Packaging machine that forms multiple sealed packages filled with fluid products

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) that forms multiple sealed packages (2) includes a conveying device (5) that advances a web (4) of packaging material, an isolation chamber (10), a tube forming device (13) configured to advance the web (4) of packaging material to form a tube (3), a partitioning element (40) positioned inside the tube (3) and designed to divide the tube (3) into a first space (41) and a second space (42), and a pressurizing device (43) configured to guide a flow of sterilization gas into the second space (42) in order to obtain a second gas pressure in the second space (42). The system comprises a tube (3), a sealing device, a filling device (15), a package forming unit (16) configured to form a package (2) from a forward-moving tube (3) and seal it laterally, a tension adjustment device (32), and a control unit (17) configured to control the transport device (5) and / or the tension adjustment device (32) and / or the package forming unit (16) to change the forward speed of the tube (3) and the release speed of the formed and sealed package (2), and to control the pressurizing device (43) to change the second gas pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for manufacturing sealed packages filled with fluid products, particularly fluid foods.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing sealed packages filled with fluid products, particularly fluid foods.

Background Art

[0003] Many liquid or fluid foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] As a typical example, Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is a parallelepiped-shaped packaging material for liquid foods, can be mentioned. This is manufactured by sealing and folding a laminated strip-shaped packaging material. This packaging material has a multilayer structure in which a base material layer such as paper is covered with layers of a heat-sealable plastic material (for example, polyethylene) on both sides. For example, in the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage such as UHT milk, the packaging material includes an oxygen barrier layer (for example, aluminum foil), the oxygen barrier layer is laminated on the heat-sealable plastic material layer, and another heat-sealable plastic material layer is further coated thereon, finally forming the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0005] Such packaging is usually manufactured by a fully automatic packaging machine that passes a web of the packaging material through a sterilization device for sterilization and holds and conveys the sterilized web in an isolation chamber (closed aseptic environment) maintained in a sterilized state. When the web of the packaging material passes through the isolation chamber, the web is folded in the longitudinal direction and sealed into a tube having a longitudinal joint at a tube forming station, and then further supplied in the vertical direction.

[0006] To complete the molding process, the tubes are filled with a sterile or sterile-treated fluid product, particularly a fluid food, and are laterally sealed along equally spaced cross-sections while moving vertically in the package forming unit within the packaging machine, and then cut.

[0007] Pillow packages are formed within the packaging machine, and each pillow package has a longitudinal seal, a transverse seal at the top, and a transverse seal at the bottom.

[0008] A typical packaging machine comprises a conveying device that advances a web of packaging material along a web advance path; a tube forming device that forms a tube from the web along a tube advance path; a sterilization device that sterilizes the web of packaging material before forming it into a tube; a tube forming and sealing device, at least partially located in an isolation chamber, that forms a tube from the advancing web of packaging material and seals the tube longitudinally; a filling device that fills the tube with a fluid product; and a package forming unit that forms individual packages from the packaging material of the tube, seals them laterally, and cuts them.

[0009] A typical packaging machine also includes a tension adjustment device to control the tension of the tube, i.e., the packaging material that forms the tube. In particular, it is known that the tension adjustment device is placed between the sterilization station and the tube forming station to control the tension of the tube. Examples of packaging machines equipped with a tension adjustment device are disclosed in European Patent Application EP3725692B1 and European Patent Application EP3725689B1, filed in the name of the present applicant.

[0010] To accurately form individual packages, the water pressure provided by the fluid product within the tube must be sufficiently high; otherwise, irregularly shaped packages will be obtained. Typically, the column of fluid product within the tube that provides the required water pressure extends at least 500 mm above the hit position (i.e., the position where the forming, sealing, and cutting assembly begins to contact the advancing tube). As an alternative, the present applicant's European patent application EP3456638B1 proposes providing a pressurizing assembly that guides a flow of sterilizing gas into the tube during use, thereby adjusting the gas pressure within the tube to the appropriate forming pressure. This reduces the required water pressure provided by the product column. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] This machine needs improvement. In particular, increased flexibility is required.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that overcomes at least one of the drawbacks described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a sealed package that overcomes at least one of the drawbacks described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] These objectives are fully achieved by the packaging machine and method for manufacturing a sealed package according to one or more of the attached claims.

[0014] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the packaging machine according to the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 2] This is a magnified view of the details of the packaging device shown in Figure 1, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Number 1 shows the entire packaging machine that produces sealed packages 2 of fluid foods such as pasteurized milk and fruit juice from tubes 3 of packaging material web 4. In particular, when in use, tubes 3 extend along their longitudinal axis and have a particular vertical orientation.

[0017] The web 4 of the packaging material has a multilayer structure in which a fibrous material (usually paper) layer is covered on both sides with a heat-sealable plastic material (e.g., polyethylene) layer.

[0018] Preferably, the web 4 further includes a gas and light blocking layer (e.g., aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film) and at least a first heat-sealable plastic material layer and a second heat-sealable plastic material layer. The gas and light blocking layer is superimposed on the first heat-sealable plastic material layer and further covered by the second heat-sealable plastic material layer. The second heat-sealable plastic material layer forms the inner surface of the package 2 that ultimately comes into contact with the food product.

[0019] A typical package 2 produced by the packaging device 1 comprises a sealed longitudinal section and a pair of lateral sections 66, in particular a pair of upper lateral sections 66 and lower lateral sections 66 (i.e., one section 66 at the top of the package 2 and another section 66 at the bottom of the package 2).

[0020] In Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 includes a conveying device 5 that advances the web 4 along a web advancement path P in a known manner from the supply station to the forming station 9. At the forming station 9, the web 4 is formed into a tube 3 for use. The conveying device 5 is configured to advance the tube 3 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0021] The packaging machine 1 comprises an isolation chamber 10 having an internal environment 11, in particular a sterilized internal environment 11, which is filled with a sterilizing gas, in particular sterilized air, and is separated from the external environment 12.

[0022] The packaging machine 1 comprises a tube forming device 13 which extends along a longitudinal axis and is arranged, in particular, vertically, and which is arranged, at least in part, preferably entirely, within the isolation chamber 10 and is configured to form a tube 3 from a web 4 which advances during use.

[0023] The packaging machine 1 comprises a sealing device which is arranged at least in part within the isolation chamber 10 and is configured to seal the tube 3 formed by the tube forming device 13 longitudinally.

[0024] Preferably, the tube forming device 13 is configured to gradually fold the web 4 into the tube 3, in particular by overlapping a first end and a second end with each other to form a longitudinal joint of the tube 3, and in particular this longitudinal joint is sealed by the operation of the sealing device during use.

[0025] Preferably, the conveying device 5 is configured to convey the tube 3 and an intermediate body of the tube 3 along a tube advancing path Q, in particular from the forming station 9 to the package forming unit 16. In particular, the "intermediate body of the tube 3" refers to any configuration of the web 4 before obtaining a tube structure and includes the state after the folding of the web 4 by the tube forming device 13 has started. In other words, the intermediate part of the tube 3 is formed during the process of gradually bending the web 4 to obtain the tube 3, in particular by overlapping a first edge of the web 4 and a second edge opposite to the first edge with each other.

[0026] Preferably, the tube forming device 13 comprises at least two forming ring assemblies 22, and is particularly arranged within the isolation chamber 10 (particularly the internal environment 11), and is configured to cooperate with each other to gradually bend the web 4 into the tube 3, particularly to overlap the ends with each other to form a longitudinal joint. In the specific example shown in the figure, the first forming ring assembly 22 is arranged along the path Q on the downstream side of the second forming ring assembly 22. In particular, the first and second forming ring assemblies 22 are arranged at intervals and parallel to each other. Further, the first and second forming ring assemblies 22 are arranged coaxially with each other and define the longitudinal axis of the tube forming device 13.

[0027] Preferably, the sealing device comprises a sealing head 21 for interacting with the tube 3 to seal the tube 3 longitudinally, particularly to seal the longitudinal joint. In particular, the sealing head 21 is configured to heat the tube 3, particularly along the joint. The sealing head 21 is of a type that operates by induction heating, hot air, ultrasonic waves, or other means.

[0028] Preferably, the sealing device includes a pressurizing assembly configured to apply a mechanical force to the tube 3, particularly to the substantially overlapping ends of the tube 3, to sufficiently seal the tube 3 along the joint. In particular, the pressurizing assembly includes an interaction roller and a counter-interaction roller configured to apply a mechanical force from the opposite side of the joint. In use, the joint is arranged between the interaction roller and the counter-interaction roller. Preferably, the interaction roller is supported by the forming ring assembly 22.

[0029] The packaging machine 1 comprises a filling device 15 for continuously filling the tube 3 with a flowable product.

[0030] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the filling device 15 comprises a filling pipe 27, and the filling pipe 27 is fluid-connected to a flowable product storage tank for storing / supplying the flowable product to be packaged.

[0031] In particular, the filling pipe 27 is configured to guide the fluid product into the tube 3 during use. Preferably, at least a portion of the filling pipe 27 is positioned inside the tube 3 during use and is configured to continuously supply the fluid product to the tube 3. Specifically, the filling pipe 27 includes a linear main pipe section 28 that extends into the tube 3.

[0032] More specifically, the main pipe section 28 comprises an upper section 29 and a lower section 30 that are connected to each other (preferably detachable). In detail, the lower section 30 has an outlet opening for supplying a fluid product to the tube 3 when in use.

[0033] The packaging machine 1 includes a package forming unit 16 that, when in use, shapes, seals laterally, and cuts a forward-moving tube 3 to form a package 2. In particular, the package forming unit 16 is positioned along the path Q, downstream of the isolation chamber 10, the tube forming device 13, and the sealing device.

[0034] In Figure 2, the package forming unit 16 is - Multiple actuating assemblies 61 (only one is shown) and multiple counter actuating assemblies 62 (only one is shown); and - A track (not shown) is configured to move the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 along a transport path, in particular, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 move periodically along the transport path. Furthermore, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 are movable along the track independently of each other. It is equipped with.

[0035] More specifically, the actuation assembly 61 is configured to cooperate with the counter actuation assembly 62 to form the package 2 from the tube 3 when in use. In particular, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 are configured to shape, laterally seal, and preferably laterally cut the tube 3 to form the package 2.

[0036] More specifically, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 are configured to cooperate with each other to form the package 2 from the tube 3 as they advance along the actuation portion of the transport path. In particular, while advancing along the transport path, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 advance parallel to and in the same direction as the tube 3.

[0037] More specifically, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 are configured to contact the tube 3 as they advance along the actuation portion of the transport path. In particular, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 are configured to always initiate contact with the tube 3 at a fixed position.

[0038] Furthermore, the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62 are - Half shell 63 configured to contact tube 3 and define at least part of the shape of package 2; - Either a sealing element 64 or a counter-sealing element 65 configured to laterally seal the tube 3 between adjacent packages 2 and form a laterally sealed portion 66; and - Either a cutting element (not shown, known) or a counter-cutting element (not shown, known), configured to cut the tube 3 laterally between adjacent packages 2, and in particular between the sealing portions 66, It is equipped with.

[0039] In particular, each half-shell 63 is configured to be controlled between a working position and a resting position by a drive assembly. Specifically, when in use, the half-shell 63 moves along the actuation mechanism and is controlled to the working position together with the actuation assembly 61 or the counter actuation assembly 62.

[0040] It should be noted that the sealing element 64 and the counter sealing element 65 are of the type that operate by induction heating, hot air, ultrasound, or other means.

[0041] In preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the package forming unit 16 is any of the forms described in European Patent Application EP3254980A1 and European Patent Application EP3476751A1. It is expressly understood that the functional and structural features of the forming assemblies described in European Patent Application EP3254980A1 and European Patent Application EP3476751A1 are applicable to the package forming unit 16 described herein.

[0042] In Figures 1 and 2, the isolation chamber 10 includes a housing 14 (circularly shown) that separates the internal environment 11 from the external environment 12. In particular, the internal environment 11 contains a sterilization gas (especially sterilization air) under a specific pressure. Preferably, the specific pressure is slightly higher than the ambient pressure to reduce the risk of contaminants entering the internal environment 11. In particular, the specific pressure is about 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0.001 Bar to 0.005 Bar) higher than the ambient pressure.

[0043] Preferably, the packaging device 1 includes means (not shown, known means) for supplying a sterilization gas (especially sterilization air) to the isolation chamber 10 (especially the internal environment 11).

[0044] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, particularly with reference to Figure 2, the packaging device 1 is: - A partitioning element 40 that is placed inside the tube 3 when in use and is designed to divide the tube 3 into a first space 41 and a second space 42; and - A pressurizing device 43 is configured to continuously guide sterilization gas into the second space 42 during use, such that the gas pressure in the second space 42 becomes higher than the gas pressure in the first space 41. It is equipped with.

[0045] More specifically, the first space 41 is partitioned by the tube 3, particularly the sides of the tube 3, and by the partitioning element 40. Furthermore, the first space 41 is open to the internal environment 11. More specifically, the partitioning element 40 partitions the first space 41 in its downstream portion, particularly at the bottom.

[0046] More specifically, the second space 42 is partitioned during use by the tube 3, particularly the sides of the tube 3, the partitioning element 40, and the lateral sealing portion 66.

[0047] More specifically, the first space 41 is located upstream of the second space 42 along the forward path Q of the tube. More specifically, the first space 41 is located upstream of the delimiter element 40 along the forward path Q. In the specific example shown, the second space 42 is located below the first space 41.

[0048] In particular, as will become clear from the following explanation, the second space 42 defines a high-pressure region within the tube 3, and the first space 41 defines a low-pressure region within the tube 3.

[0049] In the context of this application, the high-pressure region (i.e., the second space 42) is understood to have an internal pressure in the range of approximately 5 kPa to 40 kPa (0.05 Bar to 0.4 Bar) above the ambient pressure, and particularly approximately 10 kPa to 30 kPa (0.10 Bar to 0.30 Bar) (i.e., The pressure in the second space 42 is approximately 5 kPa to 40 kPa (0.05 Bar to 0.4 Bar) higher than the ambient pressure, and particularly about 10 kPa to 30 kPa (0.10 Bar to 0.30 Bar) higher. In other words, the second space 42 is under overpressure.

[0050] The low-pressure region (i.e., the first space 41) means a pressure slightly higher than the ambient pressure. In particular, a pressure slightly higher than the ambient pressure refers to a pressure within the range of 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0.001 Bar to 0.005 Bar) from the ambient pressure.

[0051] More specifically, the first space 41 is (directly) fluidly connected to the internal environment 11. Therefore, the sterilization gas present in the first space 41 can flow into the internal environment 11.

[0052] In particular, at least a portion of tube 3 (and its intermediates) is placed inside the isolation chamber 10 (especially within the internal environment 11).

[0053] Preferably, the pressure in the first space 41 is (substantially) equal to the given pressure in the isolation chamber 10 (particularly the internal environment 11). Preferably, the pressure in the first space 41 is in the range of 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0.001 Bar to 0.005 Bar) higher than the ambient pressure.

[0054] The filling device 15, particularly the filling pipe 27, is configured to guide the fluid product into the second space 42. Therefore, during use, the second space 42 contains the fluid product and pressurized sterilization gas. The pressurized sterilization gas provides the water pressure necessary for the precise molding of the package 2 (i.e., the sterilization gas substitutes for the action of a column of the fluid product within the tube 3).

[0055] Advantageously, the partitioning element 40 is designed to provide at least one fluid channel 44 (particularly having an annular shape) during use, thereby fluidly connecting the second space 42 and the first space 41, and allowing the leakage of sterilization gas from the second space 42 to the first space 41 during use. In particular, during use, the sterilization gas leaks from the second space 42 (high-pressure region) to the first space 41 (low-pressure region) through the fluid channel 44. By providing the fluid channel 44, it becomes possible to control the gas pressure in the second space 42 with greater precision. Preferably, the partitioning element 40 is designed so that during use, the fluid channel 44 is formed by the gap between the inner surface of the tube 3 and the partitioning element 40, particularly the peripheral portion 45 of the partitioning element 40.

[0056] In particular, the pressurizing device 43 is configured to supply sterilization gas at a flow rate of approximately 10 to 200 Nm3 / h, especially 20 to 180 Nm3 / h, and even more specifically, approximately 25 to 150 Nm3 / h.

[0057] Preferably, the pressurizing device 43 is configured to change the flow rate of sterilization gas in accordance with the flow rate of sterilization gas flowing from the second space 42 to the first space 41, particularly through at least the fluid channel 44.

[0058] Preferably, the pressurizing device 43 is configured to control the gas pressure in the second space 42 to a range higher than the ambient pressure, specifically 5 kPa to 40 kPa (0.05 Bar to 0.40 Bar), and particularly 10 kPa to 30 kPa (0.1 Bar to 0.3 Bar).

[0059] Advantageously, the pressurizing device 43 is designed to provide a closed sterilization gas circuit from the internal environment 11 to the second space 42 and back to the internal environment 11. More specifically, the pressurizing device 43 is configured to draw sterilization gas from the internal environment 11, pressurize (compress) the sterilization gas, and guide the pressurized (compressed) sterilization gas to the second space 42.

[0060] Preferably, the pressurizing device 43 includes a pump device 46 configured to draw sterilization gas from the internal environment 11, pressurize (compress) the sterilization gas, and guide the pressurized sterilization gas to the second space 42. Preferably, the pump device 46 is a rotating machine, and more specifically, a compressor.

[0061] The packaging machine 1 includes a control unit 17 that controls the operation of the packaging machine 1.

[0062] Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to control the operating parameters of the pump device 46, particularly the operating parameters of the compressor. As will be described later, the control unit 17 is configured to control the operating parameters of the pump device 46 according to at least one of the forward speed of the web 4 or the forward speed of the tube 3 (both forward speeds are equal) or the type or shape of the package 2 that is formed or the volume of the package 2 that is formed.

[0063] Preferably, the rotating machinery, in particular the compressor, is configured to operate at a rotational speed in the range of 10,000 to 100,000 rpm, particularly 20,000 to 80,000 rpm, and even more particularly 30,000 to 60,000 rpm.

[0064] In the specific examples disclosed, the control unit 17 is adapted to control the rotational speed of a rotating machine, in particular a compressor, as a function of at least one of the forward speed of the web 4 or the forward speed of the tube 3 or the form of the package 2 to be formed or the volume of the package 2 to be formed.

[0065] Preferably, the rotating machinery, in particular the compressor, is configured such that the pressure supplied increases with increasing rotational speed.

[0066] Preferably, the rotating machinery, particularly the compressor, is configured to maintain a nearly constant gas pressure in the second space 42, thereby allowing the flow rate of the sterilization gas to be varied in accordance with the flow rate of gas from the second space 42 to the first space 41 (through the fluid channel 44).

[0067] Preferably, the pressurizing device 43 includes a gas supply pipe 48 that connects the internal environment 11 and the second space 42 at least indirectly via a fluidic connection and guides sterilization gas from the internal environment 11 to the second space 42. In particular, the gas supply pipe 48 is directly and fluidly connected to the second space 42. Preferably, the gas supply pipe 48 is connected at least indirectly to the pump device 46, particularly to the compressor.

[0068] More specifically, the gas supply pipe 48 includes at least a main body 49 that extends inside the tube 3 when in use. In particular, the main body 49 extends parallel to the main pipe section 28. More specifically, at least the main body 49 and the main pipe section 28 are coaxial with each other.

[0069] In the specific example shown, the filling pipe 27 extends at least partially into the gas supply pipe 48. Alternatively, the gas supply pipe 48 may extend at least partially into the filling pipe 27.

[0070] More specifically, at least a portion of the main pipe section 28 of the filling pipe extends within the main body section 49 of the gas supply pipe.

[0071] In particular, the diameter of the cross-section of the main pipe section 28 of the filling pipe is smaller than the diameter of the cross-section of the main body section 49 of the gas supply pipe.

[0072] Preferably, the gas supply pipe 48 and the filling pipe 27 define / partition an annular conduit 50 for sterilization gas supplied to the second space 42. In particular, the annular conduit 50 is partitioned by the inner surface of the gas supply pipe 48 and the outer surface of the filling pipe 27.

[0073] In other words, during use, the sterilization gas is introduced into the second space 42 through the annular conduit 50.

[0074] The pressurizing device 43 is - Pumping device 46, in particular a rotating machine, more specifically a compressor, and a first gas conduit 51 directly fluid-connected to a gas supply pipe 48; and - The internal environment 11 and the pump device 46, in particular the rotating machinery, more specifically the compressor and the second gas conduit 52 which is directly fluid-connected. It is equipped with.

[0075] Therefore, during use, sterilization gas is drawn from the internal environment 11 through the gas conduit 52, pressurized (compressed) by the pump device 46, and then guided into the second space 42 through the gas conduit 51 and gas supply pipe 48.

[0076] Preferably, the separator element 40 is detachably connected to at least a portion of the filling pipe 27 and / or the gas supply pipe 48. In particular, the separator element 40 is connected to at least a portion of the filling pipe 27 and / or the gas supply pipe 48 in a floating manner (i.e., with play). In particular, floating means that the separator element 40 is configured to move (slightly) parallel to the forward path Q of the tube. That is, the separator element 40 is configured to move (slightly) parallel to the tube 3 as it moves along the forward path Q during use.

[0077] In Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 includes a tension adjustment device 32 for controlling the tension of the tube 3. In particular, the tension of the tube 3 is controlled depending on the periodic forward speed of the web 4 and / or the tube 3, and / or the operation of the package forming unit 11.

[0078] In particular, the tension adjustment device 32 is positioned upstream of the tube forming device 13 along the web's forward path P and is configured to control the tension of the tube 3. Specifically, it is configured to control the tension in the portion of the web 4 between the tension adjustment device 32 and the tube forming device 13. Furthermore, the tension adjustment device 32 is positioned upstream of the tube forming device 13 and downstream of the sterilization station and / or sterilizer.

[0079] Advantageously, the control unit 17 is configured to control the operation of the tension adjustment device 32.

[0080] In Figure 1, the tension adjustment device 32 is - Main drive roller 33 that can rotate around the main rotation axis; and - A main drive motor (especially a servo motor) connected to the main drive roller 33 and configured to drive the rotation of the main drive roller 33 around the main rotation axis, It is equipped with.

[0081] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the tension adjustment device 32 further includes: - Auxiliary drive roller 35 that can rotate around an auxiliary rotation axis; and - Connected to the auxiliary drive roller 35 and configured to drive and / or control the rotation of the auxiliary drive roller 35 around the auxiliary rotation axis, the auxiliary drive motor (especially the auxiliary servo motor) It is equipped with.

[0082] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the auxiliary drive roller 35 and the main drive roller 33 are spaced apart from each other along the web forward path P, and in particular, the auxiliary drive roller 35 is positioned upstream of the main drive roller 33.

[0083] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the tension adjustment device 32 further includes: - A main counter roller 36 that is rotatable about a central axis and is adjacent to the main drive roller 33, particularly adjacent in the circumferential direction, and even more particularly in the tangential direction; and - Rotatable about a central axis, adjacent to the auxiliary drive roller 35, particularly adjacent in the circumferential direction, and even more particularly, arranged tangentially, the auxiliary counter roller 37 It is equipped with.

[0084] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, depending on the relative arrangement of the auxiliary drive roller 35 and the main drive roller 33, the auxiliary counter roller 37 is positioned upstream of the main counter roller 36 along the web forward path P.

[0085] In particular, during use, the web 4 is interposed between the main counter roller 36 and the main drive roller 33, especially between the auxiliary counter roller 37 and the auxiliary drive roller 35, and / or moves forward.

[0086] Advantageously, the control unit 17 is configured to control the main drive motor, thereby periodically changing the angular velocity of the main drive roller 33 to control the tension of the tube 3, and in particular the tension of the portion of the web 4 between the main drive roller 33 and the tube forming device 13.

[0087] In particular, in the context of this specification, the term “periodically changing” means that the angular velocity and / or angular acceleration of the main drive roller 33 follows a time-dependent velocity profile and / or time-dependent acceleration profile that repeats according to a specified and / or determined and / or given frequency.

[0088] In other words, the control unit 17 is configured to control the main drive motor, thereby causing the angular velocity and / or angular acceleration of the main drive roller 33 to change periodically according to a time-dependent velocity profile and / or acceleration profile, and to repeat according to a defined operating frequency. In particular, the time-dependent velocity profile is defined according to the manufacturing cycle of the package 2 and / or the operating cycle of the package forming unit 16.

[0089] In particular, since the force acting on the tube 3 during the formation of package 2 is periodic, it is advantageous to control the angular velocity and / or angular acceleration around the rotation axis (and main drive motor) of the main drive roller 33 according to a periodic velocity profile and / or acceleration profile.

[0090] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 17 is configured to change and / or control the angular velocity and / or angular acceleration of the main drive roller 33 as a function of the operation of the package forming unit 11 and / or the package forming cycle and / or the force acting on the tube 3 and / or the operation of the filling device 15 and the filling of the tube 3.

[0091] In particular, the package formation cycle is substantially determined by the interaction between the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62, especially the half shell 63, the sealing element 64 and the counter sealing element 65, and the tube 3.

[0092] The operation of the package forming unit 16 (and the interaction between the actuation assembly 61, the counteracting assembly 62, and the tube 3) determines the periodic forward velocity of the web 4 (particularly the portion of the web 4 downstream of the tensioning device 32) and / or the tube 3. In particular, the periodic forward velocity profile is such that the forward velocity of the web 4 and / or the tube 3 repeatedly occurs according to a specified frequency during the formation of one package 2.

[0093] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the control unit 17 is configured to control the auxiliary drive motor and the main drive motor, and the free loop 38 of the web 4 expands and / or advances between the auxiliary drive roller 35 and the main drive roller 33 when in use.

[0094] In the present invention, the free loop 38 indicates that the portion of the web 4 that extends and / or advances between the auxiliary drive roller 35 and the main drive roller 33 is not subjected to any tension, and the portion of the web 4 that defines and / or forms the free loop 38 is not subjected to tension and / or tension. In other words, the free loop 38 is a tension-free portion of the web 4.

[0095] While not mandatory, preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to control the auxiliary drive motor, and the angular velocity of the auxiliary drive roller 35 is set to maintain and / or control the free loop 38 that expands and / or advances, particularly between the auxiliary drive roller 35 and the main drive roller 33.

[0096] In particular, during use, the angular velocity of the auxiliary drive roller 35 substantially controls the extension of the free loop 38, and the angular velocity of the main drive roller 33 substantially controls the tension of the tube 3.

[0097] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 further comprises a sterilizer for sterilizing at least a portion of the web 4, preferably at least the first surface, more preferably the first and second surfaces, in particular, in a sterilization station. Preferably, the sterilization station is located upstream of the tube forming station along the web's forward path P. Preferably, the sterilization station is fluidly connected to the isolation chamber 10.

[0098] In particular, the irradiation device comprises at least a first irradiation emitter, in particular a first electron beam irradiation emitter, and is configured to irradiate the first surface of the web 4 of the packaging material with sterilization irradiation, in particular electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more particularly electron beam irradiation. Preferably, the irradiation device further comprises a second irradiation emitter, in particular a second electron beam irradiation emitter. This second irradiation emitter is configured, when in use, to irradiate the second surface of the web 4 of the packaging material with sterilization irradiation, in particular electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation.

[0099] Preferably, the irradiation device is of the type described in European Patent Application EP3549878A1 and European Patent Application EP3549613A1, both filed in the name of the present applicant. It is expressly understood that all functional and structural features of the apparatus described in European Patent Application EP3549878A1 and European Patent Application EP3549613A1 are applicable to the irradiation device of the machine described herein.

[0100] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 further comprises a folding unit that receives a package 2 formed and sealed from a package forming unit 16 and produces a folded package.

[0101] The package 2 (a so-called "pillow package") manufactured by the package forming unit 16 comprises a main body and a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of the main body. The first end comprises a first fin projecting laterally from the main body and a pair of first flaps projecting laterally from the first fin. The second end comprises a second fin projecting laterally from the main body and a pair of second flaps projecting laterally from the second fin. In particular, the first fin has a rectangular shape and projects from the upper lateral sealing portion 66, and the second fin has a rectangular shape and projects from the lower lateral sealing portion 66. The first end tapers from the main body toward the first fin, and the second end tapers from the main body toward the second fin. The first flap has a substantially triangular shape and projects from the opposite side of the first end, and the second flap has a substantially triangular shape and projects from the opposite side of the second end.

[0102] The folding unit is, in effect, - An endless conveyor for continuously supplying package 2 along a folding path from the supply station to the discharge station. - A first folding means that periodically works in conjunction with each package 2 to flatten the first end, fold the first fin towards the first end, and bend the first flap toward the main body toward the second end. - A second folding means that periodically works in conjunction with each package 2 to flatten the second end, fold the second fin to the second end, and fold the second flap to the second fin. It is equipped with.

[0103] Preferably, the folding unit further includes a heating device that acts on the bent first and second flaps, and is configured to melt the outer layer of the packaging material and seal the flaps before they are pressed against the main body and the second fin, respectively.

[0104] Preferably, the folding unit further comprises a pressing device in cooperation with package 2 to hold the flap against the flattened fin while the flap is cooled. The heating device is positioned along the folding path, particularly between the folding means and the pressing device.

[0105] In particular, the heating device comprises an assembly air device, a pair of first nozzles connected to the assembly air device and configured to blow hot air onto a first flap of the package before the package reaches the pressing device, and a pair of second nozzles connected to the assembly air device and configured to blow hot air onto a second flap of the package.

[0106] Preferably, the folding unit is of the type described in European Patent Application EP3549613A1, filed in the name of the present applicant. It is expressly understood that all functional and structural features of the apparatus described in European Patent Application EPP3549613A1 are applicable to the folding unit described herein.

[0107] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the packaging machine 1 further comprises a strip application device for applying a sealing strip to a web of packaging material. The strip application device comprises a conveying device for conveying the sealing strip along a strip conveying path and to the web of packaging material 4 before the formation of a tube 3. The strip application device comprises a heat distribution device configured to direct a flow of heated gas (particularly air) to the web of multilayer packaging material and / or the sealing strip. The strip application device comprises an application device configured to heat-seal the sealing strip to the web of multilayer packaging material.

[0108] Preferably, the strip application device is of the type described in European Patent Application EP4137295A1, filed in the name of the present applicant. It is expressly understood that all functional and structural features of the device described in European Patent Application EP4137295A1 are applicable to the folding unit described herein.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the packaging machine 1 is configured to receive fluid products from an upstream device and / or to transport formed and sealed (and folded) packages 2 to a downstream device.

[0110] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a packaging line is provided, which comprises a packaging machine 1 and at least one of upstream equipment and downstream equipment.

[0111] The upstream equipment is configured to supply the fluid product to be filled. The upstream equipment may include one or more of the following: tanks, separators, steam injectors, heat exchangers, homogenizers, mixers, filtration systems, and degassing equipment.

[0112] The downstream equipment is configured to receive the molded and sealed (and folded) package 2 and to perform further operations on the molded and sealed package 2. In particular, the downstream equipment receives the package 2 produced by the folding unit of the packaging machine 1.

[0113] In one embodiment, the downstream equipment includes a corrugated packer that groups a plurality of molded and sealed packages 2 and packs them into a carton. For example, the corrugated packer may be of the type described in International Publications WO2021123263A1 and WO2021089404A1 in the name of the present applicant. It is expressly understood that all the functional and structural features of the corrugated packers described in International Publications WO2021123263A1 and WO2021089404A1 are applicable to the corrugated packers described herein.

[0114] In one embodiment, the downstream equipment includes an accumulator configured to store a plurality of packages. For example, the accumulator may be of the type described in International Publication WO2005102880A1. It is expressly understood that all the functional and structural features of the accumulator described in International Publication WO2005102880A1 are applicable to the accumulator described herein.

[0115] In one embodiment, the downstream equipment includes a cap-fitting device configured to attach a cap or lid to the formed and sealed package 2. According to some embodiments, the cap-fitting device is configured to weld or bond the attached cap or lid to the formed and sealed package 2.

[0116] In one embodiment, the cap-attaching device is configured to attach a cap to the neck of the package 2. The cap-attaching device may include a transport device that advances the package along a forward path, a group of attachment heads configured to attach (particularly screw on) a cap to the neck, and a moving device for moving the group of attachment heads in the forward direction so that the attachment heads are coupled to the neck at a point along the forward path. The moving device is configured to act on a common support element that supports the attachment heads of the group of attachment heads, and is configured to move the attachment heads synchronously in the forward direction.

[0117] For example, the cap mounting device may be of the type described in International Publication WO2017060058A1 in the name of the present applicant. It is expressly understood that all the functional and structural features of the cap mounting device described in International Publication WO2017060058A1 are applicable to the cap mounting device described herein.

[0118] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 is configured to control the transport device 5 and / or the tension adjustment device 32 and / or the package forming unit 16 to change and / or modify the forward speed of the tube 3 and the release speed of the formed and sealed package 2.

[0119] Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to control the pressurizing device 43 (particularly the pump device 46, and even more particularly the compressor) to cause the second gas pressure to fluctuate and / or change. Preferably, the control unit 17 controls the pressurizing device 43 to control the transport device 5, the tension adjustment device 32, and the package forming unit 16 such that the fluctuation (i.e., degree of fluctuation) of the second gas pressure depends on the fluctuation (i.e., degree of fluctuation) of the forward speed and / or release speed. Preferably, the fluctuation of the forward speed and / or release speed occurs simultaneously with the fluctuation of the second gas pressure.

[0120] In particular, the control unit 17 is configured to control the transport device 5, the tension adjustment device 32, and the package forming unit 16 to drive fluctuations and / or changes in the forward speed of the tube and the release speed of the formed and sealed package, thereby driving fluctuations and / or changes in the second gas pressure. Preferably, for each fluctuation in the forward speed of the tube 3, the control unit 17 controls the fluctuation in the second gas pressure.

[0121] When the forward speed of tube 3 changes, the tension in tube 3 and the tension in package 2 typically change. If the tension in tube 3 is too high, the tube becomes prone to collapsing, and there is no space to accommodate the fluid product. However, if the tension in package 2 is too low, package 2 will not be able to withstand the operation of the package forming unit 16 and / or the folding unit. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the tension in the tube and the tension in the package nearly constant (i.e., to minimize the range in which their tensions fluctuate).

[0122] Furthermore, since the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid product filled in the tube is determined by the second gas pressure, changing the second gas pressure will cause a pressure change in the fluid product filled in the tube, resulting in a pressure change in the fluid product contained within the resulting package 2. It is clear that such pressure changes in the fluid product will affect the tension of the tube and the tension of the package.

[0123] Therefore, in order to keep the tension of the tube and the tension of the package nearly constant, the control unit 17 controls the fluctuation of the second gas pressure when controlling the fluctuation of the tube's forward speed. In this way, the fluctuation of the second gas pressure (and the amount of fluid product) always compensates for the fluctuation of the tube 3's forward speed.

[0124] As a result, the quality of Package 2 remains good regardless of the forward speed of the tube, and even during the transient phase when the forward speed changes from one value to another. "Package quality" means that the values ​​of several parameters, such as the weight, dimensions, and surface appearance (specifically, the number and degree of wrinkles on the outer surface of the package), are maintained within predetermined tolerances, and the package is not discarded.

[0125] This highlights how the possibility of not discarding the packaging even during the transitional phase when the forward speed changes from a constant value to another value reduces production waste and improves the sustainability of the machine.

[0126] Preferably, the control unit 17 has access to a database containing multiple values ​​for forward speed and / or release speed, and multiple values ​​for second gas pressure. In this database, the value of the forward speed is associated with the value of the second gas pressure. The control unit 17 is configured to dynamically control the transport device 5 and / or the tension adjustment device 32 and / or the package forming unit 16 and the pressurizing device 43 according to the values ​​stored in the database. In particular, when the control unit 17 controls the change from an initial value to a target value for the forward speed, it refers to the database to extract the value of the second gas pressure corresponding to the target value and controls the pressurizing device 43 so that the value of the second gas pressure corresponding to the target value is reached in the second space 42.

[0127] According to one or more embodiments, the database stores a plurality of second gas pressures corresponding to the shape or form of the package being formed for each value of the forward speed. The control unit 17 is configured to receive information representing the shape or form of the package being formed and to extract a second pressure value corresponding to the shape or form of the package being formed for each value of the forward speed. Thus, the control unit 17 receives information representing the shape or form of the package being formed and information regarding the target forward speed value to be reached as input and extracts the corresponding second gas pressure value from the database. In this way, the control unit 17 simultaneously controls the following: Control the transport device 5 and / or the tension adjustment device 32 and / or the package forming unit 16 to change the forward speed of the tube 3 until it reaches a target value, and The pressurizing device (43) is controlled to change the second gas pressure until it reaches a value extracted from the database.

[0128] The inventors realized that in order to keep the tension in the tube nearly constant, the second gas pressure needs to be increased as the forward speed increases. In other words, the forward speed and the second gas pressure are (approximately) proportional to each other. The control unit 17 is configured to increase the second gas pressure when controlling an increase in the forward speed, and / or to decrease the second gas pressure when controlling a decrease in the forward speed.

[0129] As described above, the package forming unit 16 is configured to operate periodically to produce a periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube 3 (and the release speed of the package 2). Accordingly, the control unit 17 is configured to control the main drive motor of the tension adjustment device 32, periodically changing the angular velocity of the main drive roller 33, so that the forward speed of the web 4 repeats according to a specified frequency.

[0130] The control unit 17 is configured to control the transport device 5 and / or the tension adjustment device 32 and / or the package forming unit 16, and to change the periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube 3 (and the release speed of the package 2). In particular, the control unit 17 is configured to change the periodic profile and / or frequency of the angular velocity of the main drive roller 33 in order to change the periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube 3.

[0131] A change in the periodic profile of forward velocity includes variations in the frequency and / or changes in the value of the period. In particular, in the context of this disclosure, “variation in forward velocity” means variations in the periodic profile and / or changes in the periodic profile.

[0132] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 is configured to control the pressurizing device 43 to change the second gas pressure in response to a change in the periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube 3.

[0133] Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to control the sealing device to change the sealing force supplied by the sealing device in response to variations in the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the package 2. In particular, the control unit 17 is configured to control the sealing head 21 to change the heating force supplied to the longitudinal joint in response to changes in the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the package 2. Specifically, the control unit 17 is configured to increase the heating force of the sealing head 21 when increasing the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the package 2.

[0134] Furthermore, the control unit 17 may be configured to control the lateral sealing assembly (i.e., the actuation assembly 61 and the counter actuation assembly 62) and to change the heating force supplied to the lateral sealing section 66 in response to changes in the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the package 2. In particular, the control unit 17 may be configured to increase the heating force of the lateral sealing assembly when increasing the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the package 2.

[0135] Furthermore, the control unit 17 may be configured to control the heat distribution device of the strip attachment device to change the heating force supplied to the strip and / or web 4 of the packaging material before the tube 3 is formed. In particular, the control unit 17 may be configured to increase the heating force of the strip attachment device when the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the package 2 increases.

[0136] Preferably, the control unit 17 is further configured to control the filling device 15 to change the output ratio of the fluid product in response to variations in the forward speed and / or release speed. In particular, the control unit 17 is configured to increase the output ratio of the fluid product as the forward speed and / or release speed increases.

[0137] Preferably, the control unit 17 is further configured to control the sterilizer to change the irradiation force supplied by the sterilizer in response to variations in the forward speed and / or release speed. In the context of this disclosure, “irradiation force” means the amount of radiation (in particular, the amount of electrons) emitted per unit time. Specifically, the control unit 17 is configured to increase the irradiation force supplied by the sterilizer when the forward speed and / or release speed is increased. More specifically, the control unit 17 is configured to increase the irradiation force supplied by the sterilizer when the forward speed and / or release speed is increased so that the electron dose supplied to the packaging material remains constant.

[0138] Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to control the speed of the folding unit's endless conveyor according to the forward speed and / or release speed. Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to control the folding unit's heating device and change the heating force supplied according to the forward speed and / or release speed.

[0139] Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to receive input data representing the operating status of the upstream and / or downstream equipment and to control the forward speed of the tube 3 and the second gas pressure according to the input data. For example, if the input data represents a deceleration of the upstream and / or downstream equipment, the control unit 17 is configured to reduce the forward speed of the tube 3 and the second gas pressure, thereby allowing the filling machine to adapt its speed to the speed of the upstream and / or downstream equipment (without having to stop the machine). Even if the production speed is reduced, the manufactured packages 2 will not be discarded because they will maintain good quality (due to the adaptation of the second gas pressure). As another example, if the input data indicates a stop (or planned stop) of the upstream and / or downstream equipment, the control unit 17 is configured to reduce the forward speed of the tube 3 to the minimum possible value and to reduce the second gas pressure.

[0140] This disclosure also provides a method for forming a plurality of sealed packages 2 filled with a fluid product. Preferably, this method is carried out by the machine covered by this disclosure.

[0141] This method includes the step of advancing the web 4 of the packaging material along the web advance path P via a conveying device 5.

[0142] This method includes the step of forming a tube 3 from a web 4 of packaging material via a tube forming device 13 that extends along its longitudinal axis and is at least partially located within the internal environment 11 of an isolation chamber 10 containing a sterilization gas.

[0143] This method includes the step of advancing the tube 3 along the tube advancement path Q. Inside the tube, there is a dividing element 40 that divides the tube into a first space 41 (which is in fluid communication with the internal environment 11) and a second space 42 located downstream of the first space 41 along the tube advancement path Q.

[0144] The method includes the step of introducing a variable flow rate of sterilization gas into the second space 42 via a pressurizing assembly to obtain a second gas pressure in the second space 42 that is higher than the first gas pressure in the first space 41.

[0145] This method includes the step of sealing the tube formed by the tube forming device 13 in the longitudinal direction of the tube with a sealing device, at least a portion of which is located within the internal environment 11 of the isolation chamber 10.

[0146] This method includes the step of continuously filling a tube 3 with a fluid product via a filling device 15.

[0147] This method includes the steps of forming a package 2 from a forward-moving tube 3 via a package forming unit 16, and then sealing and cutting it laterally.

[0148] This method includes the step of controlling the tension of the web 4 and / or tube 3 of the packaging material via a tension adjustment device 32.

[0149] This method includes the step of varying the forward speed of the tube and / or the release speed of the formed and sealed package.

[0150] Preferably, the method further includes a step of varying a second gas pressure. The variation in the second gas pressure depends on a variation in the forward speed and / or the release speed, and / or vice versa.

[0151] Preferably, the method further includes the step of receiving a fluid product from an upstream facility. Preferably, the method further includes the step of transferring the formed and sealed package 2 to a downstream facility. Variations in the forward speed of the tube 3 and / or the release speed of the formed and sealed package 2, and / or the second gas pressure depend on the operating conditions of the upstream and / or downstream facilities.

[0152] Preferably, the method further includes the step of controlling the sealing device to change the sealing force provided by the sealing device in response to variations in the forward speed and / or release speed.

[0153] Preferably, the method further includes the step of controlling the filling device 15 to change the output speed of the fluid product in response to variations in the forward speed and / or release speed.

[0154] Preferably, the method further includes the step of sterilizing at least a first surface of the web 4 of the packaging material with a sterilizer equipped with an irradiation device configured to irradiate at least a first surface of the web with sterile electromagnetic irradiation while it is advancing in a sterilization section of the web advance path. Preferably, the method further includes the step of controlling the sterilizer to change the irradiation force supplied by the sterilizer in accordance with variations in the advance speed and / or release speed.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for forming multiple sealed packages (2) filled with a fluid product, A conveying device (5) that transports the web (4) of the packaging material along the forward path (P), An isolation chamber (10) separates the internal environment (11) containing sterilization gas from the external environment (12), A tube forming device (13) extends along the longitudinal axis, is positioned at least partially within the isolation chamber (10), and is configured to form a tube (3) from the advancing web (4) of the packaging material when in use, A partitioning element (40) is placed inside the tube (3) when in use and is designed to divide the tube (3) into a first space (41) and a second space (42), the first space (41) being fluidly connected to the internal environment (11), and the second space (42) being located downstream of the first space (41) along the forward path of the tube. A pressurizing device (43) is provided to introduce sterilization gas into the second space (42) during use, thereby raising the second gas pressure in the second space (42) to a level higher than the first gas pressure in the first space (41). A sealing device is provided, at least a portion of which is located within the isolation chamber and configured to seal the tube formed by the tube forming device in the longitudinal direction. A filling device (15) is configured to continuously fill the tube (3) with a fluid product and to guide the fluid product into the second space (42), A package forming unit (16) is configured to form a package (2) from the forward-moving tube (3) during use and to seal it laterally, A tension adjustment device (32) configured to control the tension of the web (4) and / or the tube (3) of the packaging material, A control unit (17) configured to control the operation of the packaging machine (1), Equipped with, The control unit (17) is The transport device (5) and / or the tension adjustment device (32) and / or the package forming unit (16) are controlled to change the forward speed of the tube (3) and the release speed of the formed and sealed package (2). The pressurizing device (43) is controlled to change the second gas pressure. It is configured in such a way, The fluctuation of the second gas pressure depends on the fluctuation of the forward speed and / or the release speed. Packaging machine (1).

2. The control unit (17) is able to access the database, and the database is Multiple values ​​of the forward speed and / or the release speed, Multiple values ​​of the second gas pressure, Includes, The value of the second gas pressure is associated with the forward speed value, and the control unit (17) is configured to dynamically control the transport device (5), the tension adjustment device (32), the packaging forming unit (16), and the pressurizing device (43) based on the values ​​included in the database. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1.

3. The control unit (17) is The system is configured to increase the second gas pressure in accordance with an increase in the forward speed, and / or decrease the second gas pressure in accordance with a decrease in the forward speed. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 2.

4. The packaging forming unit (16) is configured to operate periodically to produce a periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube (3), The control unit (17) is configured to control the transport device (5) and / or the tension adjustment device (32) and / or the packaging forming unit (16) to change the periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube (3). The control unit (17) is configured to control the pressurizing device (43) to change the second gas pressure in response to a change in the periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube (3). A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The tension adjustment device (32) is positioned upstream of the tube forming unit (13) along the web advancement path (P), and the tension adjustment device (32) is, A main drive roller (33) that can rotate around the main rotation axis, A main drive motor configured to drive the rotation of the main drive roller (33) around its main rotation axis, Equipped with, The control unit (17) is configured to control the main drive motor to periodically change the angular velocity of the main drive roller (33), so that the forward speed of the web (4) repeats according to a defined frequency. The control unit (17) is configured to change the periodic profile and / or frequency of the angular velocity of the main drive roller (33) in order to change the periodic profile of the forward speed of the tube (3). The packaging machine (1) according to claim 4.

6. The control unit (17) is configured to control the sealing device to change the sealing force supplied by the sealing device in accordance with the change in the forward speed and / or the release speed. A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit (17) is configured to control the filling device (15) in accordance with changes in the forward speed and / or the release speed, thereby changing the output level of the fluid product. A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The sterilization apparatus includes an irradiation device that sterilizes at least one first surface of the web (4) of the packaging material by irradiating it with sterilizing radiation while it is being transported along the sterilization portion of the web transport path, The control unit (17) is configured to control the sterilizer so as to change the irradiation force supplied by the sterilizer in accordance with the change in the forward speed and / or the release speed. A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The folding unit receives the formed and sealed packages (2) from the package forming unit (16) and manufactures folded packages, the folding unit comprising an endless conveyor for continuously supplying the packages (2) along a folding path from a supply station to a discharge station, and folding means for performing at least one folding operation on the packages (2) in periodic coordination with the packages (2) during use. The control unit (17) is configured to control the speed of the endless conveyor as a function of the forward speed and / or release speed. A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The system is configured to receive fluid products from the upstream equipment and transfer the formed and sealed packages (2) to the downstream equipment. The control unit (17) is configured to receive input data representing the operating status of the upstream equipment and / or the downstream equipment, and to control the forward speed of the tube (3) and the second gas pressure based on the input data representing the operating status of the upstream equipment and / or the downstream equipment. A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The partitioning element (40) is designed to provide at least one fluid passage that fluidly connects the second space (42) and the first space (41) during use, and to allow leakage flow of the sterilization gas from the second space (42) to the first space (41) during use. The pressurizing device (43) includes at least one pump device configured to draw the sterilization gas from the internal environment (11), pressurize the sterilization gas, and guide the pressurized sterilization gas into the second space (42). A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. It is a packaging line, Upstream equipment configured to supply liquid food products, A packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, configured to receive the fluid product from the upstream equipment, A downstream facility configured to receive packages formed and sealed from the packaging machine (1), Equipped with, The control unit (17) of the packaging machine (1) is configured to control the conveying device (5) and / or the tension adjustment device and / or the package forming unit (16) in order to change the forward speed of the tube (3) in response to the reception of input data representing the operating status of the upstream equipment and / or the downstream equipment, and is configured to control the pressurizing device (43) to change the second gas pressure. Packaging line.

13. The control unit (17) is configured to control the fluctuations in the forward speed of the tube (3) and the fluctuations in the second gas pressure in accordance with the input data representing the operating status of the upstream equipment and / or the downstream equipment. The packaging line according to claim 12.

14. The upstream equipment includes one or more of the following: a tank, a separator, a steam injector, a heat exchanger, a homogenizer, a mixer, a filtration system, and a degassing device. and / or the downstream equipment, A corrugated cardboard packaging machine that groups multiple formed and sealed packages and packs them into cartons. An accumulator configured to store multiple packages, A cap-attaching device for attaching caps to formed and sealed packages. Equipped with one or more of the following facilities: The packaging line according to claim 12 or 13.

15. A method for forming multiple sealed packages (2) filled with a fluid product, The steps include: moving the web (4) of the packaging material forward along the web forward path (P) and passing it through the conveying device (5); The steps include forming a tube (3) from the web (4) of the packaging material via a tube forming device (13) that extends along the longitudinal axis and is at least partially located within the internal environment (11) of an isolation chamber (10) containing sterilization gas, The steps include: advancing the tube (3) along the tube advancement path (Q), A dividing element (40) is placed inside the tube to divide the tube into a first space (41) that is in fluid communication with the internal environment (11) and a second space (42) located downstream of the first space (41) along the tube's forward path (Q). The steps include: introducing a variable flow rate of the sterilization gas into the second space (42) via a pressurizing device to obtain a second gas pressure in the second space (42); and ensuring that the second gas pressure is higher than the first gas pressure in the first space (41). The steps include sealing the tube formed by the tube forming device (13) in the longitudinal direction with a sealing device, at least a portion of which is positioned within the internal environment (11) of the isolation chamber (10), The steps include continuously filling the tube (3) with a fluid product via a filling device (15), The package forming unit (16) forms the package (2) from the advancing tube (3) and seals it laterally, The steps include controlling the tension of the web (4) and / or the tube (3) of the packaging material via a tension adjustment device (32), It is equipped with, and furthermore, The steps include changing the forward speed of the tube (3) and the release speed of the formed and sealed package (2), The step of changing the second gas pressure is included, The fluctuation of the second gas pressure depends on the fluctuation of the forward speed and / or the release speed. method.

16. The steps of changing the forward speed of the tube (3) and the release speed of the formed and sealed package, and changing the second gas pressure are performed simultaneously. The method according to claim 15.

17. The step of receiving liquid products from the aforementioned upstream equipment, The steps include transferring the formed and sealed package (2) to the downstream equipment, The forward speed of the tube (3) and / or the discharge speed of the formed and sealed package (2), and the fluctuation of the second gas pressure depend on and / or are functions of the operating state of the upstream and / or downstream equipment. The method according to claim 15 or 16.

18. A step of controlling the sealing device to change the sealing force supplied by the sealing device in accordance with the change in the forward speed and / or the release speed, and / or The steps include controlling the filling device (15) to change the output speed of the fluid product in accordance with the change in the forward speed and / or the release speed, and / or The sterilization apparatus includes a sterilization device that sterilizes at least one first surface of the web (4) of the packaging material by applying sterilization irradiation, and the control unit (17) controls the sterilization apparatus to change the irradiation force of the sterilization irradiation supplied by the sterilization apparatus in accordance with the change in the forward speed and / or the release speed, Including one or more of the following steps: The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

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