Packaging machine and method for producing sealed packages

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) is described for producing sealed packages (2) of pourable products from a web (4) of packaging material advancing along a web advancement path (P), the packaging machine (1) including an isolation chamber (14) separating an internal environment (15) from at least an external environment (16), and a sterilizer (9) for sterilizing the web of packaging material (4) and in fluid communication with the isolation chamber (14). The sterilizer (9) includes a main shielded chamber (27) housing an irradiation device (26) and including an advancement channel (28) through which the web of packaging material (4) advances in use, the main shielded chamber (27) having an entrance opening (29) and an exit opening (30), and a first auxiliary shielded chamber (31) and a second auxiliary shielded chamber (33) having first and second interior spaces (32) and (34), respectively, fluidly connected to the advancement channel (28). The packaging machine (1) also includes pressure control means for controlling a first pressure in the first auxiliary shielded chamber (31), a second pressure in the second auxiliary shielded chamber (33), and a third pressure in the isolation chamber (14), the third pressure being higher than the second pressure and the second pressure being higher than the first pressure. [Selected figure] Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing sealed packages of injectable products, in particular injectable food products.

Background Art

[0003]

[0004] As is known, many liquid or injectable food products such as fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treatment) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging materials.

[0005] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or injectable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is created by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure including a base layer, such as paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-term storage products such as UHT milk, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen-barrier material (oxygen-barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is overlaid on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material that forms the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food product.This type of packaging is generally produced by a fully automated packaging machine, which advances a web of packaging material from a magazine unit through a sterilization device to an isolation chamber (a closed sterilization environment) for sterilizing the web of packaging material, where the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. As the web of packaging material advances through the isolation chamber, it is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube with a longitudinal seam, which is then further fed along the vertical advance direction.

[0006] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a sterilized or sterilized injectable product, specifically an injectable food product, sealed laterally, and then cut along equally spaced lateral sections within the packaging forming unit of the packaging machine as it moves along the vertical forward direction.

[0007] The pillow packages are thus obtained in the packaging machine, and each pillow package has a longitudinal sealing band, an upper transverse sealing band, and a bottom transverse sealing band.

[0008] In recent years, sterilization devices have become available, and these devices are configured to sterilize the web of the packaging material by applying physical irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation.

[0009] A typical sterilization device of this type includes an irradiation device having a pair of electron beam irradiators spaced apart from each other. A forward channel through which the web of packaging material advances during use is placed between the electron beam irradiators. Each electron beam irradiator is adapted to direct its respective electron beam onto each face of the web of packaging material advancing through the forward channel.

[0010] Furthermore, such sterilization devices must provide means to ensure the safe discharge of ozone and other undesirable components that may form during the application of sterilization irradiation.

[0011] For this reason, a typical sterilization apparatus that sterilizes by germicidal irradiation includes a main shielding chamber housing the irradiation device, a first auxiliary shielding chamber connected to the main shielding chamber and located upstream of the main shielding chamber, and a second auxiliary shielding chamber connected to the main shielding chamber and located downstream of the main shielding chamber. During use, the unsterilized web of the packaging material enters the first auxiliary shielding chamber and is sterilized in the main shielding chamber, and the sterilized web of the packaging material enters the second auxiliary shielding chamber from where it advances into the isolation chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the sterilization device also includes an isolation enclosure, which houses a main shielding chamber, a first auxiliary shielding chamber, and a second auxiliary shielding chamber within its internal space, and from which any undesirable components are extracted.

[0013] The drawback of this design is that a complex control mechanism must be applied to ensure sterility within the sterile environment of the packaging machine.

[0014] While this type of sterilization equipment, and the packaging machines accordingly, yield good results, it is desirable to simplify the design of these packaging machines, specifically by simplifying the control of the sterile environment within the packaging machine. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0016] Specifically, one objective of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine with a simplified design.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing sealed packages in a simple and low-cost manner to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine as claimed in claim 1.

[0019] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for producing a sealed package as claimed in claim 9.

[0020] Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0021] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic view of a packaging machine having a sterilization device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] It is a detailed partial cross-sectional perspective view of the sterilization device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is another detailed partial cross-sectional perspective view of the sterilization device of FIG. 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Reference numeral 1 generally shows a packaging machine for producing a sealed package 2 of a product that can be injected from a tube 3 of a web 4 of packaging material, specifically, a pasteurized milk, juice, wine, tomato sauce, or other injectable food products. Specifically, in use, the tube 3 extends along the longitudinal axis, specifically having a vertical orientation.

[0024] The web 4 at least comprises a layer of fibrous material, such as paper, covered on both sides with layers of a heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene.

[0025] Preferably, web 4 also includes a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and at least a first layer and a second layer of heat-sealable plastic material. The layer of gas and light barrier material is overlaid on the first layer of heat-sealable plastic material and then covered with the second layer of heat-sealable plastic material. The second layer of heat-sealable plastic material forms the inner surface of package 2 that comes into contact with the finally filled injectable food product.

[0026] More specifically, web 4 includes a first surface 5 and a second surface 6, and specifically the first surface 5 is the surface of web 4 that forms the inner surface of the formed package 2 that comes into contact with the finally filled injectable food product.

[0027] A typical package 2 obtained by packaging machine 1 includes a longitudinal seam portion and a pair of lateral sealing zones, specifically a lateral upper sealing zone and a lateral bottom sealing zone.

[0028] Specifically referring to FIG. 1, packaging machine 1 is configured to advance web 4 along web advance path P, sterilize web 4 while advancing along path P, form tube 3 from web 4, fill tube 3, and form single package 2 from the filled tube 3.

[0029] Preferably, packaging machine 1 is a magazine unit 7 adapted to provide web 4 to host station 8, a sterilization device 9 configured to sterilize at least the first surface 5 of web 4, preferably also the second surface 6, at a sterilization station 10 disposed downstream of host station 8 along path P, an isolation chamber 14 connected to sterilization device 9, configured to separate the internal environment 15, specifically the internal sterilization environment, from the external environment 16 and receive the sterilized web 4 from sterilization device 9, A tube forming device 17 extends along the longitudinal axis, specifically having a vertical orientation, and at least a portion, preferably all, of it is located within the isolation chamber 14, specifically in the tube forming station 18, and is adapted to advance when in use to form a tube 3 from a sterilized web 4, A sealing device 19 is provided, at least a portion of which is located within the isolation chamber 14 and is adapted to seal the tube 3 formed by the tube forming device 17 to form a longitudinal seam of the tube 3 in the longitudinal direction. A filling means 20 for filling tube 3 with an injectable product, specifically an injectable food product, A package forming unit 21 is fitted to form at least a tube 3, specifically a tube 3 that advances during use, and to seal it laterally in order to form package 2. The system includes a transport means 22 for advancing the web 4 from the host station 8 to the tube forming station 18 along a path P in a known manner, toward the package forming unit 21, and for advancing the tube 3 along a tube advancement path Q, at least a portion of which passes through the package forming unit 21.

[0030] Preferably, the packaging machine 1 also includes pressure control means configured to control the pressure in at least the isolation chamber 14 and at least a portion of the sterilization device 9.

[0031] Specifically, the sterilization station 10 is located upstream of the tube formation station 17. In other words, the sterilization device 9 is located upstream of the isolation chamber 14 along the path P.

[0032] Preferably, the sterilization device 9 is located downstream of the magazine unit 7 along the path P.

[0033] Specifically, the package forming unit 21 is positioned downstream of the isolation chamber 14 and the tube forming device 17 along the path Q.

[0034] Preferably, the transport means 22 is adapted to transport the tube 3 and any intermediates of the tube 3 along a path Q in known ways, specifically from the tube forming station 18 toward the package forming unit 21, and at least a portion of which advances through the package forming unit 21. Specifically, intermediates of the tube 3 mean any configuration of the web 4 before it acquires a tube structure and after the folding of the web 4 is initiated by the tube forming device 16. In other words, intermediates of the tube 3 are created by gradually folding the web 4 in order to acquire the tube 3, specifically by overlapping the opposing side edges of the web 4 with each other.

[0035] Referring specifically to Figure 1, the sterilization device 9 is: An irradiation device 26 is positioned within the area of ​​the sterilization station 10 and, while the web 4 advances along the sterilization section P1 of the path P during use, is configured to sterilize at least the first surface 5, preferably the second surface 6, by directing sterilization irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, more specifically electron beam irradiation, onto at least the first surface 5, preferably the second surface 6 as well. A main shielding chamber 27, which houses the irradiation device and includes an inlet opening 29 and an outlet opening 30 located downstream of the inlet opening 29 along the path P, through which the web 4 advances along the sterilization section P1 when in use, specifically including an advance channel 28 extending along the longitudinal axis, It includes a first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, which is located upstream of the forward channel 28 along the path P and has a first internal space 32 that is in fluid communication with the forward channel 28.

[0036] Preferably, the sterilization device 9 also includes a second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 located downstream of the forward channel 28 along the path P and having a second internal space 34 that is in fluid communication with the forward channel 28 and the internal environment 15.

[0037] Specifically, the forward channel 28 is placed between the first internal space 32 and the second internal space 34.

[0038] Preferably, each of the inlet opening 29 and the outlet opening 30 extends along its respective extension axis, and the respective extension axes are parallel to each other.

[0039] It should be noted that the main shielding chamber 27, specifically the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, and more specifically the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33, are configured to shield against germicidal irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation. By shielding, it is possible to prevent any germicidal irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation from leaving and penetrating the germicidal device 9.

[0040] Referring specifically to Figures 1 and 2, the irradiation device 26 is At least a first irradiation device, specifically a first electron beam irradiation device 35, is configured to direct germicidal irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation onto the first surface 5 when in use. Preferably, the device also includes a second irradiation device, specifically a second electron beam irradiation device 36, configured to direct germicidal irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation onto the second surface 6 when in use.

[0041] Preferably, the first electron beam irradiation device 35 and the second electron beam irradiation device 36 are arranged side by side, spaced apart from each other so that at least a portion of the forward channel 28 is located between the first electron beam irradiation device 35 and the second electron beam irradiation device 36.

[0042] Specifically, the first electron beam irradiation device 35 is positioned to face the first surface 5 when in use, and the second electron beam irradiation device 36 is positioned to face the second surface 6 when in use.

[0043] More specifically, the first electron beam irradiation device 35 is located within the first portion 37 of the main shielding chamber 27, and the second electron beam irradiation device 36 is located within the second portion 38 of the main shielding chamber 27. Preferably, the forward channel 28 is located between the first portion 37 and the second portion 38.

[0044] Referring specifically to Figure 2, the main shielding chamber 27 includes two inner walls 42 that demarcate at least a portion of the forward channel 28. Specifically, the inner walls 42 are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other so as to define the forward channel 28.

[0045] Preferably, one inner wall 42 separates the first portion 37, and the other inner wall 42 separates the second portion 38.

[0046] More specifically, each inner wall 42 includes an exit window 43 configured to allow electron beam irradiation to pass through. Specifically, during use, the first electron beam irradiation device 35 and the second electron beam irradiation device 36 transmit electron beam irradiation through their respective exit windows 43 onto the first surface 5 and the second surface 6, respectively.

[0047] More specifically, the main shielding chamber 27 includes a first main wall 44 with an inlet opening 29 and a second main wall 45 with an outlet opening 30, wherein the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45 are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The main shielding chamber 27 is arranged such that when in use, the second main wall 45 is located downstream of the second main wall 44 along path P.

[0048] Preferably, the inner wall 42 is mounted laterally, specifically vertically, between the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45, and is positioned between the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45.

[0049] Preferably, the main shielding chamber 27 also includes an outer wall 46 that is parallel to the inner wall 42, located between the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45, and connected to the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45.

[0050] Referring specifically to Figures 2 and 3, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 includes an access opening 47 and an exit opening 48 for the web 4, specifically through which the web 4 enters and exits the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 during use.

[0051] Preferably, the access opening 47 and the inlet opening 29 are arranged non-coaxially with respect to each other. In other words, the access opening 47 is positioned relative to the inlet opening 29 such that the imaginary line extending from the access opening 47 to the inlet opening 29 is inclined with respect to the imaginary line extending from the inlet opening 29 to the outlet opening 30 of the forward channel 28. In other words, the protrusions of the inlet opening 29 and the access opening 47 on the protruding surface are offset laterally from each other. In this way, the shielding effect for germicidal irradiation is ensured in the extension of the forward channel 28.

[0052] Preferably, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 is connected to the main shielding chamber 27, and more specifically, is installed in the main shielding chamber 27. Specifically, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 is positioned such that, when in use, it is located upstream of the main shielding chamber 27 along the path P.

[0053] More specifically, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 includes a main plate 49 parallel to the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45, and an outer plate 50 connected to the main plate 49, specifically attached to the main plate 49, which laterally divides the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31. Specifically, the side plate 50 is attached to the main shielding chamber 27 laterally, specifically to the first main wall 44, specifically vertically.

[0054] Preferably, the main plate 49 includes an access opening 47. More preferably, the main plate 49 also carries a sealing member 51 for sealing the access opening 47 so that the web 4 can be fed in and gas can be prevented from entering the first internal space 32 through the access opening 47.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment shown, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, specifically the first internal space 32, is further partitioned by the first main wall 44.

[0056] In alternative embodiments not shown, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 may include a further main plate, which is spaced parallel to and parallel to the main plate 49 and includes a discharge opening 48. In such alternative embodiments, the outer plate 50 would also be mounted on the further main plate, which would be mounted on the first main wall 44.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 also includes an extraction opening 52, specifically separate from the access opening 47, which is configured to allow gas to be extracted from the first internal space 32 of the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31.

[0058] Specifically, the extraction opening 52 is located on one of the outer plates 50.

[0059] In the preferred embodiment shown, the sterilization device 9 also includes a first deviation device, specifically a plurality of rollers 53, which is located within a first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 and configured to direct the web 4 along the deviation P2 of the path P from the access opening 47 to the inlet opening 29 when in use. Specifically in the preferred embodiment, this is necessary because the access opening 47 and the inlet opening 29 are arranged non-coaxially.

[0060] Referring specifically to Figures 2 and 4, the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 includes an access port 55 and an exit port 56 for the web 4, through which the web 4 enters and exits the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 during use.

[0061] Preferably, the sterilization device 9 and the isolation chamber 14 are connected to each other through a second auxiliary shielding chamber 33. In other words, when in use, the web 4 advances into the isolation chamber 14 through the outlet 56.

[0062] Preferably, the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 includes a main plate 57 spaced apart from the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45 and parallel to the first main wall 44 and the second main wall 45, and an outer plate 58 connected to the main plate 57, specifically mounted laterally to the main plate 57, and laterally dividing the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33. Specifically, the side plate 58 is mounted to the main shielding chamber 27, specifically to the second main wall 45.

[0063] Specifically, the side panel 58 that separates the isolation chamber 14 includes an outlet 56.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment shown, the second auxiliary shielding room 33 is further partitioned by a second main wall 45.

[0065] In alternative embodiments not shown, the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 may include a further main plate, which is parallel to and spaced apart from the main plate 57 and includes an access opening 55. In such alternative embodiments, the outer plate 58 would also be mounted on the further main plate, which would be mounted on the second main wall 45.

[0066] In the preferred embodiment shown, the sterilization device 9 also includes a second deviation device, specifically at least one roller 59, which is located within a second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 and configured to direct the web 4 from the outlet opening 30 along the deviation P3 of the path P to the outlet 56 when in use.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the sterilization device 9 is The first flow of gas in the forward channel 28 from the outlet opening 30 to the inlet opening 29 (i.e., the first flow of gas is opposite to the forward direction of the web 4), The system includes a suction device configured to generate at least a second flow of gas from an inlet opening 29 to an extraction opening 52, and specifically from a first internal space 32.

[0068] By providing a first flow of gas from the outlet opening 30 to the inlet opening 29, the web 4, specifically the first surface 5, and more specifically the second surface 6, are ensured to remain sterile after sterilization, with all contaminants kept away from the sterile web 4, specifically the sterile first surface 5, and more specifically the sterile second surface 6.

[0069] By providing a second flow of gas from the inlet opening 29 to the extraction opening 52, contaminants and other undesirable components such as ozone are removed from the sterilization device 9, specifically from the first internal space 32, in a controlled manner.

[0070] Preferably, the suction device is also configured to generate a third flow of gas from the second internal space 34 to the forward channel 28, specifically from the outlet 56 to the outlet opening 30.

[0071] Preferably, the suction device is configured to also generate a fourth flow of gas from the internal environment 15, specifically through the outlet 56 into the second internal space 34.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the suction device includes an adsorption conductor 61 located within a first internal space 32 and configured to guide at least partially, specifically at least, a second flow of gas to an extraction opening 52. The adsorption conductor 61 has an intake 62 located proximal to the inlet opening 29 (through which the gas of the second flow of gas enters when in use).

[0073] More specifically, the adsorption conductor 61 includes a first conductor portion 63 extending parallel to the inlet opening 29 and including an intake 62, and a second conductor portion 64 that is fluidly connected to the first conductor portion 63 and the extraction opening 52, and more specifically, mechanically connected as well.

[0074] Preferably, the first conductor section 63 is located on the opposite side of the inlet 62 and includes a web passage 65 configured to allow the web 4 to enter the first conductor section 63 when in use. Specifically, the inlet 62 is also configured to allow the web 4 to exit the first conductor section 63. In other words, when in use, the web passage 65 is located upstream of the inlet 62, and the inlet 62 is also located upstream of the inlet opening 39 along the path P.

[0075] More specifically, the first conductor section 63 includes a first structural sheet 66 and a second structural sheet 67, which also define a common intake 62 and, more specifically, a web passage 65. Preferably, the first structural sheet 66 is connected to, and more specifically, fixed to, the second conductor section 64, and the second structural sheet 67 is connected to and projects from the first main wall 44 into the first internal space 32.

[0076] Preferably, the suction device also includes at least one adsorption device configured to generate an adsorption force and fluidly connected to the second internal space 34 through an (external) distribution tube 68 (only a portion is shown) connected to the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31 in the region of the extraction opening 52. More preferably, the suction device is configured to direct the extracted gas from the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, specifically the first internal space 32, to the regeneration circuit of the packaging machine 1.

[0077] In the most preferred embodiment, the packaging machine 1 includes pressure control means configured to maintain a first pressure in a first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, a second pressure in a second auxiliary shielding chamber 33, and a third pressure in an isolation chamber 14.

[0078] Preferably, the pressure control means is configured to control the first, second, and third pressures such that the second pressure is higher than the first pressure and the third pressure is higher than the second pressure. In other words, the pressure control means is configured to control the first, second, and third pressures such that the first pressure is lower than the second pressure and the second pressure is lower than the third pressure.

[0079] These pressure distributions further ensure that the sterilization environment inside the packaging machine 1 is not contaminated.

[0080] Preferably, the pressure control means is A first pressure that is substantially constant, specifically substantially the same as atmospheric pressure, A second pressure that is 10-60 Pa higher than the ambient pressure, specifically in the range of 20-40 Pa higher than the ambient pressure, It is configured to control a third pressure that is 100 to 600 Pa higher than the ambient pressure, specifically in the range of 200 to 400 Pa higher than the ambient pressure.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure control means includes a valve 72 coupled to part of the sterilization device 9, specifically to the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, and configured to selectively open and close to allow or prevent gas from entering the first auxiliary shielding chamber 31, specifically to the first internal space 32, in order to control the first pressure.

[0082] Preferably, the pressure control means includes a suction device.

[0083] The pressure control means also includes a germicidal gas circuit, specifically a closed germicidal gas circuit, configured to guide germicidal gas, specifically germicidal air, into the isolation chamber 14.

[0084] Referring specifically to Figure 4, the pressure control means also includes a set of limits 73 configured to control the pressure drop from the isolation chamber 14 to the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33.

[0085] Preferably, the restriction group 73 includes two restriction sheets 74 configured to limit the cross-sectional size of the outlet 56.

[0086] More specifically, the limiting sheet 74 can be moved to adjust the pressure drop.

[0087] In the specific example shown, the limiting sheet 74 can be manually moved to adjust its relative position. In alternative embodiments not shown, the pressure control means may include an actuator configured to adjust the relative position of the limiting sheet 74.

[0088] During use, the packaging machine 1 forms a package 2 filled with the injectable product.

[0089] More specifically, the method for forming package 2 is as follows: Steps include advancing web 4 along forward path P, The sterilization station 10 sterilizes at least the first surface 5 of the web 4, The steps include forming the tube 3 at the tube forming station 18, The steps include sealing tube 3 in the longitudinal direction, The steps include filling tube 3 with an injectable product, Steps include advancing tube 3 along path Q, The process includes the steps of obtaining a single package 2 from the tube 3 by forming a tube 3, sealing the tube 3 laterally between a series of packages 2, and cutting the tube 3 laterally between the series of packages 2.

[0090] Preferably, the method for forming package 2 also includes a pressure control step, during which at least the pressure inside the sterilization device 9 and isolation chamber 14 is controlled.

[0091] More specifically, during the main step of advancing the web 4, the transport means 22 advances the web 4 from the magazine unit 7 along the advancement path P through the sterilization device 9 to the tube forming device 17.

[0092] In other words, the transport means 22 advances the web 4 from the host station 8 through the sterilization station 10 to the tube forming station 18.

[0093] For more details, the main steps to advance Web 4 are: Meanwhile, the web 4 advances along the deviation P2 in a first substep of advancement, Meanwhile, web 4 advances along sterilization section P1 in a second substep of advancement, Preferably, this includes a third advancing substep in which the web 4 advances along the deviation P3.

[0094] More specifically, during the first advancing substep, the web 4 advances from the access opening 47 through the first internal space 32 to the entrance opening 29.

[0095] Preferably, during the second advancing substep, the web 4 advances from the inlet opening 29 through the advancing channel 28 to the outlet opening 30.

[0096] Preferably, during the third advancing substep, the web 4 advances from the access port 55 through the second internal space 34 to the outlet 56.

[0097] During the main step of forming the tube 3, the tube forming device 17 gradually overlaps the opposing side edges of the web 4 to form a longitudinal seam.

[0098] During the main step of sealing tube 3 in the longitudinal direction, the sealing device 19 seals the longitudinal seam.

[0099] During the main step of advancing the tube 3, the transport means 22 advances the tube 3 (and any intermediates of the tube 3) along the path Q to the package forming unit 21.

[0100] During the main step of filling tube 3, the filling means 20 fills the injectable product into the longitudinally sealed tube 3.

[0101] During the main step of obtaining a single package 2, the package forming unit 21 forms a tube 3 between consecutive packages 2 and seals it laterally, and preferably also cuts the tube 3 laterally between consecutive packages 2.

[0102] More specifically, during the main step of sterilizing the web 4, a step is performed to direct sterilization irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation, onto at least the first surface 5, and preferably also onto the second surface 6.

[0103] Preferably, during the main step of sterilizing the web 4, the first and second advancing substeps, and more preferably the third advancing substep, are also performed.

[0104] Preferably, during the step of directing the germicidal irradiation, the irradiation device 26 directs the germicidal irradiation, specifically electromagnetic wave irradiation, and more specifically electron beam irradiation, at least onto the first surface 5 and preferably onto the second surface 6, in order to germicidalize the first surface 5 and preferably the second surface 6 as well.

[0105] More specifically, during the step of directing the germicidal irradiation, the first electron beam irradiation device 35 directs the electron beam irradiation onto the first surface 5, and preferably the second electron beam irradiation device 36 directs the electron beam irradiation onto the second surface 6 while the web 4 advances along the germicidal section P1 through the advance channel 28.

[0106] Preferably, the step of directing germicidal irradiation is performed during the advancing second substep.

[0107] Preferably, during the main step of sterilizing the web 4, steps are also performed to generate a first flow of gas in the forward channel 28 from the outlet opening 30 to the inlet opening 29, and a second flow of gas from the inlet opening 29 to the extraction opening 52, specifically the gas being extracted from the first internal space 32.

[0108] More specifically, during the steps that occur, at least a portion of the second flow of gas flows through the adsorption conductor 61. Preferably, the second flow of gas enters the adsorption conductor 61 through the intake 62 and flows to the extraction opening 52. More preferably, after entering the adsorption conductor 61, the second flow of gas flows through the first conductor section 63 and then through the second conductor section 64. The second flow of gas is then removed from the first internal space 32 through the extraction opening 52.

[0109] More specifically, during the generating steps, the adsorption device generates an adsorption force to generate a first flow of gas and a second flow of gas. Preferably, the gas is extracted from the first internal space 32 through the extraction opening 52 into the distribution tube 68. More preferably, the gas extracted from the first internal space 32 is directed to the regeneration circuit.

[0110] Conveniently, during the pressure control step, the pressure control means controls the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure such that the first pressure is lower than the second pressure and the second pressure is lower than the third pressure.

[0111] Preferably, the pressure control means is The first pressure is substantially constant, specifically substantially the same as atmospheric pressure. The second pressure is 10-60 Pa higher than the ambient pressure, specifically in the range of 20-40 Pa higher than the ambient pressure. The third pressure is controlled to be 100-600 Pa higher than the ambient pressure, specifically within the range of 200-400 Pa higher than the ambient pressure.

[0112] More specifically, the first pressure is controlled through valve 72. Valve 72 opens to guide gas into the first auxiliary chamber 31 when the first pressure falls below a predetermined pressure value, specifically below atmospheric pressure. A drop below atmospheric pressure can occur when the adsorption force applied by the adsorption device should extract more gas from the first internal space 32 than the amount of gas entering the first internal space 32 through the inlet opening 29.

[0113] Preferably, the pressure control means controls a third pressure that guides the germicidal gas into the isolation chamber 14 through the germicidal gas circuit.

[0114] Preferably, the pressure drop between the isolation chamber 14 and the second auxiliary shielding chamber 33 is controlled by the limiting group 73 and the first flow of gas in the forward channel 28, which generates a third flow of gas from the second internal space 34 toward the forward channel 28, specifically from the outlet 56 toward the outlet opening 30.

[0115] The advantages of the sterilization device 9 according to the present invention will become clear from the above.

[0116] Specifically, the sterilization device 9 has a simplified structure for those skilled in the art.

[0117] More specifically, the sterilization device 9 can clearly define the sterile environment of the packaging machine 1 by controlling the third pressure, the second pressure, and the first pressure. By providing a third pressure higher than the second pressure, gas from the second internal space 34 is prevented from entering the internal environment 15. Furthermore, by providing a second pressure higher than the first pressure, it is ensured that any contaminants are directed towards the first internal space 32 and not towards the second internal space 34. This prevention of directing contaminants towards the second internal space 34 is further ensured by providing a first flow of gas actively activated by the suction device from the outlet opening 30 to the inlet opening 29.

[0118] Clearly, modifications to the sterilization device 9 may be made as described herein, but without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for producing a sealed package (2) of a product that can be injected from a web (4) of packaging material advancing along a web advance path (P), An isolation chamber (14) separates the internal environment (15) from the external environment (16), A sterilization device (9) is fluidly connected to the isolation chamber (14) and sterilizes at least the first surface (5) of the web (4) of the packaging material at the sterilization station (10), A tube forming device (17) is provided, at least a portion of which is located within the isolation chamber (14) and is adapted to form a tube (3) from the web (4). A sealing device (19) is provided, at least a portion of which is located within the isolation chamber (14) and is adapted to seal the tube (3) formed by the tube forming device (17) in the longitudinal direction. Includes, The sterilization device (9) is An irradiation device (26) is configured to sterilize at least the first surface (5) of the advancing web (4) of the package material by directing sterilization irradiation onto at least the first surface (5) while the web advances along the sterilization section (P1) of the web advance path (P) during use, The main shielding chamber (27) houses the irradiation device (26) and includes an inlet opening (29) and an outlet opening (30), and includes an advance channel (28) through which the web (4) of the package material advances along the sterilization section (P1), A first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) is located upstream of the forward channel (28) along the web forward path (P) and has a first internal space (32) that is fluidly connected to the forward channel (28), A second auxiliary shielding chamber (33) is located downstream of the forward channel (28) along the web forward path (P) and has a second internal space (34) that is fluidly connected to the forward channel (28) and the internal environment (15), Includes, The isolation chamber (14) is located downstream of the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33) along the web forward path (P), The system further includes pressure control means configured to control the first pressure in the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31), the second pressure in the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33), and the third pressure in the isolation chamber (14), The pressure control means is configured to control the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure such that the first pressure is lower than the second pressure and the second pressure is lower than the third pressure, in a packaging machine (1).

2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressure control means includes a valve (72) coupled to the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) and configured to selectively open and close to allow or prevent gas from entering the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) in order to control the first pressure.

3. The second auxiliary shielding chamber (33) includes an outlet (56) through which the advancing web (4) of the package material exits the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33) and enters the isolation chamber (14). The packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure control means includes a limiting group (73) configured to control the cross-sectional size of the outlet (56) in order to control the pressure drop between the third pressure and the second pressure.

4. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the limiting group (73) includes at least one movable limiting sheet (74) to control the pressure drop between the third pressure and the second pressure, the at least one movable limiting sheet limits the pressure drop by moving its position to limit the cross-sectional size of the outlet (56).

5. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) includes an extraction opening (52) configured to extract gas from the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31), and the sterilization device (9) includes a suction device configured to generate a first flow of gas in the forward channel (28) from the outlet opening (30) to the inlet opening (29), and a second flow of gas from the inlet opening (29) to the extraction opening (52).

6. The packaging machine according to claim 5, wherein the suction device includes an adsorption conductor (61) disposed within the first internal space (32) and configured to guide at least a portion of the second flow of gas, the adsorption conductor (61) having an intake (62) located near the inlet opening (29).

7. The packaging machine according to claim 6, wherein the adsorption conductor (61) extends parallel to the inlet opening (29) and includes a first conductor portion (63) including the intake (62), and a second conductor portion (64) that is fluidly connected to the first conductor portion (63) and the extraction opening (52).

8. A filling means (20) for filling the tube (3) with the injectable product, A package forming unit (21) is provided, which is adapted to form the tube (3) and seal it laterally in order to form the package (2), A packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a transport means (22) for advancing the web (4) of the packaging material from the host station (8) to the forming station (7) along the web advance path (P), and for advancing the tube (3) along the tube advance path (Q) to the package forming unit (20).

9. A method for producing a sealed package (2) of an injectable product, Steps include advancing the web (4) of the packaging material along the web advancement path (P), The steps include: sterilizing the web (4) of the packaging material in the sterilization station (10) by directing a sterilizing irradiation onto the web (4) of the packaging material; The steps include forming a tube (3) from the web (4) using a tube forming device (17) located in an isolation chamber (14), The steps include sealing the tube (3) in the longitudinal direction using a sealing device (19) placed in the isolation chamber (14), Includes, The step of moving forward is, Meanwhile, the web (4) of the package material advances in the first internal space (32) of the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31), in a first advancing substep, Meanwhile, the web (4) of the package material advances from the inlet opening (29) to the outlet opening (30) of the forward channel (28) located within the main shielding chamber (27), in a second advancing substep, Meanwhile, the web (4) of the package material advances in a third advancing substep within the second internal space (34) of the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33), Includes, The first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) and the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33) are respectively located upstream and downstream of the forward channel (28) along the web forward path (P), and are fluidly connected to the forward channel (28). The step of sterilizing the web (4) of the packaging material is performed while the web (4) of the packaging material moves forward in the forward channel (28), The method further includes a step of controlling the pressures, wherein a first pressure is controlled in the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31), a second pressure is controlled in the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33), and a third pressure is controlled in the isolation chamber (14), the isolation chamber (14) being located downstream of the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33) along the web forward path (P) and separating the internal environment (15) from the external environment (16). A method in which the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure are controlled such that the first pressure is lower than the second pressure and the second pressure is lower than the third pressure.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein during the step of controlling the pressure, the first pressure is controlled to be substantially the same as atmospheric pressure, the second pressure is controlled to be in the range of 10 to 60 Pa higher than ambient pressure, and the third pressure is controlled to be in the range of 100 to 600 Pa higher than ambient pressure.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein during the step of controlling the pressure, a valve (72) coupled to the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) selectively opens and closes to allow or prevent gas from entering the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) in order to control the first pressure.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein during the step of controlling the pressure, the pressure drop between the third pressure and the second pressure is controlled by a limiting group (73), the limiting group (73) controls the cross-sectional size of the outlet (56) of the second auxiliary shielding chamber (33), and the advancing web (4) of the package material exits the second internal space (34) and enters the internal environment (15).

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising the steps of generating a first flow of gas in the forward channel (28) from the outlet opening (30) to the inlet opening (29), and a second flow of gas from the inlet opening (29) to an extraction opening (52) of the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31) in order to extract gas from the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein during the steps that occur, at least a portion of the second flow of gas flows through an adsorption conductor (61) located in the first auxiliary shielding chamber (31), and the second flow of gas enters the adsorption conductor (61) through an adsorption port (62) of the adsorption conductor (61), the adsorption port (62) being located near the inlet opening (29).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein during the steps that occur, the second flow of gas extends parallel to the inlet opening (29), includes the adsorption port (62), and flows into the first conductor portion (63) of the adsorption conductor (61) through the second conductor portion (64) which is fluidly connected to the first conductor portion (63) and the extraction opening (52).

16. A step of filling the formed tube (3) with the injectable product, The steps include: advancing the tube (3) along the tube advancement path (Q), The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising the steps of forming the tube (3), sealing the tube (3) laterally between a series of packages (2), and cutting to obtain the sealed packages (2) from the tube (3).

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