Patent Description:
Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for the packaging of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, into packages, in particular packages formed from a multilayer packaging material, and having at least one conveying apparatus.

As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages, in particular sealed packages, made of sterilized packaging material.

Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which form and fill the packages starting from a multilayer packaging material. Such automatic packaging machines come along with significant production speeds (more than <NUM> packages per hour or even significantly faster).

In the recent years, a desire has evolved in the sector to be able to handle the packages after their formation in a more flexible manner, in particular to transport the packages in a more flexible, and in particular also in a scalable, manner. <CIT> discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved conveying apparatus for advancing packages filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product. Preferentially, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved conveying apparatus for advancing packages formed from a multilayer packaging material and being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for an improved packaging machine having a conveying apparatus for advancing packages filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product.

According to the present invention, there is provided an conveying apparatus according to the independent claim <NUM>.

Preferred embodiments of the inspection apparatus are claimed in the claims being directly or indirectly dependent on claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a packaging machine according to claim <NUM>.

Number <NUM> indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing packages <NUM> filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as (pasteurized) milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, emulsions, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, beverages with pulp, milk drinks etc..

Packaging machine <NUM> may be configured to produce packages <NUM> filled with the pourable product.

In more detail, packaging machine <NUM> may be configured to produce packages <NUM> from a packaging material having a multilayer configuration; i.e. packaging machine <NUM> may be configured to product packages <NUM> from a multilayer packaging material.

In further detail, the packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of package <NUM> contacting the pourable product.

Moreover, the packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

In further detail, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a web <NUM>.

Each package <NUM> obtained by packaging machine <NUM> may comprise a longitudinal seam portion.

Additionally, each package <NUM> may also comprise a pair of a respective first transversal sealing band and a respective second transversal sealing band, in particular arranged at opposite sides of package <NUM>. In particular, the first transversal sealing band may define a transversal top sealing band and the second transversal sealing band may define a transversal bottom sealing band.

In further detail and with particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each package <NUM> may comprise a first wall <NUM>, in particular carrying and/or having the first transversal sealing band. Preferably, first wall <NUM> may define a support surface of package <NUM>, which may be designed to be put in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point or when being stored or when being transported. In particular, when being arranged on the support first wall <NUM> may define a bottom wall.

Additionally, each package <NUM> may also comprise a side wall <NUM> being (fixedly) connected to first wall <NUM> and may extend from first wall <NUM>. In particular, side wall <NUM> may carry and/or have at least a portion of the longitudinal seam portion.

Moreover, each package <NUM> may also comprise a second wall <NUM> opposed to first wall <NUM> and being (fixedly) connected to side wall <NUM>. In particular, side wall <NUM> may be interposed between first wall <NUM> and second wall <NUM>.

Preferentially, each second wall <NUM> may carry and/or have the second transversal sealing band.

In particular, when package <NUM> may be arranged on a support, second wall <NUM> may define a top wall.

According to the shown non-limiting embodiment, first wall <NUM> and second wall <NUM> may be parallel to one another.

According to non-limiting alternative embodiments not shown, first wall <NUM> and second wall <NUM> may be inclined with respect to one another. In particular, second wall <NUM> may define a slanted top or may define a portion of a gable-top.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package <NUM> may comprise a second wall <NUM> being molded onto the respective side wall <NUM>.

In further detail, each package <NUM> may extend along a longitudinal axis, a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis being perpendicular to one another. Preferentially, an extension of package <NUM> along the longitudinal axis may be larger than respective extensions along the first transversal axis and the second transversal axis. Preferentially, the respective first walls <NUM> and the respective second walls <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis.

With particular reference to <FIG>, packaging machine <NUM> may comprise:.

In particular, conveying apparatus <NUM> may be arranged downstream from package filling apparatus <NUM>; i.e. conveying apparatus <NUM> receives, in use, packages <NUM> from package filling apparatus <NUM>.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, packaging machine <NUM> may comprise more than one conveying apparatus <NUM>. Two or more conveying apparatuses <NUM> may be arranged parallel to one another; i.e. each conveying apparatus <NUM> may receive, in use, a respective portion of packages <NUM>.

Alternatively or in addition, two or more conveying apparatuses <NUM> may be arranged in series to one another; i.e. two or more conveying apparatuses <NUM> advance a plurality of the same packages <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, each conveying apparatus <NUM> comprises:.

Preferentially, each conveying apparatus <NUM> may also comprise a respective control unit <NUM> configured to control operation of conveying apparatus <NUM> itself. In particular, control unit <NUM> may be configured to control operation of planar motor <NUM> for controlling advancement of carriers <NUM>.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, conveying apparatus <NUM> may comprise a plurality of inlet conveyors <NUM> and/or a plurality of outlet conveyors <NUM>. Preferentially, to each inlet conveyor <NUM> may be associated one respective inlet station <NUM>, and in particular one respective receiving station <NUM> and/or to each outlet conveyor <NUM> may be associated one respective outlet station <NUM>, and in particular one respective release station <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, each carrier <NUM> comprises a respective support platform <NUM> and a retaining device <NUM> controllable into an open configuration (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) at which the respective retaining device <NUM> allows for receiving or releasing the respective package <NUM> and a retaining configuration (see <FIG> and <FIG>) at which the respective retaining device <NUM> retains the respective package <NUM>.

Each support platform <NUM> carries the respective retaining device <NUM>.

Preferentially, each retaining device <NUM> may be fixed to and/or may extend from the respective support platform <NUM>.

More specifically, in use, package <NUM> may be arranged on the respective carrier <NUM>, in particular the respective support platform <NUM>, such that the respective longitudinal axis is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to carrier <NUM>, in particular support platform <NUM>. In particular, each first wall <NUM> may be in contact with support platform <NUM> when being placed on the respective carrier <NUM>.

In particular, controlling, in use, the respective retaining device <NUM> into the respective retaining configuration allows advancement of packages <NUM> by means of advancement of carriers <NUM> in a safe manner.

Additionally, each conveying apparatus <NUM> comprises a control device <NUM> for controlling, in particular for selectively controlling, each retaining device <NUM> between the respective open configuration into the respective retaining configuration.

In more detail, control device <NUM> is configured to control, in particular to selectively control, each retaining device <NUM> from the respective open configuration to the respective retaining configuration after and/or during receiving of a respective package <NUM> at the receiving station <NUM> and to control each retaining device <NUM> from the respective retaining configuration into the respective open configuration prior to and/or during releasing the respective package <NUM> at the releasing station <NUM>.

In more detail, each inlet conveyor <NUM> and each outlet conveyor <NUM> may be configured to advance each package <NUM> such that each package <NUM> is, in use spaced apart from planar motor <NUM> in a manner that a respective interspace <NUM> between planar motor <NUM> and packages <NUM> forms allowing to interpose the respective support platform <NUM> of a respective package <NUM> between planar motor <NUM> and the respective package <NUM>.

In this manner, it is possible to place support platforms <NUM> between planar motor <NUM> and packages <NUM> such to arrange packages <NUM> onto support platforms <NUM>.

Moreover, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to synchronize advancement of each carrier <NUM> with respect to the respective package <NUM>, when, in use, the respective package <NUM> is advanced by the respective inlet conveyor <NUM> or the respective outlet conveyor <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to advance carriers <NUM> from inlet conveyor <NUM> to outlet conveyor <NUM>, in particular when being loaded with a respective package <NUM>. In particular, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to individually and selectively control advancement of each carrier <NUM> between inlet conveyor <NUM> and outlet conveyor <NUM>.

Preferentially, planar motor <NUM> may also be configured to advance carriers <NUM> from outlet conveyor <NUM> to inlet conveyor <NUM>, in particular after releasing the respective package <NUM> (i.e. when being newly empty).

conveying apparatus <NUM> may also comprise one or more treatment and/or measurement and/or analyzing units <NUM> configured to treat and/or measure and/or analyze packages <NUM>. Each treatment and/or measurement and/or analyzing unit <NUM> may be arranged at a respective station <NUM>.

Treatment and/or measurement and/or analyzing units <NUM> may e.g. be configured to inspect a quality of packages <NUM> and/or to scan packages <NUM> and/or to apply decorations onto packages <NUM>.

In particular, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to selectively control advancement of carriers <NUM> so as e.g. to directly transfer packages <NUM> from inlet conveyor <NUM> to outlet conveyor <NUM> or to transfer packages <NUM> from inlet conveyor <NUM> to one or more treatment and/or measurement and/or analyzing units <NUM> and afterwards to outlet conveyor <NUM> (i.e. to indirectly transfer packages <NUM> from inlet conveyor <NUM> to outlet conveyor <NUM>.

In more detail, each inlet conveyor <NUM> may be configured to advance packages <NUM> along an inlet path P, in particular a linear inlet path P.

More specifically, inlet path P may extend between inlet station <NUM> and an end station <NUM>. In particular, at inlet station <NUM> and end station <NUM> packages <NUM> respectively start to be in contact with and loose contact with inlet conveyor <NUM>.

In further detail, each inlet conveyor <NUM> may be configured to advance packages <NUM> at a determined, and in particular constant, first advancement velocity.

In more detail, each outlet conveyor <NUM> may be configured to advance packages <NUM> along an outlet path Q, in particular a linear outlet path Q.

More specifically, outlet path Q may extend between a start station <NUM> and outlet station <NUM>. In particular, at start station <NUM> and outlet station <NUM> packages <NUM> respectively start to be in contact with and loose contact with outlet conveyor <NUM>.

In further detail, each outlet conveyor <NUM> may be configured to advance packages <NUM> at a determined, and in particular constant, second advancement velocity.

According to some possible embodiments, first advancement velocity and second advancement velocity may equal one another. According to some other embodiments, first advancement velocity and second advancement velocity may differ; e.g. first advancement velocity may be larger or smaller than second advancement velocity.

As will be explained in more detail further on, planar motor <NUM> may be configured such to synchronize movement of carriers <NUM> with respect to inlet conveyor <NUM> and outlet conveyor <NUM> during advancement of packages <NUM> along at least a respective portion of respectively inlet path P and outlet path Q.

With particular reference to <FIG>, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of each carrier <NUM> along a receiving path R, in particular being parallel to a portion of inlet path P. Preferentially, each carrier <NUM> may advance through receiving station <NUM> when advancing along receiving path R.

Moreover, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of each carrier <NUM> along receiving path R at a speed corresponding to the first advancement velocity.

Additionally, while advancing along receiving path R the respective support platform <NUM> of carrier <NUM> may be interposed between planar motor <NUM> and the respective package <NUM>; i.e. support platform <NUM> may be arranged within interspace <NUM>. In particular, each support platform <NUM> ma be arranged below the respective package <NUM>.

In this way, it is possible to guarantee that packages <NUM> can be gently placed on the respective support platforms <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to place, in use, carriers <NUM> adjacent to inlet conveyor <NUM> prior to advancing carriers <NUM> along receiving path R.

With particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, control device <NUM> may be configured to control each retaining device <NUM> from the respective open configuration to the respective retaining configuration during advancement of the respective carrier <NUM> along a portion of the receiving path R.

In particular, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of carriers <NUM> such that control device <NUM> controls retaining devices <NUM> from the open configuration to the retaining configuration after receiving the respective packages <NUM>.

In further detail, control device <NUM> may be configured such to control each retaining device <NUM> into the retaining configuration, prior to packages <NUM> reaching end station <NUM>.

Thereby one guarantees that as long as packages <NUM> are not securely retained by the respective retaining devices <NUM>, packages <NUM> are still in contact with inlet conveyor <NUM>.

Additionally, planar motor <NUM> may in an analogous manner (but in reversed order) control advancement of carrier <NUM> when transferring packages <NUM> to outlet conveyor <NUM>.

In more detail, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of each carrier <NUM> along a release path S, in particular being parallel to a portion of outlet path Q. Preferentially, each carrier <NUM> may advance through release station <NUM> when advancing along release path Q.

Moreover, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of each carrier <NUM> along release path S at a speed corresponding to the second advancement velocity.

Additionally, while advancing along release path R the respective support platform <NUM> of carrier <NUM> may be interposed between planar motor <NUM> and the respective package <NUM>; i.e. support platform <NUM> may be arranged within the respective interspace <NUM>.

This allows to gently remove packages <NUM> from the respective support platforms <NUM>.

Moreover, control device <NUM> may be configured to control each retaining device <NUM> from the respective retaining configuration to the respective open configuration during advancement of the respective carrier <NUM> along a portion of the release path S.

In particular, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of carriers <NUM> such that control device <NUM> controls retaining devices <NUM> from the retaining configuration to the open configuration prior to releasing the respective packages <NUM>.

In further detail, control device <NUM> may be configured such to control each retaining device <NUM> into the open configuration, after packages <NUM> have been transferred to outlet conveyor <NUM>.

In further detail, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to selectively control movement of each carrier <NUM> independently from the other carriers <NUM>. In this context, independently means that planar motor <NUM> may accelerate and decelerate each carrier <NUM> in a selective manner, which may differ from any acceleration and deceleration of other carriers <NUM>. Furthermore, planar motor <NUM> may control movement of each carrier <NUM> such to avoid any undesired impact with the one or more other carriers <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control each carrier <NUM> along three linear axes and around three rotational axes. In other words, each carrier <NUM> comes along with six degrees of freedom.

Even more specifically, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control movement of each carrier <NUM> along a first linear axis X, a second linear axis Y perpendicular to the first linear axis X and a third linear axis Z perpendicular to the first linear axis X and the second linear axis Y. In this way, it is possible to control the position of each carrier <NUM> (and therewith also of the respective packages <NUM>) in a three-dimensional space.

Moreover, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control angular movements of each carrier <NUM> around a respective first rotation axis, a respective second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. This allows to control the angular positions of carriers <NUM> (and therewith also of the respective packages <NUM>).

By providing for six-degrees of freedom, it is possible to precisely control angular and spatial positions of packages <NUM>, e.g. with respect to planar motor <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, planar motor <NUM> may also comprise one or more planar control modules <NUM>, in particular being operatively coupled to control unit <NUM>.

Preferentially, each planar control module <NUM> may comprise a one or more induction coils configured to generate local electromagnetic fields for selectively controlling advancement of carriers <NUM>.

Control unit <NUM> may be configured to control the plurality of induction coils in order to control movement of carriers <NUM>, in particular along first linear axis X, second linear axis Y and third linear axis Z and around the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis and the third rotation axis.

More specifically, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control carriers <NUM> along third linear axis Z so as to elevate carriers <NUM> from planar control modules <NUM>. In particular, with the coils being powered off, carriers <NUM> may be placed on planar control modules <NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to move each carrier <NUM> along third linear axis Z and towards the respective package <NUM> when advancing along at least a portion of receiving path R.

In more detail, planar motor <NUM> may be configured such to place support platforms <NUM> below the respective packages <NUM> and to approach the respective support platforms <NUM> towards the respective packages <NUM> by controlling the respective carriers <NUM> along the respective third linear axis Z and so as to receive the respective packages <NUM>, preferentially with the respective carrier <NUM> advancing along at least a portion of the receiving path R.

According to some possible embodiments, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to move each carrier <NUM> along third linear axis Z and away from the respective package <NUM> when advancing along at least a portion of releasing path S.

In more detail, planar motor <NUM> may be configured such to withdraw the respective support platforms <NUM> from the respective packages <NUM> by controlling the respective carriers <NUM> along the respective third linear axis Z and to move the respective support platforms <NUM> away from the respective packages <NUM> so as to release the respective packages <NUM>, preferentially with the respective carrier <NUM> advancing along at least a portion of the releasing path S.

Moreover, each planar control module <NUM> may extend along a first axis, in particular parallel to first linear axis X, and a second axis, in particular parallel to second linear axis Y.

Advantageously, each carrier <NUM> may comprise at least one magnetic and/or ferromagnetic element allowing for interaction of each carrier <NUM> with the local electromagnetic fields generated by the coils.

Preferentially, planar motor <NUM> may comprise an outer surface <NUM>, in particular a planar outer surface <NUM>, facing carriers <NUM>. In particular, outer surface <NUM> may lie within a plane H, in particular having a (substantially) horizontal orientation.

In particular, each planar control module <NUM> may comprise a respective portion of the respective outer surface <NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, inlet path P and/or outlet path Q may be parallel to planar motor <NUM>, in particular to outer surface <NUM> and/or plane H.

Alternatively, at least portions of inlet path P and/or outlet path Q may be inclined with respect to planar motor <NUM>, in particular outer surface <NUM> and/or plane H. According to such embodiments, end station <NUM> and start station <NUM> may be closer to plane H than respectively inlet station <NUM> and outlet station <NUM>. In particular, such a configuration may allow to more gently place and pick packages <NUM> on and from carriers <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each one of inlet conveyor <NUM> and outlet conveyor <NUM> may comprise a respective pair of a first belt conveyor <NUM> and a second belt conveyor <NUM>, in particular each having a respective belt <NUM>, spaced apart from one another. Each first belt conveyor <NUM> and the respective second belt conveyor <NUM> of each pair may configured to interpose and grip packages <NUM> between one another, in particular between the respective belts <NUM>, and to advance packages <NUM>, in particular by movement of the respective belts <NUM> along respective endless paths.

In particular, the distance of each pair of first belt conveyor <NUM> and second belt conveyor <NUM>, in particular between the respective belts <NUM>, may be such to be able to interpose and grip the packages <NUM> between one another.

It may be possible that the respective distances of first belt conveyor <NUM> and second belt conveyor <NUM> of inlet conveyor <NUM> and outlet conveyor <NUM> may differ. planar motor <NUM> may be configured to modify the orientation of packages <NUM> by controlling the respective carriers <NUM> during advancement between inlet conveyor <NUM> and outlet conveyor <NUM>. In this case, the distance between first belt conveyors <NUM> and second belt conveyors <NUM> may be different.

According to some possible embodiments, conveying apparatus <NUM> may comprise adjustment means for adjusting the distances between first belt conveyors <NUM> and the respective second belt conveyors <NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, first belt conveyors <NUM> and second belt conveyors <NUM> may be parallel to planar motor <NUM>, in particular to outer surface <NUM> and/or plane H.

Alternatively, first belt conveyors <NUM> and second belt conveyors <NUM> may be inclined with respect to planar motor <NUM>, in particular outer surface <NUM> and/or plane H in particular such that end station <NUM> and start station <NUM> may be closer to plane H than respectively inlet station <NUM> and outlet station <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and according to the invention, control device <NUM> comprises an inlet cam mechanism <NUM> configured to control retaining devices <NUM> from the respective open configurations to the respective retaining configuration and an outlet cam mechanism <NUM> configured to control retaining devices <NUM> from the retaining configurations to the open configurations.

In particular, inlet cam mechanism <NUM> and outlet cam mechanism <NUM> may be associated to respectively inlet conveyor <NUM> and outlet conveyor <NUM>.

Preferentially, inlet cam mechanism <NUM> may be interposed between inlet station <NUM> and end station <NUM> and outlet cam mechanism <NUM> may be interposed between start station <NUM> and outlet station <NUM>.

According to the specific example embodiment shown, inlet cam mechanism <NUM> and outlet cam mechanism <NUM> may be of the mechanical type. Alternatively, inlet cam mechanism <NUM> and outlet cam mechanism <NUM> may be of the electronic type.

In more detail, inlet cam mechanism <NUM> may comprise:.

In particular, in use, interaction of first cam followers <NUM>, and in particular of second cam followers <NUM>, with first inlet cam profile <NUM>, and in particular second inlet cam profile <NUM> respectively, allows control of retaining devices <NUM> from the respective open configurations to the respective retaining configurations. Additionally, in use, interaction of first cam followers <NUM>, and in particular of second cam followers <NUM>, with first outlet cam profile <NUM>, and in particular second inlet cam profile <NUM> respectively, allows control of retaining devices <NUM> from the respective retaining configurations to the respective open configurations.

In more detail (see <FIG>), first inlet cam profile <NUM> and first outlet cam profile <NUM> may be mirror symmetric with regard to one another.

Additionally, second inlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> may be mirror symmetric with regard to one another.

Preferentially, first inlet cam profile <NUM> and second inlet cam profile <NUM> may equal one another. Additionally, first outlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> may equal one another.

In further detail, first inlet cam profile <NUM> and second inlet cam profile <NUM> may be spaced apparat from one another, preferentially in a direction transversal, in particular perpendicular, to inlet path P, thereby defining a first advancement space <NUM> through which, in use, at least a portion of retaining devices <NUM> may advance, in particular when retaining devices <NUM> are moved from the open configuration to the retaining configuration.

Additionally, first outlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> may be spaced apparat from one another, preferentially in a direction transversal, in particular perpendicular, to outlet path Q, thereby defining a second advancement space <NUM> through which, in use, at least a portion of retaining devices <NUM> may advance, in particular when retaining devices <NUM> are moved from the retaining configuration to the open configuration.

Preferentially, first inlet cam profile <NUM> and second inlet cam profile <NUM> may be staggered with respect to one another such that each first cam follower <NUM> and the respective second cam follower <NUM> start to interact with respective first inlet cam profile <NUM> and second inlet cam profile <NUM> at the same moment. In an analogous manner, also first outlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> may be staggered with respect to one another so that each first cam follower <NUM> and the respective second cam follower <NUM> start to interact with respectively first outlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> at the same moment.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each one of first inlet cam profile <NUM> and first outlet cam profile <NUM>, and in particular also second inlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM>, may be S-shaped.

According to the specific non-limiting embodiment shown and with particular reference to <FIG>, each one of first inlet cam profile <NUM>, second inlet cam profile <NUM>, first outlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> may be formed as respective grooves within respective plates <NUM>. In particular, each groove being substantially S-shaped.

Alternatively, each one of first inlet cam profile <NUM>, second inlet cam profile <NUM>, first outlet cam profile <NUM> and second outlet cam profile <NUM> could e.g. be formed by a bar (e.g. being formed into an S-shape) or the like.

With particular reference to <FIG>, each retaining device <NUM> may comprise a first retaining assembly <NUM> and a second retaining assembly <NUM> spaced apart from one another, in particular defining thereby an housing space <NUM> for the respective package <NUM>.

Preferentially, each first retaining assembly <NUM> and the respective second retaining assembly <NUM> may be configured to engage the respective package <NUM> from opposite sides thereof with the respective retaining device <NUM> being controlled into the respective retaining configuration. Moreover, each first retaining assembly <NUM> and the respective second retaining assembly <NUM> may be spaced away in such a manner to allow for placing within and removing the respective package <NUM> from the respective housing space <NUM>.

According to the embodiment shown, each first retaining assembly <NUM> and the respective second retaining assembly <NUM> may be at least partially moveable for controlling the respective retaining device <NUM> between the respective open configuration and the respective retaining configuration.

Alternatively, it may also be possible that only one of each first retaining assembly <NUM> and the respective second retaining assembly <NUM> may be at least partially moveable.

In more detail, each first retaining assembly <NUM> may comprise a first engagement portion <NUM> controllable into a retracted position and an engaged position at which the respective first engagement portion <NUM> is configured to be respectively retracted from and engaged to the respective package <NUM>.

Preferentially, also each second retaining assembly <NUM> may comprise a respective second engagement portion <NUM> controllable into a retracted position and an engaged position at which the respective second engagement portion <NUM> is configured to be respectively retracted from and engaged to the respective package <NUM>.

Moreover, with the respective retaining device <NUM> being controlled into the respective open configuration and into the respective retaining configuration, the respective first engagement portion <NUM> and/or the respective second engagement portion <NUM> may be respectively in the respective retracted position and the respective engaged position.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first cam follower <NUM> and each second cam follower <NUM> may be connected to, in particular carrier by, respectively one respective first retaining assembly <NUM> and one respective second retaining assembly <NUM>.

In further detail, each first cam follower <NUM> may be configured to interact with first inlet cam profile <NUM> for controlling the respective first engagement portion <NUM> from the respective retracted position to the respective engagement position and to interact with first outlet cam profile <NUM> for controlling the respective first engagement portion <NUM> from the respective engaged position to the respective retracted position.

In an analogous manner, each second cam follower <NUM> may be configured to interact with second inlet cam profile <NUM> for controlling the respective second engagement portion <NUM> from the respective retracted position to the respective engagement position and to interact with second outlet cam profile <NUM> for controlling the respective second engagement portion <NUM> from the respective engaged position to the respective retracted position.

In further detail and with particular reference to Figures <NUM> to 5c, each first retaining assembly <NUM> and each second retaining assembly <NUM> may comprise a respective support structure <NUM> moveably carrying respectively the respective first engagement portion <NUM> and the respective second engagement portion <NUM>.

In particular, each first engagement portion <NUM> and each second engagement portion <NUM> may be connected to the respective support structure <NUM> in a manner to be angular moveable around a respective rotation axis. Movement of each first engagement portion <NUM> and each second engagement portion <NUM> between the respective retracted position and the engaged position is obtained by angularly moving the respective engagement portion <NUM> and the respective second engagement portion <NUM> about the respective rotation axis.

Preferentially, each first engagement portion <NUM> and each second engagement portion <NUM> may comprise spring elements <NUM> such that first engagement portion <NUM> and second engagement portion <NUM> remain in the engaged position and the retraced position in the absence of an intervention of control device <NUM>. In particular, control device <NUM> is configured to exert forces, which allow to counteract the forces exerted by spring elements <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, package filling apparatus <NUM> may be configured to produce packages <NUM> and to fill packages <NUM> with the pourable product.

In more detail, package filling apparatus <NUM> may be configured to produce packages <NUM> by forming a tube <NUM> from web <NUM>, longitudinally sealing tube <NUM>, filling tube <NUM> with the pourable product and to transversally seal and cut tube <NUM>.

In use, packaging machine <NUM> produces packages <NUM> filled with the pourable product.

In particular, package filling apparatus <NUM> forms packages <NUM>, delivers packages <NUM> to conveying apparatus <NUM> and conveying apparatus <NUM> advances packages <NUM> from inlet station <NUM> to outlet station <NUM>.

In more detail, package filling apparatus <NUM> forms tube <NUM> from web <NUM>, longitudinally seals tube <NUM> and shapes, transversally seals and transversally cuts tube <NUM> so as to obtain packages <NUM>.

During operation of conveying apparatus <NUM>, inlet conveyor <NUM> advances packages <NUM> along inlet path P, in particular from inlet station <NUM> to and/or towards end station <NUM>.

During advancement of each package <NUM> along inlet station <NUM> one respective carrier <NUM> is approached, in particular by control through planar motor <NUM>, such that the respective support platform <NUM> is interposed between the respective package <NUM> while the respective retaining device <NUM> is in the respective open configuration. Afterwards, the respective retaining device <NUM> is controlled by control device <NUM>, in particular inlet cam mechanism <NUM>, into the respective retaining configuration. The latter occurs, while the respective carrier <NUM> advances along the respective receiving path R.

Once, the respective retaining device <NUM> is controlled into the respective retaining configuration, the respective package <NUM> can be detached from inlet conveyor <NUM>. Preferentially, while the respective carrier <NUM> advances along a portion of receiving path R, package <NUM> is in contact with the respective carrier <NUM> and with inlet conveyor <NUM>, and in particular after the package <NUM> receives end station <NUM>, package <NUM> loses contact with inlet conveyor <NUM> and is further on solely advanced by advancement of the respective carrier <NUM>.

Preferentially, prior to controlling the respective retaining device <NUM> into the respective retaining configuration, the respective carrier <NUM> is moved by planar motor <NUM> along the third linear axis Z and towards the respective package <NUM>, preferentially so as to bring the respective package <NUM> into contact with the respective support platform <NUM>.

Moreover, carrier <NUM> continues to advance so as to transfer the respective package <NUM> to outlet conveyor <NUM>. Carrier <NUM> may directly or indirectly (e.g. at first to station <NUM>) advance the respective package <NUM> to outlet conveyor <NUM>.

Each package <NUM> enters in contact with outlet conveyor <NUM> at start station <NUM>, while still being also in contact with the respective carrier <NUM>.

While the respective carrier <NUM> advances along release path S, control device <NUM>, in particular outlet cam mechanism <NUM>, controls the respective retaining device <NUM> from the respective retaining configuration to the respective open configuration. Afterwards, the carrier <NUM> is withdrawn from the respective package <NUM>, which is then solely advanced by outlet conveyor <NUM> to outlet station <NUM>.

Preferentially, after controlling the respective retaining device <NUM> into the respective open configuration, the respective carrier <NUM> is moved by planar motor <NUM> along the third linear axis Z and away from the respective package <NUM>.

The advantages of conveying apparatus <NUM> and/or of packaging machine <NUM> according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, conveying apparatus <NUM> allows in a flexible manner to advance packages <NUM>.

Moreover, conveying apparatus <NUM> allows for a flexible and scalable handling of packages <NUM> downstream from package filling apparatus <NUM>.

Additionally, conveying apparatus <NUM> can handle packages <NUM> of different format without the need of any time-consuming modifications.

Clearly, changes may be made to conveying apparatus <NUM> and/or packaging machine <NUM> and/or carrier <NUM> as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

According to some possible embodiments not shown, each carrier <NUM> may comprise a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion. Preferentially, each first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion are moveable independently from one another.

Each first carrier portion and each second carrier portion comprises and/or define a respective section of the corresponding support platform <NUM>.

Moreover, planar motor <NUM> may be configured to control advancement of each first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion such to control the respective retaining device <NUM> between the open configuration and the retaining configuration by controlling the relative position between each first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion. Preferentially, planar motor <NUM> may be advance each first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion independently from one another, but still in a coordinated manner, such that each first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion can receive, advance and release the respective packages <NUM>.

Additionally, each first carrier portion and each second carrier portion may carry respectively the respective first retaining assembly <NUM> and the respective second retaining assembly <NUM>.

Furthermore, each retaining device <NUM> can be controlled into the respective retaining configuration by approaching the respective first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion towards one another and can be controlled into the respective open configuration by withdrawing the respective first carrier portion and the respective second carrier portion from one another.

In further detail, each first carrier portion and each second carrier portion may comprise at least one magnetic and/or ferromagnetic element allowing for interaction with the local electromagnetic fields generated by the coils.

According to the instant disclosure, one or more embodiments refers to a conveying apparatus (<NUM>) for advancing packages (<NUM>) filled with a pourable product from an inlet station (<NUM>) to an outlet station (<NUM>) comprising:.

In particular, an interspace (<NUM>) may be present between the planar motor (<NUM>) and the package (<NUM>) at the inlet station that may allow to interpose the respective support platform (<NUM>) between the planar motor (<NUM>) and the respective package (<NUM>).

The conveying apparatus (<NUM>) may comprise:.

The inlet conveyor (<NUM>) and the outlet conveyor (<NUM>) are configured to advance each package (<NUM>) in a manner spaced apart from the planar motor (<NUM>) and such that a respective interspace (<NUM>) between the planar motor (<NUM>) and the package (<NUM>) allows of interposing the respective support platform (<NUM>) between the planar motor (<NUM>) and the respective package (<NUM>).

The inlet conveyor (<NUM>) may be configured to advance each package (<NUM>) at a determined first advancement velocity and along an inlet path (P).

The planar motor (<NUM>) may be configured to control advancement of each carrier (<NUM>) along a receiving path (R) at a speed corresponding to the first advancement velocity.

Each carrier (<NUM>) may advance through the receiving station (<NUM>) when advancing along the receiving path (R).

The receiving path (R) may be parallel to a portion of the inlet path (P) and while advancing along the receiving path (R) the respective support platform (<NUM>) may be interposed between the planar motor (<NUM>) and the respective package (<NUM>).

The control device (<NUM>) may be configured to control each retaining device (<NUM>) from the respective open configuration to the respective retaining configuration during advancement of the respective carrier (<NUM>) along at least a portion of the receiving path (R).

The outlet conveyor (<NUM>) may be configured to advance each package (<NUM>) at a determined second advancement velocity and along an outlet path (Q).

The planar motor (<NUM>) may be configured to control advancement of each carrier (<NUM>) along a release path (S) at a speed corresponding to the second advancement velocity.

Each carrier (<NUM>) may advance through the release station (<NUM>) when advancing along the release path (S).

The release path (R) may be parallel to at least a portion of the outlet path (Q) and while advancing along the release path (S) the respective support platform (<NUM>) is interposed between the planar motor (<NUM>) and the respective package (<NUM>).

The control device (<NUM>) may be configured to control each retaining device (<NUM>) from the respective retaining configuration to the respective open configuration during advancement of the respective carrier (<NUM>) along at least a portion of the release path (S).

The planar motor (<NUM>) may be configured to synchronize advancement of each carrier (<NUM>) with respect to the respective package (<NUM>), when, in use, the respective package (<NUM>) is advanced by the respective inlet conveyor (<NUM>) or the respective outlet conveyor (<NUM>).

The control device (<NUM>) may comprise at least an inlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) associated to the inlet conveyor (<NUM>) and at least an outlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) associated to the outlet conveyor (<NUM>).

The inlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) and the outlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) may be configured to control the retaining devices (<NUM>) from respectively the open configuration to the retaining configuration and from the retaining configuration to the open configuration.

The inlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) may comprise at least an inlet cam profile (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the outlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) may comprise at least an outlet cam profile (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The inlet cam profile (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the outlet cam profile (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be mirror symmetric with regard to one another.

Each retaining device (<NUM>) may comprise a first retaining assembly (<NUM>) and a second retaining assembly (<NUM>). The first retaining assembly (<NUM>) and the second retaining assembly (<NUM>) may be configured to engage the respective package (<NUM>) from opposite sides thereof with the retaining device (<NUM>) being controlled into the respective retaining configuration.

Each first retaining assembly (<NUM>) may comprise a first engagement portion (<NUM>) controllable into a retracted position and an engaged position at which the first engagement portion (<NUM>)is configured to be respectively retracted from and engaged to the respective package (<NUM>).

With the respective retaining device (<NUM>) being controlled into the respective open configuration and into the respective retaining configuration the respective first engagement portion (<NUM>) may be respectively in the respective retracted position and the respective engaged position.

Each second retaining assembly (<NUM>) may comprise a second engagement portion (<NUM>) controllable into a retracted position and an engaged position at which the second engagement portion (<NUM>) is configured to be respectively retracted from and engaged to the respective package (<NUM>). With the respective retaining device (<NUM>) being controlled into the respective open configuration and into the respective retaining configuration the respective second engagement portion (<NUM>) may be respectively in the respective retracted position and the respective engaged position.

The control device (<NUM>) may comprise:.

The retaining device (<NUM>) may comprise a plurality of first cam followers (<NUM>), each one carried by one respective first retaining assembly (<NUM>) and a plurality of second cam followers (<NUM>), each one carried by one respective second retaining assembly (<NUM>). The first cam followers (<NUM>) may be configured to interact with the first inlet cam profile (<NUM>) for controlling the respective first engagement portion (<NUM>) from the respective retracted position to the respective engagement position and to interact with the first outlet cam profile (<NUM>) for controlling the respective first engagement portion (<NUM>) from the respective engaged position to the respective retracted position. The second cam followers (<NUM>) may be configured to interact with the second inlet cam profile (<NUM>) for controlling the respective second engagement portion (<NUM>) from the respective retracted position to the respective engagement position and to interact with the second outlet cam profile (<NUM>) for controlling the respective second engagement portion (<NUM>) from the respective engaged position to the respective retracted position.

Each one of the inlet conveyor (<NUM>) and the outlet conveyor (<NUM>) may comprise a respective pair of a first belt conveyor (<NUM>) and a second belt conveyor (<NUM>) spaced apart from one another. The respective first belt conveyor (<NUM>) and the respective second belt conveyor (<NUM>) of each pair may be configured to interpose and grip the packages (<NUM>) between one another and to advance the packages (<NUM>) in cooperation within one another.

One or more embodiments relates to a packaging machine (<NUM>) for producing packages (<NUM>) filled with a pourable product comprising:.

One or more embodiments relates to a carrier (<NUM>) for a conveying apparatus (<NUM>) for advancing packages (<NUM>) filled with a pourable product according to the previous description; the conveying apparatus (<NUM>) having a planar motor (<NUM>) configured to selectively advance the carrier (<NUM>). The carrier (<NUM>) comprises a support platform (<NUM>) for supporting a package (<NUM>) and a retaining device (<NUM>) controllable into an open configuration at which the retaining device (<NUM>) allows for receiving or releasing the respective package (<NUM>) and a retaining configuration at which the respective retaining device (<NUM>) retains the respective package (<NUM>);.

Each first retaining assembly (<NUM>) may comprise a first engagement portion (<NUM>) controllable into a retracted position and an engaged position at which the first engagement portion (<NUM>) is configured to be respectively retracted from and engaged to the respective package (<NUM>); wherein with the respective retaining device (<NUM>) being controlled into the respective open configuration and into the respective retaining configuration the respective first engagement portion (<NUM>) is respectively in the respective retracted position and the respective engaged position.

Each second retaining assembly (<NUM>) may comprise a second engagement portion (<NUM>) controllable into a retracted position and an engaged position at which the second engagement portion (<NUM>) is configured to be respectively retracted from and engaged to the respective package (<NUM>); wherein with the respective retaining device (<NUM>) being controlled into the respective open configuration and into the respective retaining configuration the respective second engagement portion (<NUM>) is respectively in the respective retracted position and the respective engaged position.

Each first retaining assembly (<NUM>) may comprise a respective first cam follower (<NUM>) configured to interact with a cam profile (<NUM>, <NUM>) for controlling the first retaining assembly (<NUM>) between the retracted position and the engaged position.

Claim 1:
Conveying apparatus (<NUM>) for advancing packages (<NUM>) filled with a pourable product from an inlet station (<NUM>) to an outlet station (<NUM>) comprising:
- a plurality of carriers (<NUM>), each one configured to carry at least one package (<NUM>) and each having a respective retaining device (<NUM>) and a support platform (<NUM>) carrying the retaining device (<NUM>); wherein the retaining device (<NUM>) is controllable into an open configuration at which the retaining device (<NUM>) allows for receiving or releasing the respective package (<NUM>) and a retaining configuration at which the respective retaining device (<NUM>) retains the respective package (<NUM>);
- a planar motor (<NUM>) configured to selectively and independently move each one of the carriers (<NUM>); and
- a control device (<NUM>) for controlling each retaining device (<NUM>) from the respective open configuration into the respective retaining configuration after and/or during receiving a respective package (<NUM>) and to control each retaining device (<NUM>) from the respective retaining configuration into the respective open configuration prior to and/or during releasing the respective package (<NUM>),
characterized in that the control device (<NUM>) comprises at least an inlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) and at least an outlet cam mechanism (<NUM>);
wherein the inlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) and the outlet cam mechanism (<NUM>) are configured to control the retaining devices (<NUM>) from respectively the open configuration to the retaining configuration and from the retaining configuration to the open configuration.