PACKAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE AND PACKAGING MACHINE FOR FORMING PACKAGES FILLED WITH A POURABLE PRODUCT

Abstract

 There is described a package forming apparatus (10) comprising a support structure (26) and at least one operative device (22). The operative device (22) comprises a carrier (30) movably coupled to the support structure (26) and a shell assembly (31) controllable between an operative configuration and an idle configuration. The package forming apparatus (10) further comprises a conveying unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) together with the operative device (22) and a drive unit (37) configured to control each shell assembly (31) between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration. The drive unit (37) comprises a drive mechanism (38) operatively coupled to the shell assembly (31) and being associated to the respective carrier (30) and a drive group (39) mounted to the support structure (26) and coupled to the drive mechanism (38) and configured to induce a difference between the movement of the carrier (30) and the movement of the drive mechanism (38) so as to actuate a movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operative configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a package forming apparatus for a packaging machine for forming packages filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming packages filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product.

BACKGROUND ART

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

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material (an oxygen-barrier layer), e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0005] Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material at a sterilization station and to an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material through the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally at a tube forming station to form a tube having a longitudinal seam portion, the tube being further fed along a vertical advancing direction.

[0006] For completing the forming operations, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections within a package forming apparatus of the packaging machine during advancement along the vertical advancing direction.

[0007] Pillow packages are so obtained, each pillow package having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.

[0008] A typical packaging machine comprises a conveying device for advancing the web of packaging material along a web advancement path and the tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advancement path, the sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material prior to its formation into the tube, a tube forming and sealing device at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber and being configured to form the tube from the advancing web of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube, a filling device for filling the tube with the pourable product and the package forming apparatus adapted to form, transversally seal and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material.

[0009] The package forming apparatus comprises at least one operative device having at least a first operative group and a second operative group configured to at least partially form and to transversally seal and cut in cooperation the, in use, advancing tube.

[0010] Each operative device comprises a respective shell assembly for at least partially forming the tube, the shell assembly being controllable between an operative configuration in which the shell assembly is configured to at least partially form the tube and an idle configuration in which the shell assembly is detached from the tube.

[0011] Each one of the respective first operative group and the second operative group comprises a respective half-shell, the half-shells being withdrawn from and approached to one another with the respective shell assembly being in, respectively, the idle configuration and the operative configuration.

[0012] Each operative device also comprises a carrier movably coupled to a support structure of the package forming apparatus and a hydraulic drive unit mounted to the carrier and being coupled to the respective shell assembly, in particular the respective half-shells, and being configured to move the respective shell assembly between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration.

[0013] Even though the known package forming apparatuses and/or packaging machines work satisfactorily well, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the known package forming apparatuses and/or the known packaging machines.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming apparatus, preferentially allowing to control the shell assemblies in a more flexible manner.

[0015] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a package forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

[0017] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package forming apparatus are claimed in the claims being directly and indirectly dependent on claim 1.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine having a package forming apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the package forming apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the package forming apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the detail of the package forming apparatus of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of parts of the portion of the detail of Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 6 is a side view of a portion of the detail of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing sealed packages 2 of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as milk, milk drinks, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, beverages containing pulp, salt, sugar, etc.

[0021] In more detail, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a multilayer packaging material. Preferentially, a multilayer packaging material having heat seal properties (i.e. portions of the multilayer packaging material can be sealed to one another).

[0022] In further detail, the multilayer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. Preferentially, one of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of packages 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0023] Moreover, the multilayer packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] Preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0025] In further detail, the multilayer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3.

[0026] Preferentially, web 3 comprises successively arranged patterns, each pattern defining a final graphical pattern of the respective package 2. In other words, packaging machine 1 operates, in use, such to guarantee that packages 2 comprise the respective pattern.

[0027] Furthermore, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 by forming a tube 4 from web 3, longitudinally sealing tube 4, filling tube 4 with the pourable product and to transversally seal, and preferentially transversally cut tube 4.

[0028] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.

[0029] According to some possible embodiments, each package 2 may comprise at least a first transversal sealing band 5 arranged at a first end of package 2, and preferentially also a second transversal sealing band arranged at a second end of package 2 opposite to the first end.

[0030] Preferentially, each first transversal sealing band 5 may be substantially spaced apart from the respective second transversal sealing band along the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0031] Preferentially, each first transversal sealing band 5 may define a transversal top sealing band and each second transversal sealing band may define a transversal bottom sealing band.

[0032] Moreover, each package 2 may also comprise a longitudinal seam portion 6. Preferentially, each first transversal sealing band 5 and/or each second transversal sealing band may be transversal, preferentially perpendicular, to the respective longitudinal seam portion 6.

[0033] With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 may comprise a package forming apparatus 10 configured to transversally seal, and preferentially to transversally cut tube 4 for obtaining semi-finalized packs, preferentially package pouches. Preferentially, package forming apparatus 10 may also be configured to form tube 4.

[0034] Preferentially, package forming apparatus 10 may comprise an advancement space within which, in use, tube 4 advances.

[0035] Additionally packaging machine 1 may comprise a final folding apparatus configured to receive the semi-finalized packs from package forming apparatus 10 and to form packages 2 from the semi-finalized packs.

[0036] Moreover, packaging machine 1 may also comprise:

• a conveying device 11 configured to advance web 3 along a web advancement path P, preferentially to a tube forming station, at which, in use, web 3 is formed into tube 4, and configured to advance tube 4 along a tube advancement path Q;
• a tube forming and sealing device 12 configured to form tube 4 from the, in use, advancing web 3 and to longitudinally seal tube 4; and
• a filling device 13 for filling tube 4 with the pourable product.

[0037] In further detail, packaging machine 1 may also comprise an isolation chamber 14, preferentially delimiting an inner environment 15 from an outer environment 16. Preferentially, inner environment 15 may be a sterile environment, preferably containing a controlled atmosphere.

[0038] Preferentially, tube forming and sealing device 12 may be at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 14, in particular inner environment 15, and being configured to fold and longitudinally seal tube 4 within isolation chamber 14, in particular inner environment 15.

[0039] Moreover, packaging machine 1 may also comprise a sterilization unit configured to sterilize the, in use, advancing web 3, preferentially the sterilization unit being arranged upstream of tube forming and sealing device 12 along web advancement path P.

[0040] In more detail, conveying device 11 may be configured to advance tube 4 and any intermediates of tube 4 along tube advancement path Q, preferentially from tube forming and sealing device 12 to and/or at least partially within package forming apparatus 10. Preferentially, with the wording intermediates of tube 4 any configuration of web 3 is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web 3 by tube forming and sealing device 12 has started. In other words, the intermediates of tube 4 are a result of the gradual folding of web 3 so as to obtain tube 4, preferentially by overlapping the (longitudinal) edges of web 3 with one another.

[0041] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, tube forming and sealing device 12 may be arranged such that tube 4 may have a vertical orientation.

[0042] More specifically, tube forming and sealing device 12 may comprise at least two forming ring assemblies 17, preferentially arranged within isolation chamber 14, even more preferentially arranged within inner environment 15, being configured to gradually fold in cooperation with one another web 3 into tube 4, preferentially by overlapping the edges of web 3 with one another. Thereby, in use, seam portion 6 of tube 4 may be formed.

[0043] Additionally, tube forming and sealing device 12 may comprise a sealing head 18, preferentially arranged within isolation chamber 14, even more preferentially within inner environment 15, and configured to longitudinally seal tube 4, preferentially along longitudinal seam portion 6.

[0044] Moreover, tube forming and sealing device 12 may also comprise a pressure assembly configured to exert a mechanical force on longitudinal seam portion to ensure sealing of tube 4 along longitudinal seam portion 6.

[0045] Preferentially, filling device 13 may comprise a filling pipe 19 being configured to direct, in use, the pourable product into tube 4. Preferentially, filling pipe 19 may, in use, be at least partially placed within tube 4 for feeding, in use, the pourable product into tube 4.

[0046] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, package forming apparatus 10 may comprise one or more, preferentially a plurality of, operative devices 22, each one configured to at least partially form, preferentially, also to at least transversally seal and/or to transversally cut, tube 4.

[0047] Preferentially, package forming apparatus 10 may be configured to control each operative device 22 such to at least partially form tube and/or to transversally seal and transversally cut tube 4 along equally spaced transversal cross sections.

[0048] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, package forming apparatus 10 may comprise at least two operative devices 22, preferentially exactly two.

[0049] In further detail and with particular reference to Figure 2, each operative device 22 may comprise at least a first operative group 23 and a second operative group 24 configured to cooperate with one another for at least partially forming, preferentially to also transversally sealing and/or transversally cutting, tube 4.

[0050] Preferentially, each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 may be movable with respect to one another, preferentially so as to move each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 towards and away from one another.

[0051] In more detail, each operative device 22 may be controllable between an active configuration, in which the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 are approached to one another to at least partially form, preferentially to also transversally seal and/or to transversally cut, tube 4 and a rest configuration, in which the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 are withdrawn from one another.

[0052] Moreover, package forming apparatus 10 may also comprise a conveying unit 25 configured to advance each first operative group 23 and each second operative group 24 along respective advancement paths.

[0053] In more detail, each advancement path may comprise an operative portion along which the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 advance, in use, in a direction of advancement of tube 4 and a return portion along which each first operative group 23 and each second operative group 24 advance, in use, in a direction opposite to the direction of advancement of tube 4 so as to bring each first operative group 23 and each second operative group 24 back to the respective operative portion.

[0054] Moreover, each operative device 22 may be controlled from the respective rest configuration to the respective active configuration during advancement of the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 along the respective operative portion, preferentially for at least partially forming, more preferentially for transversally sealing and/or transversally cutting, tube 4.

[0055] In even further detail, in use, after completion of the at least partial forming, preferentially of also the transversal sealing and transversal cutting, of tube 4, each operative device 22 may be controlled back to the respective rest configuration.

[0056] In other words, during advancement of each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 along the respective operative portions, each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 may be moved towards one another. After termination of the respective at least partial forming, preferentially also the transversal sealing and/or the transversal cutting, of tube 4, each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 are withdrawn from one another.

[0057] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, package forming apparatus 10 may comprise a support structure 26 (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the present invention) movably carrying each operative device 22.

[0058] Support structure 26 may comprise one or more support assemblies 27, each one movably carrying one respective operative device 22.

[0059] According to some non-limiting embodiments, package forming apparatus 10 may comprise two, preferentially exactly two, operative devices 22, and support structure 26 may comprise two, preferentially exactly two, support assemblies 27. Preferentially, support assemblies 27 may be spaced apparat from one another. Even more preferentially, support assemblies 27 may be arranged such that, in use, the advancing tube 4 may be interposed between support assemblies 27. In other words, support assemblies 27 may define and/or delimit the advancement space through which, in use, tube 4 advances.

[0060] Advantageously, each support assembly 27 may comprise a respective first guide 28, preferentially having a linear shape, and a respective second guide (not shown), preferentially having a linear shape, spaced apart from the respective first guide 28.

[0061] Preferentially, support structure 26, more preferentially each support assembly 27, may extend along a respective longitudinal axis B.

[0062] More preferentially, each first guide 28 and each second guide may extend along a linear axis defining and/or being parallel to longitudinal axis B.

[0063] Preferentially, each first guide 28 and each second guide may present a vertical orientation.

[0064] As will be explained in more detail further below, each first guide 28 and the respective second guide may at least partially define the respective advancement path of the respective first operative group 23 and the respective advancement path of the respective second operative group 24.

[0065] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 6, each operative device 22 further comprises a carrier 30 movably coupled to support structure 26, preferentially to one respective support assembly 27. Preferentially, each carrier 30 may be movably coupled to the respective first guide 28 and the respective second guide.

[0066] Preferentially, each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 may be carried by the respective carrier 30. More preferentially, movement of the respective carrier 30 induces also a movement of the respective operative device 22, preferably the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24.

[0067] More specifically, conveying unit 25 may be configured to move each operative device 22, preferentially each carrier 30, more preferentially the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24, along a first advancement path.

[0068] Additionally, conveying unit 25 may be configured to move each carrier 30 along, preferentially back and forth along, the respective first guide 28 and the respective second guide so as to move the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 along the respective advancement path.

[0069] With particular reference to Figures 3, 4 and 6, each operative device 22 comprises a shell assembly 31 controllable between an operative configuration in which shell assembly 31 is configured to at least partially form tube 4 and an idle configuration in which shell assembly 31 is configured to be detached from tube 4.

[0070] In more detail, each shell assembly 31 comprises two half-shells 32 configured to at least partially form in cooperation tube 4 with shell assembly 31 being in the respective operative configuration.

[0071] Preferentially, the respective two half-shells 32 of each shell assembly 31 may be configured to engage tube 4 from opposite sides thereof with shell assembly 31 being in the operative configuration.

[0072] In further detail, each first operative group 23 comprises one of the respective half-shell 32 of the respective shell assembly 31 and the respective second operative group 24 comprises the other one of the respective half-shell 32 of the respective shell assembly 31.

[0073] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each shell assembly 31 may be in the respective operative configuration and the respective idle configuration with the respective operative device 22 being in, respectively, the respective active configuration and the respective rest configuration.

[0074] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the two half-shells 32 of each shell assembly 31 may be withdrawn from and approached to one another with the respective shell assembly 31 being in, respectively, the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration.

[0075] In more detail, for each shell assembly 31 and with the respective shell assembly 31 being controlled in the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration, the respective half-shell 32 of the respective first operative group 23 and the respective half-shell 32 of the respective second operative group 24 may be, respectively, arranged in respective first positions and respective second positions. In particular the respective half-shell 31 of the respective first operative group 23 and the respective half-shell 32 of the respective second operative group 24 may be withdrawn from one another when being positioned in the respective first positions and approached to one another when being positioned in the respective second positions.

[0076] In order to control each shell assembly 31 between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration, and preferentially the respective half-shells 32 between the respective first positions and the respective second positions, package forming apparatus 10 also comprises one or more drive units 37, each one configured to control at least one respective shell assembly 31 between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration, and preferentially the respective half-shells 32 between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

[0077] More specifically, each drive unit 37 comprises:

• a drive mechanism 38 operatively coupled to the respective shell assembly 31, preferentially the respective half-shells 32, and being associated to, preferentially coupled to, the respective carrier 30; and
• a drive group 39 mounted to support structure 26 and coupled to the respective drive mechanism 38 and configured to move the respective drive mechanism 38 so as to actuate a movement of the respective shell assembly 31 between the idle configuration and the operative configuration, preferentially of the respective half-shells 32 between the respective first positions and second positions.

[0078] Each drive group 39 is configured to move the respective drive mechanism 38 along a second advancement path parallel to the respective first advancement path and to induce a difference (i.e. to apply at least temporarily a first motion profile to the respective drive mechanism 38 and a second motion profile, different from the first motion profile, to the respective carrier 30) between the movement of carrier 30 and the movement of drive mechanism 38 so as to actuate a movement of the respective shell assembly 31 between the idle configuration and the operative configuration, preferentially of the respective half-shells 32 between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

[0079] In more detail, each drive group 39 may be configured to move the respective drive mechanism 38 along the second advancement path according to a motion profile different from a further motion profile according to which the respective carrier 30 is moved along the first advancement path. In particular, the first motion profile of the respective drive mechanism 38 and the further motion profile of the respective carrier 30 may differ from one another due to the fact that the respective drive group 39 moves the respective drive mechanism 38 along the second advancement path with a speed different from a further speed with which the respective conveying unit 25 moves the respective carrier 30 along the first advancement path. Since the respective motion profile of the respective drive mechanism 38 differs from the respective further motion profile of the respective carrier 30 a relative movement occurs between the respective drive mechanism 38 and the respective carrier 30, which causes the movement of the respective shell assembly 31 between the idle configuration and the operative configuration, preferentially of the respective half-shells 32 between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

[0080] The Applicant has observed that this allows to increase the flexibility of package forming apparatus 10 and allows a more precise control of the respective shell assembly 31.

[0081] It should be noted that as each drive mechanism 38 is associated to the respective carrier 30 and to the respective shell assembly 31, the respective drive group 39 must operate:

• such that the respective drive mechanism 38 moves together with the respective carrier 30 (in other words the drive mechanism 38 and the carrier 30 move synchronously, i.e. with the same motion profile), in order to maintain the respective shell assembly 31 in a current configuration; and
• such that the respective drive mechanism 38 does not move together with the respective carrier 30 (in other words the drive mechanism and the carrier 30 move asynchronously, i.e. with different motion profiles) in order to move the respective shell assembly 31 from the current configuration, preferentially to the respective idle configuration, or to the respective operative configuration.

[0082] Preferentially, each current configuration may correspond to the respective idle configuration, the respective operative configuration or an intermediate configuration between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration.

[0083] In other words, each drive group 39 may decelerate and accelerate the advancement of the respective drive mechanism 38 along the respective second advancement path with respect to the advancement of the respective carrier 30 along the respective first advancement path so as to actuate a movement of the respective shell assembly 31 between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration.

[0084] Preferentially, conveying unit 25 may be configured to move each carrier 30, preferentially back and forth, along a first linear direction D1.

[0085] Additionally, each drive group 39 may be configured to move the respective drive mechanism 38, preferentially back and forth, along a second linear direction D2 parallel to the respective first linear direction D1.

[0086] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 6, each drive mechanism 38 may comprises at least one control bar 40, preferentially at least two control bars 40, more preferentially exactly two control bars 40, operatively connected to the respective drive group 39 and to the respective shell-assembly 31. Preferentially, the respective two control bars 40 may be parallel and adjacent to one another.

[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the respective drive group 39 may be configured to move the respective control bars 40 along the second advancement path, in particular so as to linearly move the respective control bars 40. More preferentially, the respective drive group 39 may be configured to induce a difference between the movement of the respective carrier 30 and the movement of the respective control bars 40 (i.e. to move the respective carrier 30 and the respective control bars 40 according to different motion profiles) so as to actuate a movement of the respective shell assembly 31 between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration, in particular to move the respective shell assembly 31 in the respective idle configuration or the respective operative configuration.

[0088] Preferentially, the respective controls bars 40 move contemporaneously.

[0089] Preferentially each control bar 40 may have a rectilinear shape.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the control bars 40 of each drive mechanism 38 may be parallel to one another.

[0091] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each carrier 30 may comprise a support housing 41 and the respective control bars 40 may be movably arranged within support housing 41. Preferentially, movement of each control bar 40 may be guided within the respective support housing 41.

[0092] In the case that the respective drive group 39 moves the respective control bars 40 synchronously with respect to the respective carrier 30, no relative movement between the respective control bars 40 and the respective support housing 41 occurs. Additionally, in the case that the respective drive group 39 moves the respective control bars 40 asynchronously with respect to the respective carrier 30, a relative movement between the respective control bars 40 and the respective support housing 41 occurs and the current configuration of the respective shell assembly 31 changes.

[0093] With particular reference to Figures 3, 4 and 6, each half-shell 32 may comprise a main plate 42 and two lateral plates 43 configured to engage tube 4 with the respective half-shell 32 being in the second position, i.e. with the respective shell assembly 31 being in the operative configuration.

[0094] More specifically, each main plate 42 and/or the respective lateral plates 43 may be movable, preferentially angularly movable, so as to engage tube 4 with the respective half-shell 32 being in the respective second position and to be displaced from tube 4 with the respective half-shell 32 being in the respective first position.

[0095] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 6, each operative device 22 may comprise two control mechanisms 44, each one operatively coupled to the respective drive mechanism 38 and one respective half-shell 32. Preferentially, the respective drive mechanism 38 being configured to actuate the respective control mechanism 44.

[0096] In more detail, each control mechanism 44 may be connected to the respective main plate 42 and/or the respective lateral plates 43 and may be configured to actuate a movement of the respective main plate 42 and/or the respective lateral plates 43, in particular being controlled by the respective drive mechanism 38.

[0097] Preferentially, the respective control bars 40 of each drive mechanism 38 may be also coupled to the respective control mechanisms 44.

[0098] Moreover, each drive group 39 may be configured to move the respective control bars 40 in dependence of the movement of the respective carrier 30 and to induce a difference in the movement of the respective control bars 40 with respect to the movement of the respective carrier 30 (i.e. to move the respective control bars 40 and the respective carrier 30 with different motion profiles) in order to actuate a movement of each of the respective two control mechanisms 44 so as to move the respective two half-shells 32 between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

[0099] In further detail, each control mechanism 44 may comprise a respective shaft 45 connected to the respective coupling bars 40 and being rotatable about a respective rotation axis.

[0100] Additionally, each control mechanism 44 may comprise a respective lever assembly 46 connected to the respective shaft 45 and to the respective main plate 42 and the respective lateral plates 43 and being configured to move the respective main plate 42 and the respective lateral plates 43 upon an angular movement of the respective shaft 45 about the respective rotation axis.

[0101] Preferentially, each drive mechanism 38, preferentially the respective control bars 40, may be operatively coupled to the respective shaft 45. More preferentially, in case that the respective control bars 40 execute a relative movement with respect to the respective support housing 41, an angular movement of the respective shaft 45 is actuated.

[0102] In even further detail, each drive mechanism 38 may comprise a support 47 connected to and/or carried by the respective control bars 40 and two coupling bars 48, each one hinged to support 47 and each one being operatively connected to one respective control mechanism 44, preferentially the respective shaft 45, and being configured to actuate the angular rotation of shaft 45 about the respective rotation axis.

[0103] Preferentially, each coupling bar 48 may have a boomerang-shape.

[0104] In use, in case that the respective control bars 40 move relative to the respective support housing 41, the respective coupling bars 48 rotate about respective hinge axes and actuate thereby the respective angular movements of the respective shafts 45.

[0105] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 6, each drive group 39 may comprise:

• an endless belt 52;
• an actuator bar 53 connected to endless belt 52 and the respective drive mechanism 38; and
• an actuator 54, preferentially an electrical motor, more preferentially a servomotor, configured to move endless belt 52 along a belt advancement path and such to selectively move actuator bar 53.

[0106] In particular, actuator bar 53 may be coupled to the respective control bars 40.

[0107] Preferentially, each drive mechanism 38 may comprise a coupling element 55 carrying the respective control bars 40 and being connected to the respective actuator bar 53.

[0108] In further detail, actuator 54 may be configured to move endless belt 52 in a manner that the respective drive mechanism 38, preferentially the respective control bars 40, moves synchronously with respect to the respective carrier 30 in order to maintain the respective shell assembly 31 in the current configuration and to selectively move endless belt 52 in a manner that the respective drive mechanism 38, preferentially the respective control bars 40, moves asynchronously with respect to the respective carrier 30 in order to change the respective current configuration between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration.

[0109] In particular, each actuator 54 may be, in use, arranged in a fixed position, i.e. actuator 54 does not move while the respective carrier 30 and/or the respective drive mechanism 38, preferentially the respective control bars 40, move.

[0110] In even more detail, each drive group 39 may comprise at least one driving pulley 56 connected to the respective actuator 54 and one or more auxiliary pulleys 57. Additionally, the respective endless belt 54 may be wound on the respective driving pulley 56 and the respective one or more auxiliary pulleys 57.

[0111] In use, actuator 54 actuates an angular movement of the respective driving pulley 56, leading to a movement of the respective endless belt 52 along the respective belt advancement path. In particular, the direction of advancement depends thereby on the rotation direction of the angular movement of the respective driving pulley 56. Movement of the respective endless belt 52 leads also to movement of the respective actuator bar 53.

[0112] Additionally, by accelerating and decelerating the respective endless belt 52 it is possible to move the respective control bars 40 relative to the respective carrier 30, preferentially the respective support housing 41.

[0113] In particular, each driving pulley 56 and each auxiliary pulley 57 may be, in use, arranged in a fixed position, i.e. each driving pulley 56 and each auxiliary pulley 57 do not move while the respective carrier 30 and/or the respective drive mechanism 38, preferentially the respective control bars 40, move.

[0114] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, each operative device 22 may comprise a first support portion 60 and a second support portion 61 mounted to the respective carrier 30 and being movable with respect to one another.

[0115] Preferentially, each first support portion 60 and each second support portion 61 may be movable, more preferentially angularly movable about a respective rotation axis, between a respective first position in which each first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 may be withdrawn from one another, and a respective second position in which each first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 may be approached to one another.

[0116] Additionally, each first operative group 23 may be connected to the respective first support portion 60 and the respective second operative group 24 may be connected to the respective second support portion 61.

[0117] In particular, each first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 may be connected to, respectively, the respective first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 so as to move together with, respectively, the respective first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61.

[0118] In more detail, with first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 being in, respectively, the respective first position and the respective second position, the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 may be, respectively, withdrawn from and approached to one another.

[0119] Moreover, the respective first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 may be controlled in, respectively, the respective first position and the respective second position with the respective operative device 22 being controlled in the respective rest configuration and the respective operative configuration.

[0120] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package forming unit 10 may comprise one or more actuation units 62, preferentially two, each one coupled to one respective first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 and being configured to control the respective relative movement between the respective first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61, preferentially to move the respective first support portion 60 and the respective second support portion 61 between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

[0121] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, conveying unit 25 may comprise a connecting bar 63 connected to carrier 30, a main endless belt 64 carrying connecting bar 63 and a respective main actuator 65, preferentially an electric motor, configured to move main endless belt 64 so as to move connecting bar 63 and the respective carrier 30.

[0122] Preferentially, main actuator 65 may be configured to move main endless belt 64 along a first advancement direction and a second advancement direction, opposite to the first advancement direction, so as to move carrier 30 back and forth along support structure 26, preferentially the respective first guide 28 and the respective second guide.

[0123] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each operative device 22 may comprise one respective sealing element 66 and one respective counter-sealing element 67 configured to transversally seal tube 4. Preferentially, one of the respective first operative group 23 and the second operative group 24 may comprise the respective sealing element 66 and the other one of the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 may comprise the respective counter-sealing element 67. More preferentially, each sealing element 66 may be associated with the respective first operative group 23 and the respective counter-sealing element 67 may be associated with the respective second operative group 24.

[0124] Preferentially, each sealing element 66 and the respective counter-sealing element 67 may be configured to compress and to transversally seal in cooperation tube 4.

[0125] In further detail, each sealing element 66 may comprise a source configured to generate the energy needed to obtain the sealing effect, in particular obtaining a heating of the packaging material. For example, sealing element 66 may be a sonotrode having ultrasound-emitters or sealing element 66 may have an electromagnetic induction source. Each counter-sealing element 67 may be a passive element (i.e. not having an active source). For example, counter-sealing element 67 may be a metal anvil or a deformable pad.

[0126] Preferentially, each sealing element 66 and the respective counter-sealing element 67 may be approached to and withdrawn from one another with the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 being approached to and withdrawn from one another, respectively.

[0127] Additionally, each operative device 22 may comprise at least one cutting assembly configured to transversally cut tube 4. Preferentially, each cutting assembly may be configured to transversally cut tube 4 after sealing of tube 4 by means of the respective sealing element 66 and the respective counter-sealing element 67.

[0128] Each cutting assembly may comprise a cutting blade being associated with one of the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24, preferentially with the respective second operative group 24.

[0129] In use, packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with the pourable product.

[0130] In more detail, conveying device 11 advances web 3 along web advancement path P. Tube forming and sealing device 12 forms tube 4 from the advancing web 3 and longitudinally seals tube 4. Additionally, filling device 13 fills tube 4 with the pourable product and package forming apparatus 10 at least partially forms, transversally seals and transversally cuts tube 4 so as to obtain packages 2.

[0131] In further detail, during operation of package forming apparatus 10, operative devices 22 at least partially form tube 4, preferentially also transversally seal and preferentially cut tube 4.

[0132] During operation of each operative device 22, the respective first operative group 23 and the respective second operative group 24 are cyclically moved towards and withdrawn from one another.

[0133] Additionally, shell assemblies 31 are cyclically controlled between the respective idle configurations and operative configurations.

[0134] In particular, each carrier 30 is advanced along the respective first advancement path by the respective conveying unit 25 and the respective drive mechanism 38 is advanced along the respective second advancement path by the respective drive group 39.

[0135] In order to control the respective shell assemblies 31 between the respective idle configurations and the respective operative configurations, the respective drive group 39 selectively controls movement of the respective drive mechanism 38 relative to the respective carrier 30.

[0136] The advantages of package forming apparatus 10 and/or packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0137] In particular, owing to drive units 37 it is possible to control shell assemblies 31 in a flexible manner.

[0138] Additionally, it is possible to precisely control shell assemblies 31.

[0139] Clearly, changes may be made to package forming apparatus 10 and/or packaging machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Package forming apparatus (10) for a packaging machine (1), the package forming apparatus (10) being configured to at least partially form a tube (4) for obtaining packages (2) from the tube (4);

wherein the package forming apparatus (10) comprises:

- a support structure (26); and

- at least one operative device (22) movably coupled to the support structure (26) and being configured to at least partially form the tube (4);

wherein the operative device (22) comprises at least:

- a carrier (30) movably coupled to the support structure (26); and

- a shell assembly (31) controllable between an operative configuration in which the shell assembly (31) is configured to at least partially form the tube (4) and an idle configuration in which the shell assembly (31) is configured to be detached from the tube (4);

wherein the package forming apparatus (10) further comprises:

- a conveying unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) together with the operative device (22) along a first advancement path; and

- a drive unit (37) configured to control each shell assembly (31) between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration;

wherein the drive unit (37) comprises:

- a drive mechanism (38) operatively coupled to the shell assembly (31) and being associated to the respective carrier (30); and

- a drive group (39) mounted to the support structure (26) and coupled to the drive mechanism (38) and configured to move the drive mechanism (38) so as to actuate a movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operative configuration;

wherein the drive group (39) is configured to move the drive mechanism (38) along a second advancement path parallel to the first advancement path and to induce a difference between the movement of the carrier (30) and the movement of the drive mechanism (38) so as to actuate a movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operative configuration.

2. Package forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive group (39) is configured to selectively move the drive mechanism (38) synchronously with. Respect to the carrier (30) in order to maintain the shell assembly (31) in a current configuration and to selectively move the drive mechanism (38) asynchronously with respect to to the carrier (30) in order to change the current configuration.

3. Package forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveying unit (25) is configured to move the carrier (30) along a first linear direction and the drive group (39) is configured to move the drive mechanism (38) along a second linear direction parallel to the first linear direction.

4. Package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (30) comprises a support housing (41) and the drive mechanism (38) comprises at least one control bar (40) movably arranged within the support housing (41) and being operatively coupled to the drive group (39) and to the shell-assembly (31);
wherein the drive group (39) is configured to induce a difference between the movement of the support housing (41) and the movement of the at least one control bar (40) so as to actuate a movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operative configuration.

5. Package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive group (39) comprises:

- an endless belt (52);

- an actuator bar (53) connected to the endless belt (52) and the drive mechanism (38); and

- an actuator (54) configured to move the endless belt (52) along a belt advancement path and such to selectively move the actuator bar (53) and therewith the drive mechanism (38) synchronously with respect to the carrier (30) in order to maintain the shell assembly (31) in a current configuration and to selectively move the actuator bar (53) and therewith the drive mechanism (38) asynchronously with respect to the carrier (30) in order to change the current configuration.

6. Package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operative device (22) comprises a first operative group (23) and a second operative group (24) configured to cooperate with one another for at least partially forming the tube (4);

wherein each one of the first operative group (23) and the second operative group (24) comprises a respective half-shell (32) of the shell assembly (31);

wherein the half-shell (32) of the first operative group (23) and the half-shell (32) of the second operative group (24) are configured to engage the tube (4) from opposite sides thereof;

wherein with the shell assembly (31) being controlled in the idle configuration and the operative configuration, the respective half-shell (32) of the first operative group (23) and the respective half-shell (32) of the second operative group (24) are, respectively, arranged in respective first positions and respective second positions;

wherein the respective half-shell (32) of the first operative group (23) and the respective half-shell (32) of the second operative group (24) are withdrawn from one another when being positioned in the respective first positions and are approached to one another when being positioned in the respective second positions;

wherein the drive mechanism (38) is operatively coupled to the half-shells (32) and configured to move the half-shells (32) between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

7. Package forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each operative device (22) comprises two control mechanisms (44), each one coupled to the respective drive mechanism (38) and to one respective half-shell (32);

wherein the drive mechanism (38) comprises at least one control bar (40) operatively coupled to the drive group (39) and to each one of the respective control mechanisms (44);

wherein the drive group (39) is configured to move the at least one control bar (40) in dependence of the movement of the carrier (30) and to induce a difference in the movement of the at least one control bar (40) with respect to the movement of the carrier (30) in order to actuate a movement of the two control mechanisms (44) so as to move the two half-shells (32) between the respective first positions and the respective second positions.

8. Package forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism (38) comprises:

- a support (47) connected to the at least one control bar (40); and

- two coupling bars (48) each one hinged to the support (47) and each one operatively connected to one respective control mechanism (44).

9. Package forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each control mechanism (44) comprises a respective shaft (45) connected to the respective coupling bar (48) and being rotatable about a respective rotation axis.

10. Package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each half-shell (42) comprises a respective main plate (42) and two lateral plates (43) configured to engage the tube (4) with the respective half-shell (42) being in the second position.

11. Package forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein one of the first operative group (23) and the second operative group (24) comprises a sealing element (66) and the other one of the first operative group (23) and the second operative group (24) comprises a counter-sealing element (42); and
wherein one of the first operative group (23) and the second operative group (24) comprises a cutting blade.

12. Package forming apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (26) comprises at least a first guide (28) and a second guide and the carrier (30) is movably coupled to the first guide (28) and the second guide;
wherein the conveying unit (25) is configured to move the carrier (30) back and forth along the first guide (28) and the second guide so as to advance the carrier (30) along the first advancement path.

13. Package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying unit (25) comprises a respective main endless belt (64) carrying a connecting bar (63) connected to the carrier (30) and a respective main actuator (65) configured to move the main endless belt (64) along a first advancement direction and a second advancement direction, opposite to the first advancement direction.

14. Package forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each operative device (22) comprises:

- a first operative group (23) and a second operative group (24) configured to cooperate with one another for at least partially forming the tube (4); and

- a first support portion (60) and a second support portion (61) mounted to the carrier (30) and being movable with respect to one another;

wherein the first support portion (60) carries the first operative group (23) and the second support portion (61) carries the second operative group (24);

wherein the package forming apparatus (10) comprises an actuation unit (62) coupled to the first support portion (60) and the second support portion (61) and being configured to control the relative moment between the first support portion (60) and the second support portion (61).

15. Packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) of a pourable product from an advancing tube (4) formed and longitudinally sealed from a web of packaging material (4);
the packaging machine (1) comprises:

- a conveying device (11) configured to advance the web of packaging material (3) along a web advancement path (P) and for advancing the tube (4) along a tube advancement path (Q) ;

- a tube forming and sealing device (12) configured to form the tube (4) from the web of packaging material (3) and to longitudinally seal the tube (4);

- a filling device (13) for filling the tube (4) with the pourable product; and

- a package forming apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Drawing