EP3700824A1

EP3700824A1 - Device and method for filling and/or processing packagings in a space closed by side walls

Info

Publication number: EP3700824A1
Application number: EP18789098.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Klaus; Frank Ott; Michael Schaaf; Lars Wallentin; Christian Weiler; Franco ZAGAR
Original assignee: SIG Technology AG
Current assignee: SIG Combibloc Services AG
Priority date: 2017-10-26
Filing date: 2018-10-16
Publication date: 2020-09-02
Also published as: US20200339293A1; WO2019081276A1; DE102017125135A1; CN111372858A; JP2021500277A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 50, 70) for filling and/or processing packagings (2), in particular cardboard composite packagings, and/or for processing packets (2), preferably comprising cardboard composite packets, having a space (15) that is at least partially delimited by side walls (41), in particular for receiving a sterile or aseptic atmosphere, having at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) for receiving at least one packaging (2) and/or packet (2), and having at least one transport unit (14, 51, 71) for transporting the packagings (2) and/or packets (2) through the space (15), at least in part and at least in sections. In order to be able to achieve a sterile or aseptic atmosphere in the delimited space in a reliable manner and with little expenditure, according to the invention, the lower edge of at least one side wall (41) is immersed in a liquid bath (43), and the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is guided below the side wall (41) through the liquid bath (43) outwardly to the side facing away from the space (15) of the transport unit (14, 51, 71) arranged in the side wall (41) that is immersed in the liquid bath (43).

Description

Device and method for filling and / or processing of packages in a closed space with side walls

The invention relates to a device for filling and / or processing of

Packaging, in particular cardboard composite packaging, and / or for processing of packages, preferably comprising cardboard composite packaging, with a limited at least partially by side walls space, in particular for

Inclusion of a sterile or aseptic atmosphere, with at least one

Cell carrier for receiving at least one packaging and / or package and with at least one transport device for transporting the packages and / or packages at least partially and at least partially through the space. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for filling and / or processing of packages, in particular cardboard composite packaging, and / or for processing of packages, preferably comprising cardboard composite packaging. Devices and methods for filling packaging with products, in particular in the form of food, and / or for processing the packaging or the filled packages to be filled are in different

Embodiments known. The filling of the packaging takes place with,

preferably flowable, food and processing the packaging, for example, in a sterile or aseptic environment of a filling machine. Since the food should be durable for a long time after filling the packaging, a possible germ-free filling is desirable. For this purpose, the filling machines, for example, sterilization rooms or aseptic chambers, in which the

Sterilized packaging and then filled under sterile conditions as possible and sealed. As packaging, in particular those are used which are connected to a

Open top to provide an opening for filling. The packagings are, for example, cardboard composite packagings consisting of a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic,

Plastic layers, such as polyethylene (PE), are formed. The carton provides the packages with sufficient stability to easily package the packages made from the package and the product filled therein

can be handled and stacked, for example. The plastic layers protect the carton from moisture and the food from absorbing unwanted substances from the packaging. In addition, more can

Layers, such as an aluminum layer, may be provided to prevent diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the package.

The packages can, preferably in the filling machine, from a

Packing precursors are manufactured. For example, packaging material blanks can be used as packaging precursors, which can be prefabricated as needed, for example by sealing longitudinal edges to form a

Packaging blank. Corresponding packaging blanks are typically mounted on mandrels of a so-called mandrel wheel, wherein a portion of the packaging blanks projecting from the mandrels is folded against the end face of the mandrel and sealed there to form a packaging bottom or packaging head. Alternatively, this can be used for the packaging precursors

Packaging material can be unwound from a roll almost infinitely. In the case of a packaging blank, this is folded at bending lines to form a packaging casing and a packaging bottom first. By sealing overlapping portions of the packaging material, the packaging shell and the packaging bottom are closed. The head of the packaging initially remains open. If necessary, the packaging head can first be closed and the

Packaging be filled by the, preferably pointing upwards, still open bottom. Whether the closed pack then for storage, for Transport and / or for sale is rotated or not, so where in the finished pack is up and down, then can basically stand by.

Subsequently, the packages are introduced into a sterilization zone of the filling machine. This is usually done by the packages are successively transferred to the packaging receiving cell carrier a transport device. The transport device then ensures that the packages at a defined speed in a defined distance from each other through the

Sterilization zone of the filling machine to be transported.

In the sterilization zone, the packages are preheated as needed. For this, the packaging is blown with hot sterile air. Subsequently, the inner surfaces of the packages and at least the top portion of the outer surface of the packages are sealed with a sterilizing agent, such as

Hydrogen peroxide, applied and thereby sterilized. Subsequently, a

Dry sterilized packaging with sterile air done. The sterilized packages are transferred to the filling and sealing zone where they are preferably filled with a foodstuff. The food is especially flowable. In a large number of cases, the food is drinks.

Subsequently, the filled packaging is still closed, whereby the package is formed as such. The sealed pack is then over the

Transport device transported from the filling and sealing zone and then removed from the corresponding cells of the cell carrier of the transport device. In some filling machines, the packages are transported by the conveyor in a straight line through the filling machine. Appropriate

Filling machines are also referred to as cross-country skiers or longitudinal skaters. In other filling machines, the so-called rotary machines, the packages describe a more or less arcuate movement, which may comprise one or more circular arc sections. In the filling and sealing zone, a so-called aseptic zone is formed. The

Aseptic zone refers to the actual aseptic or sterile area in the upper section of the filling and sealing zone. The aseptic chamber comprises the sterilization zone as well as the filling and sealing zone. The aseptic chamber may be formed in the manner of a housing, wherein openings are provided for feeding and discharging of packages. In addition, the aseptic chamber may have at least one opening at the lower end in order to remove the atmosphere from the sterilization zone and / or the filling and sealing zone. The space below the aseptic chamber is not aseptic and can hardly be kept aseptic with reasonable effort, since in the space under the aseptic chamber of the drive for the transport device is provided. The transponder device is typically a cell chain whose cells receive the individual packages and whose cells are connected to one another via a chain which runs endlessly underneath the aseptic chamber. The maximum number of cells is sterile. The actual chain, however, is typically not due to the drive.

Therefore, it must be ensured that the aseptic zone of the aseptic chamber can not be contaminated by the transport device. This is regularly attempted, for example, by providing a laminar or substantially laminar flow of sterile air from top to bottom in the aseptic zone so that no contaminants are introduced into the aseptic zone. To reliably provide such a flow with as little turbulence as possible is associated with a high outlay. By contrast, such large quantities of sterilizing agent are regularly introduced into the sterilization zone that contamination from below is prevented. Although this is relatively easy to achieve, but has an increased consumption of sterilizing agent result, the plant parts can attack.

In addition to filling and processing of packages, processing of already filled packages, preferably comprising cardboard composite packages, may also be desired in a sterile environment. This may be the case if after the filling of the packaging still pouring elements, opening preparations or the like should be provided on the package.

In order to provide a sterile and / or aseptic environment for filling or processing, the sterile or aseptic space is typically confined by sidewalls. In the transport direction walls may also be provided to limit the sterile or aseptic space. These can be apart, for example, as a front and rear wall. However, these walls typically have to be able to transport the packages or packs into the room and back out of the sterile or aseptic room

Recesses, which correspond to the contour of the packages or packages seen in the transport direction. While the packaging or

Packs are at the height of such a wall, the sterile or aseptic space is therefore also at least substantially parallel to the transport direction to the packages or packages.

Therefore, the present invention has the object, the device and the method of each of the aforementioned and previously explained in more detail type and further develop that a sterile or aseptic atmosphere in the limited space with little effort and can be reliably achieved.

This object is achieved in a device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that at least one side wall is immersed in a liquid bath with a lower edge and that the at least one cell carrier below the side wall through the liquid bath to the outside on the side facing away from the room the immersed in the liquid bath side wall

arranged transport device is guided.

In addition, the stated object according to claim 10 by a method for filling and / or processing of packaging, in particular

Cardboard composite packaging, and / or for processing packages, preferably comprising cardboard composite packaging, preferably below

Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 9, dissolved,

in which at least one cell carrier accommodating at least one packaging and / or pack is transported via at least one transport device at least partially through a space, in particular a sterile or aseptic atmosphere, which is at least partially bounded by side walls,

wherein the at least one cell carrier over the at least one

Transport device is immersed in sections in a liquid bath, - in which the immersed portion of a cell carrier between two

is arranged outside of the liquid bath arranged portions of the cell carrier and is transported over at least one transport means below a likewise immersed in the liquid bath edge of the side wall away and

in which the immersed portion of the one cell carrier, after passing the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, emerges from

Liquid bath is moved out.

The invention has recognized that the drive of the transport device comprising the cells transporting the packs or the packs can be routed outwards if this is done so that the sidewall further limits the sterile or aseptic space to the outside. This does not necessarily mean that the at least one side wall laterally delimits the entire space through which the packages or packages are transported. Moreover, this room does not have to be completely sterile or aseptic or even closed. It is sufficient if an area with a sterile or aseptic atmosphere is provided in this room. This area can then be understood as the sterile or aseptic space, which is accommodated in a larger physical space and bounded by the at least one side wall. The side wall then prevents the sterile or aseptic space from being contaminated, for example, by air entering via the drive of the transport device or from the outside. For this purpose, at least one cell must be arranged on at least one cell carrier, which connects between two on both sides of the at least one

Having sidewall extending portions. For example, a section arranged laterally outside the sterile or aseptic space and laterally adjacent to the section delimiting at least one side wall can be connected, for example, to a guide, a support and / or a drive for the cell carrier. Another portion provided on the other side of the at least one side wall may carry the at least one cell with which the packages are transported at least in sections through the sterile or aseptic space or area. So that on the corresponding side wall no

Bacteria, germs or the like can enter the sterile or aseptic space, the side wall with a lower edge in a liquid bath

submerged, and the cell carrier with the above-described connection region passed below the edge of the side wall through the liquid bath. The remaining gap between the edge of the side wall and the bottom of the

Liquid baths are closed by the liquid present in the liquid bath. This prevents air contaminated with bacteria, germs or the like from penetrating from the side into the sterile or aseptic space.

If it is sufficient to connect, guide and / or support the cell carrier on one side with a drive, it may be sufficient to form a side wall as described above and also to pass the cell carrier through the liquid bath as described above. However, in order to be able to ensure reliable operation of the device and in particular to prevent tilting of the cell carriers in the sterile or aseptic space, it may be expedient if the two opposite side walls of the sterile or aseptic space immerse each with their lower edges in a liquid bath that the cell carrier, each with a connection region on opposite sides of the space through the liquid baths is passed through to the outside. According to the method, at least one packaging and / or pack is thus accommodated in at least one cell of at least one cell carrier. The at least one package or package is then at least partially transported in sections over the cell carrier with a transport device through a room with a sterile or aseptic atmosphere. This space is at least partially limited by side walls. In this case, the at least one cell carrier is immersed along the transport device in a first region of the liquid bath at least in sections into the liquid of the liquid bath. The section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid is arranged between two sections of the cell carrier arranged outside the liquid bath and connects these two sections in the sense of a

Connecting portion. The immersed in the liquid portion of the at least one cell carrier is via the at least one transport device under the dipping into the liquid of the liquid bath edge of the sterile or

aseptic space limiting sidewall moves and transported below the edge by the liquid of the liquid bath. After the portion of the cell carrier exchanged into the liquid bath has passed the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, the corresponding portion of the cell carrier is again moved out of the liquid bath.

Preferably, however, it is not necessary if it enters the liquid of the

Liquid baths dipping edge of the sidewall straight through the

Liquid of the liquid bath extends. Then the cell carrier can be transported linearly in the area of the sterile or aseptic space. Also, the side wall and the liquid bath can be formed straight.

For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the device and the method are described below together, without distinguishing in detail between the device and the method. However, those skilled in the art will be aware of the context which

Features are preferred for the device and the method. In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, the liquid bath seen in the transport direction on a front and a rear end. This implies that the cell carrier must be immersed in the liquid bath liquid at one end of the liquid bath and removed from the liquid bath liquid at the other end of the liquid bath. However, this also allows an at least substantially straightforward transport movement of the cell carriers in the area of the sterile or aseptic atmosphere or during filling and / or processing of the packages or packages, for example after immersing the cell carrier in the liquid and before removing the cell carrier from the liquid. This not only simplifies the device, but also the process control for filling and / or processing the packaging or package. A simplification of the device is also achieved when the liquid bath between the front end and the rear end of the

Liquid baths at least substantially rectilinearly and / or parallel to the transport direction of the cell carrier extends.

A simplification of the device and the process control can alternatively or additionally be achieved by the transport device is at least partially formed as a linear drive or belt drive. On the one hand, this is simple and offers a high degree of flexibility with regard to the speed profile during transport of the cell carriers. If required, a plurality of cell carriers connected to one another via the transport device for transporting the packages and / or packs may be provided at least partially and at least in sections through the space. In particular, in the event that the cell carriers are connected to each other exclusively via the transport device, otherwise they are unconnected, individual cell carriers can be independent of the others

Cell carriers are transported. Consequently, the individual cell carriers can be transported with a speed profile and / or directional profile that can be selected at least substantially independently of the speed profile and / or directional profile of other cell carriers. To the cell carrier just below the liquid in the liquid bath

it is useful if the cell carriers have a U-shaped section which is at least partially immersed in the liquid of the liquid bath and under the

submerged edge of the sidewall is moved.

Regardless, the transport device for partial immersion of the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped portion of the cell carrier, in the

Liquid of the liquid bath may be formed in front of the immersed in the liquid bath edge of the side wall, in particular in the transport direction of the cell carrier seen in front of the immersed edge of the side wall. This allows reliable process control to be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device for partially lifting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, from the liquid bath to the immersed portion of the side wall may be formed, in the

Transport direction of the cell carrier seen behind the immersed in the liquid bath edge of the side wall. In order to simplify the immersion and the lifting out of parts of the cell carrier, the transport device may be designed to raise and / or lower the cell carrier in, not necessarily exclusively, the vertical direction. In this case, the lifting and / or lowering, in particular a U-shaped portion of the cell carrier. Thus, the transport along the device can be easily combined with lifting and / or lowering, without the need for further separate devices in addition to the actual transport device.

The lowering and / or lifting of the cell carriers can be accomplished particularly easily, in particular, if the entire cell carrier is not raised and lowered in each case. This requires space and is also complex in terms of apparatus or associated with high forces. For this purpose, the transport device for pivoting and / or swinging out of the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped

Section of the cell carrier, for immersing and / or lifting out of the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped portion of the cell carrier may be formed. In this case, preferably, the pivoting and / or swinging out of the cell carrier with a vertical component in order to immerse the cell carrier from above into the liquid bath and to be able to move upwards out of the liquid bath. Thus, lifting and / or lowering of the cell carrier becomes at least partially unnecessary if the part of the cell carrier to be immersed in the liquid or the entire cell carrier as such is for immersing in and / or

Lifting out of the liquid is pivoted.

If the transport device has a guide and / or a guide, which is preferably arranged outside of the sterile or aseptic space, this guide can be designed such that it can vertically displace and / or pivot the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier. causes. This simplifies the expenditure on equipment and also reliably ensures that no malfunctions occur. This is especially true when the guide and / or a backdrop in conjunction with the actual transport device, the vertical adjustment and / or pivoting at least a portion of the

Cell carrier causes. It is simple in terms of apparatus and also reliable if the at least one cell carrier is employed in a spring-loaded manner against the slide and is provided for sliding and / or rolling on the slide. For this purpose, for example, the backdrop and / or the cell carrier have rollers to reduce the friction. For a harmonious transport of the cell carrier, without special load peaks and for simpler design of the transport device, it may be useful if the transport device for transporting the at least one cell carrier for immersing the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped portion of the cell carrier in the liquid bath and / or for lifting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped portion of the cell carrier, is formed from the liquid bath along a clothoid. This is a special one designed, in particular flat, curve whose curvature at each point of the curve is proportional to the length of its arc to the respective point. The radius course along the clothoid is therefore continuous, which accommodates a high transport speed.

The advantages of the invention can be used particularly effectively if the sterile or aseptic room is an aseptic chamber, a filling and sealing room, a sterilization room, an aseptic room and / or a sterile room. Thus, the entire physical space may be sterile or aseptic, while in the prior art, the physical space could be kept sterile or aseptic only partially or in sections. Likewise, the advantages according to the invention are particularly preferred in a device in the sense of a filling machine for filling and, preferably, for closing the packaging, in particular

Cardboard composite packaging, profitable use. Regardless, it is particularly easy if the liquid bath is a water bath, and thus the liquid of the water bath is formed by water. The water may, if necessary, be added with additives or additives, for example in order, in particular biological,

To avoid contamination. Basically, but also others

Liquids are used as water.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one cell carrier is transported by at least one transport device provided outside the space. If necessary, two

Transport facilities are provided on both sides of the room or the transport device is divided and each partially on one of the sides of the

Room arranged. Thus, a reliable separation of the sterile or aseptic space from the non-sterile or aseptic drive of the cell carrier is shielded.

Alternatively or additionally, the portion of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath may be immersed in a front end of the liquid bath viewed in the transport direction and at a rear end of the liquid bath Liquid bath are moved out. This allows easy movement of the cell carrier, which can speed up the process and increase the reliability of the process. The same can alternatively or additionally be achieved if the portion of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath is moved through the liquid bath at least substantially rectilinearly and / or parallel to the transport direction of the cell carrier.

In order to achieve a simple and reliable transport movement of the cell carrier, which may also be quite flexible in terms of the speed profile of the cell carrier and / or regardless of the speed profiles of other cell carriers, the at least one cell carrier at least in sections via a linear drive or belt drive of the transport device in immersed in the liquid bath, moved through the liquid bath and / or moved out of the liquid bath.

The successive cell carriers can then be transported in a particularly different manner and independently of one another, if a plurality of cell carriers connected to one another, in particular exclusively, via the transport device are separated from one another by the transport device at least along the

Liquid baths are moved.

In order to simplify the transport movement and / or to accelerate overall, the at least one cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, can be seen in the transport direction of the cell carrier in front of the cell carrier

Liquid bath submerged edge of the sidewall into the liquid bath

submerged, in particular vertically, lowered into the liquid bath and / or pivoted into the liquid bath. Alternatively or additionally

the at least one cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, also moved out of the liquid bath behind the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, also lifted out of the liquid bath in the transport direction of the cell carrier and / or pivoted out of the liquid bath. Which movement in the

Individual is preferred, for example, depends on the type of packaging and / or packing and on the nature of the intended processing and the space available.

In a simple and at the same time reliable manner, the at least one cell carrier can be used for partial immersion in the liquid bath, for

are guided in sections below the immersed in the liquid bath edge of the side wall and / or for sectioning out of the liquid bath on a guide and / or backdrop of the transport device, which then specifies the respective preferred movement of the cell carrier in a defined manner. In this case, the cell carriers can preferably slide off by means of rollers on the slide or the guide in order to avoid unnecessary friction. In order not to unnecessarily increase the mass of the cell carrier to it may be dissuaded if the roles of the backdrop or the guide and not the cell carrier are assigned. However, this is not mandatory.

In order to ensure the contact of the at least one cell carrier with the backdrop or guide and thus reliably provide the desired sliding and / or rolling on the backdrop or the guide, the at least one cell carrier can be spring loaded and the corresponding restoring force against the backdrop or the Guidance be made, at least while the at least one cell carrier is partially immersed in the liquid of the liquid and / or removed from the liquid of the liquid bath.

A particularly uniform and therefore gentle material movement can be achieved at high speed, if the at least one cell carrier is moved at least in sections for immersion in the liquid bath and / or for moving out of the liquid bath of the transport device along a clothoid. Subsequently, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1 shows a first device according to the invention in a schematic

Side View,

Fig. 2 shows a packaging for processing and filling in the device

1 in a perspective view, FIG. 3 shows a detail of the device from FIG. 1 in a side view,

Fig. 4 shows the detail of Fig. 3 in a schematic sectional view along the

Section plane IV-IV of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows the detail of Fig. 3 in a schematic sectional view along the

Section plane V-V of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 shows the detail of Fig. 3 in a schematic sectional view along the

Sectional plane VI-VI of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 shows a detail of a second device according to the invention in one

Side View,

8 shows a part of the detail from FIG. 7 in a schematic sectional view along the sectional plane VIII-VIII from FIG. 7, a detail of a third device according to the invention in a side view, and FIG. 10 shows the detail from FIG. 9 in a schematic sectional view the

Sectional plane XX of FIG. 9. In Fig. 1 is a device 1 for processing and filling of packages 2 in the form of cardboard composite packaging, in particular with flowable food, thus a so-called filling machine comprising a molding device 3 for

Shapes of packs 2 are shown. The illustrated and so far preferred

Device 1 has a number of parallel processing lines, in particular four or six processing lines, of which in FIG. 1, however, only one processing line is shown. Each processing line is a bundle 4 of

Packaging blanks 5 assigned in the form of packaging material blanks whose

Longitudinal edges are sealed together and thus form packaging shells 6, which are held folded up. By a feeder 7, the packaging blanks 5 are unfolded in the form of packaging shells 6, wherein, if necessary, still an application device, can be provided for applying pouring elements, not shown, to the packaging shells 6.

The molding apparatus 3 for molding the package 2 has a mandrel wheel 8 which, in the illustrated preferred embodiment, comprises six mandrels 9 and rotates cyclically, ie stepwise, counterclockwise. In the first mandrel wheel position I, a packaging blank 5 in the form of a packaging casing 6 is pushed onto the mandrel 9. Subsequently, the mandrel wheel 8 is further rotated in the next mandrel wheel position II, in which the opposite end of the mandrel 9 9 protruding end portion 10 of the packing jacket 6 is heated by a heating unit 11 with hot air. In the next mandrel wheel position III, the heated end region 10 of FIG

Packaging casing 6 pre-folded by a press 12 and in the subsequent mandrel wheel position IV in the folded position by an unspecified

Sealing device tightly closed, in particular to a bottom, sealed. It is obtained in this way a one-sided closed packaging, which is removed in the following mandrel wheel position V from the mandrel 9 and transferred to a cell 13 in a shown in the preferred device 1 and so far circulated endless transport device 14. In the next mandrel wheel position VI, no work step is assigned to the mandrel 9. The number of mandrel wheel positions or thorns and the processing steps provided there may, if necessary, deviate from the representation of FIG. 1 and the associated description.

The packages 2, with the open end pointing upwards, are arranged in the respective cells 13 through an aseptic chamber 15 which is closed laterally and downwards in the case of the device 1 which is shown and which is preferred so far

transported, which includes a sterilization zone 16 and a filling and sealing zone 17, through which the packages are transported in the symbolized by the arrows transport direction from left to right. The transport of the packages 2 does not have to be rectilinear, but can also take place in at least one arc or even in a circle.

The aseptic chamber 15 is supplied with sterile air via corresponding sterile air connections 20. The packages 2 are preheated successively by preheating means 21 by blowing hot sterile air. Subsequently, the packages 2 are sterilized by means of a sterilizer 22, preferably by means of hydrogen peroxide, whereupon the packages 2 dried by applying sterile air via a drying device 23 and after the transition from the sterilization zone 16 in the filling and sealing zone 17 in a filling position 24 below Filling spout 25 are brought. There, the packages 2 are successively filled with food 26. The filled packages 2 are then closed with a closing device 27 by folding the upper portion of the package 2 and sealing to form a package. The

sealed packaging 2 are then from the cells 13 of the

Transport device 14 taken. The now empty cells 13 are with the

Transport device 14 is further moved in the direction of the mandrel wheel 8 to accommodate there further packaging 2.

FIG. 2 shows a packaging blank 5 or a packaging casing 6, as it is heated, for example, in the apparatus 1 described above and then closed on one side. The packaging 2 is in particular Cardboard composite packaging from a corresponding packaging material 30 in the form of a laminate or a laminate, with at least one cardboard layer, if necessary at least one barrier layer, for example consisting of aluminum, polyamide and / or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol, and outer layers of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene (PE ). The longitudinal edges 31 of the packaging material blank formed from the packaging material 30 have already been sealed together. This means that the longitudinal edges of the packaging material blank overlap

superimposed and welded together in this position. At the two open ends 32,33 of the packaging shell 6 are a

Bottom forming area 34 is provided for forming the floor and a gable forming area 35 for forming the gable of the packing. For this purpose, the corresponding areas are folded at the fold lines 36 provided for this purpose.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the device 1 from FIG. 1 in the region of the front end of the aseptic chamber 15 in a side view. The illustrated and so far preferred aseptic chamber 15 is at the bottom by a closed bottom 40 and on both sides at least in sections by one each

Sidewall 41 limited. These side walls 41 are immersed in each case with a lower edge 42 in a liquid bath 43. Below the liquid baths 43, further side walls or side wall sections 44, which connect the liquid bath 43 to the bottom 40 of the aseptic chamber 15, close in the device 1 which is shown and preferred so far. These sidewalls or

However, sidewall portions 44 are not mandatory and therefore unnecessary as needed. The packages 2 are carried by cells 13 carrying cell carriers 45, which are arranged with their outer edges outside of the side walls 41 laterally delimiting the aseptic chamber 15. The cell carriers 45 must consequently be lowered in sections into the liquid bath 43 in front of the respective side wall 41 and moved through the liquid bath 43 under the edges 42 dipping into the liquid bath 43. For this, the cell carriers 45 are individually and separately from one another and successively arranged by two on opposite sides of the aseptic 15 arranged parts of a drive 46 or, if necessary, two driven opposite sides of the aseptic chamber 15 drives 46 of the transport device 14 is driven or moved.

FIG. 4 shows the detail of FIG. 3 in a sectional view along a plane in front of the aseptic chamber 15, at least in front of the edges 42 of the side walls 41 bounding the aseptic chamber 15, immersed in the liquid baths 43. The illustrated cell carrier 45 has juxtaposed four cells 13, in each of which a package 2 is received. The cell carrier 45 is guided and supported at its two outer edges by a drive 46 of the transport device 14. In addition, the cell carriers 45 are formed by the drive 46, which in the present case is preferably in the form of an electromagnetic linear drive, in the

Transport direction 14 moves. The electromagnetic linear drive can be designed in particular as a direct drive, which can generate the linear motion without the interposition of mechanical gears, spindles or belts purely electrical and wear-free. Of course, the cell carriers 45 can also be transported along curves. The term linear is namely to be understood as a distinction from rotation. Below the cell carrier 45, the liquid bath 43 is provided with a liquid 48 on both sides of the aseptic chamber 15. Not shown in FIG. 4, the front wall 47 of

Liquid baths 43, which prevents the liquid 48 from leaking. At the end of the liquid bath 43, a rear wall, also not shown, is provided, which also prevents the liquid 48 from leaking.

The cell carrier 45 and the transport device 14 are preferably in an electromotive operative connection to one another. In particular, a drive of the cell carrier 45 is electromagnetically. Cell carriers 45 and

Transport device 14 form a linear drive. The advantage of the linear drive is, for example, that each individual cell carrier 45 can be controlled individually. For this purpose, each individual cell carrier 45 preferably has an electromagnetically readable identifier. Furthermore, the transport device 14 has reading means in order to be able to read out the position of each cell carrier 45 as well as the identifier of the cell carrier 45. As a result, individual activation of each individual cell carrier 45 can take place. In addition, the transport device 14 may have a transport rail, which predetermines the transport direction or the transport path. The cell carriers 45 are arranged movably along the transport rail. The transport rail or the transport device 14 on the one hand and the cell carrier 45 on the other hand together form an electromagnetic drive, in particular in the form of a

Linear motor.

The cell carriers 45 can be moved clocked at least in sections. In one cycle, a cell carrier 45 is moved during a feed time and stopped immobile at a position during a dwell time in the predetermined direction of movement. The ratio between holding time and feed time can be designed to be variable, in particular for each cycle separately. This is particularly interesting for the reason that the residence time should be as long as possible, especially when filling liquid products in the package 2, to prevent the filling, the filling quality and / or foaming and possibly slosh. The feed time should preferably be designed so that sloshing is reduced. This can be realized in particular via an acceleration profile during the feed.

FIG. 5 shows the detail of FIG. 3 in a section along the sectional plane VV of FIG. 3, which is arranged further back in the transport direction of the cell carriers 45 than the sectional plane according to FIG. 4. The cell carrier 45 is along of the drive or the guide with lateral U-shaped sections 49 lowered into the liquid 48 of the liquid baths 43. The lower end of the U-shaped portions 49 is arranged below the immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid baths 43 edges 42 of the side walls 41. Thus, the cell carrier 45 is in the appropriate position from the aseptic chamber 15 on both sides in each case by the liquid bath 43 and below the lower, immersed in the liquid 44 of the liquid bath 43 edge 42 of the corresponding side wall 41st out to the drive 46 of the transport device 14 provided there.

The drive 46 of the transport device 14 moves the cell carriers 45 along the aseptic chamber 15. Beneath the liquid baths 43, further side walls or side wall sections 44, which connect the liquid bath 43 to the bottom 40 of the aseptic chamber 15, follow in the device 1 shown and preferred up to this point , However, these side walls or side wall portions 44 are not mandatory and therefore unnecessary as needed, such as when the liquid baths 43 are directly connected to the bottom 40 of the aseptic chamber 15. Despite the fact that the cell carrier 45 on both sides of the

Aseptic chamber 15 is led out, no air from the outside can penetrate laterally into the aseptic chamber 15, which could contaminate the local sterile or aseptic area.

The aseptic chamber 15 is preferably under a slight overpressure, so that the sterile or aseptic atmosphere constantly from the longitudinal ends of the

Aseptic chamber 15, as the front and the back of the aseptic chamber 15, is pushed out. This constant flow from the aseptic chamber 15 to the outside ultimately causes no contaminated air in the aseptic chamber 15 can penetrate over the front and the back, which could contaminate the aseptic 15 with germs, bacteria or the like.

FIG. 6 shows the detail of the device 1 according to FIG. 3 in a sectional view along a liquid bath 43 in the direction of view and partly through the associated side wall 41, as illustrated by the sectional plane VI-VI of FIG , The non-linear transport path of the cell carrier 45 is shown by the arrow and is transmitted via the transport device 14 for the

Cell carrier 45 brought about. First, the cell carriers 45 are lifted over a curved path, to a level above the liquid bath 43, in particular above the front wall 47 of the liquid bath. The curved one Transport path continues down behind the front wall 47 of the liquid bath 43, whereby the cell carriers 45 with the U-shaped sections 49 dip into the liquid 48 of the liquid bath 43. In this case, the lower end of the U-shaped section 49 of the cell carriers 45 passes under the edge 42 of the side wall 41, which also plunges into the liquid 48 of the liquid bath 43. In this orientation, the cell carriers 45 have the packages 2 supported by the cell carriers 45 shown and preferred with its open ends at least substantially vertically upwards. The cell carriers 45 are also moved in this orientation at least substantially linearly along the side wall 41 in the illustrated preferred device 1. The lower ends of the U-shaped sections 49 of the

Cell carriers 45 are thereby guided under the edges 42 of the side walls 41 immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid baths 43. When the cell carriers 45, in particular their U-shaped sections 49, have passed the end of the edges 42 of the side walls 41 immersed in the liquid 48, the cell carriers 45, in particular their U-shaped sections 49, become again out of the liquid 48 of the liquid bath 43 moved out. The transport path of the cell carrier 45 may be analogous to that in FIG. 6

be formed transport path shown, wherein the cell carrier 45 the

Transport path, however, be moved in the opposite direction along. Consequently, the cell carriers 45 are raised in a curved movement over the liquid baths 43, in particular the rear wall of the liquid baths 43, and into

Continuation of the curved movement back behind the back walls of the

Liquid baths 43 lowered. If necessary, the cell carrier 45 both for immersion in the liquid bath 43 as well as to retrieve from the

Liquid bath 43 are at least partially moved along a clothoid. FIG. 7 shows a detail of an alternative device 50. The

In contrast to the device 1 described above, there is in particular a different transport device 51 and guide 52 for transporting and guiding the cell carrier 53. The cell carriers 53 are on both sides via holding elements 54 on a guide 52 in the form of rails 55 in the transport direction 51

Cell carrier 53 along the aseptic chamber 15 out. The drive of the holding elements 54 of the cell carrier 53 is not shown in detail for the sake of clarity. In principle, different types of drives such as a linear drive, a belt drive, a transport chain or the like come into question.

In addition, a backdrop 56 is provided, which in the present case by two in

Substantially parallel rails 57,58 is formed. At the gate 56, in particular between the two rails 57,58, rolls a roller 59 of the cell carrier 53 from. The shape of the link 56 ensures that the cell carriers 53 are first pivoted in order to prevent a collision with the liquid bath 43, in particular with the front wall 47 of the liquid bath 43. In this case, the pivot axis 60 is aligned at least essentially perpendicular to the transport direction and at least substantially horizontally in the case of the device 50 which is preferred and preferred so far. Subsequently, the cell carriers 53 are pivoted back again, in particular back into an initial position, so as to effect a dipping of the U-shaped sections 61 of the cell carriers 53 into the liquid 48 of the liquid baths 43. This pivot axis 60 can also be aligned as described above. The guide 52 and the link 56 are shown in FIG. 8 in a sectional view transversely to the transport direction. To the corresponding

Pivoting the cell carrier 53 to allow about the pivot axis 60, the illustrated and so far preferred holding element 54 is pivotally or rotatably connected to the adjoining part of the cell carrier 53.

The cell carrier 53 could alternatively be spring-loaded and be employed as against the backdrop 56. This could be achieved for example by a spring means whose restoring force the cell carrier 53 about the pivot axis 60 in a pre-tensioned upright or vertical alignment. The link 56 can then pivot the cell carrier 53 out of this alignment against the restoring force of the spring means, the rollers 59 of the cell carrier 53 always bearing against the link 56. Then, for example, a second, in particular lower, rail 58 of the link 56 could be dispensed with.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a detail of a further device 70, in which the transport device 71 comprises a belt drive 72. In this case, the cell carriers 73 are present at constant, predefined intervals on the belt drive 72. Other drives would be in this context but also in question. In this case, the belt 74 is guided endlessly over deflection rollers 75 at both ends of the aseptic chamber 15. To the cell carrier 73 while in the liquid 48 of the

Dipping liquid baths 43 or being able to extract the cell carriers 73 from the liquid bath 43 is assigned to each deflection roller 75 by a further guide roller 76, which is arranged in each case between the deflection roller 75 and the aseptic chamber 15. In this way, a transport path for the cell carrier 73 is provided, which is similar to the transport path shown in FIG. 6.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

2 packaging

3 mold device

4 bundles

5 packaging blank

6 packaging jacket

7 feeder

8 mandrel wheel

9 thorn

10 end area

11 heating unit

12 press

13 cell

14 transport device aseptic

sterilization zone

Filling and sealing zone

Sterile air connections

preheater

sterilizer

drying device

filling position

Füllauslauf

foods

closing

packaging material

longitudinal edges

, 33 end

Bottoming area

Gable forming region

fold lines

ground

Side wall

edge

liquid bath

Sidewall portion

cell carrier

drive

front wall

liquid

U-shaped section

device

transport means

guide

cell carrier

retaining element

rail

scenery

, 58 rail

role

swivel axis

U-shaped section

device

transport means 72 belt drive

73 cell carriers

74 straps

75 Guide roller 76 Guide roller

Claims

claims

Apparatus (1,50,70) for filling and / or processing packaging (2), in particular cardboard composite packaging, and / or for processing packages (2), preferably comprising cardboard composite packaging, having a space (at least partially) bounded by side walls (41) 15), in particular for receiving a sterile or aseptic atmosphere, with at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) for receiving at least one

Packaging (2) and / or package (2) and with at least one

Transport device (14, 51, 71) for transporting the packages (2) and / or packs (2) at least partially and at least in sections through the space (15),

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

at least one side wall (41) having a lower edge (42) in one

Liquid bath (43) is immersed and that the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73) below the side wall (41) through the liquid bath (43) outwardly to the on the space (15) facing away from the in the

Liquid bath (43) immersed side wall (41) arranged

Transport device (14,51,71) is guided.

Device according to claim 1,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the liquid bath (43) has a front and a rear end seen in the transport direction and that, preferably, the liquid bath (43) between the front end and the rear end at least in

Substantially straight and / or parallel to the transport direction of the cell carrier (45,53,73) extends. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the transport device (14, 51, 71) is designed at least partially as a linear drive or belt drive (72) and / or that a plurality of cell carriers (45, 53, 73) connected to one another, in particular exclusively, via the transport device (14, 51, 71) Transporting the packaging (2) and / or packages (2) at least partially and at least partially through the space (15) are provided.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 3,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the transport device (14, 51, 71) for partially immersing the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), in particular a U-shaped section (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), into the liquid bath (43) in FIG Transport direction of the cell carrier (45,53,73) seen before in the liquid bath (43) immersed edge (42) of the side wall (41) is formed and / or that the transport device (14,51,71) for partially lifting the cell carrier ( 45, 53, 73), in particular a U-shaped section (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), from the

Liquid bath (43) seen in the transport direction of the cell carrier (45,53,73) behind the immersed in the liquid bath (43) portion (42) of

Sidewall (41) is formed.

Device according to claim 4,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the transport device (14, 51, 71) for vertical lifting and / or

Lowering the cell carrier (45,53,73), in particular a U-shaped portion (49,61) of the cell carrier (45,53,73), for immersing and / or lifting the cell carrier (45,53,73), in particular a U-shaped portion (49,61) of the cell carrier (45,53,73), is provided.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the transport device (71) for pivoting and / or swinging out the cell carrier (73), in particular a U-shaped portion (71) of the

Cell support (73), for immersing and / or lifting out of the cell carrier (73), in particular a U-shaped portion (71) of the cell carrier (73), is provided.

7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the transport device (14, 51, 71) has a guide (52), preferably arranged outside the space (15), and / or a link (56) for vertical adjustment and / or pivoting of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), in particular a U-shaped portion (49,61) of the cell carrier (45,53,73), and that, preferably, the at least one cell carrier (73) against the link (56) is spring-loaded and for sliding and / or rolling is provided on the backdrop (56).

8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the transport device (14, 51, 71) for transporting the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) for immersing the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), in particular a U-shaped section (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53,73), in the

Liquid bath (43) and / or for lifting the cell carrier (45,53,73), in particular a U-shaped portion (49,61) of the cell carrier (45,53,73), provided from the liquid bath (43) along a clothoid is.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the space (15) an aseptic chamber, a filling and sealing chamber (17), a

Sterilisationsraum (16), an aseptic space and / or a sterile room and / or that the device (1,50,70) a filling machine for filling and, preferably, for closing the packaging (2), in particular

Carton composite packaging is and / or that the liquid bath (43) is a water bath. 10. A method for filling and / or processing of packages (2), in particular cardboard composite packaging, and / or for processing of packages (2), preferably comprising cardboard composite packaging, preferably using a device (1,50,70) according to any one of claims 1 till 9,

- In which at least one at least one packaging (2) and / or pack (2) receiving cell carrier (45,53,73) via at least one transport device

(14, 51, 71) is transported at least partially through a space (15), in particular a sterile or aseptic atmosphere, which is at least partially bounded by side walls (41),

in which the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is submerged in sections in a liquid bath (43) via the at least one transport device (14, 51, 71),

- In which the immersed portion (49,61) of the one cell carrier (45,53,73) between two outside of the liquid bath (43) arranged portions of the cell carrier (45,53,73) is arranged and at least one

Transport device (14,51,71) below a likewise in the liquid bath

(43) submerged edge (42) of the side wall (41) is transported away and

- In which the immersed portion (49,61) of the one cell carrier (45,53,73) after passing the immersed in the liquid bath (43) edge (42) of the side wall (41) is moved out of the liquid bath (43).

11. The method according to claim 10,

- In which the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73) of at least one

outside the space (15) provided transport device (14,51,71) is transported and / or

in which the portion (49, 61) of the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) immersed in the liquid bath (43) is immersed in a front end of the liquid bath (43) viewed in the transporting direction and at a rear end of the liquid bath (43 ) is moved out and / or

in which the portion (49, 61) of the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) immersed in the liquid bath (43) is at least substantially rectilinear and / or parallel to the transport direction (14, 51, 71) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is moved through the liquid bath (43).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11,

- In which the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73) in sections via a

Linear drive or belt drive of the transport device (14,51,71) immersed in the liquid bath (43), moved by the liquid bath (43) and / or moved out of the liquid bath (43) and / or

- in which several among themselves, especially exclusively, on the

Transport means (14,51,71) connected cell carriers (45,53,73) separately from the transport means (14,51,71) at least along the liquid bath (43) are moved.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,

- In which the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73), in particular a U-shaped

Section (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), viewed in the direction of transport of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) before entering the liquid bath (43).

submerged edge (42) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid bath (43), in particular vertically lowered into the liquid bath (43) and / or pivoted into the liquid bath (43), and / or - In which the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73), in particular a U-shaped portion (49,61) of the cell carrier (45,53,73), seen in the transport direction of the cell carrier (45,53,73) behind the edge (42) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid bath (43) is moved out of the liquid bath (43), in particular lifted vertically out of the liquid bath (43) and / or pivoted out of the liquid bath (43).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,

- In which the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73) for sections

Immersion in the liquid bath (43), for the partial removal below the immersed in the liquid bath (43) edge (42) of

Side wall (41) and / or for sectionwise moving out of the liquid bath (43) on a guide (52) and / or link (56) of

Transport device (14,51,71) is guided and

- In which, preferably, the at least one cell carrier (73) for sliding

and / or rolling on the slide (56) spring-loaded against the slide (56) is made.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14,

- In which the at least one cell carrier (45,53,73) at least partially for immersion in the liquid bath (43) and / or for moving out of the liquid bath (43) by the transport device (14,51,71) along a clothoid is moved ,