PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD OF CLEANING A PACKAGING MACHINE

Abstract

 There is described a packaging machine (1) comprising a conveying device (5), an isolation chamber (7), a tube forming and sealing device (10) being configured to form and longitudinally seal a tube (3), a gas feeding device (14) configured to direct gas into the tube (3), a cleaning device (19) and a control unit (11) configured to set the packaging machine (1) into a production configuration and a cleaning configuration. The gas feeding device (14) comprises a gas delivery circuit (20) and a gas delivery source (21) configured to deliver the sterile gas to the gas delivery circuit (20). The gas delivery circuit (20) comprises a connection element (24) configured to be arranged in a production position and a cleaning position with the packaging machine (1) being controlled into, respectively, the production configuration and the cleaning configuration; The connection element (24) is fluidically connected to the gas delivery source (21) when being in the production position and to the cleaning device (19) when being in the cleaning position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for forming packages of a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method of cleaning a packaging machine for forming packages filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material (an oxygen-barrier layer), e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0005] Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material at a sterilization station and to an isolation chamber (a closed and sterile environment) in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During advancement of the web of packaging material through the isolation chamber, the web of packaging material is folded and sealed longitudinally at a tube forming station to form a tube having a longitudinal seam portion, the tube being further fed along a vertical advancing direction.

[0006] For completing the forming operations, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and is transversally sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross sections within a package forming apparatus of the packaging machine during advancement along the vertical advancing direction.

[0007] Pillow packages are so obtained, each pillow package having a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.

[0008] A typical packaging machine comprises a conveying device for advancing the web of packaging material along a web advancement path and the tube formed from the web of packaging material along a tube advancement path, the sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the web of packaging material prior to its formation into the tube, a tube forming and sealing device at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber and being configured to form the tube from the advancing web of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube, a filling device for filling the tube with the pourable product and the package forming apparatus adapted to form, transversally seal and cut individual packages from the tube of packaging material.

[0009] The filling device comprises a filling pipe and a product circuit fluidically connected to the filling pipe and to a product delivery system.

[0010] An example packaging machine is disclosed in the patent document EP3456638B1 in the name of the Applicant. The packaging machine comprises a gas feeding device configured to direct, in use, a flow of sterile gas into the tube for obtaining a gas pressure within the tube providing a correct forming pressure. In such a way, the required hydrostatic pressure provided by the product column is reduced.

[0011] It is known that from time to time it is required to execute cleaning operations, for example of at least the filling device or of the filling device and the gas feeding device. After the cleaning operation sterilization operations are executed.

[0012] Even though the known packaging machines work satisfyingly a need is felt in the sector to further improve the known packaging machines.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0013] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine for the formation of packages filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product.

[0014] Advantageously, it is a further aim of the present invention to provide an improved method forming packages filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine as claimed in claim 1.

[0016] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the packaging machine are claimed in the claims being directly and indirectly dependent on claim 1.

[0017] According to the present invention there is also provide a method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a detail of the packaging machine of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figures 3a and 3b are schematic views of portions of the packaging machine of Figure 1 when being in a first configuration and a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 4a is an enlarged schematic view of a detail the portion of the packaging machine of Figure 3a while the packaging machine is in the first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 4b shows the portion of Figure 4b when the packaging machine is in the second configuration.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing packages 2, more specifically sealed packages 2, of a pourable food product, more specifically a pourable food product, such as milk, milk drinks, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, emulsions, beverages containing pulp, salt, sugar, etc.

[0020] Packaging machine 1 is configured to form packages 2 from a tube 3 folded from a web 4 of packaging material. More specifically, in use, tube 3 extends along a longitudinal axis, even more specifically having a vertical orientation.

[0021] Web 4 of packaging material has a multilayer structure, more specifically having heat-seal properties (i.e. portions of the multilayer packaging material can be sealed to one another).

[0022] In further detail, the multilayer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. Preferentially, one of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner face of packages 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0023] Moreover, the multilayer packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferentially being arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] Preferentially, the packaging material may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0025] With particular reference to Figure 1, packaging machine 1 comprises a conveying device 5 configured to advance (in a known manner) web 4 along a web advancement path P, more specifically from a delivery station to a tube forming station, at which, in use, web 4 is formed into tube 3. Conveying device 5 may also be configured to advance tube 3 along a tube advancement path Q.

[0026] Packaging machine 1 also comprises an isolation chamber 7 having an inner environment 8, more specifically an inner sterile environment 7, more specifically containing a sterile gas such as sterile air.

[0027] Moreover, isolation chamber 7 may separate inner environment 8 from an (hostile) outer environment 9.

[0028] Packaging machine 1 further comprises a tube forming and sealing device 10 configured to form tube 3, more specifically to fold tube 3 from web 4, and to longitudinally seal tube 3.

[0029] In more detail, tube forming and sealing device 10 is at least partially arranged within inner environment 8 and is configured to form and longitudinally seal tube 3 within inner environment 8.

[0030] In further detail, tube forming and sealing device 10 is configured to gradually fold web 4 into tube 3, preferentially by overlapping a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of web 4 with one another for forming a longitudinal seam portion of tube 3. Preferentially, tube forming and sealing device 10 may be configured to longitudinally seal the longitudinal seam portion.

[0031] Additionally, conveying device 5 may be configured to advance tube 3 and any intermediate of tube 3 along tube advancement path Q. In particular, with the wording intermediates of tube 3 any configuration of web 4 is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web 4 by tube forming and sealing device 10 has started. In other words, the intermediates of tube 3 are a result of the gradual folding of web 4 so as to obtain tube 3, preferentially by overlapping with one another the first lateral edge of web 4 and the second lateral edge of web 4.

[0032] Packaging machine 1 may comprise a control unit 11 configured to control operation of packaging machine 1.

[0033] In more detail, control unit 11 may be configured to control packaging machine 1 into:

• a production configuration (see Figures 3b and 4b) in which packaging machine 1 is configured to form packages 2 filled with the pourable product; and/or
• a cleaning configuration (see Figures 3a and 4a) in which packaging machine 1 is set to be at least partially cleaned (i.e. at least portions of packaging machine 1 are cleaned or all of packaging machine 1 is cleaned); and/or
• a sterilization configuration (see Figures 3b and 4b) in which packaging machine 1 is set to be at least partially sterilized (i.e. at least portions of packaging machine 1 are sterilized or all of packaging machine 1 is sterilized).

[0034] In more detail, control unit 11 is configured to control packaging machine 1 into the cleaning configuration after control of packaging machine 1 into the production configuration (and after termination of a production cycle).Control unit 11 is configured to control packaging machine 1 into the sterilization configuration after control of packaging machine 1 into the cleaning configuration (and after termination of a cleaning cycle).

[0035] In other words, after production, at first the portions of packaging machine 1 are cleaned and then sterilized.

[0036] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, packaging machine 1 comprises a filling device 13 configured to fill tube 3 with the pourable product, in particular when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration.

[0037] Moreover, filling device 13 may be controllable and/or is controlled into fluidic connection with a product delivery system. In particular, the product delivery system may be configured to deliver the pourable product to be filled to filling device 13. Additionally, the product delivery system may be configured to condition the pourable product to be filled into packages 2.

[0038] In more detail, filling device 13 may be configured to fill, more specifically to continuously fill, tube 3 with the pourable product, and in particular, packaging machine 1 may manipulate tube 3 for obtaining packages 2 filled with the pourable product.

[0039] Preferentially but not necessarily and with packaging machine 1 being controlled into the production configuration, inner environment 8 may comprise (i.e. may contain) the sterile gas, more specifically the sterile air, at a given pressure. Preferentially, the given pressure may be (slightly) above ambient pressure for reducing the risk of any contaminants entering inner environment 8. E.g., the given pressure may be about 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0,001 bar to 0,005 bar) above ambient pressure.

[0040] With particular reference to Figures 2, 3a and 3b, packaging machine 1 comprises a gas feeding device 14 is configured to direct, more specifically to continuously direct, in use, a flow of sterile gas, more specifically a flow of sterile air, into tube 3, in particular when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration.

[0041] Additionally, packaging machine 1 may also comprise a delimiting element 15 placed, in use and with packaging machine 1 being controlled into the production configuration, within tube 3 and designed to divide tube 3, in use, into a first space 16 and a second space 17.

[0042] In more detail, first space 16 may be delimited by tube 3, preferentially the walls of tube 3, and delimiting element 15. Furthermore, first space 16 may open up into inner environment 8. More preferentially, delimiting element 15 may delimit first space 16 at a downstream portion, in particular a bottom portion, of first space 16 itself.

[0043] In more detail, second space 17 may be delimited, in use, by tube 3, in particular the walls of tube 3, delimiting element 15 and a transversal seal portion provided at an axial end of tube 3.

[0044] Advantageously, gas feeding device 14 may be configured to direct the flow of sterile gas into second space 17, even more specifically for obtaining a gas pressure within second space 17 being higher than the gas pressure within first space 16.

[0045] In further detail, first space 16 is arranged upstream of second space 17 along tube advancement path Q. Preferentially, first space 16 is arranged upstream of delimiting element 15 along tube advancement path Q. In the specific example shown, second space 17 is placed below first space 16.

[0046] Preferentially, second space 17 defines a high-pressure zone within tube 3 and first space 16 defines a low-pressure zone within tube 3.

[0047] In the context of the present application, high-pressure zone (i.e. second space 17) is to be understood such that the internal pressure lies in a range of about 5kPa to 40kPa (0,05 bar to 0,4 bar), in particular of about 10kPa to 30 kPa (0,10 bar to 0,30 bar) above ambient pressure (i.e. the pressure within second space 17 lies in a range of about 5kPa to 40kPa (0,05 bar to 0,4 bar), in particular of about 10kPa to 30 kPa (0,10 bar to 0,30 bar) above ambient pressure). In other words, second space 17 is overpressurized.

[0048] Low-pressure zone (i.e. first space 16) is to be understood such that the pressure is slightly higher than the ambient pressure. In particular, slightly higher than the ambient pressure means that the pressure lies in a range between 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0,001 bar to 0,005 bar) above ambient pressure.

[0049] In further detail, first space 16 may be in (direct) fluidic connection with inner environment 8. Thus, sterile gas present in first space 16 can flow to inner environment 8.

[0050] Preferentially, tube 3 (and its intermediates) lie at least partially within isolation chamber 7 (in particular, within inner environment 8).

[0051] Preferentially, the pressure inside first space 16 (substantially) equals the given pressure present in isolation chamber 7, preferentially in inner environment 8. Preferentially, the pressure inside first space 16 ranges between 100 Pa to 500 Pa (0,001 bar to 0,005 bar) above ambient pressure.

[0052] Filling device 13, more specifically filling pipe 14, may be configured to direct the pourable product into second space 17. Thus, in use, second space 17 may contain the pourable product and the pressurized sterile gas. The pressurized sterile gas may provide for the required hydrostatic force needed for a correct forming of packages 2.

[0053] Advantageously, delimiting element 15 may be designed to provide, in use, for at least one fluidic channel, more specifically having an annular shape, for fluidically connecting second space 17 with first space 16 allowing for, in use, a leakage flow of sterile gas from second space 17 into first space 16.

[0054] Preferentially, gas feeding device 14 is configured to provide for a variable flow of sterile gas of about 10 to 200 Nm3/h, in particular of 20 to 180 Nm3/h, even more particular of about 25 to 150 Nm3/h.

[0055] Preferentially, gas feeding device 14 is configured to vary the flow of sterile gas in dependence of the sterile gas flowing from second space 17 to first space 16.

[0056] More specifically, gas feeding device 14 may be configured to control the gas pressure within second space 17 to range between 5 kPa to 40 kPa (0,05 bar to 0,40 bar), in particular between 10 kPa to 30 kPa (0,1 bar to 0,3 bar), above ambient pressure.

[0057] Packaging machine 1 also comprises a package forming apparatus 18 configured to manipulate, preferentially to at least partially shape and/or transversally seal and/or transversally cut, tube 3 for obtaining packages 2 from tube 3.

[0058] In more detail, package forming apparatus 18 may be arranged downstream from isolation chamber 7 along tube advancement path Q.

[0059] Moreover, package forming apparatus 18 may carry isolation chamber 7.

[0060] Preferentially but not necessarily, control unit 11 may be configured to actuate and control of operation of conveying device 5, tube forming and sealing device 10, filling device 13, gas feeding device 14 and package forming apparatus 18 when controlling packaging machine 1 into the production configuration.

[0061] Additionally, control unit 11 may be configured to inactivate operation of conveying device 5, tube forming and sealing device 10, filling device 13, gas feeding device 14 and package forming apparatus 18 when controlling packaging machine 1 into the cleaning configuration or the sterilization configuration.

[0062] With particular reference to Figure 3, packaging machine 1 may comprise a cleaning device 19 configured to at least clean portions of packaging machine 1, e.g. portions of gas feeding device 14 and/or portions of filling device 13, in particular with packaging machine 1 being controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0063] More specifically, cleaning device 19 is configured to clean portions of packaging machine 1 with a cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent.

[0064] Additionally, packaging machine 1 may comprise a sterilization device configured to sterilize at least portions of packaging machine 1, in particular with packaging machine 1 being controlled into the sterilization configuration.

[0065] In more detail, sterilization device is configured to sterilize portions of packaging machine 1 with a chemical sterilization agent such as hydrogen peroxide.

[0066] With particular reference to Figures 3a to 4b, gas feeding device 14 may be configured to withdraw sterile gas from inner environment 8, more specifically to pressurize (to compress) the sterile gas, and to direct sterile gas, preferentially the pressurized (compressed) sterile gas into second space 17.

[0067] In more detail, gas feeding device 14 may comprise:

• a gas delivery circuit 20 configured to direct, in use (i.e. when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration), the flow of gas into tube 3, more specifically second space 17; and
• a gas delivery source 21 configured to provide for the gas, more specifically the sterile gas.

[0068] Preferentially but not necessarily, cleaning device 19 may be configured to clean gas delivery circuit 20 when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0069] According to some further detail, gas delivery circuit 20 may comprise a gas feeding pipe 22 configured to direct, in use, the flow of gas into tube 3, more specifically second space 16, and an inlet pipe 23 for receiving the gas from gas delivery source 21.

[0070] Advantageously, gas delivery circuit 20 comprises a connection element 24 configured to be arranged in a production position (see Figure 3b) and a cleaning position (see Figure 3a) with packaging machine 1 being controlled into, respectively, the production configuration and the cleaning configuration.

[0071] According to the example shown, connection element 24 can be a connection pipe. In particular, the connection pipe is mountable in two positions (see figures 3a and 3b) thereby defining the production position and the cleaning position. Alternatively or in addition, connection element 24 could comprise a valve such as a three-way valve. Thereby, the respective position of a shutter of the valve may define the production position and the cleaning position.

[0072] Moreover, connection element 24 may be fluidically (and mechanically) connected to gas delivery source 21 when being in the production position; connection element 24 may be fluidically (and mechanically) connected to cleaning device 19 when being in the cleaning position.

[0073] Additionally, connection element 24 may be fluidically and mechanically connected to inlet pipe 23 (both in cleaning position and production position). Accordingly, when connection element 24 is controlled into the production position inlet pipe 23 is in fluidic connection with gas delivery source 21 for receiving the gas to be fed into tube 3 and when being controlled into the cleaning position, inlet pipe 23 is in fluidic connection with cleaning device 19 (so as to receive a cleaning fluid used during the cleaning by cleaning device 19).

[0074] Preferentially but not necessarily, inlet pipe 23 may be configured to direct the flow of gas into inner environment 8 and gas delivery pipe 22 may be configured to aspire the gas from inner environment 8.

[0075] Accordingly, gas feeding device 14 may not only be configured to direct the flow of gas into tube 3, but to also introduce gas, more specifically sterile gas, into inner environment 8.

[0076] According to the example shown, gas feeding pipe 22 may comprise portions being arranged outside from inner environment 8 and other portions being positioned within inner environment 8.

[0077] According to the example shown, inlet pipe 23 comprise portions being arranged outside from inner environment 8 and other portions being positioned within inner environment 8.

[0078] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 4b, inlet pipe 23 may have an outlet opening configured to direct the gas into inner environment 8 (when packaging machine 1 is in the production configuration (and the sterilization configuration)). According to the example shown, the outlet opening is arranged within inner environment 8.

[0079] Moreover, gas feeding pipe 22 may comprise an inlet opening configured to receive the gas from inner environment 8 (when packaging machine 1 is in the production configuration (and the sterilization configuration)). In other words, there is no mechanical connection between inlet pipe 23 and gas feeding pipe 22. According to the example shown, the inlet opening is arranged within inner environment 8.

[0080] When controlling packaging machine 1 into the cleaning configuration, a fluidic, and preferentially a mechanical, connection between inlet pipe 23 and gas feeding pipe 22 is established by means of an auxiliary connection element 25 fluidically (and mechanically) connected to and interposed between gas feeding pipe 22 and inlet pipe 23.

[0081] According to the example shown, auxiliary connection element 25 is an auxiliary pipe. Alternatively or in addition, auxiliary connection element 25 may comprise a valve, such as a three-way valve.

[0082] In more detail, auxiliary connection element 25 may be mounted to inlet pipe 23 at the outlet opening of inlet pipe 23 and to gas delivery pipe 22 at the inlet opening of gas delivery pipe 22.

[0083] In particular, auxiliary connection element 25 may be arranged within inner environment 8 when packaging machine 1 is in the cleaning configuration.

[0084] Advantageously, auxiliary connection element 25 may be dismounted from inlet pipe 23 and gas delivery pipe 22 when the packaging machine 1 is in a configuration different from and/or not controlled into the cleaning configuration, more specifically when being in the production configuration (and when being in the sterilization configuration).

[0085] Thus, after termination of a production cycle and when control unit 11 controls packaging machine 1 into the cleaning configuration, auxiliary connection element 25 needs to be mounted to inlet pipe 23 and gas delivery pipe 22. Moreover, after termination of a cleaning cycle and prior to the execution of a sterilization cycle, auxiliary connection element 25 is dismounted from inlet pipe 23 and gas delivery pipe 22.

[0086] With particular reference to Figure 4b, packaging machine 1 may comprise a curved tube 26 arranged within inner environment and being mounted to and being in fluidic connection with inlet pipe 23 when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration (and in the sterilization configuration).

[0087] In particular, curved tube 26 is mounted to inlet pipe 23 after dismounting of auxiliary connection element 25.

[0088] In more detail, curved tube 26 may comprise an inlet and an outlet configured to, respectively, receive and discharge the gas from curved tube 26. More specifically, the inlet may be arranged adjacent to the outlet opening of inlet pipe 23.

[0089] Advantageously, curved pipe 26 may be curved such that the outlet may positioned adjacent to the inlet opening of gas feeding pipe 22.

[0090] Preferentially but not necessarily, gas delivery circuit 20 may comprise an aspiration device 27, such as a compressor, configured to generate aspiration forces so as to withdraw the sterile gas from inner environment 8, and more specifically to also pressurize (to compress) the sterile gas and to direct the pressurized sterile gas, more specifically through gas feeding pipe 22, into tube 3, more specifically second space 17.

[0091] More specifically, aspiration device 27 may be configured to generate the aspiration forces with packaging machine 1 being set into the production configuration.

[0092] Advantageously, aspiration device 27 may be included into and/or comprised by gas feeding pipe 22. In particular, aspiration device 27 gets cleaned too, when gas feeding pipe 22 becomes cleaned while packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0093] Additionally, aspiration device 27 may be interposed between a first portion and a second portion of gas feeding pipe 22.

[0094] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, gas feeding pipe 22 may comprise a final portion 28 extending within inner environment 8 and, in use while packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration, within tube 3. More specifically final portion 28 may have a (substantially) linear shape.

[0095] Additionally, final portion 28 may carry delimiting element 15.

[0096] With particular reference to Figure 3a, cleaning device 19 may comprise a connection tube 35 fluidically connecting cleaning device 19 with gas delivery circuit 20 when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0097] More specifically, connection tube 35 may be detached from gas delivery circuit 20 when packaging machine 1 is in a configuration different from and/or not controlled into the cleaning configuration, for example when being in the production configuration or the sterilization configuration.

[0098] In more detail, connection element 24 is mounted to connection tube 35 when being in the cleaning position and being dismounted from connection tube 35 when being in the production position.

[0099] With particular reference to Figure 3a, cleaning unit 19 may further comprise a final coupling tube 36 fluidically connecting gas feeding circuit 22 with cleaning unit 19 when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0100] More specifically, final coupling tube 36 may be coupled to final portion 28 with packaging machine 1 being controlled into the cleaning configuration and being uncoupled from final portion 28 with packaging machine 1 being controlled into a configuration different from and/or not controlled into the cleaning configuration, more specifically when being in the production configuration (and when being in the sterilization configuration).

[0101] According to the example shown, final coupling tube 36 and connection tube 35 allow to define a closed circuit defined by cleaning unit 19 and gas feeding circuit 20.

[0102] Advantageously, delivery circuit 20 may be interposed between connection element 24 and final coupling tube 36.

[0103] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 4b, filling device 13 may comprise a product circuit 37 fluidically connected and/or connectable to the product delivery system and being configured to direct the pourable product into tube 3.

[0104] Additionally, packaging machine 1, more specifically filling device 13, may comprise a control valve 38 fluidically interposed between product circuit 37 and the product delivery system and being controllable into an open configuration and a closed configuration for, respectively, opening and closing the fluidic connection between product circuit 37 and the product delivery system.

[0105] In more detail, control valve 38 may be controlled in the closed configuration and the open configuration when packaging machine 1 is controlled into, respectively, the cleaning configuration and the production configuration.

[0106] With reference to Figures 3a to 4b, product circuit 37 comprises a filling pipe 39 configured to fill tube 3 with the pourable product. Moreover, filling pipe 39 is, in use, at least partially arranged within tube 3.

[0107] Additionally, product circuit 37 may also comprise a tube assembly 40 connected to (and being in fluidic connection with) filling pipe 39 and control valve 38. In particular, with control valve 15 being in the open configuration and the closed configuration, tube assembly 40, respectively is and is not in fluidic connection with the product delivery system.

[0108] Advantageously, final coupling tube 36 may also be (fluidically and mechanically) connected to product circuit 37, more specifically to filling pipe 39, when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0109] Additionally, when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration (or the sterilization configuration), connection tube 35 is detached from product circuit 37, more specifically from filling pipe 38.

[0110] Preferentially but not necessarily, at least a portion of filling pipe 39 may extend within final portion 28 of gas feeding pipe 22. According to such an embodiment, a flow channel for the sterile gas to be fed into second space 17 may be at least partially delimited by filling pipe 39 and final portion 28.

[0111] With particular reference to Figure 3a, packaging machine 1 may further comprise a connector tube 41 fluidically connected to and/or connectable to gas delivery circuit 20 and to product circuit 37.

[0112] Advantageously, control valve 38 may be configured to open a fluidic connection between product circuit 37 and gas delivery circuit 20 when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

[0113] Additionally, control valve 38 may be configured to close the fluidic connection between product circuit 37 and gas delivery circuit 20 when packaging machine 1 is not controlled into and/or controlled into a configuration different from the cleaning configuration, such as e.g. when being controlled into the production configuration or the sterilization configuration.

[0114] Additionally, control valve 38 may be configured to close the fluidic connection between product circuit 37 and the product delivery system when control valve 38 opens the fluidic connection between product circuit 37 and gas delivery circuit 20.

[0115] With reference to Figure 2, package forming apparatus 18 may comprise a plurality of operative assemblies 42 (only one shown) and a plurality of counter-operative assemblies 43 (only one shown) configured to manipulate tube 3, more specifically the portions of tube 3 filled with the pourable product, for forming packages 2.

[0116] More specifically, each operative assemblies 42 may be configured to cooperate with one respective counter-operative assembly 43 for manipulating, more specifically to at least partially shape and/or transversally seal and/or transversally cut, tube 3 for forming packages 2.

[0117] Additionally, package forming apparatus 18 may comprise a conveying unit configured to advance operative assemblies 42 and counter-operative assemblies 43 along respective advancement paths.

[0118] In more detail, in use, each of operative assembly 42 and each counter-operative assembly 42 cyclically advances along the respective advancement path.

[0119] Furthermore, each operative assembly 42 and each counter-operative assembly 42 may comprise:

• a half-shell 44 configured to contact tube 3 and to at least partially define the shape of packages 2; and/or
• one of a sealing element 45 or a counter-sealing element 46, configured to transversally seal tube 3 between adjacent packages 2; and/or
• one of a cutting element or a counter-cutting element for transversally cutting tube 3 between adjacent packages 2.

[0120] Preferentially but not necessarily, package forming apparatus 18 may be of the type described in any of patent documents EP3254980A1, EP3476751A1 in the name of the present Applicant. It is expressly understood that all the functional and structural features of the forming assembly of patent documents EP3254980A1, EP3476751A1 can be applied to package forming apparatus 18 described herein.

[0121] Preferentially but not necessarily, packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion of web 4. Advantageously, control unit 11 may be configured to actuate and control operation of the sterilization apparatus when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the production configuration. Moreover, control unit 11 may be configured to inactivate the sterilization apparatus when packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration or the sterilization configuration.

[0122] Preferentially but not necessarily, packaging machine 1 may be configured to transfer packages 2 to a downstream equipment.

[0123] Preferentially but not necessarily, a packaging line may be provided, the packaging line comprising packaging machine 1 and at least one downstream equipment and/or the product delivery source.

[0124] The downstream equipment may be configured to receive packages 2 and to operate further actions on packages 2.

[0125] The downstream equipment may include one or more chosen from the group of a cardboard packer configured to group and pack a plurality of formed and sealed packages 2 into a carton, an accumulator configured to store a plurality of packages 2, a cap applicator configured to apply a cap or lid onto each package 2.

[0126] The present disclosure also provides a method for forming a plurality of packages 2 filled with the pourable product. Preferably, the method is carried out by packaging machine 1.

[0127] The present disclosure also provides for a method of cleaning at least portions of packaging machine 1.

[0128] The method of cleaning foresees to set the packaging machine 1 into the cleaning configuration.

[0129] Afterwards, packaging machine 1 is set into the sterilization configuration, followed again by being controlled again into the production configuration.

[0130] Preferentially but not necessarily, packaging machine 1 may be repeatedly controlled into the production configuration, the cleaning configuration and the sterilization configuration.

[0131] Moreover, while packaging machine 1 is controlled into:

• the production configuration, packaging machine 1 forms packages 2;
• the cleaning configuration, at least gas delivery circuit 20 is cleaned; and
• advantageously the sterilization configuration, for sterilizing at least some portions of packaging machine 1.

[0132] Advantageously, each time after stop of production, packaging machine 1 is controlled into the cleaning configuration afterwards packaging machine 1 is controlled into the sterilization configuration.

[0133] With packaging machine 1 being controlled in the production configuration, the method includes:

• a step of advancing web 4 along a web advancement path P, by means of conveying device 5;
• a step of forming tube 3 from the advancing web 4, through tube forming and sealing device 10;
• a step of longitudinally sealing tube 3 through tube forming and sealing device 10;
• a step of advancing the tube 3 along tube advancement path Q;
• a step of filling tube 3 with a pourable product, through filling device 13;
• a step of directing, during which gas feeding device 14 directs the flow of gas into tube 3, more specifically into second space 17; and
• a step of forming and transversally sealing (and cutting) packages 2 from the advancing tube 3, through package forming apparatus 16.

[0134] With packaging machine 1 being controlled into the production configuration, the step of directing foresees that gas feeding device 14 withdraws the sterile gas from inner environment 8. In more detail, gas feeding pipe 22 directs the flow of sterile gas into tube 3. Additionally, aspiration device 27 aspires the sterile gas from inner environment 8 and directs it through gas feeding pipe 22. Additionally, sterile gas is directed into inner environment 8 through inlet pipe 23.

[0135] With packaging machine 1 being controlled into the cleaning configuration, at least gas delivery circuit 20, preferentially also product circuit 37, is/are cleaned.

[0136] In more detail, the method of cleaning foresees:

• a step of setting, during which packaging machine 1 is set into the cleaning configuration and connection element 24 is set into the cleaning position; and
• a step of cleaning, during which a cleaning fluid is directed through at least gas delivery circuit 20, and preferentially also product circuit 37.

[0137] In more detail, during the step of setting, connection element 24 is unmounted from gas delivery source 21 and is mounted to the cleaning unit 19.

[0138] In particular, after termination of the cleaning, connection element 24 is set back to the production position. More specifically, connection element 24 is unmounted from cleaning unit 19 from and is mounted to gas delivery source 21.

[0139] Advantageously, during the step of setting, auxiliary connection element 25 is mounted to gas feeding pipe 22 and inlet pipe 23.

[0140] Additionally, prior to mounting auxiliary connection element 25, curved tube 26 is dismounted. After the cleaning, auxiliary connection element 25 is dismounted and curved tube 26 is mounted to inlet pipe 23.

[0141] Preferentially, the method of cleaning also comprises a step of coupling, during which final coupling tube 36 is coupled to gas delivery circuit 20, and preferentially also product circuit 37.

[0142] After the cleaning, final coupling tube 36 is dismounted from gas delivery circuit 20, and preferentially also product circuit 37.

[0143] Preferentially, during the cleaning, control valve 38 is controlled into the closed position.

[0144] The advantages of packaging machine 1 and/or the method according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0145] In particular, packaging machine 1 allows a facilitated cleaning of at least gas delivery circuit 20.

[0146] Additionally, it is possible to easily clean in parallel gas delivery circuit 20 and product circuit 37.

[0147] Clearly, changes may be made to packaging machine 1 and/or the method as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (1) for forming packages (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising:

- a conveying device (5) configured to advance a web (4) of packaging material along a web advancement path (P);

- an isolation chamber (7) separating an inner environment (8) containing, in use, a sterile gas from an outer environment (9);

- a tube forming and sealing device (10) being at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (7) and being configured to form and longitudinally seal a tube (3) from the, in use, advancing web (4) of packaging material;

- a gas feeding device (14) configured to direct, in use, a flow of gas into the tube (3);

- a cleaning device (19) configured to clean at least portions of the gas feeding device (14); and

- a control unit (11) configured to control operation of the packaging machine (1) and being configured to set the packaging machine (1) into:

- a production configuration in which the packaging machine (1) is configured to form packages (2) filled with the pourable product; and

- a cleaning configuration in which the packaging machine (1) is configured to be cleaned;

wherein the gas feeding device (14) comprises a gas delivery circuit (20) configured to direct, in use, the flow of gas into the tube (3) and a gas delivery source (21) configured to deliver the sterile gas to the gas delivery circuit (20);

wherein the gas delivery circuit (20) comprises a connection element (24) configured to be arranged in a production position and a cleaning position with the packaging machine (1) being controlled into, respectively, the production configuration and the cleaning configuration;

wherein the connection element (24) is fluidically connected to the gas delivery source (21) when being in the production position and to the cleaning device (19) when being in the cleaning position.

2. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (19) comprises a connection tube (35) fluidically connecting the cleaning device (19) with the gas delivery circuit (20), through the connection element (24), when the packaging machine (1) is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

3. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connection tube (35) is detached from the gas delivery circuit (20) when the packaging machine (1) is in a configuration different from and/or not controlled into the cleaning configuration.

4. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas delivery circuit (20) comprises:

- an inlet pipe (23) being fluidically connected to the connection element (24), being configured to receive the gas from the gas delivery source (21) when the packaging machine (1) is in the production configuration and being configured to direct the gas into the inner environment (8); and

- a gas feeding pipe (22) configured to direct, in use, the flow of gas into the tube (3) and being configured to aspire the gas from the inner environment (8) and to direct the flow of gas into the tube (3);

wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises an auxiliary connection element (25) fluidically connecting the inlet pipe (23) and the gas feeding pipe (22) with one another when the packaging machine (1) is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

5. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary connection element (25) is dismounted from the inlet pipe (23) when the packaging machine (1) is in a configuration different from and/or not controlled into the cleaning configuration and/or when being in the production configuration.

6. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises a curved tube (26) arranged within the inner environment (8) and being connected to the inlet pipe (23) when the packaging machine (1) is controlled into the production configuration.

7. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the gas feeding device (14) comprises an aspiration device (27) configured to aspire gas from the inner environment (8) and being included into the gas feeding pipe (22) .

8. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filling device (13) configured to fill the tube (3) with the pourable product;

wherein the filling device (13) comprises a product circuit (37) fluidically connected and/or connectable to a product delivery system and being configured to direct the pourable product into the tube (3);

wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises a connector tube (41) connected to the gas delivery circuit (20) and to the product circuit (37);

wherein the filling device (13) comprises a control valve (38) configured to open a fluidic connection between the product circuit (37) and the gas delivery circuit (20) when the packaging machine (1) is controlled into the cleaning configuration.

9. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control valve (38) is configured to close a fluidic connection between the product circuit (37) and the gas delivery circuit (20) when the packaging machine (1) is controlled into the production configuration.

10. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control valve (38) is configured to close a fluidic connection between the product circuit (37) and the product delivery system when the control valve opens the fluidic connection between the product circuit (37) and the gas delivery circuit (20).

11. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (11) is configured to control the packaging machine (1) into a sterilization configuration for sterilizing at least portions of the packaging machine (1);
wherein the connection element (24) is positioned in the production position when the packaging machine (1) is controlled into the sterilization configuration.

12. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a delimiting element (15) placed, in use and with the packaging machine (1) being controlled into the production configuration, within the tube (3) and designed to divide the tube (3) into a first space (16) and a second space (17), wherein the gas feeding device (14) is configured to direct the flow of gas into the second space (17), for obtaining a gas pressure within the second space (17) being higher than the gas pressure within the first space (16).

13. Method of cleaning portions of a packaging machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

- a step of setting, during which the packaging machine (1) is set into the cleaning configuration and the connection element (24) is set into the cleaning position; and

- a step of cleaning, during which a cleaning fluid is directed through at least the gas delivery circuit (20).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein during the step of setting, the connection element (24) is unmounted from the gas delivery source (21) and is mounted to the cleaning unit (19).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a step of coupling, during which a coupling tube (36) of the cleaning device (19) is coupled to the gas delivery circuit (20);
wherein the delivery circuit (20) is interposed between the connection element (24) and the coupling tube (36).

Drawing