Patent Description:
The sterilization of materials required for the packaging of products, such as food products, is of fundamental interest to guarantee the necessary shelf-life of the products packaged and, consequently, to ensure consumers' safety. This is even more important when the food products are packaged in aseptic conditions.

Filling of receptacles, such as containers, mays and bottles made of base components such as glass, plastic, aluminum, steel and composite materials, with any type of pourable food product, such as carbonated liquids (e.g., sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (including still water, fruit juices, tea, sports drinks, wine, milk, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, flavoured water, etc.), emulsions and drinks containing pulp is known.

In general, before being filled with the pourable food product, the receptacles are sterilized in a receptacle sterilization device and are subsequently filled with the desired pourable food product in a filling machine.

After filling of the receptacles, typically, the respective openings of the receptacle through which filling takes place are closed by means of the application of respective caps.

Before application, the caps are sterilized in a respective sterilization machine. After sterilization, the sterile caps are fed to a capping machine, which also receives the filled receptacles.

A typical cap sterilization machine comprises a conveying device with a guide rail housed in an isolation tunnel. The caps are positioned in succession and in contact with one another on the guide rail and by means of a pusher element, such as an insertion star, the caps are inserted one at a time and placed in contact with the succession of caps already present within the guide rail. This leads to a thrust force being exerted on the succession of caps, which results in the advancement of the succession of caps.

A disadvantage of these known sterilization machines lies in the impossibility of adapting the related operating speed as a function of the working conditions of the capping machines.

A further problem of these known sterilization machines is that due to combination of high temperatures to which the caps are exposed and the contact between the caps, the caps are susceptible to deformations due to the forces acting within the succession of caps.

Therefore, with particular reference to <CIT>, which discloses a sterilization machine according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, the Applicant has developed an alternative sterilization machine, which is based on a conveying device, which comprises a guide rail arranged inside an isolation tunnel and an endless rail, which carries a plurality of groups of moving carts. Each group of carts is operatively coupled to a respective pusher element, which is designed to interact with a respective group of a limited number of caps arranged on the guide rail in such a manner to advance the respective group.

In one embodiment, the endless rail is arranged under the isolation tunnel and each moving cart is provided with a first interaction member. Furthermore, the conveying device comprises a plurality of auxiliary carts arranged inside the isolation tunnel and coupled movably on a guide. Each auxiliary cart is associated with a respective cart and comprises a respective second interaction element configured to magnetically interact with the respective first interaction element in such a manner to transfer the advancement of the respective cart to an advancement of the auxiliary cart.

Furthermore, it should be noted that to guarantee the required hygienic condition within the isolation tunnel, the auxiliary carts are arranged in an auxiliary chamber which in turn is arranged inside the isolation tunnel. However, in this way, the mechanical complexity of the sterilization machine is increased.

Furthermore, it has been observed that the interaction between the auxiliary carts and the guide causes the formation of detritus, in particular inside the auxiliary chamber.

The object of the present invention is to produce a cap sterilization machine, which allows at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks to be overcome in a simple and economical manner.

The aforesaid object is achieved by the present invention, as it relates to a sterilization machine as defined in the independent claim <NUM>. Alternative preferred embodiments are protected by the dependent claims.

For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment thereof is described below, purely by way of a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

With reference to <FIG>, number <NUM> indicates as a whole a sterilization machine for the sterilization of caps <NUM>.

In particular, sterilization machine <NUM> may be configured to sterilize caps <NUM> that may be applied to receptacles, such as bottles, containers or the like, containing a pourable food product.

The receptacles may be made of a thermoplastic polymer, as for example polyethylene terephthalate. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacles may also be made of a different material such as glass, a metal material, a composite material, a multi-layer material and the like.

In more detail, the pourable products may, for example, be carbonated liquids (such as sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (such as still water, fruit juices, wine, tea, milk, milk drinks, yoghurt drinks, flavored water), emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids, emulsions and drinks containing pulp.

According to some embodiments, caps <NUM> may be made of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, in particular high-density polyethylene.

Alternatively or additionally, caps <NUM> may vary in format (for example, in their extension - height, diameter, etc.) and/or in their type. For example, caps <NUM> may comprise an internal thread to be screwed onto receptacles In particular, caps <NUM> may be of the "sports cap" or "screw cap" type.

With particular reference to <FIG>, sterilization machine <NUM> may comprise an isolation tunnel <NUM> having or delimiting an inner space <NUM>, in which the caps <NUM> are advanced along a conveying path P.

Moreover, isolation tunnel <NUM> may separate inner space <NUM> from an outer space <NUM>. In particular, outer space <NUM> may define a hostile environment; i.e. an environment containing contaminants such as bacteria, microbes, powders, dust and the like.

Additionally, sterilization machine <NUM> may comprise a conditioning device configured to control the physical and/or chemical conditions within inner space <NUM>. In particular, sterilization machine <NUM> may be configured such that inner space <NUM> may be aseptic and/or sterile. For example, the conditioning device may be configured to control the temperature, pressure, humidity, sterility and/or the chemical composition within inner space <NUM> and/or to control the flow of gases present in the inner space <NUM>.

Preferably, the conditioning device may be configured to control the physical and/or chemical conditions in the inner space <NUM> locally; i.e., the physical and/or chemical conditions may vary in different portions of the inner space <NUM>. In particular, as will be disclosed in further detail further below, isolation tunnel <NUM> may comprise a plurality of zones, which are configured to serve for varying purposes during the sterilization process and the conditions within these varying zones may differ.

Advantageously, the conditioning device may be configured to maintain an aseptic condition within inner space <NUM>.

In more detail, isolation tunnel <NUM> may comprise an inlet <NUM> for caps <NUM> to be sterilized and an outlet <NUM> for the sterilized caps <NUM>.

In particular, inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> may be arranged at opposite ends of isolation tunnel <NUM>.

In more detail, conveying path P may extend between a start station <NUM> (being arranged substantially at inlet <NUM>) and an end station <NUM> (being arranged substantially at outlet <NUM>). In particular, in use, caps <NUM> advance from start station <NUM> to end station <NUM>. More specifically, caps <NUM> are, in use, sterilized during their advancement along conveying path P (i.e., during their advancement from start station <NUM> to end station <NUM>).

With particular reference to <FIG>, isolation tunnel <NUM> may comprise a plurality of walls that delimit inner space <NUM> and/or which may be arranged within inner space <NUM>.

In more detail, this plurality of walls may comprise a lower wall <NUM> and an upper wall <NUM>, in particular which may be distanced from one another along a vertical axis A. Additionally, upper wall <NUM> and lower wall <NUM> may be transversal to vertical axis A. Preferentially, vertical axis A may be operatively parallel to gravity and/or may be substantially vertical.

Additionally, the plurality of walls may also comprise a plurality of lateral walls <NUM>.

In particular, isolation tunnel <NUM> may comprise at least two pairs of two lateral walls <NUM> so as to enclose inner space <NUM>.

Moreover, the respective lateral walls <NUM> of a first pair of two lateral walls <NUM> may be distanced from one another along an axis B, in particular a first horizontal axis B. In particular, the respective two lateral walls <NUM> may be transversal to first horizontal axis B.

Advantageously, axis B may be operatively transversal to gravity.

Additionally, the respective lateral walls <NUM> of a second pair of two lateral walls <NUM> may be distanced from one another along an axis C, in particular a second horizontal axis C, preferentially second horizontal axis C being transversal and/or perpendicular to first horizontal axis B. In a preferred embodiment, first horizontal axis B is orthogonal to second horizontal axis C and vertical axis A, and vertical axis A is orthogonal to first horizontal axis B and second horizontal axis C. In particular, the respective two lateral walls <NUM> may be transversal to second horizontal axis C.

Advantageously, also second horizontal axis C may be operatively transversal to gravity.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, sterilization machine <NUM> may comprise at least one guide rail <NUM> arranged within inner space <NUM> and configured to support caps <NUM> during their advancement along conveying path P. In particular, guide rail <NUM> determines the conveying path P.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, sterilization machine <NUM> may comprise a plurality of guide rails <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>). Each guide rail <NUM> is configured to support a respective format and/or type of caps. In use, caps <NUM> may be fed to and advanced along the respective guide rail <NUM>, which may be adopted for the respective format and/or type of cap.

Moreover, each guide rail <NUM> may comprise at least an inlet section, in particular arranged substantially at start station <NUM>, and an output section, in particular arranged substantially at end station <NUM>, to respectively allow caps <NUM> to be sterilized to be fed to the respective guide rail <NUM> and the sterilized caps <NUM> to exit from the respective guide rail <NUM>.

According to some preferred embodiments, isolation tunnel <NUM>, in particular inner space <NUM>, may comprise a plurality of zones defined in dependence of the operations to which the caps <NUM> are exposed while being conveyed through the respective zones.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, isolation tunnel <NUM> may comprise at least:.

In particular, in use, caps <NUM> are exposed to a sterilizing fluid when advancing within injection zone <NUM>, in particular the sterilizing fluid deposits on caps <NUM>.

Preferentially, in use, when caps <NUM> advance within contact and/or activation zone <NUM> the sterilizing fluid, in particular the sterilizing, which has deposited onto caps <NUM> during their advancement within injection zone <NUM>, acts on caps <NUM>.

Moreover, in use, when caps <NUM> advance within drying zone <NUM> the sterilizing fluid present on caps <NUM> evaporates from caps <NUM>.

In more detail, sterilizing machine <NUM>, in particular the conditioning device, may comprise a sterilizing unit configured to inject a sterilizing fluid (such as hydrogen peroxide and/or any other chemical sterilizing agent in gaseous, vapor and/or liquid form) into injection zone <NUM> of isolation tunnel <NUM>, in particular into the respective portion of inner space <NUM>. In particular, the sterilizing unit is configured to generate a cloud of the sterilizing fluid within injection zone <NUM> and such that the sterilizing fluid deposits, in use, on caps <NUM> during their advancement within injection zone <NUM>.

Moreover, during advancement of caps <NUM> within contact and/or activation zone <NUM>, the sterilizing agent acts on caps <NUM> so as to sterilize the same. Preferentially, the condition unit may comprise a temperature control unit configured to control temperatures within contact and/or activation zone <NUM>, which guarantee an optimal activity of the sterilizing fluid.

Preferably, the conditioning device may also comprise a ventilation unit coupled to drying zone <NUM>, in particular configured to ventilate drying zone <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, isolation tunnel <NUM> may comprise a plurality of partition walls <NUM> arranged within inner space <NUM> and delimiting injection zone <NUM>, contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and drying zone <NUM> within inner space <NUM>.

Preferentially, partition walls <NUM> are parallel to one another.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, partition walls <NUM> may extend parallel to second horizontal axis C.

With particular reference to <FIG>, sterilization machine <NUM> may comprise a conveying device <NUM> configured to control advancement of caps <NUM> along conveying path P.

In more detail, conveying device <NUM> may comprise:.

At least one wall of isolation tunnel <NUM> may be spatially interposed between actuation unit <NUM> and inner space <NUM>. According to the specific embodiment shown (see e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>), the interposed wall could be lower wall <NUM>. According to a non-shown embodiment, the interposed wall could be upper wall <NUM>.

Preferentially, each cart <NUM> may comprise at least one pusher <NUM>.

More specifically, for each cart <NUM>, sterilizing machine <NUM> may be configured so that each pusher <NUM> interacts, in use, with and/or pushes a respective group <NUM> of caps <NUM>, such that, by means of advancement of the cart <NUM> along at least one operative portion Q1 of advancement path Q, the group <NUM> advances along conveying path P.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the respective caps <NUM> of each group <NUM> may be arranged in succession to one another. In the specific case illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, each group <NUM> may comprise five caps <NUM>. Preferably, each group <NUM> may comprise a number of caps whose value may fall between <NUM> and <NUM> or between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the specific case of <FIG> and <FIG>, each group <NUM> comprises the same number of caps <NUM>. However, the number of caps <NUM> of the groups <NUM> may, according to some embodiments, vary from one another.

In more detail, in use, by means of the advancement of the carts <NUM> along operative portion Q1, an advancement of pushers <NUM>, which in turn push the respective groups <NUM> along the conveying path P, is obtained.

Moreover, for each cart <NUM>, sterilizing machine <NUM> may be configured such that, by means of a pushing action exerted by the respective pusher <NUM> on the respective group <NUM>, the advancement of cart <NUM> along operative portion Q1 corresponds to the advancement of the respective group <NUM> along conveying path P.

Additionally, for each cart <NUM>, sterilizing machine <NUM> may be configured so that, by means of this pushing action, the advancement of the cart <NUM> along this operative portion Q1 causes the advancement of the respective group <NUM> along the conveying path P.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, actuation unit <NUM> could be defined by and/or may comprise a planar motor.

With particular reference to <FIG>, actuation unit <NUM> may comprise a plurality coils and a controller configured to selectively (electrically) supply the coils so as to control, in particular to locally control, the electromagnetic field.

In particular, the controller may be configured such to selectively control advancement of carts <NUM> by selectively controlling the coils.

Preferentially, actuation unit <NUM> may comprise a plurality of planar actuation modules <NUM>, each one having a plurality of the coils. Each actuation module corresponds to a respective planar motor tile.

Moreover, planar actuation modules <NUM> may be arranged next to one another along a first horizontal direction D1, which is in particular parallel to first horizontal axis B, and next to one another along a second horizontal direction D2 which is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to first horizontal direction D1. The second horizontal direction D2 can be parallel to second horizontal axis C.

In particular, each planar actuation module <NUM> may comprise a first face <NUM> facing isolation tunnel <NUM>, in particular lower wall <NUM> (as shown in the specific disclosed embodiment) or upper wall <NUM> (according to a non-shown embodiment).

Moreover, the plurality of first faces <NUM> may define a common surface area of the actuation unit <NUM>, in particular the common area extending along first horizontal direction D1 and second horizontal direction D2 and facing isolation tunnel <NUM>. In particular, in this way, it is possible to locally control the electrical field within an area extending in two dimensions.

Preferentially, isolation channel <NUM> may be superimposed on the common surface area.

In further detail, lower wall <NUM> or upper wall <NUM> may be interposed between planar actuation modules <NUM> and carts <NUM>.

In further detail, for each cart <NUM>, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured in such a manner to control by means of magnetic levitation a first position component of cart <NUM>, in particular independently from the other carts <NUM>. This first position component may be along a vertical direction D3, in particular being perpendicular to first horizontal direction D1 and second horizontal direction D2 or perpendicular to the common area.

In more detail, the respective first position component is with respect to actuation unit <NUM>, in particular planar actuation modules <NUM>, and/or to isolation tunnel <NUM>.

Preferentially, vertical direction D3 may be locally transversal and/or orthogonal to advancement path Q. Even more preferentially, vertical direction D3 may lie locally on a plane that is transversal and/or orthogonal to advancement path Q.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to carry out the selective control of the respective first position components of carts <NUM> during their advancement along advancement path Q.

In particular, with actuation unit <NUM> being defined by and/or comprising a planar motor is particularly suitable to control the first position components.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, for each cart <NUM>, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured in such a manner to control, by means of control, in particular a local control, of the electromagnetic field and independently from the other carts <NUM>, also a second position component of cart <NUM> with respect to actuation unit <NUM> and/or to isolation channel <NUM>. Second position component may be along a fourth direction D4, in particular parallel to first horizontal direction D1.

Preferentially, fourth direction D4 may be locally transversal and/or orthogonal to advancement path Q and to vertical direction D3.

In particular, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to selectively carry out control of the second position component during advancement of each cart <NUM> along advancement path Q.

As may be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, vertical direction D3 may be parallel to vertical axis A. Additionally, fourth direction D4 may be parallel to first horizontal axis B.

For each cart <NUM>, the respective first position component may be considered as an elevation or height of the cart <NUM> within inner space <NUM>. In particular, the elevation or height can be considered correlated to a vertical distance with respect to actuation unit.

More specifically, the respective vertical distance between each cart <NUM> and actuation unit <NUM> may be defined by the vertical gap between each cart <NUM> and the common surface area and/or one respective face <NUM>, in particular along an axis normal to the respective face <NUM> and/or the common surface area.

Preferably, for each cart <NUM>, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to control the respective vertical distance such that the value of this distance falls within the interval from <NUM> to <NUM>, in particular from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In this way the vertical distance is sufficient to avoid risks of interference due to disturbances between cart <NUM> and isolation tunnel <NUM>, in particular lower wall <NUM> or upper wall <NUM>, while at the same time also ensuring sufficient control of actuation unit <NUM> on the advancement of each cart <NUM>.

In further detail, for each cart <NUM>, the second position component could be considered a lateral position, in particular with regard to advancement path Q, of cart <NUM> in inner space <NUM>. In this way, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to generate and control (regulate) the electromagnetic field that interacts selectively by means of electromagnetic forces with carts <NUM>, in such a manner to advance the carts <NUM> along the advancement path Q and simultaneously control the transversal position of the carts <NUM> along or on a plane transversal to the advancement path Q.

In particular, due to the control of the elevation and/or of the lateral position by means of electromagnetic effect and/or by means of magnetic levitation, each cart <NUM> may have a simpler mechanical configuration, which reduces the risk of contamination.

In more detail, for each cart <NUM>, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured in such a manner to control the first position component maintaining cart <NUM> distanced from lower wall <NUM> and/or from upper wall <NUM> of isolation tunnel <NUM>, independently from the other carts <NUM>. Preferentially, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to maintain each cart <NUM> distanced from lower wall <NUM> and/or from upper wall <NUM>, independently from the other carts <NUM> and acting against gravity.

In this way, each cart <NUM> may be controlled in a very precise manner, so as to reduce the risk of interference between cart <NUM> and upper wall <NUM> and/or between cart <NUM> and lower wall <NUM>.

Moreover, the extension of isolation tunnel <NUM> along vertical axis A may be reduced due to the fact that the first position component may be controlled in a precise manner.

It should be noted that, without the control of the first position component, the carts <NUM> would fall as a result of gravity towards lower wall <NUM>, and/or could contact lower wall <NUM> and/or upper wall <NUM> as a result of disturbances.

Sterilization machine <NUM> may be configured to allow a user to set up in advance a desired value of this first position component as a function of the format and/or type of cap. For each cart <NUM>, the actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to control in advance the first position component of each cart <NUM> as a function of the desired value.

In this way, the user may intuitively and conveniently adapt sterilization machine <NUM> to the specific format and/or type of cap, so as to improve the flexibility of sterilization machine <NUM>.

The control of the first position component is carried out in such a manner to pursue and/or maintain this set desired value of the first position component.

In this way, the actuation unit <NUM> is configured to generate and control (adjust) the electromagnetic field that selectively interacts by means of electromagnetic forces with carts <NUM>, in such a manner to advance carts <NUM> along advancement path Q and control the transversal position of the carts <NUM> along a plane transversal to the advancement path Q.

In particular, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to advance carts <NUM> independently from one another by means of the generation and the control of the electromagnetic field. Even more in particular, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to accelerate and/or decelerate carts <NUM> independently from one another and/or modify a positioning of carts <NUM> independently from one another by means of the generation and the control of the electromagnetic field.

In more detail, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to control the respective second position component of each cart <NUM> by maintaining cart <NUM> distanced from lateral walls <NUM> of isolation tunnel <NUM>.

Actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to maintain each cart <NUM> distanced from the lateral walls <NUM> and/or partition walls <NUM> independently from the other carts <NUM>.

It should be noted that, in the absence of the control of the second position component, carts <NUM> could contact one of the lateral walls <NUM> and/or partition walls <NUM> due to disturbances.

In particular, during the advancement, carts <NUM> advance without being in contact with any portions of isolation tunnel <NUM>.

Therefore, by means of the control of the first position component of the carts <NUM> along vertical direction D3, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to vertically control carts <NUM> during their advancement, and consequently a respective vertical distance between carts <NUM> and lower wall <NUM> and/or between carts <NUM> and upper wall <NUM>. Moreover, by means of the control of the carts <NUM> along fourth direction D4, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to control carts <NUM> laterally or horizontally during their advancement.

Sterilizing machine <NUM> may be void of any mechanical guide for guiding by means of mechanical contact the advancement of carts <NUM> along advancement path Q. In this way, advancement path Q may be defined solely by the control of the electromagnetic field, so as to further simplify the mechanics of sterilization machine <NUM>, further limiting the risk of undesirable contaminations.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, one or more partition walls <NUM> may comprise at least one passage configured to allow for the passage of carts <NUM>. the respective passage of the partition wall <NUM> delimiting injection zone <NUM> from contact and/or activation zone <NUM> allows passage of carts <NUM> from injection zone <NUM> into contact and/or activation zone <NUM> or the respective passage of the partition wall <NUM> delimiting contact and/or activation zone <NUM> from drying zone <NUM> allows passage of carts <NUM> from contact and/or activation zone <NUM> into drying zone <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiment, each cart <NUM> may comprise and/or consist of a magnetic or ferromagnetic portion configured to interact with the electromagnetic field and such to control advancement of carts <NUM> along advancement path Q.

With particular reference to <FIG>, operative portion Q1 may be serpentine shaped.

In this way, it is possible to optimize the space-requirements of sterilizing machine <NUM> and to optimize the use of actuation unit <NUM>.

Preferentially, according to the shape of operative portion Q1, also conveying path P and/or guide rail(s) <NUM> may present a serpentine shape.

Please note that in the following, further details about operative portion Q1 are disclosed. It should be noted that the described details apply by analogy also to conveying path P and/or guide rail(s) <NUM>.

In more detail, operative portion Q1 may comprise:.

Additionally, each curved section <NUM> may connect two respective linear sections <NUM> with one another.

In particular, linear sections <NUM> may be successively arranged with respect to one another and along operative portion Q1.

In further detail, each curved section <NUM> may be interposed between one respective upstream linear section <NUM> and one respective downstream linear section <NUM>. In particular, the terms upstream and downstream are defined with respect to operative portion Q1.

In other words, each downstream linear section <NUM> may be arranged downstream from the respective upstream linear section <NUM> along operative portion Q1.

Moreover, each curved section <NUM> may connect the respective upstream linear section <NUM> with the respective downstream linear section <NUM>.

It should be noted that some of the linear sections <NUM> may be an upstream linear section <NUM> with respect to a first curved section <NUM> and may be a downstream linear section <NUM> with respect to a second curved section <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, sterilization machine <NUM> may be configured such that, in use, carts <NUM> (and accordingly also the respective groups <NUM> of caps <NUM>) may advance according to a respective first advancement direction along upstream linear section <NUM> and according to a respective second advancement direction along the respective downstream linear section <NUM>, the second advancement direction being opposite to the respective first advancement direction. In this way the length of distance which can be covered by the caps with a same row of planar motor tiles or modules <NUM> is increased, leading to a reduction of costs. This is obtained by means of the above-mentioned serpentine shape.

With particular reference to <FIG>, each linear section <NUM> may be parallel to the other linear sections <NUM>.

Advantageously, at least some, in particular all, of linear sections <NUM> may (substantially) have the same length.

Additionally, linear sections <NUM> may be spaced apart along a main direction Dm normal to linear sections <NUM> themselves. In particular, main direction Dm may be parallel to axis B and/or first horizontal direction D1 and/or fourth direction D4.

In particular, the end portions of isolation tunnel <NUM> having inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> may be spaced apart along main direction Dm, too.

According to the specific embodiment shown, at least two respective linear sections <NUM> lie within each one of injection zone <NUM>, contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and drying zone <NUM>. This guarantees that caps <NUM> remain in the respective zones for the required times.

According to some of possible embodiments, some curved sections <NUM> lie within one of injection zone <NUM>, contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and drying zone <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, one curved section <NUM> may lie partially within injection zone <NUM> and partially within contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and/or another curved section <NUM> may lie partially within contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and partially within drying zone <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to control the electromagnetic field such as to modify and/or control the roll inclination and/or the pitching inclination of each cart <NUM> during the advancement, in particular along at least curved sections <NUM>. In this way, the effects of the centrifugal force may be offset.

In further detail, operative portion Q1 may extend from an engagement station <NUM> at which each pusher <NUM> starts, in use, to interact with the respective group <NUM> of caps <NUM> to a release station <NUM> at which each pusher <NUM> is released, in use, from the respective group <NUM> of caps <NUM>. In particular, engagement station <NUM> and release station <NUM> may be adjacent to start station <NUM> and end station <NUM>, respectively.

Preferentially, engagement station <NUM> may lie within injection zone <NUM> and release station <NUM> may lie within drying zone <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, advancement path Q may also comprise a return portion Q2, in particular so as to bring carts <NUM> back onto operative portion Q1. In particular, operative portion Q1 and return portion Q2 may define the endless shape of advancement path Q, thereby allowing a cyclic operation of carts <NUM>.

In more detail, while advancing along operative portion Q1 carts <NUM>, in particular the respective pusher <NUM>, may interact with the respective group <NUM> of caps <NUM> and while advancing, in use, along return portion Q2 carts <NUM>, in particular the respective pusher <NUM>, is free of any interaction with caps <NUM>.

More specifically, return portion Q2 may extend between release station <NUM> and engagement station <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, isolation tunnel <NUM> may also comprise an auxiliary zone <NUM>. In particular, auxiliary zone <NUM> may be adjacent to and laterally displaced from injection zone <NUM>, contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and drying zone <NUM>.

Moreover, one partition wall <NUM> of isolation tunnel <NUM> may delimit auxiliary zone <NUM> from injection zone <NUM>, contact and/or activation zone <NUM> and drying zone <NUM>. Additionally, partition wall <NUM> may comprise a first aperture allowing for transfer of carts <NUM> from drying zone <NUM> into auxiliary zone <NUM> and a second aperture allowing for transfer from auxiliary zone <NUM> into injection zone <NUM>.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, a central section of return portion Q2 lies within auxiliary zone <NUM>.

Moreover, during the advancement of the carts <NUM> along the advancement path Q, the pushers <NUM> pass through the start station <NUM> and the end station <NUM>. In particular, the end station <NUM> may be arranged downstream of the start station <NUM> along the advancement path Q.

In further detail, for each cart <NUM>, the respective pusher <NUM> comes, in use, cyclically into contact with a respective group <NUM> at the start station <NUM> (i.e. with the respective cart <NUM> being at engagement station <NUM>) and detaches cyclically from the respective group <NUM> at end station <NUM> (i.e. with the respective cart <NUM> being at release station <NUM>). During the advancement of each pusher <NUM> from start station <NUM> to the end station <NUM>, the pusher <NUM> is in contact with the group <NUM>. During the advancement of each pusher <NUM> from end station <NUM> to start station <NUM>, the pusher <NUM> is not in contact with any cap <NUM>.

Moreover, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to advance carts <NUM> along advancement path Q continuously so that the respective pushers <NUM> advance through start station <NUM> and end station <NUM> continuously; i.e., each time each pusher <NUM> passes through start station <NUM>, pusher <NUM> comes into contact with a respective new group <NUM> to push the respective new group <NUM> towards end station <NUM>.

According to some possible embodiments, isolation tunnel <NUM> may also comprise an auxiliary wall <NUM> arranged within injection zone <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the sterilization unit may comprise:.

According to some preferred non-limiting, the feeding conduit may be arranged within one or more respective walls of isolation tunnel <NUM> and/or injection orifices <NUM> and/or the injection nozzles may be connected to one or more respective walls of isolation tunnel <NUM>. In this way the sterilization fluid is fed through the walls of the tunnel <NUM>, leading to a more compact machine.

For example, the lateral wall <NUM> delimiting injection zone <NUM> and/or the partition wall <NUM> delimiting injection zone <NUM> and/or auxiliary wall <NUM> may comprise a respective feeding conduit connected to respective injection orifices <NUM> and/or injection nozzles.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, sterilizing machine <NUM>, in particular the conditioning unit, may comprise a plurality of heating elements arranged within respective walls of isolation tunnel <NUM>. For example, the heating elements may be arranged within one or more lateral walls <NUM> and/or partition walls <NUM> and/or partition wall <NUM> and/or auxiliary wall <NUM>. In this way at least one section of the inner space <NUM> can be heated through the walls of the tunnel <NUM>, leading to a more compact machine. The heating elements can comprise for example an electrical heating system, which can comprise a resistor, or a heating induction system.

In particular, the heating elements may be configured to heat portions of the respective walls so as to heat respective sections of inner space <NUM>.

Additionally, each wall carrying respective heating elements may also comprise a thermal isolation insert <NUM> configured to thermally protect or isolate actuation unit <NUM>, in particular planar actuation modules <NUM>, from the one or more heating elements and/or from the respective heated walls. Preferentially, each thermal isolation insert <NUM> may be exchangeable.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiment, sterilizing machine <NUM> may comprise a cooling device for cooling actuation unit <NUM>.

Preferentially, the cooling device may be configured to generate a cooling flow in and/or through an interspace <NUM> interposed between isolation tunnel <NUM> and actuation unit <NUM>. In particular, the cooling flow may comprise a flow of cooling air and/or a flow of cooling water and/or a flow of any other cooling fluid.

In this way, damage or excessive wear of actuation unit <NUM> due to the heat released during the sterilization process may be avoided.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, actuation unit <NUM> may be configured to modulate an advancement speed of the carts <NUM> by means of the control of the electromagnetic field, in particular as a function of the portion of the advancement path along which carts <NUM> advance at a specific time. For example, the speed may be controlled as a function of the fact that carts <NUM> advance within injection zone <NUM>, in contact and/or activation zone <NUM> or in drying zone <NUM>.

In use, sterilization machine <NUM> sterilizes caps <NUM> while they are being conveyed within inner space <NUM> and along conveying path P.

In more detail, the operation of the sterilization machine <NUM> comprises at least the steps of:.

Additionally, the operation of the sterilization machine <NUM> may further comprise the steps of:.

From an examination of the features of sterilization machines <NUM> according to the present invention the advantages that may be obtained therewith are evident.

In particular, sterilization machines <NUM> comes along with optimized space requirements.

Additionally, planar actuation modules <NUM> can be optimally used. Their two-dimensional extension can be used to allow for advancement into a respective first advancement direction and a respective second advancement direction opposed to the first advancement direction. This allows a save of costs related to the modules <NUM>, and is in particular connected to the serpentine shape of the operative portion Q1.

Additionally, sterilization machine is void of a mechanical guide for carts <NUM>. This reduces the complexity and allows the formation of detritus caused by contact between the carts <NUM> and a mechanical guide to be avoided.

A further advantage lies in the fact that the electromagnetic field acts directly on carts <NUM> present in the inner space <NUM>, which allows a further reduction of the complexity.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variants may be made to the sterilization machine described and illustrated without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claim 1:
Sterilization machine (<NUM>) for the sterilization of caps (<NUM>) comprising at least:
- an isolation tunnel (<NUM>) having an inner space (<NUM>), the machine (<NUM>) being configured such that the caps (<NUM>) are advanced along a conveying path (P) placed within the inner space (<NUM>), said isolation tunnel (<NUM>) separating the inner space (<NUM>) from an outer space (<NUM>);
- a plurality of carts (<NUM>) positioned within the inner space (<NUM>); and
- an actuation unit (<NUM>) arranged in the outer space (<NUM>) and configured to advance the carts (<NUM>) along an advancement path (Q) by means of the generation of an electromagnetic field;
wherein each cart (<NUM>) comprises at least one pusher (<NUM>) configured to interact with a group (<NUM>) of caps (<NUM>) having one or more caps (<NUM>) and such that the advancement of each cart (<NUM>) along an operative portion (Q1) of the advancement path (Q) corresponds to the advancement of the respective group (<NUM>) along the conveying path (P), said at least one operative portion (Q1) being arranged within the inner space (<NUM>);
wherein, for each cart (<NUM>), the actuation unit (<NUM>) is configured to control the advancement of the cart (<NUM>) along the advancement path (Q), by means of control of the electromagnetic field and independently from the other carts (<NUM>);
characterized in that,
for each cart (<NUM>) advancing independently from the other carts (<NUM>), the actuation unit (<NUM>) is configured to control by means of magnetic levitation a first position component of the cart (<NUM>) with respect to the actuation unit (<NUM>), said first position component being along a vertical direction (D3), said vertical direction (D3) being transversal to the advancement path (Q) ;
wherein the operative portion (Q1) is serpentine shaped.