WO2020229068A1 - Appareil de conditionnement pour former des emballages scellés - Google Patents

Appareil de conditionnement pour former des emballages scellés Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020229068A1
WO2020229068A1 PCT/EP2020/060314 EP2020060314W WO2020229068A1 WO 2020229068 A1 WO2020229068 A1 WO 2020229068A1 EP 2020060314 W EP2020060314 W EP 2020060314W WO 2020229068 A1 WO2020229068 A1 WO 2020229068A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tube
space
delimiting element
packaging apparatus
main
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/060314
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nicola GARUTI
Paolo SANIBONDI
Original Assignee
Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. filed Critical Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
Priority to CN202080033887.8A priority Critical patent/CN113795426B/zh
Priority to US17/594,260 priority patent/US20220161954A1/en
Priority to JP2021568217A priority patent/JP2022532646A/ja
Publication of WO2020229068A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020229068A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases
    • B65B55/103—Sterilising flat or tubular webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B65B31/044—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles being combined with a filling device
    • B65B31/045—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles being combined with a filling device of Vertical Form-Fill-Seal [VFFS] machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/027—Packaging in aseptic chambers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
    • B65B9/12—Subdividing filled tubes to form two or more packages by sealing or securing involving displacement of contents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages, in particular for forming sealed packages filled with a pourable product.
  • liquid or pourable food products such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc.
  • UHT ultra-high-temperature treated milk
  • wine tomato sauce
  • etc. are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.
  • a typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark) , which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material.
  • the packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat- seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.
  • the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen- barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.
  • Packages of this sort are normally produced on a fully automatic packaging apparatus, which advances a web of packaging material by means of a conveying device through a sterilization unit for sterilizing the web of packaging material, e.g. by means of chemical sterilization (e.g. by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution) or physical sterilization (e.g. by means of an electron beam) . Then, the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced within an isolation chamber delimiting an inner environment, and is folded and sealed longitudinally within the inner environment to form a tube, which is further fed along a vertical advancing direction .
  • chemical sterilizing agent such as a hydrogen peroxide solution
  • physical sterilization e.g. by means of an electron beam
  • the tube is filled through a filling pipe with a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections within a package forming unit of the packaging apparatus during advancement along the vertical advancing direction.
  • Pillow packages are so obtained within the packaging apparatus, each pillow package having a longitudinal sealing band and a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.
  • a type of packaging apparatus comprises:
  • a delimiting element being, in use, arranged within the tube and dividing the tube in a first space being in fluidic connection with the inner environment and a second space being arranged downstream of the first space;
  • a sterile gas supply device configured to direct a sterile gas into the second space and to control a pressure of the sterile gas being greater than the pressure within the isolation chamber.
  • the delimiting element comprises a passage through which the filling tube extends keeping an annular space between the filling tube and a rim delimiting the passage.
  • the sterile gas supply device comprises a gas supply pipe coaxial to the filling pipe.
  • the filling pipe extends partially within the gas supply pipe and out of the gas supply pipe and through the passage so that, in use, the sterile gas to be fed into the second space flows through a ring-shaped channel as delimited by the filling pipe and the gas supply pipe.
  • the delimiting element is moveable along a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. Both the first direction and the second direction being parallel to the vertical advancement direction.
  • the delimiting element is lifted by means of the sterile gas being present within the second space and the delimiting element is movable along the first direction until a first engagement portion of the delimiting element abuts against a first abutment portion of the gas supply pipe and is movable along the second direction until a second engagement portion of the delimiting element abuts against a second abutment portion of a support element being arranged below the delimiting element.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of details of the packaging apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged partially sectionized view of a portion of the packaging apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the portion of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity;
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged sectionized view of the portion of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity.
  • Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging apparatus for producing sealed packages 2 of a pourable food product, in particular a sterilized and/or a sterile-processed pourable food product, such as pasteurized milk or fruit juice, from a tube 3 of a web 4 of packaging material.
  • tube 3 extends along a longitudinal axis L, in particular, axis L having a vertical orientation.
  • Web 4 of packaging material has a multilayer structure (not shown) , and comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another.
  • fibrous material such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer
  • heat-seal plastic material e.g. polyethylene
  • web 4 also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.
  • a layer of gas- and light-barrier material e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film
  • EVOH ethylene vinyl alcohol
  • web 4 also comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.
  • a typical package 2 obtained by packaging apparatus 1 comprises a sealed longitudinal seam portion 5 and a pair of transversal seal portions 6, in particular a top transversal seal portion and a bottom transversal seal portion (i.e. one transversal seal portion 6 at an upper portion of package 2 and another transversal seal portion 6 at a lower portion of package 2 ) .
  • packaging apparatus 1 comprises:
  • a conveying device 7 configured to advance web 4 (in a manner known as such) along a web advancement path P from a delivery station 8 to a tube forming station 9, at which, in use, web 4 is formed into tube 3;
  • an isolation chamber 10 having an inner environment 11, in particular an inner sterile environment, containing (comprising) a sterile gas, in particular sterile air, and being separated from an outer environment 12;
  • a tube forming and sealing device 13 being at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 10 and being adapted to form and longitudinally seal tube 3, in particular at tube forming station 9, within inner environment 11 and from the, in use, advancing web 4;
  • a package forming unit 15 adapted to form, to transversally seal and, preferably but not necessarily to transversally cut the, in use, advancing tube 3 for forming packages 2.
  • packaging apparatus 1 also comprises a sterilizing unit (not shown and known as such) adapted to sterilize, in particular by means of chemical and/or physical sterilization, the, in use, advancing web 4 at a sterilization station, in particular the sterilization station being arranged upstream of tube forming station 9 along web advancement path P.
  • a sterilizing unit (not shown and known as such) adapted to sterilize, in particular by means of chemical and/or physical sterilization, the, in use, advancing web 4 at a sterilization station, in particular the sterilization station being arranged upstream of tube forming station 9 along web advancement path P.
  • conveying device 7 is configured to advance tube 3 and, in particular also any intermediate of tube 3, in a manner known as such along a tube advancement path Q, in particular from tube forming station 9 to and at least partially through package forming unit 15.
  • any configuration of web 4 is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web 4 by tube forming device 13 has started.
  • the intermediates of tube 3 are a result of the gradual folding of web 4 so as to obtain tube 3, in particular by overlapping the lateral edges of web 4 with one another.
  • tube forming and sealing device 13 comprises a tube forming unit 22 at least partially, preferably fully, arranged within isolation chamber 10, in particular at tube forming station 9, and being adapted to (configured to) gradually fold the advancing web 4 into tube 3, in particular by overlapping the lateral edges with one another, for forming a longitudinal seam portion 23 of tube 3.
  • tube forming unit 22 extends along a longitudinal axis M, in particular having a vertical orientation.
  • seam portion 23 extends from an initial level (not specifically shown) into a downward direction along tube advancement path Q.
  • the initial level is at the position at which the lateral edges start to overlap one another for forming seam portion 23.
  • tube advancement path Q lies within isolation chamber 10 (in particular, within inner environment 11) and, even more particular another portion of tube advancement path Q lies within package forming unit 15.
  • axis L and axis M are parallel to one another.
  • tube forming unit 22 defines, in use, axis L of tube 3.
  • tube forming unit 22 comprises at least two forming ring assemblies 24 and 25, in particular arranged within isolation chamber 10 (in particular, within inner environment 11), being adapted to gradually fold in cooperation with one another web 4 into tube 3, in particular by overlapping the lateral edges of web 4 with one another. Even more particular, forming ring assemblies 24 and 25 are spaced apparat from and parallel to one another.
  • tube forming and sealing device 13 also comprises a sealing unit adapted to (configured to) longitudinally seal tube 3 along seam portion 23.
  • a sealing unit adapted to (configured to) longitudinally seal tube 3 along seam portion 23.
  • seam portion 23 formed by tube forming unit 22 is sealed by activation of the sealing unit.
  • the sealing unit is at least partially positioned within isolation chamber 10.
  • the respective longitudinally sealed seam portion 5 of the single packages 2 result from cutting tube 3.
  • the respective seam portions 5 of the single packages 2 are respective sections of seam portion 23 of tube 3.
  • sealing unit comprises a sealing head 29 arranged within isolation chamber 10 and being adapted to (configured to) transfer thermal energy to tube 3, in particular to seam portion 23, for longitudinally sealing tube 3, in particular seam portion 23.
  • Sealing head 29 can be of any type.
  • sealing head 29 can be of the kind operating by means of induction heating and/or by a stream of a heated gas and/or by means of ultrasound and/or by laser heating and/or by any other means.
  • the sealing unit also comprises a pressing assembly (only partially shown) adapted to exert a mechanical force on tube 3, in particular onto seam portion 23, so as to ensure the longitudinal sealing of tube 3 along seam portion 23.
  • a pressing assembly (only partially shown) adapted to exert a mechanical force on tube 3, in particular onto seam portion 23, so as to ensure the longitudinal sealing of tube 3 along seam portion 23.
  • filling device 14 comprises a filling pipe 31 for directing the pourable product, in use, into tube 3.
  • filling pipe 31 is in fluid connection or is controllable to be in fluid connection with a pourable product storage tank (not shown and known as such) , which is adapted to store/provide for the pourable product, in particular the sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product, to be packaged.
  • filling pipe 31 is, in use, at least partially placed within tube 3.
  • filling pipe 31 comprises a linear main pipe portion 32 extending within and parallel to tube 3, i.e. parallel to axis M and/or axis L.
  • main pipe portion 32 comprises an upper section 33 and a lower section 34 removably coupled to one another.
  • lower section 34 comprises an outlet opening from which the pourable product is fed, in use, into tube 3.
  • package forming unit 15 comprises a plurality of pairs of at least one respective operative assembly 35 (only one shown) and at least one counter operative assembly 36 (only one shown); and
  • a conveying device (not shown and known as such) adapted to advance the respective operative assemblies 35 and the respective counter-operative assemblies 36 of the pairs along respective conveying paths.
  • each operative assembly 35 is adapted to cooperate, in use, with the respective counter-operative assembly 36 of the respective pair for forming a respective package 2 from tube 3.
  • each operative assembly 35 and the respective counter-operative assembly 36 are configured to shape, to transversally seal and, preferably but not necessarily also to transversally cut, tube 3 for forming packages 2.
  • each operative assembly 35 and the respective counter-operative assembly 36 are adapted to cooperate with one another for forming a respective package 2 from tube 3 when advancing along a respective operative portion of the respective conveying path.
  • each operative assembly 35 and the respective counter operative assembly 36 advance parallel to and in the same direction as tube 3.
  • each operative assembly 35 and the respective counter-operative assembly 36 are configured to contact tube 3 when advancing along the respective operative portion of the respective conveying path.
  • each operative assembly 35 and counter-operative assembly 36 comprises:
  • a cutting element (not shown and known as such) or a counter-cutting element (not shown and known as such) for transversally cutting tube 3 between adjacent packages 2, in particular between the respective transversal seal portions 6, in a manner known as such.
  • each half-shell 37 is adapted to be controlled between a working position and a rest position by means of a driving assembly (not shown) .
  • each half-shell 37 is adapted to be controlled into the working position with the respective operative assembly 35 or the respective counter-operative assembly 36, in use, advancing along the respective operative portion.
  • isolation chamber 10 comprises an outlet-opening for allowing tube 3 to exit isolation chamber 10 during advancement along path Q.
  • the outlet-opening is arranged downstream of tube forming station 9 along path Q.
  • the outlet-opening is arranged in the area of a downstream (end) portion of isolation chamber 10.
  • isolation chamber 10 also comprises an inlet-opening, opposite to the outlet opening, and configured to allow entrance of (sterile) web 4 into isolation chamber 10.
  • the inlet-opening is positioned in an upstream portion of isolation chamber 10.
  • inner environment 11 comprises (i.e. contains) the sterile gas, in particular the sterile air, at a given pressure.
  • the given pressure is (slightly) above ambient pressure for reducing the risk of any contaminants and/or contaminations entering inner environment 11.
  • the given pressure is about 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0,001 bar to 0,005 bar) above ambient pressure .
  • packaging apparatus 1 also comprises a delimiting element 45 moveably arranged, in use, within tube 3 and designed to divide tube 3, in use, into a first space 46 and a second space 47.
  • delimiting element 45 is arranged within isolation chamber 10, in particular upstream of the outlet-opening along tube advancement path Q.
  • first space 46 is delimited by tube 3, in particular the walls of tube 3, and delimiting element 45. Furthermore, first space 46 opens up into inner environment 11. Even more particular, delimiting element 45 delimits first space 46 at a downstream portion (with respect to tube advancement path Q) , in particular a bottom portion, of first space 46 itself.
  • second space 47 is delimited, in use, by tube 3, in particular the walls of tube 3, delimiting element 45 and the transversal seal portion 6 of one respective package 2 (to be formed) .
  • second space 47 extends in a direction parallel to tube advancement path Q (i.e. parallel to axis L) from delimiting element 45 to transversal seal portion 6.
  • delimiting element 45 delimits second space 47 at an upstream portion (with respect to tube advancement path Q) , in particular an upper portion, of second space 47 itself; and transversal seal portion 6 delimits second space 47 at a downstream portion (with respect to tube advancement path Q) , in particular a bottom portion, of second space 47 itself.
  • first space 46 is arranged upstream of second space 47 along tube advancement path Q. Even more particular, first space 46 is arranged upstream of delimiting element 45 along tube advancement path Q and second space 47 is arranged downstream of delimiting element 45 along tube advancement path Q. In the specific example shown, second space 47 is arranged below first space 46.
  • packaging apparatus 1 comprises a sterile gas supply device 48 (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the invention disclosed) configured to at least direct a main flow of sterile gas into second space 47 in such a manner that the gas pressure of the sterile gas within second space 47 is higher than the gas pressure of the sterile gas present within isolation chamber 10 and/or inner environment 11 and/or first space 46.
  • a sterile gas supply device 48 (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the invention disclosed) configured to at least direct a main flow of sterile gas into second space 47 in such a manner that the gas pressure of the sterile gas within second space 47 is higher than the gas pressure of the sterile gas present within isolation chamber 10 and/or inner environment 11 and/or first space 46.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 is also adapted to (configured to) direct, in use, a further flow of sterile gas (not specifically shown) into isolation chamber 10 and/or inner environment 11.
  • second space 47 defines a high-pressure zone within tube 3 and first space 46 defines a low-pressure zone within tube 3.
  • high- pressure zone is to be understood such that the internal pressure lies in a range of about 5kPa to 40kPa (0,05 bar to 0,40 bar), in particular of about lOkPa to 30 kPa (0,10 bar to 0,30 bar) above ambient pressure (i.e. the pressure within second space 47 lies in a range of about 5kPa to 40kPa (0,05 bar to 0,40 bar), in particular of about lOkPa to 30 kPa (0,10 bar to 0,30 bar) above ambient pressure) .
  • second space 47 is overpressurized with respect to first space 46.
  • Low-pressure zone is to be understood such that the pressure is slightly higher than the ambient pressure.
  • only slightly higher than the ambient pressure means that the pressure lies preferably in a range between 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0,001 bar to 0,005 bar) above ambient pressure .
  • first space 46 is in (direct) fluidic connection with inner environment 11.
  • sterile gas present in the first space 46 can flow to inner environment 11.
  • tube 3 lie(s) at least partially within isolation chamber 10 (in particular, within inner environment 11) .
  • the pressure inside first space 46 (substantially) equals the given pressure present in isolation chamber 10, in particular in inner environment 11.
  • delimiting element 45 is arranged, in use, downstream of the above-mentioned initial level along tube advancement path Q. In other words, delimiting element 45 is positioned below the point from which seam portion 23 extends along a downstream direction (with respect to tube advancement path Q) . In even other words, delimiting element 45 is arranged below the position from which the lateral edges of web 4 are superimposed for forming seam portion 23.
  • filling device 14, in particular filling pipe 31, is adapted to (configured to) direct the pourable product into second space 47.
  • second space 47 contains the pourable product and the pressurized sterile gas directed into the second space 47.
  • the pressurized sterile gas provides for the required hydrostatic force needed for a correct forming of packages 2.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 comprises a gas supply pipe 49 configured to direct the main flow of sterile gas into second space 47; in other words, in use, the main flow of sterile gas enters into second space 47 through gas supply pipe 49.
  • gas supply pipe 49 comprises an outlet mouth 50 configured to allow for the main flow of sterile gas exiting gas supply pipe 49, and in particular entering into second space 47.
  • gas supply pipe 49 also comprises a collar portion 51 surrounding and/or delimiting outlet mouth 50.
  • gas supply pipe 49 in particular outlet mouth 50 and/or collar portion 51, is arranged upstream of delimiting element 45 along tube advancement path Q.
  • gas supply pipe 49 comprises at least a main portion 52, which, in use, extends within tube 3.
  • main portion 52 extends parallel, preferentially but not necessarily coaxial, to main pipe portion 32.
  • main portion 52 carries and/or comprises outlet mouth 50 and/or collar portion 51.
  • filling pipe 31 extends at least partially within gas supply pipe 49.
  • gas supply pipe 49 could at least partially extend within filling pipe 31.
  • At least main pipe portion 32 extends at least partially within main portion 52.
  • the cross-sectional diameter of main pipe portion 32 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of main portion 52.
  • gas supply pipe 49 and filling pipe 31 define/delimit an annular conduit 53 for the main flow of sterile gas to be fed into second space 47.
  • annular conduit 53 is delimited by the inner surface of gas supply pipe 49 and the outer surface of filling pipe 31.
  • delimiting element 45 comprises a passage 57, in particular having a circular cross-sectional profile, configured to allow the main flow to enter into second space 47 through passage 57.
  • passage 57 is, in use, arranged substantially coaxial to filling pipe 31 and/or gas supply pipe 49, in particular outlet mouth 50, and/or longitudinal axis M and/or longitudinal axis L.
  • filling pipe 31, in particular main pipe portion 32 extends through passage 57 into second space 47.
  • a central rim portion 58 of delimiting element 45 delimits passage 57 and central rim portion 58 defines and/or delimits together with filling pipe 31, in particular main pipe portion 32, a ring- shaped channel 59 through which, in use, the main flow of sterile gas enters into second space 47.
  • the main flow of gas exits from gas supply pipe 49 through outlet mouth 50 and enters into second space 47 through ring-shaped channel 59.
  • delimiting element 45 is arranged such that delimiting element 45 is adapted to move along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 being opposite to first direction Dl.
  • First direction D1 and second direction D2 being (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis L and/or tube 3 and/or longitudinal axis M.
  • delimiting element 45 is adapted to (configured to) move between at least a first position and a second position, in particular a first end position and a second end position.
  • the first position is upstream of the second position along tube advancement path Q.
  • delimiting element 45 is configured to move downwards from the first position to the second position and upwards from the second position to the first position.
  • first position and the second position of delimiting element 45 are delimited and/or defined by respective parts of packaging apparatus 1.
  • delimiting element 45 is also adapted to move along a third direction D3 and a fourth direction D4 being opposite to third direction D3.
  • Third direction D3 and fourth direction D4 are transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis L and/or longitudinal axis M and/or first direction D1 and/or second direction D2.
  • delimiting element 45 comprises a main engagement portion 60 configured to abut against a main abutment portion 61 of gas supply pipe 49 or of filling pipe 31, in the specific case shown in Figures 1 to 5 of gas supply pipe 49, with delimiting element 45 being in the first position .
  • main abutment portion 61 and/or main engagement portion 60 have an annular shape .
  • main abutment portion 61 and/or main engagement portion 60 are designed such that one or more openings 62 and/or one or more channels are present between main abutment portion 61 and main engagement portion 60 with delimiting element 45 being in the first position.
  • openings 62 and/or the channels are configured such to establish a fluid connection between inner environment 11 and gas supply pipe 49 and/or second space 47 through the channels and/or openings 62, in particular so as to allow, in use, for the occurrence of an auxiliary flow of gas between main abutment portion 61 and main engagement portion 60 also with delimiting element 45 being in the first position.
  • delimiting element 45 being in the first position.
  • the effective auxiliary flow is dependent on the distance of delimiting element 45 from main abutment portion 61, however, these variations introduce significantly less instability than the case in which sometimes there is an auxiliary flow and other times there is not.
  • collar portion 51 comprises main abutment portion 61 with main abutment portion 61 facing delimiting element 45, in particular main engagement portion 60.
  • delimiting element 45 comprises a main portion 63 facing gas supply pipe 49, in particular outlet mouth 50 and/or collar portion 51.
  • main portion 63 carries and/or comprises and/or supports main engagement portion 60.
  • main portion 63 comprises and/or is provided with passage 57.
  • delimiting element 45 comprises one or more spacer elements 64 facing and protruding towards main abutment portion 61 and/or gas supply pipe 49.
  • spacer elements 64 carry and/or comprise and/or define, in particular in cooperation, main engagement portion 60.
  • spacer elements 64 protrude from main portion 62.
  • each spacer element 64 has an arc-shaped profile.
  • spacer elements 64 surround passage 58 and are spaced apart from one another around passage 58 so as to form openings 62. In particular, neighboring spacer elements 64 do not contact one another in order to form openings 62.
  • neighboring elements 64 could be connected with one another by means of a bridge portion also partially delimiting the respective opening 62.
  • spacer elements 64 guarantee that there is a space between main portion 63 and collar portion 51 and openings 62 guarantee that the auxiliary flow of sterile gas flows also with delimiting element 45 being in the first position.
  • main engagement portion 60 and/or main abutment portion 61 comprises one or more grooves defining the one or more channels.
  • packaging apparatus 1 further comprises a support element 65 having an auxiliary abutment portion 66 and delimiting element 45 comprises an auxiliary engagement portion 67, in particular opposite to main engagement portion 60, configured to abut against auxiliary abutment portion 66 with delimiting element 45 being in the second position.
  • delimiting element 45 is interposed between main abutment portion 61 and auxiliary abutment portion 66. Even more particular, in use, when delimiting element 45 moves along first direction D1 and second direction D2, delimiting element 45 moves towards respectively main abutment portion 61 and auxiliary abutment portion 66.
  • delimiting element 45 is interposed between gas supply pipe 49 and support element 65.
  • movement of delimiting element 45 along first direction D1 and second direction D2 is delimited by respectively and between gas supply pipe 49 and support element 65.
  • support element 65 is connected to filling pipe 31 and/or gas supply pipe 49.
  • filling pipe 31 is connected to filling pipe 31, in particular main pipe portion 32, and protrudes towards gas supply pipe 49.
  • a first end portion 68 of support element 65 is connected to filling pipe 31 and a second end portion 69 of support element 65 opposite to first end portion 68 comprises auxiliary abutment portion 66.
  • delimiting element 45 is supported by and/or "sits" on support element 65.
  • support element 65 has a truncated cone shape and is hollow.
  • support element 65 also comprises a plurality of apertures 70 for the main flow of the sterilized gas.
  • delimiting element 45 is designed to provide, in use, and in collaboration with tube 3 for at least one fluidic channel 71, in particular having an annular shape, for fluidically connecting second space 47 with first space 46 allowing for, in use, a direct leakage flow of sterile gas from second space 47 into first space 46.
  • the sterile gas leaks from second space 47 (the high-pressure zone) to first space 46 (the low-pressure zone) through fluidic channel 71.
  • delimiting element 45 is designed such that, in use, fluidic channel 71 is provided by a gap between the inner surface of tube 3 and delimiting element 45, in particular a peripheral portion of delimiting element 45.
  • delimiting element 45 has a radial extension being smaller than the inner diameter of tube 3.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 is configured to allow for a variable main flow of sterile gas (i.e. adapted to control varying flow rates) by maintaining a substantially constant gas pressure within second space 47 at various flow rates.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 is adapted to vary the main flow of sterile gas in dependence of the volume of the sterile gas flowing from second space 47 to first space 46, in particular through at least fluidic channel 71.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 is adapted to (configured to) control the gas pressure within second space 47 to range between 5 kPa to 40 kPa (0,05 bar to 0,40 bar), in particular between 10 kPa to 30 kPa (0,10 bar to 0,30 bar), above ambient pressure.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 comprises a closed sterile gas circuit from inner environment 11 into second space 47 and back into inner environment 11. This allows a simplified overall construction of packaging apparatus 1, in particular related to the control and the supply of the sterile gas .
  • sterile gas supply device 48 is adapted to withdraw sterile gas from inner environment 11, to pressurize (to compress) the sterile gas and to direct the pressurized (compressed) sterile gas into second space 47.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 comprises at least one pumping device 74 configured to withdraw sterile gas from inner environment 11, to pressurize (to compress) the sterile gas and to direct the pressurized sterile gas into second space 47.
  • pumping device 74 is a rotary machine, even more particular a compressor.
  • sterile gas supply device 48 also comprise:
  • gas conduit 75 being in direct fluidic connection with pumping device 74 and gas supply pipe 49;
  • gas conduit 76 being in direct fluidic connection with inner environment 11 and pumping device 74.
  • sterile gas is withdrawn from inner environment 11 through gas conduit 76, is pressurized (compressed) by pumping device 74 and is then directed into second space 47 through gas conduit 75 and gas supply pipe 49.
  • packaging apparatus 1 forms packages 2 filled with a pourable product.
  • packaging apparatus 1 forms packages 2 from tube 3 formed from web 4, tube 3 being continuously filled with the pourable product .
  • operation of packaging apparatus 1 comprises :
  • packages 2 are formed from tube 3, in particular by shaping (respective (lower) portions) of tube 3 and transversally sealing and cutting tube 3.
  • the tube forming and sealing step comprises the sub-step of gradually overlapping the lateral edges of tube 3 with one another for forming seam portion 23 and the sub-step of longitudinally sealing tube 3.
  • the filling step comprises the sub-step of directing the pourable product through filling pipe 31 into second space 47.
  • packages 2 are formed by operation of package forming unit 15, which receives tube 3 after the tube forming and sealing step.
  • operative assemblies 35 and counter-operative assemblies 36 advance along their respective conveying paths.
  • operative assemblies 35 and their respective counter-operative assemblies 36 advance along their respective operative portions, operative assemblies 35 and the respective counter-operative assemblies 36 cooperate with one another for shaping, transversally sealing and, preferably but not necessarily, transversally cutting advancing tube 3 so as to form packages 2.
  • the pourable product is directed into second space 47 so as to obtain filled packages 2.
  • Operation of packaging apparatus 1 also comprises a pressurizing step during which sterile gas, in particular the pressurized (compressed) sterile gas is directed into second space 47.
  • sterile gas is directed, in particular continuously directed, into second space 47 for obtaining a gas pressure within second space 47 which ranges between 5 kPa to 40 kPa (0,05 bar to 0,40 bar), in particular between 10 kPa to 30 kPa (0,10 bar to 0,30 bar), above ambient pressure.
  • second space 47 contains the pourable product and the pressurized sterile gas.
  • the auxiliary flow of sterile gas flows between main abutment portion 61 and main engagement portion 60 independently of the position of delimiting element 45 between the first portion and the second position.
  • the leakage flow of sterile gas is established from second space 47 to first space 46 through fluidic channel 71.
  • the sterile gas is withdrawn from isolation chamber 10, in particular from inner environment 11, is pressurized (compressed) and then directed, in particular continuously directed, into second space 47.
  • pumping device 74 withdraws the sterile gas from isolation chamber 10, in particular from inner environment 11, pressurizes (compresses) the sterile gas and directs the pressurized (compressed) gas through gas supply pipe 49 into second space 47.
  • gas supply pipe 49 could take the place of filling pipe 31 and filling pipe 31 could take the place of gas supply pipe 49.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de conditionnement (1) pour former des emballages scellés (2) remplis d'un produit fluide. L'appareil de conditionnement (1) comprend un élément de délimitation (45) disposé de manière mobile, lors de l'utilisation, dans un tube (3) et conçu pour diviser le tube (3) en un premier espace (46) et un second espace (47). L'élément de délimitation (45) est agencé de telle sorte que l'élément de délimitation (45) soit conçu pour se déplacer le long d'une première direction (D1) et d'une seconde direction (D2) opposée à la première direction (D1), et la première direction (D1) et la seconde direction (D2) étant sensiblement parallèles au tube (3) et entre au moins une première position et une seconde position. L'élément de délimitation (45) comprend une partie de mise en prise principale (60) conçue pour venir en butée contre une partie de butée principale (61) d'un tuyau d'alimentation en gaz (49) ou un tuyau de remplissage (31), l'élément de délimitation (45) étant dans la première position. La partie de butée principale (61) et/ou la partie de mise en prise principale (60) sont conçues de telle sorte qu'au moins une ouverture (62) et/ou au moins un canal soit présent(e) entre la partie de butée principale (61) et la partie de mise en prise principale (60), l'élément de délimitation (45) étant dans la première position.
PCT/EP2020/060314 2019-05-15 2020-04-10 Appareil de conditionnement pour former des emballages scellés WO2020229068A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202080033887.8A CN113795426B (zh) 2019-05-15 2020-04-10 用于形成密封包装的包装装置
US17/594,260 US20220161954A1 (en) 2019-05-15 2020-04-10 A packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages
JP2021568217A JP2022532646A (ja) 2019-05-15 2020-04-10 シールされた包装容器を形成するための包装機

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19174541.3 2019-05-15
EP19174541 2019-05-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020229068A1 true WO2020229068A1 (fr) 2020-11-19

Family

ID=66554211

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2020/060314 WO2020229068A1 (fr) 2019-05-15 2020-04-10 Appareil de conditionnement pour former des emballages scellés

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20220161954A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3738894B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2022532646A (fr)
CN (1) CN113795426B (fr)
WO (1) WO2020229068A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2960501T3 (es) * 2018-11-26 2024-03-05 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Un método y un aparato de envasado para conformar envases herméticos
ES2959083T3 (es) * 2021-05-14 2024-02-20 Ulma Packaging S Coop Máquina de envasado vertical

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011075055A1 (fr) * 2009-12-18 2011-06-23 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Ensemble de remplissage, joint à utiliser dans ledit ensemble de remplissage et procédé de remplissage de liquide
EP3363473A1 (fr) * 2017-02-20 2018-08-22 G.D. S.p.A Un système de sterilsation pour une machine produisant de recipients pour des aliments alimentaires liquides

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3086336A (en) * 1959-01-02 1963-04-23 Hermorion Ltd Apparatus for producing aseptic packages
US3056339A (en) * 1960-01-04 1962-10-02 Reifenhauser K G Apparatus for the continuous production of packaging
SE399039B (sv) * 1975-04-07 1978-01-30 Ziristor Ab Sett att rena steriliseringsmedelbemengd luft vid maskin for tillverkning av sterila forpackningar
SE401913B (sv) * 1976-10-07 1978-06-05 Tetra Pak Int Anordning for sterilisering av en forpackningsmaterialbana
SE454167B (sv) * 1982-09-27 1988-04-11 Tetra Pak Ab Sett och anordning vid tillverkning av forpackningsbehallare
SE443966B (sv) * 1984-07-31 1986-03-17 Tetra Dev Co Sett och anordning vid forpackningsmaskin
ES2393064T3 (es) * 2008-05-11 2012-12-18 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Máquina para envasado y llenado
US8707661B2 (en) * 2008-08-24 2014-04-29 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Packaging and filling machine
CN103562071B (zh) * 2011-06-28 2016-01-06 旭化成化学株式会社 密封包装体及其制造方法和制造装置
US10875675B2 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-12-29 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011075055A1 (fr) * 2009-12-18 2011-06-23 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Ensemble de remplissage, joint à utiliser dans ledit ensemble de remplissage et procédé de remplissage de liquide
EP3363473A1 (fr) * 2017-02-20 2018-08-22 G.D. S.p.A Un système de sterilsation pour une machine produisant de recipients pour des aliments alimentaires liquides

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN113795426A (zh) 2021-12-14
EP3738894B1 (fr) 2022-06-15
EP3738894A1 (fr) 2020-11-18
CN113795426B (zh) 2023-09-12
US20220161954A1 (en) 2022-05-26
JP2022532646A (ja) 2022-07-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3456638B1 (fr) Appareil d'emballage pour former des emballages scellés
US11820540B2 (en) Packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages
US11572207B2 (en) Packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages
EP3575227B1 (fr) Machine d'emballage et procédé pour produire des emballages scellés
EP3656687B1 (fr) Procédé et appareil d'emballage pour former des emballages scellés
EP3738894B1 (fr) Appareil d'emballage pour former des emballages scellés
EP3656688B1 (fr) Procédé et appareil d'emballage pour former des emballages scellés partiellement remplis
WO2020169313A1 (fr) Machine d'emballage et procédé permettant de produire des emballages scellés

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20719387

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2021568217

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 20719387

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1