Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B08—CLEANING
  • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
  • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
  • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a cleaning unit for a packaging machine configured to produce sealed packages containing a pourable product, the cleaning unit being configured for cleaning components of such packaging machine.
• pourable food products such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature-treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc.
• UHT ultra-high temperature-treated milk
• wine tomato sauce
• etc. are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.
• a typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by folding and sealing a laminated web of packaging material.
• the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, 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.
• a layer of oxygen-barrier material e.g. an aluminum foil
• Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, which form and fill the packages starting from a multilayer web of packaging material.
• the web of packaging material is initially wound in a reel and fed through a plurality of unwinding rollers.
• the web of packaging material is typically maintained in a closed, sterile environment, and, while advanced by the aforementioned unwinding rollers, is folded to form a continuous tube by means of a known web folding device. The tube is then sealed longitudinally.
• the tube In order to perform the package forming operations, the tube is continuously fed along a straight vertical direction, is filled from above with the sterilized food product and is formed, sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced transversal cross-sections extending along a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.
• So-called pillow packs are obtained thereby, which have a longitudinal sealing band, a top transversal sealing band and a bottom transversal sealing band.
• the pillow packs are then cut at the cross-sections to be separated from one another and directed to a folding unit of the packaging machine for the final folding thereof.
• the packaging machine typically comprises a filling system configured to fill the tube with the pourable product, while the tube is continuously formed, sealed and advanced.
• the filling system comprises a filling pipe which is inserted in, and surrounded by, the tube in formation and which delivers the pourable product into the tube.
• the filling pipe is typically divided into an upper duct, fluidly connected to a pourable product source (e.g. a tank or reservoir), and a lower duct, which is fluidly connected to the upper duct and opens into the tube for delivering the product therein.
• a pourable product source e.g. a tank or reservoir
• the filling system further comprises a floating element fitted to the lower duct, preferably at a lower end portion thereof, configured to measure the filling level of the tube, according to a manner known.
• the components of the filling system need to undergo a periodic cleaning process, in order to meet the hygiene requirements and/or to prevent residues of a first pourable product used during a production cycle from contaminating the packages filled with a second pourable product during a successive production cycle.
• number 1 indicates as a whole a non-limiting example of a packaging machine configured for producing sealed packages 2 containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product such as pasteurized or UHT milk, water, fruit juice, wine, peas, beans, etc.
• a pourable product such as pasteurized or UHT milk, water, fruit juice, wine, peas, beans, etc.
• packaging machine 1 is configured to form, seal and fold packages 2 starting from a web 4 of packaging material, which is initially wound in a reel 40, and then folded into a tube 3 of packaging material, according to a manner known and not described in detail.
• the packaging material has a multilayer structure (not shown), and comprises a layer of fibrous material, e.g. paper, covered on both sides with respective layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.
• a layer of fibrous material e.g. paper
• heat-seal plastic material e.g. polyethylene
• the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas-and-light barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material, the latter forming the inner face of package 2 eventually contacting the pourable product.
• gas-and-light barrier material e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film
• packaging machine 1 comprises conveying means configured to advance the web 4 along an advancement path.
• Packaging machine 1 comprises a web folding device 5 for progressively folding the advancing web 4 into a tube 3 of packaging material.
• web folding device 5 is configured to progressively fold web 4 from a sheet-like configuration to a C-shaped configuration and then into a substantially tubular shaped configuration.
• packaging machine 1 comprises a sterilization unit (not shown) configured for applying a sterilizing agent, for example containing hydrogen peroxide, on web 4 prior to its folding into tube 3.
• a sterilization unit (not shown) configured for applying a sterilizing agent, for example containing hydrogen peroxide, on web 4 prior to its folding into tube 3.
• Packaging machine 1 comprises a forming and sealing unit 6 (known per se and only schematically shown) for forming tube 3 by imparting a predetermined external shape, corresponding to a precursor of the shape of package 2, to successive longitudinal portions of tube 3, and for sealing tube 3 at equally spaced cross-sections.
• a forming and sealing unit 6 (known per se and only schematically shown) for forming tube 3 by imparting a predetermined external shape, corresponding to a precursor of the shape of package 2, to successive longitudinal portions of tube 3, and for sealing tube 3 at equally spaced cross-sections.
• Packaging machine 1 comprises a filling system 7 (only partially shown) configured to fill tube 3 with the pourable product.
• filling system 7 comprises a filling pipe 10 which, in use, is inserted and surrounded by tube 3 in formation, and which delivers the pourable product into tube 3.
• filling pipe 10 includes an upper duct 11, fluidly connected to a pourable product source (e.g. a tank or reservoir), and a lower duct 12, which is fluidly connected to upper duct 11 and opens into tube 3 for delivering the product therein.
• a pourable product source e.g. a tank or reservoir
• lower duct 12 which is fluidly connected to upper duct 11 and opens into tube 3 for delivering the product therein.
• forming and sealing unit 6 has a longitudinal axis X along which tube 3 is fed, in use.
• longitudinal axis X is parallel to a straight direction, which preferably is a straight vertical direction, as schematized in Figure 1 .
• tube 3 is fed along the longitudinal axis X, downwards, and while being filled from above is formed and sealed by forming and sealing unit 6.
• tube 3 is drawn (downwards) along the longitudinal axis X by forming and sealing unit 6.
• Packaging machine 1 further comprises a folding unit (known per se and not shown) for folding the pillow packs 2a, thereby obtaining packages 2.
• the folding unit is configured to output (i.e. to supply or to provide or to feed) a sequence of fully formed packages 2 containing a pourable product.
• Packaging machine 1 further comprises a cleaning unit 8 configured to clean at least two components of packaging machine 1.
• cleaning unit 8 is configured to clean various components, of packaging machine 1, as it will be better explained in the following.
• cleaning unit 8 is configured to clean various components of packaging machine 1 during a cleaning process of packaging machine 1, during which the production is stopped and such components are disassembled from their respective operating positions which they assume during normal use.
• cleaning unit 8 More in particular, such components are inserted into cleaning unit 8 in order to be cleaned.
• such components are manually inserted into cleaning unit 8.
• the cleaning unit has a container which internally defines a cleaning chamber configured to house the components that need to be cleaned.
• the packaging machine is stopped and the components to be cleaned are temporarily disassembled from their respective operative positions and inserted into the container.
• cleaning unit 8 is mounted on a fixed frame 14 of packaging machine 1, schematically shown in Figure 1 .
• a cleaning medium or fluid such as water or chemically enhanced/treated water, is dispensed.
• filling system 7 further comprises:
• the purpose of the gas feeding duct and the delimiting plate 27 is to control the pressure within the second compartment, according to a manner known.
• Delimiting plate 27 is supported by a holding member 28, which is preferably mounted on lower duct 12.
• Such components i.e. floating element 26, delimiting plate 27 and holding member 28 need to be cleaned during the cleaning process.
• floating element 26, delimiting plate 27 and holding member 28 define the components to be cleaned by cleaning unit 8.
• a first component for example floating element 26 and holding member 28.
• a second component for example floating element 26 and holding member 28.
• the at least two components to be cleaned may be defined by the floating element 26 and the delimiting plate 27.
• the at least two components to be cleaned may be defined by the delimiting plate 27 and the holding member 28.
• the at least two components to be cleaned may be defined by the floating element 26, the delimiting plate 27 and the holding member 28.
• Cleaning unit 8 comprises a housing 15 internally defining a cleaning chamber 16 adapted to receive a cleaning medium, such as water or chemically enhanced/treated water, and the at least two components to be cleaned, preferably the three aforementioned components.
• a cleaning medium such as water or chemically enhanced/treated water
• cleaning unit 8 comprises a feed pipe 17 arranged within housing 15 and configured to supply the cleaning medium within cleaning chamber 16.
• Feed pipe 17 defines at least two receiving seats for the at least two components to be cleaned, a first seat 18a adapted to receive the first component to be cleaned, for example floating element 26, and a second seat 18b adapted to receive the second component to be cleaned, for example holding member 28.
• feed pipe 17 comprises at least two outlets through which the cleaning medium is supplied into cleaning chamber 16, a first outlet 19a being arranged towards first seat 18a and a second outlet 19b being arranged towards second seat 18b.
• second outlet 19b is arranged at the second seat 18b, is associated with the second component only, for example holding member 28, and is thereby configured to direct the cleaning medium towards second seat 18b and the second component.
• feed pipe 17 includes multiple outlets 19a, 19b each configured to direct the cleaning medium precisely to the respective component to be cleaned.
• Feed pipe 17 has a central axis A and extends longitudinally along such axis A.
• the second outlet 19b includes a second set of ports or holes 20b obtained through the feed pipe 17 and configured to direct the cleaning medium towards the second seat 18b and, in use, (only) towards the second component, e.g. holding member 28.
• each port or hole 20a, 20b is oriented radially (i.e. in the radial direction) relative to axis A, so as to direct the cleaning medium radially towards the respective component to be cleaned.
• feed pipe 17 is configured to axially engage a first through passage 26a obtained in the first component, e.g. floating element 26, and/or a second through passage 28a obtained in the second component, e.g. holding member 28. In such a way:
• First through passage 26a and second through passage 28a are visible in Figure 2 and in particular in Figure 3 .
• first component and second component have an annular configuration.
• such components In use, i.e. when inserted into cleaning chamber 16 and fitted on feed pipe 17, such components have an annular configuration about axis A and/or feed pipe 17.
• all the components to be cleaned i.e. floating element 26, holding member 28 and delimiting plate 27 have an annular configuration about axis A, so that feed pipe 17 engages them axially.
• housing 15 radially surrounds feed pipe 17, and is thereby configured to radially enclose the components to be cleaned.
• a radial gap is defined between housing 15 and the components to be cleaned.
• Such radial gap ensures that the cleaning medium can also lap and flow over and around the outer radial surface of each component.
• feed pipe 17 is configured to engage first through passage 26a and second through passage 28a with radial clearance, so as to allow a movement of the first component and the second component along the radial direction and within a predetermined clearance range.
• the radial clearance provides a (small) gap between the feed pipe 17 and the through passages 26a, 28a of the components, allowing the first and second components some freedom to move slightly in the radial direction. This radial movement can help ensure that the cleaning medium reaches all surfaces of the components, including areas that might otherwise be shielded or obstructed. Furthermore, the radial clearance simplifies the process of placing components into their seats and removing them after cleaning; this reduces downtime and makes maintenance more straightforward, improving the overall efficiency of the cleaning process.
• first seat 18a and second seat 18b are axially spaced from one another, so that the first component, e.g. floating element 26, and the second component, e.g. holding member 28, are arranged within cleaning chamber 16 axially spaced from one another, in use.
• the axial spacing of the components within cleaning chamber 16 allows for minimizing, and in particular avoiding, axial contact between the components, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the cleaning process and reducing the risk of damaging the components.
• first seat 18a is arranged axially below the second seat 18b.
• cleaning unit 8 comprises a support flange 21 coupled to feed pipe 17 at a (fixed) position axially below first seat 18a.
• Support flange 21 is defined by an annular member radially protruding from an outer surface 17a of feed pipe 17.
• flange 21 is integrally obtained in one single piece with feed pipe 17.
• support flange 21 is configured to support the first component, e.g. floating element 26, so that the first component rests on support flange 21 in an axially unconstrained manner.
• first component rests in use with a first axial surface thereof onto support flange 21.
• the first component rests on flange 21 in an unconstrained manner, i.e. it is free to move axially.
• cleaning unit 8 comprises at least one spacer 22 arranged within the cleaning chamber 16 and movably coupled to feed pipe 17.
• spacer 22 has an annular configuration about axis A and is provided with a respective through passage 22a axially engaged by feed pipe 17, conveniently with radial clearance, in such a way that an axial movement of spacer 22 along axis A is not hindered by the coupling itself.
• spacer 22 is configured to be axially interposed between the first seat 18a and the second seat 18b.
• spacer 22 is adapted to receive in unconstrained abutment the first component and the second component on respective opposite axial sides thereof.
• a first axial side of spacer 22 abuts axially on a second axial surface of first component, opposite to the aforementioned first axial surface, whereas the second component abuts on a second axial side of spacer 22 opposite to the first axial side thereof.
• spacer 22 is configured to be axially interposed between the first component, e.g. floating element 26, and the second component, e.g. holding member 28, so that, in use: the first component is axially interposed in an axially unconstrained manner between support flange 21 and spacer member 22, and the second component is axially stacked in an unconstrained manner on the first component, with the interposition of spacer member 22.
• support flange 21 is configured to support, in an unconstrained manner and in order of axial stacking: the first component (floating element 26), the spacer 22 via the first component, and the second component (holding member 28) via the spacer 22 and the first component.
• the axially unconstrained resting between the components and spacer 22 and between the first component and support flange 21 allows the components to slightly move or adjust during the cleaning process along the axial direction. This configuration improves the penetration of the cleaning medium in all the superficial features of the components, including areas that might otherwise be shielded or obstructed.
• the axial unconstrained resting between the components and spacer 22 and between the first component and support flange 21 allows the cleaning medium to reach also the axial surfaces which are in mutual abutment between one another, thereby improving the cleaning thereof.
• the axial movement combined with the aforementioned radial movement, produces turbulences and peculiar fluid dynamics which determine a self-cleaning effect enhancing the overall cleaning efficiency of cleaning unit 8.
• housing 15 has a lid 23.
• Lid 23 is arrangeable in:
• lid 23 is arranged in the closed position.
• housing 15 is designed so that the lid 23 arranged in the closed position is spaced, and in particular axially spaced relative to axis A, from the first component and the second component.
• lid 23 when lid 23 is in the closed position, an axial gap is defined between lid 23 and the second component.
• lid 23 fluid-tightly seals cleaning chamber 16 and defines an axial end-of-stroke position for the components.
• cleaning unit 8 is configured to clean also a third component, in this case defined by delimiting element 27.
• feed pipe 17 also defines a third seat 18c, has a third outlet 19c defined by a third set of ports or holes 20c. Also, feed pipe 17 axially engages a third through passage 27a of the third component.
• seats are preferably arranged so that second seat 18b is axially interposed between first seat 18a and third seat 18c.
• first seat 18a, second seat 18b and third seat 18c are axially spaced from one another.
• cleaning unit 8 opportunely comprises a further spacer 24 axially interposed second seat 18b and third seat 18c, i.e. between the second component (holding member 28) and the third component (delimiting plate 27).
• the third component abuts against lid 23, when lid 23 is in its closed position, as shown in Figure 2 .
• filling system 10 comprises a lower duct 12.
• Such lower duct 12 may be cleaned during the cleaning process.
• cleaning unit 8 may comprise an additional housing 30 internally defining an additional cleaning chamber 31 configured for receiving at least one further component to be cleaned.
• additional cleaning chamber 31 is configured for receiving lower duct 12.
• Additional housing 30 is mounted to housing 15, and in particular below housing 15.
• Housing 15 has an inlet aperture 32 to receive the cleaning medium from a source known and not shown.
• inlet aperture 32 is in fluidic communication with feed pipe 17.
• inlet aperture 32 opens into feed pipe 17, and is therefore in fluidic communication with outlets 18a, 18b and 18c.
• inlet aperture 32 is also in fluidic communication with an inner cavity of lower duct 12, through which the cleaning medium flows, in use, form the known source.
• Housing 15 further has an outlet aperture 33.
• Additional housing 30 is fluidically connected to housing 15 via outlet aperture 33, so that housing 15 feeds, in use, the cleaning medium into the additional cleaning chamber 31 and towards said further component to be cleaned, i.e. lower duct 12, and preferably an external surface thereof.
• cleaning unit 8 allows to effectively clean various components of packaging machine 1 reducing the consumption of cleaning medium and, at the same time, enhancing the cleaning process.
• the present invention provides a cleaning unit 8 that addresses these issues by enabling the thorough and simultaneous cleaning of multiple components of the packaging machine 1.
• the cleaning unit 8 is designed to enhance the distribution of the cleaning medium, ensure thorough contact with the components, and allow easy insertion and removal of these components for cleaning. By ensuring targeted and thorough cleaning of multiple components, cleaning unit 8 enhances the hygiene and performance of the packaging process, which is crucial for the production of high-quality sealed packages 2 containing pourable food products.
• the unconstrained disposition of the components within cleaning chamber 16 allows for an enhanced cleaning of all the surfaces thereof, since hindering of the cleaning medium is significantly reduced.

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• Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
• Cleaning In General (AREA)

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Publications (1)

Family

ID=92209039

Family Applications (1)

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Citations (3)

• 2025
  • 2025-05-16 WO PCT/EP2025/063493 patent/WO2025247663A1/fr active Pending
  • 2025-05-16 EP EP25176856.0A patent/EP4656302A1/fr active Pending

Patent Citations (3)

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