EP0479010B1 - Device and method for sterilizing, filling and closing of a filling opening - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for sterilizing and filling containers with a lid with a filling opening, for sterilizing closure pieces associated with the filling openings and for closing the filling openings with the closure pieces, with a housing having a container inlet and a container outlet, which contains at least one aseptic chamber, which the containers can be fed via a transport device.

A device of this type is known from US-A-2 575 863. In the device described there, several aseptic chambers are provided, and the containers are successively transported through these different aseptic chambers. The aseptic chamber also encloses the entire container, and the sterilization is therefore carried out in different steps, the closure piece being sterilized only after filling. For this purpose, namely, the closure pieces are punched out of a band and put on, which takes place in an aseptic chamber which holds the entire container. The consumption of aseptic air is high.

In a device of a similar type (EP-A-342 690), the aseptic chamber is designed as a tunnel extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine, through which the cup-like containers to be filled are transported by means of a chain. With such a device, the entire tunnel interior must be continuously supplied with aseptic air in order to maintain a higher pressure in the filling chamber than in the preceding sterilization chamber and in the surroundings. The effort for operating such a device is therefore great.

In another device (DE-A-38 09 852), which is provided in particular for the aseptic filling of bottles, the containers are transported to the individual work stations by means of a rotor. Each individual container is enclosed by a separate, aseptic chamber adapted to the container shape, which is placed over the container and which is under positive pressure. With such a device, the consumption of aseptic air can be kept low, but the handling of such a device is complicated.

Finally, it is known from FR-A-1 592 063 to deep-draw cups from a band-like plastic strip and to transport them with this starting plastic strip through a sterilization device. This plastic strip forms the underside of an aseptic chamber with the interior of the individual containers. The associated lids are removed from a second belt, sterilized separately and welded to the already filled cup. There are therefore no containers with lids having a filling opening during the sterilization process.

The invention has for its object to make the above-mentioned device as simple as possible and so that the effort required for operation, in particular on sterilized medium, remains as low as possible.

The object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned in that the lower boundary wall of the aseptic chamber is formed by the transport device, which is sealed on an annular wall of the housing, that the containers are inserted into holders of the transport device, and that the areas of the filling openings containing the Containers protrude through the transport device so that only this area and the interior of the containers are connected to the aseptic chamber.

When sterilizing a cardboard box, for example, which, in addition to a bottom inserted into a cardboard tube, also has a box lid already in place with a still open filling opening, only the inside of the box and the box lid need to be sterilized. From the outside of the can, only those parts are sterilized that are in the immediate vicinity of the filling opening and the can lid. It can be provided that a closure associated with the filling opening, for example a so-called pull tab, is locally sealed and erected before sterilization. The pull tab is expediently already attached to the end pieces of the container before the end pieces (lid and base) are inserted into the container. This pull tab can then be sterilized in one go with the inside of the can, so that a separate operation is not required. Thus, while in conventional aseptic filling systems the sterilization of the container and the closure generally takes place in separate functional units, usually even in separate aseptic chambers, the advantage of the invention is that Both elements can be sterilized together in the same chamber and without additional mechanical effort.

The housing containing the aseptic chamber is preferably hermetically sealed except for the container inlet and the container outlet. This leads to the advantage that the device can also be kept sufficiently clean outside the actual aseptic chamber. In particular, there is the advantage that both the aseptic chamber and the housing surrounding it can be subjected to a washing process from time to time which is used to sterilize the entire machine at periodic intervals, for example once a day.

In an advantageous embodiment, a, preferably the lower, boundary of the aseptic chamber is formed by the transport device itself, which is designed as a carrier that transports the containers. This leads to a particularly simple design of the aseptic chamber, in which an additional wall can be dispensed with. It is advantageous when using a cylindrical housing, the carrier a rotating step-by-step indexing table rotating about a vertical axis, the circumference of which is guided close to the housing surrounding it. Such a cycle table ensures, for example in comparison to a chain transport, an outer exact movement sequence and a high positioning accuracy. In addition, such a tactical table can be installed in a relatively limited space, so that a very compact design is created.

The cycle table is expediently designed in the form of a disk and provided with holders which clamp the containers on the outer circumference. With such a configuration, additional coupling means for the containers can be dispensed with.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the aseptic chamber is in zones separated by locks for the container inlet barrel and the container outlet, for sterilizing and for filling and closing the containers. As a result, the need for sterile air or the amount of suction can be kept small.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the aseptic chamber is under atmospheric pressure. This reduces any sealing problems.

Fig. 1

eine teilweise geschnittene Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die nur schematisch dargestellte Vorrichtung der Fig. 1, wobei einige Bauteile weggelassen wurden,

Fig. 3

die Halterung der Behälter während des Transports durch die Aseptikkammer und

Fig. 4

die Halterung der Behälter während des Zutransportes zur Aseptikkammer.

Further advantages and features of the invention, in particular also with regard to the method which can be carried out with the invention, result from the subclaims and the following description of an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

a partially sectioned side view of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

1 shows a plan view of the device of FIG. 1, which is only shown schematically, some components being omitted,

Fig. 3

holding the containers during transport through the aseptic chamber and

Fig. 4

the holder of the container during transport to the aseptic chamber.

The device according to FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially consists of a base machine (1), to which a transport unit (2) for feeding the containers (3) to be filled and a transport unit (4) for removing them are assigned. The base machine (1) is assigned a housing (6) in which there are devices (5) for sterilizing and filling containers (3) as well as other devices for establishing and maintaining the sterility of the entire device.

The transport unit (2), which feeds the container (3) in the direction of the arrow (B) to the housing (6), initially contains a station (7) in which a group of three containers (3) each cross from a conveyor device (only indicated) into the Transport unit (2) is inserted. The transport unit (2) contains a subsequent station (8) which is used to align the three containers (3) in a group. This alignment can be, for example, the correct positioning of a filling opening (9), which is provided in the can lid (16) of a casing sleeve (14) (see also FIGS. 3 and 4). During this alignment, the containers (3) are on a stationary rail (10), being fixed laterally by two holding jaws (11 and 12) forming a clamping device (FIG. 4). After alignment in station (8), the containers (3) remain permanently clamped so that the orientation is no longer lost. This is done in that the container (3) is taken over and held by another pair of jaws in station (8), while the holding jaws (11 and 12) move back in the open state. The holding jaws (11, 12) can be moved alternately in the direction of the arrows (K and L), so that in each case a group of three containers (3) can be transported further in the direction of the arrow (B). Each holding jaw (11, 12) is in turn movable in the transverse direction, i.e. according to the arrow directions (M and N) or (P and Q). After transporting a group of three containers (3), the holding jaws (11, 12) loosen in the direction of the arrow (M and Q), are then withdrawn in the direction of the arrow (K) and take up a further group of three (3) by themselves move in the direction of the arrows (N and P).

The station (8) for aligning the containers (3) is finally followed by a station (13), which is only indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2 and contains the devices, for example, about a closure piece (17) assigned to the filling opening (9) on the can lid (16) local seal and erect (see also Fig. 3). The closure piece, a so-called pull tab, remains open and erected, so that the container (3) subsequently can be cleaned and filled. The pull tab is fed from a film roll, not shown, and cut off.

After the station (13), the container inlet (18) into the housing (6) follows, a group of three (20) of containers (3) initially being transferred to an intermediate table (19) which can be moved in the direction of the arrow (D and E) and which transfers a group of three (20) of containers (3) to a disk-like tact table (21) which rotates in the direction of the arrow (A) about a vertical axis, switched in steps. Three containers (3) are inserted from below through a holder (24 or 24 ') of the tact table (21) (Fig. 3). Therefore two possible embodiments for the holder are shown in FIG. To the right of the center line (M) of the container (3) is indicated a slightly conical holder (24) which is arranged in a corresponding hole in the tact table (21); To the left of the center line, however, an alternative is a cylindrical holder (24 '), the diameter of which is reduced in the clamping area. In both cases, the containers (3) are held in their upper region by clamping (24 or 24 ').

Beneath the bottom (15) of the clamped containers (3) run stationary annular rails (23), which normally do not touch the containers (3), but are only attached for safety if the containers (3) are clamped by the holder (24 or 24 ') should be inadequate in individual cases. The rails (23) are designed as tubes to which a washing system, which will be explained later, is connected.

The transport unit (2) is mechanically driven by the base machine (1), with all important movements of the individual stations being generated mechanically via cam mechanisms. The stationary ring (23), which is to be regarded as a safety support for the containers (3), can be correspondingly stamped (22) the respective height format of the container (3) can be adjusted in the direction of the arrow (F or G). When a certain format of containers (3) is operated, the stamps (22) are quasi stationary.

The transport unit (4), which in each case removes a group of three containers (3) from the housing (6) in the direction of the arrow (C), takes over the sterilized, filled and closed containers (3) from the cycle table (21). Further stations for possible additional work, for example signing, can be provided here. The container outlet is labeled (25). The transport unit (4) is also mechanically driven by the base machine (1), with all important movements of the individual stations being generated mechanically via cam mechanisms.

The basic machine (1), which contains a base frame (26) for all mechanical drives, has the tact table (21), which has a total of three rows (81) (see FIG. 2) for the containers (3) to be treated. The multi-row tact table (21) is incremented. It is assigned a so-called lifting yoke (27) which has a plate (28) for holding tools, for example blowing nozzles (40) for hot air or filling heads (41) for liquid contents (see FIG. 1).

An essential component of the housing (6) placed on the base machine (1) is an essentially circular aseptic chamber (29) which has a rectangular cross section with an upper boundary wall (75) through which the individual tools are guided. The lower boundary wall of the aseptic chamber (29) is formed by the tact table (21), which has the shape of a circular disc and is guided with its circumference close to the ring wall of the housing (6), which in this area also forms the ring wall of the aseptic chamber ( 29) forms. The aseptic chamber (29) thus consists in principle of the side walls and the roof of the housing (6) and a bottom, which through the tact table (21) and the inside of the sterilizing container (3) is formed. The aseptic chamber (29) is used for the actual sterilization of the relevant parts of the container (3) and is located in the housing (6), which in turn is largely hermetically sealed from the outside. In the aseptic chamber (29) (see FIGS. 1 and 3) only the can lids (16) penetrating the tact table (21) and the pull tabs (17) protrude (FIG. 3), ie the areas of the filling openings (9) preferably designed as cardboard boxes container (3). This means that only these parts of the exterior of the can need to be sterilized. A new introduction of germs is low with this arrangement. The inside of the container (3), the can lid (16) and the pull tabs (17) are sterilized in one go, ie no separate devices for sterilizing the closures (17) are necessary. The sterilization process takes place under atmospheric pressure. The described shape of the inside of the aseptic chamber (29) brings specific technical advantages. The heating of the surface of the container (3) required before sterilization can be carried out at a much lower temperature, since it is now possible to heat the container (3) from the inside with sterile hot air, but from the outside with conventional heating elements. The sterile hot air, which heats the inside of the container (3), can be kept at a low temperature level since the heating is supported from the outside. Compared to conventional devices, the temperature was reduced by 80 ° to 120 ° Celsius. Containers (3), which are normally coated with polyester on the inside, are treated more gently in this way. In addition, expensive sterile air is saved.

As shown in FIG. 2, the aseptic chamber (29) consists of a first zone (30), which is assigned to the container inlet (18) and the container outlet (25), and also a zone (31) for cleaning the containers (3 ) and finally a zone (32) for filling and closing the container (3). The three zones (30, 31, 32) are separated from one another by locks (33, 34, 35). The locks (33, 34, 35) are designed so that the containers (3) themselves take over the sealing of the adjacent zone. They are also designed so that when the containers (3) are extended or retracted into the aseptic chamber (29) there is always a container (3) in the respective lock (33, 34, 35). This avoids an increased exchange of air with the environment, which on the one hand leads to a lower sterile air consumption in the aseptic chamber (29) and on the other hand to a lower carry-over of foreign germs into the aseptic chamber (29).

The housing (6) is provided with suction devices (36, 37, 38) (Fig. 1) which are connected both to the aseptic chamber (29) and to the areas above or below. In particular, a suction device (36) is also assigned to the area (74) of the housing (6) above the aseptic chamber (29). The tools for the individual 30 workstations (42 to 71) described below are mounted on the lifting yoke (27), which can be raised and lowered in the direction of the arrow (H and I), so that the tools can be delivered to the containers (3).

The first station (42) of the cycle table (21) is assigned to the container inlet (18) and is used to insert a group of three (20) of containers (3) from below into the holders (24) of the cycle table (21). Each container (3) of the group of three (20) is assigned to a row (81).

The subsequent stations (43 and 44) form a lock (33) between the zones (30 and 31) already described. An empty station (45) follows. In the subsequent zone (46), the containers (3) are preheated with hot air, so that later on, when the container (3) is sterilized, too large drops do not form. In the subsequent station (47) steam is then generated from an aqueous solution of approx. 65 % Water and approx. 35% hydrogen peroxide is obtained and introduced into the interior of the containers (3) through the filling openings (9), the area of the containers (3) surrounding the filling opening (9) above the cycle table (21) also being sterilized becomes. An empty station (48) follows again.

The eight subsequent stations (49 to 56) of the zone (31) serve to blow in hot air in order to dry the containers (3) completely. A blower for sterile air is located on the lock (34) between the zones (31, 32), at the stations (57, 58).

The following zone (32) serves to fill and close the sterilized containers (3). Two filling heads (59, 61) are provided, with an empty station (60) in between, which is kept free for further customer requests. In a subsequent station (62), foam suction takes place, in the station (63), if desired, inert gas can be blown in.

The subsequent stations (64, 65) are used for heat sealing and subsequent cold resealing of the individual pull tabs (17). An empty station (66) preferably follows.

The stations (67, 68) again form a lock (35) between the zones (32 and 30). This is followed by the station (69) for discharging a group of three (20) of containers (3) from the tact table (21). This is done in that a stamp mounted in the lifting yoke (27) pushes the container (3) from above out of the holder (24 or 24 ') of the cycle table (21). The stations (70 and 71) can be provided for identifying the containers, for example the date or the like.

Narrow gaps in the aseptic chamber (29) and the locks (33, 34 and 35) between the individual zones (30, 31, 32) of the aseptic chamber (29) keep in connection with the suction devices (36, 37, 38) and blower devices (39) maintain the flow conditions within the aseptic chamber (29) which are important for the sterility of the machine. For example, in the zone (32) of the aseptic chamber (29) additional sterile cooling air is supplied via a blower device, so that a slight overpressure arises compared to the remaining zones (30 and 31) and no contaminated atmosphere can get into the filling area. However, the amount of air required is only very small because of the relatively small cross section of the aseptic chamber (29) and the division into zones. In addition, suction is drawn from the other zones (30 and 31) of the aseptic chamber (29), which supports the flow conditions. Due to the favorable arrangement of the aseptic chamber (29), into which only the areas of the container (3) containing the filling opening (9) protrude, the need for sterile air or the suction quantity is kept low. The containers (3) are cleaned, filled and closed within a housing (6) which is hermetically sealed and has openings only in the region of the container inlet (18) and the container outlet (25).

Periodically, for example once a day, a washing process is carried out for cleaning and sterilizing the entire machine. Various line systems are provided for this, for example a washing device (76) with blowing openings (not shown in more detail) and a sterile air device (72) with blowing devices (73) which are directed both into the aseptic chamber (29) and into the space (74) above it . During the washing process of the machine, the transport unit (2) and the transport unit (4) are automatically decoupled from the drive of the base machine (1), so that the openings for the container inlet (18) and the container outlet (25) can be hermetically closed. In this state, the machine is subjected to the washing process. The washing device consists of line systems (not shown in more detail) for supplying, shutting off and distributing the washing media and also heating devices.

The device in the broader sense includes devices for extracting hot air, sterile air and devices for sterilizing and supplying the filling material, as well as devices for preparing and supplying and removing the washing media, which have not yet been described in more detail.

In Fig. 1 a hot air supply (77) can still be seen, which is connected to flexible lines (78) for the blowing nozzles (40). Furthermore, the filling heads (41) are connected by flexible lines (79) to a tank (80) for liquid contents.

As already explained, the aseptic chamber (29) is sealed at the bottom by the disk-shaped tact table (21). The entire interior of the housing (6) is already sufficiently sterile, although the actual aseptic chamber (29) is kept particularly sterile.

Claims (12)

1. An arrangement for sterilising and filling containers (3) having lids (16) with filling openings (9), for sterilising sealing pieces (17) for the filling openings (9) and for sealing the filling holes (9) with the sealing pieces (17), with a housing (6) which features a container feed inlet (18) and a container removal outlet (25) and contains at least one aseptic chamber (29) into which the containers (3) can be fed by means of a transport device (21), characterised in that the lower wall of the aseptic chamber (29) is formed by the transport device (21) which is sealed against the circular wall of the housing (6), that the containers (3) are introduced into holding devices (24, 24') on the transport device (21) and that the areas of the containers (3) containing the filling openings (9) pass through the transport device (21) so that only this area and the inside of the containers (3) are connected to the aseptic chamber (29).
2. An arrangement according to Claim 1, characterised in that the housing (6) containing the aseptic chamber (29) is hermetically sealed up to the container feed inlet (18) and the container removal outlet (25).
3. An arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (6) is cylindrical and the carrier (21) is a sequencer table which rotates about a vertical axis with a stepped movement, the outside edge of which fits snugly against the housing (6) which surrounds it.
4. An arrangement according to Claim 3, characterised in that the sequencer table (21) is designed in the form of a disk and fitted with holding devices (24; 24') which clamp around the containers (3).
5. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the aseptic chamber (29) is divided into zones (30, 31, 32) which are separated by locks (33, 34, 35) for the container feed inlet (18) and the container removal outlet (25), for sterilisation and for the filling and sealing of the containers (3).
6. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that tools (40, 41) mounted on a lifting yoke (27), suction devices (37) and blasting devices (73) protrude into the aseptic chamber (29).
7. An arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the aseptic chamber (29) also serves to sterilise the seals (17) for the filling openings (9).
8. An arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that there are several adjacent rows (81) of containers (3) for the aseptic chamber (29).
9. An arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the aseptic chamber (29) is under atmospheric pressure.
10. An arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the locks (33, 34, 35) are designed in such a way that there is always one container (3) in each lock (33, 34, 35).
11. An arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the aseptic chamber (29) is formed essentially of an upper wall (75), the lateral outer circular wall of the housing (6), an internal circular wall and a sequencer table (21) and the inside of the containers (3) which form the bottom.
12. A process for sterilising and filling containers (3) having lids (16) with filling openings (9), for sterilising sealing pieces (17) for the filling openings (9) and for sealing the filling holes (9) with the sealing pieces (17), characterised in that before sterilisation the sealing piece is fixed to the container, that the area of the container containing the filling opening only is introduced into an aseptic chamber in order to simultaneously sterilise the inside of the container, the lid and the sealing piece and that once the container has been filled the sealing piece is sealed in the aseptic chamber to seal the filling opening with the lid.

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