A machine for manufacturing food containers

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing food containers.

In particular, the invention relates to automatic machines for the production of containers in which to package and keep liquid food products, such as fruit juices, water, milk, and the like.

Background Art

Machines of the type in question comprise a diecutting station in which single sheets or leaves obtained from a continuous strip of multilayer food safe paper material are cut, creased and scored or perforated along predetermined lines in such a way as to generate a succession of blanks. The blanks are then transferred to a folding unit by which each one is erected.

On entering the folding unit, each blank is bent along the crease lines and the free edges of the selfsame blank are welded together, for example by means of sonotrodes, in such a manner as to fashion a tubular element generally of prismatic appearance, open at both ends.

Thereafter, the tubular elements are transferred to a further processing station where each of the single elements is associated with a respective neck of rigid plastic material, generally threaded and closable by fitting a relative screw cap.

Finally, the bottom of the tubular element is folded and sealed to create a container.

The containers formed in this way are transported by conveyor means to a filling machine on which they are sterilized by directing suitable cleansing substances in through the neck, and filled subsequently with one of the liquid food products aforementioned.

More exactly, the sterilization step consists of injecting hydrogen peroxide into each of the containers in such a way that the inside walls of the single container will be flooded by the sterilizer (hydrogen peroxide) and thus sanitized.

To ensure that no traces of the sterilizer will be left inside the container, the hydrogen peroxide is injected in the form of gas. In addition, sterile air is pumped subsequently into the containers to remove any trace of the hydrogen peroxide.

While effective, machines for manufacturing food containers as briefly outlined above nonetheless present certain drawbacks connected with the hygiene requirements specified in quality control standards.

In effect, there are areas in the containers to which sterilizing media cannot easily be delivered, such as the overlapped edges along which the tubular element is welded, and the interstices created between the bottom and the side walls of the container.

During the diecutting step, moreover, and in particular when the blanks are punched or perforated, the mechanical cutting action generates micrometric dust particles that tend to cling to the blank.

These dust particles are not removed from the container, and consequently remain inside even when the container is filled with a liquid food product.

Disclosure of the Invention

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine for manufacturing food containers in which the above noted drawbacks associated with the prior art are overcome.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a machine for manufacturing food containers such as will be able to guarantee the optimum sanitization of each container manufactured. A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine for manufacturing food containers, such as will ensure that dust particles do not remain attached to the inside of the finished container.

The stated objects of the present invention are substantially realized in a machine for manufacturing food containers, of which the characteristics are as recited in one or more of the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

-figure 1 illustrates a machine for manufacturing food containers, viewed schematically and in perspective;

-figure 2 shows a portion of the machine in figure 1, viewed in perspective and illustrated in a closed configuration;

-figure 3 shows the portion of the machine in figure 2, illustrated in an open configuration; -figure 4 is an enlarged cutaway view of the machine as illustrated in figure 3.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 shows a machine 1, illustrated schematically, for manufacturing containers designed to hold liquid food products such as fruit juices, water, milk and the like.

The machine 1 in question comprises a diecutting station 2 in which single sheets or leaves obtained from a continuous strip 3 of multilayer food safe paper material are cut, creased and scored or perforated along predetermined lines in such a way as to generate a succession of blanks 4.

The blanks 4 are then transferred to a forming station 5, where each one is bent along the aforementioned crease lines and the free edges of the blank 4 are welded together, in such a manner as to fashion a tubular element 6 generally of prismatic appearance, open at both ends.

Thereafter, the tubular elements are transferred to a further processing station, denoted 7, where each of the single elements 6 is associated with a respective neck 8 of rigid plastic material, generally threaded and closable by fitting a relative screw cap.

Finally, the bottom of the tubular element is folded and sealed to create a container 11.

The containers formed in this way are transported by conveyor means 9 to a filling machine 10 on which they are sterilized by directing suitable cleansing substances in through the neck, and filled subsequently with one of the liquid food products aforementioned. The diecutting station 2 preferably comprises a press 2a through which the strip 3 of multilayer food safe paper material is caused to pass before being divided up into discrete lengths, or blanks 4, by a special cutter element located immediately downstream of the press 2a.

The machine 1 further comprises a sanitizing device 12 operating at the diecutting station 2, by which the blank 4 is disinfected and sanitized before being folded and fashioned into a container.

The sanitizing device 12 is therefore located advantageously between the diecutting station 2 and the forming station 5, immediately downstream of the diecutting station 2. Accordingly, the zone downstream of the diecutting station 2 is identifiable as a sanitizing zone 13.

The sanitizing device 12 is designed to dispense a disinfectant fluid, preferably hydrogen peroxide, atomized to a mist and delivered in a continuous jet. The single blanks 4 emerging from the diecutting station 2 advance intermittently, whereas the jet of disinfectant fluid is delivered continuously, so as to flood any component of the machine 1 located in close proximity to the sanitizing zone 13, such as the blade of the cutter element, for example.

Also forming part of the sanitizing device 12 are means, denoted 14, by which to dispense a disinfectant fluid directly onto the blanks 4, Such dispensing means 14 comprise a duct 15 by which a tank 17 containing a disinfectant fluid is placed in fluid communication with a nozzle 16 delivering the disinfectant fluid.

As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the nozzle 16 preferably is positioned immediately downstream of the diecutting station 2, at a short distance from the cutter element.

Likewise preferably, the nozzle 16 presents an elongated and linear appearance, in such a way as to deliver a laminar jet of fluid that will sweep the entire surface of each advancing blank 4. In this way, a better sanitization of each blank 4 can be guaranteed.

In an alternative configuration (not illustrated), the sanitizing device 12 might comprise a plurality of discrete nozzles deployed so as to invest all parts of the machine located within the sanitizing zone 13.

To advantage, the machine comprises a casing 18 positioned over the sanitizing zone 13 and enclosing the sanitizing device 12.

With this arrangement, the sanitizing zone 13 is saturated by the disinfectant fluid dispensed from the nozzle, guaranteeing a thorough disinfection not only of the blanks 4 but of all adjacent machine parts as well.

The blanks emerging from the diecutting station 2 are carried forward by suitable transport means, such as a conveyor belt or grippers, toward the processing stations located downstream as described previously, and in this instance toward the forming station 5 where each blank 4 is fashioned into a tubular element.

In the preferred solution of the accompanying drawings, the transport means consist in grippers 20 by which the single blanks are taken up and conveyed to the folding unit 5.

The saturation of the sanitizing zone 13 ensures that mechanical components such as the transport grippers 20 will also be disinfected, along with the blanks.

The sanitizing device 12 further comprises an extractor port 19, by way of which a partial vacuum can be generated internally of the sanitizing zone 13. Consequently, excess hydrogen peroxide is evacuated from the enclosure, together with any dust particles or scrap from cutting. In addition, negative pressure has the effect of preventing an undesirable leakage of disinfectant liquid or vapours that might escape through any gaps around the casing 18. The drawbacks associated with the prior art are overcome by the present invention, and the stated objects duly realized. First and foremost, it will be evident that with a sanitizing device positioned upstream of the folding station, the container can be disinfected more successfully. With the solution described and illustrated, in effect, the sanitization of the blank is more thorough, reaching parts that would not easily be accessible after folding, even when atomized disinfectant is delivered internally of the container.

To advantage, by creating an enclosed and delimited sanitizing zone, it becomes possible to atomize the disinfectant fluid both over the entire exposed surface of the flat blank, and if appropriate over other parts of the machine located in close proximity to the sanitizing device, to ensure that any machine component brought into contact with the disinfected blank will be appropriately sanitized in its turn.

The provision of a casing prevents vapours from being released into the surrounding environment. Rather, hydrogen peroxide vapours are evacuated by way of the extractor port, as also will be any dust particles generated when the blanks are cut. Accordingly, the inside of the finished container remains free of dust.