EP4793184A1

EP4793184A1 - Folding apparatus for forming finalized packages from semi-finalized packs and packaging machine having a folding apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4793184A1
Application number: EP26156771.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gabriele Borasi; Giorgio Mattioli
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2025-02-12
Filing date: 2026-02-06
Publication date: 2026-08-19

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 manipulation assembly comprising a plurality of engagement assemblies (44), each engagement assembly (44) having a respective pair of engagement elements (45) configured to laterally engage the respective semi-finalized packs (5) from opposite sides thereof. Each engagement element (45) is movable between an idle position and an active position in which the engagement element (45) is, respectively, disengaged from and engaged to the respective semi-finalized packs (5). The conveying device (31) also comprises a cam mechanism (47) configured to control the engagement elements (45) between the respective idle positions and active positions. The cam mechanism (47) comprises an active section (58) having a first portion (62) and a second portion (64). The first portion (62) and the second portion (64) are movable with respect to one another.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a folding apparatus for forming finalized packages of a pourable product from semi-finalized packs.
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.

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 known folding apparatus also comprises a pair of engagement elements associated with each retaining pocket and configured to laterally engage each semi-finalized pack. Each engagement element is controlled by a cam mechanism between an idle position in which the engagement element is detached from the semi-finalized pack and an active position in which the engagement element engages the respective semi-finalized packs. The control between the idle positions and the active positions results from the shape of two spaced apparat cams and the interaction of cam followers, which are coupled with the engagement elements, with the cams.
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 a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.
According to the present invention, there is provided a folding apparatus according to the independent claim.
Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim 13.

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 top view of the folding apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the folding apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail of Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 6 is a section view of the detail of Figure 5, 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, 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/or water vapor and/or light-barrier layer, e.g. based on materials such as aluminum, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), paper materials and treated paper materials such as high-density or grease-proof papers, barrier-coated substrates such as cellulose based and polymeric substrates, metalized substrates such as cellulose-based or polymeric substrates with and without pre-applied barrier coating, barrier-coated polymer films such as olefinic polymer or polyamide films, combinations of these materials, and further materials having similar barrier properties.
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/or water vapor and/or 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.
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.
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 from semi-finalized packs 5.

In more detail, forming apparatus 15 comprises:

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 to 5, 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 5, 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 (only partially shown in Figure 3) 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 (not shown) at which each finalized package 2 is released from the respective retaining pocket 30; and
a manipulation assembly 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 the release station 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 the manipulation assembly with semi-finalized packs 5 while semi-finalized packs 5 advance, in use, between receiving station 32 and the release station and through the manipulation assembly.
In particular, in use, semi-finalized packs 5 advance together with the respective retaining pockets 30 from receiving station 32 to the release station.
Additionally, folding apparatus 16 may also comprise an infeed conveyor 35 configured to feed semi-finalized packs 5 to receiving station 32 and into retaining pockets 30. More specifically, infeed conveyor 35 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, infeed conveyor 35 may be interposed between forming apparatus 15 and folding apparatus 16, in particular conveying device 31.
Moreover, folding apparatus 16 may also comprise an outfeed conveyor configured to receive finalized packages 2 at the release station, 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 3 to 5, endless path R comprises an operative portion R1 and a return portion (not shown). In particular, operation portion R1 extends from receiving station 32 to the release station along endless path R and the return portion extends from the release station to receiving station 32 along endless path R.
More specifically, receiving pockets 30 retain one respective semi-finalized pack 5 (and the respective package 2 obtained from semi-finalized pack 5) when advancing along operative portion R1 and is empty when advancing along the return portion.
The manipulation assembly is configured to manipulate semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of the respective retaining pockets 30 along operative portion R1.
With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, each retaining pocket 30 comprises two plates 40 delimiting a retaining space 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 during advancement between receiving station 32 and the release station.
More specifically, conveying device 31 comprises a chain configured to advance retaining pockets 30 along endless path R.
Advantageously, conveying device 31, in particular the chain, comprises a plurality of support bases 42, each support base 42 carrying at least a portion of one respective retaining pocket 30, in particular at least one plate 40.
The chain is loop-shaped and extends between a first gear and a second gear rotating around respective axes, in particular each axis being arranged along a substantially horizontal direction.
Additionally, the chain comprises a plurality of links 43, each link 43 carrying one respective support base 42.
Furthermore, two neighboring support bases 42 carry the respective plates 40 of one respective retaining pocket 30.
Conveying device 31 is configured to advance support bases 42 so as to advance retaining pockets 30.
In further detail, 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) along endless path R.
Advantageously, each support base 42 carries one respective plate 40. In particular, each plate 40 acts as a leading plate 40 for one retaining pocket 30 and as a trailing plate 40 for another retaining pocket 30.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the manipulation assembly comprises at least:

a first manipulation device configured to fold the respective pair of flaps 9 and/or the respective sealing fin 10 protruding from the respective first end portion 11 and to seal, in particular heat seal, at least flaps 9 onto the respective central main body 8; and
a second manipulation device configured to fold the respective pair of flaps 9 and/or the respective sealing fin 10 protruding from the respective second end portion 12 and to seal, in particular heat seal, at least the respective flaps 9 onto the respective central main body 8.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the first manipulation device and the second manipulation device are arranged such to fold the respective flaps 9 and/or the respective sealing fin 10 while the respective semi-finalized pack 5 advances between receiving station 32 and the release station.
Moreover, the first manipulation device and the second manipulation device are configured to seal flaps 9 onto the respective central main body 8 while the respective semi-finalized pack 5 advances between receiving station 32 and the release station.
In more detail, the first manipulation device and the second manipulation device comprise one or more heating units configured to heat flaps 9, in particular prior to pressing flaps 9 onto the respective central main body 8.
With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, the manipulation assembly, preferentially the second manipulation device, comprises a plurality of engagement assemblies 44 each one associated with one respective retaining pocket 30.
More specifically, each engagement assembly 44 is configured to laterally engage semi-finalized packs 5 (i.e. to engage a side portion of semi-finalized packs 5) during advancement of the respective retaining pocket 30 along an engagement portion R1a of endless path R, in particular operative portion R1.
In further detail, each engagement assembly 44 comprises a respective pair of engagement elements 45 configured to laterally engage the respective semi-finalized packs 5 from opposite sides thereof.
In even further detail, engagement elements 45 of each pair are configured to interpose the respective semi-finalized pack 5 between one another.
Moreover, each engagement assembly 44 is configured to fold the respective flaps 9, in particular the flaps of second end portions 12, onto the respective central main bodies 8.
Additionally, each engagement assembly 44 is also configured to shape the respective semi-finalized packs 5.
In particular, each engagement element 45 is configured to press one respective flap 9 onto the respective semi-finalized pack 5. Additionally, each engagement element 45 is configured to partially shape the respective semi-finalized pack 5.
Advantageously, each engagement element 45 is movable between an idle position and an active position in which engagement element 45 is, respectively, disengaged from and engaged to the respective semi-finalized pack 5.
Advantageously, each engagement element 45 is configured to exert a defined force onto the respective semi-finalized pack 5 when being in the respective active position, in particular in cooperation with the other engagement element 45 of the respective pair of engagement elements 45 (i.e. the other engagement element 45 of the same engagement assembly 44).
In particular, each engagement element 45 is configured to fold the respective flaps 9 onto the respective central main body 8 when being in the respective active position. Additionally, each engagement element 45 is configured to partially shape the respective semi-finalized pack 5 when being in the respective active position.
In particular, each engagement element 45 comprises an engagement plate having an engagement surface configured to contact the respective semi-finalized pack 5 with the respective engagement element 45 being in the respective active position.
In particular, each engagement surface is formed such to at least partially define the shape of the respective finalized package 2.
With particular reference to Figure 3, conveying device 31 is configured to advance engagement assemblies 44 along an auxiliary advancement path.
In particular, conveying device 31 is configured to advance engagement elements 45 along respective paths for advancing engagement assemblies 44.
Conveying device 31 also comprises a cam mechanism 47 configured to control engagement elements 45 between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions.
Cam mechanism 47 comprises at least a first cam 48 and a second cam 49 spaced apart from one another. In particular, first cam 48 and second cam 49 are spaced apart from one another along a direction perpendicular to an advancement direction of semi-finalized packs 5 between receiving station 32 and the release station.
Additionally, cam mechanism 47 further comprises a plurality of pairs of cam followers, each pair of cam followers comprising a first cam follower 55 (see Figures 4 and 5) configured to interact with first cam 48 and a second cam follower (not specifically shown) configured to interact with second cam 49.
Each first cam follower 55 is coupled to one respective engagement element 45 of one respective pair of engagement elements 45 and the respective second cam follower is coupled to the other engagement element 45 of the respective pair of engagement elements 45.
In particular, the shape of first cam 48 and second cam 49 define movement of engagement elements 45 between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions. Even more particular, first cam 48 and second cam 49 are shaped such that the respective engagement elements 45 of each pair move simultaneously.
With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, each of first cam 48 and second cam 49 comprises a respective idle section 57 and a respective active section 58 arranged downstream of the respective idle section 57 along the auxiliary advancement path.
In use, while the respective first cam follower 55 and the respective second cam follower moves along the respective idle section 57 and the respective active section 58, the respective engagement element 45 is positioned in the respective idle position and the respective active position, respectively.
Thus, by having idle section 57 and active section 58 it is possible to control each engagement element 45 between the respective idle position and the respective active position.
In further detail, each of first cam 48 and second cam 49 comprises two spaced apart interaction surfaces defining and/or delimiting an advancement channel 61. In particular, each first cam follower 55 and each second cam follower is configured to move within the respective advancement channel 61 and to contact the respective interaction surfaces.
Moreover, first cam 48 and second cam 49 are configured to induce a movement of engagement elements 45 transversal to an advancement direction of retaining pockets 30.
As will be explained in the following, in order to compensate for temperature effects occurring during operation of folding apparatus 16, active section 58 of first cam 48 comprises at least one movable portion.
In particular, operation of folding apparatus 16 may result in the generation of heat and therewith an increase in the local temperature. This again may result in thermal expansion of parts of folding apparatus 16.
In more detail, active section 58 of first cam 48 comprises a first portion 62 having a first interaction surface 63 and a second portion 64 having a second interaction surface facing first interaction surface 63.
In particular, first interaction surface 63 and the second interaction surface define a portion of the respective advancement channel 61 between one another.
Additionally, in use, first cam followers 55 engage first interaction surface 63 and second interaction surface 64 when advancing along active section 58.
Advantageously, first portion 62 and second portion 64 are movable with respect to one another, in particular towards and away from one another.
In particular, second portion 64 is movable, in particular linearly movable, towards and away from first portion 62. More particular, first portion 62 is fixed (i.e. not movable).
Advantageously, active section 58 of first cam 48 also comprises one or more elastic elements 66, such as springs, abutting against second portion 64 and exerting a force on second portion 64 towards first portion 62.
In particular, by having elastic elements 66 it is possible to define the force exerted by engagement elements 45 on semi-finalized packs 5. Additionally, second portion 64, in particular the second interaction surface, and the respective first cam followers 55 are maintained in mutual contact and, therefore, the force exerted by engagement elements 45 on semi-finalized packs 5 is independent of temperature effects.
Advantageously, each elastic element 66 is a spring.
Moreover, each spring has (substantially) the same spring force.
Additionally, active section 58 of first cam 48 also comprises a fixed auxiliary portion 70. In particular, second portion 64 is interposed between first portion 62 and fixed auxiliary portion 70.
Advantageously, elastic elements 66 are interposed between second portion 64 and fixed auxiliary portion 70 and abut also against fixed auxiliary portion 70.
In more detail, second portion 64 comprises a plurality of housing seats 71, in particular the number of housing seats 71 equals the number of elastic elements 66.
Each elastic element 66 is partially arranged within one respective housing seat 71.
Additionally, fixed auxiliary portion 70 comprises a plurality of auxiliary housing seats 72, in particular the number of auxiliary housing seats 72 equals the number of elastic elements 66.
Advantageously, each auxiliary housing seat 72 faces one respective housing seat 71. In particular, each auxiliary housing seat 72 is coaxial to the respective housing seat 71.
Moreover, each elastic element 66 is partially arranged within one respective auxiliary housing seat 72.
In order to guide second portion 64 along a movement direction D, first cam 48 further comprises a plurality of elongated elements 73, such as pins, screws, bars, or the like.
Additionally, second portion 64 comprises a plurality of holes.
Each elongated element 73 is partially arranged within one respective hole for defining movement direction D, along which second portion 64 moves towards and away from first portion 62.
In particular, each elongated element 73 is fixed to auxiliary portion 70 and protrudes away from fixed auxiliary portion 70 and into the respective hole.
With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, each engagement assembly 44 comprises a first arm 75 carrying the respective first cam follower 55 and a second arm 76 carrying the respective second cam follower.
Additionally, each first arm 75 and the respective second arm 76 carry one respective engagement element 45 of the respective pair of engagement elements 45.
Advantageously, each support base 42 comprises a pair of spaced apart supports 77, one support movably carrying one respective first arm 75 and the other support 77 movably carrying one respective second arm 76.
More specifically, each support 77 is designed to allow for a linear movement of the respective first arm 75 or the respective second arm 76 with respect to the support 77 itself.
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 plates 40) along endless path R through receiving station 32 and the release station, in particular by operation of conveying device 31, thereby advancing semi-finalized packs 5; and
manipulating semi-finalized packs 5 during advancement of semi-finalized packs 5 between receiving station 32 and the release station by operation of the manipulation assembly so as to form packages 2.

During the step of manipulating, engagement elements 45 are brought into contact with semi-finalized packs 5.
In particular, during the step of manipulating, engagement elements 45 are moved between the respective idle positions and the respective active positions thanks to first cam followers 55 and the second cam followers interacting with first cam 48 and second cam 49, respectively.
Even more particular, during the step of manipulating, first cam followers 55 and the second cam followers interact with first cam 48 and second cam 49, respectively, thereby controlling a position of, respectively, first arms 75 and second arms 76 with respect to the respective supports 77.
The advantages of folding apparatus 16 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, operation of folding apparatus 16 is not influenced by changes in temperature resulting from the operation of folding apparatus 16 itself. More particularly, by having first portion 62 and second portion 64 being movable with respect to one another it is possible to compensate for thermal expansions resulting from the increase in temperature.
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.
In particular, in an embodiment not shown, second cam 49 comprises an active section 58 designed as active section 58 of first cam 48.
This means that according to such a non-shown embodiment also active section 58 of second cam 49 comprises a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to one another, in particular towards and away from one another.

Claims

Folding apparatus (16) for forming finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5) filled with a pourable product;
the folding apparatus (16) comprises:
- a plurality of retaining pockets (30) configured to retain at least one semi-finalized pack (5) at a time;

- 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 at which the finalized packages (2) are released;

- a manipulation assembly configured to execute a plurality of manipulation steps on the semi-finalized packs (5) advancing, in use, within the retaining pockets (30) and between the receiving station (32) and the release station so as to form the finalized packages (2) from the semi-finalized packs (5);

wherein the manipulation assembly comprises a plurality of engagement assemblies (44) each associated with one respective retaining pocket (30) and configured to laterally engage the semi-finalized packs (5) during advancement of the respective retaining pocket (30) along an engagement portion (R1a) of the endless path (R);

wherein each engagement assembly (44) comprises a respective pair of engagement elements (45) configured to laterally engage the respective semi-finalized packs (5) from opposite sides thereof;

wherein each engagement element (45) is movable between an idle position and an active position in which the engagement element (45) is, respectively, disengaged from and engaged to the respective semi-finalized packs (5);

wherein the conveying device (31) is configured to advance the engagement assemblies (45) about an auxiliary advancement path;

wherein the conveying device (31) also comprises a cam mechanism (47) configured to control the engagement elements (45) between the respective idle positions and active positions;

wherein the cam mechanism (47) comprises at least a first cam (48) and a second cam (49) spaced apart from one another, a plurality of pairs of cam followers, each pair of cam followers comprising a first cam follower (55) configured to interact with the first cam (48) and a second cam follower configured to interact with the second cam (49);

wherein each first cam follower (55) is coupled to one respective engagement element (45) of one respective pair of engagement elements (45) and the respective second cam follower is coupled to the other engagement element (45) of the respective pair of engagement elements (45);

wherein the first cam (48) and the second cam (49), each comprises a respective idle section (57) and a respective active section (58) arranged downstream of the respective idle section (57) along the auxiliary advancement path;

wherein, in use, while the respective first cam follower (55) and the respective second cam follower moves along the respective idle section (57) and the respective active section (58), the respective engagement element (45) is positioned in the idle position and the active position, respectively;

wherein at least the active section (58) of the first cam (48) comprises a first portion (62) having a first interaction surface (63) and a second portion (64) having a second interaction surface;

wherein, in use, the first cam followers (55) engage the first interaction surface (63) and the second interaction surface when advancing along the active section (58);

wherein the first portion (62) and the second portion (64) are movable with respect to one another.
Folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the active section (58) also comprises one or more elastic elements (66) abutting against the second portion (64) and exerting a force on the second portion (64) towards the first portion (62).
Folding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second portion (64) comprises a plurality of housing seats (71);
wherein each elastic element (66) is partially arranged within one respective housing seat (71).
Folding apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the active section (58) of the first cam (48) also comprises a fixed auxiliary portion (70);
wherein the elastic elements (66) are interposed between the second portion (64) and the fixed auxiliary portion (70) and the elastic elements (66) also abut against the fixed auxiliary portion (70).
Folding apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fixed auxiliary portion (70) comprises a plurality of auxiliary housing seats (72);
wherein each elastic element (66) is partially arranged within one respective auxiliary housing seat (72).
Folding apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein each elastic element (66) is a spring.
Folding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each spring (66) has the same spring force.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (62) is fixed and the second portion (63) is movable towards and away from the first portion (62).
Folding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first cam (48) further comprises a plurality of elongated elements (73) and the second portion (64) comprises a plurality of holes;
wherein each elongated element (73) is partially arranged within one respective hole for at least partially delimiting and/or defining a movement direction (D) of the second portion (64) towards and away from the first portion (62).
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each engagement assembly (44) comprises a first arm (75) carrying the respective first cam follower (55) and a second arm (76) carrying the respective second cam follower;
wherein each first arm (75) and the respective second arm (76) carry one respective engagement element (45).
Folding apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the conveying device (31) comprises a plurality of support bases (42), each carrying at least a portion (40) of one respective retaining pocket (30);
wherein each support base (42) comprises a pair of spaced apart supports (77), one support (77) movably carrying the respective first arm (75) and the other support (77) movably carrying the respective second arm (76);

wherein the conveying device (31) is configured to advance the support bases (42) along the endless path (R) so as to advance the retaining pockets (30) along the endless path (R) and the engagement elements (45) along the auxiliary advancement path.
Folding apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each semi-finalized pack (5) comprises a central main body (8) and a plurality of flaps (9) protruding away from the central main body (8);
wherein the engagement elements (45) are configured to press at least some of the flaps (9) against the respective central main bodies (8).
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).