EP4656534A1

EP4656534A1 - Infeed conveyor for a folding apparatus, folding apparatus having an infeed conveyor and packaging machine having a folding apparatus for forming finalized packages from semi-finalized packs

Info

Publication number: EP4656534A1
Application number: EP25178249.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Catellani; Giorgio Mattioli
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-05-27
Filing date: 2025-05-22
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: WO2025247748A1

Abstract

There is described an infeed conveyor (24) for a folding apparatus (16), the infeed conveyor (42) comprising a main conveying device (36) configured to advance semi-finalized packs (5) along a main conveying path (S) and an auxiliary conveying device (37) configured to interact with the semi-finalized packs (5) along an end portion (S1) of the main conveying path (S). The auxiliary conveying device (37) comprises a plurality of interaction elements (38) configured to interact with the semi-finalized packs (5) for controlling an advancement speed of the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement along the end portion (S1) and an advancement group (39) configured to advance the interaction elements (38) along one or more respective auxiliary paths (T). Each interaction element (38) forms together with another interaction element (38) a respective pair (46) of interaction elements (38), the interaction elements (38) of each pair (46) of interaction elements (38) being configured to clamp one respective flap (9) of a respective semi-finalized pack (5) between one another when advancing along the respective interaction portion (T1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an infeed conveyor for a folding apparatus for forming finalized packages of a pourable product from semi-finalized packs of the pourable product.
Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a folding apparatus for forming finalized packages of a pourable product from semi-finalized packs of the pourable product having an infeed conveyor.
Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, into finalized packages and having a folding apparatus for forming semi-finalized packs into the finalized packages.

BACKGROUND ART

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.
A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and/or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, 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.
There are known packaging machines that advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material and into an isolation chamber in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material within the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, the tube being further fed along an (vertical) advancing direction. In order to complete 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 during advancement along the advancing direction. Pillow packs are so obtained. These pillow packs define sealed semi-finalized packs having each a central main body, two sealing fins resulting from transversally sealing and cutting the tube and protruding from the respective central main body and a plurality of flaps laterally protruding from the central main body. In order to obtain the finalized packages, the pillow packs are further formed and the sealing fins and the flaps are folded and sealed onto the respective central main bodies.
A typical packaging machine of this type comprises:

a forming apparatus configured to form the semi-finalized packs being filled with the pourable product; and
a folding apparatus configured to receive the semi-finalized packs from the forming apparatus and to form the finalized packages from the semi-finalized packs.

There is known a type of folding apparatus that comprises an infeed conveyor configured to receive the semi-finalized packs from the forming apparatus and to feed the semi-finalized packs to a folding unit of the folding apparatus, the folding unit being configured to form the semi-finalized packs into the finalized packages.
The folding unit comprises a plurality of retaining pockets configured to retain the semi-finalized packs and a conveying device configured to advance the retaining pockets along an endless path and through a receiving station, at which the semi-finalized packs are fed into the retaining pockets, and a release station, at which the finalized packages are released. The retaining pockets are defined by plates, which are advanced along the endless path. The inlet conveyor is configured to feed the semi-finalized packs into the retaining pockets.
Even though the known folding apparatuses work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the known folding apparatuses.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved infeed conveyor for a folding apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved folding apparatus having an infeed conveyor.
It is an even further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.
According to the present invention, there is provided an infeed conveyor according to the independent claim.
Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a folding apparatus according to claims 13 or 14.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 15.

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 view of a packaging machine having a folding apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the transformation of a semi-finalized pack into a finalized package, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 3 is a lateral view of parts of the folding apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 4 is a lateral view of a detail of the folding apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figures 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views of a portion of the detail of Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing finalized packages 2, preferentially sealed finalized packages 2, of a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, emulsions, beverages with pulp, salt, sugar and the like.
Preferentially, finalized packages 2 are formed from a multilayer packaging material. Even more preferentially, finalized packages 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.
More specifically, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the respective inner face of finalized packages 2 eventually contacting the pourable product.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, 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. Preferentially, the multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, 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.
In more detail, each finalized package 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis, and preferentially may have a longitudinal seam portion (extending along the respective longitudinal axis) and a pair of transversal sealing fins, preferentially a transversal top sealing fin and a transversal bottom sealing fin.
Preferentially, each finalized package 2 may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.
Furthermore, each finalized package 2 may comprise at least a first end portion and a second end portion arranged at opposite sides of finalized package 2 and an intermediate portion interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. Preferentially, each first end portion may define a bottom of the respective finalized package 2 and each second end portion may define a top of the respective finalized package 2.
In further detail, each first end portion and each second end portion may comprise at least one respective transversal wall (being transversal to the respective longitudinal axis of the respective finalized package 2).
Preferentially, each intermediate portion may comprise and/or define a side wall, e.g. formed from a plurality of interconnected side wall portions, extending between the respective transversal walls.
More specifically, the respective transversal wall of each first end portion may define a bottom wall and the respective transversal wall of each second end portion may define a top wall. Preferentially, the bottom wall may have a support surface adapted to be placed on a (horizontal) plane, such as e.g. a shelf within a distribution point, and the top wall may be opposite to the bottom wall.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each finalized package 2 may also comprise an opening device, such as a closure or a lid.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each opening device may be applied to the respective multilayer packaging material, preferentially web of packaging material 3, or onto semi-finalized packs 5 (which will be described in more detail in the following) or onto finalized packages 2.
Preferentially, each opening device may be provided on the respective second end portion, preferentially the respective transversal wall defining the respective top wall.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce (sealed) semi-finalized packs 5, such as e.g. pillow packs, being filled with the pourable product and to further treat and/or manipulate and/or form semi-finalized packs 5 for obtaining finalized packages 2.
With particular reference to Figure 2, each semi-finalized pack 5 may extend along a respective longitudinal axis A, and preferentially may comprise a longitudinal sealing band 6 (extending along and/or being parallel to longitudinal axis A).
Each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise a central main body 8, one or more flaps 9 protruding away, preferentially laterally protruding away, from the respective central main body 8 and one or more transversal sealing fins 10, preferentially transversal to longitudinal axis A.
In further detail, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 may be arranged at a respective end portion of the respective semi-finalized pack 5. In even further detail, each sealing fin 10 and each flap 9 may result from transversally sealing the respective semi-finalized pack 5.
Preferentially, each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise at least two transversal sealing fins 10, preferentially transversal to longitudinal axis A, and two pairs of flaps 9, each pair being associated with one respective sealing fin 10.
In particular, each flap 9 carries a section of the respective sealing fin 10.
More specifically, each pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 are arranged at a respective end portion of the respective semi-finalized pack 5.
Even more specifically, one pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 are arranged at a first end portion 11 of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 and the other pair of flaps 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 are arranged at a second end portion 12 of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 opposite to the respective first end portion 11.
Moreover, each sealing fin 10 may define a respective transversal sealing fin of the respective finalized package 2 (obtained from the respective semi-finalized pack 5).
Additionally, each sealing fin 10 may protrude from the respective central main body 8 along a direction parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A.
Each longitudinal sealing band 6 may define a corresponding longitudinal seam portion of the respective finalized package 2 (obtained from the respective semi-finalized pack 5).
With particular reference to Figure 2, each end portion, in particular each first end portion 11 and each second end portion 12, may taper from the respective central main body 8 to and/or into the respective sealing fin 10 and the respective flaps 9.
Preferentially, each flap 9 and the respective sealing fin 10 are connected to one another.
In further detail, each semi-finalized pack 5 may comprise the respective first end portion 11, the respective second end portion 12 and an intermediate portion interposed between first end portion 11 and second end portion 12.
With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 may comprise at least:

a forming apparatus 15 configured to form and/or obtain semi-finalized packs 5 of the pourable product, preferentially from the multilayer packaging material, even more preferentially from web of packaging material 3; and
a folding apparatus 16 configured to receive the semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to form finalized packages 2 of the pourable product from semi-finalized packs 5.

In more detail, forming apparatus 15 may comprise:

an isolation chamber 17 configured to separate an inner (sterile) environment from an outer (hostile) environment;
a conveying device 18 configured to advance web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station at which web of packaging material 3 is formed, in use, into a tube 19 and for advancing tube 19 along a tube advancement path Q;
a tube forming and sealing device 20 at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 17 and configured to form and longitudinally seal tube 19 at the tube forming station within isolation chamber 17;
a filling device 21 for filling tube 19 with the pourable product; and
a pack forming unit configured to at least form and transversally seal tube 19, preferentially to also transversally cut tube 19, preferentially during advancement of tube 19 along tube advancement path Q, for obtaining and/or producing semi-finalized packs 5.

Preferentially, each sealing fin 10 may result from transversally sealing and cutting tube 19.
Preferentially, the pack forming unit may be arranged downstream of isolation chamber 17 and tube forming and sealing device 20 along tube advancement path Q.
Moreover, tube 19 may extend along a longitudinal axis, preferentially having a vertical orientation.
Furthermore, packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion of web of packaging material 3 at a sterilization station arranged upstream of the tube forming station along web advancement path P.
In more detail, filling device 21 may comprise at least a filling pipe 22 being in fluid connection or being controllable to be in fluid connection with a pourable product storage tank (not shown and known as such) and being, in use, partially placed within tube 19 for feeding the pourable product into the, in use, advancing tube 19.
According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the pack forming unit may comprise:

a plurality of pairs of at least one operative assembly (not shown and known as such) and at least one respective counter-operative assembly (not shown and known as such); and
a conveying unit (not shown and known as such) configured to advance the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies along respective conveying paths.

More specifically, each operative assembly may be configured to cooperate, in use, with the respective counter-operative assembly of the respective pair for forming, transversally sealing, and preferentially also transversally cutting, tube 19 for obtaining one respective semi-finalized pack 5, in particular when, in use, advancing along a respective operative portion of the respective conveying path.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, folding apparatus 16 is configured to form finalized packages 2 from the respective semi-finalized packs 5.
Advantageously, folding apparatus 16 is, more specifically also forming apparatus 15 is, arranged on and/or arrangeable on a support surface, in particular a horizontal support surface.
The support surface can be a floor of a production hall and/or a base structure placed within a production hall may comprise the support surface.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 7, folding apparatus 16 comprises:

a folding unit 23 configured to form finalized packages 2 from semi-finalized packs 5; and
an infeed conveyor 24 configured to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 23.

In more detail, infeed conveyor 24 is interposed between forming apparatus 15 and folding unit 23. In particular, infeed conveyor 24 is configured to receive semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 23.
With particular reference to Figures 1, 3 and 4, folding unit 23 comprises:

a plurality of retaining pockets 30 configured to receive one respective semi-finalized pack 5 at a time; and
a conveying device 31 configured to advance retaining pockets 30 along an endless path R and through a receiving station 32 at which each semi-finalized pack 5 is fed into one respective retaining pocket 30 and a release station 33 at which each finalized package 2 is released from the respective retaining pocket 30; and
a manipulation assembly 34 configured to execute, in use, a plurality of manipulation steps on semi-finalized packs 5 advancing, in use, within the respective retaining pockets 30 and between receiving station 32 and release station 33 so as to form finalized packages 2 from semi-finalized packs 5.

More specifically, finalized packages 2 are formed from semi-finalized packs 5 by interaction of manipulation assembly 34 with semi-finalized packs 5 while semi-finalized packs 5 advance, in use, between receiving station 32 and release station 33 and through manipulation assembly 34.
In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance together with the respective retaining pockets 30 from receiving station 32 to release station 33.
Advantageously, infeed conveyor 24 is configured to feed semi-finalized packs 5 in folding unit 23, in particular into retaining pockets 30, at receiving station 32.
Moreover, folding apparatus 16 may also comprise an outfeed conveyor 35 configured to receive finalized packages 2 at release station 33, and more specifically being configured to advance finalized packages 2 along a further path and towards secondary packaging apparatuses such as palletizers, wrappers, or the like.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 7, infeed conveyor 24 comprises:

a main conveying device 36 configured to advance semi-finalized packs 5 along at least a portion of a main conveying path S, in particular a linear main conveying path S; and
an auxiliary conveying device 37 configured to interact with semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along an end portion S1, in particular a linear end portion S1, of main conveying path S.

Auxiliary conveying device 37 is configured to control, in particular to selectively control, an advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along end portion S1.
More specifically, auxiliary conveying device 37 may be configured to control a speed profile and/or one or more deceleration steps and/or one or more acceleration steps of semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along end portion S1. In particular, the speed profile may define the one or more deceleration steps and/or the one or more acceleration steps.
In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance along end portion S1 prior to being fed to folding unit 23, in particular prior to being fed into retaining pockets 30.
Furthermore, semi-finalized packs 5 are, in use, fed into retaining pockets 30 at receiving station 32 while advancing along end portion S1.
Moreover, auxiliary conveying device 37 is configured to control the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along end portion S1 so as to control feeding of semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 23, in particular into retaining pockets 30.
Advantageously, main conveying device 36 is configured to advance semi-finalized packs 5 at a base speed, in particular a constant base speed. Moreover, auxiliary advancement device 37 is configured to selectively modify the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 from the base speed, i.e. to advance semi-finalized packages 5 with an advancement speed that is different from the base speed.
Under certain working conditions, auxiliary advancement device 37 is configured to advance semi-finalized packs 5 at an advancement speed being smaller than the base speed.
Under other working conditions, auxiliary advancement device 37 is configured to advance semi-finalized packs 5 at an advancement speed being larger than the base speed.
In particular, auxiliary advancement device 37 is configured to control advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along end portion S1.
Advantageously, end portion S1 is designed such that only one semi-finalized pack 5 at a time advances along end portion S1. In other words, auxiliary conveying device 37 is configured to interact with a single semi-finalized pack 5 at a time.
Additionally, main conveying device 36 is configured to advance a plurality of semi-finalized packs 5 along at least the portion of main advancement path S, the plurality of semi-finalized packs 5 being successively arranged along main advancement path S and being spaced apart from one another.
In more detail, auxiliary conveying device 37 comprises:

interaction elements 38 configured to interact with semi-finalized packs 5 for controlling the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement along end portion S1; and
an advancement group 39 configured to advance interaction elements 38 along respective auxiliary paths T.

In particular, auxiliary conveying device 37 comprises a first group 40 of interaction elements 38 and a second group 41 of interaction elements 39.
In particular, interaction elements 38 of first group 40 and interaction elements 38 of second group 41 are configured to interact with semi-finalized packs 5 on opposite lateral sides thereof.
More specifically, interaction elements 38 of first group 40 and interaction elements 38 of second group 41 are spaced apart from one another, in particular along a direction D transversal, in particular perpendicular, to an advancement direction of semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along end portion S1.
In particular, interaction elements 38 of first group 40 and interaction elements 38 of second group 41 are spaced apart such that semi-finalized packs 5 are interposed between interaction elements 38 of first group 40 and interaction elements 38 of second group 41.
Advantageously, advancement group 39 is configured to advance interaction elements 38 of first group 40 and interaction elements 38 of second group 41 along two different respective auxiliary paths T, in particular respective endless auxiliary paths T.
Advantageously, each auxiliary path T comprises an interaction portion T1 and interaction elements 38 are configured to interact with semi-finalized packs 5 while advancing along interaction portion T1, and in particular such to control the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5. In particular, each interaction portion T1 is parallel to end portion S1.
Advantageously, advancement group 39 is configured to control a conveying speed of interaction elements 38 so that the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 is controlled.
In further detail and with particular reference to Figures 4 to 7, advancement group 39 comprises a first belt 42 carrying interaction elements 38 of first group 40 and a second belt 43 carrying interaction elements 38 of second group 41.
Additionally, first belt 42 and second belt 43 are spaced apart from one another.
Each one of first belt 42 and second belt 43 is configured to advance the respective interaction elements 38 of, respectively, first group 40 and second group 41 along the respective auxiliary path T, in particular by moving along a respective endless path.
In particular, advancement group 39 is configured to advance first belt 42 and second belt 43 at a same speed.
Moreover, advancement group 39 comprises for each of first belt 42 and second belt 43 a respective plurality of pulleys 44. Each first belt 42 and second belt 43 is wound about the respective pulleys 44.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 7, auxiliary conveying device 37, in particular advancement group 39, comprises at least one actuation device 45, in particular an electrical motor, configured to control advancement of interaction elements 38.
According to the example shown, advancement group 39 comprises a single actuation device 45. In particular actuation device 45 is coupled to both, first belt 42 and second belt 43, and is configured to actuate movement of first belt 42 and second belt 43 along the respective endless paths.
In particular, actuation device 45 is coupled to one of the respective pulleys 44 associated with first belt 42 and one of the respective pulleys 44 associated with second belt 43.
Alternatively, advancement group 39 may comprise two actuation devices 45, one coupled to first belt 41 and the other one coupled to second belt 42.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 7, each interaction element 38 forms together with another interaction element 38 a respective pair 46 of interaction elements 38. Each pair 46 of interaction elements 38 is configured to clamp one respective flap 9, in particular one respective flap 9 protruding from first end portion 11, between one another when advancing, in use, along the respective interaction portion T1. In particular, each first end portion 11 is arranged downstream of the respective second end portion 12 with the respective semi-finalized pack 5 advancing along main advancement path S. In other words, when semi-finalized packs 5 advance along main advancement path S, the respective second end portions 12 define leading portions of semi-finalized packs 5 and the respective first end portions 11 define trailing portions of semi-finalized packs 5.
In particular, pairs 46 of interaction elements 38 are spaced apart from one another along first belt 42 and second belt 43.
Auxiliary conveying device 37, in particular advancement group 39 is configured to control advancement of each pair 46 of interaction elements 38 so as to control the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5.
In further detail, one interaction element 38 of each pair 46 of interaction elements 38 is arranged upstream of the other interaction element 38 of the respective pair 46 along the respective auxiliary path T.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 4 to 7, main conveying device 36 comprises:

a guide structure 50 carrying semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement along main advancement path S;
a plurality of pushing elements 51 configured to push semi-finalized packs 5 along main advancement path S; and
a main conveyor 52 configured to advance pushing elements 51 along a main path U, in particular an endless main path U, having a pushing portion U1 so that pushing elements 51 push, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 along the main advancement path S when pushing elements 51 advance along pushing portion U1.

In more detail, guide structure 50 comprises two spaced apart guides 53, in particular linear guides 53, configured to carry semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement along main advancement path S.
In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 are received on and slide along guides 53 when advancing along main advancement path S.
In further detail, guides 53 define a space 54 interposed between guides 53.
Moreover, in use, pushing elements 51 are interposed between guides 53 and/or are configured to advance within space 54 when advancing along pushing portion U1.
In further detail, main conveyor 52 comprises a belt 55 carrying pushing elements 51 and an actuation device 56, in particular an electrical motor, configured to advance belt 55 (along a respective endless path) for advancing pushing elements 51 along main path U.
In particular, pushing elements 51 are spaced apart from one another along belt 55.
In particular, each pushing element 51 is configured to interact with a single semi-finalized pack 5 during advancement along pushing portion U1.
Moreover, main conveyor 52 comprises a plurality of pulleys 57, belt 55 being wound about pulleys 57.
Preferentially, actuation device 56 is coupled to one of pulleys 57 and is configured to actuate pulley 57 for moving belt 55.
Advantageously, each one of main conveying device 36 and auxiliary conveying device 37 comprises, respectively, the corresponding dedicated actuation device 56 and actuation device 45 for respectively controlling advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along main conveying path S (the base speed of semi-finalized packs 5 advancing along main conveying path S) and the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 advancing along end portion S1.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, conveying device 31 is arranged such that endless path R comprises a main portion R1 extending between receiving station 32 and release station 33, in particular from receiving station 32 to release station 33. Thus, manipulation assembly 34 is configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along main portion R1.
Additionally, main portion R1 comprises a first operative section R1a, a second operative section R1b and a connecting section R1c, in particular a curved connecting section R1c, connecting first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b with one another.
More specifically, first operative section R1a may extend from receiving station 32 to connecting section R1c and second operative section R1b may extend from connecting section R1c to release station 33.
In particular, second operative section R1b is arranged downstream of first operative section R1a along endless path R.
Moreover, endless path R may also comprise a return portion R2, in particular a curved return portion R2, connecting second operative section R1b with first operative section R1a. In particular, in use, retaining pockets 30 are empty when moving along return portion R2 and are ready to receive a new semi-finalized pack 5.
In particular, return portion R2 extends from release station 33 to receiving station 32.
Preferentially, endless path R has an oval-like shape.
Preferentially but not necessarily, at least parts of first operative section R1a and of second operative section R1b have a rectilinear shape. More preferentially, first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b are rectilinear.
Advantageously, at the interface between first operative section R1a and connecting section R1c and at the interface between second operative section R1b and connecting section R1c there are changes in the curvature of endless path R.
With particular reference to Figures 1, 3 and 4, each retaining pocket 30 is defined by a couple of plates 59 delimiting a retaining space of the respective retaining pocket 30 for housing semi-finalized packs 5 and packages 2.
In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 and/or finalized packages 2 are positioned within the respective retaining spaces during advancement between receiving station 32 and release station 33.
Advantageously, plates 59 are coupled to conveying device 31.
Moreover, conveying device 31 is configured to advance plates 59 along endless path R so as to advance retaining pockets 30 (and therewith also the retaining spaces) along endless path R.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, manipulation assembly 34 is configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 when, in use, advancing along first operative section R1a and when, in use, advancing along second operative section R1b.
Advantageously, manipulation assembly 34 is configured not to actively manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 when, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance along connection section R1c.
More specifically, manipulation assembly 34 is configured to execute at least one manipulation step on semi-finalized packs 5 when, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance along first operative section R1a and to execute at least another manipulation step on semi-finalized packs 5 when, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance along second operative section R1b.
In further detail, manipulation assembly 34comprises a plurality of manipulation devices, each one configured to execute, in use, at least one respective manipulation step on semi-finalized packs 5 at a respective manipulation station.
At least one manipulation station is arranged along first operative section R1a and at least one manipulation station is arranged along second operative section R1b.
In particular, manipulation assembly 34 comprises at least:

one, more specifically at least two, even more specifically exactly two, folding devices, each one configured to partially fold respective sealing fins 10 of each semi-finalized pack 5 from a respective unfolded position in which each sealing fin 10 protrudes from the respective central main body 8 to a partially folded position in which the sealing fin 10 is folded towards and/or onto the respective central main body 8 and/or to partially fold each respective flap 9 of each semi-finalized pack 5 from a respective non-folded position in which each flap 9 protrudes away from the respective central main body 8 to a respective partially bent position in which the flap 9 is folded towards the respective central main body 8; and
a bonding device configured to bond flaps 9 onto the respective central main bodies 8.

Additionally, each folding device and bonding device comprises a respective manipulation device, in particular being configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 at a respective manipulation station.
In more detail, each folding device is arranged such to partially fold the respective flaps 9 and/or the respective sealing fin 10 while the respective semi-finalized pack 5 advances, in use, along first operative section R1a.
More specifically, a first folding device is configured to partially fold the respective pair of flaps 9 and/or the respective sealing fin 10 protruding from the respective first end portion 11.
Moreover, a second folding device is configured to partially fold the respective pair of flaps 9 and/or the respective sealing fin 10 protruding from the respective second end portion 12.
Moreover, the bonding device is configured to bond flaps 9 onto the respective central main body 8 while the respective semi-finalized pack 5 advances, in use, along second operative section R1b.
Preferentially but not necessarily, folding apparatus 16, in particular folding unit 23, also comprises one or more retaining structures at least partially arranged along connecting section R1c and configured to maintain flaps 9 and/or sealing fins 10 in, respectively, the respective partially bent position and the respective partially folded position during advancement of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 along connecting section R1c.
In particular, the retaining structures do not have any active manipulative role on semi-finalized packs 5 but a substantially passive role by maintaining the position of flaps 9 and/or sealing fins 10 as defined by the respective folding device (i.e. the respective first folding device and the respective second folding device).
It is then the bonding device which guarantees that flaps 9 are arranged in finally folded positions in which flaps 9 are attached to the intermediate portion of the respective finalized package 2 and/or sealing fins 10 are arranged in finally bent positions in which sealing fins 10 extend along the respective first end portion 11 and/or the respective second end portion 12 and/or the intermediate portion of the respective finalized package 2.
In more detail, the bonding device comprises a heating unit configured to heat flaps 9 and a pressing unit configured to press the heated flaps 9 onto the respective central main bodies 8.
Advantageously, conveying device 31 comprises a conveyor chain carrying plates 59 and an actuation device configured to advance the conveyor chain along a further endless path (parallel to endless path R), so as to advance retaining pockets 30 along endless path R.
Additionally, conveying device 31 comprises two gear wheels spaced apart from one another. The conveying chain is arranged about the two gear wheels and the actuation device is connected to at least one gear wheel and is configured to acuate a rotation of the at least one gear wheel, thereby also actuating advancement of the conveying chain.
In use, packaging machine 1 forms finalized packages 2 filled with the pourable product.
In particular, the method for forming finalized packages 2 comprises the main steps of:

forming semi-finalized packs 5, in particular by operation of forming apparatus 15; and
folding semi-finalized packs 5 into finalized packages 2, in particular by operation of folding apparatus 16.

In more detail, the main step of forming semi-finalized packs 5, comprises at least the steps of:

advancing web of packaging material 3 along advancement path P, in particular by operation of conveying device 18;
folding web of packaging material 3 into tube 19, in particular within isolation chamber 17, in particular by operation of tube forming and sealing device 20;
longitudinally sealing tube 19, in particular within isolation chamber 17, in particular by operation of tube forming and sealing device 20;
filling tube 19 with the pourable product, in particular by operation of filling device 21, more in particular filing pipe 22;
advancing tube 19 along tube advancement path Q, in particular by operation of conveying device 18 and/or the pack forming unit; and
obtaining semi-finalized packs 5 from tube 19 by forming, transversally sealing and transversally cutting tube 19, in particular by operation of the pack forming unit, during advancement of tube 19 along tube advancement path Q.

Moreover, the step of forming may also comprise the step of sterilizing web of packaging material 3 at the sterilization station.
In more detail, the step of folding semi-finalized packs 5 comprises the sub-step of feeding semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 23, in particular into retaining pockets 30 at receiving station 32.
In particular, during the sub-step of feeding, semi-finalized packs 5 are advanced by main conveying device 36 along main advancement path S and while semi-finalized packs 5 advance along end portion S1, auxiliary advancement device 37 controls the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5.
In further detail, during the sub-step of feeding, the conveying speed of interaction elements 38 interacting with semi-finalized packs 5 is controlled so as to control the advancement speed of semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement along end portion S1.
In further detail, only one semi-finalized pack 5 at a time advances along end portion S1 so that interaction elements 38 interact with only one semi-finalized packs 5 at a time.
Additionally, the step of folding semi-finalized packs 5 comprises the sub-steps of:

advancing retaining pockets 30 (by advancing the respective plates 59) along the endless path R through receiving station 32 and release station 33, in particular by operation of conveying device 31, thereby advancing semi-finalized packs 5 along main portion R1; and
manipulating semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 along first operative section R1a and second operative section R1b, in particular by operation of manipulation assembly 34.

During the sub-step of manipulating at least one manipulation step is executed on semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along first operative section R1a and at least another manipulation step is executed on semi-finalized packs 5 when advancing along second operative section R41b.
In particular, during the sub-step of manipulating, flaps 9 and/or sealing fins 10 are partially folded by operation of the respective folding device while the respective semi-finalized packs 5 advance along first operative section R1a and flaps 9 are bond onto the respective central main bodies 8 during advancement of the respective semi-finalized packs 5 along second operative section R1b.
While semi-finalized packs 5 advance along connecting section R1c, flaps 9 and/or sealing fins 10 are maintained in, respectively, the respective partially bent position and the respective partially folded position.
The advantages of infeed conveyor 24 and/or folding apparatus 16 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, infeed conveyor 24 allows a gentle feeding of semi-finalized packs 5 to folding unit 23, in particular into retaining pockets 30.
Clearly, changes may be made to infeed conveyor 24 and/or folding apparatus 16 and/or packaging machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Infeed conveyor (24) for a folding apparatus (16) configured to form finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5), each semi-finalized pack (5) having a central main body (8) and a plurality of flaps (9) protruding from the central main body (8);
wherein the infeed conveyor (24) comprises:
- a main conveying device (36) configured to advance the semi-finalized packs (5) along at least a portion of a main conveying path (S); and

- an auxiliary conveying device (37) configured to interact with the semi-finalized packs (5) along an end portion (S1) of the main conveying path (S);

wherein the auxiliary conveying device (37) comprises:
- a plurality of interaction elements (38) configured to interact with the semi-finalized packs (5) for controlling an advancement speed of the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement along the end portion (S1); and

- an advancement group (39) configured to advance the interaction elements (38) along one or more respective auxiliary paths (T);

wherein each auxiliary path (T) comprises an interaction portion (T1) and the interaction elements (38) are configured to interact with the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement of the semi-finalized packs (5) along the interaction portion (T1);

wherein each interaction element (38) forms together with another interaction element (38) a respective pair (46) of interaction elements (38);

wherein the interaction elements (38) of each pair (46) of interaction elements (38) are configured to clamp one respective flap (9) between one another when advancing along the respective interaction portion (T1);

wherein the auxiliary conveying device (37) is configured to control advancement of each pair (46) of interaction elements (38) so as to control the advancement speed of the semi-finalized packs (5).
Infeed conveyor according to claim 1, wherein each one of the main conveying device (36) and the auxiliary conveying device (37) comprises at least one respective dedicated actuation device (56, 45) for respectively controlling advancement of the semi-finalized packs (5) along at least the portion of the main conveying path (S) and the advancement speed of the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement of the semi-finalized packs (5) along the end portion (S1).
Infeed conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary conveying device (37) is configured to control a speed profile and/or is configured to control one or more deceleration steps and/or one or more acceleration steps of the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement of the semi-finalized packs (5) along the end portion (S1).
Infeed conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each interaction portion (T1) is parallel to the end portion (S1).
Infeed conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary conveying device (37) comprises a first group (40) of interaction elements (38) and a second group (41) of interaction elements (38);
wherein the interaction elements (38) of the first group (40) and the interaction elements (38) of the second group (41) are spaced apart from one another along a direction (D) transversal to an advancement direction of the semi-finalized packs (5) when advancing along the end portion (S1).
Infeed conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the advancement group (39) comprises a first belt (42) carrying a first group (40) of interaction elements (38) and a second belt (43) carrying a second group (41) of interaction elements (38);
wherein the first belt (42) and the second belt (43) are spaced apart from one another;

wherein each one of the first belt (42) and the second belt (43) are configured to advance the respective interaction elements (38) of, respectively, the first group (40) and the second group (41) along the respective auxiliary path (T).
Infeed conveyor according to claim 6, wherein the advancement group (39) comprises for each of the first belt (42) and the second belt (43) a respective plurality of pulleys (44);
wherein the first belt (42) and the second belt (43) are wound about the respective pulleys (44).
Infeed conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one interaction element (38) of each pair (46) of interaction elements (38) is arranged upstream of the other interaction element (38) of the respective pair (46) of interaction elements (38) along the respective auxiliary path (T).
Infeed conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each semi-finalized pack (5) comprises a first end portion (11) and a second end portion (12);
wherein at least two flaps (9) protrude from opposite lateral sides of the first end portion (11);

wherein, in use, each first end portion (11) is arranged downstream of the respective second end portion (12) during advancement of the respective semi-finalized pack (5) along the main advancement path (S);

wherein, in use, two pairs (46) of interaction elements (38) are configured to each clamp one respective flap (9) between the interaction elements (38) of the respective pair (46) of interaction elements (38);

wherein the auxiliary advancement device (37) is configured to simultaneously advance the two pairs (46) of interaction elements (38).
Infeed conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main conveying device (36) comprises:
- a guide structure (50) carrying the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement along the main advancement path (S);

- a plurality of pushing elements (51) configured to push the semi-finalized packs (5) along the main advancement path (S); and

- a main conveyor (52) configured to advance the pushing elements (51) along a main path (U) having a pushing portion (U1) so that the pushing elements (51) push, in use, the semi-finalized packs (5) along the main advancement path (S) when the pushing elements (51) advance along the pushing portion (U1).
Infeed conveyor according to claim 10, wherein the guide structure (50) comprises two spaced apart guides (53) and the pushing elements (51) are configured to advance within a space (54) defined between the guides (53) and/or are interposed between guides (53) when advancing along the pushing portion (U1).
Infeed conveyor according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the main conveyor (52) comprises a belt (55) carrying the pushing elements (51) and an actuation device (56) configured to advance the belt (55) for advancing the pushing elements (51).
Folding apparatus (16) for forming finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5) filled with a pourable product;
the folding apparatus (16) comprises a folding unit (23) configured to form the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5) and an infeed conveyor (24) according to any one of the preceding claims configured to feed the semi-finalized packs (5) to the folding unit (23) at a receiving station (32).
Folding apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the folding unit (23) comprises:
- a plurality of retaining pockets (30);

- a conveying device (31) configured to advance the retaining pockets (30) along an endless path (R) and through a receiving station (32) at which the semi-finalized packs (5) are fed into respective retaining pockets (30) and a release station (33) at which the finalized packages (2) are released;

- a manipulation assembly (34) configured to execute a plurality of manipulations on the semi-finalized packs (5) advancing, in use, within the retaining pockets (30) and between the receiving station (32) and the release station (33) so as to form the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5);
wherein the infeed conveyor (24) is configured to feed the semi-finalized packs (5) to the retaining pockets (30) at the receiving station (32).
Packaging machine (1) for producing finalized packages (2) of a pourable product comprising at least:
- a forming apparatus (15) configured to form semi-finalized packs (5) of the pourable product; and

- a folding apparatus (16) according to claim 13 or 14;
wherein the infeed conveyor (24) is interposed between the forming apparatus (15) and the folding unit (23) and is configured to receive the semi-finalized packs (5) from the forming apparatus (15) and to feed the semi-finalized packs (5) to the folding unit (23).