JP2021500277A - Devices and methods for filling and / or processing packaging in a space enclosed by side walls - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices (1, 50,) for filling and / or processing packaging (2), especially composite cardboard packaging, and / or for processing packaging (2), preferably with composite cardboard packaging. 70) is described and illustrated. The device (1, 50, 70) is at least partially defined by a plurality of side walls (41), particularly a space (15) for accommodating a sterile or sterile atmosphere, and at least one packaging (2) and / Or at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) for receiving the package (2) and the package (2) and / or at least partially and at least in the space (15). Alternatively, it has at least one transport device (14, 51, 71) for transporting the package (2). In order to easily and reliably achieve a sterile or sterile atmosphere in a confined space, at least one side wall (41) with a lower edge (42) is immersed in the liquid tank (43) and at least one cell carrier ( The liquid 45, 53, 73) is guided under the side wall (41), passes through the liquid tank (43), and then is guided outward, facing the direction opposite to the space (15). It reaches the transport devices (14, 51, 71) arranged on the side of the side wall (41) immersed in the tank (43). [Selection diagram] Fig. 6

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging (Germany: Verpackung, English: packaging), particularly a composite thick paper packaging, for filling and / or processing, and / or preferably a packaging (Germany: Packung, A device for processing (package), in particular a space defined at least partially by multiple side walls, and at least one package and / or package for accommodating a sterile or sterile atmosphere. It relates to a device having at least one cell carrier for receiving and at least one transport device for transporting the packaging and / or the packaging in at least a partial and at least a plurality of parts in the space. The present invention also relates to a method for filling and / or processing packaging, particularly composite cardboard packaging, and / or for processing packaging, preferably comprising composite cardboard packaging.

Multiple devices and methods, especially in the form of food, for filling a product into a package and / or for processing a package to be filled or a pre-filled package, are known in various embodiments. .. In this regard, the filling of the packaging, preferably the fluidity of the food, and the processing of the packaging are carried out, for example, in a sterile or sterile environment of the filling machine. Since foods need to be stored for a long period of time after being filled in packaging, maximum aseptic filling is desirable. To this end, the filling machine comprises, for example, a sterile space or sterile chamber. There, the packaging is sterilized and then filled and closed with maximum possible sterilization.

In this regard, packaging with an open zenith is used to provide an opening for filling. These packagings are, for example, cardboard composite packaging formed from a laminate with a cardboard layer and an outer, especially thermoplastic, plastic layer such as polyethylene (PE). The cardboard provides sufficient stability for the packaging, which can facilitate the handling and stacking of, for example, a packaging consisting of the packaging and the product filled therein. The plastic layer protects the cardboard from moisture and protects the food from the absorption of unwanted substances from the packaging. In addition, additional layers, such as an aluminum layer, can be provided to prevent the diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging.

The packaging can be produced from the packaging precursor, preferably in a filling machine. As the packaging precursor, for example, a packaging material blank can be used. If necessary, the packaging material blank can also be pre-assembled to form the packaging blank, for example by sealing the longitudinal edges together. The corresponding packaging blank is generally attached to the mandrel of the so-called mandrel wheel to form the bottom of the packaging or the head of the packaging, where the area of the packaging blank protruding from the mandrel bends relative to the end face of the mandrel. And sealed. Alternatively, the packaging material used for the packaging precursor can be unwound from the roll almost indefinitely. The packaging material blank is folded at the fold line to first form the packaging sleeve and the bottom of the packaging. By sealing the overlapping parts of the packaging material, the packaging sleeve and the bottom of the packaging are closed. The head of the package is initially open. If desired, the head of the package can be closed first and the package can be filled from the open, preferably upward, bottom. In this case, whether the closed package is then turned for storage, transportation, and / or sale, that is, where the zenith and bottom of the finished package are, is fundamental. Can be left undecided.

The packaging is then fed to the sterilization zone of the filling machine. This is typically done by continuous transfer of the packaging to the cell carrier that accepts the packaging in the transport device. The transport device then transports these packages at a specified speed and at a specified distance to each other within the sterilization zone of the filling machine.

The packaging is preheated in a sterile zone if necessary. For this purpose, hot sterile air is blown onto the packaging. The inner surface of the package and at least the head region of the outer surface of the package are then exposed to a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide and sterilized in this step. The sterilized packaging is then dried in sterile air. The sterilized packaging is transferred to a filling and sealing zone, where food is preferably filled. In this regard, the food is particularly fluid. Often this food is a beverage. The filled packaging is then sealed to form such a packaging. The closed package is then transported by the transport device out of the filling and sealing zone and then removed from the corresponding cell of the cell carrier of the transport device.

In some filling machines, the packaging is transported linearly through the filling machine from the transport device. The corresponding filling machine is also known as an in-line filling machine. In other filling machines, so-called rotary systems, the packaging draws a nearly arcuate movement. This may include one or more sections of the arc.

A so-called sterile zone is formed in the filling and sealing zone. The sterile zone refers to the actual sterile or sterile area within the upper compartment of the filling and sealing zone. The sterile chamber comprises a sterile zone and a filling and sealing zone. The sterile chamber can be formed like a housing and is provided with openings for supplying and discharging the packaging. In addition, the sterile chamber can be provided with at least one opening at the lower end to remove the atmosphere from the sterile zone and / or the filling and sealing zone. Since the drive device for the transport device is provided in the space under the sterile chamber, the space under the sterile chamber is not sterile and can hardly be maintained sterile with modest effort. In general, a transport device is a chain of cells. The cells of the transport device accept individual packaging. The cells of the transport device are connected to each other by an endlessly circulating chain under a sterile chamber. In this regard, these cells are maximally sterile. However, the actual chain is generally not in a sterile state due to the driving device.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the sterile zone of the sterile chamber cannot be contaminated via the transport device. This is routinely attempted by supplying, for example, a layered, or essentially layered stream of sterile air, from top to bottom within the sterile zone, to prevent contaminants from being introduced into the sterile zone. There is. It takes a lot of time and effort to reliably supply such a flow with as little turbulence as possible. On the other hand, a large amount of disinfectant is regularly introduced into the sterile zone to prevent contamination from below. Although this is relatively easy to achieve, it can lead to increased consumption of disinfectants and affect plant components.

In addition to filling and processing the packaging, it may be desirable to process the filled packaging, preferably with composite cardboard packaging, in a sterile environment. This may be the case if, for example, a pouring element, a configuration for an opening, or the like is provided on the packaging after filling the packaging.

A sterile or sterile space is generally defined by multiple sidewalls to allow the provision of a sterile and / or sterile environment for filling or processing. Multiple walls are also provided in the transport direction to define a sterile or sterile space. These can be seen, for example, the anterior and posterior walls. However, in order to transport the packaging or packaging into or out of a sterile or sterile space, these walls generally have recesses that correspond to the outer shape of the packaging or packaging when viewed in the transport direction. Thus, when the packaging or packaging is at such wall height, the sterile or sterile space is also at least nearly closed in parallel with the transport direction around the packaging or packaging.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to design and further develop the types of devices and methods described above and previously described so that a sterile or sterile atmosphere can be easily and reliably achieved in a defined space. is there.

In the device according to the premise of claim 1, the purpose is to immerse at least one side wall with a lower edge in the liquid tank, and at least one cell carrier passes under the side wall and outwards from the liquid tank. Guided by, the solution is to reach a transport device located on the side of the side wall immersed in the liquid tank, facing in the opposite direction of the space.

In addition, the object of claim 10 is for filling and / or processing packaging, especially composite cardboard packaging, preferably using the device of any one of claims 1-9. , And / or, preferably a method for processing a packaging, comprising a composite cardboard packaging.
-At least one packaging and / or at least one cell carrier receiving the packaging has a space, particularly sterile or sterile atmosphere, at least partially defined by multiple sidewalls via at least one transport device. Transported in space,
-At least one cell carrier is immersed in the liquid tank in multiple portions via at least one transport device.
-The immersed portion of this one cell carrier is located between two parts of the cell carrier located outside the liquid tank and is also placed in the liquid tank via at least one transport device. Transported under the edge of the side wall being immersed,
-The soaked portion of this one cell carrier is removed from the liquid tank after passing through the edge of the side wall soaked in the liquid tank.
It is solved by the method.

The present invention allows the drive of a transport device with a cell to transport the package or packaging to be moved outward so that the sidewalls continue to define a sterile or sterile space relative to the outside. I am aware that this is the case. This does not necessarily mean that at least one side wall defines the packaging or the entire space in which the packaging is transported laterally. Moreover, this space does not have to be completely sterile or sterile, nor does it need to be completely closed. It suffices if an area with a sterile or sterile atmosphere is provided in this space. In this case, this area can be understood as a sterile or sterile space incorporated into a larger physical space and defined by at least one side wall. In this case, the sidewalls prevent the sterile or sterile space from being contaminated, for example, by air entering through the drive of the transport device or from the outside.

For this purpose, at least one cell needs to be placed on at least one cell carrier. The cell carrier has a connection between two portions extending on either side of at least one side wall. For example, a portion located laterally outside the sterile or sterile space and laterally adjacent to at least one side wall defining the space is connected to a guide, support, and / or drive for the cell carrier. obtain. Another portion provided on the other side of the at least one side wall may support at least one cell. This cell is used to transport the packaging or packaging in at least multiple parts in a sterile or sterile space or area. To ensure that no bacteria, bacteria, or the like can enter sterile or sterile space through the corresponding sidewall, this sidewall has its lower edge immersed in a liquid tank and the cell carrier , The connection area is passed under the edge of the side wall and guided through the liquid tank. The remaining gap between the edge of the side wall and the bottom of the liquid tank is closed by the liquid present in the liquid tank. This prevents air contaminated with bacteria, bacteria, or the like, from entering sterile or sterile spaces from the side.

If it is sufficient to be able to connect, guide and / or support the drive on one side of the cell carrier, it is sufficient to form the sidewalls as described above and guide the cell carrier in the liquid tank as described above. Can be. However, to ensure the reliable operation of the device, especially to prevent the cell carrier from tilting in a sterile or sterile space (Germany: Verkanten, English: jamming), the opposite 2 in the sterile or sterile space. It may be convenient to immerse the lower edge of each of the side walls in a liquid tank so that the cell carrier connection areas are guided outward from the liquid tank on both sides of the space.

Therefore, according to the method, at least one package and / or package is accepted in at least one cell of at least one cell carrier. In this case, at least one package or package is transported in multiple parts via a cell carrier having a transport device, at least partially in a space having a sterile or sterile atmosphere. This space is at least partially defined by a plurality of side walls. In this step, at least one cell carrier is immersed in the liquid of the liquid tank in at least a plurality of portions in the first area of the liquid tank along the transport device. The portion of at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid is located between the two portions of the cell carrier located outside the liquid tank and connects these two portions in the sense of a connecting portion. The portion of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid is moved via at least one transport device under the edge of the side wall that defines the sterile or sterile space immersed in the liquid in the liquid tank and ends. Transported within the liquid in the liquid tank under the rim. After the portion of the cell carrier immersed in the liquid tank passes through the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid tank, the portion of the cell carrier is taken out of the liquid tank again.

The edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid of the liquid tank preferably extends linearly in the liquid of the liquid tank, although it is not essential. In this case, the cell carrier can be transported linearly within an area of sterile or sterile space. The side wall and the liquid tank can also be formed linearly.

For clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the devices and methods will be described together below without making a detailed distinction between the devices and the methods. However, for those skilled in the art, the context will determine which features are suitable for the device and process.

In the first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, the liquid tank has a front end and a rear end when viewed in the transport direction. This means that the cell carrier must be immersed in the liquid in the liquid tank at one end and removed from the liquid in the liquid tank at the other end. However, at the same time, this allows in areas of sterile or sterile atmosphere, or during packing or packaging and / or processing, i.e., eg, after immersion of the cell carrier in a liquid, and liquid. At least a essentially linear transport movement of the cell carrier prior to removal of the cell carrier from. This not only simplifies the device for packing or filling and / or processing into the packaging, but also simplifies the method. Device simplification is also achieved if the liquid tank between the front and rear ends of the liquid tank extends at least approximately linearly and / or parallel to the transport direction of the cell carrier.

Alternatively, or in addition, simplification of the device and method can be achieved by configuring the transport device, at least in part, as a linear or belt drive. On the one hand, this is simple and provides great flexibility with respect to the speed profile of the cell carrier in transit. If desired, several cell carriers connected to each other via a transport device may be provided to transport the packaging and / or the package at least partially and at least in multiple portions within the space. Good. In particular, if a plurality of cell carriers are connected to each other exclusively via a transport device, i.e. otherwise not connected, the individual cell carriers can be transported independently of the other cell carriers. Therefore, the velocity profile and / or directional profile for transporting individual cell carriers can be selected at least substantially independently of the velocity profile and / or directional profile of the other cell carriers.

To easily transport the cell carrier under the lower edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid in the liquid tank, the cell carrier has a U-shaped portion that is at least partially in the liquid in the liquid tank. It is a good idea to immerse it in the wall and move it under the soaked edge of the side wall.

Independently of this, when viewed in the transport direction of the cell carrier, the cell carrier, especially the cell carrier, in front of the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid tank, especially in front of the immersed edge of the side wall. The transport device may be configured to partially immerse the U-shaped portion in the liquid in the liquid tank. As a result, reliable process control can be realized. Alternatively, or in addition, looking in the transport direction of the cell carrier, behind the soaked portion of the side wall, i.e. behind the edge of the side wall soaked in the liquid tank, the cell carrier, especially the cell carrier. The transport device can also be configured to partially lift the U-shaped portion from the liquid tank.

In order to facilitate immersion and pulling of multiple parts of the cell carrier, the transport device can be designed to raise and / or lower the cell carrier vertically, but not necessarily. This pulling and / or lowering is particularly relevant to the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier. This means that transport along the device and lifting and / or descending can be easily combined without the need for a separate additional device in addition to the actual transport device.

In any case, the lowering and / or raising of the cell carrier can be realized particularly easily when the entire cell carrier is not raised and lowered. It requires space, is expensive in terms of equipment, or requires a great deal of power. For this purpose, the cell carrier, especially the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier, is pivotally moved in and out to immerse and / or pull up the cell carrier, especially the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier. The transport device can be designed to do so. It is preferable that the cell carrier is moved in and out by a vertical component so that the cell carrier can be immersed in the liquid tank from above and taken out from the liquid tank upward. Therefore, it is at least partially unnecessary to raise and / or lower the cell carrier when the portion of the cell carrier that is immersed in the liquid, or because of soaking in and / or pulling out of the liquid. This is the case when the entire cell carrier is pivoted.

If the transport device has guides and / or links, preferably located outside a sterile or sterile space, it may cause vertical adjustment and / or pivot of the cell carrier, especially the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier. In addition, the transport device can be configured. This not only simplifies the complexity of the mechanism, but also ensures that there is no disruption in operation. This is especially true when the guides and / or links associated with the actual transport device cause vertical adjustment and / or pivoting of at least a portion of the cell carrier. Mechanically simple and reliable is when at least one cell carrier is designed to be spring-loaded with respect to the link and slide and / or roll with respect to the link. For this purpose, for example, the link and / or cell carrier may have multiple rollers to reduce friction.

For the harmonious transport of cell carriers without specific load peaks, and for the simpler design of transport devices, it may be useful that the transport device transports at least one cell carrier and its. The cell carrier, in particular the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier, is soaked in the liquid tank and / or the cell carrier, especially the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier, is pulled out of the liquid tank along the clothoid. If it is designed as such. A clothoid is a specially designed curve, especially a plane curve, and the curvature at each point of this curve is proportional to the length of its arc to that point. Therefore, the change in radius along the clothoid is constant and contributes to high transport rates.

The advantages of the present invention can be particularly effectively utilized when the sterile or sterile space is a sterile chamber, filling and sealing space, sterile space, sterile space, and / or sterile space. Thus, while the entire physical space can be sterilized or sterile, prior art has only allowed the physical space to be sterilized or sterilized in part or in multiple parts. Similarly, the advantages according to the invention are particularly preferably and advantageously applied in a device in the sense of a filling machine for filling, and more preferably closing, a packaging, particularly a cardboard composite packaging. Despite this, it is particularly easy when the liquid tank is a water tank, i.e. the liquid in the water tank is water. If desired, the water can be mixed with, for example, additives or mixtures to avoid contamination, especially biologically. However, as a general rule, liquids other than water can also be used.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, at least one cell carrier is transported by at least one transport device provided outside the space. If desired, two transport devices can be provided on either side of the space. Otherwise, the transport device is split and partially placed on one side of the space. In this way, the sterile or sterile space is reliably separated from the non-sterile or non-sterile drive device of the cell carrier.

Alternatively or additionally, the portion of at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid tank is immersed at the front end of the liquid tank and out of the liquid tank at the rear end of the liquid tank when viewed in the transport direction. As a result, the cell carrier can be easily moved, so that the process can be accelerated and the reliability of this method can be improved. Alternatively, or in addition, the same is true if at least one portion of the cell carrier immersed in the liquid tank is moved in the liquid tank at least substantially linearly and / or parallel to the transport direction of the cell carrier. Can be achieved.

To achieve simple and reliable transport movement of cell carriers, which can be extremely flexible with respect to the speed profile of the cell carrier and / or independent of the speed profile of other cell carriers, if desired. At least one cell carrier is immersed in the liquid tank, passed through the liquid tank, and / or taken out of the liquid tank, at least in a plurality of portions, via a linear drive or a belt drive of the transport device. Can be done.

Multiple contiguous cell carriers can be transported separately, independently of each other, and particularly easily, especially through the transport device, where several cell carriers connected to each other are separated from each other, at least by the transport device. This is the case when it is moved along the liquid tank.

To simplify transport movement and / or accelerate as a whole, at least one cell carrier, especially the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier, is immersed in the liquid tank, looking in the direction of transport of the cell carrier. In front of the edge of the side wall, it can be immersed in a liquid tank, in particular, vertically lowered into the liquid tank and / or pivoted into the liquid tank.

Alternatively or additionally, look at at least one cell carrier, especially the U-shaped portion of the cell carrier in the direction of transport of the cell carrier, and similarly liquid behind the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid tank. It can be taken out of the tank, in particular, pulled vertically out of the liquid tank and / or pivoted out of the liquid tank. Suitable movement depends on, for example, the type of packaging and / or packaging, the type of processing intended, and the space available.

For multi-part immersion in the liquid tank, for multi-part movement under the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid tank, and / or in multiple parts out of the liquid tank For movement, at least one cell carrier can be easily and reliably guided on the guide and / or link of the transport device. This guide and / or link determines the respective suitable movements of the cell carriers as defined. In this regard, it is preferred that the cell carrier be slidable on the link or guide by a plurality of rollers in order to avoid unnecessary friction. For this purpose, it may be appropriate for these rollers to be assigned to a link or guide rather than a cell carrier so as not to unnecessarily increase the mass of the cell carrier. However, this is not mandatory.

At least one cell carrier is in the liquid tank to ensure that at least one cell carrier is in contact with the link or guide, and thus to ensure the desired sliding and / or rolling on the link or guide. At least one cell carrier can be spring-loaded when partially immersed in the liquid and / or removed from the liquid in the liquid tank, and the corresponding restoring force causes the cell carrier to link or guide. Can be adjusted.

Especially uniform, thus protecting the material, the fast movement can be achieved by using this cell carrier as a transport device in order to immerse and / or remove at least one cell carrier in the liquid tank. This is the case when the clothoid is moved along the clothoid in at least a plurality of parts.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings that merely depict a plurality of exemplary embodiments. The following figure is shown in the drawing.

It is a schematic side view of the 1st device by this invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging processed and filled in the device of FIG. It is a side view of the details of the device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the details of FIG. 3 along the IV-IV cross section of FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the details of FIG. 3 along the VV cross section of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the details of FIG. 3 along the VI-VI cross section of FIG. It is a side view of the details of the 2nd device by this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the details of FIG. 7 along the VIII-VIII cross section of FIG. It is a side view of the details of the 3rd device by this invention. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the details of FIG. 9 along the XX cross section of FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for processing a package 2 in the form of a cardboard composite package provided with a molding device 3 for forming the package 2, and particularly for filling a fluid food, and thus a so-called filling machine. , Is shown. As shown, the preferred device 1 has several parallel machining lines, in particular four or six machining lines, of which only one is shown in FIG. A bundle 4 of packaging blanks 5 in the form of packaging material blanks is assigned to each processing line. The longitudinal end edges of the packaging blank 5 are sealed together to form the packaging sleeve 6. The packaging sleeve 6 is in a folded state. The packaging blank 5 is stretched in the form of the packaging sleeve 6 by the feeding device 7. Here, if necessary, a sticking device for sticking an injection element (not shown) to the packaging sleeve 6 can be further provided.

The molding device 3 for forming the package 2 has a mandrel wheel 8. The preferred mandrel wheel 8 of the illustration comprises six mandrel 9s that rotate counterclockwise periodically, i.e., stepwise. At the first mandrel wheel position I, the packaging blank 5 in the form of the packaging sleeve 6 is pressed against the mandrel 9. After that, the mandrel wheel 8 further rotates to reach the next mandrel wheel position II. Therefore, the terminal region 10 of the packaging sleeve 6 protruding from the mandrel 9 is heated by the heating unit 11 with high temperature air. At the next mandrel wheel position III, the heated end region 10 of the packaging sleeve 6 is creases by the press 12. At the next mandrel wheel position IV, the heated end region 10 is tightly sealed in the bent position by an unspecified sealing device, especially to the bottom surface. In this way, a package with one side closed is obtained. At the subsequent mandrel wheel position V, this package is removed from the mandrel 9 and transferred to cell 13 of the endless transport device 14. The cell 13 is cyclically guided within the preferred device 1 shown. No work steps are assigned to the mandrel wheel position VI next to the mandrel 9. The mandrel wheel position or number of mandrel and the machining steps provided therein can, if necessary, deviate from the depiction and related description in FIG.

The packaging 2 is transported in the sterile chamber 15 in each cell 13 with the open end facing up. In the preferred device 1 shown, the sterile chamber 15 is closed laterally and downwardly and comprises a sterile zone 16 and a filling and sealing zone 17. The packaging is transported from left to right within the sterile chamber 15 in the transport direction indicated by the arrow. The transportation of the package 2 does not have to be performed in a straight line, but can be performed in at least one arc shape or in an annular shape.

Sterile air is supplied to the sterile chamber 15 via a suitable sterile air connection 20. High-temperature sterile air is blown by the preheating device 21, and the plurality of packages 2 are preheated one after another. The packaging 2 is then sterilized by the sterilization device 22, preferably hydrogen peroxide. The packaging 2 is then exposed to sterile air and dried via the drying device 23. After passing from the sterilization zone 16 to the filling and sealing zone 17, the packaging 2 is moved to a filling position 24 below the filling port 25. Therefore, the food 26 is filled in the plurality of packages 2 one after another. The filled package 2 is closed by the closing device 27 by bending and sealing the upper region of the package 2 in order to form the package. After that, the closed package 2 is taken out from the cell 13 of the transport device 14. The now empty cell 13 is further moved in the direction of the mandrel wheel 8 by the transport device 14 to receive additional packaging 2.

FIG. 2 shows a wrapping blank 5 or a wrapping sleeve 6. The packaging sleeve 6 is heated in device 1 above, after which one side is closed. Packaging 2 is, in particular, a cardboard composite wrapping made of the corresponding packaging material 30, in the form of a laminate or a packaging material laminate. The laminate comprises at least one cardboard layer and, if necessary, at least one barrier layer made of, for example, aluminum, polyamide, and / or ethylene-vinyl alcohol, and a thermoplastic material, especially polyethylene (PE). Made of, with an outer layer. The longitudinal edge 31 of the packaging material blank formed from the packaging material 30 is already sealed to each other. This means that the longitudinal edges of the packaging material blanks are superposed on top of each other and sealed together at this position. The two opening ends 32 and 33 of the packaging sleeve 6 are provided with a bottom forming region 34 for forming the bottom of the package and a gable forming region 35 for forming the gable. For this purpose, both corresponding regions are folded at a crease line 36 provided for this purpose.

FIG. 3 shows the details of the device 1 of FIG. 1 in the front end area of the sterile chamber 15 in a side view. The preferred aseptic chamber 15 shown is defined below by a closed bottom 40, both sides of which are defined by at least a plurality of portions by side walls 41 in each case. The lower edge 42 of each of these side walls 41 is immersed in the liquid tank 43. In the preferred device 1 shown herein, an additional side wall or side wall portion 44 connecting the liquid tank 43 to the bottom 40 of the sterile chamber 15 is adjacent beneath the liquid tank 43. However, these side walls or side wall portions 44 are not essential and can therefore be omitted if necessary. Packaging 2 is supported by a cell carrier 45 that carries the cell 13. The outer edge of the cell carrier 45 is located outside the side wall 41 that defines the sterile chamber 15. Therefore, it is necessary to partially lower the cell carrier 45 into the liquid tank 43 in front of each side wall 41 and pass it through the liquid tank 43 under the edge 42 immersed in the liquid tank 43. For this purpose, these cell carriers 45 are provided by two parts of the drive 46 located on either side of the sterile chamber 15, or, if necessary, on both sides of the sterile chamber 15. It is driven or moved by two drives 46 individually, separately from each other, and one after another.

FIG. 4 shows the details of FIG. 3 in a cross-sectional view. This cross-sectional view is along a plane in front of the sterile chamber 15, in each case, in front of the edge 42 of the side wall 41 defining the sterile chamber 15 and immersed in the liquid tank 43. The cell carrier 45 shown in this figure has four cells 13 adjacent to each other. Each cell 13 houses the packaging 2. The two outer edges of the cell carrier 45 are guided and supported by the drive device 46 of the transport device 14. In addition, the cell carrier 45 is moved in the transport direction 14 by the drive device 46. In this case, the drive device 46 is preferably configured as an electromagnetic linear drive device. The electromagnetic linear drive can be configured as a direct drive capable of producing linear movement purely electrically and non-wear, in particular, without the intervention of mechanical gears, spindles, or belts. .. Of course, the cell carrier 45 can also be transported along the curved portion. The term linear shall be understood as a control of rotation. Liquid tanks 43 containing the liquid 48 are provided on both sides of the sterile chamber 15 under the cell carrier 45. FIG. 4 does not show the front wall 47 of the liquid tank 43. The front wall 47 prevents the liquid 48 from flowing out. Also at the end of the liquid tank 43, there is a rear wall (not shown). The rear wall also prevents the outflow of liquid 48.

It is preferable that the cell carrier 45 and the transportation device 14 are electrically operated and connected to each other. In particular, the cell carrier 45 is electromagnetically driven. In this regard, the cell carrier 45 and the transport device 14 can form a linear drive device. The advantage of the linear drive is, for example, that each cell carrier 45 can be individually controlled. For this purpose, each of the individual cell carriers 45 preferably has an electromagnetically readable identifier. The transport device 14 further has a reading means for reading the position of each cell carrier 45 and the identifier of the cell carrier 45. This enables individual control of each cell carrier 45. In addition, the transport device 14 can have transport rails that determine the transport direction or route. In this regard, the cell carrier 45 is movably arranged along the transport rail. A transport rail or transport device 14 on the one hand and a cell carrier 45 on the other hand together form an electromagnetic drive, especially in the form of a linear motor.

The cell carrier 45 can be moved in a clock shape at least in a plurality of portions. In one clock cycle, the cell carrier 45 is moved during the feed time and is stopped and stationary at a position in the designated movement direction during the stop time. The ratio between downtime and feed time can be varied, especially individually, cycle by cycle. This is of particular interest as the downtime should be as long as possible, especially when filling packaging 2 with liquid products, to prevent filling volume, filling quality, and / or foam formation, and possible sloshing. Because there is. The feed time should preferably be designed to reduce sloshing. This is especially possible with the accelerometer profile in transit.

FIG. 5 shows the details of FIG. 3 in a cross-sectional view taken along the VV section of FIG. This cross section is located further rearward in the transport direction of the cell carrier 45 than the cross section shown in FIG. In this regard, the cell carrier 45 is lowered along a drive or guide, and each side U-shaped portion 49 is immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43. The lower end of these U-shaped portions 49 is below the edge 42 of the side wall 41 immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43. Therefore, the cell carrier 45 is guided to the corresponding position by passing under the lower edge 42 of the corresponding side wall 41 immersed in the liquid 44 of the liquid tank 43 from the sterile chamber 15 on both sides and passing through the liquid tank 43. It reaches the drive device 46 of the transport device 14 provided there.

The drive unit 46 of the transport device 14 moves the cell carrier 45 along the sterile chamber 15. In the preferred device 1 shown, an additional side wall or side wall section 44 connecting the liquid tank 43 to the bottom 40 of the sterile chamber 15 is adjacent beneath the liquid tank 43. However, these side walls or side wall sections 44 are not essential and can therefore be omitted if necessary, for example, if the liquid tank 43 is directly connected to the bottom 40 of the sterile chamber 15. Despite the fact that the cell carrier 45 is derived from the sterile chamber 15 on both sides, no air that can contaminate the sterile or sterile area enters the sterile chamber 15 from the outside.

It is preferred that the sterile chamber 15 be under slight overpressure so that a sterile or sterile atmosphere is constantly extruded from both longitudinal ends of the sterile chamber 15, as the front and back of the sterile chamber 15. This continuous flow from the sterile chamber 15 to the outside ultimately guarantees that the sterile chamber 15 can be contaminated with bacteria, bacteria, or the like, contaminated air anterior and posterior to the sterile chamber 15. It is impossible to enter from the side.

FIG. 6 shows the details of the device 1 according to FIG. 3, which is shown by the VI-VI cross section of FIG. This cross-sectional view is along a line that passes in front of the liquid tank 43 in the line-of-sight direction and partially passes through the associated side wall 41. The non-linear transport path of the cell carrier 45 is represented by an arrow and is provided by the transport device 14 for the cell carrier 45. First, the cell carrier 45 is raised above the curved path, i.e. above the liquid tank 43, especially above the front wall 47 of the liquid tank. The curved transport path continues downward behind the front wall 47 of the liquid tank 43. Therefore, the cell carrier 45 having the U-shaped portion 49 is immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43. In this regard, the lower end of the U-shaped portion 49 of the cell carrier 45 passes under the edge 42 of the side wall 41, which is also immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43. In this orientation of the cell carrier 45, the preferred packaging 2 supported by the cell carrier 45 in the figure has its open end oriented at least substantially vertically upward.

In addition, in the preferred device 1 shown, the cell carrier 45 is moved in this orientation at least substantially linearly along the side wall 41. In this regard, the lower end of the U-shaped portion 49 of the cell carrier 45 is guided under the edge 42 of the side wall 41 immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43. When the cell carrier 45, particularly its U-shaped portion 49, passes through the end of the edge 42 of the side wall 41 immersed in the liquid 48, the cell carrier 45, particularly its U-shaped portion 49, becomes the liquid in the liquid tank 43. It is put out of 48 again.

The transport route of the cell carrier 45 is similar to the transport route shown in FIG. 6, but can also be designed so that the cell carrier 45 is moved in the opposite direction along this transport route. Therefore, the cell carrier 45 is raised above the liquid tank 43 in the curve movement, especially above the rear wall of the liquid tank 43, and lowered again behind the rear wall of the liquid tank 43 in the continuation of this curve movement. Be done. If necessary, the cell carrier 45 can be moved along the clothoid at least in a plurality of portions for both immersion in the liquid tank 43 and removal from the liquid tank 43.

FIG. 7 shows the details of the alternative device 50. The difference from the above device 1 is that the transport device 51 and the guide 52 for transporting and guiding the cell carrier 53 are particularly different. The cell carrier 53 is guided on both sides in the form of a plurality of rails 55 in the transport direction 51 of the cell carrier 53 along the sterile chamber 15 via a holding element 54 on the guide 52. For clarity, the drive for the holding element 54 of the cell carrier 53 is not shown in detail. In principle, various types of drives are possible, such as linear drives, belt drives, transport chains, or the like.

In addition to this, there is also a link 56. The link 56 is in this case formed by two basically parallel rails 57, 58. The roller 59 of the cell carrier 53 rolls on the link 56, especially between the two rails 57 and 58. The shape of the link 56 ensures that the cell carrier 53 is first pivoted to prevent collision of the cell carrier 53 with the liquid tank 43, especially with the front wall 47 of the liquid tank 43. The preferred pivot axis 60 of the device 50 shown is at least approximately perpendicular to the transport direction and at least approximately horizontal. After that, in order to immerse the U-shaped portion 61 of the cell carrier 53 in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43, the cell carrier 53 is pivoted again in the opposite direction, and particularly returns to the initial posture. The pivot axis 60 can also be aligned as described above. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide 52 and the link 56 crossing the transport direction. In order to pivot the cell carrier 53 around the pivot axis 60, the preferred holding element 54 shown is connected to an adjacent portion of the cell carrier 53 so that the cell carrier 53 can be pivoted or rotated.

Alternatively, the cell carrier 53 can be spring-loaded and pressed against the link 56. This could be achieved, for example, by spring means in which the restoring force applies pretension to the cell carrier 53 in an upright or vertical orientation about its pivot axis 60. The link 56 can then pivot the cell carrier 53 back and forth from this orientation against the restoring force of the spring means. The roller 59 of the cell carrier 53 is always pressed against the link 56. In this case, for example, the rail 58 on the second, especially lower side of the link 56 would be unnecessary.

9 and 10 show details of another device 70. In the device 70, the transport device 71 includes a belt drive device 72. A plurality of cell carriers 73 exist at a fixed distance on the belt drive device 72. Other drives can be considered in this context. The belt 74 is endlessly guided across the deflection rollers 75 at both ends of the sterile chamber 15. Further guide rollers 76 are assigned to each deflection roller 75 to allow the cell carrier 73 to be immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid tank 43 or to be removed from the liquid tank 43. The guide roller 76 is arranged between the deflection roller 75 and the sterile chamber 15. In this way, a transport route for the cell carrier 73 is provided. This transport route is similar to the transport route shown in FIG.

1 Device 2 Packaging 3 Molding Device 4 Bundle 5 Packaging Blank 6 Packaging Sleeve 7 Feeding Device 8 Mandrel Wheel 9 Mandrel 10 End Area 11 Heating Unit 12 Press 13 Cell 14 Transport Device 15 Aseptic Chamber 16 Sterilization Zone 17 Filling and Sealing Zone 20 Sterilized air connection 21 Preheating device 22 Sterilized device 23 Drying device 24 Filling position 25 Filling port 26 Food 27 Closing device 30 Packaging material 31 Longitudinal edge 32, 33 Opening edge 34 Bottom forming area 35 Gable forming area 36 Fold line 40 Bottom 41 Side wall 42 Edge edge 43 Liquid tank 44 Side section 45 Cell carrier 46 Driver 47 Front wall 48 Liquid 49 U-shaped part 50 Device 51 Transport device 52 Guide 53 Cell carrier 54 Holding element 55 Rail 56 Link 57, 58 Rail 59 Roller 60 Pivot axis 61 U-shaped part 70 Device 71 Transport device 72 Belt drive 73 Cell carrier 74 Belt 75 Deflection roller 76 Guide roller

Claims (15)

Devices (1, 50, 70) for filling and / or processing packaging (2), especially composite cardboard packaging, and / or processing packaging (2), preferably comprising composite cardboard packaging. ), Which is at least partially defined by a plurality of side walls (41), particularly for accommodating a sterile or sterile atmosphere, and at least one package (2) and / or package (2). ) And at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) and the package (2) and / or the package (2) in the space (15) at least partially and at least in multiple parts. In a device (1, 50, 70) having at least one transport device (14, 51, 71) for transport.
The lower edge (42) of at least one side wall (41) is immersed in the liquid tank (43), and the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) passes under the side wall (41). The transport arranged on the side of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid tank (43), which is guided outward from the liquid tank (43) and faces the direction opposite to the space (15). A device characterized by reaching a device (14, 51, 71). The liquid tank (43) has a front end and a rear end when viewed in the transport direction, and preferably, the liquid tank (43) is at least substantially linearly formed between the front end and the rear end. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) extends parallel to the transport direction of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). The transport device (14, 51, 71) is at least partially configured as a linear drive or belt drive (72) and / or the packaging (2) and / or packaging (2). , A plurality of cell carriers (45) connected to each other, particularly exclusively via the transport device (14, 51, 71), for transport in the space (15) at least partially and at least in a plurality of parts. 53, 73). The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is provided. The transport device (14, 51, 71) is the edge (42) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid tank (43) when viewed in the transport direction of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). ), In particular, the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is partially placed in the liquid tank (43). The transport device (14, 51, 71) is configured to be immersed and / or is immersed in the liquid tank (43) as viewed in the transport direction of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). Behind the portion (42) of the side wall (41), the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is configured to be partially pulled up from the liquid tank (43). The transport device (14, 51, 71) immerses the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). Vertically ascend and / or descend the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) to pull up and / or pull up. The device according to claim 4, wherein the device is provided so as to be provided. The transport device (71) dips and / or pulls up the cell carrier (73), particularly the U-shaped portion (71) of the cell carrier (73). 4. The device of claim 4 or 5, particularly characterized in that the U-shaped portion (71) of the cell carrier (73) is provided to pivot in and / or outward. The transport device (14, 51, 71) is a vertical adjustment and vertical adjustment of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). Having a guide (52) and / or a link (56) preferably located outside the space (15) for / or pivot, and preferably at least one cell carrier (73). Is provided so as to be spring-loaded with respect to the link (56) and to slide and / or roll on the link (56), according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The device according to one item. The transport device (14, 51, 71) comprises the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73), particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). Immerse in the liquid tank (43) and / or the cell carrier (45, 53, 73), especially the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). The invention according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is provided so as to be pulled up from the liquid tank (43) along the clothoid. Device. The space (15) is a sterile chamber, a filling and sealing space (17), a sterile space (16), a sterile space, and / or a sterile space, and / or the device (1, 50, 70). Is a filling machine for filling the packaging (2), particularly the cardboard composite packaging, preferably also closing the mouth, and / or the liquid tank (43) is a water tank. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Preferably, the device (1, 50, 70) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is used to fill and / or process the packaging (2), particularly the composite cardboard packaging. / Or a method for processing packaging (2), preferably with composite cardboard packaging.
-A plurality of cell carriers (45, 53, 73) that accept at least one package (2) and / or package (2) via at least one transport device (14, 51, 71). Transported at least partially within space (15), at least partially defined by the side wall (41), particularly having a sterile or sterile atmosphere.
-The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is immersed in the liquid tank (43) in multiple portions via the at least one transport device (14, 51, 71).
-The immersed portion (49, 61) of the one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is 2 of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) arranged outside the liquid tank (43). The edge (42) of the side wall (41) that is located between the portions and is similarly immersed in the liquid tank (43) via at least one transport device (14, 51, 71). Transported under
-The immersed portion (49, 61) of the one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) has the edge (42) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid tank (43). After passing, it is taken out from the liquid tank (43).
Method. -The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is transported by at least one transport device (14, 51, 71) provided outside the space (15) and / or.
-The portion (49, 61) of the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) immersed in the liquid tank (43) is immersed in the front end of the liquid tank (43) when viewed in the transport direction. And / or are ejected from the liquid tank (43) at the rear end of the liquid tank (43).
-The portion (49, 61) of the at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) immersed in the liquid tank (43) is at least substantially linear in the liquid tank (43). / Or moved in parallel with the transport direction (14, 51, 71) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73).
The method according to claim 10. -The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is immersed in the liquid tank (43) in a plurality of portions via the linear drive device or the belt drive device of the transport device (14, 51, 71). Moved in and / or out of the liquid tank (43) and / or
-Several cell carriers (45, 53, 73) connected to each other, particularly exclusively via the transport device (14, 51, 71), are attached to the transport device (45, 53, 73), at least along the liquid tank (43). Moved away from 14, 51, 71),
The method according to claim 10 or 11. -The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). Seen in the transport direction, it is immersed in the liquid tank (43) in front of the edge (42) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid tank (43), particularly the liquid tank (43). ) And / or pivoted in the liquid tank (43) and / or
-The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is particularly the U-shaped portion (49, 61) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73) of the cell carrier (45, 53, 73). Seen in the transport direction, behind the edge (42) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid tank (43), the liquid tank (43) is ejected, particularly the liquid tank (43). Raised vertically from and / or pivoted out of the liquid tank (43),
The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12. -The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) of the side wall (41) immersed in the liquid tank (43) for immersion in the liquid tank (43) in a plurality of portions. The transport device (14, 51, 71) for multi-part movement under the edge (42) and / or for multi-part movement out of the liquid tank (43). ) Guide (52) and / or link (56)
-Preferably, the at least one cell carrier (73) is spring-loaded with respect to the link (56) for sliding and / or rolling on the link (56).
The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13. The at least one cell carrier (45, 53, 73) is the transport device for immersion in the liquid tank (43) and / or for movement out of the liquid tank (43). The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the method is moved along the clothoid in at least a plurality of portions by (14, 51, 71).

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