Device and Method for Filling and/or Processing Packagings in a Space Closed by Side Walls

Abstract

Described and illustrated is a device for filling and/or processing packagings, in particular composite cardboard packagings, and/or for processing packages, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings, with a space delimited at least partially by side walls, in particular for receiving 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 packagings and/or packages at least partially and at least in sections through the space. In order to easily and reliably achieve a sterile or aseptic atmosphere in the limited space, it is provided that at least one side wall with a lower edge is immersed in a liquid bath and that the at least one cell carrier is guided beneath the side wall through the liquid bath outwards to the transport device arranged on the side of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath facing away from the space.

Description

The invention relates to a device for filling and/or processing packagings, in particular composite cardboard packagings, and/or for processing packages, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings, with a space delimited at least partially by side walls, in particular for receiving 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 packagings and/or packages at least partially and at least in sections through the space. The invention also relates to a method for filling and/or processing packagings, in particular composite cardboard packagings, and/or for processing packages, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings.

Devices and methods for filling packagings with products, especially in the form of foodstuffs, and/or for processing the packagings to be filled or the filled packages are known in various embodiments. In this regard, the filling of the packagings with, preferably free-flowing, foodstuffs and the processing of the packagings takes place, for example, in a sterile or aseptic environment of a filling machine. Given that the foodstuff should remain preserved for a long time after the filling of the packagings, the most germ-free possible filling is desired. To this end, the filling machines comprise, for example sterilisation spaces or aseptic chambers, in which the packagings are sterilised and subsequently filled and closed under the most sterile conditions possible.

In this connection, packagings which are open at a top side to provide an opening for filling are used. The packagings are, for example, cardboard composite packagings which are formed from a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, such as polyethylene (PE). The cardboard gives the packagings sufficient stability so that the packages, which consist of the packaging and the product filled in it, can be easily handled and stacked, for example. The plastic layers protect the cardboard from moisture and the foodstuff from absorbing undesirable substances from the packaging. In addition, further layers can be provided, such as an aluminium layer, which prevent a diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging.

The packagings can be manufactured, preferably in the filling machine, from a package precursor. Package material blanks can, for example, be used as a packaging precursor, which can be pre-assembled if required, 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 region of the packaging blanks projecting from the mandrels is folded against the end face of the mandrel and sealed there to form a packaging base or packaging head. Alternatively, the packaging material used for the packaging precursor can be unwound in a virtually infinite manner from a roll. Package material blanks are folded at bending lines to first form a packaging sleeve and a packaging base. By sealing overlapping sections of the package material, the packaging sleeve and the package base are closed. The head of the packaging initially remains open. If required, the packaging head can also initially be closed and the packaging can be filled through the open base, preferably directed upwards. Whether or not the closed package is subsequently turned for storage, transport and/or sale, i.e. where the top and bottom of the finished package are, can then basically be left undetermined.

The packagings are then fed into a sterilisation zone of the filling machine. This is usually carried out by the successive transfer of the packagings to the cell carriers receiving the packagings in a transport device. The transport device then transports the packagings with a defined speed and at a defined distance to each other through the sterilisation zone of the filling machine.

The packagings are preheated in the sterilisation zone, if required. The packagings are blown with hot sterile air for this purpose. The inner surfaces of the packagings and at least the head region of the outer surface of the packagings are then exposed to a sterilising agent such as hydrogen peroxide and sterilised in the process. The sterilised packagings are then dried with sterile air. The sterilised packages are transferred to the filling and sealing zone and are preferably filled with a foodstuff there. In this regard, the foodstuff is in particular free-flowing. In a plurality of cases, the foodstuff is a beverage. Afterwards the filled packaging is still sealed, forming the package as such. The closed package is then transported out of the filling and sealing zone by the transport device and then removed from the corresponding cells of the cell carriers of the transport device.

In some filling machines the packagings are transported from the transport device in a straight line through the filling machine. Corresponding filling machines are also known as inline filling machines. In other filling machines, the so-called rotary systems, the packagings describe a more or less arc-shaped movement, which may comprise one or more sections of an arc.

A so-called aseptic zone is formed in the filling and sealing zone. The aseptic zone designates the actual aseptic or sterile region in the upper section of the filling and sealing zone. The aseptic chamber comprises the sterilisation zone and the filling and sealing zone. The aseptic chamber can be formed in the manner of a housing, wherein openings are provided for supplying and discharging packagings. In addition, the aseptic chamber can comprise at least one opening at the lower end in order to remove the atmosphere from the sterilisation zone and/or the filling and sealing zone. The space below the aseptic chamber is not aseptic and can barely be kept aseptic with reasonable effort, as the drive for the transport device is provided in the space below the aseptic chamber. Typically, the transport device is a chain of cells, whose cells receive the individual packagings and whose cells are connected to each other by a chain that circulates endlessly beneath the aseptic chamber. In this connection, the cells are sterile at the maximum. However, the actual chain is typically not sterile due to the drive.

It must therefore be ensured that the aseptic zone of the aseptic chamber cannot be contaminated via the transport device. This is routinely attempted, for example, by providing a laminar or essentially laminar flow of sterile air from top to bottom in the aseptic zone so that no contaminants are introduced into the aseptic zone. The reliable provision of such a flow with as little turbulence as possible involves a great deal of effort. In contrast, such large quantities of sterilant are regularly introduced into the sterilisation zone that contamination from below is prevented. Although this is relatively easy to achieve, it results in increased consumption of sterilant, which can attack plant components.

In addition to filling and processing packagings, it may also be desirable to process already filled packages, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings, in a sterile environment. This may be the case, for example, if pouring elements, dispositions for opening or the like are to be provided on the package after the packaging has been filled.

To be able to provide a sterile and/or aseptic environment for filling or processing, the sterile or aseptic space is typically delimited by side walls. Walls may also be provided in the direction of transport to delimit the sterile or aseptic room. These can be seen, for example, as front and back walls. However, in order for the packagings or packages to be transported into and out of the sterile or aseptic space, these walls typically have recesses that correspond to the contours of the packagings or packages when viewed in the direction of transport. While the packagings or packages are at the level of such a wall, the sterile or aseptic space is therefore also at least substantially closed around the packagings or packages parallel to the direction of transport.

The object of the present invention is therefore to design and further develop the device and the method of the aforementioned and previously explained type in such a way that a sterile or aseptic atmosphere can be easily and reliably achieved in the delimited space.

In a device according to the preamble of claim 1, this object is solved in that at least one side wall with a lower edge is immersed in a liquid bath and that the at least one cell carrier is guided beneath the side wall through the liquid bath outwards to the transport device arranged on the side of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath facing away from the space.

In addition, the said object according to claim 10 is solved by a method for filling and/or processing packagings, in particular composite cardboard packagings, and/or for processing packages, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings, preferably using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

• • in which at least one cell carrier receiving at least one packaging and/or package is transported via at least one transport device at least partially through a space, in particular one having a sterile or aseptic atmosphere, at least partially delimited by side walls,
  • in which the at least one cell carrier is immersed in sections in a liquid bath via the at least one transport device,
  • in which the immersed section of the one cell carrier is arranged between two sections of the cell carrier arranged outside the liquid bath and is transported away via at least one transport device beneath an edge of the side wall also immersed in the liquid bath, and
  • in which the immersed section of the one cell carrier is moved out of the liquid bath after passing the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath.

The invention recognized that the drive of the transport device comprising the cells transporting the packagings or packages can be moved outwards if this is done in such a way that the side wall continues to delimit the sterile or aseptic space to the outside. This does not necessarily mean that at least one side wall laterally delimits the entire space through which the packagings or packages are transported. Furthermore, this space 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 space. This area can then be understood as the sterile or aseptic space, which is incorporated into a larger physical space and delimited by 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 outside.

For this purpose, at least one cell must be arranged on at least one cell carrier which has a connection between two sections extending on either side of the at least one side wall. For example, a section located laterally outside the sterile or aseptic space and laterally adjacent to the at least one side wall delimiting this space may be connected to a guide, support and/or drive for the cell carrier. Another section provided on the other side of the at least one side wall may support the at least one cell, which is used to transport the packagings or packages at least in sections through the sterile or aseptic space or area. To ensure that no bacteria, germs or the like can enter the sterile or aseptic space via the corresponding side wall, the side wall is immersed with a lower edge in a liquid bath and the cell carrier is guided through the liquid bath with the previously described connection area beneath the edge of the side wall. The remaining gap between the edge of the side wall and the bottom of the liquid bath is closed by the liquid present in the liquid bath. This prevents air contaminated with bacteria, germs or the like from entering the sterile or aseptic space from the side.

If it is sufficient to connect, guide and/or support the cell carrier to a drive on one side, it may be sufficient to form a side wall as described above and to guide the cell carrier through the liquid bath as described above. However, in order to ensure reliable operation of the device and in particular to prevent jamming of the cell carriers in the sterile or aseptic space, it may be expedient for the two opposite side walls of the sterile or aseptic space each to be immersed with their lower edges in a liquid bath through which the cell carrier is guided outwards through the liquid baths with a connecting area on opposite sides of the space.

Consequently, according to the method at least one packaging and/or package is received in at least one cell of at least one cell carrier. The at least one packaging or package is then at least partially transported in sections via the cell carrier with a transport device through a space with a sterile or aseptic atmosphere. This space is at least partly delimited by side walls. In this process, the at least one cell carrier is immersed along the transport device in a first area of the liquid bath at least in sections in the liquid of the liquid bath. The section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid is located between two sections of the cell carrier located outside the liquid bath and connects these two sections in the sense of a connecting section. The section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid is moved via the at least one transport device under the edge of the side wall delimiting the sterile or aseptic space immersed in the liquid of the liquid bath and transported under the edge through the liquid of the liquid bath. After the section of the cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath has passed the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, the corresponding section of the cell carrier is moved out of the liquid bath again.

It is preferable but not necessary for the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid of the liquid bath to extend in a straight line through the liquid of the liquid bath. The cell carrier can then be transported linearly in the area of the sterile or aseptic space. The side wall and the liquid bath can also be configured to be straight.

For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the device and the method are described together below, without distinguishing in detail between the device and the method. However, for the person skilled in the art, the context determines which features are preferred for the device and the process.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, the liquid bath has a front and a rear end as seen in the direction of transport. This means that the cell carrier must be immersed in the liquid of the liquid bath at one end and removed from the liquid of the liquid bath at the other end. At the same time, however, this allows an at least essentially linear transport movement of the cell carriers in the area of the sterile or aseptic atmosphere or during filling and/or processing of the packagings or packages, i.e. for example after immersion of the cell carrier in the liquid and before removal of the cell carrier from the liquid. This not only simplifies the device, but also the method for filling and/or processing the packaging or package. A simplification of the device is also achieved if the liquid bath between the front end and the rear end of the liquid bath extends at least substantially in a straight line and/or parallel to the direction of transport of the cell carrier.

A simplification of the device and the method can be achieved alternatively or additionally by configuring the transport device at least partly as linear drive or belt drive. On the one hand, this is simple and offers high flexibility with regard to the speed profile during the transport of the cell carriers. If necessary, several cell carriers connected to each other via the transport device may be provided for transporting the packagings and/or packages at least partially and at least in sections through the space. Especially where the cell carriers are connected to each other exclusively via the transport device, i.e. are otherwise unconnected, individual cell carriers can be transported independently of the other cell carriers. 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.

In order to be able to transport the cell carriers easily under the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid of the liquid bath, it is advisable for the cell carriers to have a U-shaped section which is at least partially immersed in the liquid of the liquid bath and moved under the immersed edge of the side wall.

Independently thereof, the transport device may be configured for partial immersion of the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, in the liquid of the liquid bath in front of the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, in particular in front of the immersed edge of the side wall as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier. In this way a reliable process control can be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device can also be configured for partially lifting the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, out of the liquid bath behind the immersed section of the side wall, namely, viewed in the direction of transport of the cell carrier, behind the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath.

To facilitate the immersion and lifting of parts of the cell carrier, the transport device can be designed to lift and/or lower the cell carrier in a, not necessarily exclusively, vertical direction. The lifting and/or lowering in particular involves a U-shaped section of the cell carrier. This means that transport along the device can be easily combined with lifting and/or lowering without the need for additional separate devices in addition to the actual transport device.

The lowering and/or lifting of the cell carriers can be accomplished particularly easily if not the entire cell carrier is lifted and lowered in each case. This requires space and is also expensive in terms of equipment or involves high forces. For this purpose, the transport device can be designed for pivoting in and/or pivoting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, for immersing in and/or lifting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier. The pivoting in and/or pivoting out of the cell carrier is preferably carried out with a vertical component so that the cell carrier can be immersed in the liquid bath from above and moved upwards out of the liquid bath. Raising and/or lowering of the cell carrier therefore becomes at least partially unnecessary if the part of the cell carrier that is to be immersed in the liquid or the entire cell carrier as such is pivoted for immersion into and/or lifting out of the liquid.

If the transport device has a guide and/or a link, preferably arranged outside the sterile or aseptic space, it may be configured in such a way that it causes the vertical adjustment and/or pivoting of the cell carrier, in particular of a U-shaped section of the cell carrier. This simplifies the mechanistic complexity and also reliably ensures that no operational disturbances occur. This applies in particular if the guide and/or a link in interaction with the actual transport device causes the vertical adjustment and/or pivoting of at least part of the cell carrier. It is mechanically simple and reliable when the at least one cell carrier is set spring-loaded against the link and is designed to slide and/or roll against the link. For this purpose, for example, the link and/or the cell carrier may have rollers to reduce friction.

For a harmonious transport of the cell carriers, without particular load peaks and for a simpler design of the transport device, it may be useful if the transport device is designed for transporting the at least one cell carrier for immersion of the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, into the liquid bath and/or for lifting the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, out of the liquid bath along a clothoid. This is a specially designed curve, especially a plane curve, whose curvature at each point of the curve is proportional to the length of its arc up to that point. The change in radius along the clothoid is therefore constant, which is conducive to a high transport speed.

The advantages according to the invention can be used particularly effectively if the sterile or aseptic space is an aseptic chamber, a filling and sealing space, a sterilisation space, an aseptic space and/or a sterile space. Consequently, the entire physical space may be sterile or aseptic, whereas in the state of the art the physical space could only be kept sterile or aseptic partially or in sections. Similarly, the advantages according to the invention are particularly preferably to be profitably applied in a device in the sense of a filling machine for filling and, preferably, for closing the packagings, in particular cardboard composite packagings. Regardless of this, it is particularly easy if the liquid bath is a water bath, i.e. the liquid of the water bath is water. If required, the water can be mixed with additives or admixtures, for example to avoid, especially biological, contamination. In principle, however, liquids other than water can also be used.

In a first particularly preferable 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 devices can be provided on both sides of the space or the transport device is divided and placed partially on one side of the space. In this way a reliable separation of the sterile or aseptic space from the non-sterile or aseptic drive of the cell carriers is shielded.

Alternatively or additionally, the section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath may be immersed at a front end of the liquid bath as seen in the direction of transport and moved out at a rear end of the liquid bath. This allows easy movement of the cell carrier, which can accelerate the process and increase the reliability of the method. The same can be achieved alternatively or additionally if the section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath is moved through the liquid bath at least substantially in a straight line and/or parallel to the direction of transport of the cell carrier.

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

The successive cell carriers can be transported differently and independently of one another particularly easily if several cell carriers connected to one another, in particular exclusively, via the transport device are moved separately from one another by the transport device at least along the liquid bath.

In order to simplify and/or overall accelerate the transport movement, the at least one cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, can, as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier, be immersed in the liquid bath in front of the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, 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, can also analogously be moved out of the liquid bath, in particular vertically, lifted out of the liquid bath and/or pivoted out of the liquid bath behind the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier. The preferred movement depends, for example, on the type of packaging and/or package, the type of intended processing and the space available.

In a simple and concomitantly reliable manner, the at least one cell carrier can be guided for immersion in sections in the liquid bath, for movement in sections beneath the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath and/or for movement in sections out of the liquid bath on a guide and/or link of the transport device, which then determines the respective preferred movement of the cell carrier in a defined manner. In this connection, the cell carriers can preferably slide by means of rollers on the link or guide to avoid unnecessary friction. In order not to increase the mass of the cell carrier unnecessarily for this purpose, it may be appropriate if the rollers are assigned to the link or the guide and not to the cell carrier. However, this is not mandatory.

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

A particularly uniform and thus material-protecting movement can be achieved at high speed if the at least one cell carrier is moved at least in sections along a clothoid by the transport device for immersion into the liquid bath and/or for moving out of the liquid bath.

The invention is explained in greater detail below by means of a drawing merely depicting exemplary embodiments. The following are shown in the drawings:

FIG. 1 a first device according to the invention in a schematic side view,

FIG. 2 a packaging for processing and filling in the device from FIG. 1 in a perspective view,

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

FIG. 4 the detail from FIG. 3 in a schematic sectional view along the sectional plane IV-IV from FIG. 3

FIG. 5 the detail from FIG. 3 in a schematic sectional view along the sectional plane V-V from FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 the detail from FIG. 3 in a schematic sectional view along the sectional plane VI-VI from FIG. 5

FIG. 7 a detail of a second device according to the invention in a side view,

FIG. 8 a part of the detail from FIG. 7 in a schematic sectional view along the sectional plane VIII-VIII from FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 a detail of a third device according to the invention in a side view and

FIG. 10 the detail from FIG. 9 in a schematic sectional view along the sectional plane X-X from FIG. 9.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for processing and filling packagings 2 in the form of cardboard composite packagings, in particular with free-flowing foodstuffs, thus a so-called filling machine, comprising a moulding device 3 for forming packages 2. The depicted and to that extent preferred device 1 has a number of parallel processing lines, in particular four or six processing lines, of which only one processing line is shown in FIG. 1. Each processing line is assigned a bundle 4 of packaging blanks 5 in the form of package material blanks, the longitudinal edges of which are sealed together to form packaging sleeves 6, which are kept folded. The packaging blanks 5 are unfolded by a feeding device 7 in the form of packaging sleeves 6, wherein, if necessary, an application device can also be provided for applying pouring elements not shown to the packaging sleeves 6.

Moulding device 3 for forming the package 2 has a mandrel wheel 8, which in the depicted and to that extent preferred case comprises six mandrels 9 and rotates counter-clockwise cyclically, i.e. step by step. In the first mandrel wheel position I, a packaging blank 5 in the form of a packaging sleeve 6 is pushed onto the mandrel 9. The mandrel wheel 8 is then turned further in the next mandrel wheel position II, in which the end area 10 of the packaging sleeve 6, which protrudes in relation to the mandrel 9, is heated with hot air via a heating unit 11. In the next mandrel wheel position III, the heated end area 10 of the packaging sleeve 6 is pre-folded by a press 12 and it is tightly sealed in the folded position, in particular to a base, in the following mandrel wheel position IV by an unspecified sealing device. In this way a packaging closed on one side is obtained, which is removed from the mandrel 9 in the subsequent mandrel wheel position V and transferred to a cell 13 of an endless transport device 14 guided in a circle in the depicted and to that extent preferred device 1. No work step is assigned to mandrel 9 in the next mandrel wheel position VI. The number of mandrel wheel positions or mandrels and the processing steps provided there can, if required, deviate from the depiction according to FIG. 1 and the associated description.

The packagings 2 are transported with the open end pointing upwards in the respective cells 13 through an aseptic chamber 15 which is closed laterally and downwards in the depicted and to that extent preferred device 1, and which comprises a sterilisation zone 16 and a filling and sealing zone 17, through which the packagings are transported from left to right in the direction of transport symbolised by the arrows. The transport of the packagings 2 does not have to be carried out in a straight line, but can also be carried out in at least one arc or even in a circle.

Sterile air is supplied to the aseptic chamber 15 via appropriate sterile air connections 20. Packagings 2 are successively preheated by a preheating device 21 by being blown with hot sterile air. Packagings 2 are then sterilised by means of a sterilising device 22, preferably with hydrogen peroxide, whereupon the packagings 2 are dried by being exposed to sterile air via a drying device 23 and, after passing from sterilisation zone 16 to filling and sealing zone 17, are moved to a filling position 24 below a filling outlet 25. Packagings 2 are successively filled with foodstuff 26 there. The filled packagings 2 are then closed with a closing device 27 by folding the upper area of packaging 2 and sealing it to form a package. The closed packagings 2 are then removed from the cells 13 of the transport device 14. The now empty cells 13 are moved further in the direction of the mandrel wheel 8 by the transport device 14 in order to pick up further packagings 2 there.

FIG. 2 depicts a packaging blank 5 or a packaging sleeve 6 as it is heated in the previously described device 1 and then closed on one side. The packagings 2 are in particular cardboard composite packagings made of a corresponding package material 30 in the form of a laminate or package material laminate, with at least one cardboard layer, if necessary at least one barrier layer, for example consisting of aluminium, polyamide and/or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol, and outer layers of a thermoplastic, in particular polyethylene (PE). The longitudinal edges 31 of the package material blank formed from the package material 30 have already been sealed together. This means that the longitudinal edges of the package material blank have been overlapped on top of each other and sealed together in this position. At the two open ends 32, 33 of the packaging sleeve 6, a bottom forming area 34 is provided to form the bottom and a gable forming area 35 to form the gable of the package. For this purpose, the corresponding areas are folded together at the folding lines 36 provided for this purpose.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the device 1 from FIG. 1 in the area of the front end of the aseptic chamber 15 in a side view. The depicted and to that extent preferred aseptic chamber 15 is delimited downwards by a closed bottom 40 and on both sides, at least in sections, in each case by a side wall 41. These side walls 41 are each immersed with a lower edge 42 in a liquid bath 43. Beneath the liquid baths 43, further side walls or side wall sections 44, which connect the liquid bath 43 with the bottom 40 of the aseptic chamber 15, adjoin in the depicted and to that extent preferred device 1 shown here. However, these side walls or side wall sections 44 are not mandatory and can therefore be dispensed with if required. The packagings 2 are supported by cell 13 supporting cell carriers 45, the outer edges of which are positioned outside the side walls 41 delimiting the aseptic chamber 15. The cell carriers 45 must therefore be lowered section by section into the liquid bath 43 in front of the respective side wall 41 and moved through the liquid bath 43 under the edges 42 immersed in the liquid bath 43. For this purpose, the cell carriers 45 are driven or moved individually and separately from each other as well as successively by two parts of a drive 46 arranged on opposite sides of the aseptic chamber 15 or, if required, by two drives 46 of the transport device 14 arranged on opposite sides of the aseptic chamber 15.

FIG. 4 shows the detail of FIG. 3 in a sectional view along a plane in front of the aseptic chamber 15, in any case in front of the edges 42 of the side walls 41 delimiting the aseptic chamber 15, immersed in the liquid baths 43. The cell carrier 45 shown here has four cells 13 next to each other, each containing a packaging 2. 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 moved in the direction of transport 14 by the drive 46, which in this case is preferably configured as an electromagnetic linear drive. The electromagnetic linear drive can be configured in particular as a direct drive, which can generate the linear movement purely electrically and in a non-wearing manner without the interposition of mechanical gears, spindles or belts. Naturally, the cell carriers 45 can also be transported along curves. The term linear is to be understood in contrast to rotation. The liquid bath 43 with a liquid 48 is provided beneath the cell carrier 45 on both sides of the aseptic chamber 15. FIG. 4 does not show the front wall 47 of the liquid bath 43, which prevents the liquid 48 from running out. At the end of the liquid bath 43 there is a back wall, also not depicted, which also prevents the liquid 48 from running out.

The cell carrier 45 and the transport device 14 are preferably in an electromotive operative connection with each other. In particular, the cell carriers 45 are driven electromagnetically. In this respect, cell carrier 45 and transport device 14 can form a linear drive. The advantage of the linear drive, for example, is that each individual cell carrier 45 can be individually controlled. For this purpose, each individual cell carrier 45 preferably has an electromagnetically readable identifier. The transport device 14 also has reading means to read the position of each cell carrier 45 and the identifier of the cell carrier 45. This allows individual control of each cell carrier 45. In addition, the transport device 14 can have a transport rail, which determines the direction of transport or the transport path. In this respect, the cell carriers 45 are movably arranged along the transport rail. The transport rail or transport device 14 on the one hand and the cell carriers 45 on the other hand together form an electromagnetic drive, especially in the form of a linear motor.

The cell carriers 45 can be moved at least in sections in a clocked manner. In one cycle, a cell carrier 45 is moved during a feed time and stopped motionless at a position in the specified direction of movement for a dwell time. The ratio between dwell time and feed time can be varied, especially for each cycle separately. This is particularly interesting for the reason that the dwell time should be as long as possible, especially when filling liquid products into packaging 2, in order to prevent the filling quantity, the filling quality and/or foam formation as well as possible sloshing. The feed time should preferably be designed to reduce sloshing. This can be realized in particular via an acceleration profile during the feed.

In FIG. 5 the detail of FIG. 3 is shown in a section along the sectional plane V-V of FIG. 3, which is located further back in the direction of transport of the cell carriers 45 than the sectional plane according to FIG. 4. In this connection, the cell carrier 45 is lowered along the drive or guide with lateral U-shaped sections 49 into the liquid 48 of the liquid baths 43. The lower end of the U-shaped sections 49 is located beneath the edges 42 of the side walls 41 immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid baths 43. Consequently, the cell carrier 45 is guided in the corresponding position from the aseptic chamber 15 on both sides in each case through the liquid bath 43 and under the lower edge 42 of the corresponding side wall 41, which is immersed in the liquid 44 of the liquid bath 43, outside 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, in the depicted and to that extent preferred device 1, further side walls or side wall sections 44 adjoin, which connect the liquid bath 43 with the bottom 40 of the aseptic chamber 15. However, these side walls or side wall sections 44 are not mandatory and can therefore be dispensed with if required, for example if the liquid baths 43 are directly connected to the bottom 40 of the aseptic chamber 15. Despite the fact that the cell carrier 45 is led out of the aseptic chamber 15 on both sides, no air can enter the side of the aseptic chamber 15 from the outside, which could contaminate the sterile or aseptic area there.

The aseptic chamber 15 is preferably under a slight overpressure, so that the sterile or aseptic atmosphere is constantly forced out of the longitudinal ends of the aseptic chamber 15, as the front and back of the aseptic chamber 15. This constant flow from the aseptic chamber 15 to the outside ultimately ensures that no contaminated air can enter the aseptic chamber 15, even via the front side and the back side, which could contaminate the aseptic chamber 15 with germs, bacteria or the like.

In FIG. 6, the detail of device 1 according to FIG. 3 is shown in a sectional view along a line passing through the front liquid bath 43 in the viewing direction and partly through the associated side wall 41, as illustrated by the sectional plane VI-VI of FIG. 5. The non-linear transport path of the cell carriers 45 is represented by the arrow and is brought about by the transport device 14 for the cell carriers 45. First, the cell carriers 45 are raised above a curved path, namely to a level above the liquid bath 43, especially above the front wall 47 of the liquid bath. The curved transport path continues downwards behind the front wall 47 of the liquid bath 43, whereby the cell carriers 45 with the U-shaped sections 49 are immersed in the liquid 48 of the liquid bath 43. In this respect, the lower end of the U-shaped section 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 bath 43. In this orientation of the cell carriers 45, the packagings 2 carried by the depicted and to that extent preferred cell carriers 45 point with their open ends at least substantially vertically upwards.

In addition, the cell carriers 45 are moved at least substantially linearly along the side wall 41 in this orientation in the depicted and to that extent preferred device 1. In this connection, the lower ends of the U-shaped sections 49 of the cell carriers 45 are 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, especially 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, especially their U-shaped sections 49, are moved out of the liquid 48 of the liquid bath 43 again.

The transport path of the cell carrier 45 can be designed analogously to the transport path shown in FIG. 6, but the cell carrier 45 is moved along the transport path in the opposite direction. Consequently, the cell carriers 45 are lifted in a curved movement above the liquid baths 43, in particular the back wall of the liquid baths 43, and lowered again behind the back walls of the liquid baths 43 in continuation of the curved movement. If necessary, the cell carriers 45 can be moved at least in sections along a clothoid both for immersion in the liquid bath 43 and for removal from the liquid bath 43.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of an alternative device 50. The difference to the device 1 described above consists in particular in a different transport device 51 and guide 52 for transporting and guiding the cell carriers 53. The cell carriers 53 are guided on both sides via holding elements 54 on a guide 52 in the form of rails 55 in the direction of transport 51 of the cell carriers 53 along the aseptic chamber 15. The drive of the holding elements 54 of the cell carriers 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 are possible.

In addition to this, there is also a link 56, which in this case is formed by two essentially parallel rails 57, 58. A roller 59 of the cell carrier 53 rolls on link 56, especially between the two rails 57, 58. The shape of the link 56 ensures that the cell carriers 53 are first pivoted to prevent collision with the liquid bath 43, especially with the front wall 47 of the liquid bath 43. The pivot axis 60 of the depicted and to that extent preferred device 50 is at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport and at least substantially horizontal. The cell carriers 53 are then pivoted backwards again, in particular back to an initial position, to cause the U-shaped sections 61 of the cell carriers 53 to be immersed in 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 transverse to the direction of transport. In order to enable the cell carrier 53 to be pivoted about the pivot axis 60, the depicted and to that extent preferred holding element 54 is connected to the adjoining part of the cell carrier 53 so that it can pivot or rotate.

Alternatively, the cell carriers 53 could also be spring-loaded and thus be set against the link 56. This could be achieved, for example, by a spring means whose restoring force pretensions the cell carrier 53 around its pivot axis 60 into an upright or vertical orientation. The link 56 can then pivot the cell carrier 53 back and forth from this orientation against the restoring force of the spring means, wherein the rollers 59 of the cell carriers 53 always rest against the link 56. Then, for example, a second, especially lower, rail 58 of the link 56 would be dispensable.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a detail of another device 70, in which the transport device 71 comprises a belt drive 72. The cell carriers 73 are present at constant, predefined distances on belt drive 72. Other drives could also be considered in this context. The belt 74 is guided endlessly over deflection rollers 75 at both ends of the aseptic chamber 15. In order to be able to immerse the cell carriers 73 in the liquid 48 of the liquid bath 43 or to remove the cell carriers 73 from the liquid bath 43, a further guide roller 76 is assigned to each deflection roller 75, which is arranged between the deflection roller 75 and the aseptic chamber 15. In this way a transport path for the cell carriers 73 is provided, which is similar to the transport path shown in FIG. 6.

LIST OF REFERENCES

• 1 Device
• 2 Packaging
• 3 Moulding 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 Sterilisation zone
• 17 Filling and sealing zone
• 20 Sterile air connections
• 21 Preheating device
• 22 Sterilising device
• 23 Drying device
• 24 Filling position
• 25 Filling outlet
• 26 Foodstuff
• 27 Closing device
• 30 Package material
• 31 Longitudinal edges
• 32, 33 Ends
• 34 Bottom forming area
• 35 Gable forming area
• 36 Folding lines
• 40 Bottom
• 41 Side wall
• 42 Edge
• 43 Liquid bath
• 44 Side wall section
• 45 Cell carrier
• 46 Drive
• 47 Front wall
• 48 Liquid
• 49 U-shaped section
• 50 Device
• 51 Transport device
• 52 Guide
• 53 Cell carrier
• 54 Holding element
• 55 Rails
• 56 Link
• 57, 58 Rails
• 59 Rollers
• 60 Pivot axis
• 61 U-shaped section
• 70 Device
• 71 Transport device
• 72 Belt drive
• 73 Cell carrier
• 74 Belt
• 75 Deflection roller
• 76 Guide roller

Claims

1. A device for filling and/or processing packagings, in particular composite cardboard packagings, and/or for processing packagings, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings, with a space delimited at least partially by side walls, in particular for receiving 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 packagings and/or packages at least partially and at least in sections through the space, characterised in that

at least one side wall with a lower edge is immersed in a liquid bath and that the at least one cell carrier is guided beneath the side wall through the liquid bath outwards to the transport device arranged on the side of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath facing away from the space.

2. The device according to claim 1,

characterised in that

the liquid bath has a front end and a rear end as seen in the direction of transport, and that, preferably, the liquid bath extends between the front end and the rear end at least substantially in a straight line and/or parallel to the direction of transport of the cell carrier.

3. The device according to claim 1,

characterised in that

the transport device is configured at least partially as a linear drive or belt drive and/or that a plurality of cell carriers connected to one another, in particular exclusively, via the transport device are provided for transporting the packagings and/or packages at least partially and at least in sections through the space.

4. The device according to claim 1,

characterised in that

the transport device is configured for partially immersing the cell carrier in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier into the liquid bath in front of the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier, and/or in that the transport device is configured for partially lifting the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, out of the liquid bath as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier behind the section of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath.

5. The device according to claim 4,

characterised in that

the transport device is provided for vertically raising and/or lowering the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, for immersing and/or lifting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier.

6. The device according to claim 4,

characterised in that

the transport device is provided for pivoting in and/or pivoting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, for immersing and/or lifting out the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier.

7. The device according to claim 4,

characterised in that

the transport device has a guide and/or a link, preferably arranged outside the space, for vertically adjusting and/or pivoting the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, and in that, preferably, the at least one cell carrier is spring-loaded against the link and is provided for sliding and/or rolling on the link.

8. The device according to claim 4,

characterised in that

the transport device is provided for transporting the at least one cell carrier immersing the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, into the liquid bath and/or for lifting the cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, out of the liquid bath along a clothoid.

9. The device according to claim 1,

characterised in that

the space is an aseptic chamber, a filling and sealing space, a sterilisation space, an aseptic space and/or a sterile space and/or that the device is a filling machine for filling and, preferably, closing the packagings, in particular cardboard composite packagings, and/or that the liquid bath is a water bath.

10. A method for filling and/or processing packagings, in particular composite cardboard packagings, and/or for processing packages, preferably comprising composite cardboard packagings, preferably using a device according to claim 1,

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

in which the at least one cell carrier is immersed in sections in a liquid bath via the at least one transport device,

in which the immersed section of the one cell carrier is arranged between two sections of the cell carrier arranged outside the liquid bath

and is transported away via at least one transport device beneath an edge of the side wall likewise immersed in the liquid bath and

in which the immersed section of the one cell carrier is moved out of the liquid bath after passing the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath.

11. The method according to claim 10,

in which the at least one cell carrier is transported by at least one transport device provided outside the space and/or

in which the section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath is immersed at a front end of the liquid bath as seen in the direction of transport and is moved out at a rear end of the liquid bath and/or

in which the section of the at least one cell carrier immersed in the liquid bath is moved through the liquid bath at least substantially in a straight line and/or parallel to the direction of transport of the cell carrier.

12. The method according to claim 10,

in which the at least one cell carrier via a linear drive or belt drive of the transport device is in sections immersed in the liquid bath, moved through the liquid bath and/or moved out of the liquid bath and/or

in which several cell carriers connected to one another, in particular exclusively, via the transport device are moved separately from the transport device at least along the liquid bath.

13. The method according to claim 10,

in which the at least one cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier, is immersed in the liquid bath in front of the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, in particular is lowered vertically into the liquid bath and/or is pivoted into the liquid bath, and/or

in which the at least one cell carrier, in particular a U-shaped section of the cell carrier, as seen in the direction of transport of the cell carrier, is moved out of the liquid bath behind the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath, in particular is raised vertically out of the liquid bath and/or pivoted out of the liquid bath.

14. The method according to claim 10,

is guided on a guide and/or link of the transport device for immersion in sections in the liquid bath, for moving away in sections beneath the edge of the side wall immersed in the liquid bath and/or for moving out of the liquid bath in sections, and

in which, preferably, the at least one cell carrier for sliding and/or rolling on the link is set spring-loaded against the link.

15. The method according to claim 10,

in which the at least one cell carrier is moved at least in sections along a clothoid by the transport device for immersion in the liquid bath and/or for movement out of the liquid bath.