CN116438115A

CN116438115A - Packaging device for forming sealed packages

Info

Publication number: CN116438115A
Application number: CN202280007304.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 詹尼·番加雷兹; 保罗·萨尼邦蒂; 尼古拉·加鲁蒂; 安德里亚·巴比利; 金子丰; 菲利波·费拉里尼
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2021-02-10
Filing date: 2022-02-04
Publication date: 2023-07-14
Also published as: WO2022171530A2; JP2024504895A; EP4043351A3; EP4043351A2; WO2022171530A3; US20230406560A1

Abstract

A packaging apparatus (1) is described comprising a tube forming and sealing device (5), a filling device (7), a product conveying device (8) configured to receive a pourable product from an external product supply source (9) and to selectively feed the pourable product along a flow path into the filling device (7), and a package forming unit (10) configured to at least form and transversely seal the tube (3) to form a package (2) filled with the pourable product. The product delivery device (8) comprises a main inlet valve (30) having a first inlet (31) and a first outlet (32) and a control valve (33) arranged along the flow path downstream of the main inlet valve (30) and upstream of the filling device (7) and having a second inlet (34) and a second outlet (35). The main inlet valve (30) includes a first valve element (42) controllable to at least a closed position, an open position, and one or more intermediate positions. Additionally or alternatively, the control valve (33) comprises a second valve element (44) which can be controlled to a closed position and an open position.

Description

Packaging device for forming sealed packages

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a packaging device for forming sealed packages, in particular for forming sealed packages filled with pourable products.

Background

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

A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package called a sterilized package of rile (Tetra Brik Aseptic) (registered trademark) for liquid or pourable food products, which is made by sealing and folding a multi-layer packaging material. The multi-layer packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, for example a layer of paper or paperboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, for example a layer of polyethylene, which sandwich the fibrous material layers between each other.

In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a gas barrier and a layer of light-barrier material, such as aluminium foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibre material. Typically, the web of packaging material further comprises a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material sandwiched between the layers of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

Such packages are typically produced on fully automatic packaging units which advance a web of packaging material through a sterilizing unit of the packaging unit for sterilizing the web of packaging material, for example by means of chemical sterilization (e.g. by applying a chemical sterilant, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution) or physical sterilization (e.g. by means of an electron beam). The sterilized web of packaging material is then held and advanced within the isolation chamber (closed and sterile environment), and is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, which is fed further in the vertical advance direction.

The known packaging device further comprises a respective product conveying apparatus configured to receive the pourable product from an external product supply and to selectively feed the pourable product along a flow path into the filling apparatus, in particular into the filling tube.

A typical product delivery device comprises a plurality of valves, wherein the first and second valves are on/off valves and the third valve is a regulating valve. The first valve is connected to an external product supply and is controllable between respective open and closed positions (a closed position) to permit and prevent, respectively, delivery of the pourable product to the second valve. The second valve is movable to a respective open position and a respective closed position to allow and prevent, respectively, the transfer of the pourable product to the third valve, and the third valve is movable to a circulation position (an endless position) in the open position to regulate the flow rate of the pourable product to the filling device, in particular the filling tube.

Typically, the external product supply source delivers, in use, not just the pourable product to one single packaging unit, but to a plurality of independently operated packaging units, each having a respective product delivery device.

It has been found that the inconvenience of these packaging units is that a change in the state of the respective first and second valves of one product delivery device may lead to pressure fluctuations of the pourable product within the other packaging unit.

It has been found that another inconvenience of these packaging devices is that stopping the supply of pourable product within a respective packaging device may still create negative pressure and/or pressure fluctuations of the pourable product within the respective packaging device.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved packaging device that reduces any inconvenience caused by pressure fluctuations that may occur with pourable products within the packaging device.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging device in a straightforward and low-cost manner.

According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging device as defined in the independent claim.

Further advantageous embodiments of the packaging device according to the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

Drawings

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a packaging device according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a detail of the packaging device of FIG. 1, with some components removed for clarity;

figures 3a to 3c are schematic views of a detail of the packaging device of figures 1 and 2 in three respective operating states; and

fig. 4a to 4c are schematic views of further details of the packaging device of fig. 1 and 2 in three respective operating states.

Detailed Description

Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging device for producing sealed packages 2 of pourable food products, such as pasteurized milk or juice, from a tube 3 of a web 4 of packaging material. In particular, in use, the tube 3 extends along a longitudinal axis L, in particular an axis L having a vertical orientation.

In particular, the packaging device 1 belongs to a production facility, which may comprise a plurality of packaging devices 1 (the packaging devices 1 are substantially identical to each other in structure and operation).

In more detail, the web 4 may have a multilayer structure (not shown) and may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material (for example a layer of paper or cardboard) and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (for example a layer of polyethylene) sandwiching the fibrous material layers between each other. One of the two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines an inner surface of package 2 that ultimately contacts the pourable product.

Furthermore, the web 4 may also comprise layers of gas barrier and light barrier material, such as aluminium foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which are in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. In addition, the web 4 may also comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material sandwiched between the layers of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibre material.

Referring specifically to fig. 1, the packaging device 1 includes:

a tube forming and sealing device 5 configured to form a tube 3 from a web 4 (in particular from a web 4 advancing in use) and to seal the tube 3 longitudinally, in particular at a tube forming station 6;

filling means 7 for continuously filling tube 3 with a pourable product;

a product delivery device 8 configured to receive a pourable product (only partially shown within the scope necessary for understanding the invention) from an external product supply 9 and to selectively feed the pourable product along a flow path into filling device 7; and

a package forming unit 10 adapted to shape the tube 3, in particular the advancing tube 3 in use, to transversely seal the tube 3, and preferably, but not necessarily, to transversely cut the tube 3 to form the package 2.

In addition, the packaging device 1 may further include:

a conveying device 11 configured to advance the web 4 (in a manner known per se) along a web advancement path P from the delivery station 8 to the tube forming station 6, at which tube forming station 6, in use, the web 4 is shaped into a tube 3 and configured to advance the tube 3 along a tube advancement path Q; and

an isolation chamber 13 having an internal environment 14, in particular an internal sterile environment containing (including) a sterile gas such as sterile air, the internal environment 14 (at a given gas pressure and) the isolation chamber 13 itself isolating the internal environment 14 from an external environment 15.

Furthermore, the packaging device 1 may also comprise a sterilizing unit (not shown and known) configured to sterilize the advancing web 4 in use at a sterilizing station, in particular a sterilizing station arranged upstream of the forming station 6 along the web advancement path P.

Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 5 may be at least partially disposed within the interior environment 14 such that the tube forming and sealing device 5 is configured to form the tube 3 and longitudinally seal the tube 3 within the interior environment 13. Further, the package forming unit 10 may be arranged outside the internal environment 14. In particular, the package forming unit 10 is configured to shape the tube 3 in the (non-sterile) auxiliary space of the packaging device 1 and to transversely seal the tube 3, in particular also transversely cut the tube 3.

Preferably, the conveying device 11 may be configured to advance the tube 3 (and in particular any intermediate of the tube 3) along the tube advance path Q, in particular from the forming station 6 to the package forming unit 10 and at least partially through the package forming unit 10, in a known manner. In particular, the expression "intermediate of the tube 3" refers to any configuration of the web 4 before the tube structure is obtained and after the beginning of the folding of the web 4 by the tube forming and sealing device 5. In other words, the intermediate of the tube 3 is the result of the progressive folding of the web 4 to obtain the tube 3, in particular of the web 4 by overlapping a first edge of the web 4 and a second edge of the web 4, opposite to the first edge, of the web 4.

In particular, at least a first portion of the tube advancement path Q is located within the isolation chamber 13 (in particular, within the internal environment 14). Further, the second portion of the tube advancing path Q is located in the auxiliary space.

In more detail, the tube forming and sealing device 5 may comprise a tube forming unit 5 arranged at least partially, preferably entirely, within the isolation chamber 13 and configured to gradually fold the advancing web 4 into the tube 3, in particular by the first edge overlapping the second edge each other to form a longitudinal seam portion of the tube 3. In particular, the tube forming unit 5 extends along a longitudinal axis, in particular parallel to the tube advancing path Q. In particular, the seam portion 23 extends from an initial horizontal plane (not specifically shown) along the tube advancement path Q to a downward orientation. In other words, the initial horizontal plane is at a position where the first edge and the second edge begin to overlap each other to form a seam portion.

In more detail, the tube forming and sealing device 5 may further comprise at least one sealing head 20 arranged (at least partially) within the interior environment 13 and configured to seal the tube 3 longitudinally along the joint portion, in particular by transferring heat (thermal heat) to the joint portion to seal the tube 3 longitudinally along the joint portion. The sealing head 29 may be of any type; for example, the sealing head 29 may be of the type that operates by means of induction heating and/or by means of a heated gas flow and/or by means of ultrasound and/or by means of laser heating and/or by any other means.

With particular reference to fig. 1 and 2, the filling device 7 may comprise a filling tube 21, the filling tube 21 being configured to, in use (continuously), guide the pourable product into the tube 3 and extend at least partially within the tube 3. In particular, filling tube 21 is controllably in fluid communication with product delivery device 8 for selectively receiving pourable product from product delivery device 8.

More specifically, the filling tube 21 may comprise a (linear) main tube portion 22 extending inside the tube 3 and (substantially) parallel to the tube 3. In addition, the filling pipe 21 may comprise an auxiliary pipe portion 23 transverse to the main pipe portion 22 and connected to the product conveying device 8.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment as shown in fig. 2, the package forming unit 10 comprises a plurality of pairs of at least one respective operating assembly 24 (only one shown) and at least one counter operating assembly 25 (only one shown); and

in particular, a conveying device (not shown and known per se) is adapted to advance the respective operating assemblies 24 and the respective counter-operating assemblies 25 of these pairs along respective conveying paths.

In more detail, each operating assembly 24 is adapted to cooperate, in use, with a respective counter-operating assembly 25 of a respective pair to form a respective package 2 from tube 3. In particular, each operating assembly 24 and the corresponding counter-operating assembly 25 are configured to shape the tube 3, to transversely seal the tube 3, and preferably, but not necessarily, also transversely cut the tube 3 to form the corresponding package 2.

In more detail, each operating assembly 24 and respective counter-operating assembly 25 are adapted to cooperate with each other when advancing along a respective operating portion of a respective conveying path to form a respective package 2 from tube 3. In particular, each operating assembly 24 and the corresponding counter-operating assembly 25, during advancement along the respective operating portion, are parallel to the tube 3 and advance in the same direction as the tube 3. In more detail, each operating assembly 24 and the respective counter-operating assembly 25 are configured to contact the tube 3 as it advances along the respective operating portion of the respective conveying path.

In more detail, the external product supply 9 may comprise a pourable product conditioning and/or storage device (not shown and known per se) configured to store/provide and/or condition a pourable product to be packaged, and at least one conveying tube 26, the conveying tube 26 connecting the pourable product reservoir to the product conveying device 8.

With particular reference to fig. 1 and 2, the product conveying device 8 may comprise at least:

a main inlet valve 30 having a first inlet 31 and a first outlet 32; and

a control valve 33 arranged along the flow path downstream of the main inlet valve 30 and upstream of the filling device 7 (in particular 21) and having a second inlet 34 and a second outlet 35.

In addition, the product delivery device 8 may comprise an auxiliary valve 36 connectable to and/or connected to the external pourable product supply 9, and having at least a third inlet 37 and a third outlet 38. In particular, the third outlet 38 is in fluid connection 31 with the first inlet.

Furthermore, the product delivery device 8 may comprise a connecting conduit 39 arranged between the third outlet 38 and the first inlet 31 for establishing a fluid connection between the third outlet 38 and the first inlet 31. In particular, the connecting conduit 39 is also configured to be filled with gas (if required by the operating conditions of the main inlet valve 30 and the auxiliary valve 36) to act as a gas barrier (if required).

With specific reference to fig. 3 a-3 c, the main inlet valve 30 may further comprise a first valve element 42 configured to control the fluid connection between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32. Specifically, the first valve element 42 may be controlled at least to:

-a closed position (a closing position) (see fig. 3 a) in which the first valve element 42 is designed to close the fluid connection between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32, in particular defining a respective minimum flow rate, which is equal to zero;

an open position (an opening position) (see fig. 3 c) in which the first valve element 42 is designed to open the fluid connection between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet 32 and allow a corresponding maximum flow rate 32 (of the pourable product between the first inlet 31 and the first outlet); and

one or more intermediate positions (see fig. 3 b), in each of which the first valve element 42 is configured to allow a respective intermediate flow rate, which is lower than the respective maximum flow rate (and higher than the respective minimum flow rate).

More specifically, first valve element 42 is configured to regulate a flow rate of the pourable product, in use, from first inlet 31 to first outlet 32.

Preferably, each intermediate position may determine a respective intermediate flow rate that is different from the other intermediate flow rates.

It should be noted that within the scope of this description, the intermediate position of first valve element 42 is a position that may be maintained for a defined (and extended) time, not just a transitional position.

In more detail, the main inlet valve 30 includes an actuator 43, such as a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor, or the like, coupled to the first valve element 42 and configured to linearly move the first valve element 42 (particularly within a corresponding space of the main inlet valve 30) so as to position the first valve element 42 in one of an open position, a closed position, and an intermediate position.

Further, main inlet valve 30 may include a position sensor configured to determine a position of first valve element 42.

Advantageously, the main inlet valve 30 may further comprise a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the pourable product flowing within the main inlet valve 30 from the first inlet 31 to the first outlet 32.

With particular reference to fig. 4a to 4c, the control valve 33 comprises a second valve element 44 configured to control the fluid connection between the second inlet 34 and the second outlet 35, and at least controllable to:

a closed position (see fig. 4 a) in which the second valve element 44 is configured to interrupt the fluid connection between the second inlet 34 and the second outlet 35, in particular to define a respective minimum flow rate equal to zero; and

an open position (see fig. 4 c) in which the second valve element 44 is configured to open the fluid connection between the second inlet 34 and the second outlet 35, in particular allowing a corresponding maximum flow rate.

In addition and with particular reference to fig. 4b, the second valve element 44 may also be controlled to one or more intermediate positions, in each of which the second valve element 42 is configured to allow a respective transitional flow rate that is lower than the maximum flow rate (and higher than the minimum flow rate).

More specifically, the second valve element 44 is configured to regulate the flow rate of the pourable product flowing in use from the second inlet 34 to the second outlet 35, in particular also allowing to interrupt the flow of the pourable product.

Preferably, each transition location may determine a respective transition flow rate to distinguish from the other transition flow rates.

In more detail, the control valve 33 may include an actuator 45, such as a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor, or the like, coupled to the second valve element 44 and configured to linearly move the second valve element 44 (particularly within a corresponding space of the control valve 33) in order to position the second valve element 44 in one of an open position, a closed position, and a transitional position.

With specific reference to fig. 2, the auxiliary valve 36 includes a third valve element 46 configured to control the fluid connection between the third inlet 37 and the third outlet 38.

More specifically, the third valve element 46 is movable to respective open positions (see e.g. fig. 3a to 3 c) and respective closed positions (see fig. 2) to allow and prevent a fluid connection between the third inlet 37 and the third outlet 38, respectively.

Further, the auxiliary valve 36 may include an actuator 36 configured to move the third valve element 46 between the open and closed positions.

In addition, the auxiliary valve 36 may further include an additional outlet 48 fluidly connected to the third inlet 37 and configured to cooperate with the third inlet 37 to connect the auxiliary valve 36 to the delivery tube 26 (and define a flow passage).

With particular reference to fig. 2, product delivery device 8 may further include a pressure sensor 49 and/or a flow meter 50, pressure sensor 49 being disposed downstream of main inlet valve 30 along the flow path for measuring the pressure of the pourable product, flow meter 50 being disposed downstream of pressure sensor 49 along the flow path and configured to measure the flow rate of the pourable product.

Further, a pressure sensor 49 and/or a flow meter 50 may be placed along the flow path upstream of the control valve 33.

Advantageously, the main inlet valve 30 (in particular the position of the first valve element 42) and/or the control valve 33 (in particular the position of the second valve element 44) are configured to be controlled in dependence on the pressure measured in use by the pressure sensor 49 and/or the flow measured in use by the flow meter 50.

With particular reference to fig. 2, the product delivery device 8 may further comprise a flow tube 55 connected to the control valve 33 (in particular to the second outlet 35) and to the filling tube 21.

Furthermore, the product delivery device 8 may further comprise a flow conduit 56 interconnecting the main inlet valve 30 (in particular the first outlet 32) and the control valve 33 (in particular the second inlet 34). Preferably, the pressure sensor 49 and the flow meter 50 are operatively coupled to a flow conduit 56.

With particular reference to fig. 2, a major portion of the product delivery device 8 is disposed within the external environment 15. In particular, only a portion of the flow tube 55 is disposed within the interior environment 14.

More specifically, at least the main inlet valve 30 and the control valve 33 are arranged within the external environment 33.

Furthermore, the auxiliary valve 36 and/or the pressure sensor 55 and/or the flow meter 56 and/or the flow conduit 56 may also be arranged within the external environment 15.

Advantageously, the flow tube 55 comprises a first portion 57 arranged within the external environment 15, and in particular comprises a second portion 58 arranged within the internal environment 14. Specifically, the first portion 57 is connected to the control valve 33 (specifically to the second outlet 35), while the second portion 58 is connected to the first portion 57 and the filling tube 21.

Referring to fig. 2, the first portion 57 is implemented as a single piece.

Alternatively, the first portion 57 may comprise at most two different portions connected to each other by a gasket element or a barrier element, in particular one portion being connected to the control valve 33 and the other portion being connected to the second portion 58.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging device 1 can be controlled at least to:

an operating configuration in which the packaging device 1 forms a package 2; and

a stop configuration in which the packaging device 1 interrupts the formation of packages 2.

Further, the product delivery device 8 is configured to be arranged to:

an operating mode in which the product delivery device 8 is designed to guide the pourable product to the filling device 7; and

a stop mode in which the product delivery device 8 is designed to prevent any flow of pourable product to the filling device 7.

Specifically, the product conveying device 8 is set in the operation mode and the stop mode, while the packaging apparatus 1 is controlled to the operation configuration and the stop configuration, respectively.

More specifically, as product delivery device 8 is controlled to be in a stop mode, first valve element 42 and second valve element 44 are controlled to a closed position and a closed position, respectively. In addition, the third valve element 46 is also arranged in the closed position.

Furthermore, as product delivery device 8 is controlled to be in the operational mode, first valve element 42 is controlled to an open position or an intermediate position, specifically the position of first valve element 42 may be changed between the open position and the intermediate position in use.

Likewise, the second valve element 44 may be controlled to be in an open position or a transitional position, in particular the position of the second valve element 44 may be changed between the open position and the transitional position in use.

Furthermore, the third valve element 46 may also be controlled to a corresponding open position.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the packaging device 1 further comprises an adjusting device 59 configured to control (conditions) within the internal environment 15. In particular, the conditioning device 59 configured to supply a sterile gas (in particular sterile air) to the internal environment 14 may comprise (i.e. contain) a sterile gas in order to establish a given pressure. Preferably, the given pressure may be (slightly) higher than the ambient pressure to reduce the risk of any contaminants and/or contamination entering the internal environment 14. In particular, the given pressure may be about 100Pa to 500Pa (0.001 bar to 0.005 bar) above ambient pressure.

According to the invention and with particular reference to fig. 2, the packaging device 1 further comprises a delimiting element 60, which delimiting element 60 is placed in use inside the tube 3 and is designed to divide the tube 3 into a first space 61 and a second space 62 in use.

In more detail, the first space 61 may be delimited by the tube 3 (in particular the wall of the tube 3) and the delimiting element 60. Furthermore, the first space 61 is open to the interior environment 14. Even more specifically, the delimiting element 60 delimits the first space 61 at a downstream portion (in particular a bottom portion) of the first space 61 itself (with respect to the path Q).

In more detail, the second space 62 is delimited in use by the tube 3 (in particular the wall of the tube 3), the delimiting element 60 and the transverse sealing portion of one respective package 2 (to be formed).

In other words, the second space 62 extends from the delimiting element 60 to the transverse sealing portion in a direction parallel to the path Q (i.e. parallel to the axis L).

Even in other words, the delimiting element 60 delimits the second space 62 at an upstream portion (in particular an upper portion) of the second space 62 itself (with respect to the path Q); and the transverse sealing portion delimits the second space 62 at a portion downstream (in particular at the bottom portion) of the second space 62 itself (with respect to the path Q).

In more detail, the first space 61 is arranged upstream of the second space 62 along the pipe advancing path Q. Even more specifically, the first space 61 is arranged along the path Q upstream of the delimiting element 60, and the second space 62 is arranged along the path Q downstream of the delimiting element 60. In the specific example shown, the second space 62 is located below the first space 61.

Furthermore, in use, the filling device 7 (in particular the filling tube 21) may be configured to guide the pourable product into the second space 62.

According to the disclosed preferred non-limiting embodiment, the regulating device 59 is further configured to direct a flow of sterile gas into the second space 62 for obtaining a pressure within the second space 62 that is higher than the pressure of the gas within the first space 61.

Thus, in use, the second space 62 may contain a pourable product and pressurized sterile gas.

Advantageously, the regulating device 59 is configured to control the first pressure and a second pressure different from the first pressure in the second space 62 in case the product conveying device 8 is controlled in the operating mode and in the stop mode, respectively.

Preferably, the regulating device 59 is configured to control the first pressure in a range between 5kPa and 40kPa above ambient pressure, in particular in a range between 10kPa and 30kPa above ambient pressure.

Furthermore, the adjustment device 59 may be configured to change the first pressure and the second pressure in use.

With particular reference to fig. 1 and 2, the conditioning apparatus 59 may include a gas supply tube 63 configured to direct a sterile gas into the second space 62. At least a portion of the gas supply tube 63 is parallel to the supply tube 21, and in particular coaxial with the supply tube 21.

In use, the packaging device 1 forms a package 2 filled with a pourable product. In particular, packaging device 1 forms package 2 from tube 3, tube 3 is formed from web 4, and tube 3 is continuously filled with a pourable product.

In more detail, the operation of the packaging device 1 comprises controlling the packaging device 1 into an operating configuration or into a stop configuration. When controlled in the operating configuration, the packaging device 1 forms the packages 2, and when in the stopped configuration, the packaging device 1 interrupts the formation of the packages 2.

When the packaging device 1 is controlled in the operating configuration, the product conveying device 8 is set in an operating mode for conveying the pourable product to the filling device 7, such that the filling device 7 directs the pourable product into the tube 3, in particular into the second space 62.

In more detail, when the product delivery device 8 is set in the operating mode, the first valve element 42 is controlled to the open position or to an intermediate position. In particular, first valve element 42 may also be controlled between an open position and an intermediate position. Furthermore, the second valve element 44 can also be moved into an open position or into a transitional position, in particular the second valve element 44 can be moved between the open position and the transitional position.

Preferably, the respective positions of the first valve element 42 and the second valve element 44 are set in accordance with the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 49 and/or the flow measured by the flow meter 50.

In addition, when the packaging device 1 is controlled to be in the operative configuration, the web 4 advances along the advancing path P (under the action of the conveying means 11), the tube 3 is formed (by the tube forming and sealing means 5) with the web 4 and sealed longitudinally, the tube 3 advances along the tube advancing path Q and is filled (by the filling means 7) with pourable product, and the package 2 is formed with the tube 3 by shaping the tube 3 and sealing the tube 3 at least transversely, in particular also transversely cutting the tube 3.

According to some possible embodiments, when the packaging device 2 is controlled to be in the operating configuration, the regulating device 59 introduces a sterile gas into the second space 62 to determine the first pressure inside the second space 62.

Furthermore, the product conveying device 8 is set in a stop mode when the packaging apparatus 2 is set in a stop configuration, for example in order to interrupt the operation in order to resume the operation again afterwards, or in order to perform a format change or to perform an in-situ sterilization or in-situ cleaning process.

In particular, at least first valve element 42 and/or second valve element 44 are disposed in a closed position and a closed position, respectively. Additionally, the third valve element 46 may be configured in a closed position.

In this way, it is ensured that the transport of the product to the filling device 7 and thus into the tube 3, in particular into the second space 62, is interrupted.

In addition, the advancement of the web 4 along the advancement path P and the advancement of the tube 3 along the tube advancement path Q are interrupted. Furthermore, especially after the advance of the web 4 and the tube 3 has stopped, the web 4 no longer forms the tube 3 and no longer needs to perform a longitudinal seal. Also, no package 2 is formed from tube 3.

According to some possible embodiments, when the packaging device 1 is controlled to be in the stop configuration, the regulating device 59 controls the pressure in the second space 62 to compensate for the missing pourable product in tube 3 and filling tube 21.

The advantages of the packaging device 1 according to the invention will become clear from the above description.

In particular, by providing the main inlet valve 30 with a first valve element 42 which can also be controlled to a respective intermediate position, possible fluctuations in the pressure of the pourable product coming from the external product supply 9 (which may occur, for example, due to setting the other packaging device 1 to a stopped configuration) can be compensated by controlling the position of the first valve element 42.

Another advantage is the ability to position the second valve element 44 in the closed position. In this way, the occurrence of negative pressure in the components of the product conveying device 8 arranged upstream of the control valve 33 can be substantially avoided.

Another advantage is that the flow tube 55 may comprise at most two parts connected to each other by a gasket element or a barrier element. In this way, in case the product delivery device 8 is in a stop mode, in case a negative pressure is created inside the flow duct 55, any possible risk of sucking air from the external environment 15 into the flow duct 55 is reduced.

Another advantage is that the pressure in the second space 62 is controlled when controlling the product conveying device 8 into the stop mode. In this way, any occurrence of negative pressure can be avoided.

It is clear that modifications may be made to the packaging device 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A packaging device (1) for forming a plurality of sealed packages (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising:

a tube forming and sealing device (5) configured to form a tube (3) from a web (4) of packaging material and to seal the tube (3) longitudinally;

-a filling device (7) adapted to guide, in use, a pourable product into the tube (3);

a product delivery device (8) configured to receive the pourable product from an external product supply (9) and to selectively feed the pourable product into the filling device (7) along a flow path; and

a package forming unit (10) configured to form the package (2) at least from the tube (3) and to seal the package (2) laterally;

wherein the product conveying device (8) comprises:

a main inlet valve (30) having a first inlet (31) and a first outlet (32); and

a control valve (33) arranged along the flow path downstream of the main inlet valve (30) and upstream of the filling device (7), and having a second inlet (34) and a second outlet (35);

wherein the main inlet valve (30) comprises a first valve element (42), which first valve element (42) is adapted to control the fluid connection between the first inlet (31) and the second outlet (32) and is controllable at least to: -a closed position in which the first valve element (42) is configured to close a fluid connection between the first inlet (31) and the first outlet (32); an open position in which the first valve element (42) is configured to open a fluid connection between the first inlet (31) and the first outlet (32) and allow a maximum flow rate of the pourable product; and one or more intermediate positions, at each of which the first valve element (42) is configured to allow a respective intermediate flow rate that is less than the maximum flow rate;

and/or

Wherein the control valve (33) comprises a second valve element (44), which second valve element (44) is configured to control the fluid connection between the second inlet (34) and the second outlet (35) and can be controlled at least to: -a closed position in which the second valve element (44) is configured to prevent a fluid connection between the second inlet (34) and the second outlet (35); an open position in which the second valve element (44) is configured to open a fluid connection between the second inlet (34) and the second outlet (35).

2. Packaging device according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary valve (36), which auxiliary valve (36) is connectable to the external pourable product supply (9) and has at least a third inlet (37) and a third outlet (38), and the third outlet (38) is in fluid connection with the first inlet (31); wherein the auxiliary valve (36) further comprises a third valve element (46), the third valve element (46) being configured to control a fluid connection between the third inlet (37) and the third outlet (38).

3. A packaging unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each intermediate position defines a respective intermediate flow rate which is different from the other intermediate flow rates.

4. The packaging arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main inlet valve (30) comprises an actuator (43), the actuator (43) being coupled to the first valve element (42) and configured to linearly move the first valve element (42) in order to position the first valve element (42) in one of the open position, the closed position and the intermediate position.

5. The packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressure sensor (49) and/or a flow meter (50), the pressure sensor (49) being arranged along the flow path downstream of the main inlet valve (30) for measuring the pressure of the pourable product, the flow meter (50) being arranged along the flow path downstream of the main inlet valve (33) and being configured to measure the flow rate of the pourable product;

wherein the main inlet valve (30) and/or the control valve (33) are configured to be controlled in dependence of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (49) and/or the flow rate measured by the flow meter (50).

6. The packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an isolation chamber (13) separating the internal environment (14) from the external environment (15);

wherein the tube forming and sealing device (5) is configured to form the tube (3) within the internal environment (14) and to seal the tube (3) longitudinally;

wherein the main inlet valve (30) and the control valve (33) are arranged within the external environment (15).

7. Packaging arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the filling device (7) comprises a filling tube (21) arranged at least partially within the tube (3) in use;

wherein the product delivery device (8) comprises a flow tube (55) connected to the second outlet (35) of the control valve (33) and to the filling tube (21);

wherein the flow tube (55) comprises a first portion (57) arranged within the external environment (15);

wherein the first portion (57) comprises at most two different portions connected to each other by a gasket member or a barrier member.

8. The packaging arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product conveying device (8) is configured to be provided at least at:

-an operating mode in which said product delivery device (8) is designed to direct said pourable product to said filling device (7); and

-a stop mode in which the product delivery device (8) is designed to prevent any flow of the pourable product towards the filling device (8);

wherein the first valve element (42) and/or the second valve element (44) are controlled to the closed position and the closed position, respectively, when the product delivery device (8) is controlled into the stop mode in use; and

wherein when the product delivery device (8) is controlled into the operating mode, the first valve element (42) is controlled to one of the open position or the intermediate position and/or the second valve element (44) is controlled in the open position or the respective transitional position.

9. -a packaging device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

-a conveying device (11) adapted to advance said web of packaging material (4) along an advancing path (P);

an isolation chamber (13) that separates an internal environment (14) containing sterile gas from an external environment (15);

wherein the tube forming and sealing device (5) is configured to form the tube (3) from the advancing web of packaging material (4) and to seal the tube (3) longitudinally within the interior environment (14).

10. Packaging device for forming a plurality of sealed packages (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising:

-a conveying device (11) adapted to advance a web (4) of packaging material along an advancing path (P);

-a tube forming and sealing device (5) arranged at least partially inside said isolation chamber (13) and adapted to form a tube (3) from said advancing web of packaging material (4) and to seal said tube (3) longitudinally in use; wherein the transfer device (11) is further adapted to advance the tube (3) along a tube advancement path (Q);

-a delimiting element (60) arranged, in use, inside the tube (3) and designed to divide the tube (3) into a first space (61) in fluid connection with the internal environment (11) and a second space (62) arranged downstream of the first space (61) along the tube advancement path (Q);

-a filling device (7) adapted to guide, in use, a pourable product into said second space (62);

a product delivery device (8) configured to receive the pourable product from an external product supply (9) and to selectively feed the pourable product into the filling device (7) along a flow path;

a regulating device (59) configured to, in use, direct a sterile gas flow into the second space (62) of the tube to obtain a gas pressure in the second space (62) that is higher than the gas pressure in the first space (61); and

a package forming unit (10) adapted to form a package (2) from at least the tube (3) advancing in use and to seal the package (2) laterally;

wherein the product delivery device (8) is configured to be arranged at least at:

-a stop mode in which the product delivery device (8) is designed to prevent any flow of the pourable product towards the filling device (7);

wherein the regulating device (59) is configured to control a first pressure and a second pressure different from the first pressure in the second space, in case the product conveying device (8) is controlled in the operating mode and the stop mode, respectively.

11. The packaging device of claim 10, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

12. Packaging arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the pressurizing device (47) is configured to control the first pressure in a range between 5kPa and 40kPa above ambient pressure, in particular in a range between 10kPa and 30kPa above ambient pressure.

13. The packaging arrangement according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the product conveying device (8) comprises:

a main inlet valve (30) having a first inlet (31) and a first outlet (32); and

and/or

14. The packaging device according to claim 13, further comprising an auxiliary valve (36), which auxiliary valve (36) is connectable to the external pourable product supply (9) and has at least a third inlet (37) and a third outlet (38), and the third outlet (38) is in fluid connection with the first inlet (31); wherein the auxiliary valve (36) further comprises a third valve element (46), the third valve element (46) being configured to control a fluid connection between the third inlet (37) and the third outlet (38).

15. A packaging unit according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each intermediate position defines a respective intermediate flow rate which is different from the other intermediate flow rates.