CN108349614B

CN108349614B - System and method for forming, filling and packaging product packages in-line

Info

Publication number: CN108349614B
Application number: CN201680028249.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赵志恒; 吴雨静; 曹海燕
Original assignee: Coca Cola Co
Current assignee: Coca Cola Co
Priority date: 2015-05-15
Filing date: 2016-05-13
Publication date: 2020-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-13
Also published as: CN108349614A; US20180178938A1; WO2016185266A3; WO2016185266A2; MX2017014569A; EP3321198B1; JP2018517624A; CN106275645A; US20210292028A1; EP3321198A2; EP3321198A4; JP6877362B2

Abstract

The invention discloses a system for forming, filling and packaging a product package on line, which comprises: the device comprises a sterilizing device, a forming device, a conveying belt, a filling device and a first sealing device. The invention also discloses a method for forming, filling and packaging the product package on line. The method realizes the integration of production and filling of large-capacity packages, greatly shortens the supply chain and improves the production efficiency.

Description

System and method for forming, filling and packaging product packages in-line

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of package manufacturing. And more particularly to a system and method for in-line forming, filling and packaging to form product packages.

Background

Many consumable products, such as fruit juices, wine, ketchup, mixed beverage syrups, concentrates or the like, are stored in packages made of flexible sheet-like material (e.g., boxes with a film and an aluminum layer). Typically, the packaging for such consumable products has a flexible shape. Still other packages have a multi-ridge shape (e.g., boxes with a roof). Packages for large volumes are typically Bag-In-Box packages (Bag In Box, BIB package for short) which can be filled with ready-to-drink beverages or fluid concentrates.

The existing BIB packages are made of laminated film with two interfaces, one for filling and one for dispensing. The manufacturing process comprises the following steps: firstly, a prefabricated bag supplier purchases a laminated film, a cover, interfaces and a pipe to prepare a prefabricated bag, the two interfaces are arranged on the prefabricated bag in a mode of being communicated with the interior of the prefabricated bag, and the cover is used for covering the interfaces; secondly, packaging the prefabricated bags, and transporting the prefabricated bags to an irradiation plant for irradiation sterilization; thirdly, transporting the sterilized prefabricated bag to a filling plant under the aseptic storage condition, and filling products into the prefabricated bag through an interface for filling on a filling production line; and finally, sealing and packaging the prefabricated bag, and then putting the prefabricated bag into a box to form the finished BIB package. In the whole process, in order to ensure the product quality, the logistics process needs to be kept sterile as much as possible, which causes high production cost of the BIB package and extremely easy damage to the product quality. Furthermore, the interface for filling must be sufficiently large, influenced by the filling speed.

In the prior art of flexible packaging production, the filling equipment including the bag forming device, the filling device, and the sealing device are vertically distributed. Such a design allows the weight of the package to be almost entirely borne by the tension in the packaging material. In order to avoid the packaging material from cracking due to excessive tension, the packaging capacity filled in the mode is not large, and the packaging is small-capacity packaging. However, since the small-volume packages are mostly used at one time, the problems of distribution and long-time use are not required to be considered, and the existing filling equipment can be used for producing the small-volume packages. The production of large volumes of packaging can only be done in the manner of the previously described prefabricated bags, which is a very complicated process, long in supply chain, costly and requires additional quality control to ensure that the packaging requirements are met.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a system and method that can be formed, filled, and packaged in-line.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a system for in-line forming, filling and packaging to form product packages, the system comprising:

the sterilizing device is used for sterilizing the packaging material;

forming means for forming the packaging material with a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed;

a conveyor belt for conveying the packaging material;

filling means for filling the space of the packaging material for the product to be dispensed with the product to be dispensed; and

a first sealing device for completely sealing the packaging material filled with the product to obtain a product package.

The system of the present invention may be used to form large volume product packages.

Preferably, the conveyor belt is angled to the horizontal; alternatively, the system further comprises a holding device for holding the packaging material. The inclination angle of the conveying belt and the horizontal plane can be adjusted to adapt to different capacities and different product specifications. The holding device may be any device that can provide holding, such as a robot. It is also possible to use an inclined conveyor belt, which provides transport and partial support for the packaging material, in combination with a supporting device, which provides additional partial support for the packaging material when it is filled with the product to be dispensed. The system of the invention first sterilizes the packaging material with the aid of the sterilization device, then produces the packaging material into a shape with a space for accommodating the product to be dispensed, and finally fills the space with the product with the aid of the filling device, while a conveyor belt and/or a support device is provided to provide a certain support for the packaging in order to avoid the weight of the packaging being borne entirely by the tension in the packaging material, and can thus be used for producing large-volume packages. Herein, the large capacity means a capacity of 800mL or more, preferably 1L or more, more preferably 2L or more, and usually 3L to 8L. The system realizes the integration of production and filling of large-capacity packages, greatly shortens the supply chain and improves the production efficiency.

The sterilization device can adopt the existing sterilization device, including irradiation sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization and the like. For example, when hydrogen peroxide is used for sterilization, hydrogen peroxide (H) is first used for the packaging material₂O₂) And (4) soaking, cleaning with clear water, and finally drying with sterile hot air to obtain the sterilized packaging material. The packaging material can be transported to the hydrogen peroxide sterilisation tank by means of a packaging material mounting and transport device, such as a feed roll.

The packaging material is typically a rolled sheet material. Preferably, the molding device further comprises a folding unit and a longitudinal sealing unit. The folding unit is used for folding the packaging material in half to form a first part and a second part which are opposite; the longitudinal sealing unit is used for longitudinally sealing the edges of the folded packaging material to form a cylindrical shape. The interior of the cylindrical shape is the interior space available for accommodating the product to be dispensed.

The filling device comprises a filling tube. The filling tube is inserted from the not yet sealed portion of the packaging material into the space of the packaging material for accommodating the product to be dispensed, into which the product to be dispensed, for example a liquid such as a beverage or a beverage puree, or a liquid containing solids, is filled. With the system according to the invention, therefore, no additional interface for filling is required on the packaging bag.

As an embodiment of the invention, it is possible to fold the packaging material in half and seal it longitudinally while on the support device and at the same time fill the product to be dispensed with a filling tube. Alternatively, the packaging material can be folded in half and sealed longitudinally before being received on a support device and filled with the product to be dispensed using a filling device.

A slitting device may be used to separate a completely sealed product package from subsequent product packages to form individual product packages.

In some embodiments, the system provides a sterile environment for each process after sterilization of the packaging material until the packaging material is completely sealed. For example, after the material to be packaged is formed with a space for accommodating the product to be dispensed, the inside of the space is filled with sterile hot air for resisting against the external air, thereby ensuring the sterility of the inside of the packaging material and the product.

In other embodiments, the system wherein the filling device employs a hot-fill process. At this time, the residual heat of the product is utilized to sterilize the part of the inner wall of the packaging material which is possibly contacted with the product.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises an interface attachment device for attaching the dispense interface to an outer surface of the packaging material; the dispense interface includes an interface base portion, an interface nipple, and an interface neck portion therebetween. Since the dispensing interface is attached to the outside of the packaging material and does not communicate with the inside of the package, the sealing properties of the packaging material are not broken and thus any contamination of the product is not brought about, and attaching the dispensing interface to the outside of the packaging material makes it possible to form and fill in-line a product package with a dispensing interface. The interface base portion of the dispense interface is attached to an outer surface of the packaging material, and may be attached to the first portion of the packaging material or the second portion of the packaging material. The dispense interface may be attached to the wrapper by, for example, welding, adhesive bonding, or the like. The dispensing interface may be attached to the packaging material at any step after sterilization of the packaging material, or may be attached to the packaging material after separation of the sealed package from the subsequent package into individual packages, preferably before separation of the sealed product package from the subsequent product package into individual product packages.

In some embodiments, the interface attachment means may be attachment of the dispense interface to an outer surface of a packaging material that does not form a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed. In this case, since the microorganisms carried on the dispense interface may contact the product and thus cause poor quality of the product, the system further includes an interface sterilizing device for sterilizing the dispense interface to ensure that the dispense interface does not bring the microorganism contamination into the sterile space.

In other embodiments, the interface attachment means may also be attaching the dispense interface to an outer surface of a packaging material having a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed. In this case, the dispense interface may not need to be sterilized strictly by the interface sterilizing device. This is because the dispensing interface does not contact the product, but the portion of the dispensing interface that contacts the outer surface of the packaging material contains very little bacteria, and because bacteria only contact the nutritive substance (i.e., the product within the product package) after the product is dispensed, the time from the start of dispensing the product to the completion of dispensing is typically short, and the product quality is only negligibly affected by the bacteria. Compared with the prior art in which the dispensing interface is attached to the outer surface of the packaging material which is not formed with a space for accommodating the product to be dispensed, the requirements for process conditions are greatly reduced, and the method is more suitable for industrial production.

In other embodiments, the first sealing device is further adapted to divide the package interior space into a communicating first space and a tubular space.

In other embodiments, the system further comprises a second sealing device for dividing the package interior space into a communicating first space and a tubular space.

Preferably, said providing the package interior space comprising a first space and a tubular space in communication is partially bringing together opposed first and second portions of the packaging material to form an elongate joint which divides the package interior space into a first space in communication and a tubular space which can be used as a dispensing opening.

Preferably, the first space and the tubular space communicating with each other are formed by the package inner space, and the tubular space is formed by the first space and extends outwards from the first space and can be used as a dispensing opening. The product package preferably has an external shape adapted for close packing.

After the package is internally provided with the tubular space, the distribution of the product can be realized only by cutting off the tubular structure of the tubular space as a distribution port without installing a distribution interface on the packaging material. At the same time, the product package with a tubular space distribution structure according to the invention allows a reduction in material costs compared to a product package with a distribution structure with an attached distribution interface, since the packaging material itself is completely formed, without introducing further structural components and materials. The packaging capacity can be ensured to be unchanged only by adding 5-8% of packaging materials. Because additional interfaces and steps for sterilizing the interfaces are not needed, the process flow and the process cost are simplified. Furthermore, the product only contacts the packaging material when dispensed, further reducing the risk of contamination.

The invention also provides a method for forming, filling and packaging a product package in an online manner, which comprises the following steps:

sterilizing the packaging material;

forming the sterilized packaging material into a space for accommodating a product to be distributed;

filling the space of the packaging material for containing the product to be distributed with the product to be distributed; and

completely sealing the packaging material filled with the product to obtain a product package;

wherein support is provided to the packaging material at least during said filling step.

The method of the invention provides for sterilizing the packaging material, thereafter forming the packaging material into a shape having a space for accommodating the product to be dispensed, and finally filling the space with the product to be dispensed, while providing a certain support for the packaging material in order to avoid that the weight of the packaging is completely taken up by the tension in the packaging material, and can thus be used for producing large-volume packages. The method realizes the integration of production and filling of large-capacity packages, greatly shortens the supply chain and improves the production efficiency.

The sterilization can adopt sterilization modes such as irradiation sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization and the like.

The support for the packaging material can be achieved, for example, by means of an inclined conveyor belt, a holding device, a vertical conveyor belt associated with a holding device, etc.

The packaging material is typically a rolled sheet material. The molding includes: folding the packaging material in half to form a first portion and a second portion that are opposed; the edges of the folded packaging material are sealed longitudinally to form a cylindrical shape. The interior of the cylindrical shape is the space available for accommodating the product to be dispensed.

The filling is performed by inserting a filling tube from a portion of the packaging material that has not been longitudinally sealed into the space of the packaging material for accommodating the product to be dispensed, into which the product to be dispensed, such as a liquid of the beverage or beverage syrup, or a liquid containing solids, is filled. The method therefore no longer requires special provision of an interface for filling on the packaging material.

In some embodiments, the method wherein the steps of sterilizing the packaging material are performed in an aseptic environment until the packaging material is completely sealed to provide the product package. For example, after the material to be packaged is formed to have a space for accommodating the product to be dispensed, the inside of the packaging space is filled with sterile hot air for resisting against the external air, thereby ensuring the sterility of the inside of the packaging material and the product.

In other embodiments, the method wherein the filling is performed using a hot-fill process. At this time, the residual heat of the product is utilized to sterilize the part of the inner wall of the packaging material which is possibly contacted with the product.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a dispense interface to an outer surface of the packaging material; the dispense interface includes an interface base portion, an interface nipple, and an interface neck portion therebetween. Since the dispensing interface is attached to the outside of the packaging material, the sealing properties of the packaging material are not destroyed, and thus no contamination of the product is caused, and the attachment of the dispensing interface to the outside of the packaging material makes it possible to form and fill a package with a dispensing interface in-line. The interface base portion of the dispense interface is attached to the packaging material, and may be attached to the first portion of the packaging material or to the second portion of the packaging material. The dispense interface may be attached to the wrapper by, for example, welding, adhesive bonding, or the like. The dispensing interface may be attached to the packaging material at any step after sterilization of the packaging material, or may be attached to the packaging material after separation of the sealed package from the subsequent package into individual packages, preferably before separation of the sealed product package from the subsequent product package into individual product packages.

Preferably, the method further comprises sterilizing the dispense interface to ensure that the dispense interface does not introduce microbial contamination into the sterile space.

In other embodiments, the method further comprises dividing the package interior space into a communicating first space and a tubular space.

Preferably, the method is performed by partially gluing together opposed first and second portions of the packaging material to form an elongate glue portion which divides the interior space of the package into a communicating first space and a tubular space which can be used as a dispensing opening.

Preferably, the method further comprises forming the package interior space to include a first space and a tubular space extending outwardly from the first space that can serve as a dispensing opening. The product package preferably has an external shape adapted for close packing.

The present invention also provides a large capacity package having a dispense interface, comprising: the package includes a package body, and a dispensing interface attached to an outer surface of the package body, the dispensing interface including an interface base portion in contact with the package material, an interface nipple, and an interface neck portion therebetween.

Preferably, the interface connection mouth of the distribution interface is provided with a first sealing structure. The first seal arrangement is used to ensure that the interior of the dispense interface is clean and free from contamination prior to dispensing the product.

Preferably, the first sealing structure of the dispense interface is provided with a pull-apart structure for at least partially separating the first sealing structure from the interfacing nozzle. The pull-off structure may be a pull-tab, a T-pull-off structure, or the like.

Preferably, the package further comprises a cap having a sharp structure; the cap includes a cap base, a cap head having a pointed structure, and a cap neck therebetween; the pointed structure is adapted to pierce the packaging material when the cap is fitted over the dispense interface. In use, the first sealing structure is removed (e.g., pulled out) and the cap portion is then screwed or snapped into the dispensing interface from the interface connection, the sharp structure on the cap portion then punctures the packaging material and removes the cap, and the product in the package can then be dispensed.

Preferably, the package further comprises a cap having a sharp structure; the cap includes a cap base, a cap head having a pointed structure, and a cap neck therebetween; said sharp structure is adapted to pierce the packaging material when the cap is fitted over the dispense interface; the cap neck part is of a hollow structure; the cover base is provided with an opening which is communicated with the hollow structure; an additional cover is arranged on the cover base part and used for sealing the opening. In use, the first sealing structure is removed (e.g., pulled out) and the cap portion is then screwed or snapped into the dispensing interface from the interface connector, whereupon the sharp structure on the cap portion pierces the packaging material and the product in the package is dispensed. Such a cap having a hollow structure dispenses a product without removing the cap after puncturing the packaging material.

Preferably, the package further comprises a cap having a sharp structure; the cap includes a cap base, a cap head having a pointed structure, and a cap neck therebetween; said sharp structure is adapted to pierce the packaging material when the cap is fitted over the dispense interface; the cap neck part is of a hollow structure; the cover base is provided with an opening which is communicated with the hollow structure; and a connecting pipe is arranged on one side of the cover base part far away from the cover head part, and the opening is communicated with the connecting pipe. In use, the first sealing structure is removed (e.g., pulled out) and the cap portion is then screwed or snapped into the dispensing interface from the interface connector, whereupon the sharp structure on the cap portion pierces the packaging material and the product in the package is dispensed. The connecting tube may be fitted with a product distribution tube. The cap including both the hollow structure and the connection tube does not need to be removed after puncturing the packing material, and can be directly connected to a product distribution tube, so that the product distribution is more convenient. The cap and product dispensing tube can be preassembled in advance and packaged together in a clean, sealed package for distribution. The other end of the product dispensing tube is preferably sealed. This ensures that the entire internal product pathway remains in a clean, enclosed space when the cap is attached to the product package. In use, the product package is placed on the product dispensing apparatus and the product dispensing tube is fitted into the dispensing valve, after which the sealed end of the product dispensing tube is cut off and product is dispensed for sale by the control of the dispensing valve.

The lid may be attached to a fully sealed product package having a dispensing interface, sold, shipped, etc. as a unit with the product package, may be cooperatively associated with the dispensing interface, or may be sold, shipped, etc. as an individual with the individual package. Preferably, the lid is a stand-alone package so that it can be reused.

One embodiment where the cap is in mating connection with the dispense interface is to provide a removable ring between the dispense interface and the cap. When the cap is not in use, the sharp structure is at a distance from the packaging material due to the presence of the ring; when the cover is used, the ring is removed, the cover is rotated downward or pressed down, and the sharp structure contacts the packaging material, puncturing the packaging material.

More preferably, the cap and the dispense interface are provided with a second sealing means which is complementary to each other, to ensure that when the cap is mated with the dispense interface, a seal is formed in the dispense interface before the packaging material is pierced by the sharp structure of the cap head, and the product can only flow from the interior of the packaging material directly through the cap neck. The second sealing structure is that the interface neck and the cover neck are in interference fit, so that on one hand, the product is prevented from leaking out of a sealing area to cause pollution, on the other hand, the area through which the product flows keeps sterile, and the product quality is further ensured. More preferably, the second sealing structure is a protrusion provided on the inner wall of the mouthpiece neck or on the outer wall of the cap neck. Most preferably, the second sealing structure is a sealing ring provided on the inner wall of the mouthpiece neck or on the outer wall of the cap neck.

The distribution interface and the cover can be matched by arranging a first thread on the inner wall of the interface neck part and a second thread on the outer wall of the cover neck part, wherein the first thread is matched with the second thread; it is also possible that the lid base comprises a lid base bottom and a lid base side wall; the outer wall of the connector neck is provided with third threads, the inner wall of the side wall of the cover base is provided with fourth threads, and the third threads are matched with the fourth threads.

The present invention also provides a large capacity packing bag having a tubular space, the inner space of which includes a first space and a tubular space communicating with each other.

Preferably, the package comprises an elongate flap which divides the interior space of the package into a communicating first space and a tubular space which can be used as a dispensing opening.

Preferably, the package inner space includes a first space and a tubular space extending outwardly from the first space and usable as a dispensing opening. More preferably, the package has an external shape suitable for close packing.

The invention has the following beneficial effects:

1. compared with the existing BIB package, the cost of the BIB package produced by the invention is reduced by about 30-50%.

2. The system of the invention greatly shortens the supply chain and improves the production efficiency.

3. The shelf life of the package produced by the system of the invention is unchanged and is 6-9 months.

Drawings

The following describes embodiments of the present invention in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system of a first example.

Fig. 2 is another schematic illustration of the system of the first example.

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the dispense interface of the first example.

Fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of the cover of the first example.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a first example of a configuration of a cap to mate with a dispense interface.

Fig. 6 is another schematic illustration of the first example cap mated with the dispense interface.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the formation of a product package resulting from a third example of the invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the formation of a product package resulting from a fourth example of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a product package resulting from a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In some instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods are described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention. Specific structural and functional details of the invention are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, for example, "exemplary" and similar terms are used expansively to refer to embodiments that function as an illustration, description, model or mode.

The present invention is described primarily in connection with fluid-consuming products such as, but not limited to, ready-to-drink products and post-mix products (e.g., syrups). However, the concepts herein may be used in a wide variety of applications, for example, with packaging of non-sterilized products, packaging of solid products, and other packaging processes for assembly lines.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an in-line form, fill, and package forming system 100 for forming a product package 190 according to a first example of the present invention. Fig. 2 is another schematic illustration of a system 100 according to a first example of the invention.

Feed roller 110The rolled sheet packaging material 120 is sterilized by being drawn by the feed roller 110 through the sterilizing device 130. The material of the packaging material 120 may be a film, paper, or a barrier material (e.g., Aluminum (AL) or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)), and the film, paper, and barrier material may be combined by a coating or lamination process according to various protection needs. When paper is present, the wrapper 120 is a stiffer material that requires folding, and the resulting package is also stiffer. When no paper is present, the resulting package is bendable in shape. In a first example, the packaging material 120 is a film.

Sterilization deviceSterilizing the packaging material 120 using the retort 130. Hydrogen peroxide (H) is placed in the sterilizing tank 130₂O₂) The packaging material 120 is soaked therein, then washed with clean water, and finally dried with sterile hot air to obtain the sterilized packaging material 120.

Molding device The forming device 140 for forming the packaging material with a space for housing the product to be dispensed comprises: a half-folding unit for half-folding the packing material 120, and after half-folding, the packing material 120 includes a first portion 121 and a second portion 122 opposite to the first portion 121; and a longitudinal sealing unit for longitudinally sealing the edges of the folded packaging material 120 to form a cylindrical shape. The formed packaging material 120 has a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed.

Inclined conveyor belt 150The sterilized packaging material 120 is then carried and transported by an inclined conveyor belt 150. The second portion 122 of the packaging material 120 is adjacent to the conveyor belt 150. The molding of the packaging material 120 may be performed before being carried on the conveyor 150, or may be performed after being carried on the conveyor 150.

The conveyor 150 may also include a plurality of structural members (not shown) for supporting or distributing the weight of the packaging material 120 and the product filled therein. For example, the conveyor 150 may include a lattice or grid-like structure to distribute weight and reduce tension within the packaging material 120.

The angle 155 at which the conveyor belt 150 is inclined from horizontal may reduce the tension on the packaging material 120 by the weight of the product. Thus, this angled design allows the present system to fill larger and heavier packages. The angle 155 is sized to sufficiently reduce the tension of the wrapping material 120 as compared to the tension of the wrapping material 120 on the vertical conveyor. Angle 155 is between 5-85. For example, for small volume packages, the angle 155 may be, for example, approximately 45 degrees up to approximately 90 degrees above horizontal (i.e., approximately perpendicular to horizontal) because the weight of such products has less of an impact on the packaging material 120. However, for large volume packages, the angle 155 may be, for example, approximately 0 degrees above horizontal up to approximately 75 degrees above horizontal.

Filling deviceA part of the filling tube 160 of the filling device is shown in fig. 1. The filling tube 160 is inserted into the space of the packaging material 120 for accommodating the product to be dispensed from the portion of the packaging material 120 which has not been longitudinally sealed, and is filled with the product (e.g., fluid or the like) to be dispensed at a low or high temperature.

First sealing device (not shown)After filling the space of the packaging material 120 intended to contain the product to be dispensed with the desired product, the packaging material is completely sealed using a first sealing device (not shown in the figures). The first sealing device may be, for example, a transverse sealer. The packages filled with product are stamped using a transverse sealer.

After being sealed by the first sealing device, a completely sealed product package 190 has been formed. The product package 190 may also undergo further subsequent sterilization. For example, heat sterilization. For example, for a cold-filled product, the finished product package 190 may require heat sterilization. For hot-filled products, the finished product package 190 may not require subsequent sterilization. While subsequent sterilization may not be required for hot-filled products, a subsequent cooling process may be required.

Interface attachment deviceFor attaching the dispense interface 170 to the outer surface of the packaging material 120, the dispense interface 170 includes an interface base portion 172, an interface nipple 174, and an interface neck portion 173 therebetween.

The dispense interface 170 may be integrally formed or may be formed by attaching an interface neck 173 having an interface nipple 174 to an interface base 172. At this point, the material of the mouthpiece base section 172 allows the mouthpiece neck 173 to be attached to one side of the mouthpiece base section 172 and allows the other side of the mouthpiece base section 172 to be attached to the outside of the wrapper 120; the material of the mouthpiece neck 173 with the mouthpiece connector mouth 174 allows for attachment of the mouthpiece neck 173 on one side of the mouthpiece base section 172. The dispense interface 170 is shaped in a manner that allows the product to be poured from the product package 190 (e.g., a typical dispense interface). Fig. 3 is a schematic structural view of the dispense interface 170 of the first example (a in fig. 3 is a front view, b in fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view a-a in fig. 3, and c in fig. 3 is a perspective view).

A first sealing structure 175 is provided at the interface connection mouth 174 of the dispense interface 170. The first sealing structure is used to ensure that the interior of the dispense interface 170 is clean and free from contamination prior to dispensing the product. The first seal structure is provided with a pull-off structure (not shown) for separating the first seal structure from the mouthpiece at least in part, which may be a pull-tab, a T-pull-off structure, or the like.

The present invention employs a cap 180 having a sharp configuration to cooperate with the dispense interface 170. The cap 180 may touch and pierce the packaging material 120 via the dispensing interface 170 in order to dispense the product.

Fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of the cover 180 of the first example (a in fig. 4 is a front view, b in fig. 4 is a sectional view a-a in fig. 4, and c in fig. 4 is a perspective view). Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a structure in which the cap 180 of the first example is mated with the dispense interface 170 (a in fig. 5 is a front view, b in fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view a-a in fig. 5, and c in fig. 5 is a perspective view). Fig. 6 is another schematic illustration of the first example cap 180 mated with the dispense interface 170.

The cap 180 includes a cap base 182, a cap head 184 having a sharp structure 181, and a cap neck 183 therebetween; when the cap 180 is mated with the dispense interface 170, the sharp structure 181 will pierce the packaging material 120; the cap neck 183 is a hollow structure; the cover base 182 is provided with an opening, and the opening is communicated with the hollow structure; a connection pipe 185 is provided on the side of the cover base 182 remote from the cover head 184, and the opening communicates with the connection pipe 185.

The cap 180 may be screwed or snapped into the dispense interface 170, for example, with the first threads 176 on the inner wall of the interface neck 173 and the second threads 186 on the outer wall of the cap neck 183, the first threads 176 and the second threads 186 mating. Or the third thread 177 is provided on the outer wall of the interface neck 173, the cover base 182 includes a cover base bottom 1821 and a cover base side wall 1822; the inner wall of the cover base side wall 1822 is provided with fourth threads 187, and the third threads 177 and the fourth threads 187 match.

In use, the first sealing structure 175 is removed (e.g., pulled out) and the cap head 184 is then screwed or pressed into the dispensing interface 170 from the interface connector 174, such that the sharp structure 181 on the cap head 184 punctures the packaging material 120 and the product within the package is dispensed.

The connecting pipe 185 may install the product distribution pipe 200. Such a cap, which comprises both a hollow structure and a connecting tube, makes it unnecessary to remove the cap after puncturing the packaging material, and can be directly connected to a product dispensing tube, making it more convenient to dispense the product. The cap and product dispensing tube can be preassembled in advance and packaged together in a clean, sealed package for distribution. The other end of the product dispensing tube is preferably sealed. This ensures that the entire internal product pathway remains in a clean, enclosed space when the cap is attached to the product package. In use, the product package is placed on the product dispensing apparatus and the product dispensing tube is fitted into the dispensing valve, after which the sealed end of the product dispensing tube is cut off and product is dispensed for sale by the control of the dispensing valve.

The cap 180 and dispense interface 170 are provided with a mating second sealing structure. The second sealing structure is to provide the interface neck 173 and the cap neck 183 as an interference fit, thereby ensuring that a sealing area is formed before the packaging material 120 to which the dispense interface 170 is attached is pierced by the sharp structure 181 of the cap head 184, and that the product can only flow out from the inside of the packaging material 120 through the cap neck 183, thereby on one hand avoiding leakage of the product outside the sealing area and causing contamination, and on the other hand keeping the area through which the product flows sterile, further ensuring product quality.

The second sealing structure may be a protrusion provided on the inner wall of the mouthpiece neck 173 or a protrusion provided on the outer wall of the cap neck 183, and may be a sealing ring 178 provided on the inner wall of the mouthpiece neck 173 or a sealing ring provided on the outer wall of the cap neck 183.

Slitting deviceA separating device is used to separate the completely sealed package from the subsequent packages. The fully sealed product package 190 may be separated from subsequent packages using a number of cutting devices known in the art. For example, the cutter 210 may be used to completely seal at regular intervals (e.g., by a predetermined size or for a predetermined period of time)The product package 190 is cut from the subsequent packages to provide individual product packages 190. The individual product packages 190 may then proceed to a subsequent process or be ready for shipment.

Or the fully sealed product package 190 is frangibly connected to the subsequent package so that the front and rear packages do not need to be separated during manufacture, but rather need to be separated until use.

The dispense interface 170 may be attached to the individual product package 190 after the individual product package 190 is obtained.

In some embodiments, where separate sterilization of all packaging components and products is required, aseptic filling may be required. These packaging elements will be assembled and filled with product in a clean environment to ensure that the final sealed product is not contaminated. In a first example, the steps of sterilization of the packaging material 120 are performed in an aseptic environment until the packaging material is completely sealed to provide the product package 190. The sterile environment is equipped with a plurality of sterile air filters to buffer the sterile or aseptic product therein and to maintain a clean environment during the filling and sealing process. It will be appreciated that in order to ensure a sterile environment within the sterile space, the sterile space is maintained at a positive pressure so as to oppose the external air. The sterile space ensures that the package is filled and sealed under high quality environmental conditions. When used in such an environment, the product, package, and closure (e.g., seal) all have a low bioburden and can minimize the microbial content of the product.

The dispense interface 170 may be attached by, for example, welding, adhesive, or the like, to the packaging material 120 at any location outside of the first portion 121 or the second portion 122 that is suitable for attachment of the interface base 172. For example, the dispensing interface 170 may be attached to the outside of the first portion 121 or the second portion 122 of the packaging material 120 when the packaging material 120 has not been longitudinally sealed to form a space available for accommodating a product to be dispensed. It is also possible to attach the dispense interface 170 to the outside of the first portion 121 or the second portion 122 of the packaging material 120 when the packaging material 120 is longitudinally sealed to form a space that can be used to accommodate the product to be dispensed. It is also possible to attach the dispense interface 170 outside the first portion 121 or the second portion 122 of the packaging material 120 when filling the space of the packaging material 120 with the product to be dispensed. It is also possible to attach the dispense interface 170 to the outside of the first portion 121 or the second portion 122 of the packaging material 120 after the space of the packaging material 120 has been completely filled with the product and the packaging material 120 has been completely sealed. When the dispense interface 170 is attached to the packaging material 120 when the packaging material 120 has not been longitudinally sealed to form a space available for accommodating a product to be dispensed, the dispense interface 170 may need to be sterilized first, for example by an interface sterilizing device, since the dispense interface 170 may come into contact with the product. In a preferred embodiment, the dispense interface 170 is attached to the outer surface of the packaging material 120 at any time after the packaging material 120 is longitudinally sealed to form a space having a space available for receiving the product to be dispensed. At this point, since the dispense interface 170 does not come into contact with the product, its attachment can be performed in a non-sterile environment. And if the product does not require a sterile environment (e.g., a highly preserved product), the dispense interface 170 may be attached at any time.

In a second example, a hot-filling process is used when filling the space of the packaging material 120 for accommodating the product to be dispensed with the filling device. At this time, the residual heat of the product is utilized to sterilize the part of the inner wall of the packaging material which is possibly contacted with the product.

In contrast to the first example, in the third example, the package internal space is further divided into a first space and a tubular space which communicate with each other using the first sealing device. The feed roller 110, the sterilizing device, the packaging material 120, the forming device, the filling device, and the slitting device are similar to those of the first example, and will not be described again.

A vertical conveyor belt is used to transport the packaging material 120. The forming of the packaging material 120 may be done before being carried on the conveyor belt or may be done after being carried on the conveyor belt. A holding device, such as a robot, is used to provide support to the weight of the packaging material 120 and the product filled therein. It will be appreciated that the use of both an inclined conveyor belt 150 and a racking device may also be used to accomplish the transport and support of the packaging material 120.

In a third example, the first closing device is further used to partially join together the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 of the packaging material 120 to form an elongated joint 161, which elongated joint 161 divides the package interior space into a communicating first space 163 and a tubular space 162, which can be used as a dispensing opening. The second sealing means may be, for example, welding, pressing or the like.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the formation of a product package resulting from a third example of the invention. In fig. 7 a is shown a sheet of packaging material folded in half to form a sheet having a first portion 121 and a second portion 122. The edges of the folded package are then sealed longitudinally, and the package forms a space for receiving the product to be dispensed. In fig. 7 b is shown a schematic view of a completely sealed product package with a tubular space. One end of the attachment portion 161 extends to the short side edge 123 of the package and the other end is located in the middle of the package, dividing the interior space of the package into a communicating tubular space 162 and a first space 163. When the product package is used to dispense a product, the attachment portion 161 is cut open and the end portion 164 of the tubular structure 166 formed by the tubular space 162 is cut open to effect dispensing of the product within the package. In figure 7 c, the flap 161 is cut away and the tubular structure 166 is shown, with the end 164 of the tubular structure 166 cut away for dispensing product. Alternatively, the elongated abutment 161 is of tearable design, which facilitates the illustration of the tubular structure 166.

In contrast to the third example, in the fourth example, the package internal space is divided into a first space and a tubular space that communicate using the second sealing device.

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the formation of a product package resulting from a fourth example of the invention. In fig. 8 a is shown a sheet of packaging material folded in half to form a sheet having a first portion 121 and a second portion 122. The edges of the folded package are then sealed longitudinally, and the package forms a space for receiving the product to be dispensed. In fig. 8 b is shown a schematic view of a completely sealed product package with a tubular space. One end of the fitting portion 161 extends to the long side edge 124 of the package, and the other end is located in the middle of the package, dividing the internal space of the package into a tubular space 162 and a first space 163, which are communicated with each other. In fig. 8 c, the attachment portion 161 is cut away and the tubular structure 166 formed by the tubular space 162 is clearly shown, with the end 164 of the tubular structure 166 cut away for dispensing product.

The sealing of the packaging material 120 filled with product by the first sealing device and the partial application of the first 121 and second 122 parts by the first sealing device or the second sealing device may or may not be performed simultaneously. The fit 161 may be formed on the packaging material 120 before, during, or after the filling and sealing process has occurred. Since the fit 161 is formed without exposing the product in the package to air, the fit 161 may not be formed in the sterile space.

The attachment portion 161 should have a width to ensure that the attachment portion 161 is cut open and the package remains sealed. The tip end 165 of the fitting 161 is preferably circular in shape. This results in less resistance to dispensing or filling of the product.

In contrast to the fourth example, in the fifth example, the second sealing device is used to form the package interior space into a tubular space comprising the first space and a dispensing opening extending outwardly from the first space. The second sealing means may be, for example, welding, pressing or the like.

Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a product package resulting from a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The sheet packaging material is folded in half to form a package comprising a first part and a second part, after which the edges of the folded packaging material are sealed longitudinally, the packaging material forming a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed. The package interior space is formed using the second closure means to comprise a first space 163 and a tubular space 162 extending outwardly from the first space, which can be used as a dispensing opening. The tubular space 162 having the tubular structure 166 may be formed on the packaging material before, during, or after the filling process.

It is also possible to use the first sealing device for forming the inner space of the package to comprise the first space and a tubular space extending outwardly from the first space and serving as a dispensing opening, i.e. at least one edge of the packaging material is sealed to form an outwardly extending tubular structure upon final complete sealing of the filled packaging material, which is most advantageous for practical purposes.

The resulting product package preferably has an external shape suitable for close packing. For example, the side opposite the side forming the outwardly extending tubular structure is a notch shape matching the tubular shape. The gap and the tubular matching arrangement can save the occupied space of the subsequent transportation of the package, and is more favorable for saving the cost.

The present invention can be used to produce large capacity bag-in-box (BIB) and fill beverages or beverage syrup.

Various examples of the invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed examples are examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof.

The above examples are merely illustrative of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure.

Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the claims. The scope of the invention and the claims herein include all such variations, modifications, and combinations.

It should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are only examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other variations or modifications may be made on the basis of the above description, and all embodiments may not be exhaustive, and all obvious variations or modifications may be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for in-line forming, filling and packaging to form product packages, the system comprising:

the sterilizing device is used for sterilizing the packaging material;

a first filling device for filling a space for containing a product to be dispensed with hot air for counteracting external air, thereby ensuring sterility of the space for containing the product to be dispensed;

a mouthpiece attachment means for attaching a dispensing mouthpiece to the packaging material outer surface, the dispensing mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece base section, a mouthpiece connecting mouth and a mouthpiece neck section;

a conveyor belt for conveying the packaging material from the forming device to the filling device and for providing support by reducing tension on the packaging material caused by the product to be dispensed;

the second filling device is used for filling the product to be distributed into the space of the product to be distributed of the packaging material by adopting a hot filling process;

a first sealing device for completely sealing the packaging material filled with the product to obtain a product package; and

a holding device providing an additional part of the support to reduce the tension on the packaging material by holding the weight of the packaging material and the product to be dispensed.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the forming device is configured to form the packaging material with a space for accommodating at least 800mL of the product to be dispensed.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt is angled from horizontal.

4. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that it provides a sterile environment for each process after sterilization of the packaging material until the packaging material is completely sealed.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the molding device comprises:

the folding unit is used for folding the packaging material in half; and

and the longitudinal sealing unit is used for longitudinally sealing the edges of the folded packaging material to form a cylindrical shape.

6. System according to claim 1, wherein the interface attachment means are used for attaching the dispensing interface on an outer surface of a packaging material not forming a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising an interface sterilization device for sterilizing the dispense interface.

8. System according to claim 1, wherein the interface attachment means are for attaching the dispensing interface on an outer surface of a packaging material having a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the interface attachment means attaches the dispense interface in a non-sterile environment on an exterior surface of a packaging material having a space for receiving a product to be dispensed.

10. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that the first sealing device is further adapted to cause the package interior space to comprise a communicating first space and a tubular space.

11. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that the system further comprises second sealing means for bringing the package interior space to comprise the communicating first space and the tubular space.

12. System according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said bringing the package interior space into communication with the first space and the tubular space is a partial bringing together of opposing first and second portions of the packaging material forming an elongated joint dividing the package interior space into the communicating first space and the tubular space usable as a dispensing opening.

13. A system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the package interior space comprising the communicating first space and the tubular space is formed by the package interior space comprising the first space and the tubular space extending outwardly from the first space and being usable as the dispensing opening.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the product package has an exterior shape adapted for close packing.

15. A method of in-line forming, filling and packaging to form a product package, comprising the steps of:

sterilizing the packaging material;

filling a space for accommodating a product to be dispensed with hot air for counteracting external air, thereby ensuring sterility of the space for accommodating the product to be dispensed;

attaching a dispensing interface to the packaging material outer surface, the dispensing interface comprising an interface base portion, an interface connection mouth, and an interface neck portion;

transporting the packaging material during the filling step using a transport device, wherein the transport device provides support by bearing the weight of the packaging material and the product to be dispensed;

filling the product to be distributed into a space of the packaging material for containing the product to be distributed by adopting a hot filling process; and

wherein the tension on the packaging material is reduced by providing additional partial support of the weight of the packaging material and the product to be dispensed.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the steps of sterilizing the packaging material are performed in an aseptic environment until the packaging material is completely sealed to obtain the product package.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the product is packaged in a volume of at least 800 mL.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of forming the packaging material comprises:

folding the packaging material in half;

the edges of the folded packaging material are sealed longitudinally to form a cylindrical shape.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the dispense interface to the exterior surface of the packaging material is attaching the dispense interface to an exterior surface of the packaging material that does not form a space for receiving a product to be dispensed.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising sterilizing the dispensing port.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the dispense interface to the exterior surface of the packaging material is attaching the dispense interface to the exterior surface of the packaging material having a space for receiving a product to be dispensed.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein attaching the dispense interface to the exterior surface of the packaging material is attaching the dispense interface to the exterior surface of the packaging material having a space for receiving the product to be dispensed in a non-sterile environment.

23. The method of claim 15 further including dividing the package interior space into a first space and a tubular space in communication.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the method is performed by partially bringing together opposed first and second portions of the packaging material to form an elongate joint which divides the interior space of the package into a communicating first space and a tubular space which can be used as a dispensing opening.

25. The method of claim 23 further comprising forming the package interior space to include a first space and a tubular space extending outwardly from the first space that can serve as a dispensing opening.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the product package has an exterior shape adapted for close packing.