Packaging assembly for forming and sealing multiple packages containing dispensable products

Abstract

A packaging assembly (1) for forming and sealing multiple packages (2) containing a product that can be dispensed from a tube (3) of packaging material is described, and the packaging assembly (1) is - The longitudinal axis (A) along which the tube (3) moves forward; - A sealing device (7) configured to periodically seal a continuous cross-section of a tube (3), comprising a sealing member (70) and a counter-sealing member (72) positioned on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis (A); and - The system includes a discharge device (8) configured to periodically apply a fluid flow (80) to a sealing member (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging assembly for forming and sealing a plurality of packages containing pourable products, preferably pourable foods.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging assembly configured to fill, form, seal, cut, and fold packages containing pourable products from a tube of packaging material.

Background Art

[0003] As is well known, many pourable foods such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] As a typical example, there is a parallelepiped package for pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a web of laminated packaging material. This packaging material has a multilayer structure in which layers of a heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, for example, are coated on both sides of a base layer made of paper.

[0005] In the case of a sterile package for long-term storage such as UHT milk, a layer of an oxygen barrier material (such as an aluminum foil) is superimposed on the layer of the heat-sealable plastic material on the packaging material, and further, a layer of the heat-sealable plastic material is coated thereon, finally forming the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0006] Such packages are usually manufactured by a fully automatic packaging assembly that forms a continuous tube from a web of packaging material. The above type of packaging assembly is disclosed in International Publication WO / 2007 / 114752A.

[0007] In particular, the web is sterilized in a hydrogen peroxide bath. Downstream of the sterilization device, the web is deformed into a tube shape, filled with dispenseable food, and sealed by a sealing device in which a sealing member and a counter-sealing member work together to seal the tube of packaging material laterally. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] While known packaging assemblies are functionally effective, the applicant recognized that there was room for further improvement. They believed it was necessary to extend the lifespan of sealing device components, particularly sealing members including heating elements.

[0009] There is a need for packaging assemblies that reduce the maintenance burden on components such as parts within sealing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging assembly that can easily and inexpensively fulfill one or more of the above needs. This object is achieved by a packaging assembly having the configuration described in the following claims.

[0011] Such packaging assemblies can achieve one or more of the following advantages, for example: - Corrosion of sealing members can be reduced. - The lifespan of the components of the sealing member is extended, and in particular, the lifespan of the sealing surface is extended. - Maintenance of components within the packaging assembly, such as components in sealing devices, is reduced.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a packaging assembly for manufacturing a package filled with a dispensable product according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a packaging assembly molding and sealing apparatus according to one or more embodiments, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged side view showing the details of the apparatus according to the present invention under different operating conditions. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged side view showing the details of the apparatus according to the present invention under different operating conditions. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged side view showing the details of the apparatus according to the present invention under different operating conditions. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the sealing member of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged perspective view of the details of the apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view showing details of the apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] In Figure 1, number 1 represents an entire packaging assembly for producing multiple sealed packages 2 containing a dispenseable product, preferably a dispenseable food, such as pasteurized or UHT-treated milk, water, fruit juice, wine, beans, etc., from a tube 3 of packaging material.

[0015] In detail, the packaging assembly 1 is configured to form a tube 3 from a web-like sheet 4 of packaging material that is unwound from a reel 5 and supplied along a forming path.

[0016] The packaging assembly 1 is configured to form a plurality of pillow packs 2a filled with a product that can be dispensed from a tube 3, seal them, and then fold the pillow packs 2a to obtain the formed, sealed, and folded package 2 containing the dispenseable product.

[0017] The sheet 4 of the packaging material is unwound from the reel 5 and sterilized with a chemical sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide water, etc. before being formed into the tube 3. When the sterilization is completed, the sterilizing agent is evaporated, for example, by heating and removed from the surface of the packaging material.

[0018] Thereafter, the packaging assembly 1 is configured to sequentially perform the following operations: - Using known folding means 6 (detailed description is omitted), the sheet 4 of the packaging material is folded longitudinally to form the tube 3, and the tube 3 is sealed longitudinally to form a longitudinal seal; and - Filling the tube 3 with a product that can be poured (from above).

[0019] The packaging assembly 1 includes a forming and sealing device configured to perform one or more of the following: - Forming continuous portions of the tube 3 and imparting a predetermined outer shape to these portions; - Transversely sealing the tube 3 at equally spaced cross-sections to obtain pillow packs 2a; - Cutting the tube 3 at the above cross-sections to separate the pillow packs 2a from each other; - Folding the pillow packs 2a to obtain the fully folded package 2.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the packaging assembly 1 for forming and sealing a plurality of packages 2 includes the following: - A longitudinal axis A along which the tube 3 advances, that is, the advancing direction of the tube 3 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A; - A sealing device 7 configured to periodically seal continuous cross-sections of the tube 3 and having a sealing member 70 and a counter-sealing member 72 disposed on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis A; - A discharge device 8 configured to supply a fluid flow 80 (for example, a liquid flow) that periodically hits the sealing member 70 (at least a part thereof) during the operation of the packaging assembly 1.

[0021] The fluid flow 80 strikes the sealing member 70, thereby periodically cleaning at least a portion of the sealing member 70. In this specification, cleaning means the act of rinsing and cleaning with a liquid (e.g., water), and is performed, for example, to remove corrosive components on the sealing member 70.

[0022] In particular, the dispensing device 8 is a static (non-movable) component during the operation of the packaging assembly 1. That is, during its operation, the dispensing device 8 is a fixed component of the packaging assembly 1 (for example, fixed to a support structure). The dispensing device 8 may be fixed relative to the longitudinal axis A. This may be opposite to the sealing member 70 and the counter sealing member 72, which move periodically relative to the longitudinal axis A.

[0023] Similarly, the fluid flow 80 may flow along a stable (unchanging) and / or constant flow direction F. That is, during operation, the fluid flow 80 is maintained along a fixed flow direction F.

[0024] Advantageously, the fluid flow 80 may be directed to a specific area of ​​the packaging assembly 1, and the sealing member 70 may pass through the fluid flow 80 at predetermined timings in its cycle. For example, Figures 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a portion of the cycle of the sealing member 70 according to the present invention.

[0025] Advantageously, cleaning the sealing member 70 during its operation can improve its lifespan.

[0026] As described above, the sealing member 70 and the counter sealing member 72 are configured to move periodically during the operation of the packaging assembly 1.

[0027] According to known methods, the tube 3 advances along a longitudinal axis parallel to a first direction Z. The sealing member 70 and the counter sealing member 72 are repeatedly movable toward and apart from each other, for example, along a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Z, and periodically coordinate with each other to clamp the tube 3 in cross-section with their jaws, sealing the tube 3 and defining a lateral sealing portion extending along a third direction Y perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X.

[0028] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the sealing member 70 and the counter sealing member 72 (not shown) may move toward the tube 3. As shown in Figure 4, the sealing member 70 and the counter sealing member 72 (not shown) may each contact the opposite side of the tube. As shown in Figure 5, the sealing member 70 and the counter sealing member 72 (not shown) may move away from the tube 3.

[0029] Figure 6 shows an example of a sealing member 70 that may be present in the packaging assembly 1. The sealing member 70 includes a sealing surface 74 configured to contact the outer surface of the tube 3 in the sealing region R.

[0030] In particular, the fluid flow 80 may come into contact with the sealing surface 74 (or be washed or rinsed) before and / or after the sealing surface 74 comes into contact with the tube 3. The sealing member 70 may pass through the fluid flow 80 before or after the sealing member 70 passes through the sealing region R.

[0031] Advantageously, the sealing member 70, particularly the sealing surface 74, is cleaned or washed before and / or after contact with the tube 3, so that the residue of corrosive substances received from the outer surface of the tube 3 can be minimized or removed.

[0032] The sealing member 70 may have a recess 76. In particular, the fluid flow 80 may come into contact with (and be washed away by) the recess 76.

[0033] The recess 76 may be configured to receive a cap (not shown) connected to the tube 3, and the fluid flow 80 may strike the recess 76 before the recess 76 receives the cap or after the cap has left the recess 76.

[0034] Advantageously, the sealing member 70, particularly the recess 76, may be washed or rinsed before and / or after interacting with the cap, thereby minimizing or removing any corrosive residue that may have been received from the cap.

[0035] For example, the cap may be washed in a hydrogen peroxide bath during sterilization. After sterilization, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide may remain on the outer surface of the tube to which the cap is attached, and this may fall into the sealing member 70, particularly the recess 76, during the operation. Therefore, by washing the recess 76, any residue that may be corrosive to the sealing member 70 remaining in the recess 76 can be diluted or removed.

[0036] The counter sealing member 72 may have a counter sealing surface configured to contact the outer surface of the tube 3 opposite to the sealing surface 74 of the tube 3.

[0037] The discharge device 8 of the present invention is configured to discharge a fluid, for example, a liquid, preferably water. The fluid flow 80 may periodically wash over the sealing member 70. That is, the fluid flow 80 may clean the sealing member 70.

[0038] In particular, the fluid provided may include a rust-preventive fluid, preferably a rust-preventive liquid such as water. The rust-preventive fluid may be used to reduce or prevent corrosion of the exposed surface of the sealing member 70, for example, the sealing surface 74.

[0039] Therefore, the fluid provided may include water, preferably cold water. Advantageously, the cold water may not only prevent corrosion but also have the effect of cooling the sealing member 70.

[0040] The fluid provided may include process water. Advantageously, using process water can reduce wastewater or similar product waste.

[0041] Figures 7 and 8 show further details of the dispensing device 8 according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] In particular, the discharge device 8 may be positioned on the same side as the sealing member 70 with respect to the longitudinal axis A (and tube 3).

[0043] The sealing member 70 may come into direct contact with the fluid flow 80. The fluid supplied from the discharge device 8 does not need to come into contact with any other surface before coming into contact with the sealing member 70.

[0044] Advantageously, this method avoids the packaging material tube directly contacting the fluid flow 80, and also avoids the sealing member 70 indirectly contacting the fluid flow 80 that bounces back from the tube 3. Therefore, any residue that may be present in the packaging material forming the tube 3 is prevented from being carried from the tube 3 to the sealing member 70 by the fluid flow 80.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the discharge device 8 may be positioned upstream of the sealing device 7 with respect to the forward direction of the tube 3, for example, parallel to the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the fluid flow 80 may be vertical and downward.

[0046] The discharge device 8 may include a nozzle 82 for injecting a fluid flow 80. The nozzle opening is directed toward the sealing device 7, in particular the sealing member 70.

[0047] The packaging assembly 1 may further include a component to which a dispensing device 8, positioned upstream of the sealing device 7 with respect to the direction of travel of the tube 3, can be fixed. This component may remain stationary (i.e., immobile) during the operation of the packaging assembly 1.

[0048] The components may include, for example, a support structure such as a support ring, and are configured to support the forward movement of the tube 3.

[0049] Figure 8 shows an example of a discharge device 8. The discharge device 8 may include an inlet pipe 84 for receiving fluid. The discharge device 8 may be configured to guide the fluid flow 80 to the nozzle 82 via a second pipe 86 for redirecting the fluid flow 80 toward the nozzle 82.

[0050] The dispensing device 8 further comprises an additional connector 87 (only one connector is shown in the figure) configured to provide an additional fluid flow that strikes the tube 3 (only) during the operation of the packaging assembly 1. This flow may be used to minimize friction between the tube 3 and the components of the packaging assembly 1. Furthermore, the additional connector 87 may receive fluid from an additional pipe 88 that receives fluid and introduce the fluid through an additional nozzle (not shown).

[0051] In particular, the fluid discharged from nozzle 82 and the fluid discharged from further nozzles may be the same. Also, the fluid flow 80 and the further fluid flow may be synchronized.

[0052] As shown in the figure, the fluid flow 80 defines a non-conical flat spray in particular. The fluid flow 80 may substantially extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A (e.g., a single direction), for example, in a direction parallel to the second axis Y. That is, the fluid flow 80 may extend in the form of a thin film or a plate. In particular, the fluid flow 80 may extend in the same direction as the sealing surface 74.

[0053] Optionally, the discharge device 8 may be configured to reach (clean or wash away) at least the entire width of the sealing surface 74, preferably at least the entire width of the sealing member 70.

[0054] According to the present invention, the discharge device 8 may be configured to continuously supply a fluid flow 80 during operation. That is, the fluid flow 80 may be a continuous flow.

[0055] The flow direction F of the fluid flow 80 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis A or the first direction Z, as shown in Figure 2. Advantageously, this configuration minimizes the possibility of the fluid flow 80 hitting the tube.

[0056] The flow direction F of the fluid flow 80 may be oblique to the longitudinal axis A, that is, neither parallel nor perpendicular. The flow direction F may be inclined toward the tube 3, and the fluid flow 80 may directly strike the sealing member 70.

[0057] Even with an inclined fluid, it is understood that the fluid flow can hit the sealing member 70 without the fluid splashing back out of tube 3.

[0058] Advantageously, this method allows for easy cleaning of the sealing member 70, such as the sealing surface 74, after the sealing member 70 has passed through the sealing region R.

[0059] Generally, the discharge device 8 can be configured to maintain the fluid flow 80 at a certain distance from the tube 3. That is, the fluid flow 80 may be away from the tube 3. In this way, the fluid flow 80 can avoid bringing corrosive residues from the outer surface of the tube 3 to the sealing member 70, particularly the sealing surface 74.

[0060] The fluid flow 80 may also come into contact with the sealing member 70 at a location away from the sealing area R (for example, away from the tube 3) (it may be washed or flushed away).

Claims

1. A packaging assembly (1) for forming and sealing a plurality of packages (2) containing a product that can be dispensed from a tube (3) of packaging material, wherein the packaging assembly (1) is The longitudinal axis (A) along which the tube (3) moves forward, A sealing device (7) is configured to periodically seal the continuous cross-section of the tube (3) and comprises a sealing member (70) and a counter sealing member (72) positioned on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis (A), A discharge device (8) configured to periodically apply a fluid flow (80) to the sealing member (70), A packaging assembly (1) comprising:

2. The dispensing device (8) is a static component during the operation of the packaging assembly (1). The packaging assembly (1) according to claim 1.

3. The discharge device (8) is positioned on the same side as the sealing member (70) with respect to the longitudinal axis (A). The packaging assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sealing member (70) is in direct contact with the fluid flow (80). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The discharge device (8) is positioned upstream of the sealing device (7) with respect to the forward direction of the tube (3). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The tube (3) has a component positioned upstream of the sealing device (7) in the forward direction, and the discharge device (8) is fixed to the component. The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned component is a support structure configured to support the tube (3). The packaging assembly (1) according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned fluid flow is a rust-preventive fluid, preferably a rust-preventive liquid such as water. The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The sealing member (70) has a sealing surface (74) configured to periodically contact the tube (3), and the fluid flow (80) is configured to strike the sealing surface (74) before and / or after the sealing surface (74) contacts the tube (3). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The sealing member (70) has a recess (76), and the fluid flow (80) is configured to further clean the recess (76). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The fluid flow (80) defines a flat spray, preferably extending in a direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and more preferably extending in the same direction as the sealing surface (74) of the sealing member (70). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The discharge device (8) is configured to continuously supply the fluid flow (80). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The direction (F) of the fluid flow (80) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), or the direction (F) of the fluid flow (80) is oblique to the longitudinal axis (A). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The discharge device (8) is configured to maintain the fluid flow (80) at a position away from the tube (3). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The fluid flow (80) strikes the sealing member (70) at a position away from the sealing region (R). The packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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