PACKAGING MACHINE AND PACKAGING METHOD.

摘要

A packaging machine (1) and a packaging method are provided. The packaging machine comprises a filling zone (9) for filling packages (19) through a respective open (29) end thereof, a sealing zone (11) for sealing said respective open end of the packages after filling, a final folding zone (13) for forming the packages after sealing and a conveyor (17) for transporting the packages through said zones in a transport direction (T). The packaging machine is characterized in that the conveyor is arranged to run outside the final folding zone and instead run through a buffer zone (15) to transport the packages through the final folding zone. The packaging machine is further characterized in that it comprises means for maintaining a first pressure (P1) inside the sealing zone, a second pressure (P2) inside the final folding zone and a third pressure (P3) inside the buffer zone, the first and third pressures being higher than the second pressure which, in turn, is higher than a fourth pressure (P4) prevailing outside the packaging machine. A packaging machine (1) and a packaging method are provided. The packaging machine comprises a filling zone (9) for filling packages (19) through a respective open (29) end thereof, a sealing zone (11) for sealing said respective open end of the packages after filling, a final folding zone (13) for forming the packages after sealing and a conveyor (17) for transporting the packages through said zones in a transport direction (T). The packaging machine is characterized in that the conveyor is arranged to run outside the final folding zone and instead run through a buffer zone (15) to transport the packages through the final folding zone. The packaging machine is further characterized in that it comprises means for maintaining a first pressure (P1) inside the sealing zone, a second pressure (P2) inside the final folding zone and a third pressure (P3) inside the buffer zone, the first and third pressures being higher than the second pressure which, in turn, is higher than a fourth pressure (P4) prevailing outside the packaging machine. The present invention relates to a device for maintaining, in a filling machine, a gas flow barrier between two volumes of a channel, said channel being adapted for transportation of packages in a length direction thereof, and said volumes comprising a first volume having a first degree of sterilization, and a second volume having a second degree of sterilization. Further, the first volume comprises gas injection means, the second volume comprises gas evacuation means, and the first and second volume meet in an interface area extending in a length direction of the channel. The two volumes meet in venturi zone, a portion of the channel having a reduced cross section. The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining a gas flow barrier in a filling machine.