DE1094562B - Method and device for the production of sterile packages by continuously filling plastic tubes with aseptic milk and similar liquid sterile filling goods - Google Patents

Description

Method and device for the production of sterile packages continuous filling of plastic tubes with sterile milk and the like liquid sterile filling goods It is known, plastic tubes or other containers made of tubular films with sterile, liquid filling goods, for example with sterile ones Milk, during the formation of the tube and then the tube filled in this way- to be divided into individual packs. It is obvious that with such arrangements Reinfections of the initially germ-free hose material emerging from the hose spray nozzle are unavoidable by the outside atmosphere as long as the exiting one is not Hose circumference is closed.

Earlier proposals by the inventor therefore set themselves the task of To create methods and devices with the help of which it is possible that of the aseptically produced hose material enclosed and for receiving the filling material certain space including the inflow line for the sterile filling material to the filling space to. sterilize before starting the filling process. That happens after the older German Auslegeschrift 1012154 in such a way that the formation of the hose start and performs its initial closure in a locked, sterilized room. Now the closed room can be opened and work can be continued in a free outside atmosphere because the sterile interior of the now closed tube is no further Need more protection. The tube goes into the haul-off, package-forming and sealing machine threaded and then filled.

The present invention brings a further variation on the same Solution idea, in which the process of tube formation and threading of the tube in the pull-off, pack-forming and sealing machine in the open unsterilized Space is introduced regardless of bacteriological consequences. Only when the The packaging tube is running properly, the time can be selected at any time on which the one at the filling end of the system inside the hose and the apparatus The atmosphere is sterilized by heat shock, whereupon the filling and without the need for further sterilization processes indefinitely continuously can be continued.

Accordingly, the invention is that the around the filling end of the Hose spray and filling head inside the hose as well as the inside of the named head after initiation of the hose formation and before the start of the filling process with narrowing of the hose cross-section and support of the hose wall sterilized in a steam shock, followed by the filling and packaging process continuously without further sterilization measures in the normal outside atmosphere he follows.

A preferred apparatus for performing this method is made of two movable molded parts with rollers at their lower ends for tapering of the hose cross-section during the sterilization process to avoid the steam sterilization shock under pressure and at the same time the continuous packaging tube to support against the sterilization pressure.

The invention is set forth below with further features and details described with reference to the drawing, which shows a section through a device, as used, for example, to carry out the method according to the invention can be.

A roll of paper 16 is used to form a tube Paper web wrapped around the end of an extruder head 1 like a hose. The for Tube formation of the two plastic-laminated edges of the paper web that meet are connected lengthwise by the welding device 7, creating a paper tube arises. The paper tube can be just above the lowest end of the extruder head 1, which is supported by a calibration and support ring 17. The paper tube is then pulled down further and in an already running take-off, pack form threaded and capping machine. This packaging machine can be of a known type and is at an appropriate distance below that described below Squeezing rollers 11 arranged. In particular, it has a welding device, with the help of which the hose cross-section for the formation of the individual packs in appropriate Is closed at intervals.

An extruder, not shown, is used to produce thermoplastic material, z. B. polyethylene, through the heated channel 6 via the annular slot nozzle 9 to one Shaped hose that through the annular slot nozzle 9 against the inner wall of the steadily passing paper tube is pressed. That is how the paper tube inside The plastic tube that is applied now runs together with the paper tube into the Haul-off machine. Now the proper functioning of the up to then can be in operation set apparatus parts as well as the proper condition of the packaging tube being checked.

Before milk can be filled through the valve 3, the must Milk line 2, the air line 13 and the one at the filling end 18 inside the continuously The air in the running hose can be sterilized. That happens by Steam is let into the milk line 2 through the valve 5. So that this steam can sterilize the air reliably and in a short time at the filling end 18, must a steam accumulation take place, which enables a steam pressure.

For this purpose, two molded parts 10 are pressed together. These moldings carry at their end two rollers 11, the task of which is to compress the Let the hose pass without friction, since yes the formation of the plastic laminated paper tube continues to run during the sterilization. The molded parts 10 with the rollers are designed to be strong enough for the burst of steam to allow a pressure of 5 to 10 atmospheres. Who is no longer through the roles When the tube cross-section is collapsed, the steam that passes through it finds its exit Via the air line 13 arranged in a ring around the mixing tube 2 and the valve 15 outdoors.

The steam shock sterilization expediently takes place at least until the beginning of the sterilization from the Ringschlitzdü se 9 with sterile Hose exiting the inner wall passes the rollers 11 and / or that to this Time between the rollers 11 stepping tube piece the welding jaws of the subsequent Has reached the haul-off machine and is closed by this. After the The steam outlet valve 15 is subjected to heat shock sterilization of about 10 seconds and the steam valve 5 is closed and a sterile one through openings in the valve 14 Pressurized gas cushions are generated in the sterilized room 12 as the steam is condensed coincides. Milk is now passed through valve 3 into the sterilized space 12 recessed. The milk will fill the sterilized space 12 until that is over the milk has compressed gas cushions in accordance with the milk pressure. The milk touches the hot parts of the end of the extruder head on the ring flash 9 hereby or other means of regulation are excluded.

If now the molded parts 10 are opened with the rollers 11, can the milk continues to flow in accordance with the withdrawal speed of the hose. Of the Pressure of the gas cushion lying above the filling material can be increased by opening or closing of the valve 14 can be regulated.

After the mold parts 10 have been opened with the rollers 11, it is necessary that the welding jaws located in the haul-off machine to rest and be brought to weld, whereby the now filled hose through transverse and, if necessary, also longitudinal welding in individual packs. is shared. the Continuous packaging of the liquid product can now begin. The single packs may be desired shapes such as by appropriate known means Bag shapes, box shapes, tetrahedral shapes and the like. Obtained. The packing process can be continued continuously as long as sterile filling material flows in and the The hose formation process at the nozzle9 proceeds perfectly without reinfections of the filling head and in particular of the filling space 12 are to be feared.

It should be pointed out again that during the entire process the sterilization of the paper tube - from the ring slot nozzle9 from the inside with the Plastic provided - steadily and continuously through the haul-off machine, not shown i is withdrawn.

Of course, you can also use the steam in the opposite direction let flow, d. H. enter through valve 15 and exit through valve 5 permit.

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Method of manufacturing sterile packages by continuous filling of plastic tubes with sterile milk and the like liquid sterile filling goods during the tube formation process by hot deformation of the plastic, characterized in that the around the filling end (18) of the hose injection and filling head (1) inside the hose and the inside of said air Head after initiation of the tube formation and before the start of the filling process Narrowing of the hose cross-section and support of the hose wall by a Steam shock is sterilized, followed by the filling and packaging process continuously without further sterilization measures in the normal outside atmosphere he follows.

Claims (1)

2. Apparatus for performing the method according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that two movable mold parts (10) with rollers (11) on their lower Ends to taper the hose cross-section are arranged to shock the steam sterilization under pressure and at the same time the continuous packaging tube against the sterilization pressure ah. 3. Apparatus for performing the method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a filling tube (2) is arranged centrally in the filling head, to which the tank for the sterile filling material and a supply respectively. Discharge for the steam are connected. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that an inlet (valve 14) is provided for a sterile pressurized gas. S. Apparatus for performing the method according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the hose injection and filling head (1) above the annular slot nozzle (9) for producing the plastic tube with devices (7) for feeding a Paper web (16), forming the same into a tube and closing its longitudinal seam for the ongoing production of a plastic product during and after its creation supporting enclosing paper tube is equipped.