-operational position P6.

[0061] It should ne noted that the machine 1 comprises guides 20, configured to allow the movement of the first gripping element 4A between the above-mentioned two positions: operational gripping position P5 and non-operational position P6.

[0062] These guides 20 are movable, integrally with the first gripping element 4A and the second gripping element 4A, between the above-mentioned close-together position P1 and spaced-apart position P2.

[0063] It should be noted that the second sealing of said strips S1, S2 occurs when the above-mentioned first gripping element 4A is positioned in the operational gripping position P5.

[0064] In such circumstances, the strips S1, S2, previously heat-sealed at the edges of the single-dose bag (by means of the first sealing station 3), are sealed at the pre-established sealing region corresponding for input of the product by the above-mentioned element 10 for feeding the product (that is, cannula).

[0065] According to another aspect, the first sealing station 3 comprises a first sealing element 3A and a second sealing element 3B facing each other and bearing (preferably raised, that is, protruding) the profile of said predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone (edge) of said single-dose bag B.

[0066] It should be noted that, advantageously, the first sealing element 3A and second sealing element 3B can be (easily) replaced in the event of a sizechange of the single-dose bag B being processed.

[0067] It should be noted that said first sealing element 3A is movable (horizontally) at least between: - an operational sealing position P3 (illustrated in Figure 5), in which it is close to said second sealing element (3B),

[0068] - and a non-operational position P4 (illustrated in Figure 3 and 4), in which it is distanced from said second sealing element (3B).

[0069] According to an embodiment not illustrated, both the first and second sealing elements (3A, 3B) are relatively movable between the above-mentioned operation sealing position P3 and non-operational position P4. The machine 1 comprises an actuator 17 (preferably an electric motor) for moving the first sealing element 3A between the operational sealing position P3 and the non-operational position P4.

[0070] It should be noted that the first sealing station 3 also comprises guides 19 for moving the first sealing element 3A between the above-mentioned operational sealing position P3 and non-operational position P4.

[0071] It should be noted that the guides 19 are fixed with respect to the frame of the machine 1.

[0072] According to another aspect, the drive and control unit 5 is configured to control the positioning of the first sealing element 3A in the non-operational position P4 and activate a movement of the pulling means 4 from the first close-together position P1 (figures 3 and 5) towards the second spaced-apart position P2 (Figure 4).

[0073] In essence, according to this aspect, the pulling of the strips S1 , S2 occurs only when the first sealing element 3A is in the non-operational position P4 (in this way the first sealing element 3A and the second sealing element 3B do not block the strips S1 and S2, thus allowing them to be pulled), that is, once the first sealing (and the filling with product of the pocket formed) has been performed.

[0074] According to yet another aspect, the product feeding element 10 comprises a cannula 6, interposed between the first sealing element 3Aand the second sealing element 3B.

[0075] According to this aspect, at least one between the first sealing element 3A and the second sealing element 3B comprises a recess 7 (clearly visible in Figure 13) for housing said cannula 6.

[0076] For this reason, during the contact between the first sealing element 3A and the second sealing element 3B, the cannula 6 is arranged interposed between the first strip S1 and the second strip S2, and housed inside the recess 7 (or recesses 7).

[0077] It should be noted that the first seal forms a pocket or cavity inside the single-dose bag B being formed, following the sealing of the first strip S1 and the second strip S2.

[0078] The pocket is open (at the top), in the area where the cannula 6 is inserted; in this way, the pocket can be filled with product through the cannula 6.

[0079] This opening of the pocket will subsequently be closed by means of a second sealing, carried out at the second sealing station 11.

[0080] According to yet another aspect, the cutting station 5 comprises a die 5A and a punch 5B acting in conjunction with each other and shaped to define a shape of the single-dose bag B.

[0081] The die 54 comprises a plate 15 provided with a cavity 16.

[0082] The cavity 16 is counter-shaped on the punch 5B, to define the shape of the single-dose bag B.

[0083] The punch 5B, which is clearly visible in Figure 9, is movable (horizontally) between an operational cutting position P7, in which it is close to said die 5A, and a non-operational position (not illustrated), in which it is moved away from said die 5A.

[0084] It should be noted that the action of the punch 5B on the die 5A determines the detachment of the single-dose bag, filled with product and sealed (both by the action of the first sealing station 3 and the second sealing station 11 ) from the strips S1 , S2.

[0085] For this reason, following the action of the punch 5B on the die 5A, thesingle-dose bag B is separated from the remaining waste defined by the portions of strips S1 , S2 from which the bag itself has detached.

[0086] According to another aspect, the machine 1 comprises a station 8 for cutting said single-dose bag, operatively active on one of said strips S1 (in particular the first strip S1), for making a cut partially affecting a thickness of said one of said strips S1.

[0087] It should be noted that the drive and control unit 5 is configured to activate said cutting station 8.

[0088] According to one aspect, the cutting station 8 comprises at least one blade 12, movable between an operational position for cutting said one of said strips S1 and a non-operational position.

[0089] The blade 12 partially cuts the first strip S1 (that is, the cut does not affect the entire thickness of the first strip S1 but only a portion).

[0090] More preferably, the cutting station 8 comprises a first cutting station 8A and a second cutting station 8B, operatively active on the strip S1 in different positions of the path thereof.

[0091] Furthermore, the first cutting station 8A and the second cutting station 8B are operatively active in different positions (surfaces) of the first strip S1 itself.

[0092] The first cutting station 8A comprises at least a first blade 12A.

[0093] The second cutting station 8A comprises at least a second blade 12B. Advantageously, the machine 1 enables the following advantages to be achieved, which will be explained in more detail below:

[0094] - first advantage: it does not require special adjustments (tensioning or other) when changing the size of the single-dose bags B and / or reels and / or materials in use and is therefore particularly flexible and versatile;

[0095] - second advantage: it allows operation with an extremely high productivity (even exceeding 60 single-dose bags per minute);

[0096] - third advantage: it requires an extremely small floor space;

[0097] - fourth advantage: it allows the sealing temperature to be controlledwith particular reliability and to greatly reduce the amount of the waste produced.

[0098] In relation to the first advantage, it should be noted that the machine 1 is designed in such a way that it is possible to change materials in use or formats of the single-dose bag B in a particularly simple and fast way, without requiring special precautions or adjustments.

[0099] In particular, the change of the format of the single-dose bag B being produced is carried out by simply replacing some of the elements of the sealing station (first sealing station 3 and / or second sealing station 11) and some elements of the cutting station 5 (in particular the die 5A and the punch 5B).

[0100] More precisely, at the first station 3, it may be necessary to replace the first and second sealing elements (3A, 3B) at the format change.

[0101] It should be noted that, advantageously, it is in no way necessary to intervene on the pulling means 4, when changing the format in use.

[0102] For this reason, the machine 1 is particularly flexible with respect to the change of format in use, thus being extremely versatile and easy to adapt to the format change.

[0103] In this way, the format changeover times are extremely reduced.

[0104] In relation to the second advantage, it should be noted that, although the machine 1 operates in step mode, the particular configuration / operating mode in appropriate phase relationship of the sealing stations and the pulling of the strips S1, S2 allows, on the basis of the experimental evidence that the Applicant has observed, respectable performance levels to be achieved, in particular extremely high productivity.

[0105] In relation to the third advantage, it should be noted that the machine 1 is extremely compact. In particular, the first sealing station 3, the second sealing station 11, the pulling means 4 and the cutting station 5 are arranged substantially on the same vertical. This means that the extension of the machine 1 is mainly vertical, to the benefit of a reduced extension in plan.Finally, in relation to the fourth advantage, it should be noted that in the prior art, in the presence of rotary cylinder sealers, difficulties have sometimes been highlighted in precisely controlling, and therefore guaranteeing, the sealing temperature.

[0106] This is particularly felt in case of a change of production speed, change of filling products, change of strip materials.

[0107] As is known, the sealing temperature has an important impact on the quality of the single-dose bag B made.

[0108] The machine 1 according to the invention has a particularly compact first sealing station 3 and second sealing station 11 , with non-rotating sealing elements (3A, 3B) configured to move towards and away from each other. It should therefore be noted that the sealing elements 3A, 3B are not in continuous contact with the strips S1, S2, but on the contrary have intermittent contact with the strips S1 , S2, that is, the contact is only when the sealing is necessary, which means that there is no temperature dispersion, as has been found, under certain conditions, with rotary sealers.

[0109] The same is also true for the second sealing station 11 , where the gripping elements 4A, 4B carrying the sealers are in intermittent contact.

[0110] It has been experimentally found by the Applicant that this configuration of the sealing stations (3, 11) makes it possible to maintain the sealing temperature particularly constant, independently of the production speed, the strip materials, and / or the product inserted into the single-dose bag. According to another aspect, a method of making single-dose bags B filled with product remains defined, comprising, cyclically and consecutively, the following steps:

[0111] - feeding strips S1 , S2 of material which is at least partly heat-sealable; - heat-sealing, in a first sealing station 3, said strips S1, S2 to each other at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone (edge) of said single-dose bag B and feeding product inside the singledose bag B being heat-sealed;- pulling away from said first sealing station (3) said strips (S1 , S2) ;

[0112] - cutting, in a cutting station 5, the above-mentioned heat-sealed strips S1 , S2 to obtain from the above-mentioned heat-sealed strips S1, S2 the single-dose bag B, filled with product, and a waste portion.

[0113] It should be noted that the step of pulling away from said first sealing station 3 said strips S1, S2 of material away from the first sealing station 3 is carried out at different moments in time with respect to the above-mentioned heat sealing and cutting steps.

[0114] According to another aspect, the method comprises, after the step of feeding product inside the single-dose bag B being heat-sealed, a further step of heat-sealing together said strips S1 , S2, at a region for feeding the product inside said single-dose bag B being heat-sealed, that is, a step of performing a second heat-sealing.

[0115] This further heat-sealing step allows the single-dose bag B to be closed, in the region in which the filling had been carried out.

[0116] According to another aspect, the method comprises a step of:

[0117] - preparing a first gripping element 4A and a second gripping element 4B, acting in conjunction with each other for tightening between them the above-mentioned strips S1 , S2, said first gripping element 4A and second gripping element 4B being movable (vertically) as one between a first close-together position R1 and a second spaced-apart position (P2) relative to the first sealing station 3.

[0118] According to this aspect, said steps of pulling away from said first sealing station 3 said strips S1 , S2 and of heat sealing together said strips S1 , S2, at a region for feeding the product inside said single-dose bag B, comprise a step of positioning the first gripping element 4A and second gripping element 4B in contact.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A packaging machine (1) for making single-dose bags (B), characterised in that it comprises, in combination:- a station (2) for feeding strips (S1 , S2) of material which is at least partly heat-sealable;- a first station (3) for sealing said strips (S1, S2), configured for sealing together said strips (S1, S2), at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone of said single-dose bag (B), said first sealing station (3) also comprising an element (10) for feeding product, configured for filling said single-dose bag;- pulling means (4), located downstream of said first sealing station (3) and movable between a first position (P1) close to said first sealing station (3) and a second position (P2) away from said first sealing station (3), for pulling said strips (S1 , S2) away from the first sealing station (3);- a cutting station (5), located downstream of said sealing station (3) and configured to cut the above-mentioned sealed strips (S1, S2) to obtain from the above-mentioned sealed strips (S1 , S2) the single-dose filter bag (B) and a waste portion;- a drive and control unit (5), configured to activate, according to a predetermined time relationship, the pulling means (4), the first sealing station (3) and the cutting station (5);- a second sealing station (11), said second sealing station being configured for sealing together said strips (S1, S2), at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a region for input of the product by the above-mentioned element (10) for feeding the product, wherein said second sealing station (11) is configured to be moved, away or towards, with respect to the first sealing station (3) and wherein the above-mentioned second sealing station (11) is defined by the above-mentioned pulling means (4), configured to carry out a sealing of said strips (S1 , S2).

2. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the drive andcontrol unit (5) is configured for activating, according to a predetermined time relationship of the stepwise type, the pulling means (4), the first sealing station (3) and the cutting station (5).

3. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing station (3) comprises a first sealing element (3A) and a second sealing element (3B) facing each other and bearing the profile of said predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone of said single-dose bag (B), at least said first sealing element (3A) being movable at least between:- an operational sealing position (P3), in which it is close to said second sealing element (3B),- and a non-operational position (P4), in which it is distanced from said second sealing element (3B).

4. The packaging machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive and control unit (5) is configured to control the positioning of the first sealing element (3A) in the non-operational position (P4) and activate a movement of the pulling means (4) from the first close-together position (P1) towards the second spaced-apart position (P2).

5. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the element (10) for feeding product comprises a cannula (6), interposed between the first sealing element (3A) and the second sealing element (3B), and wherein at least one between the first sealing element (3A) and the second sealing element (3B) comprises a recess (7) for housing said cannula (6).

6. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulling means (4) comprise a first gripping element (4A) and a second gripping element (4B), acting in conjunction to tightenbetween them the above-mentioned strips (S1, S2) which are at least partly heat-sealable, said first gripping element (4A) and second gripping element (4B) being movable as one between the above-mentioned first position (P1) and second position (P2).

7. The packaging machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the above-mentioned first gripping element (4A) is movable at least between:- an operational gripping position (P5), in which it is close to said second gripping element (4B),- and a non-operational position (P6), in which it is distanced from said second gripping element (4B).

8. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one between the first gripping element (4A) and the second gripping element (4B) carries a sealing element, defining the second sealing station (11).

9. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting station (5) comprises a die (5A) and a punch (5B) acting in conjunction with each other and shaped to define a shape of the single-dose bag (B), the punch (5B) being movable between an operational cutting position (P7), wherein it is close to said die (5A), and a non-operational position, wherein it is distanced from said die (5A).

10. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a station (8) for cutting said single-dose bag, operating on one of said strips (S1), for making a cut which affects partly a thickness of said one of said strips (S1) and wherein the drive and control unit (5) is configured to activate said cutting station (8).

11. The packaging machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cutting station (8) comprises at least one blade (12), movable between an operational position for cutting said one of said strips (S1) and a non-operational position.

12. A method for making single-dose bags (B) filled with product, characterised in that it comprises, cyclically and consecutively, the following steps:- feeding strips (S1 , S2) of material which is at least partly heat-sealable; - heat-sealing, in a first sealing station (3), said strips (S1, S2) to each other at a predetermined sealing region corresponding to a peripheral zone of said single-dose filter bag (B) and feeding product inside the single-dose filter bag (B) being heat-sealed;- pulling away from said first sealing station (3) said strips (S1, S2) by means of pulling means (4);- cutting, in a cutting station (5), the above-mentioned heat-sealed strips (S1 , S2) to obtain from the above-mentioned heat-sealed strips (S1 , S2) the single-dose bag (B), filled with product and a waste portion, wherein the step of pulling away from said first sealing station (3) said strips (S1 , S2) is performed at different moments in time with respect to the above-mentioned heat-sealing and cutting steps, the method further comprising, after the step of feeding product inside the single-dose bags (B) being heat-sealed, a further step of heat-sealing together, by means of the above-mentioned pulling means (4), said strips (S1, S2), at a region for feeding the product inside said single-dose bags (B) being heat-sealed.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising a step of:- preparing a first gripping element (4A) and a second gripping element (4B), acting in conjunction with each other for tightening between them the above-mentioned strips (S1, S2), said first gripping element (4A) and second gripping element (4B) being movable as one between a first close-together position (P1) and a second spaced-apart position (P2) relative to the first sealing station (3),and wherein said steps of pulling away from said first sealing station (3) said strips (S1, S2) and of heat sealing together said strips (S1, S2), at a region for feeding the product inside said single-dose bag (B), comprise a step of positioning the first gripping element (4A) and second gripping element (4B) in contact.

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