Sterilization device for a packaging machine and packaging machine for forming packages

Abstract

A sterilization apparatus (9) is described, configured to sterilize a roll of packaging material (5); the sterilization apparatus (9) includes a sterilization device configured to expose the roll of packaging material (5) to a chemical sterilizing agent during advancement of a sterilization section (P1) along a advancement path (P), and a plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32) defining a drying section (P2) of the advancement path (P) such that the chemical sterilizing agent is removed from the roll of packaging material (5); the plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32, 40, 41) include at least a first pair of upstream scraper rollers (4 The sterilization apparatus (9) includes a first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and a second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41), which are arranged downstream of the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) along the drying section (P2); each of the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41) is configured to remove liquid from the packaging material roll (5); the sterilization apparatus (9) also includes one or more gas nozzles (42), each gas nozzle (42) being arranged at a corresponding blowing station along the drying section P2 and configured to direct airflow onto the packaging material roll.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus for a packaging machine used to form packages for pourable products, more specifically, pourable food.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming packaging for pourable products, more specifically, pourable food. Background Technology

[0003] As is known, many liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped packaging known as TetraBrikAseptic (registered trademark) for liquids or pourable foods, which is made by sealing and folding laminated packaging materials. This packaging material has a multi-layered structure, including a base layer (e.g., paper or cardboard) covered on both sides with heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products (e.g., UHT milk), the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier layer (oxygen barrier layer, such as aluminum foil) stacked on top of the heat-sealable plastic material layers, and then covered with another heat-sealable plastic material layer to form the inner surface of the packaging that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of packaging is typically produced on fully automated packaging equipment that advances and sterilizes rolls of packaging material, which are then aseptically formed into tubes and filled with pourable pre-sterilized / sterilized product before being formed into individual sealed packages.

[0006] It is known that some types of packaging also include corresponding opening devices, which allow them to be manipulated for accessing the pourable product.

[0007] In order to provide opening devices to the packaging, some automated packaging equipment also includes molding devices for molding the opening devices, or at least a portion thereof, onto the packaging material roll before the packaging is formed.

[0008] Typical automated packaging equipment also includes a sterilization unit that operates by chemical sterilization and is located downstream of the molding unit to sterilize the packaging material.

[0009] The applicant has found that even though known sterilization devices have achieved excellent working results, there is a desire in the field to further improve known sterilization devices, particularly by further improving the efficiency of removing chemical sterilizing agents from packaging materials. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved sterilization device for packaging machines.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging machine with a sterilization device.

[0012] According to the present invention, a sterilization apparatus as described in claim 1 is provided.

[0013] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the sterilization apparatus are claimed in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, a packaging machine as described in claim 15 is also provided. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the packaging machine with some parts removed for clarity; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed side view, with some parts removed for clarity; and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of part of the delivery path of the packaging material roll; some parts have been removed for clarity.

[0016] Detailed Implementation Plan The number 1 generally refers to a packaging machine used for producing (sealed) packaging of pourable products, more specifically pourable foods (such as pasteurized milk, juice, wine, ketchup, lotion, beverages with fruit pulp, etc.).

[0017] Each package 2 may include a body 3 formed of packaging materials, more specifically, multiple layers of packaging materials.

[0018] Additionally, each package 2 may include an opening device 4 connected to and / or protruding from the body 3. In particular, the opening device 4 may be configured to allow controlled pouring of the pourable product from the package 2.

[0019] For example, each opening device 4 can be configured to allow access to and / or pouring out of pourable food packaged in the corresponding package 2, particularly after the opening device has been operated. For example, the operation of the opening device can be reversible or irreversible.

[0020] Specifically, the packaging machine 1 can produce packaging 2 from packaging material rolls 5, particularly the corresponding main body 3.

[0021] More specifically, the packaging material, and more particularly the packaging material roll 5, may have a multi-layered structure and may include at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g., a paper or cardboard layer) and at least two heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene) interposed between the fibrous material layer. One of these two heat-sealable plastic material layers defines the inner surface of the package 2 that ultimately comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0022] In addition, the packaging material, more specifically the packaging material roll 5, may also include a gas and light barrier material layer (e.g., aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), which is particularly arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fiber material layer.

[0023] Additionally, the packaging material, more specifically the packaging material roll 5, may also include another layer of heat-sealable plastic material inserted between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0024] The packaging material, more specifically the packaging material roll 5, may include a first side 6 and a second side 7. In particular, the first side 6 is the inner surface of the package 2 formed by the packaging material roll 5, which is ultimately in contact with the filled pourable food.

[0025] More specifically, the packaging material roll 5 may include multiple repeating units, more specifically repeating units arranged sequentially (and equally spaced) relative to each other along the packaging material roll 5.

[0026] More specifically, each repeating unit can form the basis of a corresponding package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to produce packages 2 from the packaging material roll 5, such that each package 2 is produced by a corresponding repeating unit.

[0027] More specifically, each repeating unit may be defined by a corresponding pattern present on the packaging material roll 5. For example, the pattern may be substantially the same for all repeating units, and may also differ from other patterns in minor details—minor differences may include, for example, the presence of an information label indicating the production date, production batch, personalized information, or similar information.

[0028] Special reference Figure 1 Packaging machine 1 may include: Conveying equipment 8 configured to advance packaging material roll 5 along roll advance path P; and Sterilization device 9 configured as sterilization packaging material roll 5.

[0029] Additionally, the packaging machine 1 may include a molding device arranged upstream of the sterilization device 9 along the roll feed path P, and configured to mold at least a portion of the opening device 4 onto the packaging material roll 5, more specifically onto each repeating unit.

[0030] Preferably, but not necessarily, the molding apparatus may be configured to mold each opening device 4 as a whole onto the corresponding repeating unit. Alternatively, the molding apparatus may mold only a portion of each opening device 4 onto the corresponding repeating unit.

[0031] Alternatively, the packaging machine 1 may not include a molding device, and the packaging material roll 5 may have been fed into the packaging machine 1 together with the opening device 4 and / or a portion thereof.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 When the packaging material roll 5 is used and enters the sterilization device 9, it includes a plurality of cavities 10 created by the presence of the opening device 4 and / or a portion thereof.

[0033] It should be noted that after the corresponding package 2 is formed, each cavity 10 is part of the internal space of the corresponding package 2. Therefore, the sterilization device 9 is configured to sterilize the packaging material roll 5 together with the cavity 10.

[0034] As will be discussed in more detail below, the sterilization apparatus 9 is equipped with a device for improving the sterilization of the packaging material roll 5.

[0035] More detailed and as Figure 1 As schematically shown, the packaging machine 1 may also include: An isolation chamber 15 is located downstream of the sterilization device 9 and has an internal environment 16, more specifically a sterile internal environment 16. A tube forming and sealing device 17 is configured to form a tube 18 from a roll of packaging material 5 propelled in use within an internal environment 16 and to longitudinally seal the tube 18 within the internal environment 16. A filling device 20 configured to use a pourable food filling tube 18; and A packaging forming unit 21 is configured to at least form and laterally seal a tube 18, and preferably also laterally cut the tube 18 to form a (sealed) package 2.

[0036] Advantageously, the conveying device 8 can also be configured to advance the tube 18 along the tube advance path Q toward and at least partially through the packaging forming unit 21.

[0037] More specifically, the conveying device 8 can also be configured to advance the tube 18 and any intermediate of the tube 18 along the tube advance path Q. In particular, the intermediate of the tube 18 refers to any construction of the packaging material roll 5 before obtaining the tube structure and after the folding of the packaging material roll 5 has begun. In other words, the intermediate of the tube 18 is the result of gradually folding the packaging material roll 5 to obtain the tube 18, particularly by causing the opposing side edges of the packaging material roll 5 to overlap each other.

[0038] Preferably, the conveying device 8 may also be configured to advance the packaging material roll 5 at and / or within the sterilization device 9.

[0039] Special reference Figure 1 The isolation chamber 15 can be configured to protect the internal environment 16 from the (harsh) external environment.

[0040] Even more specifically, the isolation chamber 15 can be configured to allow the formation, longitudinal sealing, and filling of the tube 18 within a sterile internal environment 16.

[0041] More specifically, the sterilization apparatus 9 may include sterilization equipment configured to expose the packaging material roll 5 to a chemical sterilizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) during the advancement of the sterilization section P1 along the advancement path P.

[0042] More specifically, the sterilization equipment may include a bath configured to contain and / or contain a chemical sterilizing agent, and in use, the packaging material roll 5 passes through the bath and the chemical sterilizing agent as it is advanced along the sterilization section P1.

[0043] More specifically, the sterilization apparatus 9 may include a housing 22 having an internal space 23. Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 9 may be configured to sterilize a roll of packaging material 5 within the internal space 23.

[0044] More specifically, the sterilization equipment can be arranged within the interior space 23.

[0045] Advantageously, the housing 22 can be connected to the isolation chamber 15, which in particular allows the sterilized packaging material roll 5 to enter the internal environment 16 directly from the internal space 23 (so that the packaging material roll 5 is not exposed to any possible contamination).

[0046] More specifically, the housing 22 may include an inlet opening for receiving the packaging material roll 5 to be sterilized (entering the internal space 23) and an outlet opening for discharging the sterilized packaging material roll 5 (leaving the internal space 23 and entering the internal environment 16).

[0047] Advantageously, the sterilization equipment can be arranged within the housing 22, more specifically downstream of the inlet opening and upstream of the outlet opening along the propulsion path P.

[0048] Special reference Figures 1 to 4 The sterilization apparatus 9 may also include a plurality of rollers that define a drying section P2 of a feed path P arranged downstream of the sterilization section P1.

[0049] As will be explained in more detail below, the advancement of the packaging material roll 5 along the dry section P2 allows for the removal of the chemical sterilizing agent from the packaging material roll 5.

[0050] Preferably, but not necessarily, the internal space 23 includes a drying space. The drying space is defined as a portion of the internal space 23 in which the packaging material roll 5 is advanced as it is advanced along the drying portion P2 during use.

[0051] Advantageously, the sterilization apparatus 9 may also include a heating mechanism (mean) configured to control the temperature within the drying space in the range of 60°C to 90°C.

[0052] Preferably, the sterilization device 9 is provided with a mechanism that effectively allows the chemical sterilizing agent to be removed not only from the planar portion of the packaging material roll 5 but also from the cavity 10.

[0053] Preferably, but not necessarily, the arrangement of the rollers in the plurality of rollers facilitates the effective removal of chemical sterilizing agents.

[0054] Preferably, but not necessarily, the plurality of rollers are arranged such that the drying section P2 includes a first section P2a and a second section P2b that is transverse and / or inclined relative to the first section P2a.

[0055] Furthermore, the plurality of rollers includes a first deflection roller 30 arranged at a deflection station where the drying section P2 transitions from the first segment P2a to the second segment P2b. The first deflection roller 30 is arranged such that the change from the first segment P2a to the second segment P2b causes a centrifugal force F1 to act on the packaging material roll 5 at the deflection station, and, if present, on the chemical sterilizing agent placed within the cavity 10, for removing any residue of the chemical sterilizing agent from the cavity 10.

[0056] This allows for more efficient removal of chemical sterilizing agents from cavity 10.

[0057] Additionally, the first section P2a can be defined by the plurality of rollers, such that during the advance of the packaging material roll 5 along the first section P2a, gravity F2 can act on the chemical sterilizing agent residue present in the cavity 10. This further improves the removal of chemical sterilizing agent from the cavity 10.

[0058] More detailed and in particular reference Figure 3 The first deflection roller 30 can be arranged such that the first segment P2a and the second segment P2b and / or their corresponding imaginary linear extensions 31 define an acute angle α different from 90°.

[0059] Special reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The plurality of rollers, more specifically arranged within the housing 22, and even more specifically within the internal space 23, also include a second deflection roller 32 arranged upstream of the first deflection roller 30 along the propulsion path P, and a third deflection roller 33 arranged downstream of the first deflection roller 30 along the propulsion path P.

[0060] Specifically, the multiple rollers are arranged downstream of the sterilization equipment along the feed path P.

[0061] For example, the first segment P2a may be defined between the second deflection roller 32 and the first deflection roller 30, and the second segment P2b may be defined between the first deflection roller 30 and the third deflection roller 33.

[0062] More specifically, the first deflection roller 30 may define an auxiliary section P2c of the drying section P2, particularly inserted between the first section P2a and the second section P2b, and more specifically connects the first section P2a and the second section P2b to each other.

[0063] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first segment P2a, the second segment P2b, and the auxiliary segment P2c are defined as U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0064] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the second deflection roller 32 and the third deflection roller 33 may be displaced relative to each other along at least a first direction D1.

[0065] Additionally, the first deflection roller 30 may be displaced along a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1 relative to at least one of the second deflection rollers 32 and the third deflection roller 33, more specifically relative to the second deflection roller 32 and the third deflection roller 33.

[0066] Additionally, the first deflection roller 30 may be displaced along the first direction D1 relative to at least one of the second deflection roller 32 and the third deflection roller 33, more specifically relative to the second deflection roller 32 and the third deflection roller 33.

[0067] More specifically, each of the second deflecting roller 32, the third deflecting roller 33, and the first deflecting roller 30 extends along a corresponding longitudinal axis A. Advantageously, each longitudinal axis A also defines a corresponding axis of rotation.

[0068] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the third deflection roller 33 may be arranged above the second deflection roller 32, and / or the third deflection roller 33 and the second deflection roller 32 may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction D1, but not spaced apart from each other along the second direction D2.

[0069] Advantageously, the longitudinal axes A can be parallel to each other.

[0070] Furthermore, the second direction D2 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A, or the second direction D2 and the first direction D1 are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A.

[0071] Additionally, none of the first deflecting roller 30, the second deflecting roller 32, and the third deflecting roller 33 are separated from the other rollers in the first deflecting roller 30, the second deflecting roller 32, and the third deflecting roller 33 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0072] According to some possible solutions, the first segment P2a and the second segment P2b may be inclined relative to the first direction D1. In particular, the first direction D1 is not perpendicular to the corresponding portions of the packaging material roll 5 that are advanced along the first segment P2a and the second segment P2b, respectively.

[0073] More specifically, in use, the second deflection roller 32 can deflect the advancing packaging material roll 5 from the upstream section P2u of the drying section P2 to the first section P2a, and / or in use, the third deflection roller 33 can deflect the advancing packaging material roll 5 from the second section P2b to the downstream section P2d of the drying section P2.

[0074] Advantageously, the second deflection roller 32 and the third deflection roller 33 can be arranged such that the corresponding portions of the packaging material roll 5 that are advanced along the upstream section P2u and the corresponding portions of the packaging material roll 5 that are advanced along the downstream section P2d during use are located in a common plane H.

[0075] according to Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown, the sterilization device 9 may also include a fourth deflecting roller 34, preferably arranged within the housing 22, more specifically within the internal space 23.

[0076] More specifically, the fourth deflection roller 34 may be arranged downstream of the third deflection roller 33 along the advance path P.

[0077] More specifically, the fourth deflection roller 34 can be displaced relative to the second deflection roller 32 and the third deflection roller 33 along the first direction D1, and advantageously also along the second direction D2.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the fourth deflection roller 34 may be arranged at the outlet opening adjacent to the housing 22.

[0079] Furthermore, the fourth deflection roller 34 may be configured to deflect the packaging material roll 5 being advanced in use before it is fed into the internal space 23 and preferably into the internal environment 16.

[0080] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the fourth deflection roller 34 may be configured to deflect the packaging material roll 5 at an angle of substantially 90°.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of rollers may include at least one first upstream scraper roller pair 40 and a second downstream scraper roller pair 41, the second downstream scraper roller pair being arranged downstream of the first pair 40 along the drying portion P2. Each of the first pair 40 and the second pair 41 may be configured to remove liquid, particularly a portion of the chemical sterilizing agent, from the packaging material roll 5. More specifically, in use, the packaging material roll 5 is advanced between the respective upstream scraper rollers of the first pair 40 and the respective downstream scraper rollers of the second pair 41, thereby resulting in the removal of at least a portion of the chemical sterilizing agent associated with the packaging material roll 5. By relying on the first pair 40 and the second pair 41, the removal of the chemical sterilizing agent can be further improved.

[0082] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first pair 40 and the second pair 41 may be displaced relative to each other along the first direction D1, but advantageously not along the second direction D2, and even more advantageously not even along the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0083] Specifically, in use, the corresponding portions of the packaging material roll 5, which are inserted between the upstream scraper rollers of the first pair 40 and the downstream scraper rollers of the second pair 41, can be located within the common plane H.

[0084] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first deflection roller 30 and the third deflection roller 33 may be inserted between the first pair 40 and the second pair 41.

[0085] More specifically, the first deflection roller 30 may be arranged downstream of the first pair 40 along the feed path P, and the third deflection roller 33 may be arranged upstream of the second pair 41 along the feed path P.

[0086] According to the illustrated embodiment, the second deflection roller 32 may define one of the upstream scraper rollers of the first pair 40.

[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of rollers and / or the first deflecting roller 30 and / or the second deflecting roller 32 and / or the third deflecting roller 33 and / or the fourth deflecting roller 34 and / or one or more upstream scraping rollers and / or one or more downstream scraping rollers may include corresponding grooves defining corresponding spaces within which the opening device 4 and / or portions of the opening device can move.

[0088] Special reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sterilization apparatus 9 may also include one or more gas nozzles 42, each arranged at a corresponding blowing station along the drying section P2 and configured to direct an airflow (e.g., an airflow of sterile gas or sterile air) onto the packaging material roll 5. Some or all of the gas nozzles 42 may be positioned such that the corresponding airflow can be directed into the cavity 10.

[0089] The gas nozzle 42 further helps to remove chemical sterilizing agents more effectively from the packaging material roll 5 and / or cavity 10.

[0090] According to the specific example shown, a gas nozzle 42 may be located upstream of the first pair 40 and / or the second deflection roller 32, and / or one, more specifically two, or even more specifically exactly two gas nozzles 42 may be inserted between the first pair 40 and / or the second deflection roller 32 and the second pair 41.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, a gas nozzle 42 may be inserted between the third deflection roller 33 and the second pair 41, and / or a gas nozzle 42 may be inserted between the first deflection roller 30 and the third deflection roller 33. In particular, the gas nozzle 42 and / or these gas nozzles 42 are configured to direct the corresponding airflow into the cavity 10.

[0092] Preferably, but not necessarily, the sterilization apparatus 9 may also include one or more air knives, i.e., gas nozzles with elongated opening regions through which substantially linear airflow is injected. For example, at least one air knife may be arranged downstream of the second pair 41.

[0093] Additionally, the packaging machine 1 may also include a regulating unit configured to define and control the atmosphere and conditions within the internal environment 16 and / or internal space 23. Specifically, the regulating unit may be configured to maintain and control the sterility of the internal environment 16 and / or internal space 23. Additionally, the regulating unit may also be configured to control temperature and / or humidity and / or pressure.

[0094] Preferably, but not necessarily, the regulating unit may include a heating mechanism.

[0095] In addition, the regulating unit can also be configured to maintain sterility within the internal environment 16 and / or the internal space 23.

[0096] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the regulating unit can also be configured to control: The first pressure within the internal environment of 16; and The second pressure within the internal space 23.

[0097] Advantageously, the regulating unit can be configured to control the first pressure to be greater than the second pressure.

[0098] In addition, the regulating unit can be configured to control the first pressure and the second pressure to be greater than the ambient pressure.

[0099] In use, packaging machine 1 produces pourable food packaging 2. Specifically, packaging machine 1 forms a tube 18 from a roll of packaging material 5, a longitudinally sealed tube 18, a pourable product filling tube 18, and forms, laterally seals, and laterally cuts the tube 18 to obtain packaging 2.

[0100] Before the packaging material roll 5 is formed into tube 18, the packaging material roll 5 is sterilized by sterilization device 9.

[0101] During the advance of the packaging material roll 5 along the sterilization section P1, the packaging material roll 5 is sterilized, particularly by passing through a bath containing a chemical sterilizing agent.

[0102] In addition, during the advance along the drying section P2, the chemical sterilizing agent is removed from the packaging material roll 5 (including the cavity 10).

[0103] Removal of chemical sterilizing agents can also be effectively achieved by having a first pair 40 and a second pair 41 and / or by having a gas nozzle 42.

[0104] The removal of chemical sterilizing agents is effectively achieved by ensuring centrifugal force F1 by using the first deflection roller 30.

[0105] The advantages of the packaging machine 1 and / or sterilization device 9 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0106] In particular, the sterilization device 9 allows for the effective removal of chemical sterilizing agents from the packaging material roll 5 (including the cavity 10).

[0107] Another advantage relies on the use of the first pair 40 and the second pair 41, especially in combination with the gas nozzle 42, as this allows for the effective removal of chemical sterilizing agents.

[0108] Another advantage is the use of the first deflection roller 30 to ensure the presence of centrifugal force acting on the chemical sterilizer, which results in a significant advantage in removing the chemical sterilizer from the packaging material roll 5 and from the cavity 10.

[0109] Another advantage is that gravity acts on the chemical sterilizing agent present in the cavity 10, which allows the chemical sterilizing agent to be discharged from the cavity 10.

[0110] Clearly, modifications may be made to the packaging machine 1 and / or sterilization device 9 as described herein, without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sterilization apparatus (9) for a packaging machine (1), the packaging machine being used to form a package (2) filled with a pourable product from a roll (5) of packaging material having a plurality of cavities (10); The sterilization device (9) is configured to sterilize the packaging material roll (5) during the advance of the packaging material roll (5) along the advance path (P); in, The sterilization device (9) includes: A sterilization apparatus configured to expose the packaging material roll (5) to a chemical sterilizing agent during advancement of the sterilization section (P1) along the advancement path (P); and Multiple rollers (30, 31, 33, 40, 41) define a drying section (P2) of the advance path (P), the drying section being arranged downstream of the sterilization section (P1) such that the chemical sterilizing agent is removed from the packaging material roll (5) during advance along the drying section (P2); The plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32, 40, 41) include at least a first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and a second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41), the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41) being arranged downstream of the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) along the drying section (P2); Each of the first pair of upstream scraping rollers (40) and the second pair of downstream scraping rollers (41) is configured to remove liquid from the packaging material roll (5); The sterilization device (9) further includes one or more gas nozzles (42), each gas nozzle (42) being arranged at a corresponding blowing station along the drying section and configured to direct airflow onto the packaging material roll.

2. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, A gas nozzle (42) is located upstream of the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40), and a gas nozzle (42) is inserted between the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41).

3. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, Two gas nozzles (42) are inserted between the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41).

4. The sterilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Two deflection rollers (30, 33) are inserted between the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41); Each deflection roller (30, 33) is configured to deflect the packaging material roll (5).

5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, A gas nozzle (42) is inserted between the two deflection rollers (30, 33), and / or a gas nozzle (42) is inserted between the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41) and the deflection rollers (30, 32).

6. The sterilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41) are displaced relative to each other along a first direction (D1); and / or In use, the portions of the packaging material roll (5) inserted between the upstream scraper rollers of the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) and the downstream scraper rollers of the second pair of downstream scraper rollers (41) are all located in a common plane (H).

7. The sterilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, One of the first pair of upstream scraper rollers (40) is a deflector roller (32) configured to deflect the packaged material roll (5) being advanced in use.

8. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32, 40, 41) are arranged such that the drying section (P2) includes a first section (P2a) and a second section (P2b) that is transverse and / or inclined relative to the first section (P2a); The plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32, 40, 41) includes a first deflection roller (30), which is arranged at a deflection station, at which the drying section (P2) changes from the first section (P2a) to the second section (P2b). The first deflection roller (30) is inserted between the first pair of scraper rollers (40) and the second pair of scraper rollers (41).

9. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The first section (P2a) is defined between one of the first pair of scraper rollers (40) and the first deflector roller (30); the second section (P2b) is defined between the first deflector roller (30) and another deflector roller (32), the other deflector roller (32) being arranged downstream of the first deflector roller (30) and upstream of the second pair of scraper rollers (41).

10. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first deflection roller (30) is arranged such that the first segment (P2a) and the second segment (P2b) and / or their respective imaginary extensions (31) define an acute angle (α) other than 90°.

11. The sterilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32, 40, 41) are arranged such that during the advance of the package material roll (5) along a section (P2a) of the drying portion (P2), gravity (F2) acting on the chemical sterilizing agent present in the cavity (10) allows the chemical sterilizing agent to be discharged from the cavity (10).

12. The sterilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging material roll (5) is advanced within the drying space of the sterilization apparatus (9) during advancement along the drying section (P2); The sterilization device (9) further includes a heating mechanism configured to control the temperature within the drying space in the range of 60°C to 90°C.

13. The sterilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (22) having an inlet opening for receiving the package material roll (5) to be sterilized and an outlet opening for discharging the sterilized package material roll (5), wherein the sterilization apparatus is arranged downstream of the inlet opening and / or upstream of the plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32).

14. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sterilization apparatus includes a bath configured to contain the chemical sterilizing agent, and in use, the packaging material roll (5) is propelled through the bath and the chemical sterilizing agent.

15. A packaging machine (1) for forming a package (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising: A conveying device (8) is configured to advance the package material roll (5) along a roll advance path (P); An isolation room (15) having an internal environment (16); Tube forming and sealing apparatus (17) configured to form tube (18) from the packaging material roll (5) propelled in use within the internal environment (16) and to longitudinally seal the tube (18) within the internal environment (16); A filling device (20) for filling the tube (18) with the pourable product; A packaging forming unit (21) is configured to form, laterally seal and laterally cut the tube (18) that is advanced in use to form the package (2); as well as The sterilization apparatus (9) according to any one of the preceding claims is configured to sterilize the packaging material roll (5) and is arranged upstream of the isolation chamber (15).

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