Packaging machine and method for manufacturing packages

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) is described for producing a package (2) comprising a conveying apparatus (5) for advancing a web of packaging material (4), an isolation housing (12) having a main chamber (14) and an auxiliary chamber (15), and a tube forming and sealing apparatus (16) disposed at least partially within the main chamber (14) and configured, in use, to form and longitudinally seal a tube (3) within the main chamber (14), the tube (3) having a longitudinal seal (18). The packaging machine comprises a filling device (17) for filling the tube (3) with a pourable product, a pressure control device (22) configured to control a first pressure (p1) in the main chamber (14) and a second pressure (p2) in the auxiliary chamber (15), a pressure measuring device (23) configured to measure a pressure difference (Δp) between the first pressure (p1) and the second pressure (p2), and an analysis unit (24) configured to monitor the time-dependent course of the pressure difference (Δp) and determine the collapse of the longitudinal seal (18).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for producing packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a package of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product. [Background technology]

[0003] 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 made of sterile packaging material, in particular in sealed packages.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik AsePtic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure with a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of sterile packaging for shelf-stable products, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, e.g. 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 ultimately comes into contact with the food product.

[0005] Packaging of this kind is usually produced in a fully automatic packaging machine, which advances the web of packaging material from a magazine unit, through a sterilizer for sterilizing the web of packaging material, and into an isolation housing (closed, at least partially sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. An example of a packaging machine is disclosed in EP 3575227 A1. During the advancement of the packaging material web through the main chamber of the isolation housing, the packaging material web is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube with a longitudinal seal, which tube is further fed along a vertically advancing direction into and advanced through the auxiliary chamber of the isolation housing.

[0006] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a sterilized or sterilized pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, then shaped to at least partially define the final shape of the package, transversely sealed and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in a package forming unit of the packaging machine while advancing along a vertical direction.

[0007] Each pillow package is thus obtained in the packaging machine, each pillow package having a longitudinal seal band, an upper lateral seal band and a lower lateral seal band.

[0008] It is known that immediately after sealing, the longitudinal seal of the tube is still warm and therefore weaker than the fully cooled one. This usually happens when the tube advances through the downstream part of the main chamber and the upstream part of the auxiliary chamber. It is therefore required to control the entire process so as to avoid or at least limit the possibility of the longitudinal seal collapsing (i.e. opening and / or losing its integrity) during the advancement of the tube as a result of the forces acting on the tube itself.

[0009] Should the longitudinal seal be compromised (i.e. the tube opens or loses its integrity), production must be stopped and restarted under sterile conditions.

[0010] Therefore, a need is felt to provide a packaging machine that is capable of detecting the breakdown of the longitudinal seal in a timely manner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine which overcomes the problems which arise, in particular in that it is possible to detect in time the occurrence of a collapse of the longitudinal seal.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing such a package, which makes it possible to detect in time the occurrence of collapse of the longitudinal seal in particular. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging machine and a method for producing sealed packages as claimed in the independent claims.

[0014] Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0015] 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]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the packaging machine of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Diagram 3] 2 shows the time-dependent magnitude of two process parameter values ​​monitored during operation of the packaging machine of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing packages 2, in particular sealed packages 2, of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product such as pasteurised milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., from a tube 3 of a web of packaging material 4. In particular, in use, the tube 3 extends along a longitudinal direction, in particular vertically.

[0018] The packaging material web 4 comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, in particular paper or cardboard, covered on each side with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, for example polyethylene.

[0019] The web of packaging material 4 may comprise a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and at least a first layer and a second layer of heat seal plastic material. Preferably, the layer of gas and light barrier material is superimposed on the first layer of heat seal plastic and covered with a second layer of heat seal plastic. The second layer of heat seal plastic may form the inner surface of the package 2 that will ultimately contact the filled pourable food product.

[0020] More specifically, the packaging material web 4 may have a first side and a second side, in particular the first side being the side of the packaging material web 4 that forms the inner surface of the formed package 2 that will ultimately contact the filled pourable food product.

[0021] A typical package 2 obtained by the packaging machine 1 comprises a longitudinal seam and a pair of transverse sealing bands, in particular a top transverse sealing band and a bottom transverse sealing band.

[0022] With particular reference to FIG. 1 , the packaging machine 1 may be configured to advance a web of packaging material 4 along a web advancement path P, preferably sterilize the web of packaging material 4 while advancing along path P, form a tube 3 from the web of packaging material 4, fill the tube 3, and preferably form a single package 2 from the filled tube 3.

[0023] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 may comprise: - a conveying device 5 configured to advance the web of packaging material 4 along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station 6 where, in use, the web of packaging material 4 is formed into a tube 3, and to advance the tube 3 along a tube advancement path Q; - a sterilization device 7 for sterilizing at least a part of the web 4 of packaging material, preferably at least the first side, more preferably the first side and the second side, preferably in a sterilization station 8 arranged upstream of the tube forming station 6 along the advancement path P of the web; - an isolation housing 12 extending along a longitudinal axis A, in particular having a vertical direction, and having at least a main chamber 14 and an auxiliary chamber 15, the auxiliary chamber 15 being arranged downstream of the main chamber 14 along the tube advance path Q; - a tube forming and sealing device 16 arranged at least partially within the isolation housing 12, in particular within the main chamber 14, and configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube 3 at the tube forming station 6 within at least a portion of the isolation housing 12, in particular within the main chamber 14; and - a filling device 17 for filling the tube 3 with a pourable product.

[0024] In particular, when in use, the main chamber 14 is kept sterile. In particular, the auxiliary chamber 15 is not sterile. In other words, the main chamber 14 is a sterile chamber and / or is configured to be operated under sterile conditions, but the auxiliary chamber 15 is not a sterile chamber.

[0025] In particular, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 may be configured to form a tube 3 having a longitudinal seal 18. More particularly, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 may be configured to, in use, overlap lateral edges of the web of packaging material 4 and seal the overlapped lateral edges to form a longitudinal seal 18. The longitudinal seal 18 extends parallel to the tube advancement path Q.

[0026] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 also comprises a package forming unit 19 configured to at least form, transversely seal and preferably transversely cut the tube 3 between successive packages 2, in particular while advancing the tube 3 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0027] The packaging machine 1 may also comprise a magazine unit configured to hold the web of packaging material 4 at the host station 20. In particular, the magazine unit may comprise at least two stations, each station configured to hold a respective bobbin of one of the webs of packaging material 4. More particularly, in use, one station may hold a bobbin with the web of packaging material 4 that is in use, while the other station may hold a bobbin of a new web of packaging material 4.

[0028] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1, in particular the magazine unit, may also comprise a splicing device configured to splice the web of packaging material 4 in use (i.e. the web of packaging material 4 currently being used) with a new web of packaging material 4. More particularly, the splicing device may be configured to splice a leading portion of the new web of packaging material 4 to a trailing portion of the web of packaging material 4 in use.

[0029] In particular, during use, the splicing of the used packaging material web 4 with the new packaging material web 4 may define a spliced ​​portion of the packaging material web 4 formed as a result of the splicing. The spliced ​​portion of the web of packaging material 4 comprises two superimposed fibrous layers. In other words, the thickness of the spliced ​​portion is greater than the thickness of the remaining portion of the web of packaging material 4, in particular (substantially) twice as thick.

[0030] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 may also be provided with a sensor device having one or more position sensors 21 configured to determine the spliced ​​portion of the web of packaging material 4, in particular to determine the relative position of the spliced ​​portion along the web advancement path P.

[0031] Advantageously, the packaging machine 1 may also comprise a pressure control device 22 arranged to control the pressure in at least a part of the isolation housing 12 , in particular in at least the main chamber 14 and preferably in the auxiliary chamber 15 .

[0032] According to some preferred embodiments, the pressure controller 22 is configured to control a first pressure p1 in the main chamber 14 and a second pressure p2, different from the first pressure p1, in the auxiliary chamber 15. In particular, the first pressure p1 is higher than the second pressure p2.

[0033] In particular, in this manner, the pressure controller 22 is configured to control the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2 to prevent contaminants from entering the main chamber 14.

[0034] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the pressure controller 22 may be configured to control the first pressure p1 in the range of 20 mbar to 100 mbar above ambient pressure, preferably in the range of 30 mbar to 90 mbar above ambient pressure, and more preferably in the range of 50 mbar to 80 mbar above ambient pressure.

[0035] Furthermore, the pressure controller 22 may be configured to control the pressure difference ΔP between the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2 (Δp=p1-p2). In particular, the pressure controller 22 may be configured to adjust the pressure difference Δp to a desired and / or defined pressure difference value Δp des The control unit 100 may be configured to maintain the

[0036] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, a desired and / or defined pressure differential value ΔP des may be greater than 8 mbar, in particular greater than 10 mbar, more in particular at least 11 mbar.

[0037] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, a desired and / or defined pressure difference value ΔP des may be less than 20 mbar, in particular less than 15 mbar, more in particular less than 12 mbar.

[0038] According to the most preferred embodiment, the desired and / or defined pressure difference value ΔP des may be equal to 11 mbar.

[0039] The pressure difference Δp can be determined, for example, as shown in the initial part of the curve representing the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp, by a desired pressure difference value and / or a defined pressure difference value Δp des It should be noted that the σ is subject to inherent variation around σ.

[0040] The packaging machine 1 may comprise a pressure measuring device 23 configured to measure, in particular continuously measure, the pressure difference Δp. In particular, the pressure measuring device 23 comprises a first pressure measuring unit 56 configured to measure the pressure in the main chamber 14 and a second pressure measuring unit (not shown) configured to measure the pressure in the auxiliary chamber 15.

[0041] Preferably, the pressure measurement device 23 comprises at least one differential pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure difference Δp between the main chamber 14 and the auxiliary chamber 15. The differential pressure sensor may comprise a first and a second pressure measurement unit.

[0042] The packaging machine 1 may also comprise an analysis unit 24, in particular operatively connected to the pressure measuring device 23 and arranged to monitor the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp (see the curve reproduced in solid line in FIG. 3). Preferably, the analysis unit 24 is a control unit which controls all functions of the packaging machine.

[0043] The analysis unit 24 is configured to determine a collapse of the longitudinal seal 18, in particular a loss of opening and / or integrity of the longitudinal seal 18, depending on the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp.

[0044] Indeed, the applicant has discovered that if the longitudinal seal 18 collapses, the measured pressure differential Δp may decrease, and in particular may decrease significantly (see FIG. 3 and the significant change in pressure differential Δp shown by the solid line).

[0045] In particular, if the longitudinal seal 18 collapses, fluid communication will occur between the main chamber 14 and the auxiliary chamber 15, causing the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2 to approach each other. Furthermore, the pressure control device 22 will not be able to compensate for the approaching first pressure p1 and second pressure p2, at least not immediately.

[0046] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 24 detects whether the pressure differential drop Δp is greater than or equal to a threshold drop Δp thres In particular, the drop in pressure difference Δp may be configured to determine a collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 when the pressure difference Δp is likely to equal or exceed a desired and / or defined pressure difference value Δp des and the measured pressure difference Δp.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the analysis unit 24 may determine whether the measured pressure difference Δp is below a lower limit Δp low The method may be configured to determine collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 when the potential difference between the longitudinal seal 18 and the longitudinal seal 18 is less than or equal to the potential difference between the longitudinal seal 18 and the longitudinal seal 18 .

[0048] Threshold drop pP thresis preferably, but not necessarily, 1 mbar or more, in particular 2 mbar or more, more in particular 3 mbar or more.

[0049] For example, the desired and / or determined pressure difference value Δp des is equal to 11 mbar, and the threshold drop Δp thres may be defined as 3 mbar, the analysis unit 24 may determine the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion 18 when the pressure difference Δp is equal to or less than 8 mbar. low may be 8 mbar.

[0050] The applicant has determined that the threshold drop Δp thres must be chosen to correctly determine collapse without generating false alarms (i.e., falsely identifying a collapse). This is due to the threshold drop Δp thres is preferentially ensured to be ≧1 mbar, in particular ≧2 mbar, more in particular ≧3 mbar.

[0051] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the threshold drop Δp thres may be 5 mbar or less, in particular 4 mbar or less, more in particular 3.5 mbar or less.

[0052] In particular, the threshold drop Δp thres The definition of is selected to correctly detect collapse of the vertical seal 18 (without generating unnecessary false alarms, i.e., without falsely identifying a collapse).

[0053] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 24 may be configured to indicate the occurrence of collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 and / or trigger an interruption of the production of the package 2 by the packaging machine 1 if the analysis unit 24 detects collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 during use.

[0054] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, operation of the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 may depend on the position of the sealed portion of the web of packaging material 4 as determined by at least one position sensor 21 .

[0055] Preferably, the sensor arrangement 21 may comprise at least two position sensors 21, each sensor 21 being arranged along the web advancement path P upstream from the isolation housing 12, in particular also upstream from the sterilisation device 7.

[0056] Further preferably, the at least one position sensor 21 may be arranged adjacent to the magazine unit (preferably at or downstream of the splicing device). Additionally or alternatively, the at least one position sensor 21 may be arranged adjacent to the sterilization device 7 (preferably upstream of the sterilization device 7).

[0057] Furthermore, the tube forming and sealing device 16 may be configured to change operation, in particular to change energy transfer, depending on whether or not a splicing portion advances within the isolation housing 12, in particular within the main chamber 14. In particular, energy transfer needs to be greater when sealing a tube 3 having a splicing portion.

[0058] The applicant has observed that collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 may be more likely to occur in the portion of the longitudinal seal 18 that originates from the splice portion compared to other portions of the longitudinal seal 18.

[0059] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 24 may be configured to determine the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion 18 depending on whether the splicing portion advances in the isolation housing 12 and / or whether the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion 18 is determined while the tube 3 having the longitudinal seal portion 18 with a portion originating from the splicing portion advances in the isolation housing 12, in particular during the decrease of the pressure difference Δp. In particular, the analysis unit 24 is configured to activate the monitoring of the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp while the splicing portion advances in the isolation housing 12 and / or while the tube 3 having the longitudinal seal portion 18 with a portion originating from the splicing portion advances in the isolation housing 12, and to deactivate the monitoring of the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp at other moments. In this way, false alarms can be reduced. In fact, the occurrence of collapse is more likely in the case of a longitudinal seal portion 18 with a portion originating from the splicing portion.

[0060] In another embodiment, the analysis unit 24 is configured to continuously monitor the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp, regardless of the position of the splice portion.

[0061] 1 and 2, the filling device 17 may comprise a filling pipe 25 arranged at least partially within the tube 3 for supplying the pourable product into the tube 3. In particular, the filling pipe 25 may be in fluid communication with a pourable product storage tank.

[0062] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the filling device 17 may comprise a fill level detection device configured to determine the fill level of the pourable food product in the tube 3. In particular, the fill level detection device may comprise a floater configured to float, in use, on the column of pourable food product present in the tube 3, and a sensor (e.g. a magnetic sensor) configured to read the relative position of the floater within the tube 3.

[0063] The filling level detection device may be operatively connected to an analysis unit 24, which may be configured to monitor the time-dependent course of the filling level (see dashed curve in FIG. 3).

[0064] Furthermore, the analysis unit 24 may be configured to detect a drop in the filling level, in particular a drop greater than or equal to a threshold value and / or whether the filling level is equal to a lower threshold filling level.

[0065] Furthermore, according to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 24 can be configured to detect the collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 depending on the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp and / or alternatively depending on the time-dependent course of the filling level.

[0066] More specifically, the analysis unit 24 determines whether the pressure difference Δp is equal to or falls below a lower threshold filling level and whether the pressure difference Δp is equal to or falls below a lower threshold filling level depending on the drop in the filling level and / or depending on the drop in the pressure difference Δp. low The device may be configured to detect collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 depending on whether the longitudinal seal 18 is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

[0067] In particular, the drop in fill level may be determined as the difference between a nominal fill level that must be maintained during the manufacture of the package 2 and the measured fill level.

[0068] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 24 detects whether the drop in the fill level is equal to or greater than the threshold value and whether the drop in the pressure difference Δp is greater than or equal to the pressure threshold Δp thres The sensor may be configured to detect collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 when the longitudinal seal 18 is equal to or greater than .

[0069] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the lower threshold fill level is in the range of 0.2 to 0.7, preferably 0.3 to 0.5, of the nominal fill level.

[0070] This will reduce the risk of false alarms (misidentification of a collapse).

[0071] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 24 may be configured to determine the collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 when: - when, during use, the splicing portion advances through the isolation housing (12) and / or when a portion of the longitudinal seal portion (18) originating from the splicing portion advances through the isolation housing (12); and - The drop in pressure difference (Δp) is below the threshold drop (Δp thres ) and / or the measured pressure difference (Δp) is equal to or exceeds the lower limit (Δp low ) and / or - If the drop in filling level is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0072] 1 and 2, the sterilization station 8 may be located upstream of the tube forming station 6 along the forward path P of the web. In other words, the sterilizer 7 may be located upstream of the isolation housing 12 along the path P. In further words, during use, the web of packaging material 4 is sterilized before it enters the isolation housing 12, and in particular the main chamber 14.

[0073] Preferably, the sterilisation device 7 may be arranged along the web advancement path P downstream of the magazine unit.

[0074] In particular, the package forming apparatus 19 may be located along path Q downstream of the isolation housing 12 and the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 .

[0075] More particularly, the conveying device 5 may be adapted to advance the tube 3 and any intermediate portions of the tube 3 along a path Q, in particular from the tube forming station 6 through part of the main chamber 14 to the auxiliary chamber 15 and through the auxiliary chamber 15, and more particularly towards and at least partially through the package forming unit 19, in a manner known as such.

[0076] In particular, "tube 3 intermediate" refers to any configuration of the web of packaging material 4 before obtaining a tubular structure and after folding of the web of packaging material 4 by the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 has begun. In other words, the tube 3 intermediate is the result of gradually folding the web of packaging material 4 to obtain the tube 3, in particular by overlapping opposing side edges of the web of packaging material 4 with one another.

[0077] With particular reference to Figure 2, the sterilisation apparatus 7 may be configured to sterilise the web of packaging material 4, in particular the first side, and more particularly the second side, by physical sterilisation such as sterilising radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, and more particularly electron beam radiation.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the sterilisation device 7 may be configured to sterilise the web, in particular the first side and more in particular the second side, of the packaging material 4 by chemical sterilisation, in particular sterilisation by hydrogen peroxide.

[0079] More particularly, according to certain disclosed non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the sterilization device 7 may comprise an irradiation device 26 arranged at a sterilization station 8 and adapted, in use, to sterilize at least a first side, and preferably also a second side, by applying sterilizing radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, more in particular electron beam radiation, to at least the first side, and preferably also to the second side, while the web of packaging material 4 advances along the sterile portion of the path P; - at least one shielded chamber 27 housing an irradiation device 26 and in particular comprising an advancement channel 28 through which, in use, the web of packaging material 4 advances during sterilization of the web, in particular of the first side and more in particular of the second side.

[0080] More specifically, the irradiation device 26 includes: at least a first radiation emitter, in particular a first electron beam emitter 29, configured in use to direct sterilizing radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, more in particular electron beam radiation, towards the first surface; and a second radiation emitter, preferably also a second electron beam emitter 30, configured in use to direct sterilizing radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, more in particular electron beam radiation, towards the second surface; and It may comprise:

[0081] Preferably, the electron beam emitter 29 and the electron beam emitter 30 may be arranged side-by-side and spaced apart from each other such that at least a portion of the forward channel 28 is interposed between the electron beam emitter 29 and the electron beam emitter 30.

[0082] 1 and 2, isolation housing 12 is configured to separate an interior environment 31, particularly having at least one sterile portion, from an exterior environment 32.

[0083] More specifically, the main chamber 14 is the portion of the isolation housing 12 where, in use, the web of packaging material 4 is formed into the tube 3 and where, in use, the web of packaging material 4 is longitudinally sealed. In other words, the main chamber 14 contains the portion of the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 that directly interacts with the web of packaging material 4 and the tube 3 itself to form and longitudinally seal the tube 3.

[0084] More particularly, the auxiliary chamber 15 may be located downstream (directly) of the main chamber 14 along the tube advancement path Q. In particular, in use, the formed and longitudinally sealed tube 3 passes directly from the main chamber 14 to the auxiliary chamber 15 (i.e., no further chambers are located between the main chamber 14 and the auxiliary chamber 15).

[0085] In particular, the main chamber 14 and the auxiliary chamber 15 may be in communication with each other, in particular in direct communication.

[0086] Preferably, the main chamber 14 may be comprised of a respective main interior space 33 that defines a portion of the interior environment 31, in particular a sterile portion of the interior environment 31. In other words, the main chamber 14 may preferentially be a sterile main chamber 14 (i.e., the main chamber 14 may be kept sterile during manufacture).

[0087] Stated further, during use, the packaging material web 4 may advance through a portion of the main chamber 14 before being formed into the tube 3. Preferably, the interior space 31 may be sterile, so that the sterility of the packaging material 4 web and tube 3 is maintained.

[0088] Preferably, the auxiliary chamber 15 may comprise an auxiliary interior space 34 that defines a further portion of the interior environment 31. The auxiliary interior space 34 may be a non-sterile environment.

[0089] Preferably, the isolation housing 12 may also include a containment chamber 35 disposed downstream of the auxiliary chamber 15 along the tube advancement path Q and configured to receive gas (present within the auxiliary chamber 15) that leaks from the auxiliary chamber 15.

[0090] In particular, the containment chamber 35 may communicate, in particular directly communicate, with the auxiliary chamber 15. In other words, in use, the tube 3 may pass from the auxiliary chamber 15 to the receiving chamber 35.

[0091] In the illustrated preferred non-limiting embodiment, the isolation housing 12 may comprise an inlet portion 36 for receiving the web of packaging material 4 and an outlet portion 37 for enabling discharge of the tube 3 from the isolation housing 12 itself, in particular to the package forming unit 19.

[0092] Preferably, the main chamber 14 may include an inlet portion 36 .

[0093] Preferably, the containment chamber 35 defines and / or may include an outlet portion 37 .

[0094] In the illustrated preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sterilizer 7 may be coupled to the main chamber 14 , in particular such that the web of packaging material 4 passes from the sterilizer 7 into the main chamber 14 .

[0095] Preferably, the isolation housing 12 also includes at least one main separation wall for separating the main chamber 14 and the auxiliary chamber 15 from each other.

[0096] In particular, the portion of the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 that may be disposed within the main chamber 14 may be located along the tube advancement path Q upstream of the main separation wall.

[0097] With particular reference to FIG. 2 , the package forming unit 19 may comprise a number of complementary pairs of operational units 42 (shown only diagrammatically) configured to at least form, transversely seal and in particular transversely cut the package 2.

[0098] More specifically, and with particular reference to FIG. 2, pressure control device 22 includes: a gas regulating unit 50 configured to direct pressurized (sterile) gas into the main chamber 14 to control the first pressure P1; a flow conduit 51 fluidly connecting the main chamber 14 and the auxiliary chamber 15 and configured to allow a (controlled) flow of gas from the main chamber 14 to the auxiliary chamber 15, in particular for controlling the second pressure P2; It may comprise:

[0099] More specifically, the gas regulating unit 50 may comprise an injection tube 52 disposed at least partially within the main chamber 14 and configured to inject (sterile) gas into the main chamber 14, and preferably a control valve 53 for controlling the flow of gas within the injection tube 52.

[0100] More specifically, injection tube 52 extends at least partially into main chamber 14 parallel to axis A and may include a number of nozzles for injecting pressurized gas into main chamber 14 .

[0101] Additionally, the gas regulation unit 50 may be further configured to at least pressurize the gas, and more preferably, at least in particular to pressurize and sterilize the gas prior to injection into the main chamber 14 .

[0102] Furthermore, the gas regulation unit 50 may further comprise an injection tube 54 configured to inject pressurized (sterilized) gas into the sterilizer 7, in particular into the shielded chamber 27. Preferably, the injection tube 54 may be configured to inject gas into the interface between the sterilizer 7 and the isolation housing 12.

[0103] Preferably, the pressure controller 22 may comprise a control valve 55, preferably a ball valve, arranged in the flow passage 51 and configured to control the flow of gas from the main chamber 14 through the flow passage 51 to the auxiliary chamber 15, in particular to control the second pressure. In particular, the control valve 55 of the controller 22 controls the flow of gas through the flow passage 51 and thus the pressure difference Δp between the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2 (Δp=p1-p2).

[0104] The pressure measurement device 23 comprises a first measuring unit 56 configured to measure and / or determine a first pressure p1. Preferably, the pressure controller 22 may be configured to control the control valve 53 as a function of the first pressure measured and / or determined by the first measuring unit 56.

[0105] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the pressure in containment chamber 35 may be about ambient pressure. Note that gas present in auxiliary chamber 15 may also leak (in an uncontrolled manner) into containment chamber 35.

[0106] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the pressure control device 22, and in particular the gas regulator 50, may be configured to draw gas from the sterilizer 7, and in particular the shielded chamber 27, and direct it to the gas regulator 50 itself, in particular for recirculation purposes.

[0107] With particular reference to FIG. 1 , the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 may include at least a tube forming group 57 configured, in use, to form a tube 3 from an advancing web of packaging material 4, and at least a sealing head 58 configured to longitudinally seal the tube 3.

[0108] More specifically, a tube forming group 57 and a sealing head 58 may be disposed within the main chamber 14 .

[0109] More specifically, the tube forming group 57 may comprise at least a plurality of forming ring assemblies 59, in the particular example shown in FIG. 1 two forming ring assemblies 59, which are arranged within the main chamber 14 and are configured to gradually fold the web of packaging material 4 into the tube 3, in particular by overlapping the respective side edges of the web of packaging material 4.

[0110] In particular, the formed ring assemblies 59 may be arranged in parallel spaced apart planes, in particular orthogonal to the axis A, and more particularly having a substantially horizontal orientation. Preferably, the other downstream positioned formed ring assembly 59 is designed to also exert a mechanical force on the tube 3, in particular to facilitate longitudinal sealing of the tube 3.

[0111] In use, the packaging machine 1 forms packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0112] More specifically, the method of forming the package 2 includes: - advancing a web of packaging material 4 along an advancement path P; - folding the web of packaging material 4 in the main chamber 14 of the isolation housing 12 into a tube 3 at a tube forming station 18; - sealing the tube 3 longitudinally within the main chamber 14, thereby forming a longitudinal seal 18; - filling the tube 3 with a pourable product; - advancing the tube 3 along a path Q through a portion of the main chamber 14 to and within the auxiliary chamber 15; - forming a tube 3 and sealing the tube 3 transversely between successive packages 2, in particular cutting the tube 3 transversely between successive packages 2 to obtain single packages 2 from the tube 3; Equipped with.

[0113] The method further comprises: - controlling the pressure while controlling the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2; - measuring a pressure difference, in particular continuously, during which the pressure difference Δp is measured; - monitoring the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp, during which the time-dependent course of the pressure difference is monitored; - determining the collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 as a function of the time-dependent course of the pressure difference Δp; Equipped with.

[0114] More specifically, during the controlling step, the pressure difference Δp is adjusted to a desired and / or defined pressure difference value Δp, particularly under normal operating conditions. des is maintained.

[0115] Preferably, the pressure difference Δp is a desired and / or defined pressure difference value Δp des fluctuates around .

[0116] Furthermore, during the controlling step, the pressure controller 22 may control the pressure difference Δp, in particular by controlling the first pressure p1 and the second pressure p2.

[0117] More specifically, during the determining step, the decrease in pressure differential Δp is greater than or equal to a threshold drop Δp thres and / or the measured pressure difference Δp is equal to or exceeds the lower limit Δp low If the measured value of the longitudinal seal 18 is equal to or less than the measured value of the longitudinal seal 18, collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 can be determined.

[0118] In particular, the determining and monitoring steps may be performed by the analysis unit 24 .

[0119] The method of forming the package 2 further comprises: - detecting the filling level of the pourable food in the tube 3, in particular by means of a filling detection device; - monitoring the time-dependent progression of the filling level; It may comprise:

[0120] Furthermore, during the determining step, the collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 may be determined depending on the time-dependent progression of the filling level.

[0121] In particular, the collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 may be determined depending on a measured drop in the fill level, in particular a drop that is greater than the determined drop in the fill level.

[0122] Additionally or alternatively, collapse of the longitudinal seal 18 may be determined when the fill level is equal to or less than a lower threshold fill level.

[0123] By combining the criterion relating to the pressure difference Δp with the criterion relating to the filling level, the risk of erroneously determining that the longitudinal seal 18 has collapsed can be reduced.

[0124] More specifically, during the detecting step, the relative position of the floater is detected (to measure the fill level).

[0125] The method of forming the packaging material 2 may also include a splicing step in which the in-use packaging material web 4 is spliced ​​with the new packaging material web 4. In particular, during the splicing step, a trailing portion of the in-use packaging material web 4 is spliced ​​together with a leading portion of the new packaging material web 4.

[0126] Further, the splicing step results in a web of packaging material 4 having a spliced ​​portion.

[0127] Advantageously, during the determining step, the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion 18 is also determined depending on whether the splicing portion advances within the isolation housing 12 and / or whether a portion of the longitudinal seal portion 18 originating from the splicing portion advances within the isolation housing 12 during use.

[0128] Combining this criterion with at least a criterion relating to the pressure difference Δp reduces the risk of falsely detecting a collapse of the vertical seal 18. Furthermore, a criterion relating to the filling level may be taken into account for detecting the vertical seal 18.

[0129] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, during the determining step, a collapse of the longitudinal seal portion 18 may be determined if: in use, when the splicing portion advances through the isolation housing 12 and / or when the portion of the longitudinal seal portion 18 originating from the splicing portion advances through the isolation housing 12; - The decrease in pressure difference Δp is the threshold decrease Δp thres If the measured pressure difference Δp is greater than or equal to the lower limit Δp low and / or - If the drop in filling level is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0130] The method for forming the package 2 may comprise detecting the position of the splice portion along the web advancement path P by means of a sensor device, in particular one or more position sensors 21. Furthermore, whether the splice portion and / or a portion of the longitudinal seal portion 18 derived from the splice portion may advance in the isolation housing 12 may be determined from knowledge of the relative position and movement of the conveying device 5.

[0131] The method of forming the package 2 may further comprise a signaling step of signaling the occurrence of a collapse of the longitudinal seal 18. In this way, it is possible, for example, to alert an operator so that the operator can decide to abort the formation of the package 2.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, the method of forming the package 2 may also include a triggering step of interrupting the formation of the package 2 if collapse of the longitudinal seal portion 18 is determined during the determining step.

[0133] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the method also includes a step of sterilizing at least the first side, and in particular the second side, of the web of packaging material 4 in a sterilization station 8. In particular, the sterilizing step is performed before the step of folding the packaging material 4. More particularly, the sterilizing step is performed before the packaging material enters the isolation housing 12.

[0134] During the step of folding the tube 3, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 16 gradually overlaps the opposing side edges of the web of packaging material 4 to form a longitudinal seal.

[0135] During the step of longitudinally sealing the tube 3, the tube forming and sealing device 16 seals the overlapping opposite side edges of the web of packaging material 4 to obtain a longitudinal seal.

[0136] During the step of advancing the tube 3 , the conveying device 5 advances the tube 3 (and the intermediate body of the tube 3 ) along a path Q to a package forming device 19 .

[0137] In particular, the transport device 5 advances the tube 3 through a portion of the main chamber 14 to the auxiliary chamber 15 , preferably to and through the receiving chamber 35 .

[0138] In the step of filling the tube 3, a filling device 17 fills the longitudinally sealed tube 3 with a pourable product.

[0139] During the step of obtaining single packages 2 , the package forming unit 19 forms a tube 3 between successive packages 2 , transversely seals and preferably transversely cuts the tube 3 between successive packages 2 .

[0140] More specifically, during the step of sterilizing the web of packaging material 4, at least a substep is carried out of directing sterilizing radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, more specifically electron beam radiation, to at least a first side, and preferably also to a second side, of the web of packaging material 4.

[0141] The advantages of the packaging machine 1 and / or the method according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0142] In particular, it is possible to determine in good time the occurrence of a collapse of the vertical seal 18. This also enables necessary measures to be taken in good time.

[0143] However, modifications may be made to the packaging machine 1 and / or method described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for manufacturing dispenseable product packages (2) from a web (4) of packaging material that advances along a forward path (P) of the web, wherein the packaging machine (1) A conveying device (5) for advancing the web (4) of the packaging material along the web advancement path (P) to a tube forming station (6) where the web (4) of the packaging material is formed into a tube (3) during use, and for advancing the tube (3) along the tube advancement path (Q), An isolation housing (12) having a main chamber (14) and an auxiliary chamber (15) arranged downstream of the main chamber (14) along the tube forward path (Q), A tube forming and sealing device (16) is at least partially disposed within the main chamber (14) and configured to form the tube (3) within the main chamber (14) and seal it longitudinally when in use, and the tube (3) has a longitudinal sealing portion (18). A filling device (17) for filling the tube (3) with a product that can be dispensed, A pressure control device (22) is configured to control a first pressure (p1) in the main chamber (14) and a second pressure (p2) in the auxiliary chamber (15), wherein the second pressure (P2) is different from the first pressure (p1). A pressure measuring device (23) configured to measure the pressure difference (Δp) between the first pressure (p1) and the second pressure (p2), An analysis unit (24) is operably connected to the pressure measuring device (23) and configured to monitor the time-dependent progression of the pressure difference (Δp), Equipped with, The analysis unit (24) is configured to determine the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) depending on the time-dependent progression of the pressure difference (Δp). Packaging machine (1).

2. The pressure control device (22) determines the pressure difference (Δp) between the first pressure (p1) and the second pressure (p2) to a desired and / or defined pressure difference value (Δp ｄｅｓ ) Maintain it, The desired and / or defined pressure difference value (Δp ｄｅｓ ) is higher than 8 mbar, The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

3. The analysis unit (24) determines that the measured pressure difference (Δp) is equal to the threshold drop (Δp ｔｈｒｅｓ If the measured pressure difference (Δp) is equal to or greater than the lower limit (Δp ｌｏｗ The collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) is determined when it is equal to or less than ) The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

4. The filling device (17) includes a filling level detection device configured to determine the filling level of the dispenseable food in the tube (3), The filling level detection device is operationally connected to the analysis unit (24), and the analysis unit (24) monitors the time-dependent progression of the filling level. The analysis unit (24) determines the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) depending on the time-dependent progression of the filling level. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

5. The analysis unit (24) detects a decrease in the filling level and / or that the filling level is equal to or less than the lower threshold filling level. The analysis unit (24) detects the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) depending on the measured drop in the filling level and / or when the filling level is equal to or less than the lower threshold filling level. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 4.

6. The splicing device further comprises a splicing device configured to splice a web (4) of packaging material in use with a web (4) of new packaging material. The web (4) of the packaging material obtained by splicing the web (4) of the packaging material in use with the web (4) of the new packaging material has a spliced ​​portion formed as a result of the splicing. The analysis unit (24) determines the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) depending on whether the splicing portion advances within the isolation housing (12) and / or whether the portion of the longitudinal seal portion (18) derived from the splicing portion advances within the isolation housing (12) during use. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned analysis unit (24) is When the splicing portion moves forward within the isolation housing (12) during use, and / or when a portion of the longitudinal sealing portion (18) derived from the splicing portion moves forward within the isolation housing (12); and The decrease in the aforementioned pressure difference (Δp) is the threshold drop (Δp ｔｈｒｅｓ ) if equal to or greater than the lower limit (Δp ｌｏｗ If it is equal to or less than ) Determining the collapse of the longitudinal sealing portion (18), The packaging machine (1) according to claim 6.

8. The analysis unit (24) signals the occurrence of collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) and / or triggers an interruption of package manufacturing by the packaging machine (1). The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

9. The main chamber (14) is operated under sterile conditions. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

10. A method for manufacturing a dispenseable product package (2), The steps include advancing the web (4) of the packaging material along the web advancement path (P) to the tube forming station (6), The tube forming station (6) includes the step of folding the web (4) of the packaging material into a tube (3) within the main chamber (14) of the isolation housing (12), The steps include sealing the tube (3) longitudinally within the main chamber (14) such that the tube (3) has a longitudinal sealing portion (18), The steps include: advancing the tube (3) through a part of the main chamber (14) along the tube advancement path (Q) into the auxiliary chamber (15) of the isolation housing (12) located downstream of the main chamber (14), and through the auxiliary chamber (15); The steps include filling the formed tube (3) with an injectable product, The steps include controlling the pressure while the first pressure (p1) in the main chamber (14) and the second pressure (p2) in the auxiliary chamber (15), which is different from the first pressure (p1), are controlled, While the pressure difference (Δp) between the first pressure (p1) and the second pressure (p2) is measured, the step of measuring the pressure difference, The steps include monitoring the time-dependent progression of the pressure difference (Δp), A step of determining the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) depending on the time-dependent progression of the pressure difference (Δp), A method that includes [a certain feature].

11. During the control step, the pressure difference (Δp) between the first pressure (p1) and the second pressure (p2) becomes a desired and / or defined pressure difference value (Δp ｄｅｓ ) is maintained, Desired and / or defined pressure difference value (Δp ｄｅｓ ) is greater than 8 mbar, The method according to claim 10.

12. During the step of making the determination, if the decrease in the pressure difference (Δp) is equal to or exceeds a threshold drop (Δp ｔｈｒｅｓ ), and / or if the pressure difference (Δp) is equal to or below a lower limit value (Δp ｌｏｗ ), the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) is determined. The method according to claim 10.

13. The steps include detecting the filling level of the dispenseable food in the tube (3), Steps include monitoring the time-dependent progression of the filling level, Furthermore, During the steps described above, the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) is determined in accordance with the time-dependent progression of the filling level. The method according to claim 10.

14. During the steps described above, the collapse of the longitudinal seal portion (18) is determined depending on the measured drop in the filling level and / or when the filling level is equal to or less than the lower threshold filling level. The method according to claim 13.

15. The method further includes the step of splicing the web of the packaging material (4) in use with the web of a new packaging material (4), The web of the packaging material (4) obtained by splicing has a spliced ​​portion formed as a result of splicing. During the steps to determine, the collapse of the longitudinal sealing portion (18) is determined depending on whether the splicing portion advances within the isolation housing (12) during use, and / or whether the portion of the longitudinal sealing portion (18) derived from the splicing portion advances within the isolation housing (12). The method according to claim 10.

Images