Packaging machine for generating re-closable packages

Disclosed is a machine for generating re-closable packages. According to one embodiment the machine includes a forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to a continuous film, a driving module that moves the film tube in a forward movement direction at a first forward movement speed, a longitudinal sealing tool for sealing the longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated. The machine includes a first driving assembly for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction at a second forward movement speed, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package being obtained as a result. The machine also includes a second driving assembly located upstream the longitudinal sealing tool and configured for moving the re-closable strip at a third forward movement speed, the first, second and third forward movement speeds being equal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims the benefit and priority to European Application No. EP19383039.5, filed Nov. 25, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to packaging machines for generating re-closable packages, particularly to vertical or inclined packaging machines.

BACKGROUND

There are known packaging machines comprising a film feeding device for supplying a continuous film to a forming tube which is adapted for imparting a tubular shape to the film supplied by the feeding device and comprising a longitudinal axis in a forward movement direction, a longitudinal sealing tool which is adapted for longitudinally sealing longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape and generating a film tube, sealing to one another overlapping areas of said longitudinal ends along a segment of the film with a tubular shape, a driving module which is arranged facing the forming tube and adapted for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction by driving, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool adapted for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube below the forming tube.

Longitudinal sealing can be performed with different technologies, such as by heating or by ultrasound (with or without direct contact with the film, respectively). Furthermore, for generating certain types of packages commonly referred to as doy packs and pouches, longitudinal sealing tools comprising two sealing elements are known, between which there are arranged the overlapping areas of the film with a tubular shape for sealing to one another the longitudinal ends of said areas along a segment of the film with a tubular shape. Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,852A, for example, discloses intermittent action of the longitudinal sealing tool, whereas in US2016122061A1, for example, the action is continuous.

Packaging machines are furthermore adapted for generating re-closable packages. These packages require a re-closable strip (Velcro or zipper-type, for example), for easy opening and closure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,852A and US2016122061A1 disclose these machines. These machines comprise a zipper feeding device, a plurality of positioning devices (idle rollers in this case) receiving said zipper and redirecting it to be supplied in the forward movement direction in which the film tube moves forward. The positioning devices are arranged such that they furthermore cause the zipper to be arranged between the longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape enveloping the forming tube, and overlapping one another, said zipper being sandwiched between both longitudinal ends. Thus, when the longitudinal sealing which seals said two overlapping ends to one another is performed, the zipper is also sealed to the film (to the film tube).

ES1217722U discloses a packaging machine which is adapted in certain embodiments for generating re-closable packages. In these embodiments, the machine comprises a securing roller below the longitudinal sealing tool and another securing roller above said longitudinal sealing tool, and both securing rollers are configured for pressing and moving the overlapping longitudinal ends of the film tube, such that during the longitudinal sealing process, when the longitudinal sealing tool of the film is separated (when there is a shortage of product to be packaged, for example, the forward movement of film is halted and the longitudinal sealing tool is separated state of the art so as not to burn the film in the case of using longitudinal sealing tools with said technology), the surface of the film to be sealed is prevented from being secured by the securing rollers such that the correct arrangement of the overlapping areas of the longitudinal ends of said film once the packaging process resumes is assured.

SUMMARY

Provided is a packaging machine for generating re-closable packages.

The packaging machine comprises:a forming tube configured for receiving a continuous film and for imparting a tubular shape to said film, the forming tube comprising a first area and a second area and the first area being configured for receiving the continuous film and for imparting a tubular shape to said film, such that said film surrounds the second area and longitudinal ends of said film are located facing one another around said second area,a longitudinal sealing tool which is adapted for longitudinally sealing to one another longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated,a driving module which is arranged facing the second area of the forming tube and adapted for moving the film tube in a forward movement direction at a specific first forward movement speed,a first driving assembly which is arranged facing the forming tube and arranged downstream of the longitudinal sealing tool in the forward movement direction and configured for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction at a specific second forward movement speed, acting on the longitudinal ends previously sealed to one another, anda transverse sealing and cutting tool arranged downstream of the forming tube in the forward movement direction and adapted for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package being obtained as a result.

The machine further comprises a feeding device for supplying a continuous re-closable strip and a guiding device which is arranged upstream of the second area of the forming tube in the forward movement direction and configured for receiving the continuous re-closable strip and redirecting it in said forward movement direction, such that the re-closable strip is housed between the longitudinal ends of the film in the second area of the forming tube, with the longitudinal ends arranged facing one another on each side of the re-closable strip. The longitudinal sealing tool is thus adapted for sealing said longitudinal ends and the re-closable strip to one another, and the first driving assembly is thus adapted for moving the film tube and the re-closable strip in the forward movement direction.

The machine further comprises:a second driving assembly upstream of the longitudinal sealing tool in the path of the re-closable strip and configured for moving the re-closable strip at a specific third forward movement speed towards the longitudinal sealing tool,actuation means adapted for causing the actuation of the driving module and of the two driving assemblies, anda control device configured for acting on the actuation means for said actuation means to cause the first forward movement speed, the second forward movement speed, and the third forward movement speed to be substantially the same.

In ES1217722U, an upper securing roller facing the second area of the forming tube, upstream of the sealing tool, moves both the re-closable strip housed between the longitudinal ends of the film and said film, in a joint manner, and since at that point the re-closable strip and the longitudinal ends of the film are separated from one another (not attached to one another given that the sealing tool is arranged downstream), there is a risk that due to the different properties of both materials (re-closable strip and film) and/or due to different circumstances (such as, for example, applying tension to the re-closable strip and/or of film), there may be slippage between both materials that would give rise to creases and/or flaws in the final package.

This could also occur, for example, if any additional action is performed on the re-closable strip between the re-closable strip feeding device and the second driving assembly (such as for example intermittent forward movements for generating marks or holes in the re-closable strip, etc.), and/or any additional action on the film before said film reaches the forming tube (such as for example intermittent forward movements for printing on the film, labeling, generating marks or holes in the film, etc.). As a result of said actions (or as a result of only one of them), tensions and/or deformations can be generated in the re-closable strip and/or in the film in the direction opposite the forward movement of said re-closable strip or film, and said tensions in the re-closable strip and in the film can be different, which could give rise to slippage between said re-closable strip and said film.

In the proposed machine, there is no element that has to move two separate materials (re-closable strip and film separately, without a seal between them). The second driving assembly causes movement of only the re-closable strip, therefore there will be no slippage whatsoever between two different materials; the driving module only contacts with the film tube and the first driving assembly moves the re-closable strip already sealed to the film tube, so although said first driving assembly moves both the film and the re-closable strip, they are already attached to one another and no slippage between them whatsoever may be generated either.

By acting on the actuation means of the driving module and of the two driving assemblies for said actuation means to cause all the described forward movement speeds to be substantially the same (the first forward movement speed of the film tube by means of the driving module acting only on the film, the third forward movement speed of the re-closable strip by means of the second driving assembly acting only on the re-closable strip, and the second forward movement speed of the assembly formed by the re-closable strip sealed to the film tube by means of the first driving assembly preferably acting on the longitudinal ends of the film tube between which the re-closable strip is housed), the proposed machine furthermore allows arranging the re-closable strip and the film in the desired position, regardless, furthermore, of the additional possible actions on the previously described re-closable strip and/or film. The re-closable strip can thereby be positioned with respect to the film in a precise manner both in the forward movement direction and with respect to the longitudinal ends of the film tube, and a substantially equal forward movement of the re-closable strip, of the film, and of the film tube with the re-closable strip sealed to the longitudinal ends of the film is furthermore assured, whereby assuring that all these elements are arranged with respect to other as required so that deficiencies, such as creases in the final package, for example, do not arise. This also means that both the film and the re-closable strip move forward in unison.

These and other advantages and features will become apparent in view of the drawings and the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a preferred embodiment of the packaging machine100of the invention, a machine100in this case that could also be inclined, for example, which is adapted for generating re-closable packages from a continuous film L and a continuous re-closable strip2.0.

Re-closable packages must be interpreted to mean those packages which can be closed again once they have been opened, and for that purpose comprise a re-closable strip (a zipper or Velcro, for example). These strips are formed by two elements which are attached to and separated from one another to open the package, being reattached to close it. Preferably, the machine100can generate re-closable packages of different types, such as those commonly known in the sector as doy packs and pouches.

The machine100comprises a film feeding device, not depicted in the drawings, which supplies a continuous film L and a forming tube3which is adapted for receiving the film L supplied by the film feeding device and for imparting a tubular shape, and comprising a longitudinal axis3.0. The film feeding device comprises a shaft on which the film L is arranged wound in the form of a reel, and the rotation of the reel on said shaft unwinds the film L, the continuous film L thus being supplied.

The forming tube3comprises a first area3.1and a second area3.2downstream of said first area3.1in a forward movement direction A, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3, as shown inFIG.2. The first area3.1is configured for receiving the continuous film L, and for imparting a tubular shape to said film L such that said film L surrounds the second area3.2and the longitudinal ends L1and L2of said film L are located facing one another around said second area3.2, as shown by way of example inFIG.3. SaidFIG.3shows a section and plan view of a simplified forming tube3, but the forming tube3may comprise other shapes in addition to a cylindrical shape, depending on the desired final package, such that the tubular shape acquired by the film will also have the same geometry as forming tube3.

The machine100further comprises a longitudinal sealing tool4which is adapted for longitudinally sealing the film L with a tubular shape, sealing the longitudinal ends L1and L2, a film tube being generated. Preferably, the longitudinal sealing tool4remains stationary in the forward movement direction A with the machine100in operation and comprises two facing sealing elements4.1cooperating with one another to perform the corresponding sealing. The sealing elements4.1are configured for sealing the longitudinal ends L1and L2preferably by heat and proximity, without pressing said longitudinal ends L1and L2against one another. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing elements4.1can move in opposite directions, moving closer to one another to perform sealing in a sealing position in which the heat generated by said sealing elements4.1causes sealing (seeFIG.4C) and moving apart from one another in an inoperative position in which the heat generated by said sealing elements4.1does not affect the longitudinal ends L1and L2, and, therefore, does not seal them (seeFIG.4A). Said sealing elements4.1are actuated by means of an actuation device, which may be pneumatic, for example, preferably to move them simultaneously and synchronously. In other alternative embodiments, the sealing elements4.1are preferably configured for sealing the longitudinal ends L1and L2by heat, pressing said longitudinal ends L1and L2against one another such that said longitudinal ends L1and L2are sealed to one another due to the effect of heat and pressure. In these embodiments, the sealing elements4.1move in opposite directions, moving closer to one another to perform sealing in a sealing position and moving apart from one another to an inoperative position to allow the forward movement of the longitudinal ends L1and L2through them in the forward movement direction A.

The machine100further comprises a driving module5which is arranged facing the second area3.2of the forming tube3, arranged in an angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3different from the angular position with respect to said longitudinal axis3.0in which the longitudinal sealing tool4is arranged, and adapted for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction A and at a specific first forward movement speed.

The machine100also comprises a first driving assembly7which is arranged facing the forming tube3and arranged downstream of the longitudinal sealing tool4in the forward movement direction A, which is configured for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction A at a specific second forward movement speed, acting on the longitudinal ends L1and L2previously sealed to one another, and shown in greater detail inFIGS.4A,4B, and4C.

Preferably, the driving module5can comprise a belt which presses the film tube (and/or the film with a tubular shape) against the forming tube3, or it can comprise suction means causing suction on the film tube, pressing said film tube against the belt of said driving module5. The driving module5causes the movement of said belt, in turn causing with said movement the movement of the film tube in the forward movement direction A. The machine100can comprise one or more driving modules5arranged in an angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3different from the angular position with respect to said longitudinal axis3.0in which the longitudinal sealing tool4is arranged.

The machine100further comprises a transverse sealing and cutting tool6which is arranged downstream of the forming tube3in the forward movement direction A and adapted for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package P being obtained as a result. Preferably, the transverse sealing and cutting tool6comprises a cutting blade6.1and a sealing element6.2on each side of the cutting blade6.1in the forward movement direction A, as depicted inFIG.5.

The machine100further comprises a re-closable strip feeding device2for supplying a continuous re-closable strip2.0and thus being able to generate re-closable packages P. The re-closable strip feeding device2comprises a shaft on which the re-closable strip2.0is arranged wound in the form of a reel, and the rotation of the reel on said shaft unwinds the re-closable strip2.0, said continuous re-closable strip2.0thus being supplied.

The re-closable strip2.0is arranged between the longitudinal ends L1and L2of the film with a tubular shape, such that when the longitudinal sealing tool4performs the corresponding sealing, the re-closable strip2.0is sealed to said longitudinal ends L1and L2. To carry out this arrangement, a guiding device of the machine100, which is arranged upstream of the second area3.2of the forming tube3in the forward movement direction A, receives the continuous re-closable strip2.0, and is configured for redirecting said re-closable strip2.0in the forward movement direction A and housing it between said longitudinal ends L1and L2, the longitudinal ends L1and L2being located one on each side of the re-closable strip2.0(when the longitudinal ends L1and L2are arranged facing one another around said second area3.2, each of them is located on one side of the re-closable strip2.0). The longitudinal sealing tool4is thus adapted for sealing said longitudinal ends L1and L2and the re-closable strip2.0to one another. The first driving assembly7of the machine100is thus also adapted for moving the film tube and the re-closable strip2.0, simultaneously and jointly, in the forward movement direction A and at the second forward movement speed, once the re-closable strip2.0and the longitudinal ends L1and L2are sealed to one another.

The machine100further comprises a second driving assembly8upstream of the longitudinal sealing tool4in the path of the re-closable strip2.0(between the re-closable strip feeding device2and the longitudinal sealing tool4), which is configured for moving the re-closable strip2.0at a specific third forward movement speed towards the longitudinal sealing tool4. As a result of the cooperation between the second driving assembly8, which causes the movement of the re-closable strip2.0as required, and the guiding device, which redirects said re-closable strip2.0as appropriate, the re-closable strip2.0is thereby arranged in the required position with respect to the longitudinal ends L1and L2and with the required tension, said tension preferably being constant in the segment of the re-closable strip2.0arranged between the first driving assembly7and the second driving assembly8. In some embodiments, such as in a preferred embodiment, the second driving assembly8also functions as a guiding device, thus being arranged upstream of the second area3.2of the forming tube3(in the preferred embodiment it is arranged facing the first area3.1of said forming tube3).

The first driving assembly7, the second driving assembly8, and the longitudinal sealing tool4are stationary in the forward movement direction A during normal operation of the machine100.

The machine100also comprises actuation means, not depicted in the drawings, which are adapted for causing the actuation of the driving module5and of the two driving assemblies7and8, and a control device configured for acting on the actuation means for said actuation means to cause the first forward movement speed, the second forward movement speed, and the third forward movement speed to be substantially the same.

Each of the driving assemblies7and8comprises two facing rollers7.1and8.1. The first driving assembly7is arranged such that the already sealed longitudinal ends L1and L2of the film with a tubular shape move forward between both rollers7.1(together with the re-closable strip2.0also already sealed to said longitudinal ends L1and L2), and said rollers7.1are configured for cooperating with one another to move said longitudinal ends L1and L2and said re-closable strip2.0in the forward movement direction A, in an operating position shown inFIGS.4A and4C. Particularly, in the operating position the rollers7.1firmly hold said longitudinal ends L1and L2between them, causing some to move when they rotate. Likewise, the second driving assembly8is arranged such that the re-closable strip2.0moves forward between its rollers8.1, and said rollers8.1are configured for cooperating with one another to move said re-closable strip2.0in an operative position also shown inFIGS.4A and4C. Particularly, the rollers8.1firmly hold said re-closable strip2.0between them, being in said operative position, causing some to move when they rotate.

The driving assemblies7and8can also be arranged in a switching position shown inFIGS.4B and6B. This enables being able to arrange the re-closable strip2.0and the film L in place when film L and/or re-closable strip2.0need to be switched.

In the preferred embodiment, the driving assemblies7and8can be arranged in their operative position but without rotation, such that rollers7.1exert pressure against one another, keeping the longitudinal ends L1and L2secured and stationary, while at the same time rollers8.1exert pressure against one another, keeping the re-closable strip2.0secured and stationary, while sealing elements4.1are in the inoperative position (seeFIG.4A). With the driving assemblies7and8and the sealing tools4.1in these positions, neither the film tube nor the re-closable strip2.0move in the forward movement direction A, with the driving assemblies7and8being configured for keeping both the re-closable strip2.0and the film tube in place. Since the first driving assembly7, the second driving assembly8, and the longitudinal sealing tool4are stationary in the forward movement direction A, more precise positioning of the re-closable strip with respect to the forming tube3in said forward movement direction A is obtained, and the first forward movement speed, the second forward movement speed, and the third forward movement speed are more readily assured to be substantially the same.

In embodiments in which the sealing elements4.1are configured for sealing the longitudinal ends L1and L2by heat, pressing said longitudinal ends against one another, when the sealing elements4.1are in the sealing position pressing the longitudinal ends L1and L2of the film with a tubular shape, the control device is configured for keeping rollers7.1and8.1of the driving assemblies7and8still, without rotation, in a position in which rollers7.1exert pressure against one another, keeping the longitudinal ends L1and L2secured and stationary, while at the same time rollers8.1exert pressure against one another, keeping the re-closable strip2.0secured and stationary. In contrast, when the sealing elements4.1are in the inoperative position, located apart from one another to allow the forward movement of the longitudinal ends L1and L2through them in the forward movement direction A, the control device is configured for causing the rotation of rollers7.1and8.1, such that rollers7.1move the longitudinal ends L1and L2in the forward movement direction A and rollers8.1move the re-closable strip2.0in the forward movement direction A. In these embodiments, the first driving assembly7, the second driving assembly8, and the longitudinal sealing tool4also remain stationary in the forward movement direction A.

In some embodiments, each roller8.1comprises a non-slip outer surface, preferably a gummed surface, preventing to a greater extent the slippage of the re-closable strip2.0upon contact with said rollers8.1, and each roller7.1also comprises a non-slip surface, preferably a gummed surface, preventing to a greater extent the slippage of the longitudinal ends L1and L2of the film tube upon contact with said rollers7.1. In some embodiments, the outer surfaces of rollers8.1comprise a recess (preferably in the form of a groove) adapted for housing the re-closable strip2.0, and rollers7.1also comprise a recess adapted for housing the part of the longitudinal ends L1and L2which they contact. In some embodiments, such as in the preferred embodiment, rollers7.1and8.1comprise the described recess and a non-slip outer surface. Any other combination between non-slip surfaces and recesses would also be possible.

Each roller8.1of the second driving assembly8comprises a rotation shaft8.10, and in some embodiments, the rotation shafts8.10of both rollers8.1are connected to one another. In the same manner, each roller7.1of the first driving assembly7comprises a rotation shaft7.10, and in some embodiments, the rotation shafts7.10of said rollers7.1are connected to one another. In some embodiments, such as in the preferred embodiment, all the rotation shafts7.10and8.10are connected to one another.

The actuation means can comprise one actuation device for each rotation shaft7.10and8.10or for each pair of rotation shafts7.10and8.10, depending on the embodiment, but in embodiments in which all the rotation shafts7.10and8.10are attached, the actuation means comprise one actuation device109associated with at least one of said rotation shafts7.10and8.10for causing the simultaneous and joint rotation of all the rollers7.1and8.1.

In embodiments in which the second driving assembly8is arranged facing the first area3.1of the forming tube3, such as that shown inFIG.1for example, the most downstream contact point in the forward movement direction A of the rollers8.1of the second driving assembly8with the re-closable strip2.0is aligned in said forward movement direction A with the most upstream contact point in said forward movement direction A of the rollers7.1of the first driving assembly7with the longitudinal ends L1and L2of the film with a tubular shape. In these embodiments, the second driving assembly8corresponds with the guiding device arranged upstream of the second area3.2of the forming tube3, facing the first area3.1of said forming tube3.

In the preferred embodiment, each roller8.1of the second driving assembly8is located on a respective different side of the re-closable strip2.0, and each roller7.1of the first driving assembly7is located on a respective different side of said re-closable strip2.0. The rollers7.1and8.1of both driving assemblies7and8arranged on the same side with respect to the re-closable strip2.0are attached to a respective platform101.1and101.2of the machine100with rotational freedom, and at least one of the platforms101.1and101.2is movable with respect to the other platform101.1and101.2in a transverse direction with respect to the forward movement direction A. This movement allows arranging the driving assemblies7and8in the operating position (FIGS.4C and6A) and in the switching position (FIGS.4B and6B), where both the re-closable strip2.0and the film L may be arranged suitably with respect to the forming tube3in a set-up of the machine100, for example, with said driving assemblies7and8in the switching position. In the event that the longitudinal sealing tool4comprises two sealing elements4.1, each of said sealing elements4.1is attached with freedom of transverse movement with respect to a respective platform101.1and101.2, and the machine100comprises at least one actuation device configured for causing a transverse movement of both sealing elements4.1with respect to their respective platforms101.1and101.2. Preferably, the actuation device associated with the sealing elements4.1is configured for causing a simultaneous transverse movement in opposite directions of both sealing elements4.1with respect to their respective platforms101.1and101.2.

In some embodiments, such as in the preferred embodiment, the rollers8.1of the second driving assembly8are connected to one another by means of a transmission element106, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B, and the machine100comprises at least one guiding roller104and105attached to each platform101.1and101.2. Said guiding rollers104and105are configured for guiding the transmission element106, each of said rollers8.1of the second driving assembly8being arranged between the two guiding rollers104and105in the path of the transmission element106, and said transmission element106defining a closed path between said guiding rollers104and105and said rollers8.1of the second driving assembly8. Therefore, when one platform101.1moves with respect to the other platform101.2, the transmission element106maintains its tension. The transmission element106can be a belt, for example.

In some embodiments, such as in the preferred embodiment, the machine100can further comprise a perforation tool10configured for receiving the continuous re-closable strip2.0coming from the re-closable strip feeding device2.0and for generating a hole10.1in said re-closable strip2.0(as shown inFIG.5, for example). The perforation tool10is arranged upstream of the second driving assembly8in the path of the re-closable strip2.0. Therefore, when the re-closable strip2.0is sealed to the longitudinal ends L1and L2of the film with a tubular shape, said re-closable strip2.0already comprises the corresponding holes10.1.

The actuation means of the machine100are furthermore adapted for causing the actuation of the perforation tool10and of the transverse sealing and cutting tool6such that said transverse sealing and cutting tool6acts on an area of the film tube comprising at least one hole10.1of the re-closable strip2.0, when it performs transverse sealing and cutting. The risk of the transverse sealing and cutting tool6not performing suitable transverse sealing, which would affect the quality of the generated package P, due to the fact that, because of the nature thereof, the re-closable strip2.0is thicker and has different properties with respect to the film L (longitudinal ends L1and L2), is thus prevented. Particularly, as a result of the hole10.1, this correct transverse sealing, and, therefore, the tightness of the package P, are assured, packages P being re-closable packages and tight packages being able to be obtained.

Preferably, the actuation means are configured for causing the perforation tool10to generate holes10.1in the re-closable strip2.0spaced apart from one another a specific distance (specific distance between the center of two contiguous holes10.1), said distance being substantially equal to the length in the forward movement direction A of the package P to be generated. The advantage described above is thereby assured, with a single hole10.1being made by the action of the transverse sealing and cutting tool6on the film tube.

The following clauses represent additional embodiments.

Clause 1: Packaging machine for generating re-closable packages, comprisinga forming tube (3) configured for receiving a continuous film (L) and for imparting a tubular shape to said film (L) and comprising a first area (3.1) and a second area (3.2), the first area (3.1) being configured for receiving the continuous film (L) and for imparting a tubular shape to said film (L) such that said film (L) surrounds the second area (3.2) and longitudinal ends (L1, L2) of said film (L) are located facing one another around said second area (3.2),a longitudinal sealing tool (4) which is adapted for longitudinally sealing to one another the longitudinal ends (L1, L2) of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated,a driving module (5) which is arranged facing the second area (3.2) of the forming tube (3) and adapted for moving the film tube, and/or the film with a tubular shape, in a forward movement direction (A) at a specific first forward movement speed,a first driving assembly (7) which is arranged facing the forming tube (3) and arranged downstream of the longitudinal sealing tool (4) in the forward movement direction (A) and configured for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction (A) at a specific second forward movement speed, acting on the longitudinal ends (L1, L2) of the film (L) previously sealed to one another, anda transverse sealing and cutting tool (6) which is arranged downstream of the forming tube (3) in the forward movement direction (A) and adapted for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package (P) being obtained as a result,

the machine (100) further comprisesa guiding device which is arranged upstream of the second area (3.2) of the forming tube (3) in the forward movement direction (A) and configured for receiving a continuous re-closable strip (2.0) and redirecting it in said forward movement direction (A), such that the re-closable strip (2.0) is housed between the facing longitudinal ends (L1, L2) of the film with a tubular shape around the second area (3.2) of the forming tube (3), the longitudinal ends (L1, L2) being located one on each side of the re-closable strip (2.0), the longitudinal sealing tool (4) thus being adapted for sealing said longitudinal ends (L1, L2) and the re-closable strip (2.0) to one another, and the first driving assembly (7) thus being adapted for moving the film tube and the re-closable strip (2.0) in the forward movement direction (A),a second driving assembly (8) upstream of the longitudinal sealing tool (4) in the path of the re-closable strip (2.0), which is configured for moving the re-closable strip (2.0) at a specific third forward movement speed towards the longitudinal sealing tool (4),actuation means adapted for causing the actuation of the driving module (5) and of the two driving assemblies (7,8), anda control device configured for acting on the actuation means for said actuation means to cause the first forward movement speed, the second forward movement speed, and the third forward movement speed to be substantially the same.

Clause 2: Packaging machine according to claim1, wherein each of the driving assemblies (7,8) comprises two facing rollers (7.1,8.1), the first driving assembly (7) being arranged such that the longitudinal ends (L1, L2) of the film with a tubular shape and the re-closable strip (2.0) move forward between both rollers (7.1) of the first driving assembly (7) and said rollers (7.1) being configured for cooperating with one another to move said longitudinal ends (L1, L2) and said re-closable strip (2.0) in the forward movement direction (A), and the second driving assembly (8) being arranged such that the re-closable strip (2.0) moves forward between both rollers (8.1) of said second driving assembly (8), said rollers (8.1) being configured for cooperating with one another to move said re-closable strip (2.0).

Clause 3: Packaging machine according to claim2, wherein each roller (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) comprises a rotation shaft (8.10) and the rotation shafts (8.10) of said rollers (8.1) are connected to one another, and wherein each roller (7.1) of the first driving assembly (7) comprises a rotation shaft (7.10) and the rotation shafts (7.10) of said rollers (7.1) are connected to one another, the actuation means comprising a first actuation device associated with one of the rotation shafts (7.10) of the rollers (7.1) of the first driving assembly (7) for causing the rotation of said rollers (7.1) and a second actuation device associated with one of the rotation shafts (8.10) of the rollers (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) for causing the rotation of said rollers (8.1).

Clause 4: Packaging machine according to claim2, wherein each roller (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) comprises a respective rotation shaft (8.10) and wherein each roller (7.1) of the first driving assembly (7) comprises a respective rotation shaft (7.10), all the rotation shafts (7.10,8.10) being connected to one another and the actuation means comprising an actuation device (109) associated with at least one of said rotation shafts (7.10,8.10) for causing the simultaneous and joint rotation of all the rollers (7.1,8.1).

Clause 5: Packaging machine according to any of claims1to4, wherein the second driving assembly (8) is arranged facing the first area (3.1) of the forming tube (3).

Clause 6: Packaging machine according to claim5, wherein the most downstream contact point in the forward movement direction (A) of the rollers (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) with the re-closable strip (2.0) is aligned in said forward movement direction (A) with the most upstream contact point in said forward movement direction (A) of the rollers (7.1) of the first driving assembly (7) with the longitudinal ends (L1, L2) of the film with a tubular shape.

Clause 7: Packaging machine according to claim5or6, wherein each roller (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) is located on a respective different side of the re-closable strip (2.0) and wherein each roller (7.1) of the first driving assembly (7) is located on a respective different side of said re-closable strip (2.0), with the rollers (7.1,8.1) of both driving assemblies (7,8) being arranged on the same side with respect to the re-closable strip (2.0) attached to a respective platform (101.1,101.2) of the machine (100) with rotational freedom, at least one of the platforms (101.1,101.2) being movable with respect to the other platform (101.1,101.2) in a transverse direction with respect to the forward movement direction (A).

Clause 8: Packaging machine according to claim7, wherein the rollers (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) are connected to one another by means of a transmission element (106), the machine (100) comprising at least one guiding roller (104,105) attached to each platform (101.1,101.2) and said guiding rollers (104,105) being configured for guiding the transmission element (106), each of said rollers (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8) being arranged between the two guiding rollers (104,105) in the path of the transmission element (106) and said transmission element (106) defining a closed path between said guiding rollers (104,105) and said rollers (8.1) of the second driving assembly (8).

Clause 9: Packaging machine according to claim7or8, wherein the longitudinal sealing tool (4) comprises two facing sealing elements (4.1), each sealing element (4.1) being attached with freedom of movement to a respective platform (101.1,101.2), and the machine (100) comprising at least one actuation device associated with the sealing elements (4.1) and configured for causing a transverse movement of both sealing elements (4.1) with respect to their respective platform (101.1,101.2).

Clause 10: Packaging machine according to claim9, wherein the actuation device associated with the sealing elements (4.1) is configured for causing a simultaneous transverse movement in opposite directions of both sealing elements (4.1) with respect to their respective platform (101.1,101.2).

Clause 11: Machine according to any of claims5to10, wherein the guiding device is the second driving assembly (8).

Clause 12: Packaging machine according to any of claims1to11, comprising a perforation tool (10) configured for receiving the re-closable strip (2.0) and for generating a hole (10.1) in said re-closable strip (2.0), said perforation tool (10) being arranged upstream of the second driving assembly (8) in the path of the re-closable strip (2.0).

Clause 13: Packaging machine according to claim12, wherein the actuation means are adapted for causing the actuation of the perforation tool (10) and of the transverse sealing and cutting tool (6) such that said transverse sealing and cutting tool (6) acts on at least one hole (10.1) of the re-closable strip (2.0) when performing transverse sealing and cutting.

Clause P14: Packaging machine according to claim13, wherein the actuation means are adapted for causing the perforation tool (10) to generate holes (10.1) in the re-closable strip (2.0) spaced apart from one another a specific distance, said distance being substantially equal to the length in the forward movement direction (A) of the package (P) to be generated.