Scoring unit for a packaging machine for single -dose sealed paper packages with a break-open feature

Abstract

A scoring unit ( 110 ) according to the present invention is intended for a packaging machine for producing single-dose sealed paper packages with a break-open feature. Said scoring unit comprises : a main plate ( 410 ) with a movable plate ( 430 ) sliding towards an opposite secondary plate ( 420 ); a plurality of scoring devices for external scores; a plurality of scoring devices for internal scores. The scoring unit is characterized in that it comprises stop means for the blades of the external scores, and compensation means for the blades of the internal scores, which together ensure a correct value of the residual thickness SR of the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 regardless of variations in thickness of the roll N1.

Description

"SCORING UNIT FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE FOR SINGLE -DOSE SEALED PAPER PACKAGES WITH A BREAK-OPEN FEATURE"DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a scoring unit for a packaging machine for single-dose packages with a break-open feature .

[0002] A single-dose sealed package with a break-open feature is normally formed by a sheet of semi-rigid material and a sheet of flexible material superimposed and sealed to each other so as to define a sealed pocket containing a dose of product; the sheet of semi-rigid material centrally has a score which guides a controlled break of the semi-rigid material sheet itself . In use, in order to open the package, a user simply has to grasp the package with the fingers of one hand, bend the package until breaking the semi-rigid material sheet at the score and obtain the opening for the subsequent dispensing of the product .

[0003] The present invention therefore falls within the field of packaging and in particular within the field of single-dose sealed packages with a break-open feature, of the "one hand opening" type, i . e . openable by bending the package with one hand only.

[0004] Such packages, thanks to their unquestionable ease of use, have experienced considerable diffusion;currently, several hundreds of millions of packages of this type are marketed every year, in multiple sectors, for example for food products, such as sauces and other seasonings, and pharmaceutical products, such as eye drops and dermatological creams . Given the enormous diffusion of such packages and a profound change in consumers' attitude with respect to issues of sustainability and environmental protection, the problem of proper disposal of the packages after use is today particularly felt . Most known packages are substantially made of plastic film material, for which reason consumers are today particularly critical at the time of purchase, and moreover, after use, it is necessary for them to be disposed of in a separate manner .

[0005] Single-dose sealed packages with a break-open feature have therefore been developed which are made predominantly, that is to say at least 60% by weight of the entire empty package, of paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose . An example of this type of package is shown in the prior document WO2022224160A1 in the name of the same proprietor . In that document there is also disclosed a packaging machine provided with a cutting station crossed by the paper tape for the creation of an external score, by means of a first blade and an opposing first counter-element, and aninternal score, by means of a second blade and an opposing second counter-element . In that example, the first blade and the second counter-element are part of a first rotating blade group, and the second blade and the first counter-element are part of a second rotating blade group opposed to the first .

[0006] One of the critical steps of the production process of a single-dose sealed paper package with a break-open feature lies in the step of scoring the semi-rigid paper sheet . Upstream of the dosing and sealing station of the package, a score is in fact made on the semi-rigid material tape : in particular, on opposite surfaces of the semi-rigid tape, two opposite and aligned scores are made at different times (i . e . not simultaneously) by means of two scoring devices arranged one after the other in the conveying direction of the semi-rigid tape . Since the paper tape used for producing the semi-rigid sheet does not have a constant thickness, it is difficult to guarantee constancy of the thickness of the residual, unscored paper . However, the correct opening and dispensing of the product contained in the package depend precisely on the correctness and precision of the scores in the semi-rigid paper sheet .

[0007] The obj ect of the present invention is to provide a scoring unit for a packaging machine that produces asingle-dose package with a break-open feature, which scoring unit is capable of carrying out the scores in the semi-rigid paper sheet in a precise and repeatable manner .

[0008] This obj ect is achieved by a scoring unit according to claim 1, and by a corresponding packaging machine in accordance with claim 9. The dependent claims identify further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0009] The features and advantages of the scoring unit according to the present invention will be apparent from the description set out below, given by way of nonlimiting example, in accordance with the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figures 1A and IB respectively show a front view and an axonometric view of a packaging machine according to the present invention, for producing single-dose sealed packages with a break-open feature;- Figures 2A and 2B show an axonometric view, on both outer sides, of a scoring unit according to the present invention;- Figures 3A and 4A show an axonometric view, on both inner sides, of the scoring unit of figure 2A;- Figures 3B and 4B show a detail of the respective inner side of the scoring unit of figure 2A;- Figures 5A and 5B show a side view of the scoring unitof figure 2A, respectively in a rest configuration and in a cutting configuration;- Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a component for producing the internal score of the scoring unit according to the present invention;Figures 7A and 7B show a blade for producing the internal score, in a rest configuration and in a cutting configuration;Figure 8 shows a blade for producing the external score, in a cutting configuration;- Figure 9 shows the assembly of the blade for producing the external score and the blade for producing the internal score;- Figures 10A and 10B respectively show a front view and a rear view of a single-dose sealed package with a breakopen feature according to the present invention;- Figure 10C shows the front face 2b of a semi-rigid sheet 2 forming the single-dose sealed package of figure 10A.

[0010] In figures 10A, 10B and 10C, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates a single-dose sealed package with a break-open feature . The package 1 comprises a semi-rigid sheet 2, having a rear face 2a and an opposite front face 2b, and a flexible sheet 4, having an inner face 4a and an outer face 4b .

[0011] The flexible sheet 4 is superimposed on the semirigid sheet 2, and sealed thereto, so as to form a pocket 6.

[0012] The flexible sheet 4 is superimposed on the semirigid sheet 2 (so that the inner face 4a faces the front face 2b) and sealed to the semi-rigid sheet 2 to define an internal, sealed pocket 6 suitable for containing a dose of a fluid product .

[0013] The semi-rigid sheet 2 centrally has a pre-weakened zone which guides a controlled break of the semi-rigid sheet 2 so as to determine the formation, through said semi-rigid sheet 2, of a product outlet opening. In other words, in use, in order to open the package 1, a user has to grasp the package 1 itself with the fingers of one hand and bend it until breaking the semi-rigid sheet 2 at the pre-weakened zone .

[0014] As visible in figure 10B, centrally on the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2, at the pocket 6, there is an external score 8 which extends along a scoring direction Y, transverse, i . e . along a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis X, preferably orthogonal thereto .

[0015] Preferably, the external score 8 is a straight and continuous cut .

[0016] The external score 8 has a depth P with respect tothe rear face 2a and a length L .

[0017] Preferably, the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening 40. Preferably, the rear face 2a has one weakening 40 on each side of the external score 8. Each weakening 40 is adj acent to the external score 8 and aligned therewith.

[0018] Preferably, each weakening 40 is formed by a score or by a plurality of scores . Such score is for example a straight and continuous cut .

[0019] The weakening 40 has a weakening depth with respect to the rear face 2a and a weakening length .

[0020] Preferably, the weakening depth is constant .

[0021] Preferably, the weakening depth is smaller than the depth P of the external score 8.

[0022] Preferably, the weakening length is smaller than the length L of the external score 8.

[0023] As visible in figure 10C, centrally on the front face 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2, at the pocket 6, there is an internal score 20 which extends along a scoring direction Y, transverse, i . e . along a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis X, preferably orthogonal thereto .

[0024] The internal score 20 has a depth p with respect to the front face 2b and a length 1.

[0025] Preferably, the depth p of the internal score 20 issmaller than the depth P of the external score 8.

[0026] Preferably, the length 1 of the internal score 20 is smaller than the length L of the external score 8.

[0027] The internal score 20 is aligned, i . e . completely superimposed, with the external score 8.

[0028] The semi-rigid sheet 2, which overall has for example a thickness comprised between 400 and 850 microns ,

[0029] is a multilayer laminate comprising a supporting layer 91 having said rear face 2a .

[0030] The supporting layer 91 is made of paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose (i . e . cellulose-based for at least 50% by weight) . The supporting layer 91 has for example a thickness comprised between 350 and 850 microns .

[0031] The semi-rigid sheet 2 comprises a finishing layer 93 having said front face 2b . The finishing layer 93 comprises, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene or a sealing lacquer or other material suitable for sealing with the flexible film 4.

[0032] Between the finishing layer 93 and the supporting layer 91, the semi-rigid sheet 2 comprises a barrier layer 92 suitable for providing a barrier to gases and to water vapour . For example, the barrier layer is metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or metallizedpolypropylene (PP) . In a further example, the barrier layer is made of aluminium or EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) , or combinations thereof .

[0033] As can be seen in figure 9, the external score 8 extends starting from the rear face 2a and only through the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2. The internal score 20 extends starting from the front face 2b, through the finishing layer 93 and also the barrier layer 92. It is pointed out that figures 7A to 9 are schematic and purely representative of the scoring method .

[0034] The flexible sheet 4 is a multilayer laminate comprising an inner layer having said inner face 4a . The inner layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene or a sealing lacquer or other material suitable for sealing with the semi-rigid sheet 2 .

[0035] Externally, the flexible sheet 4 comprises an outer layer having said outer face 4b . The outer layer comprises paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose .

[0036] Preferably, moreover, the flexible sheet 4 comprises an intermediate layer, arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer, having barrier properties, i . e . suitable for providing a barrier to the passage of gases, and in particular to the passage of oxygen. For example,the barrier layer is metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or metallized polypropylene (PP) . In a further example, the barrier layer is made of aluminium or EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) , or combinations thereof .

[0037] Overall, the package 1 provides that the paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose of the semi-rigid sheet and the paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose of the flexible sheet together constitute at least 60% by weight of the entire (empty) package .

[0038] In figures 1A and IB, the reference numeral 100 generally indicates a packaging machine for producing packages 1 of the type described above . The packaging machine illustrated in figure 1A produces a plurality of packages at the same time, i . e . it operates in parallel on n side-by-side tracks in order to produce n packages at a time ( for example two, four, six tracks, but also a single track only) .

[0039] According to one embodiment, the machine 100 is provided with a first roll station 102, in which a first roll R1 is arranged, consisting of a first wound tape, wherein the first tape N1 has the layered configuration of the semi-rigid sheet 2.

[0040] The machine 100 further comprises a second rollstation 104, in which a second roll R2 is arranged, consisting of a second wound tape, wherein the second tape N2 has the layered configuration of the flexible sheet 4 .

[0041] Preferably, the machine 100 comprises a printing station 106, for example comprising a plurality of printing units 108 in sequence; the first tape Nl, unwound from the first roll Rl, passes through the printing station 106, in which it is printed, preferably on the face corresponding to the rear face of the semirigid sheet .

[0042] The machine 100 further comprises a scoring station with at least one scoring unit 110 which is crossed by the first tape Nl for producing an external score and an internal score .

[0043] The machine 100 further comprises a dosing and sealing station 120 in which the first tape Nl (provided with the external and internal scores) and the second tape N2 converge . The two tapes Nl, N2 are first partially sealed together so as to form a cavity capable of containing a product but still accessible from the outside; subsequently, a predefined quantity of product is fed into said cavity; finally, the two tapes are further sealed to each other so as to seal the cavity. A combined tape N3 is thus produced, in which the first andsecond tapes Nl, N2 are sealed together and form a plurality of cavities containing the product .

[0044] The machine 100 finally comprises a shearing station 140 in which the combined tape N3 is sheared so as to separate the individual sealed single-dose packages .

[0045] The scoring unit 110, which transversely scores the semi-rigid material tape Nl to produce the external and internal scores of the pre-weakened zone, will now be described in detail with reference to figures 2A to 6

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the semi-rigid material tape Nl is fed continuously through the scoring unit 110.

[0047] As shown in figures 2A and 2B, the scoring unit 110 comprises two support plates 40. The two support plates 40 are arranged on opposite sides of the semi-rigid material tape Nl ; consequently, each support plate 40 faces a corresponding surface of the semi-rigid material tape Nl .

[0048] The tape Nl will form the semi-rigid sheet 2, and therefore the surfaces of the tape Nl will form a rear face 2a and an opposite front face 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2 .

[0049] The scoring unit 110 is provided with a plurality of scoring devices, each of which produces a score (internal 20 or external 8 ) on a corresponding surface of the semi-rigid material tape N1 .

[0050] The scoring devices are supported by the plates 40. Figures 3A and 4A show an embodiment example with three scoring devices for each type of score (internal and external) arranged side by side . Each scoring device comprises a cutting element supported by at least one support plate 40 and facing the corresponding surface of the semi-rigid material tape Nl, and a counter-element supported by at least one opposite support plate 40 and facing the corresponding surface of the semi-rigid material tape Nl

[0051] Each cutting element is provided with a blade; instead, each counter-element is flat so as to offer a uniform counteraction to the blade of the corresponding cutting element . Internal cutting blades 511 and external cutting blades 512 are therefore provided, to which internal cutting counter-elements 521 and external cutting counter-elements 522 correspond.

[0052] The two support plates 40 are fixed, and will now be defined as a main plate 410 and a secondary plate 420. Each support plate 40 carries both cutting elements and counter-elements .

[0053] The main plate 410 supports a movable plate 430 capable of moving along a translation direction T which is orthogonal to the conveying direction C . Inparticular, the movable plate 430 is movably mounted on corresponding rails 431, fixed to the support plates 40, so as to translate (slide) along the direction T . In one embodiment, the movable plate 430 is provided with corresponding slides 432 slidably coupled to the rails 431 in order to translate (slide) along the translation direction T under the control of an actuator device 433 ( for example of the electric or pneumatic type) .

[0054] Figure 3A shows all the elements arranged on the movable plate 430 connected to the fixed plate referred to as the main plate 410, namely the three blades 512 which produce respective external scores 8 on the outer surface of the tape N1 (i . e . on the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 ) and a single counter-element 521 (i . e . a counter-plate) for the blades 511 which produce respective internal scores 20. The three blades 512 for the external scores 8 are downstream of the counterelement 521 for the internal scores 20.

[0055] Figure 4A shows all the elements arranged on the fixed plate referred to as the secondary plate 420, namely the three blades 511 which produce respective internal scores 20 on the inner surface of the tape N1 (i . e . on the front face 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2 ) and three counter-elements 522 for the blades which produce respective external scores 8. The three blades 511 forthe internal scores 20 are upstream of the counterelements 522 for the external scores 8.

[0056] The actuator device 433 cyclically moves the movable plate 430 back and forth along the translation direction T between:a rest configuration (illustrated in figure 5A) in which all the scoring devices are at rest and no score is produced on the tape Nl ;- a cutting configuration (illustrated in figure 5B) in which all the scoring devices are actuated simultaneously to produce the respective scores (internal and external) on the tape Nl .

[0057] Preferably, each scoring device comprises an adjustment member 490 ( for example a micrometer) for adjusting the depth of the respective score (whether internal 20 or external 8 ) by varying the relative position between the corresponding cutting element or the corresponding counter-element and the respective support plate 40. Each adjustment member 490 is coupled to the cutting element or to the counter-element of the same scoring device and is suitable for adjusting the distance between the cutting element or the counter-element and the semi-rigid material tape Nl .

[0058] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 2A, the adjustment members 490 are all arranged on the samesupport plate in such a way as to facilitate accessibility by an operator to the adjustment members themselves .

[0059] The setting of the adjustment members 490 is carried out during the production start-up step.

[0060] In order to obtain correct opening of the singledose sealed package 1 with a break-open feature, the requirements required for the internal score 20 and the external score 8 are as follows :- the external score 8 extends starting from the rear face 2a through the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 ; the external cutting blade 512 and the opposing counter-element 522 are kept at a constant distance A by means of the pair of stops 801 ;- the internal score 20 extends starting from the front face 2b and must pass through both the finishing layer 93 and the barrier layer 92 ; preferably, the internal score 20 also reaches and cuts the supporting layer 91 ; failure to cut the barrier layer 92 (typically elastic) would not allow propagation of the break during bending of the semi-rigid sheet 2, thereby preventing opening of the package 1 ;- the residual thickness SR of the supporting layer 91, defined as the distance between the bottom of the internal score 20 and the bottom of the external score 8,is comprised between 20 and 300 microns depending on the type of product; the uncut portion of the supporting layer 91 in fact influences the correct propagation of the break during bending of the semi-rigid sheet 2 and the correct opening of the package 1.

[0061] Moreover, the external score 8 and the internal score 20 must be aligned in order to allow correct propagation ( from the inside towards the outside) of the break during bending of the semi-rigid sheet 2 and therefore the correct opening of the package 1.

[0062] As anticipated above, since the tape N1 is made of paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose, such tape N1 does not have a constant and uniform thickness along the roll and it is difficult to control the depth of the external and internal scores and the residual thickness SR of the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2. The residual thickness SR of the supporting layer 91 is defined as the distance between the bottom of the internal score 20 and the bottom of the external score 8, as shown in figure 9.

[0063] The scoring unit according to the present invention for a packaging machine that produces a single-dose package with a break-open feature is provided with stop means, for the scoring devices for external scores 8, and compensation means, for the scoring devices for internalscores 20, which together ensure a correct value of the residual thickness SR of the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 regardless of variations in thickness of the roll N1 .

[0064] The scoring unit 110 has stop means for the blades of the external scores 8, for example in the form of pairs of stops arranged both on the movable plate 430 and on the secondary plate 420, visible in figure 5A. Each stop 801 of the pair of stops 28 is intended to abut against the opposite stop 801 in the cutting configuration (illustrated in figure 5B) to limit further approach movement of the movable plate 430 towards the secondary plate 420, and therefore to limit the approach of the external cutting blade 512 towards the respective counter-element 522, and thus to limit further penetration of the blade 512 into the tape N1 and in particular into the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2. The two stops 801 of the pair of stops abut directly against each other, i . e . there is no interposition of any element between them. Preferably, four pairs of stops 801 are arranged on the plates .

[0065] Summarizing therefore, for the external score 8, the blade 512 of the cutting element and the opposing counter-element 522 are kept at a constant distance A by means of the pair of stops 801.

[0066] The scoring unit 110 has compensation means for the blades of the internal scores 20, and in particular abutment elements 802 and elastic elements 81.

[0067] The abutment elements 802 are arranged on the secondary plate 420 and are intended to abut against the tape N1 . It should be noted that for the internal score 20, the respective adjustment member 490 (micrometer) uses as a reference surface the abutment surface SB of the abutment element 802, i . e . the front face 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2 .

[0068] The elastic elements 81 are arranged on the movable plate 430, below the counter-element 521 of the blades 511 which produce the internal score 20, to elastically support such counter-element 521 (counter-plate) , as visible in figures 3A and 6.

[0069] The elastic elements 81 are for example springs .

[0070] The elastic elements 81 are preloaded to provide a thrust equal to the preload force .

[0071] The counter-element 521 (counter-plate) of the scoring device for the internal scores 20 is therefore mounted on preloaded elastic elements 81. Consequently, the force exerted by the counter-element 521 is kept substantially constant by means of the elastic elements 81 .

[0072] The operation of the scoring unit 110 will now bedescribed. Initially, the semi-rigid material tape N1 is positioned at the scoring devices ( figure 5A) . At this point, by actuating the actuators 433 which translate the movable plate 430 along the rails 431, the movable plate 430 is moved closer to the fixed plate referred to as the secondary plate 420. Such relative movement between the two plates causes the scoring devices to simultaneously score both the inner surface and the outer surface of the semi-rigid material tape N1 (by bringing the corresponding cutting elements and counter-elements closer together) to produce respective internal and external scores . Since the blades 511 for the internal scores 20 are upstream of the blades 512 for the external scores 8, during the scoring step the internal scores 20 of three second packages and the external scores 8 of three first packages are in fact being produced. Once the internal and external scores have been completed, the movable plate 430 is moved back and returned to the initial position (rest configuration) by means of the actuators 433 and the semi-rigid material tape N1 is advanced along the conveying direction C .

[0073] Innovatively, the scoring unit according to the present invention for a packaging machine that produces a single-dose package with a break-open feature is provided with stop means for the blades of the external scores 8and compensation means for the blades of the internal scores 20 which, together, are suitable for ensuring a correct value of the residual thickness SR of the supporting layer 91 of the semi-rigid sheet 2 regardless of variations in thickness of the roll N1 .

[0074] Advantageously, the scoring unit according to the present invention is capable of carrying out the scores in the semi-rigid sheet 2 made of paper, cardboard or other material predominantly based on cellulose of the single-dose package 1 with a break-open feature in a precise manner .

[0075] It is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent requirements, may make modifications to the scoring unit described above, all of which are contained within the scope of protection defined by the following claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A scoring unit ( 110) for a packaging machine for single-dose sealed paper packages with a break-open feature, comprising:a main plate (410) and an opposite secondary plate (420) , arranged at a fixed distance from each other and supporting a movable plate (430) sliding towards the secondary plate (420) by means of actuators (433) ;- a plurality of scoring devices for external scores, each comprising a cutting element provided with a blade (512 ) and arranged on the movable plate (430) , and an opposing counter-element (522 ) facing said blade (512 ) and arranged on the secondary plate ( 420) ;- a plurality of scoring devices for internal scores, each comprising a cutting element provided with a blade (511 ) arranged on the secondary plate (420) , and an opposing counter-element (521 ) facing said blade (511 ) and arranged on the movable plate (430) ; wherein the blade of the scoring devices for internal scores is different from the blade of the scoring devices for external scores;- stop means for the scoring devices for external scores, suitable for limiting the approach of the external cutting blade ( 512 ) towards the respective counterelement (522 ) during a cutting action;compensation means of the scoring devices for internal scores , comprising :abutment elements ( 802 ) arranged on the secondary plate ( 420 ) ;-- elastic elements ( 81 ) arranged on the movable plate ( 430 ) , below the counter-element ( 521 ) of the scoring devices for internal scores .2 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said elastic elements ( 81 ) are springs .3 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein said elastic elements ( 81 ) are preloaded to provide a thrust equal to the preload force .4 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein said stop means comprise at least one stop ( 801 ) arranged on the movable plate ( 430 ) and at least one opposite stop ( 801 ) arranged on the secondary plate ( 420 ) , said stops ( 801 ) being suitable for abutting against each other .5 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein each scoring device comprises an adj ustment member ( 490 ) , said adj ustment member ( 490 ) being a micrometer applied to the cutting element or to the opposing counter-element .6 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to claim 5 , wherein the adj ustment members ( 490 ) are al l arranged on the sameplate .7 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein in the scoring devices for internal scores , the adj ustment member ( 490 ) uses a front abutment surface of the abutment element ( 802 ) as a reference surface .8 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein in the scoring devices for external scores , the blade ( 512 ) of the cutting element and the opposing counter-element ( 522 ) are kept , in a cutting configuration, at a constant distance by said stop means .9 . Scoring unit ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein in the scoring devices for internal scores , the elastic elements ( 81 ) below the counter-element ( 52 ) , in a cutting configuration, apply an almost constant force to such a counter-element ( 521 ) .10 . A packaging machine ( 100 ) for single-dose sealed paper packages with a break-open feature , comprising : - a first roll station ( 102 ) for loading a first roll (Rl ) consisting of a first wound semi-rigid tape (Nl ) ; - a second roll station ( 104 ) for loading a second roll (R2 ) consisting of a second wound flexible tape (N2 ) ;optionally a printing station ( 106 ) comprising a plurality of printing units ( 108 ) in sequence , for printing a rear face of the first tape (Nl ) ;- a scoring station with at least one scoring unit ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , for creating external scores ( 8 ) on a rear face of the first tape (Nl ) and internal scores ( 10 ) on a front face of the first tape (Nl ) ;- a dosing and sealing station ( 120 ) in which the first tape (Nl ) , provided with the external ( 8 ) and internal ( 20 ) scores , and the second tape (N2 ) converge for creating a combined tape (N3 ) in which said first tape (Nl ) and said second tape (N2 ) are bonded together and form a plurality of cavities containing a product ;- a shearing station ( 140 ) in which said combined tape (N3 ) is sheared to separate the individual packages .

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