EP4656535A1

EP4656535A1 - Folding apparatus, packaging machine having a folding apparatus and method for forming finalized packages from semi-finalized packs

Info

Publication number: EP4656535A1
Application number: EP25178251.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Catellani; Massimo FRATTI
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: WO2025247747A1

Abstract

There is described a 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 device (46) configured to at least partially fold the respective sealing fins (10) protruding from the respective first end portions (11). The folding device (46) comprises a pair of folding guides (49) arranged at the receiving station (32) and being configured to interact with the respective sealing fins (10) of the semi-finalized packs (5) during their placement within the respective retaining pocket (30). The folding guides (49) are arranged at opposite lateral sides of the respective retaining pocket (30) being, in use, at the receiving station (32). Each folding guide comprises a guide surface (50) having a first guide portion (51) and a second guide portion (52) extending from the first guide portion (50). Each first guide portion (51) is inclined with respect to the respective second guide portion (52).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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 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 endless path comprises an operative portion extending between the receiving station and the release station and having a linear shape.
The folding apparatus also comprises a flap folding device configured to partially fold the flaps and sealing fins towards the respective central main bodies and a bonding device configured to bond the flaps onto the respective central main bodies. The flap folding device and the bonding device are displaced from one another along the operative portion such that the flap folding devices and the bonding device manipulate the semi-finalized packs while they advance along the operative portion.
The endless path also comprises a return portion having two connecting sections and one linear section (interposed between the two connecting sections) extending between the release station and the receiving station.
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 folding apparatus.
It is an even further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.
It is an even further object of the present invention to provide an improved package forming method.
According to the present invention, there is provided a folding apparatus and a package forming method according to the respective independent claims.
Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 14.

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 a detail of the folding apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the detail of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figures 5a to 5c show a sequence of a placement of a semi-finalized pack into a portion of the detail of Figure 3, 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 top of the respective finalized package 2 and each second end portion may define a bottom 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 top wall and the respective transversal wall of each second end portion may define a bottom 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 and 2, 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 portion 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 in particular 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.
In particular, each first end portion 11 corresponds to the respective first end portion of the respective package 2 and each second end portion 12 corresponds to the respective second end portion of the respective package 2.
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, folding apparatus 16 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.
Additionally, folding apparatus 16 may also comprise an infeed conveyor configured to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to receiving station 32 and into retaining pockets 30. More specifically, the infeed conveyor may be configured to receive semi-finalized packs 5 from forming apparatus 15 and to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to receiving station 32.
More specifically, the infeed conveyor may be interposed between folding apparatus 16, in particular conveying device 31, and forming apparatus 15.
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 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 and 3 to 5, each retaining pocket is defined by a couple of plates 40 delimiting a retaining space 42 of the respective retaining pocket 30.
In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 and/or finalized packages 2 are positioned within the respective retaining spaces 42 during advancement between receiving station 32 and release station 33.
Advantageously, plates 40 are coupled to conveying device 31.
Moreover, conveying device 31 is configured to advance plates 40 along endless path R so as to advance retaining pockets 30 (and therewith also retaining spaces 42) along endless path R.
With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5c, each retaining pocket 30 comprises an inlet opening 43 allowing introduction of semi-finalized packs 5 into and removal of finalized packages 2 from the respective retaining pocket 30.
In more detail, each inlet opening 43 is configured to allow for the placement of semi-finalized packs 5 into the respective retaining pocket 30 at receiving station 32 and removal of finalized packages 2 from the respective retaining pocket 30 at release station 33.
Additionally, each retaining pocket 30 comprises a base 44 opposite to inlet opening 43.
In particular, in use and during placement of semi-finalized packs 5 into retaining pockets 30, (at some point) semi-finalized packs 5 abut against the respective base 44.
In further detail, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 enter with the respective first end portion 11 into retaining pockets 30. In other words first end portion 11 of each semi-finalized pack 5 enters into the respective retaining pocket 30 before the respective second end portion 12. Then, in use, each first end portion 11 abuts against the respective base 44.
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 34 comprises 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 45 configured to bond flaps 9 onto the respective central main bodies 8.

Additionally, each folding device and bonding device 45 comprises a respective manipulation device, in particular being configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 at a respective manipulation station.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, 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 46 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 47 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, bonding device 45 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 Rlb.
Preferentially but not necessarily, folding apparatus 16 also comprises one or more retaining structures 48 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, retaining structures 48 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 46 and the respective second folding device 47).
It is then bonding device 45 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 and/or the respective second end portion and/or the intermediate portion of the respective finalized package 2.
In more detail, bonding device 45 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.
In further detail, bonding device 45 comprises a first bonding portion configured to bond the respective flaps 9 protruding from the respective first end portion 11 of each semi-finalized pack 5 onto the respective central main body 8 and a second bonding portion configured to bond the respective flaps 9 protruding form the second end portion 12 of each semi-finalized pack 5 onto the respective central main body 8.
More specifically, the heating unit comprises first heating means being part of the first bonding portion of bonding device 45 and being configured to heat the flaps 9 of the respective first end portion 11 of each semi-finalized pack 5 and second heating means being part of the second bonding portion of bonding device 45 and being configured to heat the flaps 9 of the respective second end portion 12 of each semi-finalized pack 5.
Additionally, the pressing unit comprises a first pressing group being part of the first bonding portion of bonding device 45 and being configured to press flaps 9 of the respective first end portion 11 of each semi-finalized pack 5 onto the respective central main body 8 and a second pressing group being part of the second bonding portion of bonding device 45 and being configured to press the flaps 9 of the respective second end portion 12 of each semi-finalized pack 5 onto the respective central main body 8.
In particular, the first heating means, the second heating means, the first pressing group and the second pressing group are arranged along respective zones of second operative section R1b.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 5c, first folding device 46 comprises a pair of folding guides 49 arranged at receiving station 32 and being configured to interact with the respective sealing fins 10 and/or flaps 9 of semi-finalized packs 5 extending from the respective first end portion 11 during placement of the respective semi-finalized pack 5 within the respective retaining pocket 30.
In particular, folding guides 49 are configured to at least partially fold sealing fins 10.
Folding guides 49 are arranged at opposite lateral sides of the respective retaining pocket 30 being, in use, at the receiving station 32. In other words, folding guides 49 are arranged such that retaining pockets 30 are interposed between folding guides 49 when advancing along endless path R and when being at receiving station 32.
In even other words, folding guides 49 delimit a space through which at least portions of retaining pockets 30 advance during advancement along endless path R and at receiving station 32.
In particular, in use and during placement of semi-finalized packs 5 into the respective retaining pockets 30 at receiving station 32, semi-finalized packs 2, in particular the respective sealing fins 10, start to interact with folding guides 49 prior to abutting against the respective base 44.
Moreover, folding guides 49 allow to guide folding of sealing fins 10, in particular in a direction of advancement of semi-finalized packs 5, in particular in a gentle manner. In other words, folding guides 49 guide folding of sealing fins 10 in a forward direction.
Moreover, in use, (respective portions of) sealing fins 10 slide on folding guides 49.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 5C, each folding guide 49 comprises a guide surface 50 configured to guide, in use, folding of sealing fins 10, in particular in the direction of advancement of semi-finalized packs 5.
Additionally, each guide surface 50 comprises a first guide portion 51 and a second guide portion 52 extending from first guide portion 51.
Each first guide portion 51 is inclined with respect to the respective second guide portion 52.
Each first guide portion 51 and the respective second guide portion 52 are arranged such that during placement of semi-finalized packs 5 into retaining pockets 30 the respective sealing fins 10 of the respective first end portion 11 enter into contact at first with the respective first guide portion 51 and then, during further placement of the semi-finalized packs 5 into the respective retaining pocket 30, with the respective second guide portion 52.
Additionally, each first guide portion 51 is arranged such that sealing fins 11 enter at first into contact with first guide portion 51 and only after having slid along a part of first guide portion 51 with the respective base 44.
The Applicant has observed that by having folding guides 49 it is possible to gently fold sealing fins 10. Moreover, by having first guide portions 51 it is possible to start folding sealing fins 10 prior to sealing fins 10 abutting against the respective bases 44.
In further detail, folding guides 49 are parallel to one another.
Additionally, folding guides 49 are symmetrically arranged with respect to a symmetry plane, in particular the symmetry plane comprises endless path R and is interposed between, and centered with respect to, folding guides 49.
With particular reference to Figure 4, each first guide portion 51 extends along an extension direction towards the respective inlet opening 43 of the respective retaining pocket 30, the respective retaining pocket 30 being, in use, at receiving station 32.
Additionally, each first guide portion 51 is closer to the respective inlet opening 43 of the respective retaining pocket 30 being at receiving station 32 than the respective second guide portion 52.
Advantageously, in use, each second guide portion 52 is arranged such that sealing fins 10 are temporarily in contact with the respective base 44 and a portion of the second guide portions 52.
In further detail, each second guide portion 52 comprises a transition section 53 being in contact and extending from the respective first guide portion 51.
Preferentially but not necessarily, each transition section 53 is curved.
Additionally, each second guide portion 52 comprises a main section 54 extending from the respective transition section 53.
Each transition section 53 defines a depression point.
Advantageously, folding guides 49 are void of any movable part. Hence, folding guides 49 come along with a simple design.
Moreover, in use, folding guides 49 do not execute any movement.
Moreover, each folding guide 49 is made in a single piece.
With particular reference to Figure 4, folding apparatus 16 also comprises a carrier structure 55.
Folding guides 49 are fixed to carrier structure 55.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 5c, first folding device 46 further comprises a pair of limiting elements 56, in particular a pair of rollers, each one associated to and spaced apart from one respective folding guide 49 and arranged such that, in use, one respective flap 9 is interposed between the respective limiting element 56 and the respective folding guide 49.
In particular, limiting elements 56 are arranged (similar to folding guides 49) at opposite lateral sides of the respective retaining pocket 30 being arranged at receiving station 32.
In particular, each limiting element 56 is mounted, in particular rotatably mounted, to carrier structure 55.
By having limiting elements 56 an optimized folding of sealing fin 10 is guaranteed as limiting elements 56 impede folding of flaps 9, which at this process step would hinder a correct folding of the respective sealing fin 10. This is due to the fact that limiting elements 56 hinder a movement of semi-finalized packs 5 away from base 44.
With particular reference to Figure 4, conveying device 31 comprises a conveyor chain carrying plates 40 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-steps of:

feeding semi-finalized packs 5 into retaining pockets 30 at receiving station 32;
advancing retaining pockets 30 (by advancing the respective plates 40) along 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 R1b.
In particular, during the step of feeding, semi-finalized packs 5 enter the respective receiving pocket 30 through the respective inlet opening 43.
More specifically, at first the respective first end portion 11 enters the respective receiving pocket 30, in particular moving towards the respective base 44. Prior to reaching base 44, the respective sealing fins 10 start to interact with folding guides 49, and only afterwards sealing fins 10 abut against the respective base 44.
Even more specifically, at first sealing fins 10 slide on first guide portions 51 and then on second guide portion 52. Moreover, sealing fins 10 only start to abut against base 44, after having slid on at least a portion of first guide portions 51.
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 folding apparatus 16 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, by having folding guides 49 it is possible to improve folding of sealing fins 10.
Additionally, limiting elements 56 contribute to further improve folding of sealing fins 10.
Clearly, changes may be made to 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

Folding apparatus (16) for forming finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5) filled with a pourable product;
wherein each semi-finalized pack (5) comprises a respective central main body (8) having a first end portion (11) and at least a sealing fin (10) protruding from the respective first end portion (11);

the folding apparatus (16) 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 manipulate 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 folding apparatus (16) further comprises a folding device (46) configured to at least partially fold the respective sealing fins (10) protruding from the respective first end portions (11);

wherein the folding device (46) comprises a pair of folding guides (49) arranged at the receiving station (32) and being configured to interact with the respective sealing fins (10) of the semi-finalized packs (5) during placement of the semi-finalized packs (5) within the respective retaining pocket (30);

wherein the folding guides (49) are arranged at opposite lateral sides of the respective retaining pocket (30) being, in use, at the receiving station (32);

wherein each folding guide comprises a guide surface (50) having a first guide portion (51) and a second guide portion (52) extending from the first guide portion (50);

wherein each first guide portion (51) is inclined with respect to the respective second guide portion (52);

wherein each first guide portion (51) and the respective second guide portion (52) are arranged such that during placement of the semi-finalized packs (5) into the retaining pockets (30) the respective sealing fins (10) enter into contact at first with the respective first guide portion (51) and then, during further placement of the semi-finalized packs (5) within the respective retaining pocket (30), with the respective second guide portion (52).
Folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each retaining pocket (30) comprises an inlet opening (43) for feeding the semi-finalized packs (5) into the respective retaining pocket (30);
wherein each first guide portion (51) extends along an extension direction towards the respective inlet opening (43) of the respective retaining pocket (30) being, in use, at the receiving station (32).
Folding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each first guide portion (51) is closer to the respective inlet opening (43) of the retaining pocket (30) being arranged at the receiving station (32) than the respective second guide portion (52).
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each retaining pocket (30) comprises a base (44) opposite to the respective inlet opening (43);
wherein each first guide portion (51) is arranged such that the respective sealing fins (10) interact with the first guide portion (51) prior to the sealing fins (10) abutting against the respective base (44).
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transition section (53) of each second guide portion (52) being in contact with the respective first guide portion (51) is curved.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a carrier structure (55);
wherein the folding guides (49) are fixed to the carrier structure (55).
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding guides (49) are void of any movable part.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each semi-finalized pack (5) comprises a pair of flaps (9) protruding from the respective central main body (8) and each carrying a portion of the respective sealing fin (10);
wherein the folding device (46) further comprises a pair of limiting elements (56), each one associated with and spaced apart from one respective folding guide (49) and arranged such that, in use, one respective flap (9) is interposed between the respective limiting element (56) and the respective folding guide (49).
Folding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the limiting element (56) is a roller.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding guides (49) are parallel to one another.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding guides (49) are symmetrically arranged with respect to a symmetry plane;
wherein the endless path (R) lies within the symmetry plane; and/or

wherein the symmetry plane is interposed between, and centered with respect to, the folding guides (49).
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each folding guide (49) is made in a single piece.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising an inlet conveyor configured to feed the semi-finalized packs (5) into 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 any one of the preceding claims for forming the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5).
Method for forming finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5) filled with a pourable product by means of a folding apparatus (16);
wherein each semi-finalized pack (5) comprises a respective central main body (8) having a first end portion (11) and at least a sealing fin (10) protruding from the respective first end portion (11);

the folding apparatus (16) 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 manipulate 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 folding apparatus (16) further comprises a folding device (46) configured to at least partially fold the respective sealing fins (10) protruding from the respective first end portions (11);

wherein the folding device (46) comprises a pair of folding guides (49) arranged at the receiving station (32) and being configured to interact with the respective sealing fins (10) of the semi-finalized packs (5) during placement of the semi-finalized packs (5) within the respective retaining pocket (30);

wherein the folding guides (49) are arranged at opposite lateral sides of the respective retaining pocket (30) being, in use, at the receiving station (32);

wherein each folding guide comprises a guide surface (50) having a first guide portion (51) and a second guide portion (52) extending from the first guide portion (50);

wherein each first guide portion (51) is inclined with respect to the respective second guide portion (52);

wherein each first guide portion (51) and the respective second guide portion (52) are arranged such that during placement of the semi-finalized packs (5) into the retaining pockets (30) the respective sealing fins (10) enter into contact at first with the first guide portion (51) and then, during further placement of the semi-finalized packs (5) within the respective retaining pocket (30), with the respective second guide portion (52) ;

wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- feeding the semi-finalized packs (5) into the retaining pockets (30) at the receiving station (32);

- advancing the retaining pockets (30) along the endless path (R) and through the receiving station (32);

- manipulating the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement of the semi-finalized packs (5) along the endless path (R) so as to form the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5);

wherein during the step of feeding, the sealing fins (10) of the semi-finalized packs (5) interact with the folding guides (49) so as to at least partially fold the sealing fins (10).