Packaging machine and packaging method

Abstract

The system comprises a conveying device (6), a forming device (7) for forming shaped portions (4) on a web of packaging material (5), a sterilization device (9) for sterilizing the web of packaging material (5), an isolation chamber (15) having an internal environment (16), a tube forming and sealing device (17) configured to form a tube (18) from the web of packaging material (5) in the internal environment (16), a filling device (20) for filling the tube (18), a package forming device (21) configured to form, transversely seal and transversely cut the tube (18), and a retaining device (22) configured to retain the cleanliness and / or sterility of at least the shaped portions (4). The retaining device (22) comprises at least one blowing unit (39) configured to generate a flow of sterilizing fluid against at least a portion of the web of packaging material (5) while the web of packaging material (5) advances between the forming device (7) and the sterilization device (9) during use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for forming pourable food-filled packages from a web of packaging material, in particular a web of packaging material having a multi-layer structure, the packaging machine comprising a forming device for forming a form, in particular an opening device, on the web of packaging material. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (Ultra High Temperature Treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages, especially sealed packages, made from sterile packaging material.

[0003] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquids or pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, for example a base layer, such as paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, for example polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for shelf-stable products such as UHT milk, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), for example aluminum foil, which overlaps with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and is covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that finally comes into contact with the food.

[0004] This type of package is usually produced on fully automatic packaging equipment, where a web of packaging material is advanced, sterilized and then formed into a tube and filled under aseptic conditions with the pourable / sterile product before being formed into individual sealed packages.

[0005] It is also known that some types of packaging are provided with an opening device which can be manipulated to provide access to the pourable product.

[0006] To provide the opening device in the package, a forming device is provided in the automated packaging machine for forming the opening device into the web of packaging material prior to forming the package.

[0007] It is further known that the automated packaging machine may include an isolation chamber in which a web of packaging material is formed and filled with the pourable product. Because the web of packaging material comes into contact with the pourable product, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness and / or sterility of the isolation chamber and the web of packaging material.

[0008] Thus, a typical automated packaging machine includes a sterilization device located downstream of the forming device and upstream of the isolation chamber for sterilizing the packaging material.

[0009] It should be noted that known sterilization devices can be configured to sterilize the web of packaging material by chemical or physical sterilization.

[0010] In recent years, the applicant has successfully established the use of electron beam technology to sterilize webs of packaging material. Although sterilization of flat packaging material webs by electron beam technology is relatively easy, the situation becomes more difficult when there is an opening device applied to the packaging material web. When sterilizing packaging material webs with an opening device, it may be necessary to operate at a fairly high power in order to obtain the desired sterility.

[0011] Thus, although known packaging machines have achieved excellent operating results, a need is felt in the art for further improvements to known packaging machines. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine having a forming device which is simple and low cost.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for forming pourable food filled packages from a web of packaging material in a convenient and low cost manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging machine as claimed in claim 1 and a method as claimed in claim 12.

[0015] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the packaging machine and the packaging method are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing (sealed) packages 2 of pourable food products such as pasteurised milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, pulp drinks, etc.

[0019] Each package 2 may comprise a body 3 and a moulded part 4, in particular an opening device, moulded on the body 3.

[0020] In particular, the packaging machine 1 can produce packages 2 , in particular respective bodies 3 , from a web of packaging material 5 .

[0021] More specifically, the web of packaging material 5 may have a multi-layer structure and may comprise a layer of fibrous material, for example a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, for example polyethylene, sandwiching the layers of fibrous material between each other, one of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defining the inner surface of the package 2 that will ultimately be in contact with the pourable product.

[0022] Furthermore, the web of packaging material 5 may comprise a layer of gas-barrier and light-blocking material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular disposed between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0023] Additionally, the web of packaging material 5 may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layers of gas barrier material, light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] The web of packaging material 5 may have a first side and a second side, in particular the first side being the side of the web of packaging material 5 that defines the inner surface of the formed package 2 that will ultimately contact the filled pourable food product.

[0025] Preferably, the web of packaging material 5 may comprise a plurality of repeat units, in particular arranged successively with respect to one another (equally spaced apart) along the web of packaging material 5. In particular, each repeat unit may form the basis of one respective package 2. In other words, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from the web of packaging material 5 such that each package 2 results from one respective repeat unit.

[0026] In particular, each repeat unit may be defined by one respective pattern present on the web of packaging material 5. More specifically, the pattern may be substantially identical for all repeat units, with minor differences from other repeat units, such as the presence of an information tag indicating production date, production lot, personal information, etc.

[0027] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 comprises: - a conveying device 6 configured to advance the web of packaging material 5 along a web advancement path P; a forming device 7 arranged at a forming station 8 for forming a forming part 4, in particular an opening device, on the web of packaging material 5; - a sterilization device 9 arranged in a sterilization station 10 downstream of the forming station 8 along the advance path P of the web, for sterilizing the web of packaging material 5; an isolation chamber 15 with an internal environment 16; - a tube forming and sealing apparatus 17 configured, in use, to form a tube 18 from an advancing web of packaging material 5 and to longitudinally seal the tube 18 within the internal environment 16 at a tube forming station 19 located upstream of the sterilization station 10 along the web advancement path P; - a filling device 20 adapted to fill the tube 18 with a pourable food product; - a package forming device 21 configured to form and transversely seal at least a tube 18 and preferentially cut the tube 18 transversely to form a (sealed) package 2; Equipped with.

[0028] Applicant has determined that, after completion of the molding process, formed portion 4 is clean and / or sterile as a result of a number of factors, including the high temperature plastic processing conditions required during the molding process itself. Applicant therefore wishes to preserve the cleanliness and / or sterility of formed portion 4 (either partially or fully) while advancing web of packaging material 5 from forming station 8 to sterilization station 10.

[0029] The packaging machine 1 therefore also comprises a retaining device 22 which is adapted to retain the cleanliness and / or sterility of the formed part 4, in particular the opening device, in particular after forming.

[0030] In particular, the holding device 22 is configured to maintain the cleanliness and / or sterility of the forming section 4, in particular the opening device, during the advancement of the web of packaging material 5 between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10.

[0031] In this way, the operation of the sterilization device 9 is facilitated.

[0032] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the forming device 7 forms at least one respective forming portion 4 , in particular one respective opening device, on each repeating unit of the web of packaging material 3 .

[0033] In particular, the moulding device 7 is configured to mould the moulded part 4 from molten polymer.

[0034] In the most preferred embodiment, a forming device 7 forms an opening device onto the web of packaging material 3 .

[0035] In particular, each opening device may be configured to allow access and / or pouring of the pourable food product packaged in the respective package 2, in particular after operation of the opening device. In particular, operation of the opening device may be reversible or irreversible.

[0036] One example of an opening device is a lid-spout assembly, which comprises a spout and a lid and is configured to selectively close or open the opening of the spout. To access and / or dispense the pourable product from a package 2 equipped with such an opening device, it is necessary to remove the lid, which is usually reversible, meaning that the lid can be reattached to the spout.

[0037] Another example of an opening device is a strip that can be removed from each package 2 to form a drainage hole and / or to allow two parts of each package 2 to be at least partially separated from each other.

[0038] More specifically, the forming apparatus 7 may comprise one or more forming units 11 configured to form one or more forming portions 4, in particular one or more opening devices (at one time) onto the web of packaging material 5, in particular onto at least one respective repeating unit.

[0039] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the forming device 7 may comprise one or more punching units configured to punch holes in the web of packaging material 5, in particular prior to the operation of the one or more forming devices 11. In other words, the punching units may be arranged upstream of the forming device 20 along the web advancement path P.

[0040] In particular, the forming unit or units 11 may be configured to form a forming portion 4, in particular an opening device, onto the web of packaging material 5 at the location of the holes.

[0041] Advantageously, the conveying device 6 may be configured to advance the tube 18 along a tube advancement path Q towards and at least partially through the package forming device 21 .

[0042] More specifically, the conveying device 6 may be configured to advance the tube 18 and any intermediate portion of the tube 18 along the tube advancement path Q. In particular, an intermediate portion of the tube 18 means any configuration of the web of packaging material 5 before obtaining a tube structure and after folding of the web of packaging material 5 has begun. In other words, the intermediate portion of the tube 18 is the result of progressive folding of the web of packaging material 5 to obtain the tube 18, in particular by overlapping the opposing side edges of the packaging material 5 on one another.

[0043] Preferably, the conveying device 6 may be configured to intermittently advance the web of packaging material 5 at and / or within the forming device 7 .

[0044] Further preferably, the conveying device 6 may be configured to intermittently advance and stop the web of packaging material 5, and in particular each forming unit 11 may be configured to form a respective forming portion 4 while the web of packaging material 5 is stopped.

[0045] Preferably, the conveying device 6 may be configured to advance the web of packaging material 5 along the forming portion P1 of the path P in an intermittent manner.

[0046] Advantageously, the packaging machine 1 may also comprise a first and a second buffer unit 24 arranged along the web advancement path P upstream and downstream respectively of the forming station 8 .

[0047] Preferably, the buffer capacities of the first buffer unit and the second buffer unit 24 can be (dynamically) changed.

[0048] Additionally, the conveying device 6 may be configured to advance the web of packaging material 5 into the first buffer unit and to continuously withdraw the web of packaging material 5 from the second buffer unit 24 .

[0049] In this way, continuous production of packages 2 can be ensured whilst allowing intermittent operation of the forming device 7 .

[0050] With reference to FIG. 1, an isolation chamber 15 is configured to protect an internal environment 16 from a (hostile) external environment.

[0051] More specifically, the isolation chamber 15 is configured to allow for the shaping, longitudinal sealing and filling of the tube 18 in a sterile internal environment 16 .

[0052] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a conditioning unit configured to define and control the atmosphere and conditions within the internal environment 16. In particular, the conditioning unit may be configured to maintain and control the sterility of the internal environment 16. Furthermore, the conditioning unit may be configured to control the temperature and / or humidity and / or pressure.

[0053] Additionally, the conditioning unit may maintain sterility within the internal environment 16 .

[0054] Preferably, before the operation of the packaging machine 1, the internal environment 16 is subjected to a sterilization treatment, in particular a chemical and / or physical sterilization treatment, to establish the sterility of the internal environment 16. In particular, sterilization in place (SIP) may be carried out.

[0055] With particular reference to Figure 1, the sterilisation apparatus 9 may comprise an irradiator 30 configured to direct sterilising radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, more in particular electron beam radiation, in use, towards an advancing web of packaging material 5. In particular, the irradiator 30 may be configured to apply sterilising radiation to a first side and a second side of the web of packaging material 5.

[0056] More particularly, the irradiation device 30 may comprise one or more electron beam emitters for emitting electron beam irradiation, in use, onto the advancing web of packaging material 5, in particular onto the first and second sides.

[0057] More precisely, the irradiation device 30 may comprise a pair of electron beam emitters, in particular a first electron beam emitter 31 and a second electron beam emitter 32. Moreover, the first electron beam emitter 31 and the second electron beam emitter 32 are arranged spaced apart from each other such that, in use, an advancing web of packaging material 5 advances between the first electron beam emitter 31 and the second electron beam emitter 32. In particular, the first electron beam emitter 31 and the second electron beam emitter 32 are arranged to direct the electron beam irradiation towards the first and second faces, respectively.

[0058] Alternatively, the sterilizer 9 may be configured to sterilize the web of packaging material 5 by chemical sterilization.

[0059] Advantageously, the sterilization device 9 may comprise a housing 33 having an inlet opening for receiving the web of packaging material 5 to be sterilized and an outlet opening for enabling the discharge of the sterilized web of packaging material 5.

[0060] Preferably, the exit opening is adjacent to the entrance opening of the isolation chamber 15 such that the packaging material 5, in use, exits the sterilizer 9 through the exit opening and enters the isolation chamber 15 through the entrance opening.

[0061] With particular reference to Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a further housing (not shown) defining an internal space in which the forming device 7 is arranged and / or through which the web of packaging material 5 advances, in use, along an advancement path P, in particular at least between the forming station 8 and the sterilisation station 10.

[0062] Advantageously, the holding device 22 comprises at least one blow unit 39 configured to generate a flow of sterilizing fluid, in particular a sterilizing gas such as sterilizing air, and to direct the flow of sterilizing fluid against at least a portion of the web of packaging material 5 while it advances between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10.

[0063] Preferably, the portion of the web of packaging material 5 that receives the flow of sterilizing fluid is intended with respect to its relative position between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10 .

[0064] In particular, by providing a blow unit 39 and generating a flow of sterilizing fluid against the web of packaging material 5, it is achieved that the deposition of possible contaminants on the web of packaging material 3 and on the shaped parts 4 is prevented and sterilization by the sterilization device 9 is again facilitated. In particular, the internal space is not a sterile space, i.e. the internal space is not part of the internal environment 16.

[0065] Preferably, the holding device 22 may comprise a plurality of blowing units 39, each configured to generate a respective flow of sterilizing fluid, in particular a sterilizing gas such as sterilizing air, against at least a portion of the web of packaging material 5 during advancement along a respective portion of the advancement path P of the web between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10.

[0066] More specifically, each blow unit 39 may be disposed at a respective position different from the positions of the other blow units 39 so as to direct a respective flow of sterilizing fluid towards a different portion of the web of packaging material 5. In particular, each blow unit 39 may be disposed at a respective position along the web advancement path P between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10, and in particular, one or more blow units 39 may be disposed at an upstream position with respect to the web advancement path P between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10, and one or more other blow units 39 may be disposed at a downstream position with respect to the web advancement path P between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10. That is, one or more blow units 39 may be disposed at a downstream position with respect to the web advancement path P between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10 (i.e. one or more blow units 39 may be disposed upstream of one or more other blow units 39).

[0067] Preferably, at least one stream of sterile fluid and / or multiple streams of sterile fluid can be directed towards the first and second sides of the web of packaging material 5, thereby preserving the cleanliness and / or sterility of each zone of the shaped part 4 accessible from the first and second sides, respectively.

[0068] According to some possible embodiments, each blow unit 39 may also be configured to generate two respective flows of sterile fluid, whereby a first flow of sterile fluid and a second flow of sterile fluid may be directed towards a first surface and a second surface, respectively.

[0069] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each blow unit 39 may be configured to generate a flow of sterilizing fluid in a transverse and / or opposite direction D1 to an advancement direction D2 of the web of packaging material 5. In particular, the respective advancement direction D2 is a respective advancement direction of the web of packaging material 5 in the respective portion onto which the respective flow of sterilizing fluid is directed.

[0070] It should be noted that the forward direction D2 may vary locally and accordingly the directions D1 of the respective blowing units 39 may differ from one another depending on the local forward direction D2.

[0071] In a most preferred embodiment, each blowing unit 39 may be configured to generate a flow of sterile fluid such that the respective direction D1 is opposite to the forward direction D2.

[0072] The angles defined between the direction D1 and the respective forward directions D2 may be different. In other words, the blowing units 39 may be configured such that at least one or more of the blowing units 39 generate respective flows of sterile fluid such that the angles defined between the respective flows of sterile fluid and the respective forward directions D2 are different.

[0073] Advantageously, the holding device 22 may comprise one or more sterilization units for sterilizing at least a part of the web of packaging material 5, in particular the shaped portion 4, during its progression between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10.

[0074] The sterilization unit may include one or more UV light irradiators.

[0075] More particularly, and referring to FIG. 1, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 17 may include at least two forming ring assemblies 45 disposed within the interior environment 16 and configured to cooperate with one another to gradually fold the web of packaging material 5 into a tube 18, particularly by overlapping the ends of the packaging material 5 with one another.

[0076] Additionally, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 17 may include a sealing head 46 that is specifically configured to be disposed within the interior environment 16 and to longitudinally seal the tube 18 .

[0077] Furthermore, the filling device 20 may comprise a filling pipe 47 configured to, in use, direct the pourable product into the tube 18. In particular, the filling pipe 47 may be disposed at least partially within the tube 18 so as to, in use, supply the pourable product into the tube 18.

[0078] Furthermore, the package molding device 21 - a plurality of form-and-seal assemblies, each configured to at least form the tube 18, transversely seal the tube 18, and in particular to transversely cut the tube 18; - a transfer unit for advancing the forming and sealing assembly; It may comprise:

[0079] In particular, the package former 12 is configured to control the form-seal assembly and transfer units to transversely seal and cut the tube 18 along equally spaced cross sections.

[0080] In use, packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 of a pourable food product. In particular, packaging machine 1 forms a tube 18 from a web of packaging material 5, seals tube 18 longitudinally, fills tube 18 with the pourable product, and forms, seals and transversely cuts tube 18 to obtain packages 2.

[0081] Prior to forming the tube 18 from the web of packaging material 5, the web of packaging material 5 is sterilized by a sterilizer 9.

[0082] Furthermore, prior to sterilization, the forming device 7 forms a shaped portion 4, in particular an opening device, onto the web of packaging material 5, in particular onto each repeating unit.

[0083] In more detail, the operation of the packaging machine 1 comprises the following steps: - advancing the web of packaging material 5 along a web advancement path P, in particular by means of a conveying device 6; - forming a profile 4 on the web of packaging material 5 at a forming station 8, in particular by means of a forming device 7; - sterilizing the packaging material 5 in a sterilization station 10, in particular by means of a sterilization device 9; - forming, in use, a tube 18 from the advancing web of packaging material 5 within the internal environment 16, in particular by means of a tube forming and sealing device 17; - longitudinally sealing the tube 18 into the internal environment 16, in particular by means of a tube forming and sealing device 17; - filling the filling tube 18 with a pourable food product, in particular by means of a filling device 20; - producing packages 2 from the tube 18, in particular by forming, transversely sealing and transversely cutting the tube 18 using a package forming device 21; - maintains at least the cleanliness and / or sterility of the moulded part 4;

[0084] Further, operation of the packaging machine 1 may comprise the step of conveying the tube 18 along a tube advancement path Q.

[0085] Preferentially, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may comprise a first step of buffering performed by a first buffer unit and a second step of buffering performed by a second buffer unit 24 .

[0086] During the storing step, a flow of sterilizing fluid is directed against at least a portion of the web of packaging material 5, in particular at least the forming portion 4, while the web of packaging material 5 travels between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10. In particular, the flow of sterilizing fluid may be generated by at least one blow unit 39.

[0087] Preferably, during the holding step, multiple streams of sterile fluid are generated, in particular each blowing unit 39 generating one stream of sterile fluid.

[0088] Further, each stream of sterilizing fluid, in particular each stream of sterilizing fluid generated by each blow unit 39, may be directed toward a respective portion of the web of packaging material 5 that is different from other portions of the web of packaging material 5 as the web of packaging material 5 advances along a respective portion of the web advancement path P, and as the web of packaging material 5 advances between the forming station 8 and the sterilization station 10.

[0089] Preferably, during the holding step, each flow of sterilizing fluid may have a respective direction D1 transverse and / or counter to a respective direction of advance D2 of the web of packaging material 5 (especially at a particular location).

[0090] Further, each stream of sterile fluid may be directed towards one of the first side and the second side, or towards both the first side and the second side. Preferably, the overall flow of sterile fluid may be such that at least one stream of sterile fluid is directed towards the first side and at least one stream of sterile fluid is directed towards the second side.

[0091] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, during the holding step, a sterilization sub-step is carried out in which at least a portion of the web of packaging material 5, in particular the moulding 4, is sterilized while the web of packaging material 5 advances between the moulding station 8 and the sterilization station 10.

[0092] In particular, in the sterilizing sub-step, ultraviolet radiation is applied to the web of packaging material 5, in particular to the first side and / or to the second side.

[0093] More specifically, during the advancing step, the web of packaging material 5 is intermittently advanced within the forming station 8 and / or the forming device 7 .

[0094] In particular, during the advancing step, the web of packaging material 5 is intermittently advanced between the first buffer unit and the second buffer unit 24 .

[0095] Furthermore, during the advancing step, the web of packaging material 5 is advanced along a web advancement path P.

[0096] More specifically, during the forming step, the forming device 7 forms the shaped portion 4 , in particular the opening device, onto the web of packaging material 5 .

[0097] In particular, during the forming step, the advancement of the web of packaging material 5 through the forming station 8 and / or through the forming device 7 is stopped.

[0098] More particularly, during the sterilizing step, sterilizing radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, more particularly electron beam radiation, is directed towards the web of packaging material 5, in particular towards the first and second sides.

[0099] The advantages of the packaging machine 1 and / or the method according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0100] In particular, the holding device 22 makes it possible to maintain the cleanliness and / or sterility of the shaped part 4, or at least to reduce contamination after the shaping process as much as possible, thereby facilitating the operation of the sterilization process.

[0101] Such a solution is particularly advantageous if the sterilizer 9 relies on sterilization by sterilizing irradiation, as it allows it to operate with lower energy, resulting in a longer lifespan and lower energy consumption.

[0102] Another advantage is that it may be more efficient and / or easier to sterilize a shaped portion 4 having a complex shape than a flat shape.

[0103] It will be appreciated that changes may be made to the packaging machine 1 or method described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for forming pourable product-filled packages (2) from a web of packaging material (5), comprising: a conveying device (6) configured to advance the web of packaging material (5) along a web advancement path (P); a forming device (7) arranged in a forming station (8) for forming a shaped portion (4) on the web of packaging material (5); a sterilization device (9) arranged at a sterilization station (10) downstream of the forming station (8) along the web advancement path (P) for sterilizing said web of packaging material (5); an isolation chamber (15) having an internal environment (16); a tube forming and sealing device (17) arranged downstream at a tube forming station, configured in use within said internal environment (16) to form a tube (18) from the advancing web of packaging material (5) and to longitudinally seal said tube (4) within said internal environment; a filling device (20) for filling the tube (18) with the pourable product; a package forming device (21) configured, in use, to form, transversely seal and transversely cut the advancing tube (18) to form said package (2); a retaining device (22) adapted to maintain the cleanliness and / or sterility of at least said shaped part (4); Equipped with the holding device (22) comprises at least one blowing unit (39) configured to generate a flow of sterilizing fluid against at least a portion of the web of packaging material (5) while the web of packaging material (5) advances between the forming station (8) and the sterilization station (10) during use; Packaging machine (1).

2. the blow unit (39) generates a flow of sterilizing fluid transversely and / or in a direction opposite (D1) to the direction of advance (D2) of the web of packaging material (5); The packaging machine according to claim 1.

3. the holding device (22) comprises a plurality of blowing units (39), each blowing unit (39) generating a flow of sterilizing fluid against at least a portion of the web of packaging material (5) as the web advances along a respective portion of the web advancement path (P) between the forming station (8) and the sterilization station (10); The packaging machine according to claim 1.

4. the holding device (22) comprises a sterilization unit for sterilizing the web of packaging material (5) while it passes between the forming station (8) and the sterilization station (10); The packaging machine according to claim 1.

5. the sterilization unit comprises a UV light irradiator; 5. The packaging machine according to claim 4.

6. and further comprising a housing defining an interior space within which, in use, said web of packaging material (5) advances as it moves along said web advancement path (P). The packaging machine according to claim 1.

7. The forming device (7) is disposed within the housing.

7. The packaging machine according to claim 6.

8. the sterilization apparatus (9) comprising an irradiation device (30) configured, in use, to direct sterilizing radiation at the advancing web of packaging material (5); The packaging machine according to claim 1.

9. the irradiation device (30) comprises one or more electron beam emitters (31, 32) for emitting electron beam irradiation onto the advancing web of packaging material (5), in use; 9. The packaging machine according to claim 8.

10. The sterilization device (9) comprises a housing (33) having an inlet opening for receiving the web of packaging material (5) to be sterilized and an outlet opening for allowing the web of sterilized packaging material (5) to be discharged, the outlet opening is adjacent to the inlet opening of the isolation chamber (15), and in use the web of packaging material (5) exits the sterilizer (9) through the outlet opening and enters the isolation chamber (15) through the inlet opening. The packaging machine according to claim 1.

11. the forming device (7) comprises a plurality of forming units (11) configured to simultaneously form the forming portions (4) onto different portions of the web of packaging material (5); The packaging machine according to claim 1.

12. A method of forming pourable food-filled packages (2) from a web of packaging material (5), comprising the steps of: advancing said web of packaging material (5) along a web advancement path (P); forming a shaped portion (4) on the web of packaging material (5) at a forming station (8); sterilizing the web of packaging material (5) at a sterilization station (10), said sterilization station (10) being located downstream of said forming station (8) along said web advancement path (P); forming a tube (18) from the web of packaging material (5) that advances in use within the internal environment (16) of the isolation chamber (15); longitudinally sealing the tube (18) within an internal environment (16); filling said tube (18) with a pourable food product; producing a package (2) from said tube (18) by forming, transversely sealing and transversely cutting said tube (18); maintaining the cleanliness and / or sterility of at least said shaped part (4); Equipped with During the holding step, a flow of sterilizing fluid is directed against at least a portion of the web of packaging material (5) as it travels between the forming station (8) and the sterilization station (10). method.

13. During the holding step, the flow of sterilizing fluid is directed transversely and / or oppositely (D1) to the advancing direction (D2) of the web of packaging material (5), The method of claim 12.

14. During the holding step, multiple streams of the sterile fluid are generated; each stream of sterilizing fluid is directed toward a respective portion of the web of packaging material (5) that is different from other portions of the web of packaging material (5) while the web of packaging material (5) advances along a respective portion of the web advancement path (P) and while the web of packaging material (5) advances between the forming station (8) and the sterilization station (10); The method of claim 12.

15. During the holding step, a sterilizing substep is performed; In said sub-step, at least a portion of the web of packaging material (5) is sterilized while passing between said forming station (8) and said sterilization station (10), The method of claim 12.

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