EP4596482A1

EP4596482A1 - Cap application device and method for applying caps to sealed packages

Info

Publication number: EP4596482A1
Application number: EP25153958.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Simone BELLESIA; Edoardo BORTOLOTTI; Alessandro Marino
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-01-30
Filing date: 2025-01-24
Publication date: 2025-08-06
Also published as: WO2025162844A1; IT202400001761A1

Abstract

There is described a cap application device (14) for a capping apparatus (13) of a packaging machine (1) configured to produce sealed packages (2) containing a pourable product and each provided with a respective pouring collar (5), the cap application device (14) is configured to apply caps (6) onto the respective collars (5) of such packages (2) and comprises: a conveyor (15) configured to advance a succession of packages (2) along an advancement path (P) for conveying each collar (5) through an application station (A); a feeding unit (16) configured to sequentially feed the caps (6) towards the application station (A), at which the caps (6) are released from the feeding unit (16) to be applied onto respective collars (5); the feeding unit (16) is movable for automatically adjusting the position at which said caps (6) are released, and/or the position of the application station (A), with respect to the advancement path (P).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cap application device for a capping apparatus of a packaging machine for producing sealed packages containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.
The present invention also relates to a method for applying caps to sealed packages containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.

BACKGROUND ART

As it is generally known, many 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.
A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by folding and sealing a laminated web of packaging material.
The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. made 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, 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.
Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which form and fill the packages starting from a multilayer web of packaging material.
In particular, a continuous tube is formed from the web of packaging material which is initially wound in a reel and fed through a plurality of unwinding rollers.
The web of packaging material is typically maintained in a closed, sterile environment, and, while advanced by the aforementioned unwinding rollers, is folded to form the tube by means of a known web folding unit and then sealed longitudinally.
In order to perform the package forming operations, the tube is continuously fed along a straight vertical direction, is filled with the sterilized food product from above and is formed, sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross-sections extending along a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
So-called pillow packs are obtained thereby, which have a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band. The pillow packs are then cut at the cross-sections to be separated from one another and directed to a folding unit of the packaging machine for the final folding thereof.
The finished packages are thereby obtained.
In light of the above, the packaging machine comprises a package forming apparatus for forming the aforementioned finished packages.
Some packaging machines are configured to produce packages comprising a main body formed from the multilayer packaging material and an opening device arranged about a pouring outlet of the main body. The opening device is configured to allow for selectively opening and closing the pouring outlet.
A typical opening device comprises a pouring neck or collar arranged about the pouring outlet and a cap secured to the collar and controllable between a closing position and an opening position.
Therefore, a typical packaging machine for producing such packages having a respective opening device comprises the aforementioned package forming apparatus and a capping apparatus configured to apply at least the cap to the respective package.
The use of webs of packaging material provided, within the packaging machine, with a longitudinal sequence of collars already pre-applied thereon is increasingly widespread.
More precisely, according to one possible embodiment, the package forming apparatus may be configured to produce packages having both the respective main body formed form the multilayer packaging material and one pouring collar arranged about the respective pouring outlet.
In this case, the capping apparatus is configured to apply and secure the cap onto the collar.
In such a case, a typical capping apparatus comprises a conveyor device configured to advance a succession of packages originating from the package forming apparatus along an advancement path and a cap application device configured to sequentially apply the caps onto the respective collars.
An example of capping apparatus is disclosed in patent document No. EP-A-3153414 .
Typically, the cap application device comprises a feeding unit for feeding the caps towards the collars.
Typically, the feeding unit includes a chute having a first end for receiving the caps from a known cap source and a second end for releasing the caps onto the collars, at an application station through which the conveyor sequentially advances the collars (and the relative main bodies).
More precisely, the chute defines a sort of guiding rail onto which the caps slide and longitudinally extends from the first end to the second end.
Although the known cap application devices and/or capping apparatuses and/or packaging machines are functionally and structurally valid, they are still open to further improvement. In particular, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the precision and/or accuracy of the cap application onto the collars.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cap application device which is designed to meet the above-mentioned need in a straightforward and low-cost manner.
This object is achieved by a cap application device as claimed in the appended independent claim 1.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for applying caps to sealed packages which is designed to meet the above-mentioned need in a straightforward and low-cost manner.
This object is achieved by a method for applying caps to sealed packages as claimed in the appended independent claim 15.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are laid down in the appended dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine including a capping apparatus comprising a cap application device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of part of the cap application device;
Figure 3 is a larger-scale perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of another part of the cap application device;
Figure 4 is a schematic top view of part of a sensor system of the cap application device, during operation;
Figure 5 is a larger-scale rear view, with parts removed for clarity, of an application station of the cap application device; and
Figure 6 is a smaller-scale perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of the cap application device according to the invention in its entirety.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a non-limiting example of a packaging machine configured for producing sealed packages 2 containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product such as pasteurized or UHT milk, water, fruit juice, wine, peas, beans, etc.
In detail, packaging machine 1 is configured to form, seal and fold packages 2 starting from a web 4 of packaging material, which is initially wound in a reel 4a, and then folded into a tube 3 of packaging material, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
Preferably, the packaging material has a multilayer structure (not shown), and comprises a layer of fibrous material, e.g. paper, covered on both sides with respective layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.
In the case of aseptic packages 2 for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas-and-light barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material, the latter forming the inner face of package 2 eventually contacting the pourable product.
As said, the packaging material is initially provided in the form of a web 4.
The present disclosure refers to a packaging machine 1 which operates with a web 4 provided with a longitudinal sequence of pouring necks or collars 5 pre-applied thereon, as shown in Figure 1.
In particular, each one of the aforementioned collars 5 is preferably made of plastic material and is adapted to receive a cap 6 (preferably made of plastic material as well). Each collar 5 is pre-applied by a molding process on web 4 prior to the formation of tube 3, in particular by an injection molding process, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
Each collar 5 and the respective cap 6 define, together, an opening device which is configured to be arranged about a pouring outlet of the package 2. The pouring outlet may include a membrane (in particular a pre-laminated hole, also known as PLH) closing the pouring outlet.
In detail, each opening device is configured to allow for selectively opening and closing the respective pouring outlet, according to a manner known, thereby selectively allowing the outpour of the pourable product contained in the package 2.
In greater detail, the collar 5 is fixed to a main body of the package 2 and the cap 6 is secured to the collar 5 and is controllable between a closing position and an opening position.
Preferably, each collar 5 may include an outer projection (not shown) and each cap 6 may comprise an inner projection (not shown), configured to engage with the outer projection of the respective collar 5.
Preferably, each cap 6 is secured to the respective package 2 and is in the closing position when being delivered to an end user.
Preferably, each cap 6 may be (repeatably) moveable between the respective closing position and the respective opening position.
Each collar 5 may further comprise a cutting element configured for opening (in particular for piercing and ripping apart) the respective membrane during a first-time movement of the cap 6 from a closing position thereof to an opening position thereof, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
Preferably, such cutting element may be surrounded by the respective collar 5. More preferably, each cutting element may comprise a portion protruding out of the respective collar 5.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each opening device may also comprise a base frame carrying the respective collar 5 and being connected to, preferentially molded to, the respective package 2.
Moreover, each collar 5 may have an annular shape. Preferably, each collar 5 may have a circular shape, as shown in the appended Figures.
Packaging machine 1 is configured to fill, form and seal a succession of packages 2 starting from web 4 with pre-applied collars 5, as explained below.
As schematically shown in Figure 1, packaging machine 1 comprises conveying means configured to advance the web 4 along an advancement path.
Packaging machine 1 comprises a tube folding device 7 for progressively folding the advancing web 4 into a tube 3 of packaging material, in a manner known and not described in detail.
Packaging machine 1 comprises a sealing element 40 for providing tube 3 with a longitudinal seal, in a manner known and not described in detail.
Packaging machine 1 comprises a sterilization unit 8 configured for applying a sterilizing agent, for example containing hydrogen peroxide, on web 4 prior to its folding into tube 3.
Packaging machine 1 comprises a forming and sealing unit 10 for forming tube 3 by imparting a predetermined external shape, corresponding to a precursor of the shape of package 2, to successive longitudinal portions of tube 3, and for sealing tube 3 at equally spaced cross-sections.
Packaging machine 1 comprises an isolation chamber 11 internally defining an environment containing a controlled atmosphere, in particular sterile and/or aseptic gas, preferably sterile and/or aseptic air, and housing the forming and sealing unit 10 and the tube folding device 7.
Packaging machine 1 comprises a filling system 12 (only partially shown) to fill tube 3 with the pourable product.
Preferably, forming and sealing unit 10 has a longitudinal axis along which tube 3 is fed, in use.
Such longitudinal axis is parallel to a straight direction, which preferably is a straight vertical direction.
Hence, in use, tube 3 is fed along the longitudinal axis, downwards, and while being filled from above is formed and sealed by forming and sealing unit 10, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
More specifically, tube 3 is drawn (downwards) along the longitudinal axis by forming and sealing unit 10 in a known manner.
In this way, a plurality of pillow packs 2a are obtained.
Packaging machine 1 further comprises a folding unit (known per se and not shown) for folding the pillow packs 2a, thereby obtaining packages 2, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
In particular, each package 2 is folded in such a way that the respective collar 5 is arranged on a main wall 2b of the package 2, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
Packaging machine 1 further comprises a capping apparatus 13 configured for securing caps 6 onto collars 5.
Capping apparatus 13 is conveniently arranged downstream of the folding unit and is configured to receive filled, formed, sealed and folded packages 2.
Please note that for reasons of simplicity, in the present description, when discussing operation of capping apparatus 13, one does not use different terms to indicate packages 2 which still need to receive the respective caps 6 and which have received the respective caps 6.
As visible in Figure 2, capping apparatus 13 comprises:

a cap application device 14 configured to apply caps 6 onto the respective collars 5 of packages 2, for each package 2; and
a cap securing device (not shown) arranged downstream of cap application device 14 and configured to secure each cap 6 to the respective collar 5.

In particular, cap application device 14 is configured to apply caps 6 onto the respective collars 5, but after such application the caps 6 are not yet fully secured onto the respective collars 5. They are secured only after by the cap securing device, in a manner known and not described in detail herein.
Essentially, cap application device 14 comprises:

a conveyor 15 configured to advance a succession of packages 2 along an advancement path P for conveying each collar 5 through an application station A, i.e. thereby conveying each collar 5 through application station A; and
a feeding unit 16 configured to sequentially feed the caps 6 towards application station A, at which the caps 6 are released from the feeding unit 16 to be applied onto respective collars 5.

In detail, feeding unit 16 comprises a chute member 17 extending from a receiving station R, at which caps 6 are received by chute member 17, to application station A, at which caps 6 are released by the chute member 17 on the respective collars 5.
Chute member 17 is configured to guide caps 6 from receiving station R towards application station A.
In greater detail, chute member 17 has a first end 17a, at which receiving station R is located, and a second end 17b longitudinally opposite to first end 17a and at which application station A is located.
Chute member 17 longitudinally extends from first end 17a to second end 17b.
In particular, chute member 17 defines a guide rail extending from first end 17a to second end 17b and configured to support caps 6 in a sliding manner.
In light of the above, it can be said that application station A is defined by second end 17b of chute member 17 and is thereby integral with chute member 17.
In use, packages 2 are advanced by conveyor 15 along path P and transit, in sequence, through application station A.
At application station A, each collar 5 withdraws a respective cap 6 from a terminal delivery portion of chute member 17 arranged at second end 17b, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, feeding unit 16 is movable for automatically adjusting the position at which the caps 6 are released, with respect to advancement path P.
In particular, being application station A defined by, and integral with, second end 17b as explained above, feeding unit 16 is movable for automatically adjusting the position of application station A with respect to advancement path P.
In other words, cap application device 14 is configured such that feeding unit 16 is moveable for automatically adjusting the releasing position of caps 6 with respect to the advancement path.
It is specified that the wordings "the position at which the caps 6 are released (from chute member 17)" and "the releasing (or release) position of caps 6" are to be considered equivalent for the purpose of the present disclosure.
According to a preferred embodiment, chute member 17 is configured to move for automatically adjusting the releasing position of caps 6 on the respective collars 5.
More in particular, chute member 17 is movable for adjusting the releasing position of each cap 6 to the actual position of the respective collar 5 relative to application station A, as explained below.
To this end, cap application device 14 advantageously comprises:

a sensor system 18 configured to sequentially detect a position of the collars 5, preferably but not necessarily relative to application station A, and to generate signals correlated to the detected positions; and
a control unit 19 configured to receive said signals and to control the movement of chute member 17 based on the received signals and so that the release position of caps 6 is progressively adapted to the detected positions.

In practice, control unit 19 controls a movement of chute member 17 based on the position signals received from sensor system 18, so as to progressively adapt the release position of the caps 6, and therefore so as to progressively adapt the position of application station A, with respect to advancement path P, i.e. with respect to the position of the collars 5 advancing along path P.
Conveniently, sensor system 18 is configured to detect the positions of each collar 5 upstream of application station A.
In particular, sensor system 18 is arranged upstream of application station A.
In this way, the release position of caps 6 may be promptly adapted before application of caps 6 onto collars 5.
In one embodiment, chute member 17 is movable with respect to advancement path P along a first direction X transversal, and in particular orthogonal, to advancement path P, i.e. to the advancement direction of packages 2.
Preferably, first direction X is horizontal.
In one embodiment, chute member 17 is movable with respect to advancement path P along a second direction Z orthogonal to advancement path P and transversal, and in particular orthogonal, to first direction X.
Preferably, second direction Z is vertical.
According to a preferred embodiment, chute member 17 is movable selectively or simultaneously along first horizontal direction X and second vertical direction Z, conveniently based on the aforementioned position detection performed via the sensor system 18.
To this end, cap application device 14 is equipped with a pair of servomotors 20, which are mechanically and kinematically coupled with chute member 17 via respective transmission systems 21.
Preferably, servomotors 20 are arranged at second end 17b and drive a movement of such second end 17b, based on the signals received by control unit 19 from sensor system 18.
According to the non-limiting preferred embodiment shown, sensor system 18 includes a height sensor 22 configured to sequentially detect a position of each collar 5, preferably but not necessarily relative to application station A, along second direction Z and to generate a first signal correlated with each detected position.
According to the non-limiting preferred embodiment shown, sensor system 18 includes at least one transversal offset sensor 23 configured to sequentially detect a position of each collar 5, preferably but not necessarily relative to application station A, along first direction X and to generate a second signal correlated with each detected position.
Advantageously, control unit 19 is configured to control the movement of chute member 17 based on the received first signals and/or second signals.
In this way, feeding unit 16 is able to adapt to a deviance in positioning of collars 5 along first direction X and second direction Z.
In practice, while conveyor 15 advances packages 2 along path P, height sensor 22 detects the position of each collar 5 along the second direction Z and/or the at least one transversal offset sensor 23 detects the position of each collar 5 along the first direction X.
Then, control unit 19 uses the detected positions (by means of the received first signals and second signals) to adjust the release position of caps 6 on the respective collars 5 by controlling a movement of chute member 17. That is, the position of application station A is varied on the basis of the detected positions of the collars 5.
According to a preferred embodiment, and with reference to Figures 3 and 4, sensor system 18 comprises a pair of transversal offset sensors 23, whereby each one is an optical sensor configured to emit a beam.
In particular, a first sensor 23 of such pair is configured to emit a first beam B1 and a second sensor 23 of such pair is configured to emit a second beam B2.
As shown, the two sensors 23 are conveniently arranged so that each beam is incident with the beam of the other sensor, i.e. so that first beam B1 is incident with second beam B2 thereby defining an intersection point C at which the two beams B1, B2 intersect, in use.
Advantageously, the detection of the position of each collar 5 along the first direction X is performed by means of the successive intersection of the beams B1, B2 by such collar 5.
In detail, as schematically depicted in Figure 4, depending on the order and timing of intersection of the beams B1 and B2 by the collars 5, a transversal offset D may be defined between each collar 5 (for example between the center of each collar 5, or between path P) and intersection point C.
Such transversal offset D is expediently measured along first direction X. In particular, transversal offset D is calculated by triangulation or trigonometry. In fact, the advancement speed of collars 5 is known and predefined; then, depending on the moments when beams B1, B2 are intersected, one can derive offset D. In case advancement path P, or each collar 5, or preferably the center of each collar 5, exactly passes through intersection point C, beams B1 and B2 are intersected simultaneously. In the case illustrated in figure 4, beam B2 is intersected before beam B1; then, as a function of the time that passes from intersection of beam B2 till intersection of beam B1, one can derive offset D.
Hence, control unit 19 is configured to calculate the transversal offset D of each collar 5 with respect to intersection point C and along first direction X as a function of the successive intersection of the beams B1, B2 by the respective collar 5, and depending on the order of intersection of the beams B1, B2.
Accordingly, control unit 19 is configured to control a movement of chute member 17 as a function of the calculated transversal offset D, and in particular to compensate, i.e. to bring as close as possible to zero, the calculated transversal offset D.
In one embodiment, sensor system 18 is fixed to chute member 17 and is integrally movable with chute member 17.
That is, when control unit 19 controls servomotors 20 to drive a movement of chute member 17, sensor system 18 is moved together and integrally with chute member 17.
Thanks to this configuration, the reference point based on which the position of collars 5 is detected "follows" the movement of chute member 17, and therefore of application station A. In other words, the "zero" reference point of the sensor system 18 is continuously adapted to the new position in which chute member 17 is moved.
In this way, the need for a calibration of sensor system 18 is reduced or eliminated, which is especially advantageous in case of a format change, whereby a rather time-consuming repositioning of chute member 17, and therefore of application station A may be needed.
Alternatively, sensor system 18 may be fixed with respect to advancement path P. That is, when control unit 19 controls servomotors 20 to drive a movement of chute member 17, sensor system 18 remains fixed and does not follow such movement.
This configuration has the advantage of providing a leaner and more simple architecture of cap application device 14. Furthermore, the weight of chute member 17 is reduced, resulting in a better inertial behavior of chute member 17, which in some cases is preferable.
In one embodiment, sensor system 18 is configured to successively detect the position of each collar 5 and control unit 19 is configured to continuously control a movement of chute member 17 so as to adapt the release position of each cap 6 to the detected position of the respective collar 5 configured to receive such cap 6.
In other words, the adaptation of the release position is performed in real time cap-by-cap and package-by-package, thereby resulting in a very accurate application of caps 6 onto collars 5 for each package 2.
Furthermore, the discarded packages 2 are highly reduced, thereby leading to waste reduction and material savings.
In some embodiments, such a real-time adaptation may be complicated to implement, for example due to the high production speeds involved.
To this end, according to an alternative embodiment, sensor system 18 is configured to detect the positions of a first group of successive collars 5 and control unit 19 is configured to calculate a first average position of the collars 5 of said first group of collars 5 based on the detected positions thereof, and to control a movement of chute member 17 so as to adapt the position at which the caps 6 are released to the calculated first average position and so that said position at which the caps (6) are released corresponds to the calculated first average position.
For example, sensor system 18 may detect the position of a first group of successive collars 5 comprising a number of collars ranging roughly between 100 and 400. Control unit 19 calculates the first average position of such group of collars 5 and drives chute member 17, after each first group of collars 5 has passed, for adapting the releasing position of caps 6 to such calculated average position.
In this way, a macroscopic mispositioning can be compensated for, for each said first group of collars 5 (i.e. for example every 100, 200, 300... collars 5).
In one embodiment, sensor system 18 is configured to detect the positions of a second group of successive collars 5 having a number of collars 5 distinct from the aforementioned first group, and cyclically for a plurality of second groups of successive collars 5. Furthermore, control unit 19 is configured to calculate a second average position of each one of said second groups of collars 5 based on the detected positions thereof, and to control a movement of chute member 17 based on each calculated second average position and if the calculated second average position differs from a predetermined position of a value greater than a predetermined threshold value. In an embodiment, said predetermined position is defined by the position of the sensor system 18 (i.e. a zero position). So, in this embodiment, the control unit 19 controls a movement of the chute member 17 if the calculated second average position is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In another embodiment, said predetermined position is defined by the second average position calculated for the last previous second group of collars 5.
For example, sensor system 18 may detect the position of a second group of successive collars 5 comprising a number of collars 5 ranging roughly between 10 and 30. Control unit 19 calculates the second average position of such collars 5 and continuously drives chute member 17, after each second group of collars 5 has passed, for adapting the releasing position of caps 6 to such calculated second average position, but only if the detected second average position is different from the last calculated second average position of a value greater than the threshold value.
In this way, small errors, which are however larger than the predetermined threshold, can be compensated promptly and continuously.
In other words, in this case control unit 19 defines a positioning trend of collars 5 and adapts the position of the chute member 17 to such trend.
In one advantageous embodiment, control unit 19 is configured to perform both type of the aforementioned controls: in this way, small errors are compensated but also macro errors are periodically compensated for, since small errors which are within the threshold range may affect slowly but steadily the position of the collars 5.
As visible in Figure 6, cap application device 14 comprises a fixed support frame 24, which is preferably mounted on a general fixed frame (not shown) of capping apparatus 13 and of packaging machine 1.
Conveniently, chute member 17 is movably mounted to support frame 24 through a spherical joint 25.
In this way, the movement of chute member 17 with respect to support frame 24 is allowed, whereas still ensuring a stable coupling of chute member 17 with support frame 24.
Preferably, spherical joint 25 is located at second end 17b. That is, chute member 17 is mounted to support frame 24 at second end 17b and via spherical joint 25.
The Applicant has found this positioning of spherical joint 25 to provide the optimal compromise between freedom of movement for chute member 17 and stability and robustness of the coupling with support frame 24, also avoiding any too large misplacement between receiving station R and a known cap source.
From the foregoing, it is clear that the cap application device 14 according to the present disclosure allows for implementing a method for applying caps 6 onto sealed packages 2 containing a pourable product, the method comprising the steps of:

a) advancing a succession of packages 2 provided with pouring collars 5 along an advancement path P and through an application station A;
b) feeding a plurality of caps (6) towards the application station (A), at which the caps (6) are released and applied onto respective collars (5);
c) adjusting the position at which the caps (6) are released and applied onto respective collars (5).

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of:
d) detecting a position of each collar (5), prior to the step c) of adjusting;
Preferably, the step b) of feeding is carried out by means of a chute member (17). In such a case, the step c) of adjusting comprises moving the chute member (17) based on the detected positions of said collars (5) for automatically adjusting the release position of the caps (6) on the respective collars (5).
As explained, the feeding unit 16 is movable for automatically adjusting the position at which said caps 6 are released, and/or the position of the application station A, with respect to the advancement path P.
Alternatively, or additionally, the feeding unit 16 comprises at least one servomotor 20 arranged for automatically adjusting the position at which said caps 6 are released, and/or the position of the application station A, with respect to the advancement path P.
Thus, the servomotor 20 may serve as the means for accomplishing the automatic adjustment of the position at which the caps 6 are released.
The control unit 19 is arranged to control the servomotors 20 based on input from the sensor system 18, which may include proximity sensors, optical sensors, or other types suitable for detecting positions and movements.
The control unit 19 may an integrated system designed to manage and direct the operation of the servomotors 20, based on signals from the sensor system 18. This system typically includes a central processor that computes input data to generate appropriate motor commands, memory units for storing operational data and programs, and interface modules that facilitate communication across components. A power supply module provides and regulates power to ensure stable operation, and a feedback system utilizes input from the sensor system and servomotors to dynamically adjust motor control commands. An optional user interface enables user interactions for system configuration, monitoring, and manual control. This setup optimizes servomotor performance, translating sensor data into precise motor control with high efficiency and reliability.
Typically, any conventional, suitable setup with a control unit, servomotor, and sensor system may be used as the technical means for implementing the movements, movement adjustments, and other functions described herein.
As used herein, "automatically" refers to the performance of an action or process by a machine, system, or device without requiring human intervention or manual input.
The advantages of cap application device 14, and of the related method for applying caps 6 onto packages 2, according to the present disclosure will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, the release and therefore application position of caps 6 onto the respective collars 5 can be easily and automatically adapted to the actual detected positions of the collars 5.
Therefore, the precision and accuracy of the cap application onto the collars 5 is significantly improved, thereby resulting in a reduction of faulty and/or discarded packages 2.
Clearly, changes may be made to cap application device 14, and of the related method for applying caps 6 onto packages 2 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Cap application device (14) for a capping apparatus (13) of a packaging machine (1) configured to produce sealed packages (2) containing a pourable product and each provided with a respective pouring collar (5), the cap application device (14) being configured to apply caps (6) onto the respective collars (5) of such packages (2) and comprising:
- a conveyor (15) configured to advance a succession of packages (2) along an advancement path (P) for conveying each collar (5) through an application station (A);

- a feeding unit (16) configured to sequentially feed the caps (6) towards said application station (A), at which the caps (6) are released from the feeding unit (16) to be applied onto respective collars (5);
wherein the feeding unit (16) is movable for automatically adjusting the position at which said caps (6) are released, and/or the position of the application station (A), with respect to the advancement path (P).
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feeding unit (16) comprises a chute member (17) extending from a receiving station (R) for receiving the caps (6) to said application station (A) and configured to guide the caps (6) to said application station (A), at which the caps (6) are released by the chute member (17) on the respective collars (5);
and wherein the chute member (17) is configured to move with respect to the advancement path (P) for automatically adjusting the release position of the caps (6) on the respective collars (5).
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the chute member (17) is movable with respect to the advancement path (P) along a first direction (X) transversal, and in particular orthogonal, to the advancement path (P).
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the chute member (17) is movable with respect to the advancement path (P) along a second direction (Z) orthogonal to the advancement path (P) and transversal, and in particular orthogonal, to the first direction (X) .
Cap application device (14) as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, and comprising:
- a sensor system (18) configured to sequentially detect a position of the collars (5) and to generate signals correlated to the detected positions; and

- a control unit (19) configured to receive said signals and to control the movement of said chute member (17) based on the received signals and so that the release position of the caps (6), and/or the position of the application station (A), is adapted to the detected positions.
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor system (18) includes at least one transversal offset sensor (23) configured to sequentially detect a position of each collar (5) along a first direction (X) horizontal and transversal with respect to said advancement path (P) and to generate a first signal correlated with each detected position;
and wherein the control unit (19) is configured to control the movement of said chute member (17) based on the received first signals.
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the sensor system (18) includes a height sensor (22) configured to sequentially detect a position of each collar (5) along a second direction (Z) vertical with respect to the advancement path (P) and to generate a second signal correlated with each detected position;
and wherein the control unit (19) is configured to control the movement of said chute member (17) based on the received second signals.
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sensor system (18) comprises a pair of said transversal offset sensors (23), each one being an optical sensor configured to emit a beam (B1, B2) incident with the beam (B2, B1) of the other sensor so as to define an intersection point (C) at which the two beams (B1, B2) intersect, in use;
wherein the control unit (19) is configured to calculate a transversal offset (D) of each collar (5) with respect to said intersection point (C) and along said first direction (X) by means of the successive intersection of the beams (B1, B2) by the respective collar (5);

and wherein the control unit (19) is configured to control a movement of the chute member (17) as a function of said calculated transversal offset (D).
Cap application device (14) as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the sensor system (18) is fixed to said chute member (17) and is integrally movable with said chute member (17).
Cap application device (14) as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 9, wherein the sensor system (18) is configured to successively detect the position of each collar (5), and wherein the control unit (19) is configured to continuously control a movement of the chute member (17) so as to adapt the release position of each cap (6) to the detected position of the respective collar (5) configured to receive such cap (6).
Cap application device (14) as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 9, wherein the sensor system (18) is configured to detect the positions of a first group of successive collars (5);
and wherein the control unit (19) is configured to calculate a first average position of the collars (5) of said first group of collars (5) based on the detected positions thereof, and to control a movement of the chute member (17) so as to adapt said position at which the caps (6) are released to the calculated first average position of the first group and so that said position at which the caps (6) are released corresponds to the calculated first average position.
Cap application device (14) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sensor system (18) is configured to detect the positions of a second group of successive collars having a number of collars (5) distinct from said first group, and cyclically for a plurality of second groups of successive collars (5);
wherein the control unit (19) is configured to calculate a second average position of the collars (5) of said second groups of collars (5) based on the detected positions thereof, and to control a movement of the chute member (17) based on each calculated second average position and if the calculated second average position differs from a predetermined position of a value greater than a predetermined threshold value.
Cap application device (14) as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 12, wherein the sensor system (18) is configured to detect said positions of the collars (5) upstream of the application station (A).
Cap application device as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 13, and comprising a fixed support frame (24), the chute member (17) being movably mounted to the support frame (24) through a spherical joint (25) .
Capping apparatus (13) for securing caps (6) onto pouring collars (5) of sealed packages (2) containing a pourable product, the capping apparatus (13) comprising:
- a cap application device (14) as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims and configured to apply caps (6) onto the collars (5) of the packages (2);

- a cap securing device arranged downstream of said application station (A) and configured to secure each cap (6) to the respective collar (5).
Packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) containing a pourable product and each provided with a pouring collar (5), the packaging machine (1) comprising:
- a package forming apparatus for forming and sealing the packages (2) starting from a web (4) of packaging material;

- a capping apparatus (13) as claimed in claim 14.
Method for applying caps (6) onto sealed packages (2) containing a pourable product, the method comprising the steps of:
a) advancing a succession of packages (2) provided each with a pouring collar (5) along an advancement path (P) and through an application station (A);

b) feeding a plurality of caps (6) towards the application station (A), at which the caps (6) are released and applied onto respective collars (5);

c) adjusting the position at which the caps (6) are released and applied onto respective collars (5).
Method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step b) of feeding is carried out by means of a chute member (17);
wherein the method further comprises the step of:
d) detecting a position of each collar (5), prior to the step c) of adjusting;

and wherein the step c) of adjusting comprises moving the chute member (17) based on the detected positions of said collars (5) for automatically adjusting the release position of the caps (6) on the respective collars (5).