Patent ID: 12186442

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIG.1, a sterilization machine for the sterilization of caps2is indicated as a whole with1.

In particular, the sterilization machine1is configured to sterilize caps2that can be applied to receptacles, such as, for example, bottles, containers or the like, containing a pourable food product.

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

In more detail, the pourable products can, 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, flavoured water), emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and drinks containing pulp.

According to some embodiments, the caps2can be made of polymeric material, such as polyethylene, in particular high-density polyethylene.

Alternatively or additionally, the caps2can vary in format (for example, in their extension—height, diameter, etc.) and/or in their type. For example, the caps2can comprise an internal thread to be screwed onto the receptacles. In particular, the caps2can be of the “sports cap” or “screw cap” type.

With particular reference toFIG.1, the sterilization machine1comprises an isolation chamber3having an inner space4in which the caps2are advanced along a conveying path P.

Moreover, the isolation chamber3separates the inner space4from an outer space5.

Additionally, the sterilization machine1can comprise a conditioning device configured to control the physical and/or chemical conditions in the inner space4. The machine is in this way configured so that the inner space is aseptic and/or sterile. For example, the conditioning device can be configured to control the temperature, pressure, humidity, sterility and/or the chemical composition in the inner space and/or to control the flow of gases present in the inner space4.

Preferably, the conditioning device can be configured to control the physical and/or chemical conditions in the inner space4locally; i.e., the physical and/or chemical conditions can vary in different portions of the inner space4.

Advantageously, the conditioning device can be configured to maintain an aseptic condition in the inner space4.

In more detail, the isolation chamber3can comprise an inlet6for the caps2to be sterilized and an outlet7for the sterilized caps2.

In particular, the conveying path P extends between a start station8(being arranged substantially at the inlet6) and an end station9(being arranged substantially at the outlet7). In particular, in use, the caps2advance from the start station8to the end station9. More specifically, the caps2are, in use, sterilized during their advancement along the conveying path P (i.e., during their advancement from the start station8to the end station9).

With particular reference toFIG.1, the isolation chamber3can have an annular configuration; i.e., the inner space4can be annular.

Preferably, the isolation chamber3can comprise a plurality of walls that delimit the inner space4.

Operatively, this plurality of walls comprises a lower wall10and an upper wall11. These lower10and upper11walls are operatively distanced from one another along a vertical axis A. These upper11and lower10walls are transversal to this vertical axis A. This vertical axis A is operatively parallel to gravity.

This plurality of walls comprises two lateral walls12. These two lateral walls12are operatively distanced from one another along a horizontal axis B. These lateral walls12are transversal to this horizontal axis B. This horizontal axis B is operatively transversal to gravity.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization machine1can comprise at least one guide rail (not illustrated and known per se) arranged in the inner space4and configured to support the caps2during their advancement along the conveying path P. In particular, the guide rail determines the conveying path P.

More specifically, the guide rail can comprise rectilinear portions and curved portions that respectively define rectilinear portions and curved portions of the conveying path P.

Moreover, the guide rail comprises at least an inlet section, in particular arranged substantially at the start station8, and an output section, in particular arranged substantially at the end station9, to respectively allow the caps2to be fed to the guide rail and these caps2to exit from the guide rail.

According to some embodiments, the isolation chamber3, in particular the inner space4, can comprise a plurality of zones defined as a function of the operations to which the caps3are exposed while being conveyed through the respective zones.

For example, the conditioning device comprises a sterilizer configured to inject a sterilizing fluid (such as hydrogen peroxide and/or any other chemical sterilizing agent in gaseous, vapour and/or liquid form) into an injection zone16of the isolation chamber3, in particular of the inner space4. In particular, during the advancement of the caps2through the injection zone16, the caps2are, in use, exposed to the sterilizing fluid, which deposits on the caps2.

Moreover, the isolation chamber3, in particular the inner space4, can also comprise a contact and/or activation zone17. The contact zone17is arranged downstream of the injection zone16along the conveying path P. In particular, during the advancement of the caps2in the contact zone17, the sterilizing fluid acts on the caps2.

Preferably, the isolation chamber3, in particular the inner space4, can also comprise a ventilation zone18arranged downstream of the contact zone17along the conveying path P. In particular, in use, while the caps2are being conveyed through the ventilation zone18the sterilizing fluid present on the caps2evaporates from the caps2.

Preferably, the conditioning device can comprise a ventilation unit coupled to the ventilation zone18to allow the necessary ventilation of the ventilation zone18.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to4, the sterilization machine1comprises a conveying device19configured to implement and control the advancement of the caps2along the conveying path P.

In more detail, the conveying device19comprises:a plurality of carts20positioned within the inner space4; andan actuation unit21arranged in the outer space5and configured to selectively advance the carts20along an advancement path Q by means of the generation and control of an electromagnetic field, in particular along an endless or and/or annular advancement path Q.

At least one wall of the chamber3is spatially interposed between the actuation unit21and the inner space4. This interposed wall could be the lower wall10, for example as shown inFIG.3, or the upper wall11, for example as shown inFIG.6.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to4, each cart20comprises at least one pusher22. For each cart20, the machine1is configured so that the pusher22interacts with and/or pushes a respective group23of caps2, such that, by means of advancement of the cart20along at least one portion Q1of the advancement path Q, the group23advances along the conveying path P. For each cart20, the machine1is configured such that, by means of a pushing action exerted by the pusher22on the respective group23, the advancement of the cart20along at least one portion Q1of the advancement path Q corresponds to the advancement of the group23along the conveying path P. For each cart20, the machine1is configured so that, by means of this pushing action, the advancement of the cart20along this at least one portion Q1of the advancement path Q causes this advancement of the group23along the conveying path P.FIGS.3,5,6and7are to be considered lying on a plane locally perpendicular to the advancement path Q.FIG.2is to be considered lying on a plane parallel to a rectilinear section of the advancement path Q. For each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured in such a manner to control the advancement of the cart20along the advancement path Q, by means of control of the electromagnetic field and independently from the other carts20.

For each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured in such a manner to control by means of magnetic levitation a first position component of the cart20, independently from the other carts20. This first position component is along a first direction C. This first position component is with respect to the actuation unit21and/or to the chamber3. This first direction C is locally transversal and/or orthogonal to the advancement path Q. This first direction C lies locally on a plane that is transversal and/or orthogonal to the advancement path Q. The actuation unit21is configured to carry out this control of the first component during the advancement of the cart20along the advancement path Q.

For each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured in such a manner to control, by means of control of the electromagnetic field and independently from the other carts20, also a second position component of the cart20with respect to the actuation unit21and/or to the chamber3. This second position component is along a second direction E. This second direction E is locally transversal and/or orthogonal to the advancement path Q and to the first direction C. This second direction E lies locally on the above-mentioned plane that is transversal and/or orthogonal to the advancement path Q. The actuation unit21is configured to carry out this control of the second component during the advancement of the cart20along the advancement path Q.

As can be seen inFIG.3, the first direction C can be parallel to the vertical axis A. As can be seen inFIG.3, the second direction E can be parallel to the horizontal axis B.

For each cart20, the first position component could be considered an elevation or height of the cart20in the inner space4.

For each cart20, the second position component could be considered a lateral position of the cart20in the inner space4.

In this way, the actuation unit21is configured to generate and control (regulate) the electromagnetic field that interacts selectively by means of electromagnetic forces with the carts20, in such a manner to advance the carts20along the advancement path Q and simultaneously control the transversal position of the carts20along or on a plane transversal to the advancement path Q.

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, the cart20can have a simpler mechanical configuration, which reduces the risk of contamination and/or does not require the chamber3to be divided into several partial chambers.

The actuation unit21could be defined by a planar motor. A planar motor is particularly suitable to be controlled in such a manner to obtain the aforesaid effects of control of the first position component, of the second position component, and of the advancement of the carts20.

In more detail, for each cart20, the actuation unit21could be configured in such a manner to control the first position component maintaining the cart20distanced from the lower wall10and/or from the upper wall11of the chamber3, independently from the other carts20. The actuation unit21is configured to maintain the cart20distanced from the lower wall10or from the upper wall11, independently from the other carts20and acting against gravity.

In this way, the cart20can be controlled in a very precise manner, so as to reduce the risk of interference between cart20and upper wall11and/or between cart20and lower wall10. Moreover, the extension of the chamber3along the vertical axis A can be reduced due to the fact that the first position component can be controlled in a precise manner.

It should be noted that, without the control of the first position component, the carts20would fall as a result of gravity towards the lower wall10, and/or could contact the lower wall10and/or the upper wall11as a result of disturbances.

The machine1can be configured to allow a user to set up in advance a desired value of this first position component as a function of the type of cap. A variation of the type of cap can cause a variation of the format and/or of other features of the cap. For each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured to control in advance the first position component of the cart20as a function of the desired value set.

In this way, the user can intuitively and conveniently adapt the machine1to the specific type of cap, so as to improve the flexibility of the machine1.

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 unit21is configured to generate and control (adjust) the electromagnetic field that selectively interacts by means of electromagnetic forces with the carts20, in such a manner to advance the carts20along the advancement path Q and control the transversal position of the carts20along a plane transversal to the advancement path Q.

In particular, the actuation unit21can be configured to advance the carts20independently from one another by means of the generation and the control of the electromagnetic field. Even more in particular, the actuation unit21can be configured to accelerate and/or decelerate independently from one another the carts20and/or modify a positioning of the carts20independently from one another by means of the generation and the control of the electromagnetic field.

In more detail, for each cart, the actuation unit21could be configured in such a manner to control the second position component by maintaining the cart20distanced from the lateral walls12of the chamber3. The actuation unit21is configured to maintain the cart20distanced from the lateral walls12independently from the other carts20.

In this way, the above-mentioned in terms of control of the lack of interference between cart20and walls of the chamber3are further increased.

It should be noted that, in the absence of the control of the second position component, the carts20could contact one of the lateral walls12due to disturbances.

For each cart20, the first position component can be defined by a distance d. The distance d is defined between the actuation unit21and the cart20.

For each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured to control the respective distance d.

Preferably, for each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured to control the respective distance d such that the value of this distance d falls within the interval from 0.5 mm to 15.0 mm, in particular from 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm, or from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

In this way the distance d is sufficient to avoid risks of interference due to disturbances between the cart20and the lower wall10or the upper wall11of the chamber3, while at the same time also ensuring sufficient control of the actuation unit21on the advancement and on the above-mentioned position components of the cart20.

In particular, during the advancement, the carts20advance without being in contact with one or more portions of the isolation chamber3.

Therefore, by means of the control of the first position component of the carts20along the first direction C, the actuation unit21is configured to vertically control the carts20(i.e., the distance d) during their advancement, and consequently a respective distance between the carts20and the lower wall10and/or between the carts20and the upper wall11. Moreover, by means of the control of the carts20along the second direction E, the actuation unit21is configured to control the carts20laterally or horizontally during their advancement.

Each cart20comprises a plate24. The machine1is configured so that the actuation unit21interacts with the plate24through electromagnetic effect to control the advancement of the cart20along the advancement path Q and/or the first position component and/or the second position component.

This plate24presents a first extension along the advancement path Q. This first extension is along a first extension axis F indicated inFIG.4. This first extension is a length of the cart20.

The value of this first extension falls within the interval from 100 to 250 mm, so as to facilitate the control by electromagnetic effect of the pitching inclination of the cart20with respect to the need to maintain the dimensions of the cart20limited.

This plate24presents a second extension along this second direction E. This second extension can also be considered along a second extension axis G indicated inFIG.4. This second extension is a width of the cart20.

The value of this first extension falls within the interval from 100 to 250 mm, so as to facilitate the control by electromagnetic effect of the roll inclination of the cart20with respect to the need to maintain the dimensions of the cart20limited.

Moreover, the advancement path Q or said at least one portion Q1of the advancement path Q, could comprise at least one rectilinear sector and at least one curved sector.

The actuation unit21is configured to control the electromagnetic field such as to modify and/or control the roll inclination and/or the pitching inclination of the cart during the advancement along the at least one curved sector. In this way, the effects of the centrifugal force can be offset. Moreover, the above-mentioned value of the first extension and/or the above-mentioned value of the second extension are chosen to facilitate in particular the control of the tilt along the at least one curved sector.

This plate24has a thickness along the first direction C. This thickness can be considered as a third extension along a third extension axis I. The third extension axis I is transversal to both the first extension axis F and the second extension axis G.

The value of said thickness falls within the interval from 0.8 to 1.5 mm, so as to obtain an excellent compromise between the need for sufficient electromagnetic interaction and the need to maintain a limited vertical footprint of the cart20.

The machine1is void of a mechanical guide for guiding by means of mechanical contact the advancement of the carts20along the advancement path Q. In this way, the advancement path Q can be defined solely by the control of the electromagnetic field, so as to further simplify the mechanics of the machine1, further limiting the risk of undesirable contaminations.

The machine can comprise a cooling device.

The isolation chamber3and the actuation unit21are distanced from one another along this first direction C so as to define an interspace32interposed between the isolation chamber3and the actuation unit21. The cooling device is configured to generate a cooling flow in the and/or through the interspace32. This cooling flow is produced by means of at least air and/or water and/or any other cooling fluid.

In this way, damage or excessive wear of the actuation unit21due to the heat released during sterilization is avoided.

More specifically, the caps2of each group23can be arranged in succession to one another.

In the specific case illustrated inFIG.2, each group23can comprise five caps2.

Preferably, each group23can comprise a number of caps whose value can fall between 1 and 20 or between 1 and 15.

In the specific case ofFIG.2, each group23comprises the same number of caps2. However, the number of caps2of the groups23can, according to some embodiments, vary from one another.

In more detail, in use, by means of the advancement of the carts20along the advancement path Q, an advancement of the pushers22, which in turn push the respective groups23along the conveying path P, is obtained.

Moreover, during the advancement of the carts20along the advancement path Q, the pushers22pass through the start station8and the end station9. In particular, the end station9can be arranged downstream of the start station8along the advancement path Q.

In further detail, for each cart20, the pusher22comes into contact cyclically with a respective group23at the start station8and detaches cyclically from the respective group23at the end station9. During the advancement of the pusher22from the start station8to the end station9, the pusher22is in contact with the group23. During the advancement of the pusher22from the end station9to the start station8, the pusher22is not in contact with any cap.

The machine1comprises at least a guide rail to guide by means of mechanical contact the advancement of the caps along the conveying path P. For each cart20, the pusher22is engaged slidingly in the guide rail, to generate the aforesaid pushing action.

In particular, the advancement path Q can comprise an active portion Q1and a return portion Q2. The active portion Q1can be considered as corresponding to the aforesaid at least one portion of the advancement path Q, along which at least one portion Q1produces the pushing effect of each cart20on the respective group23. In particular, each cart advances along the active portion Q1and the return portion Q2when the respective pusher element22advances respectively from the start station8to the end station9and from the end station9and to the start station8.

More specifically, the portion Q1can be locally parallel to the conveying path P.

Moreover, the actuation unit21is configured to advance the carts20along the advancement path Q continuously so that the respective pushers22advance through the start station8and the end station9continuously; i.e., each time each pusher22passes through the start station8, the pusher22comes into contact with a respective new group23to push the respective new group23towards the end station9.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the actuation unit21can be configured to modulate an advancement speed of the carts20by means of the control of the electromagnetic field, in particular as a function of the portion of the advancement path along which the carts20advance at a specific time. For example, the speed can be controlled as a function of the fact that the carts20advance along a portion that is in the injection zone16or in the contact or activation zone or in the ventilation zone.

For each cart20, the base plate24supports the pusher22.

In more detail, each base plate24comprises at least a magnetic or ferromagnetic portion to interact with the electromagnetic field.

Preferably, each base plate24, in particular each external housing25, can comprise a face26facing towards the wall10and/or towards the actuation unit21.

With particular reference toFIGS.2to4, in the specific case each pusher22comprises a bar27configured to contact and push the respective groups23along the conveying path P.

With particular reference toFIGS.1to3, the actuation unit21can comprise a housing30, a plurality of coils arranged in the housing30and a controller configured to selectively (electrically) supply the coils to create and control the electromagnetic field.

Preferably, the housing30has an annular shape. In particular, the coils are arranged along the whole of the extension of the housing30.

More specifically, the housing30can comprise a face31facing towards the isolation chamber3, in particular the lower wall10or the upper wall11.

In particular, the lower wall10or the upper wall11is interposed between the housing30and the carts20.

Preferably, the distance d between a cart20and the actuation unit21is defined by the distance between the respective faces26and31, in particular with respect to an axis normal to the face31.

In use, the sterilization machine1sterilizes the caps2while they are being conveyed within the inner space4and along the conveying path P.

In more detail, the operation of the sterilization machine1comprises at least the steps of:advancing the carts20along the advancement path Q; andpushing the groups23of caps2along the conveying path P due to the advancement of the carts20along the advancement path Q and the contact of the respective pusher22with the respective groups23.

Additionally, the operation of the sterilization machine1can further comprise the steps of:feeding the caps2onto the guide rail at the start station8; and/orunloading the caps2from the guide rail at the end station9; and/orinjecting the sterilizing fluid in the injection zone16; and/orventilating the ventilation zone18.

FIG.5illustrates a second embodiment of a machine according to the present description. The second embodiment is indicated with1′.

The machine1′ comprises a plurality of guide rails distanced from one another and/or distributed along the second direction E. The second direction E can be parallel to the horizontal axis B. The guide rails are adapted to respective types of different caps. Each guide rail is configured to guide by means of mechanical contact, the advancement of the caps of the respective type along the conveying path P. The machine1is configured to allow a user to select in advance one of the guide rails as a function of the type of cap. For each cart20, the actuation unit21is configured to control in advance the second position component of the cart20as a function of the guide rail selected.

During the advancement of the cart20, the actuation unit controls the second position component in such a manner to pursue or maintain the controlled value of the second position component. This controlled value corresponds to the guide rail selected.

In the machine1′, for each cart20, the bar27of the pusher can define a hooked end33.

FIG.6illustrates a third embodiment1″ of a machine according to the present description.

The machine1″ differs from the machine1′ in that in the machine1′ the actuation unit21is located on the side of the lower wall10, while in the machine1″ the actuation unit21is located on the side of the upper wall11. Moreover, in the machine1″, for each cart20, the bar27does not define the hooked end33.

FIG.7illustrates a fourth embodiment1′″ of a machine according to the present description.

The machine1′″ comprises a plurality of guide rails distanced from one another and/or distributed along the first direction C. The first direction can be parallel to the vertical axis A. The guide rails are adapted to respective different types of caps. Each guide rail is configured to guide, by means of mechanical contact, the advancement of caps of the respective type along the conveying path P.

In the machine1′″, each cart20comprises a plurality of pushers22′″, each slidably engaged in a respective guide rail. In this way, the step of controlling in advance the first position component of the cart20as a function of the type of cap is not required.

A fifth embodiment, not shown, could differ from the machine1′″ in that the guide rails are distanced along the second direction E. This further embodiment, also comprising, for each cart, a plurality of pushers each slidably engaged in the respective guide, thus makes a step of controlling in advance the second position component of the cart20as a function of the type of cap unnecessary.

From an examination of the features of the sterilization machines1,1′,1″ or1′″ according to the present invention the advantages that can be obtained therewith are evident.

In particular, the sterilization machines1,1′,1″ and1′″ do not require a mechanical guide for the carts20. This reduces the complexity and allows the formation of detritus caused by contact between the carts20and a mechanical guide to be avoided.

Moreover, the need to provide an auxiliary chamber in the chamber3, to separate the zone in which the caps advance from other components that could be a source of contamination, is avoided.

A further advantage lies in the fact that the electromagnetic field acts directly on the carts20present in the inner space4, which allows a further reduction of the complexity.

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