PRODUCT PACKAGING MACHINE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packing machine.

In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging machine that can be particularly used for making packets of powdered products, such as coffee.

PRIOR ART

Packaging machines are known for making packages of products in powder form, such as coffee.

Such packaging machines are generally provided with a forming apparatus that is configured to shape the package, fill it with the product, e.g. in powder form, make the vacuum inside the package and seal it.

In order to carry out said operations, such forming apparatuses are generally provided with a shaping device that makes the package starting from a belt, leaving it open at the top and fills it with product.

The forming apparatus then comprises a carrier, for example in the shape of a catenary, which carries a succession of boxes placed one after the other, each of which provides a single receiving seat for a package.

The boxes in the succession are moved one by one at the shaping device to receive a respective package, and then the succession of boxes is brought to a vacuum chamber where the packages can be sealed at the top.

A need felt in the sector is to increase the hourly productivity of such forming assemblies and said packaging machines in general.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An aim of the present invention is to meet such a need felt in the sector.

It is a further aim of the present invention to achieve such an object within the scope of a simple, rational and relatively affordable solution.

These and other aims are achieved by the features of the invention reported in the independent claims.

The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention but not strictly necessary for implementing it.

In particular, the invention provides a packaging machine configured to package a bulk product, e.g. ground coffee, said packaging machine comprising:

• • a carrier,
  • at least one assembly of receiving boxes, wherein the receiving boxes of said assembly are connected to the carrier and moved successively therefrom in a feed direction (e.g. horizontal or substantially horizontal) along a preset operating path,
  • at least one forming apparatus positioned along the operating path and configured to form open packets of product and release them into the receiving boxes, and
  • at least one sealing apparatus, positioned along the operating path downstream of the forming apparatus with respect to a travel direction along the feed direction imposed on the packets by the carrier, which is adapted to vacuum-seal the packets brought by the receiving boxes,
    wherein said assembly of receiving boxes overall provides a plurality of receiving seats each of which is individually adapted to receive a respective packet of product, of which at least one plurality of first seats placed one after the other along the feed direction, and a plurality of second seats placed one after the other along the feed direction, each first seat being flanked by a respective second seat with respect to a flanking direction orthogonal to the feed direction.

Thanks to this solution, a larger amount of packets can be loaded with each movement cycle of an assembly of receiving boxes along the operating path, thus enabling the hourly productivity of the packaging machine to be increased, e.g. substantially doubled.

For example, an aspect of the invention provides that the packaging machine can comprise a plurality of assemblies of receiving boxes, each of which can consist of an equal number of receiving boxes, and that said assemblies of receiving boxes can be brought by the carrier successively one after the other with respect to the travel direction, i.e. one after the other along the operating path.

Thanks to this solution, the packaging machine can essentially be operated continuously, i.e. while one assembly of receiving boxes is brought at the sealing apparatus, the other can simultaneously be brought at the forming apparatus, thus allowing the hourly productivity of the packaging machine to be increased.

Another aspect of the invention is that each receiving box of the assembly (i.e. for example of each assembly) can provide at least one of said first seats and at least one of said second seats.

Thanks to this solution, the number of elements in the packaging machine is minimised, making the architecture thereof particularly lean.

Furthermore, another aspect of the invention provides that each receiving box can alternatively provide a first seat or a second seat, and that the assembly of receiving boxes (i.e., each assembly of receiving boxes) can comprise a plurality of pairs of receiving boxes, that said pairs of receiving boxes can be arranged one after the other along the feed direction, and that the receiving boxes of each pair can be mutually flanked with respect to said flanking direction.

Thanks to this solution, in the event of the need for maintenance, whether ordinary or extraordinary, at a first or second seat, it is only necessary to remove and possibly replace a respective receiving box, making the maintenance operations quick, easy and inexpensive.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the sealing apparatus can comprise:

• • a casing comprising two parts or shells provided with a relative movement between an open position, in which they are mutually spaced, and a closed position, in which they are mutually brought into contact to define a hermetically closed sealing chamber adapted to accommodate one or more receiving boxes simultaneously,
  • means for generating a vacuum connected to the casing to vacuum-seal the sealing chamber, and
  • a sealing device, e.g. a heat sealing device, arranged inside the sealing chamber to seal the packets brought by said receiving boxes (e.g. one at a time, preferably at least one packet accommodated in a first seat simultaneously with one packet accommodated in a second seat, even more preferably simultaneously all the packets accommodated in the receiving seats provided by the receiving boxes of an assembly).

Thanks to this solution, the sealing apparatus makes the overall packet forming operations particularly easy and fast.

In fact, the packets can be vacuum-packed and sealed, without having to be removed from the receiving boxes of the plurality.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the carrier can respectively have upstream and downstream of the succession of receiving boxes two shaped blocks, each of which can define a shape coupling with the parts or shells of the casing when these parts or shells are in the closed position with the section of the carrier interposed between the inserted shaped blocks, which are inserted inside the vacuum chamber.

Thanks to this solution, the carrier, by means of said shaped blocks, defines a shape coupling with the parts or shells of the casing, guaranteeing the hermetic seal of the vacuum chamber.

The packaging machine is therefore particularly safe and reliable.

Furthermore, a further aspect of the invention provides that said sealing device can comprise three heating plates, of which a central plate and two opposite side plates each facing a respective face of the central plate, and that the side plates can each be movable towards/away from the central plate to selectively (clamp or hold or) tighten the upper end of a respective package with the central plate itself for the sealing thereof.

Thanks to this solution, the packets accommodated in a first seat and a second seat which are mutually flanked with respect to the flanking direction, can be sealed, by (heat) sealing the upper end, independently of each other and thus also simultaneously, making it possible to further increase hourly productivity.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides that the forming apparatus comprises a shaping device configured to make a tubular shape starting from a belt, notch the tubular shape, making a plurality of tubular pieces, seal a lower end of each tubular piece so as to define one of said packets with a closed lower end and with an open upper end, fill the packet with a dosed amount of product by inserting the product through the open upper end.

Thanks to this solution, making packets is particularly fast.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides that the forming apparatus comprises a distributor device arranged above the carrier and configured to receive the packets made by the shaping device, said distributor device being movable along the feed direction and selectively positionable in a plurality of different positions, each of which corresponding to a vertical alignment between a packet formed by the shaping device and a respective seat for accommodating a plurality of accommodating seats for the packets provided by the distributor device.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the distributor device comprises a plurality of channels arranged in succession one after the other along the feed direction, each of which provides an accommodating seat and a bottom associated with said channels and movable between a holding position in which it closes a lower end of said channels so as to retain packets within the receiving seats and a rest position in which it frees said lower ends of said channels.

Thanks to such channels and said bottom, the loading of the receiving boxes of the assembly is quick and easy.

In fact, the channels, i.e. the accommodating provided by them, can all first be filled with a respective packet and, only after the filling, the bottom brought into the rest position with the packets falling by gravity towards the receiving boxes of the assembly.

In another aspect of the invention, it is provided that the forming apparatus can comprise a sorting device arranged above the carrier and (configured to, i.e.) adapted to receive the packets from the distributor device and convey the packets each into a respective receiving seat, and that said sorting device can be movable, along a direction orthogonal to the feed direction in the section of the operating path where it is situated, between a first position in which it is adapted to be superimposed in plan on (at least) one of said first receiving seats (e.g. on all of said first receiving seats provided by the receiving boxes of the assembly) and a second position in which it is adapted to be superimposed in plan on (at least) one of said second receiving seats (e.g. on all of said first receiving seats provided by the receiving boxes of the assembly).

Thanks to this solution, the forming apparatus is particularly reliable as regards filling the first seats and the second seats.

Furthermore, thanks to the arrangement of the sorting device above the first and second receiving seats, these can receive the packages simply by means of the falling by gravity thereof.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides that the sorting device can comprise:

• • a plurality of tubular sleeves each of which defines a sliding chute for a packet towards a respective receiving seat, said tubular sleeves being arranged in a row and aligned along the feed direction, and
  • a hatch connected to said tubular sleeves and movable between a first position in which it closes a lower end thereof, to lock the respective packets therein, and a second position in which it frees the lower end thereof to allow the packets to exit.

Thanks to this solution, the architecture or structure of the sorting device is particularly rational, effective and reliable.

The filling of the first seats and the second seats is also particularly fast.

Thanks to such tubular sleeves and said hatch, it is in fact possible to fill a plurality of first seats or second seats at the same time.

In fact, the tubular sleeves can all first be filled with a respective packet and, only after the filling, the hatch brought into the second position with the packets which, by gravity, each finish in a respective seat.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the sorting device can be further movable along the feed direction and selectively positionable in a plurality of different positions each corresponding to a vertical alignment between a packet formed by the shaping device and one of said tubular sleeves.

Thanks to this solution, the filling of the tubular sleeves of the sorting device is intuitive and easy.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the forming apparatus can comprise two distinct shaping devices, and that said shaping devices can be arranged one after the other along the operating path and furthermore offset with respect to the flanking direction and each adapted to be superimposed in plan on the (said) first receiving seats or on the (said) second receiving seats, respectively.

Thanks to this solution, the forming apparatus is particularly safe and reliable.

In fact, the shaping devices can be arranged in a fixed manner with respect to a plan view, thereby guaranteeing the stable and correct positioning thereof above (aligned in plan view) the first seats and second seats, respectively.

Furthermore, a further aspect of the invention provides that the forming apparatus can comprise two distinct assemblies of receiving boxes carried by the carrier and two distinct forming apparatuses, each of which is adapted to send the packets to the first seats and second seats of a respective one of said assemblies of receiving boxes.

Thanks to this solution, the forming apparatus is able to fill two separate pluralities of receiving boxes at the same time, thus further speeding up operations and further increasing hourly productivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a forming apparatus and a packaging machine according to the invention and an enlargement where a sealing device is better visible.

FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective view of the forming apparatus and the packaging machine of FIG. 1, and an enlargement where a further sealing device is better visible.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a forming apparatus and a packaging machine according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view of the forming apparatus and the packaging machine of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a forming apparatus and a packaging machine according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is another schematic perspective view of the forming apparatus and the packaging machine of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring by way of example to the above-mentioned figures, a packaging machine 10 is described, i.e. a machine generally configured to make sealed packets P of product, possibly in a vacuum condition.

By way of non-limiting example, such product can be in the form of beans, capsules, tablets or in powder form.

For example, said product can be a foodstuff or an edible product, by way of example ground coffee powder.

The packaging machine 10 firstly comprises a support frame (not illustrated) that is rigid, i.e. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, provided with common ground support means (e.g. in the form of a plurality of ground support legs).

The packaging machine 10 further comprises a carrier 15, supported by the support frame, which is configured to move a plurality of packets P in a feed direction A (selectively in one direction or in the opposite direction along said movement direction) along an operating path, for example along an operating path substantially shaped in a loop.

For example, said carrier 15 can comprise a chain 20 (or catenary) wound on a pair of pinions or gear rings (not illustrated) with vertical axes (i.e. rotating on themselves around vertical or substantially vertical rotation axes) and parallel to each other, at least one of which is set in rotation by a motor (e.g. an electric motor).

At least one assembly (or batch) of receiving boxes 25 (preferably a plurality of assemblies of receiving boxes 25) is mounted, e.g. removably, on the carrier 15, e.g. said chain 20, which overall provide a plurality of receiving seats each of which is adapted to receive a respective packet P.

As visible in the attached figures, it is possible to provide that the packaging machine can comprise several assemblies G of receiving boxes 25, which are connected to the carrier 15 and brought by the same in succession to each other, i.e. one after the other along the operating path.

The assemblies G of receiving boxes 25 can preferably be homologous to each other, i.e. comprise an equal number of receiving boxes 25, and the receiving boxes 25 of the assemblies G can preferably be homologous to each other (i.e. equal in shape and size).

Merely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, each assembly G of receiving boxes 25 can comprise six receiving boxes 25 which are connected in a row one after the other along the feed direction A to the carrier 15 so as to be moved in succession one after the other by the same.

The receiving boxes 25 of the same assembly G are connected to the carrier 15 so as to be preferably arranged at a non-zero mutual distance from each other.

Furthermore, where more than one assembly G of receiving boxes 25 is present, these assemblies G can be connected to the carrier 15 in succession to one another so that between one assembly G and the next, i.e. between the last receiving box of one assembly G (with respect to the travel direction along the feed direction A) and the first receiving box 25 of the next assembly G (with respect to the travel direction along the feed direction A) a distance can be defined (along the feed direction A) which is preferably greater than the distance defined between one receiving box and another of the same assembly G with respect to the feed direction A.

The receiving boxes 25 of each assembly, in particular, are moved successively by the carrier 15 along said operating path, thereby moving the packet P received by them.

Each receiving box 25 can substantially have the shape of a tubular body, e.g. with a quadrangular cross-section (but it is not excluded that it can have a different cross-sectional shape, e.g. circular or elliptical or a different polygonal shape).

The tubular body of each receiving box 25 is preferably rigid, i.e. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, e.g. metal.

In particular, the receiving boxes 25 of each assembly G overall provide at least one plurality of first seats 30 placed one after the other (i.e., in a row) along the feed direction A, and one plurality of second seats 35 placed one after the other (i.e., in a row) along the feed direction A, with each first seat 30 being flanked by a respective second seat 35 with respect to a flanking direction B (horizontal or substantially horizontal) orthogonal to the feed direction A, imposed by the carrier 15, as for example illustrated in the enlargement of FIG. 2.

As can be deduced from the attached figures, since the operating path is loop-shaped, the same feed direction A varies along it so as to define a loop-shaped movement trajectory.

In any case, in each section of the operating path, or in each position assumed in the movement along such a trajectory, the first seat 30 and the second seat 35 are flanked with respect to a flanking direction B that is orthogonal to the feed direction A in that section.

For example, each first seat 30 and the respective second seat 35 can preferably be fully aligned with respect to the flanking direction B.

To this end, as illustrated only by way of example in the attached figures, it is possible to provide that each receiving box 25 in the assembly can provide at least a first seat 30 and at least a second seat 35.

In such a case, it is possible to provide that the tubular body of each receiving box 25 can comprise a partition that divides the receiving compartment of the receiving box 25 into two separate spaces, one of which provides the first seat 30 while the other provides the second seat 35.

In an alternative not illustrated, it is possible to provide that each assembly G can comprise a plurality of pairs of receiving boxes 25 arranged one pair after the other (i.e. in a row) along the feed direction A and that the receiving boxes 25 of each pair are mutually flanked with respect to said flanking direction B so as to alternatively (i.e., each respectively) provide a first seat 30 or a second seat 35 (which are therefore mutually flanked along said flanking direction B).

In any case, as will be clearer below, each receiving box 25 can be adapted to receive the packet P, e.g. each packet P in the case of providing both a first seat 30 and a second seat 35, in an open or unsealed state, i.e. in a state in which the packet P is closed (and preferably sealed) at one end, e.g. the lower end (i.e. at the bottom of the packet P), filled with a dosed amount of product and opened (or at least unsealed) at the opposite end (i.e. for example at the upper end 45).

The packaging machine 10, as visible in the attached figures, can comprise a plane for supporting 40 and sliding the packet P received in the receiving seats provided by the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G, which preferably extends along the inside of the operating path (e.g. in a loop).

Such a support plane 40, which for example can be connected to and supported by the support frame, is preferably horizontal or substantially horizontal, and is placed at a vertical height with respect to the receiving boxes 25 (below them) so as to retain the packets P inside the seats they receive, or at a distance from a lower (open) end of the receiving boxes 25 lower than the height of the packets P adapted to be accommodated in the receiving seats provided by them.

The receiving boxes 25, moved by the carrier 15 along the operating path, are preferably in each position along said operating path superimposed in plan view on the support plane 40.

Each packet P received by the receiving boxes 25 is therefore supported on the support plane 40, by means of its lower end (i.e. the bottom), and inserted inside a respective first seat 30 or second seat 35.

Furthermore, each packet P received by the receiving boxes 25 can have the upper end 45 (i.e., the distal end from the support plane 40) exiting from the respective first seat 30 or second seat 35, thereby being exposed with respect to the respective first seat 30 or second seat 35.

In practice, during the movement imposed by the carrier 15 to the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly along the operating path, the packets P accommodated in the first receiving seats 30 and in the second receiving seats 35 are dragged by the receiving boxes 25 along said operating path by sliding (preferably with reduced friction) on the support plane 40.

The packets P accommodated in the first seats 30 of the plurality and in the second seats 35 of the plurality define a first row of packets P and a second row of packets P, respectively.

In order to make each packet P, e.g. said packet P open (or at least unsealed) at the upper end 45, which is then received in a respective one of said (first or second) seats 30,35 provided by the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly, the packaging machine 10 can comprise at least one forming apparatus 50 (e.g. a single forming apparatus 50 or a plurality of forming apparatuses 50).

Such a forming apparatus 50, in particular, can comprise at least one shaping device 55.

Such a shaping device 55, per se known and therefore described broadly and not in detail, is configured to make a tubular shape starting from a belt unwound from a feed reel 60 thereof, to make tubular pieces of a preset or selectable length, each tubular piece of which is adapted to define a respective packet P, sealing a lower end of each piece so that each piece can define one of said packets P with (a closed bottom and) an open upper end 45, filling the packet P with a dosed amount of the product by inserting the same through the open upper end 45, and releasing the packet P filled with product to a respective receiving seat (i.e. to a respective first seat 30 or second seat 35).

The shaping device 55, for example, can comprise a forming mandrel with vertical axis around which said belt coming from a respective feed reel 60 is wound in a known manner.

In particular, the belt received from the feed reel 60 is slid vertically (downwards) and wound so that two edges of the belt are mutually superimposed.

The shaping device 55 can thus comprise a side sealing member configured to seal (e.g. heat seal), preferably continuously, said mutually superimposed edges to as to obtain a tubular body.

The shaping device 55 can further comprise cutting means 65 of such tubular body to make tubular pieces of preset or selectable length, each tubular piece of which is adapted to define a respective packet P and is drawn downwards, e.g. by means of appropriate straps, to a respective receiving seat.

For example, such cutting means 65 can comprise a pair of opposite cutting blades, which are selectively mutually approachable to intercept the tubular body, cutting it.

The shaping device 55 can thus comprise further sealing means 70 configured to seal (e.g., heat seal) the lower end of the piece, so as to close the lower end of the packet P and thereby make the (closed) bottom thereof which on the other side 125 has the upper end 45 open.

For example, such a lower end of the packet P, sealed, can have a substantially fin-like conformation.

The shaping device 55 can comprise, further, filling means 75 of the package, configured to feed a dosed amount at a time inside the packet P, which are gradually made through the open upper end 45 thereof.

For example, such filling means 75 can comprise a loading hopper of the product P and an auger associated with said hopper and configured to selectively advance the product contained therein to provide it, one dosed amount at a time, gradually to the packets P which are formed.

The packet P, filled with the dosed amount of product and with the upper end 45 at least partially open or at least partially unsealed, made by the shaping device 55, is then sent to, or released towards, the assembly G of receiving boxes 25 so as to be received in a first seat 30 or in a second seat 35.

During such operations, the shaping device 55 first moves the tubular shape and then the packet P (first empty and then filled) along a linear (i.e. straight) forming trajectory, e.g. vertical or substantially vertical.

In particular, the shaping device 55 can be arranged above the carrier 15, i.e. placed at a vertical height above the vertical height at which the carrier 15 is placed (as well as said support plane 40), so that the packet P can simply move, i.e. fall, from the shaping device 55 towards the carrier 15, i.e. towards said support plane 40, by gravity.

In practice, such a forming trajectory is, superimposed in plan, on the support plane 40 (i.e. incident, e.g. substantially orthogonally, thereon).

The forming apparatus then comprises a distributor device Q, e.g. also possibly supported by the support frame, arranged above the carrier 15 and configured to receive the packets P made by the shaping device 55 and subsequently release them towards the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly (e.g. directly or indirectly into the first seats 30 or into the second seats 35, as will be clearer below).

The distributor device Q is arranged above (i.e. at a vertical height above the vertical height of) the carrier (as well as the support plane 40) and below (i.e. at a vertical height below the vertical height of) the shaping device 55.

Thereby, the distributor device Q can receive by gravity each packet P from the shaping device 55, and release it, letting it fall by gravity to the support plane 40, i.e. to the receiving boxes 25.

In practice, the distributor device Q is vertically axially interposed between the shaping device 55 and (the support plane 40, i.e.) the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G brought by the carrier 15 so as to receive the packets P from one by gravity and from one and release them so that they reach the receiving boxes 25 by gravity.

The distributor device Q, as visible in the attached figures, can comprise a plurality of channels C, e.g. with a vertical or substantially vertical axis, which are arranged in succession (and aligned) one after the other along the feed direction A, each of which provides an accommodating seat adapted to accommodate a respective one of said packets P formed by the shaping device 50.

The distributor device Q then comprises a bottom (not illustrated) associated with said channels C and movable between a holding position in which it closes a lower end of said channels C so as to hold packets P inside the accommodating seats and a rest position in which it frees said lower ends of said channels C, allowing the packets P to exit (by falling) from the accommodating seats.

For example, said bottom can be hinged to the channels C and movable around a hinge axis between the holding position and the rest position, or it can be translatable with respect to the channels and movable in translation between the holding position and the rest position.

The distributor device Q, in particular, is movable (driven by an appropriate driving actuator) along the feed direction A and selectively positionable in a plurality of different positions, each of which corresponding to a vertical alignment between a packet P formed by the shaping device 55 and a respective one of said accommodating seats, or in one among a plurality of different positions, each of which corresponds to a vertical alignment between one of said channels C of the distributor device Q with the forming trajectory, or to the coincidence between a central axis of one of said channels C with the forming trajectory.

In order to selectively convey the packet P to a first seat 30 or a second seat 35, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2 or 5, the forming apparatus 50 can optionally comprise a sorting device 80, for example also possibly supported by the support frame, which is configured to receive the packages from the distributor device Q and convey them, or release them, selectively to a first seat 30 or a second seat 35.

The sorting device 80 is arranged above (i.e. at a vertical height above the vertical height of) the carrier 15 (as well as the support plane 40) and below (i.e. at a vertical height below the vertical height of) the distributor device Q.

Thereby, the sorting device 80 can receive by gravity each packet P from the distributor device Q, and release it by selectively letting it fall by gravity into a first seat 30 or a second seat 35.

In practice, the sorting device 80 is vertically axially interposed between the distributor device Q and (the support plane 40, i.e.) the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly brought by the carrier 15 so as to receive the packets P from one by gravity and from and release them so that they reach the receiving boxes 25 by gravity.

The sorting device 80, as for example shown in FIG. 2, can comprise one or more tubular sleeves 85 (with a vertical or substantially vertical central axis) each of which defines a sliding chute of a respective package.

For example, as illustrated merely by way of example in the attached figures, the sorting device 80 can comprise a plurality of tubular sleeves 85, which are arranged in a row and aligned along the feed direction A.

Furthermore, each tubular sleeve 85 can preferably have a cross-sectional shape homologous to the cross-sectional shape of the packet P, e.g. quadrangular (rectangular) in the attached figures.

Each tubular sleeve 85 is rigid, i.e. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is provided, e.g. preferably made of metal material (e.g. steel).

The sorting device 80 can further comprise a hatch 90 associated with said one or more tubular sleeves 85 and movable (e.g. actuated by a respective movement actuator) between a first position in which it closes a lower end thereof, for example the lower end of each of them, locking the packet P inside the respective tubular sleeve 85, and a second position in which it frees the lower end of the tubular sleeve 85, for example of each tubular sleeve 85, allowing the package to exit from the (respective) tubular sleeve 85 through said lower end thereof.

For example, said hatch 90 can comprise one or more plates, preferably metal, which are overall adapted to selectively close or free the lower end of all the tubular sleeves 85 of the sorting device 80.

For example, said hatch 90 (e.g. each plate which provides the same) can be hinged to said one or more tubular sleeves 85 so as to be able to rotate around a hinge axis between the first position and the second position, or it can be slidably associated with said one or more tubular sleeves 85 and translatable between the first position and the second position.

Further, the sorting device 80 can optionally comprise a vibrating device (not illustrated) which is associated, e.g. fixed, to said one or more tubular bodies 85 in order to transmit vibrations thereto.

Such vibrations are adapted to obtain a compaction of the product, e.g. powder, contained in the packets P received by the sorting device 80.

Each tubular sleeve 85 of the sorting device 80 is adapted to be vertically aligned with a respective channel C of the distributor device Q to receive the packet P therefrom, and further adapted to be selectively vertically aligned with a first seat 30 or a second seat 35 to free the packet P to and into the same.

The sorting device 80, in particular, is movable (e.g. moved by a respective positioning actuator), i.e. movably connected to the support frame, along a direction orthogonal to the feed direction A in the section of the operating path where it is situated (i.e. substantially along the flanking direction B at said section of the operating path), between a first position in which it is superimposed in plan to (at least) a first receiving seat 30 (e.g. all the first seats 30 of the receiving boxes of an assembly), i.e., for example wherein each tubular sleeve 85 (i.e., said sliding chute) is superimposed in plan view on a respective first seat 30, and a second position in which it is superimposed in plan view on (at least) a second receiving seat 35 (i.e., superimposed in plan on all the second seats 35 of the receiving boxes of an assembly), or wherein each tubular sleeve 85 (i.e. said sliding chute defined by it) is superimposed in plan view on a respective second seat 35 (of the plurality of second seats 35 provided by the receiving boxes 25 of an assembly).

For example, as visible in the embodiment of the forming apparatus 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the forming apparatus 50 can comprise (only) a shaping device 55, a distributor device Q and a sorting device 80.

Alternatively, as visible in another embodiment of the forming apparatus 50 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the forming apparatus 50 can lack a sorting device 80 and comprise (only) two distinct shaping devices 55 and two distinct distributor devices Q, each of which is adapted to be associated with a respective one of said shaping devices 55 (to receive packets P therefrom).

In such a case, each distributor device Q is adapted to release the packets P directly to and in the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly, i.e. one distributor device Q is adapted to release the packets P to and in the first seats 30 of the receiving boxes 25 while the other distributor device Q is adapted to release the packets P to and in the second seats 35 of the receiving boxes 25.

In such a case, as can be appreciated from such a FIG. 3, the shaping devices 55, as well as the respective distributor devices Q, can be arranged one after the other along the operating path and also offset with respect to the flanking direction B, or arranged so that they are each adapted to be superimposed in plan on the first receiving seats 30 or the second receiving seats 35, respectively.

In practice, the forming trajectory of one of said shaping devices 55 is adapted to be vertically aligned (one at a time) with the first receiving seats 30, while the forming trajectory of the other of said shaping devices 55 is adapted to be vertically aligned (one at a time) with the second receiving seats 35.

For example, as can be appreciated from FIGS. 5 and 6, it is also possible to provide that the packaging machine 10 can comprise two distinct forming assemblies, for example each comprising (only) a shaping device 55, a distributor device Q and a sorting device 80.

In such a case, the packaging machine 10 can comprise at least two separate assemblies of receiving boxes 25, where each assembly is preferably formed by an equal number of receiving boxes 25, both mounted on the carrier 15 and moved by it along the operating path, and the forming assemblies 50 are each adapted (e.g. simultaneously) to supply the packets P of products to a respective one of said assemblies of receiving boxes 25. The packaging machine 10 can preferably comprise along the operating path downstream of the forming apparatus 50 (with respect to the travel direction of the packets P along the feed direction A) a further sealing device 95 configured to operate an additional seal (e.g. heat seal) of the lower end of each packet P.

For example, the support plane 40, as can be deduced from FIG. 2, can comprise through slots 100 along the operating path, which allow to expose the lower ends of the packets P accommodated in the first receiving seats 30 and in the second receiving seats 35 to such a further sealing device 95, which is arranged below the support plane 40 so as to intercept, and perform such a further sealing of, said lower ends of the packets P.

For example, such a further sealing device 95 can comprise heating plates which are selectively operable so as to clamp (or hold or tighten) the lower ends of the packets P therebetween so as to perform a further heat seal.

For example, said further sealing device 95 can comprise two heating plates adapted to simultaneously (heat) seal all the lower ends of the packets P of the first row (i.e. of the packets P inserted into the first seats 30 of the receiving boxes of an assembly G), and two heating plates adapted to simultaneously (heat) seal all the lower ends of the packets P of the second row (i.e. of the packets P inserted into the second seats 35 of the receiving boxes of an assembly G).

As can be deduced from FIG. 5, it can be provided that where the packaging machine 10 is provided with two forming assemblies 50, each of which feeds the packets to a respective plurality of receiving boxes 25, and that such a packaging machine 10 can comprise two separate further sealing devices 95, which are arranged in succession one after the other (with respect to the travel direction) along the feed direction A and adapted to operate a further sealing of the lower end of the packets P brought by a respective plurality of receiving boxes 25.

Further, optionally, the packaging machine 10 can comprise a folding device (not illustrated), placed downstream of the further sealing device 95 where present, which is configured to fold the bottom end upwards, i.e. fold it over the rest of the packet P so as to flatten it.

The packaging machine 10, as visible in the attached figures, can further comprise a flattening device 110, which is configured to bring free flaps of the upper end 45 of the packet P into contact so as to close (without sealing) and flatten it.

Such a flattening device 110 is superimposed in plan view on the support plane 40, and furthermore arranged at a (vertical) distance therefrom such that it intercepts the upper ends 45 of the packets P dragged by the receiving boxes 25 of the plurality.

Such a flattening device 110, for example, can comprise two pairs of plates, each plate of which extends longitudinally along the feed direction A (e.g., for a length substantially equal to the overall length of the plurality of receiving boxes 25 along the feed direction A), and each pair is adapted to receive and selectively clamp the upper ends of the packets P brought by one of the plurality of first seats 30 or the plurality of second seats 35, respectively.

The two pairs of plates are mutually flanked along, and mutually aligned with respect to, the flanking direction B.

For example, one of said pairs of plates is adapted to simultaneously tighten (to close, without sealing, and flatten) all the upper ends of the packets P accommodated in the first receiving seats 30 (of the receiving seats 25 of the assembly G), i.e., the upper ends 45 of the first row of packets P, while the other of said pairs of plates is adapted to simultaneously clamp (to close, without sealing, and flatten) all the upper ends of the packets P accommodated in the second receiving seats 35 (of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G), i.e. the upper ends 45 of the second row of packets P.

As can be deduced from FIG. 5, it can be provided that where the packaging machine 10 is provided with two forming assemblies 50, each feeding the packets to a respective plurality of receiving boxes 25, such a packaging machine can comprise two separate flattening devices 110, which are arranged in succession one after the other (with respect to the travel direction) along the feed direction A and adapted to bring into contact free flaps of the upper end 45 of the packets P brought by a respective assembly G of receiving boxes 25.

The packaging machine 10 then comprises a sealing apparatus 115, arranged along the operating path, downstream of the forming apparatus 50 and, for example, downstream of said flattening device 110 (where present) with respect to the travel direction of the receiving boxes 25 along the feed direction A, which is adapted to vacuum-seal the packets P.

In other words, said sealing apparatus 115 is adapted to vacuum-seal the packets P of product brought by the receiving boxes 25, i.e. configured to seal the upper end 45 of each packet P and preferably achieve a vacuum condition thereof.

For example, said sealing apparatus 115 can be adapted to simultaneously vacuum-seal at least one packet P accommodated in a first seat 30 and one packet P accommodated in the corresponding second seat 35, preferably simultaneously all the packets P of product brought by the receiving boxes 25 of an assembly G.

Such a sealing apparatus 115, schematically illustrated in the attached figures, comprises a casing 120 connected to vacuum generation means, adapted to delimit a vacuum chamber within which the plurality of receiving boxes 25 with the packets P carried by them are adapted to be accommodated.

The casing 120 can have, for example, an inlet for a suction pump which allows to make the vacuum inside the chamber, creating said vacuum chamber.

The casing 120 can comprise two parts 125 or shells provided with relative movement so as to be selectively available in an open position in which they are mutually spaced apart, or in a closed position in which they are mutually brought into contact to define a vacuum chamber within which an assembly G of receiving boxes 25, and, as will be clearer below, a section of the carrier 15, is accommodated.

The parts 125 or shells can be homologous in shape or different, as for example illustrated in the attached figures, but in any case they define a shape coupling such as to allow the hermetic vacuum seal of the chamber that is defined in their closed position.

It is possible to provide that one of said parts 125 or shells is fixed while the other is movable towards and away from the other in order to achieve said opening position or said closing position.

For example, it is possible to provide that one of said parts 125 or shells is fixed to the support frame without residual degrees of freedom, and that the other of said parts 125 or shells is connected to the support frame in a movable approaching/distancing manner to the other part 125 or shell.

As mentioned above, the parts 125 or shells in the closed position delimit a vacuum chamber, i.e. where the vacuum is created by means of said vacuum generation means, within which the receiving boxes 25 of the plurality and the section of the carrier that brings it are accommodated.

In particular, the carrier 15 has (i.e., mounts) respectively upstream and downstream of the assembly G of receiving boxes 25, for example upstream and downstream of each assembly of receiving boxes 25, two shaped blocks, each of which defines a shape coupling with the parts 125 or shells of the casing 120 when these are in the closed position with the section of carrier 15 interposed between the shaped blocks which can thus be inserted within the (vacuum) chamber defined by the casing.

Such blocks can, for example, each be diamond-shaped and are arranged at a distance from each other equal to the extension of the chamber defined by the bell with respect to the feed direction A.

At said blocks, the parts 125 or shells trace the profile of the blocks so that, when the parts 125 are arranged in the closed position, they define a shape coupling (possibly with the interposition of sealing gaskets) therewith, isolating (hermetically sealing) the inside of the chamber from the outside (thus allowing the vacuum condition thereof to be maintained).

The sealing apparatus 115 further comprises a device for sealing (e.g. by heat) the upper end 45 of the packets P when the plurality of receiving boxes 25 are inserted inside the vacuum chamber.

Such a sealing device is arranged inside the chamber defined by the casing 120.

Preferably, said sealing device can comprise three heating plates, of which a central plate 130 and two opposite side plates 135 each facing a respective face of the central plate 130, and the side plates 135 each being movable towards/away from the central plate 130 along the flanking direction B to selectively tighten (or clamp, or hold) with the central plate 130 itself the upper end 45 of a respective packet for the sealing (e.g. heat sealing) thereof.

Preferably, each of said plates 130,135 (central and side) has a longitudinal extension along the feed direction A which is substantially equal to the overall dimensions along the feed direction A of the plurality of receiving boxes 25.

Thereby, one side plate 135 is capable of clamping (and sealing) with the central plate 130 (simultaneously) all the upper ends of the packets P accommodated in the first seats 30 of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G, while the other side plate 135 is capable of tightening or clamping (and sealing) with the central plate 130 (simultaneously) all the upper ends of the packets P accommodated in the second seats 35 of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G.

As can be deduced from FIG. 6, it is possible to provide that where the packaging machine 10 is provided with two forming assemblies 50, each of which feeds the packets P to a respective assembly of receiving boxes 25, the casing 120 can define a vacuum chamber of dimensions such as to contain two assemblies of receiving boxes, and further, that the packaging machine 10 can comprise two sealing devices, which are arranged in succession one after the other (with respect to the travel direction) along the feed direction A within the chamber and adapted to seal (heat seal) the upper ends 45 of the packets P brought by a respective assembly G of receiving boxes 25.

The packaging machine 10 can further comprise a pick-up device 140 (only schematically illustrated) configured to pick up the packets P from the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G, at a pick-up section of the operating path located downstream of the sealing apparatus 115 with respect to the travel direction of the packets P along the feed direction A and to deposit them supported, possibly in an orderly manner, on a support plane 40 of an exit carrier 145 of the packaging machine 10.

For example, such a pick-up device 140 can be of the Cartesian or anthropomorphic robot type.

Preferably, such a pick-up device 140 can be configured to simultaneously pick up all the packets P contained in the receiving boxes 25 of an assembly G, i.e. both the first row of packets P and the second row of packets P, and to deposit them supported on the exit carrier one after the other, making one overall row of packets P.

Such an exit carrier 145 can preferably be of the belt type.

For example, such an exit carrier 145 comprises a belt closed on itself in a loop and wound on at least one drive pulley, driven in rotation by a respective (preferably electric) motor, and at least one driven pulley.

An upper branch of said belt provides said support plane for the packets P of product.

The support plane 40 is therefore adapted to receive the packets P and move them, in a travel direction, along a movement direction.

The packaging machine 10 can optionally comprise a trimming device 150 of the upper end 45 of the packets P, which is associated with the exit carrier 145, i.e. arranged above the support plane 40 defined by it, and further arranged at an (adjustable) vertical distance from the support plane 40 such as to intercept said upper end 45 of the packets P.

In practice, such a trimming device 150 can comprise cutting means, e.g. of the scissor or blade type or other, which are operable (upon actuation of an appropriate actuator) to cut an excess upper edge of the upper end 45 of the packet P (without, however, causing it to open or unseal).

For example, as schematically illustrated, such cutting means can comprise two counter-rotating cutting blades, driven by respective drive motors about vertical or substantially vertical rotation axes or in any case orthogonal to the support plane provided by the exit carrier, provided with cutting profiles which are mutually aligned and flanked to, in combination, remove said excess edge of said upper end 45 of said packets P.

Further, the packaging machine 10 can optionally comprise a compacting device configured to flatten said upper end 45 of each packet P.

Said compacting device is associated with the exit carrier 145 or arranged above the support plane defined by it, and further arranged at an (adjustable) vertical distance from the support plane of the exit carrier such as to intercept said upper end 45 of the packets P, and is further placed downstream of the trimming device 150 (where present) with respect to the travel direction of the packets P along the movement direction imposed by the support plane 40.

Such a compacting device, for example, can comprise a belt 155 closed on itself in a loop and wound on at least one drive pulley, driven in rotation by a respective (preferably electric) motor, and at least one driven pulley.

Such a belt 155 has a lower branch, parallel to the support plane of the exit carrier 145, which provides a contact surface, which faces the support plane, and is adapted to contact said upper end 45 of the packet P in order to press it towards the support plane 40 causing the flattening thereof.

For example, as can be deduced from FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, such a compacting device can also comprise a lead-in appendage 160, arranged upstream of the belt 155 with respect to the travel direction of the packets P imposed on them by the exit carrier 145, which has an abutment surface adapted to contact the upper end 45 of the packets P in order to fold it downwards or towards the support plane of the exit carrier 145.

Said abutment surface, as can be deduced from FIG. 5, has one end distal from the belt 155 placed at a preset vertical height (e.g. adjustable as a function of the type of packets P packaged), and one end proximal to the belt 155 placed at a lower vertical height than the vertical height at which the end distal from the belt is placed and substantially equal to the vertical height at which the contact surface thereof is placed.

Obviously, the packaging machine 10 can be automated, i.e. it can be provided with an electronic control unit (not illustrated, e.g. comprising at least a microprocessor or other logical processing and calculation unit, and at least one memory unit) which is connected to the carrier and the various apparatuses and devices of the packaging machine (i.e. to the and to any sensors thereof) in order to control the operation thereof in a coordinated manner (and possibly also perform diagnostic checks thereof).

In light of the above, the operation of the packing machine 10 is as follows.

An assembly G of receiving boxes 25 is brought at a forming apparatus 50 so as to receive the packets P made by it in the first seats 30 and in the second seats 35, until the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G are completely filled.

To this end, with reference to the packaging machine 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and of FIGS. 5, 6, each time a packet P is formed by the shaping device 55, the distributor device Q can be moved along the feed direction A so as to align a different channel C of the distributor device Q, i.e. a different accommodating seat, with the forming trajectory to receive a respective packet P.

Once all channels C of the distributor device Q are filled, the bottom can be brought into the rest position so that the packets P, falling, are received in a respective tubular sleeve 85 provided by the sorting device 80.

Once all the tubular sleeves 85 are filled, the hatch 70 of the sorting device can be brought into the second position so that the packets P are each inserted into a respective first seat 30.

The filling operation of the tubular sleeves 85 with the packets P can then be repeated and the sorting device 80 can be moved along the flanking direction B, i.e. moved so as to be superimposed in plan view on the second seats 35.

At this point, the hatch 90 can be brought into the second position so that the packets P, falling, are each received in a respective second seat 35.

Alternatively, with reference to the packaging machine 10 of FIGS. 3 and 4, the filling of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G can be carried out as follows.

The assembly G of receiving boxes 25 is brought at one of the shaping devices 50 and as a packet P is gradually formed, the distributor device Q can be moved along the feed direction A so as to align a different channel C, i.e. a different accommodating seat, with the forming path to receive the packet P.

Once all channels C of the distributor device Q are filled, the bottom can be brought into the rest position so that the packets P, falling, are received in a respective first seat 30.

The above operations can be repeated, if necessary, until all the first seats 30 of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G are filled.

Once all the first seats 35 are filled, the assembly G of receiving boxes 25 can be brought at the other shaping device 50 and a packet P is gradually formed.

The distributor device Q can be moved along the feed direction A so to align a different channel C, i.e. a different accommodating seat, with the forming trajectory to receive the packet P.

Once all channels of the distributor device Q are filled, the bottom can be brought into the rest position so that the packets P, falling, are received in a respective second seat 35.

The above operations can be repeated, if necessary, until all the second seats 35 of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G are filled.

Once the filling of the first seats 30 and the second seats 35 of the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G has been completed, they are fed, in a travel direction along the feed direction A, along the operating path until they are brought at the flattening device 110.

Before reaching the flattening device 110, along the operating path the lower ends of the packets P can be exposed to the further sealing device 95, and the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G momentarily stopped at the same, in order to make a further seal of said lower ends, and subsequently advanced again until reaching the flattening device 110.

Once the flattening device 110 is reached, the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G can be stopped (momentarily) and the flattening device 110 operated so as to bring the free flaps of the upper ends 45 of the packets P closer together and flatten, without sealing, the upper ends themselves.

Subsequently, the assembly G of receiving boxes 25 can be advanced further by the carrier 15 until being brought at the casing 120.

At this point, the two parts of the casing 125 can be closed again, i.e. brought into the closed position, so as to define said chamber, the vacuum generation means operated to as to make the vacuum of the chamber, and the sealing device if further operated so as to seal the upper ends 45 of the packets.

Once the packets P have been sealed and vacuum-sealed, the parts 125 can be brought into the open position and the receiving boxes 25 of the assembly G further advanced until at a pick-up area where the packets P are picked up from the receiving boxes 25 by the pick-up device 140 and preferably arranged supported in a row on the exit carrier 145.

The packets P are then advanced from the exit carrier 145 so as to be brought, e.g. one at a time, first at the trimming device 150 for trimming the sealed upper end and then to the compacting device which folds the upper end 45 downwards, e.g. so as to define a packet P of substantially parallelepiped shape.

Obviously, a person skilled in the art can make numerous modifications of a technical-applicative nature to everything described above, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.