ES1066615U - Machine for the horizontal manufacture of containers of flexible laminar material to overpressure (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine for the horizontal manufacture of flexible laminar material containers, comprising - a feeding zone (1) of a continuous band (3) of flexible laminar material, - a preforming zone (5) including a folding area of the bottom of said container and a weld zone, - a filling area (9) of said containers, - an exit zone (11) of said containers, Characterized in that it additionally comprises - a first treatment zone (7) for chemical decontamination by means of a first chemically active gas as a decontaminant, - a second zone (17) of chemical decontamination treatment where said second treatment zone (17) is arranged prior to said preforming zone (5), - an inner chamber (15) extending between said second treatment zone (17) and said first treatment zone (7), wherein said inner chamber (15) is filled with a second decontaminating gas, said second gas in said inner chamber (15) is subjected to an overpressure with respect to the ambient pressure. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Machine for horizontal manufacturing of containers of flexible overpressure sheet material.

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a machine for horizontal manufacturing of flexible sheet material containers, which understands

- a feeding zone of a continuous band of flexible sheet material,

- a pre-formed zone that includes a zone folding the bottom of said container and a welding zone,

- a filling area of said containers, and

- an exit zone of said containers.

State of the art

Various machines of the type are known indicated above. Thus, for example, in WO 2005/120960, published on December 22, 2005, describes a machine of this type. For its part, in EP 1,743,839, published on January 17, 2007, describes a machine that performs a gas decontamination of the flexible sheet material before being preconformed.

However, there is a constant demand for increase the shelf life of packaged products, so that They can be stored for longer times. It demands increase the quality of decontamination and / or reduce the risk of possible contamination after packaging.

Also, gas handling decontaminant is complex since they are usually gases more or less toxic or irritating to the human organism.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to overcome these inconvenience This purpose is achieved by a machine type indicated at the beginning characterized by comprising, further,

- a first treatment area of chemical decontamination through a first chemically active gas as a decontaminant,

- a second treatment area of chemical decontamination where the second treatment zone is arranged before the preforming zone,

- an inner chamber that extends between the second treatment zone and the first treatment zone, where the inner chamber is filled with a second decontaminating gas, where the second gas in the inner chamber is subjected to a overpressure with respect to ambient pressure. Effectively of this decontamination is preserved in optimal conditions made in the second zone and the risk of a new one is avoided contamination when the laminar band moves through the area of preformed. Also, thanks to the second gas in the chamber inside is subjected to an overpressure with respect to pressure environment is guaranteed that, even if there is any leakage or pore in the machine, ambient air will never enter the inner chamber. This way the inner chamber is an insulator with decontaminating gas to overpressure

Advantageously the second treatment zone of chemical decontamination is by application to the laminar band of a chemically active liquid as a decontaminant. Indeed, the The use of a chemically active liquid ensures that all laminar band is treated. In addition, the use of the liquid allows ensure that each point of the laminar band reaches a higher concentration of decontaminating agent. The fact of applying the chemically active liquid to the web before the area of preformed means that it is being applied to the band laminate when it is still fully deployed. In these conditions the liquid can reach all points of the band much more easily than if the band had been folded, with the consequent formation of corners and angles of difficult access. On the other hand, it is also easier to remove the liquid once Decontamination has taken place. It should be borne in mind that the Using a liquid has the additional advantage that the liquid allows a mechanical drag cleaning of all kinds of dirt, dust, etc. that the band can wear, which is impossible, or almost impossible to get with a gas, taking into counts the flows and pressures conventionally used in this type of machines Another additional advantage is that the liquid is capable to arrive and, therefore, to disinfect, small scratches that could have the band, to which a gas stream would not reach  get in.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is obtained when the second zone comprises a first immersion tank containing the liquid and a few first guiding means that introduce the band into the tank so that the liquid is applied by immersion of the band in the liquid

Alternatively, the second zone comprises a first decontamination enclosure whose interior houses some first sprinkler media and first guiding means that they introduce the band into the first enclosure so that the Liquid application is done by spraying the liquid onto said band. This application could only be on one of the band faces, specifically for the inner face, which is the that when folded will present corners and angles of difficult access. However, preferably the application is done on both band faces.

In any case, both solutions have the advantage of not affecting the productivity of the machine, since they are an area that can be made more or less long depending on the desired contact time with the decontaminating agent without affect the machine cycle time.

Additionally, it is particularly advantageous that the first gas in the first zone is subjected to an overpressure regarding the pressure in the inner chamber, since in this way a flow is established that goes from the first zone to the chamber inside. It should be noted that the first zone is the zone just before filling the containers, where the conditions Aseptic should be maximal.

Both the first gas and the second gas must Be chemically active as decontaminants. This can be get in various ways, all of them compatible with the present invention In practice, the most common is that these gases are a mixture of various components, where at least one of them is the true decontaminating agent, being the remaining components basically responsible for performing a transport function of active components. Advantageously the first gas and / or the second gas comprise H 2 O 2 (peroxide of hydrogen) in the gaseous state as a decontaminating agent.

Also, the liquid must be chemically active as a decontaminant which can also be obtained from various ways, all of them compatible with this invention. Also in the case of the liquid it is frequent that the liquid is a mixture of components, where at least one of They are the true decontaminating agent. As in the In the case of gases, it is advantageous for the liquid to comprise H2O2 in the liquid state as a decontaminating agent.

Another advantageous embodiment of the machine according to the invention is obtained when the second Chemical decontamination treatment zone is through a third chemically active gas as a decontaminant, which, preferably, it comprises H2O2 in a gaseous state. In this In this case, the entire machine performs the entire decontamination procedure of the gas band.

The machine has some access points to its interior. These access points are required by various reasons, such as for maintenance, for resolve machine shutdowns for any type of unforeseen, etc. These access points always represent a risk as possible Sources of pollution In this sense it is advantageous that the machine comprises a second outer chamber that wraps around less partially the machine and that is subject to a depression with respect to the inner chamber and the first zone. Effectively, in this way it is possible to create an additional barrier between the Machine interior and environment. Also, this second camera Its main function is to avoid a possible gas leak decontaminants towards the environment, with the consequent damage for the machine operator. In this sense, this second chamber is advantageous whether the inner chamber contains a gas decontaminant or not since, in any case, the first zone You will always have the first decontaminating gas inside. In these conditions, the possible leakage of decontaminating gas remains collected in the second chamber from where it can be extracted by the corresponding pump or fan. Preferably the second chamber is subject to depression also with respect to pressure ambient. This ensures that there will be no leakage of the second chamber outwards.

As can be seen, the basic function of the second camera is to avoid leakage problems with the points of access. In this sense the second chamber can have geometries diverse. In particular, the second chamber can wrap the all of the various access points that the machine has (a single second camera for all access points) or you can Only wrap some of them. In the latter case it can be that there are other access points that, for whatever reason, do not require a second camera or it may be that the machine has of a plurality of second chambers, to the extent that could give the machine some second cameras that were simply frames with double gaskets arranged around any and / or of each of the access points. Another possible reason to have two second cameras could be in the case where the first decontaminant gas and the second decontaminant gas were Different from each other. Then there could be a second camera wrapping the access points of the first zone (and, eventually, from the filling area and the exit zone) and other second camera wrapping camera access points interior (which will usually comprise the preformed zone), since that possibly it would be convenient to treat the possible leaks of the first gas and the second gas in a differentiated way from each other.

Advantageously the machine has all the points of access to it arranged on the same side and the second camera wraps the machine only on this side. Effectively, grouping the access points in this way simplifies the geometry of the second chamber.

Usually the containers have caps superior. These caps are usually mounted on the container a Once the container has been filled with the corresponding product. This stage of assembling the cap on the container is usually performed on the same machine In this sense it is advantageous that the machine comprise a third decontamination treatment zone Chemistry by application to the plugs of a second liquid Chemically active as a decontaminant. Indeed, of this way the advantages of decontaminate are applied (and cleaned mechanical) by means of a liquid also in the caps, which Increase the decontamination of the whole.

As in the case of the second zone of chemical decontamination treatment, the liquid can be applied by immersion or sprinkling. Therefore, a solution preferred will be that the third zone comprises a second immersion tank containing the second liquid and about second guiding means that introduce the caps into the second deposit so that the application of the second liquid is carried out by immersion, while another preferred solution will consist of that the third zone comprises a second enclosure of decontamination within which a few second means are housed sprinklers and a few second guiding means that introduce the plugs in the second enclosure so that the application of second liquid is made by sprinkling the second liquid on the plugs. In either case, the second liquid preferably comprises hydrogen peroxide as agent decontaminant

Advantageously, in the case that the packages comprise upper caps, the machine comprises an area fixing the caps to the containers, where the fixing area of plugs, in turn, comprises a first pre-welding zone of the plug to the sheet material, a second welding zone of the plug to the sheet material and a third welding zone of the material Laminate arranged on the sides of the cap.

Another known form of decontamination of packaging is by irradiation with ultraviolet rays (rays UV) of the strip of sheet material and / or the container in any of The stages of its formation. Logically, this form of Decontamination is fully compatible with the present invention, so it is possible to include one or more stages of UV irradiation in any part of the process, as per example in the preformed zone. Also, the addition of the UV irradiation stage can be done in an area in the that there is no chemically active gas as a decontaminant or, for on the contrary, it can be done in an area where there is also a decontaminating gas, although in the latter case you must pay attention that UV rays do not adversely affect the decontaminating properties of the gas.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages and features of the invention they are appreciated from the following description, in which, without no limitation, preferential modes of embodiment of the invention, mentioning the drawings that are accompany. The figures show:

Fig. 1, a schematic front view of a longitudinal section of a machine according to the invention.

Fig. 2, a schematic perspective view, of a longitudinal section of a second treatment zone of chemical decontamination according to the invention.

Figs. 3a and 3b, front views, schematic, of a second immersion treatment zone (Fig. 3a) and spray (Fig. 3b).

Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c, side views of some cross sections of the machine of Fig. 1 showing three possible alternative geometries of the second chambers outside

Fig. 5, a perspective view, partially sectioned from a third decontamination treatment zone Spray stopper chemistry.

Fig. 6, a perspective view, partially sectioned from a third decontamination treatment zone chemical of the plugs by immersion.

Fig. 7, a perspective view of the sequence followed in an area for fixing the plugs according to the invention.

Fig. 8, a schematic view of a second chamber conformed with a frame with double joint.

Detailed description of a form (s) of embodiment of the invention

In Fig. 1 a machine for the horizontal manufacturing of flexible sheet material containers of according to the invention. The machine has an area of feeding 1 of a continuous band 3 of flexible sheet material. This band 3 is pre-formed in a pre-formed zone 5 in the which is folded so that the bottom of the container is formed and weld the sides of the container, after which the band 3 is cut so that the containers become independent from each other. TO Then the containers enter a first treatment zone 7  of chemical decontamination using a chemically first gas active as a decontaminant, specifically a gas containing hydrogen peroxide. Once the containers have been decontaminated, they they are filled in the filling area 9, a plug is added and they are evacuated through the exit zone 11. The plug, in turn, passes through a third zone 13 of chemical decontamination treatment.

The first zone 7 is filled with the first gas and It is subject to an overpressure with respect to the environment. Between first zone 7 and the filling zone 9 there are closing means (a semi-closed wall) that, together with a suitable pressure difference, prevent the first gas from passing to the zone of filling 9 (although air from the filling area 9 can pass to the first zone 7). The filling zone 9 is the most sterile zone of the whole machine but can no longer contain gases that can be harmful to health, so it is full of sterile air. Exit zone 11 has other means of closure that prevent between ambient air. Between preformed zone 5 and the First zone 7 there is a narrow passage. The preformed zone 5 it is also at an overpressure with respect to the environment but it is at a lower pressure than the first zone 7, so that establishes a flow of gas current that goes from the first zone 7 to the pre-formed zone 5. In this way the zone of preformed 5 defines an inner chamber 15 that extends to throughout the entire preformed zone. In this case, the second decontaminating gas is equal to the first decontaminating gas.

Between feeding zone 1 and the zone of preformed 5 there is a second treatment zone 17 chemical decontamination, in which the band 3 is submerged in a first immersion tank 19 containing a liquid decontaminant, which has hydrogen peroxide. First guiding means 21, consisting of rollers, guide the band 3 along the first reservoir 19. In Fig. 2 it can be seen in more detail this second zone 17, where you can also see a coil 23 that provides band 3 of flexible sheet material to the machine. In Figs. 3a and 3b shows a comparison between the alternative of using a first immersion tank 19 or employing a first decontamination chamber 25 with first means sprinklers 27. Other means of application of the liquid are possible chemically active as a decontaminant to band 3, as per example the use of a liquid curtain. In general any means of application is suitable for the general concept of invention. Preferably the inner chamber 15 extends between the second treatment zone 17 and the first zone 7 of treatment. Thus, the newly disinfected band 3 is no longer in contact at any time with the environment or, in general, with a Uncontaminated environment.

Additionally, when using a first deposit 19 the liquid bath itself can be used as a waterproof barrier between the inner chamber 15 and the outside. Effectively, adding a partition that extends from the inside upper of the second zone 17 and having its lower end submerged in the decontaminating liquid, the inner chamber 15 and the part of the second zone 17 adjacent to the same with respect to the part of the second zone 17 adjacent to the feeding zone 1, and therefore with respect to Exterior.

With this embodiment, it is achieved that Band 3, once it has entered the second zone 17, no longer leave at no time a sterile environment, since all the inside the machine is in a decontaminating environment or sterile. Consequently, in the first zone 7 it is no longer necessary that the first gas is injected into each of the preformed containers (as usual in state machines of the technique) but it is enough that the first gas is injected into the first zone 7 in a way general.

The machine has a plurality of points of access 29, necessary to access the inside of the machine to correct incidents, machine shutdowns, to perform tasks of maintenance, etc. These access points 29 are usually distributed throughout the entire machine, so that you can have access to all areas of it. In Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show some resolution alternatives for the points of access 29. In Fig. 4a access point 29 has a second chamber 31 that extends only along the side of the machine. In Fig. 4b, the second chamber 31 envelops the machine both on the side and on the top of it and on the Fig. 4c the second chamber 31 envelops the machine from the side, by the top and bottom.

In Figs. 5 and 6 show two alternatives of realization of the third treatment zone 13 chemical decontamination of the caps. In Fig. 5 you can appreciate how the plugs are properly selected and oriented from vibrating bowls 33 and then are introduced in a second decontamination chamber 35 in whose interior houses a few second sprinklers that apply by spraying a second chemically active liquid as decontaminant, usually an aqueous solution of peroxide of hydrogen, over the plugs. On the other hand, in Fig. 6, you can see how the plugs are introduced in a second tank 39 of immersion containing the second decontaminating liquid. In this case, the second guiding means 41 is a U-shaped guide which allows to insert and remove the caps of the second tank 39. After the dive, there is a stage of aeration of the plugs, where these are dried before being mounted on the containers. Both in the case of the spray application as of the application by immersion, it is advantageous that the access points to this part of the machine also have a second camera.

As in the case of the second zone 17 of chemical decontamination treatment, if a third is used zone 13 of chemical decontamination treatment of the caps comprising a second reservoir 39 the liquid can be used decontaminant as a tight barrier between outside and inside of the machine In general, it should also be taken into account that, both in the second zone 17 and in the third zone 13 the use of an immersion tank and the use of sprinklers are not excluding alternatives but can be combined between yes.

The steps are shown in detail in Fig. 7 fixing the caps on the containers. The fixing area 43 of caps comprises a first pre-welding zone 45 of the plug in which the cap is preferred to the container, a second zone of welding 47 of the cap in which the cap is fixed to the container of a definitive form, and a third welding zone 49 of the material laminate the container arranged on the sides of the cap. This material laminar has already been preheated during the pre-welding stages and plug welding, so it is well welded into a single stage. Finally, there is a fourth refrigeration zone 51 of the set, which is a conventional refrigeration stage.

In Fig. 8 you can see a schematic view of an example of second chamber 31, shaped as a frame with two joints 53, arranged around an access point 29 to the inner chamber 15.

Claims (15)

1. Machine for horizontal manufacturing of containers of flexible sheet material, comprising - a feeding zone (1) of a band (3) Continuous flexible sheet material, - a preformed zone (5) that includes a zone of folding of the bottom of said container and an area of soldier, - a filling area (9) of said containers, - an outlet zone (11) of said containers, characterized in that it additionally comprises - a first treatment zone (7) of chemical decontamination through a first chemically active gas as a decontaminant, - a second treatment zone (17) of chemical decontamination where said second zone (17) of treatment is arranged prior to said area of preformed (5), - an inner chamber (15) extending between said second treatment zone (17) and said first zone (7) of treatment, wherein said inner chamber (15) is filled with a second decontaminating gas, wherein said second gas in said inner chamber (15) is subjected to an overpressure with respect to the ambient pressure 2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said second zone (17) for chemical decontamination treatment is by application to said web (3) of a chemically active liquid as a decontaminant. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said second zone (17) comprises an immersion tank (19) containing said liquid and guiding means (21) that introduce said band (3) into said first tank (19) so that the application of said liquid is carried out by immersing said band (3) in said liquid. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said second zone (17) comprises a first decontamination chamber (25) in which inside there are first sprinkler means (27) and first guide means (21) that introduce said band (3) in said first enclosure (25) so that the application of said liquid is carried out by spraying said liquid on said band (3). Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first gas in said first zone (7) is subjected to an overpressure with respect to the pressure in said inner chamber (15). Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first gas and second gas comprise H 2 O 2 in the gaseous state. 7. Machine according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said liquid comprises H 2 O 2 in the liquid state. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said second zone (17) for chemical decontamination treatment is by means of a third chemically active gas as a decontaminant. Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that said third gas comprises H 2 O 2 in the gaseous state. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a second outer chamber (31) that at least partially envelops said machine and is subject to depression with respect to said inner chamber (15) and said first zone (7). Machine according to claim 10, which has a plurality of access points (29), characterized in that it has all access points (29) thereto arranged on the same side and said second chamber (31) envelops said machine only by that side. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said containers comprise upper caps, characterized in that it comprises a third zone (13) for chemical decontamination treatment by applying to said caps a second chemically active liquid as a decontaminant. 13. Machine according to claim 12, characterized in that said third zone (13) comprises a second immersion tank (39) containing said second liquid and second guiding means (41) that introduce said caps in said second tank (39) so that the application of said second liquid is carried out by immersion. 14. Machine according to claim 12, characterized in that said third zone (13) comprises a second decontamination chamber (35) in which interior there are second sprinkler means and second guide means (41) that introduce said plugs into said second enclosure (35) so that the application of said second liquid is performed by spraying said second liquid on said caps. 15. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said packages comprise upper caps, characterized in that it comprises a fixing area (43) of said caps to said containers, wherein said zone of fixing (43) of caps, at their instead, it comprises a first pre-welding zone (45) of the cap to the sheet material, a second welding zone (47) of the cap to the sheet material and a third welding zone (49) of the sheet material disposed at the sides of the cap.