Packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages

There is described a packaging apparatus for forming a plurality of sealed packages comprising a conveyor for advancing a web of packaging material along an advancement path, an isolation chamber, a tube forming device adapted to form a tube from the, in use, advancing web of packaging material, a sealing device adapted to longitudinally seal the tube, a filling device for continuously filling the tube formed by the tube forming device, a package forming unit adapted to form and seal the packages from the, in use, advancing tube formed by the tube forming device and filled by the filling device and a support platform supporting the isolation chamber from a first side of the support platform and carrying the package forming unit from a second side of the support platform opposite to the first side.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages, in particular for forming sealed packages filled with a pourable product.

BACKGROUND ART

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.

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, 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.

Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging apparatuses.

A typical packaging apparatus comprises a conveying device for advancing a web of packaging material along an advancement path, a sterilizing unit for sterilizing the web of packaging material, a tube forming device arranged within an aseptic chamber and being adapted to form a tube from the advancing web of packaging material, a sealing device for longitudinally sealing the tube along a seam portion of the tube, a filling device for continuously filling the tube with a pourable product and a package forming unit adapted to produce single packages from the tube of packaging material.

The packaging apparatus comprises a base support structure, typically placed on a plant's floor, and within which the package forming unit is arranged. The aseptic chamber is typically formed from a rigid housing, manufactured as a single piece, mounted onto the base support structure.

The tube forming device comprises a plurality of forming rings and bending rollers mounted to the forming rings so as to gradually form, in use, the tube from the web of packaging material. The forming rings are mounted to an inner side of the rigid housing.

However, as the housing comprises inevitable imperfections as a consequence of its manufacturing process, the forming rings are not aligned with one another according to the required preciseness (i.e. the forming rings are not coaxial with one another). This requires laborious interventions by a technician so as to align the forming rings according to the required preciseness.

Furthermore, the aseptic chamber structure as known requires laborious interventions so as to modify the packaging apparatus for processing a new package type leading to an increased downtime.

Additionally, during a format change it is necessary to precisely align the package forming unit with respect to the tube forming device so that the package forming unit receives, in use, the tube in the correct manner. The precise alignment is, however, time consuming.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a packaging apparatus to overcome, in a straightforward and low-cost manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging apparatus as claimed in claim1.

Further advantageous embodiments of the packaging apparatus according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number1indicates as a whole a packaging apparatus for producing sealed packages2(only one shown inFIG. 2) of a pourable food product, such as pasteurized milk or fruit juice, from a tube3of a web4of packaging material.

Web4of packaging material has a multilayer structure (not shown), and comprises a layer of fibrous material, normally paper, covered on both sides with respective layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.

Preferably, web4also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and at least a first and a second layer of heat-seal plastic material. The layer of gas- and light-barrier material is superimposed on the first layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with the second layer of heat-seal plastic material. The second layer of heat-seal plastic material forms the inner face of package2eventually contacting the food product.

With particular reference toFIGS. 1 to 4, packaging apparatus1comprises:conveying means5for advancing web4along its longitudinal axis A along an advancement path P from a delivery station6to a forming station7, at which, in use, web4is formed into tube3;an isolation chamber10having a housing11separating an inner environment, in particular an inner aseptic environment, from an outer environment13;a tube forming device14extending along a longitudinal axis L, in particular having a vertical orientation, and being arranged, in particular at station7, at least partially, preferably fully, within isolation chamber10and being adapted to form tube3from the, in use, advancing web4;a sealing device15at least partially arranged within isolation chamber10and being adapted to longitudinally seal tube3formed by device14;filling means16for continuously filling tube3formed by device14with the pourable product; anda package forming unit17adapted to transversally seal and form packages2from the, in use, advancing tube3formed by device14and filled by filling means16.

Preferably, packaging apparatus1also comprises a sterilizing unit18adapted to sterilize the, in use, advancing web4at a sterilization station, in particular the sterilization station being arranged upstream of forming station7along path P.

Preferentially, packaging apparatus1also comprises a base support structure22housing package forming unit17and, preferably, also carrying isolation chamber10.

Advantageously, packaging apparatus1also comprises a support structure23carrying at least tube forming device14. Preferentially, support structure23also carries at least a portion of sealing device15.

With particular reference toFIG. 2, conveying means5are also adapted to advance tube3formed by tube forming device14along its longitudinal axis B along a respective tube advancement path Q.

Preferentially, conveying means5are adapted to advance tube3and any intermediate of tube3along path Q. In particular, with the wording intermediates of tube3any configuration of web4is meant prior to obtaining the tube structure and after folding of web4by tube forming device14has started. In other words, the intermediates of tube3are a result of the gradual folding of web4so as to obtain tube3, in particular by overlapping with one another a first longitudinal edge33of web4and a second longitudinal edge34of web4, opposite to first longitudinal edge33.

In particular, operation of conveying means5and operation of package forming unit17are synchronized with one another.

More specifically, conveying means5are configured to advance web4from a reel24positioned at station6along path P.

Even more specifically, conveying means5comprise a plurality of rollers25and a driving unit26(only partially shown) adapted to rotate at least reel24around a respective rotation axis C.

Conveying means5also comprise a web drive assembly, in particular a roller group27arranged in the area of an inlet station of isolation chamber10upstream of tube forming device14along path P. In particular, roller group27is adapted to guide, in use, web4into isolation chamber10. In particular, roller group27is arranged within isolation chamber10, even more particular within the inner environment.

More specifically, roller group27comprises a plurality of respective rollers29.

Driving unit26comprises a first electrical motor (not shown) adapted to cooperate with reel24for rotating reel24around axis C. Preferably, driving unit26also comprises at least a second electrical motor30adapted to rotate at least one of rollers29around a respective rotation axis D.

With particular reference toFIG. 2, filling means16comprise a filling tube31being in fluid connection with a pourable product storage tank (not shown and known as such) and being partially placed within tube3for continuously feeding the pourable product into tube3. In particular, tube31has an L-shaped configuration arranged in such a manner that a linear main tube portion of tube31extends within tube3, even more particular the linear main tube portion extending, in use, parallel to axis B.

In a preferred embodiment, filling tube31is supported by housing11.

Preferentially, package forming unit17comprises:a plurality of operative assemblies (not shown) and a plurality of counter-operative assemblies (not shown) for forming packages2; anda conveying device (not shown) adapted to advance the operative assemblies and the counter-operative assemblies along respective conveying paths.

In more detail, each operative assembly is adapted to cooperate, in use, with one respective counter-operative assembly for forming a respective package2from tube3. In particular, each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly are adapted to shape, to transversally seal and, preferably, also to transversally cut, tube3for forming a respective package2.

In further detail, each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly are adapted to cooperate with one another for forming a respective package2from tube3when advancing along a respective operative portion of the respective conveying path. In particular, during advancement along the respective operative portion each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly advance parallel to and in the same direction as tube3.

In more detail, each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly are configured to contact tube3when advancing along the respective operative portion of the respective conveying path. In particular, each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly are configured to start to contact tube3at a (fixed) hit position.

Furthermore, each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly comprises:a respective half-shell adapted to contact tube3and to at least partially define the shape of packages2;one of a sealing element or a counter-sealing element, adapted to transversally seal tube3in a known manner between adjacent packages2.

In a preferred embodiment, each operative assembly and the respective counter-operative assembly also comprises one of a cutting element or a counter-cutting element for transversally cutting tube3between adjacent packages2.

In particular, each half-shell is adapted to be controlled between a working position and a rest position by means of a driving assembly (not shown). In particular, each half-shell is adapted to be controlled into the working position with the respective operative assembly or the respective counter-operative assembly, in use, advancing along the respective operative portion.

With particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, tube forming device14is adapted to form tube3from, in use, advancing web4by substantially overlapping the two longitudinal edges33and34of web4.

In more detail, tube forming device14comprises a tube forming group35adapted to fold web4gradually into tube3, in particular by overlapping edges33and34with one another for forming a seam portion (not shown and known as such) of tube3.

Tube forming group35comprises at least two, in the specific case shown three, forming ring assemblies37,38and39adapted to fold in cooperation with one another web4gradually into tube3, in particular by overlapping edges33and34with one another for forming the seam portion of tube3.

In particular, each one of forming ring assemblies37,38and39lies in a respective plane H, I, J, in particular each plane H, I, J having a substantially horizontal orientation.

Even more particular, planes H, I and J are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. In particular, plane H is arranged above plane I; and plane I is arranged above plane J.

Preferentially, each plane H, I and J is orthogonal to axis L.

Furthermore, forming ring assemblies37,38and39are arranged coaxial to one another. In particular, forming ring assemblies37,38and39define longitudinal axis L of tube forming device14.

Furthermore, forming ring assembly37is arranged upstream of forming ring assemblies38and39along path Q and forming ring assembly38is arranged upstream of forming ring assembly39along path Q.

Each one of forming ring assemblies37,38and39comprises a respective support ring40and a plurality of respective bending rollers41mounted onto the respective support ring40. In particular, the respective bending rollers41are configured to interact with web4and/or tube3and/or any intermediates of tube3for forming tube3. Even more particular, the respective bending rollers41define respective apertures through which, in use, tube3and/or the intermediates of tube3advance.

In the specific case shown, the respective support ring40of forming ring assembly37is interrupted (in other words, it does not show a full ring structure, but only a partial ring structure; in even other words, it has an arc-shaped structure, instead of the annular structure of the other support rings40of tube forming assemblies38and39).

Preferentially, tube forming device14also comprises a pre-bending assembly42adapted to cooperate with tube forming group35for gradually forming tube3.

In particular, pre-bending assembly42is arranged upstream of tube forming group35, even more particular upstream of forming ring assembly37along path Q.

More specifically, pre-bending assembly42comprises two lateral bending rollers43adapted to interact with web4for bending web4so as to approach edges33and34towards one another. Even more specifically, each one of bending rollers43is configured to contact, in use, web4in the proximity of one respective edge33and34of web4.

Even more specifically, pre-bending assembly42also comprises a frame structure44carrying the bending rollers43. In particular, frame structure44defines a respective aperture, in particular having a substantially rectangular cross-section, through which, in use, pre-bent web4advances.

In other words, pre-bending assembly42is adapted to bend web4so as to obtain a first intermediate structure of tube3and forming ring assemblies37,38and39are adapted to interact with web4or the intermediates of tube3so as to gradually form further intermediate of tube3until finally obtaining tube3.

With particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, sealing device15comprises a sealing head45adapted to interact with tube3, in particular with the seam portion for longitudinally sealing tube3. In the particular embodiment disclosed, sealing head45is adapted to heat tube3, in particular the seam portion by means of induction heating. Alternatively, sealing head45could be adapted to heat tube3, in particular the seam portion by means of heated air.

In more detail, sealing head45is arranged substantially between ring forming assemblies38and39(i.e. sealing head45is arranged between planes I and J).

Preferentially, sealing device15is adapted to control sealing head45at least in an operative configuration at which sealing head45is arranged in a working position at which, in use, sealing head45is adjacent to tube3, in particular to the seam portion for locally heating tube3, in particular for heating the seam portion. Preferably, sealing device15is also adapted to control sealing head45in a rest configuration at which sealing head45is removed from the working position, in particular sealing head45being arranged at a rest position. Preferably, in the rest configuration, sealing head45is deactivated.

More specifically, sealing device15comprises an actuation group46adapted to set sealing head45into the working position or into the rest position.

In particular, actuation group46comprises a lever assembly47carrying sealing head45and an actuator48coupled to lever assembly47and adapted to actuate movement of lever assembly47for controlling sealing head45into the working position or into the rest position.

Preferentially, sealing device15also comprises a pressuring assembly (only partially shown) adapted to exert a mechanical force on tube3, in particular on the substantially overlapping edges33and34, even more particular onto the seam portion of tube3so as to ensure sealing of tube3along the seam portion.

In particular, the pressuring assembly comprises at least an interaction roller56and a counter-interaction roller (not shown) adapted to exert the mechanical force onto the seam portion from opposite sides thereof. In particular, in use, the seam portion of tube3is interposed between interaction roller56and the counter-interaction roller.

Preferentially, the interaction roller56is supported by forming ring assembly39, in particular interaction roller56is mounted to the respective support ring40.

As will be described in more detail further below, support structure23also carries at least a portion of sealing device15, in particular lever assembly47and thereby sealing head45.

With particular reference toFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, base support structure22comprises a main frame structure49carrying isolation chamber10and support structure23.

Preferentially, base support structure22also comprises an elevation adjustment group50adapted to locally adjust elevation of base support structure22. In particular, elevation adjustment group50comprises a plurality of height-adjustable feet elements51, each one connected to a respective portion of main frame structure49and adapted to be placed on a production plant's floor or any other horizontal surface.

Preferably, base support structure22also comprises a respective housing52(only partially shown) fixed to main frame structure49for separating an inner processing environment53of base support structure22from outer environment13. Housing52comprises a through-hole54so as to connect the inner processing environment53with the inner environment of the isolation chamber10for allowing for advancement of tube3from the inner environment of isolation chamber10to package forming unit17.

With particular reference toFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, apparatus1, in particular base support structure22, even more particular housing52, comprises a support platform57, in particular an upper support plate, even more particular a rigid upper support plate.

According to the non-limiting example embodiment shown inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, support platform57is constructed from a plurality of platform pieces.

According to another non-limiting embodiment not shown, support platform57can be realized as a single piece.

Preferably, support platform57is horizontally arranged. Even more preferably, feet elements51are configured to control the orientation of support platform57, in particular such that support platform57is horizontally oriented.

In particular, support platform57is fixed to an upper portion of main frame structure49.

Preferentially, support platform57carries through-hole54configured to enable the passage of tube3from the inner environment of isolation chamber10to package forming unit17, in particular so that the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies are able to interact with tube3for forming packages2.

In more detail, support platform57supports isolation chamber10from a first side of support platform57and carries package forming unit17from a second side of support platform57opposite to the first side.

In particular, support platform57is interposed between isolation chamber10and package forming unit17, in particular with isolation chamber10being arranged above package forming unit17.

Preferentially, isolation chamber10and package forming unit17are removably connected to support platform57.

In further detail, support platform57comprises a plurality of anchorage elements, preferably non-removably fixed to the second side of the support platform57, to which package forming unit17is attached, in particular removably attached.

Preferentially, package forming unit17comprises a plurality of engagement elements each one removably attached to one respective anchorage element.

In a preferred embodiment, the anchorage elements and, preferably, also the respective engagement elements, are arranged such that package forming unit17carried by support platform17is aligned, in particular centered, with respect to through-hole54and, preferably, also with respect to tube forming device14.

In particular, the anchorage elements and, preferably also the corresponding engagement elements, are arranged such that package forming unit17is positioned in such a manner that tube3advancing along path Q is centered with respect to the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies, in particular when the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies advance along the respective operative portion of the respective conveying path. In this way, it is guaranteed that the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies start to simultaneously engage with tube3at the respective hit position.

Preferably, the anchorage elements and, preferably also the respective engagement elements, are arranged such that during a format change during which the package forming unit17installed is exchanged with a new package forming unit17of a type different from the one of the package forming unit17installed is aligned, in particular centered, with respect to through-hole54.

Even more specifically, during a format change during which the package forming unit17installed is exchanged with a new package forming unit17of a type different from the one of the package forming unit17installed is directly aligned, in particular directly centered, with respect to through-hole54. In other words, the newly installed package forming unit17is aligned, in particular centered with respect to through-hole54without the need of any further and lengthy adjustment works. In even other words, the newly installed package forming unit17is aligned, in particular centered, with respect to through-hole54such that tube3advancing along path Q is centered with respect to the operative assemblies (the ones of the newly installed package forming unit17) and the respective counter-operative assemblies (the ones of the newly installed package forming unit17), in particular when the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies advance along the respective operative portion of the respective conveying path, without the need of lengthy interventions of a technical operator.

In particular, after the exchange of the package forming unit17the hit position of the operative assemblies and the respective counter-operative assemblies is automatically adapted to the new package format to be produced.

With particular reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, isolation chamber10comprises an auxiliary frame55carried by base support structure22. In particular, auxiliary frame55is carried by support platform57.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, auxiliary frame55comprises a base frame module and at least one extension frame module removably mounted to the base frame module so as to make it possible to change the extension of isolation chamber10, as will be better explained in the following.

Furthermore, sterilizing unit18is designed to sterilize web4at the sterilization station by means of an electron beam directed onto web4. In particular, sterilizing unit18comprises an electron beam generator (not shown and known as such) adapted to direct an electron beam onto the, in use, advancing web4at the sterilization station. In particular, sterilizing unit18is adapted to sterilize web4prior to interaction of web4with tube forming device14.

More specifically, sterilizing unit18is connected to isolation chamber10. Even more specifically, sterilizing unit18is connected to housing11of sterilizing unit18and is adapted to direct the electron beam through an opening within housing11onto the, in use, advancing web4.

Alternatively, the sterilizing unit could sterilize web4by means of a chemical sterilizing agent, in particular hydrogen peroxide, even more particular by heated hydrogen peroxide.

With particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, support structure23comprises at least one support column, preferably at least two support columns60(in the specific example shown two support columns60), carrying at least indirectly a portion or parts, preferentially all parts of tube forming device14.

Support columns60carry at least indirectly tube forming device14means that at least one support column60, preferentially two support columns60, structurally support tube forming device14. In other words, the force needed to arrange and to keep tube forming device14within isolation chamber10is provided by support columns60; i.e. no other portions of e.g. the isolation chamber10provide for a significant structural role for keeping at least tube forming device14in place and to precisely arrange it within isolation chamber10.

In particular, each support column60extends along a respective axis M. Preferentially, support columns60are also parallel to one another (i.e. the respective axes M are parallel to one another). Even more particular, support columns60extend into a vertical direction. Preferably, axis L is parallel to axes M.

In the specific embodiment disclosed, support columns60have substantially equal cross-sectional sizes. In particular, each support column60has a substantially constant cross-sectional size.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, each support column60comprises at least one extension column removably fixed to the respective support column60so as to modify the length of the respective support column60itself. As it will be described in more detail further below, this is in particular advantageous during a package format change.

Preferentially, support columns60are supported by/carried by (and removably mounted to) base support structure22and extend perpendicularly away from base support structure22. Even more particular, support columns60are at least indirectly carried by main frame structure49. Preferentially, support columns60are removably mounted to support platform57. In other words, support columns60are removably fixed to base support structure22.

In more detail, support columns60are arranged at least partially within isolation chamber10, in particular being placed at least partially within the inner environment of the isolation chamber10. In the example shown, support columns60are fully arranged within isolation chamber10, in particular within the inner environment of the isolation chamber10.

In particular, support columns60are distinct from isolation chamber10(i.e. support columns60do not define isolation chamber10). Even more particular, support columns60are distinct from auxiliary frame55and housing11.

Preferentially, support columns60carry, in particular indirectly carry, at least tube forming group35. Even more preferentially, support columns60also carry, in particular indirectly carry, pre-bending assembly42.

Preferably, support columns60also at least partially carry, in particular indirectly carry, sealing device15. Even more preferably, support columns60indirectly carry at least sealing head45; and carry at least a portion of actuation group46, in particular lever assembly47.

Advantageously, but not necessarily support columns60also carry roller group27, in particular each one of rollers29.

In further detail, support structure23also comprises a coupling assembly61coupled to at least support columns60. In particular, coupling assembly61is connected to support columns60. In this way, coupling assembly61is also adapted to increase the mechanical stability of support columns60(i.e., coupling assembly61further contributes to that vibrations resulting from the operation of apparatus1do not significantly influence the arrangement and position of support columns60). In other words, as will be even more clearer from the following description, coupling assembly61is adapted to ensure that the precise positioning of tube forming assembly14is maintained during operation of apparatus1.

Preferably, coupling assembly61is also coupled to tube forming device14such that support columns60indirectly carry tube forming device14. In particular, tube forming device14is coupled to coupling assembly61in such a manner that tube forming device14is centered with respect to support columns60. In other words, coupling assembly61is connected to support columns60and to at least tube forming device14. Or in even other words, tube forming device14is indirectly connected to support columns60by coupling assembly61.

Preferably, coupling assembly61is also coupled to, in particular connected to, a portion of sealing device15, in particular a portion of actuation group46, even more particular to lever assembly47such that support columns60indirectly carry the portion of sealing device15, in particular lever assembly47.

With particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, coupling assembly61comprises a plurality of connection bars62each one connected to support columns60. In particular, each connection bar62is arranged transversally to support columns60.

Preferably, connection bars62are connected to at least tube forming group35, in particular for carrying tube forming group35.

Preferentially, at least one connection bar62is connected to pre-bending assembly42. In particular, pre-bending assembly42is mounted to the respective connection bar62. Even more particular, frame support44is mounted to the respective connection bar62.

In more detail, each forming ring assembly37,38and39is mounted, in particular removably mounted, to one respective connection bar62. Thus, in the specific example shown, three connection bars62are provided for carrying forming ring assemblies37,38and39.

In even more detail, each respective support ring40is removably mounted to the respective connection bar62.

Furthermore, one connection bar62, in particular the one carrying forming ring assembly39, also carries at least a portion of sealing device15, in particular a portion of actuation group46, even more particular lever assembly47. Preferentially, a portion of actuation group46, in particular actuator48, is also directly connected to (mounted to) at least one support column60.

In more detail, each connection bar62is fixed, in particular removably fixed to support columns60at a respective end portion63of the connection bar62itself. In particular, each connection bar62comprises at least two respective fixing elements64for fixing end portions63to the respective support columns60.

Preferably, each connection bar62is moveable along support columns60. In other words, each connection bar62is adapted to be displaced along a direction parallel to axis M for arranging the relative positions between connection bars62themselves (and the relative positions of forming ring assemblies37,38and39and pre-bending assembly42with one another).

In particular, each connection bar62is adapted to be moved (e.g. by a technician) along the direction parallel to axis M by loosening the respective fixing elements64and by applying the respective displacement force. Even more particular, each end portion63is moveable along the respective support column60by loosening the respective fixing element64and applying the respective displacement force.

Preferentially, roller group27comprises a carrier structure65rotatably carrying rollers29and being removably connected to support columns60. In particular, carrier structure65comprises externally arranged connection elements66and each one detachably connected to one respective support column60.

With particular reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, support structure23further comprises a stabilizing assembly67for further increasing the mechanical stability of support columns60(i.e. stabilizing assembly67further contributes to that vibrations resulting from the operation of apparatus1do not significantly influence the arrangement and position of support columns60; in other words, stabilizing assembly67is adapted to ensure that the precise positioning of tube forming assembly14is maintained during operation of apparatus1).

More specifically, stabilizing assembly67comprises at least one main support bar68being connected to at least one support column60. Preferentially, stabilizing assembly67comprises at least two main support bars68(only one shown inFIG. 2) each one being connected to one respective support column60.

Furthermore, each main support bar68is at least indirectly carried by base support structure22.

In particular, each main support bar68has an extension and orientation transversal, in particular orthogonal to support columns60. Even more particular, each main support bar68has a substantially horizontal orientation.

Preferably, stabilizing assembly67also comprises a plurality of auxiliary support bars69for supporting main support bars68. In particular, auxiliary support bars69connect main support bars68to base support structure22. Auxiliary support bars69are supported by base support structure22and are substantially parallel to support columns60(i.e. parallel to axes M). In particular, auxiliary support bars69are mounted to housing52, in particular to support platform57.

In use, conveying means5advance web4along path P. During advancement of web4along path P web4is sterilized at the sterilization station by sterilizing unit18, in particular by irradiating web4with an electron beam.

After that web4is further advanced to station7so that tube forming device14forms tube3from web4. The conveying means5further advance tube3and its intermediates along path Q.

In particular, tube forming device14, in particular forming ring assemblies37,38and39and pre-bending assembly42, gradually lead to the formation of tube3, in particular by substantially overlapping edges33and34for obtaining the seam portion.

Then, sealing device15heats the seam portion and forming ring assembly39exerts a mechanical force onto the seam portion so as to longitudinally seal tube3.

A format change of packaging apparatus1is possible by replacing tube forming group35and by exchanging package forming unit17.

In particular, when a minor format change occurs (e.g. from one type of package to another type of package, the two types of package having similar volumes) replacing tube forming group35requires removal of housing11and replacement of forming ring assemblies37,38and39with the respective forming ring assemblies37,38and39and pre-bending assembly42adapted for the new format.

Replacement of these parts can be performed by dismounting them from the respective connection bars62or by removing them together with the respective connection bars62and by replacing these components with new connection bars62which already carry the respective forming ring assemblies37,38and39and the respective pre-bending assembly42. The correct alignment of forming ring assemblies37,38and39and the pre-bending assembly42can be done by moving the connection bars62parallel to axes M.

When a major format change is needed (e.g. from one type of package to another type of package, the two types of package having significantly differing volumes) with respect to the minor format change it is also necessary to obtain longer or shorter support columns60.

In the case longer support columns60are required, it is also necessary to mount the respective extension columns to the support columns60as present.

As well, it becomes necessary to modify isolation chamber10so that support columns60remain within isolation chamber10. This is done by adding an extension frame module to the base frame module of auxiliary frame55extending thereby the extension of isolation chamber10. As well, housing11must be adapted to the extended auxiliary frame structure55.

In the case shorter support columns60are required, it is also necessary to remove the respective extension frame module(s) of the auxiliary frame structure55and to remove the respective extension columns of support columns60.

Preferentially, the exchange of package forming unit17requires to remove the package forming unit17in use from support platform57, in particular from the anchorage elements.

More specifically, the engagement element of package forming unit17are detached from the respective anchorage elements.

Then, the new package forming unit17is attached to support platform57, in particular to the anchorage elements.

More specifically, the engagement elements are attached to the respective anchorage elements.

The advantages of packaging apparatus1according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, using at least one support column60or preferably at least two support columns60for carrying at least indirectly the tube forming device14increases the flexibility and accuracy of packaging apparatus1.

A further advantage is that the use of support columns60for structurally carrying at least tube forming device14allows to provide for a self-centering of the tube forming device14. Thus, the alignment of the parts (the ring forming assemblies37,38,39) of the tube forming device14is facilitated with respect to the packaging apparatuses known in the art in which the tube forming device14is carried by the housing of the isolation chamber. This provides for decreased downtimes during e.g. a format change.

An even other advantage is that support columns60can be arranged on base support structure22with a high accuracy. This again leads to an improved alignment of the forming ring assemblies37,38and39and the pre-bending assembly42in comparison to mounting these to the housing of the isolation chamber of a packaging apparatus.

Another advantage is that support columns60also carry other parts (e.g. sealing head45, lever assembly47, roller group27) arranged within isolation chamber10.

An additional advantage is that the housing11does not have a structural function. This allows to increase the possible choice of materials adapted for housing11and less material can be used. This allows to reduce the size of the isolation chamber, to decrease the weight of the overall structure and to facilitate the exchange of housing11or parts of housing11if needed (e.g. due a format change).

An even further advantage resides in package forming unit17being removably attached to support platform57, which allows a rapid exchange of package forming unit17with a new package forming unit17, in particular without the need of any extensive (and time consuming) interventions by a technical operator.

An even additional advantage is that the anchorage elements allow to precisely align, in particular center, package forming unit17with respect to through-hole54.

Clearly, changes may be made to packaging apparatus1as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the support columns of support structure23could be of the extendable type so as to change the length of the support columns (e.g. as required by a format change).

In a further embodiment not shown, the support columns of support structure23could be of the modular type. In particular, support columns could comprise varying column portions, each one removably fixed to at least one adjacent column portion.

In an even further embodiment not shown, the support columns of support structure23could have varying cross-sectional sizes. In particular, the support columns could have a truncated cone-shape.