CN1095795C - Container, method and device for making container as well as method and device for filling a container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for liquid or pulverulent contents has flexible walls (12, 14) which are interconnected to form a closed compartment, the volume of which is dependent on the position of the walls (12, 14). Two opposing side walls (12) are joined along a common connecting portion and the container has a duct means (16), which has a uniform composition of materials along its entire length, between the two side walls (12). The duct means (16) extends from the compartment to the outside of the container (10) and is sealed when the container is in an empty state before filling. The invention also concerns a method and a device for making the container as well as a method and a device for filling the container.

Description

Container, method and device for manufacturing container and method and device for filling container

field of invention

The invention relates to a container, a method and a device for manufacturing the container, and a method and device for filling the container.

Background technique

There are currently many different kinds of containers for liquids or powders available. The container can be rigid and made of a rigid material such as metal, glass, paper or plastic, or of a soft material, usually paper or plastic.

In food processing, on the one hand, in food packaging and, on the other hand, in food consumption, special demands are placed on the hygienic properties of containers. In particular, many requirements are placed on the processing and packaging of sensitive foods such as milk.

SE-B-412,357 discloses a paper container which is parallelepiped and in which a tubular conduit means is provided in the junction between two side walls. Due to the shape of the container and the inherent stiffness of the paper, a self-supporting container is formed. The catheter device includes an inner layer of non-sealable material and an outer layer of sealable material which extends at one end of the outer layer beyond the non-sealable material to enable sealing of the catheter device. The stiffness of the paper and the shape of the container also cause the cross-sectional shape of the conduit means in the container to follow the shape of the side walls so that when the container is emptied, a substantially elongated hole or slot is formed.

This container is of the type where the container is made and filled simultaneously by making the container from below with a filling "pipe" of container material. The devices used to manufacture and fill such containers are large and expensive and are therefore only suitable for mass production.

It is very difficult to manufacture such a tubular catheter device in which the inner layer at one end terminates inside the outer layer. Furthermore, when inserting the catheter device between the side walls of the container in full form, this is a very complicated operation.

Currently, strict requirements are placed on containers in terms of environmental impact. It should be possible to manufacture and transport the containers with very low energy consumption and, after use, to dispose of them in a manner that does not adversely affect the environment. Additionally, consumers demand containers that are easy to handle.

Containers according to SE-B-412,357 are inherently difficult to handle, as the user holds the container in its full, open condition, risking spillage by squeezing the side walls of the container.

Furthermore, containers comprise a wide variety of materials, such as paper, polyethylene, and aluminum, which makes it difficult to dispose of container waste in a manner that does not adversely affect the environment.

Despite the existence of a large number of different containers, there is still a need for new container varieties which meet the various requirements currently placed on containers in an even better manner.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved container. A particular object is to provide a container which can be manufactured at low cost, has a low weight and is easy to handle.

A specific object is to provide an improved container for food products, in particular for food products which must be sterile.

Another object is to provide a novel and suitable method of manufacturing containers.

Furthermore, it is an object to provide an improved method and device for packaging liquid or powdered substances.

According to the present invention, these and other objects, as will be apparent from the following description, are now achieved by a container, a method and apparatus for making a container, and a method and apparatus for filling a container.

According to a first aspect, the invention thus pertains to a container having flexible walls which are interconnected so as to form a closed compartment whose volume is related to the relative position of the walls. The two opposing side walls are joined along a common junction, and the container has a conduit means of material composition which is uniform along its entire length and which extends between the two side walls from the compartment to the outside of the container, while the conduit device is sealed when the container is empty before filling.

Since the conduit means is formed between the compartment and the exterior of the container, a large hole of predetermined size is formed. As a result, since the size and position of the holes are predetermined, it will facilitate, on the one hand, the filling of the container and, on the other hand, the emptying of the container at the point of consumption. In addition, on the one hand, it will be able to close and open the container several times to guarantee good hygiene when manufacturing and filling it, and on the other hand, it will be able to guarantee good storability and taste when it comes to consumption, which It is a great advantage in food, especially food that requires hygiene and sterility.

One of the significant advantages of the container of the present invention is that the manufacturing and filling of the container can be carried out in completely separate factories; and this makes the container very suitable for small-scale industries.

As mentioned above, the conduit device is sealed when the container is manufactured. This results in unfilled containers with aseptic chambers, provided that the containers are produced under aseptic conditions or are sterilized after production. Such containers can then be transported to a separate filling plant while maintaining sterility. As a result, the filling plant does not require equipment for the disinfection of the container chambers, which is low cost and particularly advantageous for small scale filling plants.

Since the container has soft walls, when the container is manufactured it can be flattened and transported flat in the most space-saving manner.

A container for food products is provided due to the combination of a container with a soft wall and a conduit device which produce a collapsed container which can be used except before filling and after consumption. Compressed together, and is extremely space-saving.

The conduit device has soft walls which allow it to press the entire container together. On the one hand, space can be saved and, on the other hand, the handling in manufacture and filling is simplified.

In a preferred embodiment the conduit means is manufactured from the same material as the side walls, which is of great advantage when disposing of the container after use.

Furthermore, the conduit means may be integral with the side walls, or formed as a separate member interposed between the side walls.

The container is made of soft material, especially plastic material. The plastic material advantageously comprises a heat-sealable surface layer. The thickness of the material is preferably in the range of 100-200 µm. The conduit means can be made larger than the thickness of the wall, for example about 200 μm thick when the wall is about 100 μm thick.

According to one embodiment, the conduit means is connected to one of the side walls of the connecting portion along substantially one half of its outer periphery, and connected to the other one of the side walls of the connecting portion along substantially the other half of its outer periphery. This produces a stable and symmetrical catheter device connection. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the conduit means has soft walls, because when handling empty containers, a straight connecting portion is obtained with the flat conduit means arranged therein.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the catheter device comprises a heat-sealable material inside it which facilitates sealing the catheter device so that it can be closed at optional locations along the catheter device .

In a preferred embodiment the conduit means extends a distance away from the rim and terminates at a terminal edge which is arranged on the outside of the container. This end edge can be sealed when the container is manufactured, in which case the empty flat container can be easily sterilized and remains sterile until it is filled. Before filling, the container can be opened by removing the end edge, for example by cutting off, and after filling, the container can be closed by sealing a new end edge. The conduit device can then be opened again by cutting off the distal edge when the container contents are consumed. A significant advantage of the catheter device is that it can be closed by the consumer by inserting a plug at its terminal edge into the catheter device.

The containers described above are particularly well suited for consumer products with a volume of up to several liters and a weight of up to several kilograms. It is especially suitable for foods such as milk.

In another embodiment of the container, the separately manufactured conduit means extends inwardly from the connecting portion to the inner end a distance, and the side wall includes an extension or appendage which encloses the conduit means and in which The connecting portion on one side of the catheter device has a curved portion and an edge portion extending from the curved portion in parallel with the catheter device. Thus, an annular space is formed around the catheter arrangement.

When the full container is positioned with the conduit means facing downwards, a radial pressure is exerted on the conduit means, and when a tubular valve means is inserted in the conduit means, there is a gap between the conduit means and the valve means. form a sealing effect. Containers according to this embodiment are particularly suitable for cooperating with dispensers utilizing liquids such as water. It is particularly preferred in this embodiment that the inner end of the conduit means is sealed when the container is filled.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a container for liquid or powdery contents, the method comprising the steps of: manufacturing the container prior to filling; forming conduit means between two opposed side walls such that extending the conduit means from the chamber of the container to the exterior of the container; joining the two side walls along the connecting portion; and sealing the conduit means.

In an embodiment of the manufacturing method according to this second aspect, the two side walls are separated before the conduit means is arranged therebetween. In a particular embodiment, the catheter means is inserted between the side walls while the container and the catheter means are advanced in a common direction of movement. This makes it possible to install the conduit device rationally and quickly. Preferably, the plurality of containers are manufactured and advanced in a web, the plurality of conduit means being fed to the web being positioned between the side walls of the containers in the web. A significant advantage is that such large-scale production is possible, since this results in low production costs.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a container. The device comprises an assembly station adapted to form conduit means between the side walls such that the conduit means extends from the chamber to the outside of the container, and the device comprises a first connection means and a second connection means, the above-mentioned The first connecting means is adapted to join the two side walls along the connecting portion and the second connecting means is adapted to seal the catheter means. With such a manufacturing device, suitable devices for manufacturing the container according to the invention and for carrying out the manufacturing method are provided.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of filling a container. The method comprises the steps of: externally opening, by cutting or similar means, a closed duct means formed between two side walls of the container and extending from the chamber to the outside of the container; placing the filling nozzle Insertion of the conduit device; introduction of the contents into the container through the filling nozzle while increasing the volume of the chamber by separating the walls. As a result, a method is provided which is especially well suited for packaging sensitive food products in previously sterilized containers.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for filling containers. The device comprises an opening device and a filling nozzle, said opening device being adapted to open, by cutting or similar means, a closed duct means formed between the side walls of the container and extending from the chamber to the side of the container. Outside, while the above-mentioned filling nozzle is arranged at the end of the filling conduit and has a tapered end portion, which is elongated in section, and the filling nozzle is inserted into the filling conduit after opening the filling conduit. in the catheter. With this device, a hygienic filling with liquid is achieved and during filling the liquid cannot come into contact with the environment.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling nozzle is made of elastic material. It is particularly preferred that the filling nozzle has an elongated outlet in the end portion with two edge portions facing each other and preferably engaging each other in order to seal the outlet when no external force is applied. As a result, contact of the liquid with the external environment before and after filling the container is avoided.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filling device comprises a chamber which, when filling, surrounds the conduit means and the filling nozzle, ensuring that the There is a clean environment around them.

In a more preferred embodiment, the filling device is equipped with a extrusion for controlling the flow in the filling conduit, which extrusion acts on a deformable duct included in the filling conduit. This results in a valve arrangement which has a smooth inner surface which prevents the accumulation of bacteria and thus ensures a sterile environment.

Finally, a container is provided, which is filled with liquid or powdery content by using the above filling method or filling device.

Significant improvements are thus obtained when packaging liquid food products in the case of the container system according to the above aspects of the invention. The container has no adverse effects on the consumer and is suitable for low-cost manufacture and prior sterilization because it is flat and crushed in the empty state, so that its chamber is also substantially emptied of gas. A further significant advantage is that the container is sealed in this state. It can be manufactured, sterilized and filled at different locations and at different times while maintaining good hygienic conditions. There will be a lot of flexibility in the method until the container is completely filled.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which, for the sake of illustration, show preferred embodiments of the invention in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a filled container according to the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a second embodiment of a filled container according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a container disposed in a sheet in an empty state, and part of an adjacent container;

Figure 6 shows the vessel described in Figure 5 on a slightly reduced scale, with parts removed to illustrate the composition of the vessel;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view made along the line segment V-V in Fig. 5;

Figure 8 is a detailed view of a particular embodiment of a container handle;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the container in a full state;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the container shown in Figure 9 in an open state;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view perpendicular to the section shown in Figure 10, and shows the container in the closed state and the device for sealing the container;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a container manufactured according to the present invention;

Figure 13 shows in more detail the manufacturing steps when manufacturing the container;

Figure 14 is a side view of the apparatus for filling containers, with some parts removed for clarity;

Fig. 15 is the device for filling container among Fig. 14, the longitudinal sectional view that is done along the moving direction of container, removes some parts simultaneously for the sake of clarity;

Figure 16 is a view of the aseptic environment track when looking along the line XIV-XIX in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the aseptic environment track described in Figure 15 along line XV-XV in Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a device for sealing a filled container;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 18;

Figure 20 is a side view of a filling nozzle;

Figure 21 is a longitudinal section through the filling nozzle according to Figure 20 along the line XIX-XIX.

PREFERRED PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION CONTAINER

The container 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which show a first preferred embodiment of the container in a full state viewed obliquely from above and from below, respectively. The container 10 is intended for liquids containing powders and is particularly suitable for food products such as milk, which require a high degree of hygiene and sterility. The container is telescopic, i.e. compressible or collapsible, and comprises three flexible walls, namely two opposite side walls 12 and a bottom wall 14, which are made of plastic material and mutually connected so as to form a chamber whose volume is related to the position of the walls 12,14. The two side walls 12 are welded together along a common connecting portion 20 . On the opposite side of the container 10 with respect to the bottom wall 14, between the two transverse side walls of the connecting portion 20, a separate conduit means 16 is formed, which is also made of soft plastic material and is drawn from The chamber extends to the outside of the container 10 .

The conduit means 16 is tubular and has a soft wall of the same material and mass as the side wall 12 . Particularly preferred is a conduit device without longitudinal seams, for example an extruded tube. The two side walls 12 form a common edge from which the duct means 16 protrudes perpendicularly for a distance and terminates in a terminal edge 18 which is arranged on the outside of the container and which is formed by welding the inner surface of the duct means 16 Seal together. The container 10 can be easily opened by cutting the closed terminal edge 18, for example with a pair of scissors. The container 10 can then be resealed by inserting a stopper (not shown) in the catheter assembly.

The carrying means 30 is disposed in the connection portion 20 at the first side of the conduit means 16 and includes an aperture region 32 comprising a first substantially circular hole 34 and a second substantially circular hole 34. It is an elongated hole 36 . As a result, the carrying means forms a handle 30 which makes it possible for the user to carry the container 10 with 4 fingers, while at the same time a portion of cushioning force is formed between the holes so that when the container 10 is carried, the handle 30 is No folding or deformation any other way. The two holes 34, 36 of the handle 30 extend through the container 10 at an angle of approximately 25° to the vertical. Experiments have shown that an angle in the range of 20-30° produces a comfortable container 10 handle. On the opposite side of the duct 16, the connection part 20 is designed as a kind of sheet material 22 to facilitate the opening and closing of the container 10.

Figures 3 and 4 show a second preferred embodiment with the container 10' in a full state.

The container 10' differs from the container shown in Figures 1 and 2 only in that the conduit means 16 is integrated with the side walls of the container. The two side walls 12' of the container each form a projection U which, when the two side walls 12' are welded together along the connecting portion 20', forms the above-mentioned conduit means 16'. The fact is that the catheter means 16' will not be as rigid and easy to handle as the catheter means formed in a separate manner, which is inserted between the two side walls, while on the other hand, according to the second embodiment The described conduit device 16' allows for a more rational manufacture of the container 10', since a manufacturing step can be omitted, namely the insertion of the conduit device between the two side walls.

Figure 5 shows an empty container 10 and part of a subsequent container according to the first embodiment described above, the container 10 being manufactured from a web, as will be described in more detail below. Many connection surfaces are also seen.

Figure 6 shows the container 10 shown in Figure 5 on a somewhat reduced scale, with the nearest side wall removed. Thus, the figure shows a far side wall 12, the catheter means 16 connected thereto, the interior of the bottom edge 14 folded along the fold line 15, and the design of the connecting portion 20 along which the two side walls 12 interconnected. In the bottom region 42 of the container 10, the side walls 12 are connected on the one hand to the bottom wall 14 via the lower connecting portion 24 along which each side wall 12 is connected to the bottom wall 14, and on the other hand, The connection to the bottom wall 14 is via two transverse connecting portions 26 along which all three walls 12 , 14 are connected to each other by a common welding seam. Thus, the compartment 40 of the container 10 is defined by the side wall 12 and the bottom wall 14 . The connecting portion 20 forms a boundary line 28 facing the chamber.

The conduit means 16 is provided on the opposite side of the container 10 with respect to the bottom wall 14 . This configuration forms a container from which liquid can be poured in a comfortable manner.

The chamber 40 comprises the above-mentioned bottom region 42, a middle region 44 and an upper arched region 46, in which the boundary line 28 is related to the connecting portion 20 and is parallel facing the chamber, and in the upper arched region 46 In this case, the boundary lines 28 extend exactly opposite each other to the inner edge of the catheter device 16 . In this configuration, the container 10 remains stable regardless of how full it is.

The tubular duct means 16 is flat, and in a part 25 provided in the connection part 20, the tubular duct means is connected to one side wall 12 along half its outer periphery, and is connected to the other side wall 12 along its other half outer periphery. On one side wall 12. Inside the container 10 , the conduit means 16 extends transversely across the connecting portion 20 to the chamber 40 .

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container 10 according to the first embodiment described above, from which it is apparent how the various parts 12, 14, 16 of the container 10 are welded together. The container 10 is shown in an empty state, the container 10 being sealed for keeping clean before filling. At the upper end of the container 10, the terminal edge 18 of the conduit means 16 is sealed by welding its inner surfaces together. The two side walls 12 are welded with their inner surfaces to the outer surface of the conduit means 16 in the connection part 20 . When the side wall 12 and the duct means 16 are connected to each other, it is important for the inner surfaces of the duct means 16 not to be welded together in the region of the connection part 20, which is advantageously achieved by heat sealing. In order to ensure this, it is preferable for the conduit device to have a greater wall thickness than the side wall 12, so that the heat is applied from the outside by means of heat press jaws before reaching the inside of the conduit device 16. The heat can weld the side wall 12 and conduit arrangement 16 together. In an alternative embodiment, the interior of conduit assembly 16 may be coated with a material having a higher melting point than the material in junction 20 between conduit assembly 16 and sidewall 12 .

In the case where the conduit means 16' is integral with the side wall 12' of the container 10', as is the case with the container 10' described above in accordance with the second embodiment, the manufacture of the conduit means 16' is easiest. The sealing tool (not shown) used to weld the side walls 12' together is designed so that the conduit means 16' is formed in relation to the side walls 12' being welded together along the sealing portion 20'. Thus, the conduit device can be made with the same wall thickness as the side walls, and moreover, a higher melting point of the inner material is not required.

In the lower region of the container 10, a bottom wall 14 with its upwardly directed fold line 15 is shown, as well as two side walls 12, which are welded together in a weld along the lower connecting portion 24. Bottom wall combined.

Figure 8 shows a particular embodiment of a carrier or handle 30 for a container. In this figure a deformation zone 50 is seen which comprises a deformation zone 54 , 56 at each of the two holes 34 , 36 . Each deformation zone 54, 56 forms a portion in which two juxtaposed side walls 12 are not connected to each other. Thus, the deformation regions 54 , 56 have great flexibility and extend along the sides of the hole region 32 facing the edge. If the user grips the container 10 with his hand in the aperture region 32, the deformation regions 54, 56 deform. Thus, the side wall 12 surrounding the aperture region 32 is prevented from being cut into the hands of the user.

Furthermore, FIG. 8 shows a stiffening device in the form of an inflation duct 52 which is arranged between the opening region 32 and the edge of the connection region 20 . This results in a great rigidity of the carrying means 30 despite the fact that the side walls 12 are made of a soft material. Since the conduit 52 is filled with gas (preferably air), no additional material is supplied which would make the container 10 heavier and complicate handling of the container 10 after use.

The containers shown in Figures 1-8 are all in a full state intended for storage and are particularly suitable for consumption of liquid food products such as milk and juice.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of a container 110 according to the invention. In this configuration, container 110 is suitable for hanging to dispense its contents, and is particularly suitable for larger quantities of about 5-15 liters and for use in dispensers. A preferred field of application is use in drinking water dispensers. The composition of the container 110 basically corresponds to the first embodiment of the container described above. The difference is primarily that the container 110 is used in an upside-down position compared to the container of the first embodiment and therefore has an upper wall 114 corresponding to the bottom wall 14 and a conduit means 116 arranged at the lower end of the container.

The upper wall 114 extends upwardly with the side walls 112 of the container 110 so as to form two carriers 130 comprising flaps 132 and apertures 134 formed therein. Thus, the container 110 can be suspended from the gripping lever 60 associated with storage, transport and distribution.

Figure 10 shows the configuration of the container 110 at its lower end with the nearest side wall 112 removed for better clarity and the conduit means 116 shown in longitudinal section. Obviously, in the same manner as above, the conduit means 116 is connected to one side wall 112 along one half of its circumference, and to the other side wall in the connecting portion 120 of the container 110 along the other half of its circumference. However, in the present embodiment, the conduit means 116 extends a distance from the connection portion 120 into the chamber 140 of the container 110 . At the same time, the two side walls 112 form a protruding appendage part 113 which surrounds the conduit means 116 so as to form an annular protruding plug conduit 142 which surrounds the conduit means 116 in the chamber 140 .

Connecting portion 120 is transversely connected to conduit means 116, and on each side of conduit means 116, there is a curved portion 122 and an edge portion 124 extending from curved portion 122 in parallel with conduit means 116. stick out.

In the position shown, the catheter device 116 is in the empty or full position, with the catheter device 116 open both at its inner end 117 and at its outer end 118 . However, in making the container 110, the outer end 118 is sealed. For filling, the container is opened by cutting off the sealed end 118 .

After filling, the container is closed by sealing the inner end 117 of the conduit means 116, as shown in FIG. 11, which shows the conduit means 116 in longitudinal section perpendicular to the section shown in FIG. As indicated by the double arrow 72, a pair of heat press clamping devices press against the side walls 112 tightly. The figure shows the stage immediately after. In order to prevent the side walls 112 from connecting with the conduit means 116, the inner surface of the conduit means 116 is preferably made of a material having a lower melting point than the inner surface of the side walls 112 and the outer surface of the conduit means 116.

When the container is emptied at a later stage, the conduit means 116 is opened to the position shown in FIG. 10 with a piercing means. The container 110 can then be emptied by means of valve means (not shown) having a cylindrical annular surface and inserted into the conduit means 116 . Liquid in the extended plug conduit 142 will then press the conduit means 116 against the valve means and thereby seal against leakage.

Containers according to embodiments of the invention as described above may be made of optional flexible materials, but preferably plastic materials. Such plastic materials are particularly preferred because they are in any case heat-sealable in the relevant surface layers. A preferred plastic comprises a body layer of polyolefin material containing a filler, preferably chalk. It has been found that this material produces good barrier properties at low cost, especially against the passage of gases. It is also possible to provide a gas barrier layer made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or EVOH. The thickness of the container material is preferably in the range of 100-200 µm. container manufacturing

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the description continues of the manufacture of containers of the type already described above. Figure 12 shows how the container walls are joined into a common sheet. Two identical sidewall sheets 212 are arranged in parallel, opposed relationship along the production line. At the same time, the bottom wall sheet 214 folded into a double-wall shape is inserted between the two side wall sheets 212 .

FIG. 12 shows an assembly station 240 and how three plastic sheets 212 , 214 are joined and interconnected by heat sealing at the joining station 220 to form the container sheet 210 . The heat sealing operation is accomplished using heat press clamps 218 . At the punching station 225, the handles and portions of material disposed between the containers are punched.

The container sheet 210 then reaches an insertion device 250 with which the catheter device is installed. Unwind tubular sheet 216 from conduit storage coil (coil) 209 and cut conduit device 16, utilize insertion device 250 to insert conduit device 16 between the side walls of sheet material then, so that in container sheet 210 A complete container 10 is formed which is wound into a storage web 230 .

Fig. 13 shows in more detail the components of the assembly station 240. From Fig. 13 it is evident how the tubular sheet 216 is sent to the insertion device 250 by the feeding device 242 and how it is cut into suitable lengths by the cutting device 246. Catheter device 16.

The insertion device 250 comprises a circular insertion wheel 251 which is intermittently operated by a drive motor 348 and has a clamping groove 252 which extends along the periphery of the wheel 251 and in which the catheter device 16 is clamped. In the clamping groove 252 .

The periphery of the insertion wheel 251 extends in an insertion position close to the container sheet 210 in order to insert the conduit device 16 between the two side walls 12 of the container 10 . The assembly station 240 includes a separating device 260 to separate the two side walls 12 when the catheter device 16 is inserted. The separation device 260 includes two vacuum rolls 262, one on each side of the container sheet 210, the vacuum rolls 262 are located at a distance from the sheet 210 and are connected to a vacuum device (not shown). On the periphery of the vacuum roll 262, holes 264 are formed, and suction is applied to these holes by means of a vacuum device, simultaneously separating the side walls 12, as shown.

Furthermore, the assembly station 240 comprises a first connecting device 270 and a second connecting device 280 . The first connecting device 270 has two heat press clamping devices 272, one on each side of the container sheet 210; The catheter device 16 is engaged. The second connection device 280 is arranged on the downstream of the first connection device 270, and it also has two heat press clamping devices 282. 16 seals.

Suction is applied from the vacuum roll 262 while moving both the container sheet 210 and the periphery of the insertion wheel 250 in the direction of advancement of the sheet 210 to insert the conduit device 16 between the side walls 12 obliquely. When the conduit arrangement is perpendicular to the sheet 210, both the sheet 210 and the insert wheel 250 stop moving and the suction to the vacuum roll is discontinued.

In this fixed position, the press clamping device 272 of the first connecting device 270 bears against the outside of the side wall 12 . Simultaneously, on the other side of the insertion wheel 250 , a new tubing 216 is inserted into the slot 252 of the insertion wheel 250 and cut to form the new catheter device 16 . The idle time is also utilized by means of the second connection means 280 which, at a stage located downstream, simultaneously seals the conduit means 16 and thus the associated container 10 .

In addition to the above-mentioned elements, the device for manufacturing the container comprises a feeding device 290 and an indexing device (not shown), the feeding device 290 takes the form of two rollers 291, and the indexing device uses It is used to control the feed to ensure the correct positioning of the catheter device 16. In an alternative embodiment, the outer ends of the conduit means 16 may be sealed prior to insertion of the conduit means 16 between the side walls.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the finished container 10 is wound into a roll 230 . A great advantage of the containers 10, especially when used for food, is that they can be sterilized with radiation in a very simple manner by exposing the web 230 to the radiation in the axial direction, in which case the wear Radiation through the interior of the container need only penetrate the joint in the axial end of the web 230 (not shown). Filling container

Figure 14 is a side view, in the direction of travel, of an apparatus 300 for filling containers 10 of the type described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, preferably with a liquid. The device will be described below with reference to milk, but the device is also suitable for filling with other liquids or powders.

Filling device 300 comprises: carrying device 310; Filling conduit 315, it is connected on the storage tank (not shown) and comprises a deformable pipeline 320, and deformable pipeline 320 has a filling nozzle at its lower end place; Compression device 330, this extruding device 330 is arranged around the throttling part 322 of pipeline 320, and comprises supporting device 331 and extruding part 332, and above-mentioned supporting device 331 is arranged on the first side edge place of pipeline 320, and extruding part 332 Located at the opposite side of the duct 320 . For greater clarity, many elements have been removed from the filling device 300 shown in FIG. 14 .

The support device 331 of the extrusion device 330 is fixedly connected to the carrying device 310 and forms a concave curved extrusion surface 333 facing the pipe 320 . The extrusion 332 is circular and is suspended from the underside of the carrier 310 in an asymmetrical pivoting manner. Thus, the extrusion 332 forms a convex extrusion surface 334 facing the duct 320 and the support means 331 . Squeeze 332 may be pivoted in the manner indicated by double arrow 335 and thereby open conduit 315 by a combined downstream and outward movement away from conduit 320 and close conduit 315 by a combined upstream inward movement towards conduit 320 . Since the closing takes place under the combined extrusion and upstream motion, a subatmospheric pressure is created in the conduit 320 downstream of the extrusion device 330, thus preventing dripping from the filling nozzle between filling operations. .

The filling device 300 also includes a control device (not shown) which controls the opening and closing of the conduit 315 by means of the pressing device 330 . The control unit is also connected to a meter (not shown) for metering the amount of liquid passing through. The control means is arranged to start metering simultaneously with opening conduit 315 and to close the conduit when a predetermined amount is metered. The meter can be designed in one of several ways, for example: to weigh the container 10 during filling, to measure the volume flowing through the conduit 315 or to measure the time elapsed since the conduit 315 has been opened.

The carrying device 310 carrying the pipe 320 and the extruding device 330 is vertically adjustable in the frame 340 in such a way that the filling nozzle 325 can be inserted into the container 10 to start the filling operation and can be Remove it from the container after loading.

On the frame 340 there is provided an opening device 350 in the form of two pivotable opening arms 352 at the ends of which a suction cup 354 is mounted. Each suction cup is connected to a vacuum source. Utilizing the opening arm 352, the conduit assembly 16 is opened by pivoting the suction cup 354 onto the side of the container 10 conduit assembly 16 and then applying suction to the suction cup 354 while the opening arm 352 pivots slightly outward. , so that the filling nozzle 352 can be inserted into the catheter device by moving the carrier device 310 downwards.

Figure 14 also shows a pair of delivery arms 345 mounted on a delivery rod 346 adapted for reciprocating movement. When conveying the sheet 210 of the container 10, the conveying arm 345 is pivoted to contact the sheet 210, and the conveying rod 346 performs a striking motion (striking motion) in the moving direction of the sheet 210 to move the sheet 210. . Next, the transport arm 345 pivots away from the sheet 210 and the transport lever 346 returns to the starting position, so that the procedure is repeated.

The filling nozzle 325, shown in more detail in FIGS. 20 and 21, has an end portion 326 of elongated cross-section that tapers in its transverse direction to an elongated outlet 27, the outlet 27 There are edge portions 328 which engage each other. As is apparent from Figure 20, the end portion 326 is also slightly tapered in the longitudinal direction of the elongated cross-section. The filling nozzle 325 is made of elastic material, preferably plastic such as silicone rubber, and is self-closing, ie the edge portions 328 of the outlet 327 engage each other so as to seal the outlet 327 when no external force is applied. At its end facing away from the end portion 326 , the filling nozzle has a connecting portion 329 which is connected to the filling conduit 315 . The filling nozzle 325 thus designed is particularly adapted to be inserted into the conduit means 16 of the container 10 and to be sealed against the interior of this conduit means.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the filling device 300 as shown in FIG. 14 . Shown in the figure is a small chamber 360, which surrounds the filling nozzle 325 and the conduit means 16 of the container 10, said small chamber comprising a rail 362, a bellows 364, and a delivery conduit 366 on which the conduit means 16 is mounted. Guided in the center, the bellows 364 encloses the filling nozzle 325, while the delivery conduit 366 is used for sterile gas such as hot sterile air.

Figure 15 shows a sheet 210 of a container 10 entering the filling device 300 in the direction indicated by arrow 3, which is the direction of movement of the sheet. In position A, a closed container 10 is shown with the conduit means 16 of the container 10 sealed in its outer end portion 18 . An opening device is provided in the track 362 to open the container 10 by cutting off the closed end portion 18 of the catheter device 16, said opening device being in the form of a cutting device 370 with a motor 374 and a rotating blade 372, the rotary blades 372 are disposed on each side of the sheet 210, and only one of them is shown.

Seen in the direction of movement 3, after the cutting device 370, the filling nozzle 325 of the filling duct 315 is arranged, and furthermore, a sealing station 380 is found, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 18 and 19 , which includes two heat press clamps 382, heat press clamps 382 also shown in FIG.

Rail 362, its appearance is shown in more detail in Figures 16 and 17, this rail 362 is elongated, and has substantially vertical rectangular cross-section, and it has a groove 363, and this groove 363 is formed below rail 362 , and the catheter device 16 is guided in this groove 363 . The slot 363 is adjacent to the filling nozzle 325 which expands into an oblong hole 365 in order to be able to provide an aperture for the conduit means 16 and to insert the filling nozzle 325 into this aperture. Furthermore, the rail 362 includes a cylindrical connection portion 368 adjacent to the filling nozzle 325 , which is provided on the upper side of the rail 362 and serves the bellows 364 .

When the filling device 300 is in operation, the sterile gas flows into the bellows 364 via the delivery pipe 366 and further into the track 362 . The gas is then vented out via slot 363 . The bellows 364 allow a sterile environment around the filling nozzle 325 while at the same time the nozzle 325 can be raised and lowered without hindrance. In the case of the chamber 360, it is ensured in a convenient and reliable manner that the filling takes place in a sterile environment.

When filling an empty or previously sterilized container 10 , it is first inserted into the aseptic environment in the track 362 and the crushed and empty container 10 is subsequently opened in the cutting device 370 . The opened container 10 is then conveyed to the filling nozzle 325 , close to which the opening device 350 expands the catheter device 16 and inserts the filling nozzle 325 into the catheter device 16 . In this regard, the squeezing device 330 is opened and the container 10 is filled with milk, which increases the volume of the container 10, while the meter starts metering the amount of liquid supplied to the container. When the predetermined amount has been metered, the pressing device 330 is then closed. When the extrusion device 330 is closed, a subatmospheric pressure develops in the pipe 320 close to the filling nozzle 325, so that its outlet opening 327 is sealed. The container 10 is then further transported to a sealing station 380 where the container 10 is sealed again.

Since the unclean air in the environment has no chance of entering the container 10 under any circumstances after sterilization, an extremely hygienic environment will be obtained for the liquid contained in the container 10.

When cleaning the filling device 300 , the rail 362 and the bellows 364 are taken out together with the release device 367 . These parts are then cleaned in a separate bath. A cleaning cup (not shown) with a plumbing connection is fitted around the filling nozzle and the cleaning agent is then circulated in the filling conduit 315 and around the filling nozzle 325 . The cleaning cup is then removed and the track 362 with the bellows 364 installed again. The groove 363 of the track 362 is then sealed in an airtight manner by means of a collecting device having an outlet, and the filling nozzle 325 is then moved down to the filling position and sterilized with hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ), the gas It is supplied via inlet 366 and discharged via the outlet of the collection device. After removing the collecting device and allowing the milk to flow through the filling conduit 315, production can begin again. Thus, the filling device is easy to keep clean and easy to wash, thus ensuring a good hygienic state.

Although only devices for making and filling a container having separate conduit means inserted between its side walls have been described, it will be apparent that, with suitable modifications, these devices can also be used to make those A container whose conduit means is integral with the side walls of the container. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (33)

1. container, it is used for liquid or powdery content, and this container comprises:

Wall (12,14; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114), they interconnect, so that form closed material chamber (40; 140), two opposed sidewalls (12; 12 '; 112) along common connecting bridge (20; 20 '; 120) engage,

Said vesse has a pipe installation (16; 16 '; 116), this pipe installation is at two sidewalls (12; 12 '; 112) form between, and from material chamber (40; 140) extend to container (10; 10 '; 110) outside is characterized in that:

Each wall all is soft, so that volume and each wall (12,14 of material chamber; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114) relative position relevant and

Pipe installation has soft wall, and this flexible wall has uniform material along its whole length to be formed, and when container was in empty state before can, pipe installation was by involution.

2. container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: when container was in empty state before can, and material chamber (40; 140) be aseptic.

3. container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that: pipe installation comprises a kind of heat sealable material that closes on the side within it.

4. container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: the wall of pipe installation is used and container side wall (12; 12 '; 112) identical materials is made.

5. container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: by with pipe installation (16; 16 ') the inside face weld together, come involution pipe installation (16; 16 ') terminal edge (18).

6. container as claimed in claim 5, it is empty and is in flat form.

7. container as claimed in claim 1, it has a bogey (30), and this bogey (30) has one and is arranged on connecting bridge (20; 20 ') in orifice area (32).

8. container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: two sidewalls (12 in bottom section (42); 12 ') by diapire (14; 14 ') interconnect container (10; 10 ') by sidewall (12; 12 ') and diapire (14; 14 ') limit, and pipe installation (16; 16 ') preferably with respect to diapire (14; 14 ') be arranged on container (10; 10 ') opposed side on.

9. container as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that: the connecting bridge (20 on (40) two the opposed sides in material chamber; 20 ') having boundary line (28), this boundary line (28) are towards the material chamber, and it is in the middle section (44) that connects bottom section (42), from diapire (14; 14 ') extend in parallel, and in the arch area (46) that connects middle section (44), overarching relative to one another extends to pipe installation (16; 16 ').

10. container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: pipe installation (16 ') is combined into integral body with container side wall (12 ').

11. container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: pipe installation (16; 116) be designed to a member that separates, it is inserted in sidewall (12; 112) between and from connecting bridge (20; 120) horizontal expansion.

12. container as claimed in claim 11, it is characterized in that: plumbing installation (116) is from connecting bridge (120) segment distance that extends internally, sidewall (112) comprises a sponson (113), this sponson (113) surrounds pipe installation (116), and wherein the connecting bridge (120) on each side of pipe installation (116) all has a sweep (122) and a marginal portion (124), and extend from the sweep (122) parallel with pipe installation (116) this marginal portion (124).

13. container as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that: the inner (117) of pipe installation (116) is an involution.

14. container (10; 10 ') manufacture method, this container (10; 10 ') be used for liquid or powdery content, wherein at least two flexible walls (12; 12 ') interconnect,, it is characterized in that this method may further comprise the steps so that form the material chamber of a closure:

Before can, make container,

At two opposed sidewalls (12; 12 ') between form a pipe installation (16; 16 '), so that pipe installation (16,16 ') extends to the outside of container (10,10 ') from material chamber (40),

Along connecting bridge (20; 20 ') joint sidewall (12; 12 ') and

Involution pipe installation (16,16 ').

15. method as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that: pipe installation (16; 16 ') so design, leave container (10 so that extend; 10 ') top edge one segment distance.

16., it is characterized in that: container (10 as claim 14 or 15 described methods; 10 ') be sterile.

17. method as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that: pipe installation (16 ') is combined into integral body with container side wall (12 ').

18. method as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that: pipe installation (16) forms a member that separates, and this member is inserted between the sidewall (12) of container.

19. method as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that: separating in the step that forms pipe installation (16) between the sidewall (12) before the step of sidewall (12).

20. method as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that: pipe installation (16) is inserted between the sidewall (12), and container (10) and pipe installation (16) advance on common moving direction simultaneously.

21. method as claimed in claim 18, it is characterized in that: in sheet material (210), make and send to many containers (10), many pipe installations (16) are supplied on the sheet material (210), so that be arranged between the sidewall of container (10) in the sheet material (210).

22. be used to make container (10; 10 ') device, this container (10; 10 ') being used for liquid or powdery content, it has at least two soft opposed side walls (12; 12 '), sidewall (12; 12 ') along connecting bridge (20; 20 ') interconnect, so that form the material chamber (40) of a closure, it is characterized in that: an assembling post (240), it is suitable for by this way at sidewall (12; 12 ') between form pipe installation (16; 16 '), so that pipe installation extends to container (10 from material chamber (40); 10 ') the outside, and comprise:

First connecting device (270), it along connecting bridge (20,20 ') connect two sidewalls (12,12 ') and

Second connecting device (280), it is suitable for involution pipe installation (16,16 ').

23. device as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that: assembling post (240) is suitable for making the pipe installation (16 ') and the sidewall (12 ') of container (10 ') to be combined into integral body.

24. device as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that: assembling post (240) comprises that is inserted a device (250), and this insertion device (250) is used for pipe installation (16) is inserted between two opposed sidewalls (12) as a member that separates.

25. device as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that: the assembling post also comprises a disengagement gear (260), and this disengagement gear (260) is used for when inserting pipe installation (16), with sidewall (12) separately.

26. with liquid or powdery content container filling (10; 10 ') method, said vesse comprises wall (12,14; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114), these walls (12,14; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114) interconnect, so that form the material chamber (40 of a closure; 140), two opposed sidewalls (12; 12 '; 112) along common connecting bridge (20; 20 '; 120) engage, above-mentioned wall is soft, therefore expects volume and each wall (12,14 of chamber; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114) relative position is relevant,

Said vesse has pipe installation (16; 16 '; 116), this pipe installation (16; 16 '; 116) at two sidewalls (12; 12 '; 112) form between, and from compartment (40; 140) extend to container (10; 10 '; 110) outside, catheter cartridge are equipped with a flexible wall, and this flexible wall has uniform material along its whole length to be formed, and is involution when container was in empty state before can,

It is characterized in that this method may further comprise the steps:

By cutting or similar approach, from external opening container (10; 10 ') pipe installation (16 of involution; 16 '),

At pipe installation (16; 16 ') in insert filling nozzle (325) and

Via filling nozzle (325) content is added container (10; 10 '), simultaneously by making wall separately increase the volume of feed compartment (40).

27. method as claimed in claim 26, it is characterized in that: by extrusion equipment (330), in throttling part (322), open can conduit (315), this can conduit is connected on the filling nozzle (325), throttling part (322) is included in the conduit (315), and wherein conduit (315) comprises a deformable duct (320), extrusion equipment (330) is worked to the side of pipeline (120), it moves from extrusion position, so that beginning fill operations, come closure catheter for closing (315) by making extrusion equipment (330) return extrusion position, so that stop fill operations.

28. method as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that: measure with its container filling (10; 10 ') amount of liquid, when conduit (315) when opening, metrological operation begins, and along with being metered into predetermined amount, then conduit (315) cuts out.

29. with liquid or powdery content container filling (10; 10 ') device, said vesse comprises:

Wall (12,14; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114), these walls interconnect, so that form the material chamber (40 of a closure; 140), two opposed sidewalls (12; 12 '; 112) along common connecting bridge (20; 20 '; 120) engage, above-mentioned each wall is soft, therefore expects volume and each wall (12,14 of chamber; 12 ', 14 '; 112,114) relative position is relevant,

Said vesse has a pipe installation (16; 16 '; 116), this pipe installation is at two sidewalls (12; 12 '; 112) form between, and from material chamber (40; 140) extend to container (10; 10 '; 110) outside, catheter cartridge are equipped with a flexible wall, and this flexible wall has uniform material along its whole length to be formed, and is involution when container was in empty state before can,

It is characterized in that:

Device for opening (370), it is adapted to pass through cutting or similar approach is opened container (10; 10 ') pipe installation (16 of involution; 16 ') and

Filling nozzle (325), it is arranged on the end of can conduit (315) and has a tapered end portion (326), and this end portion transversal surface is elongated, so that after pipe installation is opened, inserts this pipe installation (16; 16 ').

30. device as claimed in claim 29 is characterized in that: filling nozzle (325) is preferably made with plastics with a kind of elastomeric material.

31. as claim 29 or 30 described devices, it is characterized in that: the filling nozzle (325) in the part (326) has a partly elongated outlet (327) of (328) of band opposed edge endways, this opposed marginal portion preferably is bonded with each other, so that do not applying involution outlet (327) under the external force.

32. device as claimed in claim 29, it comprises a cell (360), and this cell (360) is around the end portion (326) of filling nozzle (325), and has a closing appliance that is used for pipe installation and gas access (366), so that container filling (10; 10 ') time, guarantee the aseptic cleaning ambient in cell (360).

33. device as claimed in claim 29, it is characterized in that: can conduit (315) comprises a throttling part (322) and an extrusion equipment (330), this throttling part (322) is used for the liquid stream of control by can conduit (315), throttling part (322) comprises a deformable duct (320), and extrusion equipment (330) is suitable for working for pipeline (320) side that is provided with along pipeline (320).

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