EP3589552A1 - Method and filling machine for filling packages that are open on one side - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for filling packages (2) that are open on one side, in particular cardboard composite packages, with flowable products, in particular foods, in a filling machine (1) is described and illustrated. In order that heating, sterilization and/or drying can be carried out more reliably and with less outlay on equipment and/or method-related effort at high flow rates, provision is made for preheating air and/or drying air and/or sterilizer to be introduced into the packages (2) that are open on one side and for a volume of preheating air and/or drying air and/or sterilizer that corresponds to at least three times the volume of the package (2) that is open on one side to be introduced in each case into at least one, preferably at least substantially every, package (2) that is open on one side.

Description

 Method and filling machine for filling unilaterally open packages

The invention relates to a method for filling unilaterally open packages, in particular cardboard composite packages, with flowable products, in particular food, in a filling machine, in which preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced into the unilaterally open packages. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filling machine for filling unilaterally open packages, in particular cardboard composite packages, with flowable products, in particular food, wherein at least one nozzle for introducing preheating air,

Drying air and / or sterilizing agent is provided from above into the unilaterally open packages and wherein a transport direction for transporting the unilaterally open packages is provided by the filling device.

There are already different filling machines for filling unilaterally open packages with products, especially in the form of food, known. By appropriate filling machines, the packages are preferably filled with flowable food. Packings used in particular are packs that are open on an upper side, around an opening for filling the packs

provide. The packs can be, for example, cardboard composite packings, which are formed from a packaging material in the form of a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, for example made of polyethylene (PE). The carton provides the packages with sufficient stability to allow the packages to be easily handled and stacked, for example. The plastic layers protect the cardboard from moisture and allow sealing of the packaging material to form a tight package. In addition, other layers, such as an aluminum layer, may be provided, including one

Prevent diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packing. The filling of the food packages is typically done under sterile conditions. It is not only the food to be filled, but also the pack to be sterilized. For this, the food is usually heated for a certain period of time. The packs are initially mostly blown out with sterile preheat air. In the so heated packs is then one

 Sterilizing agent introduced, which is typically hydrogen peroxide or at least. Since the pack is preheated, become high

Reaction speeds achieved during sterilization and avoided that too much condensate forms in the pack. Moisture and remaining

Hydrogen peroxide is then released by drying the packing,

preferably hot and sterile, drying air removed from the pack. Then the filling of the sterile pack is done.

During sterilization and / or filling, the packages may

continuously, if necessary, at a constant speed, are transported through the filling machine. The device for introducing preheating air,

Sterilizing means, drying air and / or product to be filled include nozzles for selectively delivering the corresponding medium that can be moved with the packages, such that between the nozzles and the packages when introducing preheating air, sterilizing agent, drying air and / or

product to be filled at least substantially no relative speed prevails. More often, however, it is the case that the packages are moved in cycles, so gradually, by the filling machine, so that the packages successively occupy certain positions for a certain period of time, in which the packages are stationary over at least one nozzle with preheating air,

Sterilizing agent, drying air and / or bottling product can be acted upon.

If there is not enough time left in one measure to get a sufficient amount

Preheating air, sterilizing agent, drying air and / or product to be introduced in a suitable manner in the pack, the introduction of preheating air, Sterilizing agent, drying air and / or product to be filled and step by step over different nozzles in several

successive processing positions take place in which the packages come to a standstill for a short time. On the other hand, in the case of packages continuously moving through the filling machine, for example, the period of time during which the preheating air, the sterilizing agent, the drying air and / or the product to be filled is introduced is prolonged. However, this also prolongs the filling machine and complicates the cyclical transport of at least the nozzles of the devices for introducing preheating air, sterilizing agent, drying air and / or product to be filled in the filling machine. To compensate for the

 Processing times for heating, sterilizing, drying and / or filling the packages shortened, resulting in problems with the reliability of the corresponding processing. A disadvantage of the known method is therefore for heating, the

 Sterilization and / or drying required apparatus and procedural effort, which can be considerable, especially at high throughputs. Alternatively or additionally, there is the problem in known methods that the heating, sterilization and / or drying takes place unreliably, resulting in fewer

Product quality or higher rejection leads.

Therefore, the present invention has the object, the method and the filling machine each of the aforementioned and previously explained in more detail type and further develop that the heating, sterilization and / or drying reliable and with less apparativem and / or

procedural effort at high throughputs can be performed.

This object is achieved according to claim 1 by a method for filling unilaterally open packages, in particular cardboard composite packages, with flowable products, in particular foods, in a filling machine, - In the preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced into the unilaterally open packages and

 - In which in at least one, preferably at least substantially each, unilaterally open pack (2] a volume of preheat air and / or

 Drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced, which corresponds to at least three times the volume of the unilaterally open pack.

The above object is also achieved in a filling machine according to the preamble of claim 13, characterized in that adjusting means and introducing means for introducing a volume of preheating air and / or drying air and / or sterilization means are provided in at least one, preferably at least substantially each, unilaterally open pack which corresponds to at least three times the volume of the unilaterally open package. It can therefore only one of the above media, namely the preheating air, the drying air or the sterilizing agent with at least three times

Volume of at least one unilaterally open pack are introduced into the at least one open-sided pack. However, it is also possible for two of the named or all three mentioned media to be introduced separately into the at least one package open on one side separately with three times the volume of the at least one package which is open on one side.

By rinsing out the packages with an excess volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent, a more appropriate processing of the packs in terms of heating, sterilizing and / or

Drying achieved. This not only reliably ensures that the heating, sterilization and / or drying takes place in the desired manner, the corresponding processing of the packages is also possible with a low expenditure on equipment in a fast manner. Thus, although the medium in the form of preheating air, sterilizing agent and / or drying air tends to consume more medium due to the corresponding excess of medium, the processing can thereby be accelerated, be achieved more reliably and easily. For example, through the

Use of a corresponding excess of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing a processing station can be saved because the processing can be ensured in fewer processing stations, so that total time and equipment costs can be saved.

The packs to be processed can basically have common sizes and thus common volumes. Particularly preferred are from

fluidic reasons, packs with a volume of at least 100 ml, at least 200 ml or at least 250 ml. For very large packs, a very large amount of preheating air, sterilizing and / or drying air is required, which is why the pack size preferably 2000 ml, especially 1500 ml, in particular 1000 ml should not exceed. The described advantages can basically be achieved either during heating, during sterilization and / or during drying. However, since different boundary conditions must be taken into account for each of these process steps, preheating air, drying air and sterilizing agent do not have to be used in the process

Surplus be used, certainly not with the same surplus. The adaptation of the individual process steps and a possible excess of medium for the individual process steps can be different. This of course also applies to the possible surplus of media for the individual process steps heating, drying and / or sterilizing the

Packs.

Thus, according to the invention, it may be sufficient, for example, if the preheating air, the drying air or the sterilizing agent is introduced in an amount into the at least one open-sided pack which corresponds to at least three times the volume of the pack open on one side. On the other hand, one or two of the mentioned media can be introduced into the at least one pack, if required, in a smaller volume than three times the volume of the pack open on one side. If this leads to preferred results, the preheating air, the drying air and the sterilizing agent can also be introduced in different volumes in the at least one open-sided pack, but each volume can correspond to at least three times the volume of the open-sided pack. Alternatively, at least two of said media may be introduced into the at least one package with at least substantially equal volume.

In the following, therefore, a distinction is not always made in detail between the heating, drying and / or sterilizing or between preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent. Based on the context results for the

A person skilled in the art, however, which feature is preferred in each case with respect to the preheating, drying and / or sterilizing. In principle, a lesser excess of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent can be used. However, the presently discussed advantage results to a particular extent only with at least substantially three times the volume of medium based on the volume of the individual packages to be processed. In other words, the effect that can be achieved by at least three times the volume of medium relative to the package volume is many times greater than using a volume of media that is only slightly larger than the volume of the individual packages to be processed. The volume of the package which is open on one side can be understood to mean the simplicity of the volume of the package after closing, in particular the filling volume of the package. Preferably, however, the entire volume provided by the unilaterally open package is meant in the opened state. Depending on the package, the volume of the package in the unilaterally open state can be significantly greater than the volume of the closed package or its

Filling volume. The term preheating air and the drying air in the present case are preferably to be understood very broadly. Basically, it is necessary if it is hot air. The appropriate medium is used for heating or dry, which could be accomplished entirely without air, but with another gas. Thus, when discussing preheat air and / or drying air, the term air is preferred to be considered generally as a gas or mixture of gases. However, since air is suitable and inexpensive, it is particularly preferred if it really is air. Even in practice, air is used throughout. Therefore, in the present case for the sake of clarity and to

Avoid unnecessary repetition of preheating and drying air spoken, even if these media need not be limited to air and could be referred to in principle as a heating medium or drying medium. The preheating air and / or the drying air may, for example, have a temperature of up to 340 ° C. In many cases, however, it may be sufficient if the temperature is up to 260 ° C or less. However, the higher the temperature, the faster the package can be heated or dried. When

Sterilizing agent is especially hydrogen peroxide in question. The

Hydrogen peroxide may be introduced into the unilaterally open packages along with steam and / or air. The temperature of the sterilizing agent may be, for example, up to 340 ° C or, if necessary, up to 290 ° C or below.

The packs are preferably laminate packings formed from packaging laminates. In a particularly preferred case, it is cardboard composite packings of a packaging material laminate comprising at least one cardboard layer, preferably at least one barrier layer, for example consisting of aluminum, polyamide and / or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol, and outer layers of a thermoplastic plastic, in particular polyethylene (PE) , The longitudinal edges of a packaging material blank formed from the packaging material laminate are sealed together to form a so-called packing sleeve or packing jacket. One of the open ends of the packing sheath may be used to form a Packing bottom folded and sealed. After filling, the still open end of the packing jacket can also be closed by folding and sealing to a packing head. The adjusting means and introducing means for introducing a volume of preheating air drying air and / or sterilizing agent in the unilaterally open packages may be formed very differently depending on the application. In this case, recourse can be made in particular to means known from the prior art for setting and introducing corresponding media in other applications. Adjusting the volume of preheat air, drying air and / or

Sterilization can be a control device and / or a

Serve control device, depending on whether the volume should be regulated or controlled. For initiating can with the control device and / or

Control device coupled valves and / or pumps may be provided.

In this case, to save preheating air, drying air and / or

Sterilizing the preheating air, the drying air and / or the

Sterilizing agents are passed only in cycles in the unilaterally open packages, if they are positioned below the corresponding outlets. While the packs are being transported, the outlet of preheat air,

 On the other hand, drying air and / or sterilizing agent should be interrupted. However, it is possible and simpler in terms of apparatus and control technology if preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent flow continuously out of the introduction means or the corresponding outlets.

It is possible, regardless of a cyclic or continuous outflow of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent that the

Preheating, the drying air or the sterilizing agent in only one position or in different positions, ie in several successive steps, are conducted in the unilaterally open packages. If preheat air, drying air and / or sterilant in several consecutive Steps in which at least one unilaterally open package is initiated, if necessary, in at least one or as needed in each of the individual steps a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent are introduced into the at least one open-sided package, which is at least three times the volume of one-sided open pack exceeds or

below. However, provision may be made for the preheating air as a whole, the drying air as a whole and / or the sterilizing agent as a whole to be introduced together in several successive steps, in an amount into which at least one package open at one side is at least three times the volume of the package which is open on one side equivalent.

For detecting the respective volume of preheat air introduced into a pack, introduced drying air and / or sterilizing agent introduced can also, and regardless of which of the previously described types, the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent is introduced into the unilaterally open pack, at least a sensor, for example, a flow sensor can be used. Corresponding flow sensors preferably detect the volume and / or the mass of the conveyed medium, wherein the volume and the mass correlate in a known manner. If preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent continuously emerge from the introduction means of the filling machine, the introduced volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilization means based on the respective volume flow, the residence time below the respective introduction and the type of intermittent or

continuous transport of unilaterally open packages are determined.

According to the invention, it may be sufficient if a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced into at least one pack open on one side, which volume corresponds to at least three times the volume of the pack open on one side. It is understood, however, that the advantage according to the invention only comes to bear to a greater extent when in at least one large number of unilaterally open packages, in particular at least substantially all unilaterally open packages, a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced, which corresponds to at least three times the volume of the unilaterally open pack. It will be regularly preferred if all unilaterally open packages are treated in the same way in the filling machine, as this is simpler in terms of apparatus and control technology. However, it may be irrelevant for the present invention to be achieved advantage, if a unilaterally open pack or individual unilaterally open packages in a different, if necessary, not inventive manner, is treated or. For ease of understanding and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the method and the filling machine for filling unilaterally open packages are described below together, without distinguishing in detail between the method and the filling machine. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the context which feature is preferred with respect to the method and the filling machine. In addition, the invention can only on the

Introducing the preheat air, the drying air or the sterilant alone. If necessary, however, it is preferred if the invention relates to the introduction of at least two of said media, namely the preheating air, the drying air and the sterilizing agent. Alternatively, however, it may be preferred if the invention in each case separately on the initiation of

Preheating air, the introduction of the drying air and the introduction of the

Sterilizing agent relates. The invention will therefore be better

For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetitions, taking the above into account, the two media have been described together for the different media, without, however, always having to mean all the media necessarily together.

In a first particularly preferred method, a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced into the at least one, preferably at least substantially each, package open at one side, which is at least four times the volume of the package open on one side equivalent. In this way, a reliable preheating, drying and / or sterilization is achieved with little expenditure on equipment and / or time. This is the case, in particular, when a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced into at least one, preferably at least substantially each package open on one side which corresponds to at least six times, in particular at least ten times, the volume of the package open on one side , The size of the volume actually depends on the size and shape of the packs. Although basically the economical use of the preheating air, the drying air and / or the

Sterilizing agent will be as preferred as a short treatment time, so narrow and deep packs require for fluidic reasons higher media speeds and thus overall tend to be more volume for the desired treatment of unilaterally open packages. On the other hand, in narrow and deep packs, a larger proportion of the introduced volume actually comes in contact with the pack, which in turn tends to be a problem

 Reducing the volume of media. For flat and wide packings, however, no high speed is required, but only a small portion of the introduced medium actually comes into contact or interacts with the pack. Increasing the volume or velocity of the preheat air, the drying air, and / or the sterilant can thus result in increased turbulence and improved package handling. Against this background, in certain applications, it may be desirable for a volume of preheat air, drying air, and / or sterilant to be introduced into at least one, preferably at least substantially, one-sided opened package that is fifteen times, more preferably at least twenty times, the volume the unilaterally open pack corresponds.

The present method is particularly useful when the at least one unilaterally open pack is progressively transported through the filling machine and stopped in a plurality of processing positions arranged one behind the other for applying preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent. It Thus, a plurality of processing positions arranged one behind the other can be provided for pressurizing the at least one pack with preheating air open on one side. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of processing positions arranged one behind the other can be provided for pressurizing the at least one pack with drying air open on one side. In the same way, alternatively or additionally several consecutively arranged

Machining positions for applying the at least one unilaterally open pack can be provided with sterilizing agent. Ultimately, the number of processing stations for filling one of said media is independent of the number of processing stations for the filling of another of said media. Then is an on-time optimization in terms of

Media consumption, the reliability of the processing of the packs and the duration of processing only conditionally possible. If the preheating, the

Drying and / or sterilization takes place in several successively arranged processing positions, a certain amount of media must be introduced into the pack in each processing position. At the same time, the

Processing times can be divided and the reliability of the processing may additionally suffer in that the processing is interrupted at least once to move the packs to be processed from one processing position to the next processing position. All of these disadvantages can be accommodated by the excess of preheat air, drying air and / or sterilant.

In the context of multiple processing positions for the introduction of a medium, be it preheating air, drying air or sterilizing agent, it is particularly effective and efficient if in at least one, preferably at least substantially each, unilaterally open packing in at least one

Processing position a volume of preheat air, drying air and / or

Sterilizing agent is introduced, the at least three times, preferably at least four times, in particular at least six times, more preferably at least ten times, more particularly at least the Fifteen times, as needed, at least twenty times the volume of the unilaterally open packing corresponds. This way, it becomes a reliable one

Heating, drying and / or sterilization achieved with little equipment and / or time. The size of the volume of media used to process the packages actually depends on the size and shape of the packages. Economical use of the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent is just as desirable as a short treatment time. However, for fluidic reasons, narrow and deep packings require higher velocities of the medium and thus larger volumes of medium. On the other hand comes in narrow and deep

 In fact, a larger proportion of the introduced volume actually contacts the package, which in turn tends to reduce the

Contributes to the volume of media. For flat and wide packings, however, no high speed is required, but only a small portion of the introduced medium actually comes into contact or interact with the pack, which still requires a higher velocity of the medium and / or a larger volume of the medium ,

For example, in order to increase the exposure time of the preheating air, the sterilizing agent and / or the drying air, without requiring more volume, the unilaterally open packages in at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four successively arranged processing positions for acting on the packages with preheating air, drying air and or

Sterilization be stopped. So it can open the one-sided

Packs are stopped in at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four successively arranged processing positions and acted upon by preheating air. However, alternatively or additionally, the unilaterally open packages may also be arranged in at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four in succession

Processing positions are stopped and subjected to drying air. Likewise, alternatively or additionally, the unilaterally open packages in at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four consecutively arranged processing positions stopped and with

Sterilization be applied. In order to achieve reliable and rapid processing of the packs by the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent, the unilaterally open packs with a volume flow of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent of at least 4 m ³ / h, preferably at least 9 m ³ / h, in particular at least 15 m ³ / h, more particularly at least 20 m ³ / h, are applied. The higher the volume flow, the more intense it is

 Interaction of the corresponding medium with the pack. In addition, more media can interact with the package in less time, speeding up the overall process. However, at the same time a reliable and sufficient processing is achieved, should also be sufficient volume in the

Packages can be initiated, which can be achieved by a volume that the pack volume can exceed many times.

The reliability and the processing time can also be positively influenced if the unilaterally open packages with preheat air at a temperature between 80 ° C and 340 ° C, preferably between 80 ° C and 260 ° C, with drying air at a temperature between 80 ° C and 340 ° C, preferably between 80 ° C and 260 ° C and / or with sterilizing agent having a temperature between 170 ° C and 340 ° C, preferably between 220 ° C and 290 ° C, in particular between 260 ° C and 280 ° C, be charged. In this way, a satisfactory heat and / or mass transfer is achieved. If necessary, the temperatures are present in the filling machine before the outlet of the corresponding medium from an outlet or after the outlet from the filling machine. In other words, the

Temperatures to be measured after the outlet, if, for example, in the

Filling machine no corresponding temperature sensor is provided. The reliability of processing the packages with preheating air drying air and / or sterilizing agent can be further increased if the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent at least in one

Processing position based on the package off-center as needed, at least one corresponding nozzle is introduced into the packs. The

Packages can thus be uniformly heated, sterilized and / or dried without certain surfaces or edges of the interior of the unilaterally open packages coming in insufficient contact with the preheat air, the sterilant and / or the drying air. The displacement of the atmosphere from the packing can then be more predictable than with a central and thus to some extent random or chaotic introduction of preheating air,

Drying air and / or sterilant in the packs. In the off-center introduction of the media ultimately a more targeted flow of preheating, the sterilizing agent and / or the drying air and also a more targeted displacement of the atmosphere can be achieved from the packs. This leads to a more uniform and reliable treatment of the packages in a shorter time.

However, it is not absolutely necessary to introduce the preheating air, the sterilizing agent and the drying air off-center. It may be sufficient to introduce only a medium or individual media eccentrically in the packs via a corresponding nozzle, and if necessary, only in certain processing positions. In detail, this depends strongly on the packing geometry and the corresponding medium. In the present case, the term nozzle is preferably understood very generally. It is not necessarily a nozzle with significant cross-sectional constriction to produce a significant pressure loss or a greatly widening free jet required. The nozzle is only intended to enable a reliable and targeted delivery of the corresponding medium at a predetermined position, namely off-center, into the package. In a particularly simple case, the nozzle can be used as a be formed straight pipe piece, which can be aligned very precisely to the packs.

A particularly efficient and reliable processing of the packages can be achieved if the center of the nozzle opening or even the entire nozzle opening for introducing the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent is arranged laterally next to the central longitudinal axis, in particular the central vertical axis of the package. In this way, a suitable eccentric arrangement of the at least one nozzle for introducing the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent is achieved. The center of the

 Nozzle opening or even the entire nozzle opening at least the width of the corresponding nozzle opening, laterally adjacent to the central longitudinal axis or

Vertical axis of the unilaterally open pack can be arranged. From the center or the center, the nozzle opening can be displaced to one side and / or to an edge of the one-sided open package in order to achieve a suitable introduction of the corresponding medium. All this leads to a reproducible and targeted processing of the packs.

Regardless of the arrangement of the respective nozzle opening, the nozzle opening will be formed circular for the sake of simplicity. If necessary, however, an oval, rectangular, square or otherwise formed nozzle opening can be used, for example, for a faster exit of the corresponding medium from the nozzle opening and / or for optimizing the flow in the package. Also, regardless of the shape of the nozzle opening, the ratio of the

Cross-sectional area of the nozzle opening to the cross-sectional area of the packing opening between 10% and 50%, preferably between 15% and 40%, in particular between 20% and 30%. Thus, an appropriate treatment of the pack with preheating air, sterilizing and / or drying air or the filling of the product is improved. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one nozzle, in particular its

Nozzle opening, relative to the longitudinal axis of the package open on one side parallel and alternatively or additionally also be arranged offset perpendicular to the transport direction of the packs. So the transport of the packs can be considered. This may be particularly important because the packages are usually transported in predetermined directions in the transport direction. For example, has a narrower side surface approximately parallel to

Transport direction and a wider side surface about perpendicular to a

Sloshing of the product in the packs when clocked, so gradually, to reduce transport of packs.

For even and simple treatment of the packs, it makes sense if the preheating air, the sterilizing agent and / or the drying air from above successively via at least two nozzles, in particular in two

successive processing positions in the filling machine, in the unilaterally open packs is initiated. It is also for the sake of simplicity

Use made of a timed transport of the packs. However, it can also be provided to increase the contact time and reduce the use of appropriate medium that exists between two processing positions at least one position in which the packages come to a standstill but are not processed. In this case, it can be particularly expedient if the at least two nozzles are positioned off-center to the package open on one side when the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent are introduced into the package. The benefits of off-center initiation are then used in two consecutive steps. The nozzles can thereby for more uniform treatment of the packages in each case in other places

be arranged eccentrically with respect to the packs.

Particularly good results can be achieved if necessary, if the nozzles in at least two successive positions approximately symmetrical, in particular point-symmetrical, to the package longitudinal axis or to Pack axis are arranged. In other words, the at least two nozzles are arranged symmetrically, point-symmetrically or mirror-inverted with respect to the unilaterally open package. If necessary, the mirror plane can also be provided parallel to the package longitudinal axis or to the package vertical axis and also longitudinally, transversely or two edges of the package which are at an angle to one another.

When the unilaterally open packs gradually through the filling machine

are transported, the unilaterally open packages are preferably each temporarily fixed under at least one, preferably also stationary, nozzle positioned. This position can then be considered as a machining position. During the appropriate period preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent is then fed into the pack by means of the corresponding nozzle. The positioning of the unilaterally open packages under the at least one nozzle can be carried out by a transport device transporting the packages. This allows a simple and precise positioning of the packages to the at least one nozzle for introducing preheating air, drying air and / or

Sterilizing agent in the packs. In this case, the processing of the packs, that is to say the heating, sterilizing and / or drying of the packs, is, if necessary, improved by positioning the packs open on one side off-center of the at least one nozzle below it.

The transport of the packages through the filling machine can be done very accurately and reliably if the transport device has a cell chain with cells for receiving unilaterally open packages. Alternatively or additionally, however, a belt drive with cells and / or a direct drive with, in particular separate, cells may be provided. Even then, the transport of the packs is possible exactly and reliably. If the transport device is provided for the stepwise transport of the unilaterally open packs by the filling machine, the

Packs very precisely eccentrically under the nozzles for introducing the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent are positioned.

This is achieved in a particularly reliable manner if the cell chain for positioning the unilaterally open packages in at least one processing position is formed off-center under the at least one nozzle for introducing preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent.

When introducing the preheat air, the drying air and / or the

Sterilizing agent in the packs the center of the nozzle opening, preferably the entire nozzle opening, in particular by at least the width of a

Nozzle opening, laterally next to the central longitudinal axis of the open on one side

 Packs is arranged, the advantages already described by the off-center introduction of preheating air, drying air and / or

Sterilizing agents are used to a special degree. In this case, the corresponding nozzle opening is then preferably associated with one side and / or one edge of the package open on one side in order to make better use of the corresponding advantages. Good results in the off-center spacing of the nozzle are achieved as needed when the nozzle or center of the nozzle is spaced from the central longitudinal axis by at least halfway from the central longitudinal axis to a side and / or edge of the corresponding package.

When introducing the preheat air, the drying air and / or the

Sterilizing agent in the packs, the at least one nozzle, in particular the nozzle opening, offset from the longitudinal axis of the unilaterally open pack is arranged parallel and / or perpendicular to the transport direction of the packs, the transport of the packs, in particular regularly from the

Transport direction dependent packing geometry or orientation of the packs are taken into account. If at least two nozzles for introducing preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent successively and from above into the one-sided open Packages are provided, the corresponding introduction of medium can be divided into at least two process steps and in the at least two

Procedural steps carried out in a different way. The at least two nozzles may be at the introduction of the preheating air, the drying air and / or the

Sterilizing agent in the packs off-center each open to one side

Be positioned in order to increase the benefits to be achieved. It has proved to be particularly useful in terms of a uniform treatment of the packs when the at least two nozzles are arranged symmetrically, point-symmetrically or mirror-inverted with respect to the unilaterally open packages.

For the sake of completeness, it should be pointed out that the introduction of the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent can be carried out in a similar manner. But it can also be done only the introduction of two of these media similar. Likewise, the introduction of the preheating air, the drying air and the

 Sterilizing agent but also done in different ways. These

Similarity or difference can in this case be based on a central or off-center introduction of preheating air, drying air and / or

Obtain sterilization as well as the number of processing positions for introducing preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent. Thus, the introduction of said media can be adapted in each case to the respective boundary conditions in order to provide the best possible process management. Incidentally, during the introduction of preheating air into at least two successive packages open on one side with at least one nozzle, the preheating air can flow out of the at least one nozzle with an at least substantially constant volumetric flow. Alternatively or additionally, even during the introduction of drying air into at least two successive, unilaterally open packages with at least one nozzle from the at least one nozzle, the drying air with an at least substantially constant volume flow flow out. Alternatively or additionally, during the initiation of

Sterilizing agent in at least two successive, unilaterally open

Packages with at least one nozzle from the at least one nozzle the

Sterilizing agent with an at least substantially constant

Flow out flow. In each of these cases, for example, the corresponding medium then flows out of at least one nozzle continuously while successive packages are transported underneath. Between the processing of two successive packages, the outflow of the medium is therefore not stopped. The medium also flows during the

Pack change continues.

Subsequently, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing. In the drawing, Fig. 1 shows a filling machine according to the invention for carrying out the

 process according to the invention in a schematic side view,

2 shows a detail of the filling machine in a schematic side view, FIG. 3A-B the introduction of preheating air, drying air, sterilizing agent and / or product to be filled in a schematic side view and a schematic plan view and

Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of adjusting and introducing means for introducing a

 Volume of preheat air, drying air and / or

 Sterilizing agent in the unilaterally open packages in a schematic representation.

1 shows a filling machine 1 for filling packages 2, in particular with flowable foods, which in this case comprises a device 3 for shaping the packages 2 to be filled. Basically, it is synonymous possible that the filling machine are already supplied to be filled unilaterally open packages 2. The illustrated preferred filling machine 1 also has a number of parallel processing lines, of which only one processing line is shown in FIG. Each processing line is assigned a bundle 4 of package blanks 5 whose longitudinal edges are sealed to one another and thus form packing shells 6 which are open on both sides. By a feeder 7, the packing shells 6 are unfolded and pushed onto a mandrel 8 of a mandrel wheel 9. The illustrated and so far preferred mandrel 9 is cyclically, so gradually, rotated counterclockwise. The packing coats 6 are in

edited different positions. First, an edge is heated with a heating unit 10 with preheating air, and then pre-folded in a prefold 11 to then seal the prefolded edge with a press 12 to a bottom. It is thus obtained a unilaterally open and sealed at one end pack 2, which is transferred to a cell 13 of a circulating endless conveyor 14. In the illustrated preferred filling machine 1, this is an endlessly circulating cell chain. The package 2 is transported by the transport device 14 through an aseptic chamber 15, which is successively subdivided into a sterilization zone 16 and a filling and sealing zone 17. The transport of the packages 2 does not have to be rectilinear, but can also take place in at least one arc or even in a circle, depending on whether the filling machine 1 is a so-called longitudinal or rotary. The aseptic chamber 15 is via corresponding

 Sterile air connections 18 are flushed with sterile air to prevent the ingress of germs.

Sterile preheating air is first blown into the open-topped packs 2 by a preheating device 19 in order to preheat the packs 2. Subsequently, in a sterilizing device 20, a sterilizing agent is introduced into the packages injected, which reacts more strongly in the preheated packages 2 and condenses less. As a sterilizing agent is in particular hydrogen peroxide in question. The hydrogen peroxide may be introduced together with steam and / or air into the open-sided package 2. After sterilizing the packages 2, the interior of the packages 2 in a drying device 21 by

Dried on drying air dried. The drying air is preferably hot and sterile.

After the transition from the sterilization zone 16 into the filling and sealing zone 17, the unilaterally open packages 2 are positioned under a filling device 22 and filled with a food. The filled packages 2 are then closed with a closing device 23 by folding the upper open area of the package 2 and sealing it. The sealed packages 2 are then removed from the cells 13 of the transport device 14 and further processed as needed. The now empty cells 13 of the transport device 14 are further moved in the direction of the mandrel wheel 9 in order to receive more packages 2 there.

1, the preheating device 19, sterilizing device 20,

Drying device 21 and filling device 22 of clarity and clarity sake only shown schematically. Therefore, in Fig. 2, the aseptic chamber 15 is shown again in detail. The illustration of FIG. 2 is very schematic, but more positions are shown in which the packages 2 are temporarily positioned during the stepwise transport through the aseptic chamber 15 by means of the transport device 14. In principle, it would also be possible, the packages 2 without stopping continuously and

if necessary, to be transported at a constant speed through the aseptic chamber 15. Likewise, it would be possible, for applying the packages 2 with preheating, sterilizing and / or drying air only a single

Provide processing position in which the packages to be processed 2 are stopped. It could also be provided that for the admission of the Packages 2 with preheating a different number of processing positions is provided as for the admission of the packages 2 with drying air and / or with sterilizing agent or vice versa. In many cases, however, it will be preferable to provide, at least for heating, sterilizing and / or drying, a plurality of processing positions in which the packages 2 to be processed are stopped for application to the corresponding medium. As a result, the method is basically more complicated and difficult to control. Incidentally, corresponding filling machines 1 may also have other numbers of processing positions for the packages 2, preheating devices 19, sterilizing devices 20, drying devices 21 and / or filling devices 22. However, the illustrated and so far preferred aseptic chamber 15 allows a comprehensible description of the invention, so that it is possible to dispense with the presentation of alternative aseptic chambers.

In the aseptic chamber 15 of FIG. 2, a preheating device 19, which extends over two processing positions of the cell chain transport device 14, is initially provided in the sterilization zone 16. In each of the two

Processing positions, a nozzle 24 is provided for introducing preheating air. The preheating air is sucked in the illustrated and so far preferred filling machine 1 via a compressor 25 from the environment and filtered by means of a filter 26 to separate microorganisms and to sterilize the air so.

Subsequently, the sterile air is heated in a heating device 27. In each of the two processing positions, the unilaterally open packages 2 are positioned eccentrically below the stationary arranged nozzles 24 of the preheater 19, the packages 2 are arranged in two positions with their central longitudinal axes in different ways relative to the corresponding nozzle 24. The introduction of the preheating air via the nozzles 24 therefore takes place

different way. The volume of preheat air which is introduced into a pack 2 is at least three times, four times, six times or even ten times the volume of the pack, depending on the type of pack 2. This applies, if necessary, to charging the individual Packs with preheat air together in the two processing positions. But it can also be in each one of the

 Processing positions for acting on the packages with preheating a corresponding volume of preheat air in each one of the processed

Packages are initiated. The next two positions of the sterilization zone 16 serve to sterilize the packages 2 in a sterilizer 20 by means of a sterilizing agent. The sterilizing agent is in the illustrated and so far preferred filling machine 1 an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is supplied via a pump 28 and evaporated in an evaporator 29. The mixture of hydrogen peroxide and steam, which still can be supplied with air, is discharged eccentrically into the packs 2 positioned below it via two nozzles 30. Each of the two nozzles 30 is spaced from the central longitudinal axis or the vertical axis of the packages 2 in a slightly different direction than the respective other nozzle 30. The volume of sterilizing agent introduced into a package 2 is at least three times, four times , Six times or even ten times the volume of the package, depending on the type of pack 2. This applies, if necessary, for applying the individual packages with sterilizing agents together in the two processing positions. However, it is also possible to introduce a corresponding volume of sterilizing agent into each of the packs to be processed in each of the individual processing positions for loading the packages with sterilizing agent.

After sterilization follows in the illustrated and so far preferred

Filling machine 1 an empty position in which no processing of the packs 2 takes place. In this area, only sterile air via sterile air connections 18 in the Sterilization zone 16 passed. For this purpose, air is sucked in through a compressor 31 from the environment and pressed through a filter 32 in which all microorganisms are deposited for sterilization of the air. In the following

Processing positions of the transport device 14 in the form of the cell chain, the packages 2 are dried in the drying device 21 with hot drying air, which is also sucked in via a compressor 33 and sterilized in a filter 34. The thus sterilized air is heated in a heater 35 and passed off-center into the packages 2. Each pack 2 is arranged slightly differently below the nozzles 36. The nozzles 36 are at the initiation of

Drying air at other locations over the cross section of the packages 2, but each spaced from the center or the center of the cross section positioned.

The volume of drying air, which is introduced into a package 2, is at least three times, four times, six times or even that

Ten times the volume of the package, depending on the nature of the pack 2. This applies, if necessary, for applying the individual packages with drying air together in the two processing positions. But it can also be in each of the processing positions for loading the packages with

Drying air a corresponding volume of drying air are introduced into each of the packs to be processed.

If necessary, the volume of preheat air, drying air and

Sterilizing agent per pack the same or different. The volume of a medium can in principle be chosen differently from the volumes of the other media.

The dried packs 2 are then transferred to the filling and sealing zone 17, where the packs 2 in the next two processing positions of the

Transport device 14 are filled with the product in the form of a food. The product is supplied in the filling device 22 via a storage container 37 and passed two nozzles 38 in the packs. Each of the nozzles 38 is included arranged eccentrically to the cross section of the packages 2, wherein the nozzles 38 are positioned relative to the cross sections of the packages 2 at other locations. The filled packs 2 become one with the next bar

Moving moved position in which the packages 2 are not further processed. In the subsequent processing position, the package 2 by a

 Closing device 23 closed by sealing the upper edge and transported to another empty position from the aseptic chamber 15.

In FIGS. 3A-B, the introduction of preheating air, drying air, sterilizing agent and / or product to be filled is shown in a side view opposite to FIG

 Transport direction T and in a plan view from above, in which the

Transport direction of the packs 2 is indicated by arrows. The package 2 is held in a cell of a conveyor 14 and is progressively transported over three processing positions during the introduction of preheat air, drying air, sterilizing agent or product to be filled and positioned in each processing position for a fixed time under a stationary nozzle 39,40,41. Each nozzle is 39,40,41 each eccentrically to

Cross section of the packaging 2 positioned underneath arranged. In the first

Processing position, the nozzle 39 is opposite to the transport direction T and to the right side with respect to the transport direction T from the center of the package 2, which is defined by the center of the cross section and the central longitudinal axis of the package 2, spaced. In other words, the nozzle 39 is arranged in the region of the edge of the pack 2 at the rear right. In the second processing position, the nozzle 40 is seen spaced in the transporting direction T to the left of the center of the cross section of the packaging 2 positioned underneath. In the third processing position, the nozzle 41 is spaced in the transporting direction T from the center of the cross section of the package 2. However, this represents only one possible embodiment.

FIG. 4 schematically shows an arrangement of adjusting means 42 and discharge means 43 of a filling machine 1 for introducing a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent into the packages 2 open on one side. Because the Adjustment means 42 and introduction means 43 can be designed and arranged quite differently in principle, the schematic representation of FIG. 4 is sufficient. The person skilled in the art will be able to design the filling machine 1 in a suitable manner and to use, for example, devices known from the prior art on the basis of the present description and its expertise. 4 is a line 44 for preheating air,

Drying air and / or sterilizing agent shown. The corresponding medium is in the line under an overpressure and is discharged via the introduction 43 in the form of a shut-off, in particular a valve. The

Shut-off can be opened and closed by an adjusting means 42, in particular in the form of a control device and / or control device. The medium passing through the introduction means 43 passes through a flow sensor 45, which determines the volume and / or the mass of the medium passing through the introduction means 43, before the medium is introduced via a nozzle 46 into a package 2 which is open under the nozzle 46. The one of the

 Flow rate sensor 45 detected amount of medium is transmitted to the purpose of control and / or for the purpose of documentation to the adjustment means 42.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

 1 filling machine

 2 pack

 3 device

 4 bundles

 5 pack blanks

 6 packing coats

 7 feeder

 8 thorn

 9 mandrel wheel

 10 heating unit

 11 prefolding

 12 press

 13 cells

 14 transport device

15 Aseptic chamber 16 sterilization zone

17 filling and sealing zone

18 sterile air connection

19 preheating device

20 sterilizer

21 drying device

22 filling device

23 closing device

24 nozzle

 25 compressors

 26 filters

 27 heating device

28 pump

 29 evaporator

 30 nozzle

 31 compressors

 32 filters

 33 compressors

 34 filters

 35 heating device

36 nozzle

 37 storage tank

38- 41 nozzle

 42 adjustment means

 43 introduction means

 44 line

 45 flow sensor

46 nozzle

Claims

P a n t a n s p r e c h e Method for filling unilaterally open packages (2), in particular cardboard composite packages, with flowable products, in particular  Food, in a filling machine (1),  - In the preheating air and / or drying air and / or sterilizing agent in the unilaterally open packs (2) is introduced and  - In which in at least one, preferably at least substantially each, unilaterally open pack (2] a volume of preheat air and / or  Drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced, which corresponds to at least three times the volume of the unilaterally open pack (2}. Method according to claim 1,  in which a volume of preheating air and / or in at least one, preferably at least substantially each, unilaterally open pack (2)  Drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced, the at least four times, preferably at least six times, in particular at least ten times, more preferably at least the  Fifteen times, more particularly at least twenty times, corresponds to the volume of the unilaterally open pack [2]. Method according to claim 1 or 2,  - In which the unilaterally open packages (2) gradually transported by the filling machine (1) and arranged in several successive  Processing positions for applying preheating and / or in several successively arranged processing positions for Applying with drying air and / or in several consecutive arranged processing positions for applying  Sterilizers are stopped and  - In which, preferably, in the unilaterally open packs (2) each in  at least one processing station, a volume of preheating air and / or drying air and / or sterilizing agent is introduced, which is at least three times, preferably at least four times, in particular at least six times, more preferably at least ten times, more preferably at least fifteen times, at least twenty times the Volume of the unilaterally open pack (2) corresponds. 4. The method according to claim 3,  in which the unilaterally open packages (2) in at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four successively arranged processing positions for applying preheating air and / or  Drying air and / or sterilant are stopped. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the unilaterally open packs (2) with a volume flow of preheating air and / or drying air and / or sterilizing agent of at least 4 m ³ / h, preferably at least 9 m ³ / h, in particular at least 15 m ³ / h, more preferably at least 20 m ³ / h, are applied. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,  in which the unilaterally open packages (2) with preheat air with a  Temperature between 80 ° C and 340 ° C, preferably between 80 ° C and 260 ° C, with drying air at a temperature between 80 ° C and 340 ° C, preferably between 80 ° C and 260 ° C and / or with sterilant at a temperature between 170 ° C and 340 ° C, preferably between 220 ° C and 290 ° C, in particular between 260 ° C and 280 ° C, are applied. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - In the preheating, Trocknungsluit and / or sterilizing agent from above via at least one nozzle (24,30,36,39-41) in the unilaterally open packages (2) is introduced and  - In which, preferably, the at least one nozzle (24,30,36,39-41,46) at  Introducing the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent in the package (2) is positioned off-center to the unilaterally open pack (2). 8. The method according to claim 7,  - In which when introducing the preheating air, the drying air and / or the  Sterilisierungsmittels in the pack (2) the center of the nozzle opening, preferably the entire nozzle opening, in particular by at least the width of a nozzle opening, laterally adjacent to the central longitudinal axis of the unilaterally open pack (2) is arranged and  - In which, preferably, the nozzle opening of a side and / or an edge of the unilaterally open pack (2) is assigned. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8,  - In which the at least one nozzle (24,30,36,39-41,46), in particular their  Nozzle opening, relative to the longitudinal axis of the unilaterally open pack (2) is arranged offset parallel and / or perpendicular to the transport direction of the packs (2) and / or  - In the preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent from above successively via at least two nozzles (24,30,36,39-41,46) in the unilaterally open packages (2) is introduced. 10. The method according to claim 9, in which the at least two nozzles (24, 30, 36, 39-41, 46) are each positioned off-center to the package open on one side when the preheating air, the drying air and / or the sterilizing agent are introduced into the package (2), and in which, preferably, at least two nozzles (24,30,34,39-41,46) with respect to the unilaterally open pack (2) are arranged in mirror image. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, in which the unilaterally open packages (2) are transported stepwise through the filling machine (1) and in which the unilaterally open packages (2) each temporarily fixed under at least one, preferably also stationary, nozzle (24,30,36,39-41 , 46). Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, in which during the introduction of preheat air in at least two successive, unilaterally open packages with at least one nozzle (24,30, 36, 39-41,46) from the at least one nozzle (24,30, 36, 39-41,46) the preheating air flows with an at least substantially constant volume flow and or in which during the introduction of drying air into at least two successive, unilaterally open packages with at least one nozzle (24,30, 36, 39-41,46) from the at least one nozzle (24,30, 36, 39-41,46) the drying air with an at least substantially constant Volume flow flows out and / or in which at least two successive unilaterally open packages with at least one nozzle (24, 30, 36, 39-41, 46) are introduced from the at least one nozzle (24, 30, 36, 39-41, 46) during the introduction of sterilizing agent. the sterilizing agent having an at least substantially constant Volume flow flows out. Filling machine (1) for filling unilaterally open packages (2), in particular cardboard composite packages, with flowable products, in particular Food, preferably according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one nozzle (24,30,36,39-41,46) for introducing preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent from above into the unilaterally open Packing (2) is provided and wherein a transport direction (14] for transporting the unilaterally open packages (2] by the filling device (1) is provided,  d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s  Adjustment means and introducing means for introducing a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing means in at least one, preferably at least substantially each, unilaterally open pack (2] are provided, which corresponds to at least three times the volume of the unilaterally open pack (2]. 14. Filling machine according to claim 13,  d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s  Adjusting means (42) and introducing means (43) are provided for introducing a volume of preheating air, drying air and / or sterilizing agent into the at least one, preferably at least substantially each unilaterally open packing (2) which is at least four times, preferably at least six times, in particular at least ten times, more preferably at least fifteen times, more particularly at least the  Twenty times, the volume of the unilaterally open packing (2] corresponds. 15. Filling machine according to claim 13 or 14,  d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s  the transport device for positioning the unilaterally open packages (2) eccentrically to the at least one nozzle (24,30,36,39-41,46] for introducing preheating air, drying air, sterilizing agent and / or product to be filled in the packages (2] formed is and in that, preferably, the transport device (14) comprises a cell chain with cells or a belt drive with cells or a direct drive with cells for receiving unilaterally open packages (2], and in particular for transporting the unilaterally open packages (2) through the filling machine (1 ], wherein, more preferably, the cell chain to Positioning the unilaterally open packages (2) in at least one step eccentrically below the at least one nozzle (24,30,36,38-41,46) for introducing preheating air, drying air, sterilizing agent and / or product to be filled into the packages (2) is trained. Filling machine according to one of claims 13 to 15, d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s at least two nozzles (24,30,34,36,38-41,46) are provided for successively introducing preheating air, drying air, sterilizing agent and / or product to be filled from above into the unilaterally open packages (2) and that, preferably, the at least two nozzles (24,30,36,38-41,46) at Introducing the preheating air, the drying air, the Steriiisierungsmittels and / or the product to be filled into the package (2) are each positioned off-center to open on one side of the pack (2).