WO2013017119A2 - Packaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a screw closure, a method for filling beverages, a filled beverage packaging and a system for beverage packaging and filling.

Description

 packaging system

description

The invention relates to a screw cap, a method for filling drinks, a bottled beverage packaging and a system for beverage packaging and filling.

The aseptic filling is suitable for long, durable food such as UHT milk, very sugar-intensive and germ-spoiling food that must be stored for a long time and the non-aseptic filling is taken for example. B. for fresh milk or juices, which must be stored refrigerated and have only a short residence time (MHD) on the shelf.

In the previous beverage carton machine one buys the laminated film carton composite (usually still incorporated with aluminum) on the roll. This composite is pulled through a hydrogen peroxide bath and thereby sterilized. Then you blow the hydrogen peroxide with purified air or other gases from the film and forms a beverage carton (tubular bag). This is then filled via the fill level and sealed. This leaves no air in the beverage carton. The valve is then sealed from the outside. Usually, the composite is pre-punched so that only a thin, easy-to-open foil or Alubeschichtung continues to ensure the tightness, so that when opening only a part of the composite is torn open or cut through the valve.

In other composite packaging, a preformed beverage carton is delivered flat and machine set up. After being sprayed with hydrogen peroxide, it is blown out again and then from above

| Confirmation copy | to be filled. A filling by the valve with its limited dimension is often unprofitable due to the speed, so it is preferably filled with one to 20 filler or more on the still open top bag, which multiplies the speed.

As a result, it is also possible to fill the filling material beyond the filling level and thereby seal it off in the filling level, so it can be filled without air or other gases, without there being any residual gas in the bag. After the hydrogen peroxide bath or after spraying, the contents in both systems are filled into the bag in a clean room. In some cases, other sterilants or sterilization mechanisms are used. These foods have a very long shelf life of up to 18 months or more.

In the non-aseptic filling can be filled practically in a free environment, since it is assumed that the contents are consumed within a very short time and thus the development of germs and bacteria does not play a major role in the consumption. Depending on the contents, these foods have a very short shelf life of up to 14 weeks and more.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The object underlying the invention is achieved in a first embodiment by a screw cap for a beverage package, characterized in that it comprises at least the following three elements:

 a. a lock socket,

i. having a flat base bottom for connection to a container to be sealed, and ii. perpendicular to the bottom of the base has a base ring fixedly connected to the base ring, wherein

 (I) the base bottom is at least partially recessed within the base ring,

 (II) has the base ring on the outside a right-handed external thread, and

 (III) the base ring on the inside has a left-handed thread,

 b. a cutting ring,

 i. which is guided in the base ring,

 ii. which at the end, which faces the base bottom, hereinafter referred to as Aufschneidende, Aufschneidzähne o- / or at least has a sharp edge, and

 iii. which has a left-handed external thread above the slicing end, which engages in the counterclockwise thread turn of the base ring, the slicing end facing the recess in the base bottom,

 c. a cap,

 i. which has on the inside a dextrorotatory thread, which engages in the dextrorotatory external thread of the base ring,

 wherein the closure cap and the cutting ring are configured such that a rotation of the closure cap moves the cutting ring in the direction of the base at least when the screw cap is opened for the first time.

Preferably, either in the closure cap (19) or in the cutting ring (13) at least one driver (23) is arranged, which engages in guide grooves (25) of the respective complementary part (13 or 19), so that a

Turning the closure cap (19) at least when first opening the Screw closure (1) moves the cutting ring (13) in the direction of the base (5).

Preferably, within the cutting ring, a membrane made of an elastic material, in particular of rubber or silicone, is arranged on the side in the direction of the cap of a membrane support, so that the beverage can be poured out through the membrane support by the weight of the beverage, the membrane of the Deflects diaphragm support away. This creates a de facto valve.

By allowing the fluid-carrying bag to collapse, a valve in the spout for durability can be a tremendous advantage. Since the contents are not contaminated with germs and bacteria by air flowing in as a carrier of bacteria and germs, the durability of the medium in the open state is significantly extended. This applies to aseptic packaging as well as non-aseptic packaging.

So that also liquid, lumpy, honey-like as well as bulk goods such as honey, jam, fruits, vegetables, in the most different conditions can be filled, for example the most different spout variants are conceivable. These can again be pre-fabricated in the non-aseptic area with no opening mechanism to the bag or even in the aseptic area with slicing mechanism, directly on the package or by external tools such as scissors, knives or special tools that can be purchased separately. It is also conceivable, for example, that the opening is so large that you can easily with a spoon, z. For example, it would also be possible to have a separate pump or even a machine to be supplied separately for the purpose of conveying. But it is also smaller, or completely without a valve, such. As the insertion of a straw that can be provided with very large diameter. For reclosing, for example, a lid, a zipper, a Velcro closure, a nonpermanent adhesive closure, a Druckkonopfverschluss, a snap-on closure, or any other closure can be used. The closures can be closed when closing by snapping, jamming, by oval latching but also simply as a screw cap again.

So that the contents can be remixed before opening again, for example, a small ball or a ball, cube, but also any other shape that works much like a paint spray can be given into the bag.

Preferably, the membrane is removable in particular by a nipple connected to the membrane.

Since with an almost empty container, the weight of the filling material to open the membrane is no longer sufficient, the valve can be designed so that the valve diaphragm is then simply pulled out to then ensure the free outlet for the remaining amount. This works for all valve versions mentioned above when inserting the valve in front of the clean room as well as after the clean room.

Preferably, in the recess in the base bottom within the base ring a dense cover with predetermined breaking points is arranged, which can be easily pierced by the cutting end of the cutting ring when turning the screw cap. In a further embodiment, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a method for producing a filled food or beverage package, comprising the following steps: d. Filling a bag with contents, the bag being provided with a screw cap before or after filling, and e. Wrapping the bag with a stiff wrapper or inserting the bag into a prefabricated container with the screw cap firmly attached to the wrapper or prefabricated container.

For example, finished bags can come out of the machine depending on the requirements of the product. However, these do not have the stability, for example, that the end user would accept this packaging. It is advantageous that the finished molded and filled bag is then wrapped outside of the clean room or after the non-aseptic filling then with a rigid wrapper or inserted into a prefabricated container. In this case, the valve can, for example, be latched by a pre-piercing or a mechanism in the casing, clamped or fastened by a slide from the outside to the casing in such a way that the weight of the filling material also remains open

Bag,% full, V full and even with almost empty bag firmly attached to the casing.

The wrapper, for example, in addition to pretend the consumer a larger content, so that you can set in the choice of inner bag on optimal material utilization, without giving the consumer the feeling to buy a smaller package. So z. B. known from the prior art stand-up pouches that look visually very large and still have very little content. If you put a surface- or content-optimized bag on the other hand, that would be

Consumers feel that the content of the smaller pack ultimately the bigger one would be. Here can be counteracted by the free design of the enclosure free, so that the end user can not be fooled by optimizing the material. This can be done both by the design of the inner shell, as well as by the design of the outer shell, or by the special design of both units.

Preferably, in the process according to the invention, the screw closure according to the invention is used.

The screw cap or the valve (hereinafter collectively "the valve") can be connected, for example, before filling with the bag casing (three different types explained exemparisch):

1 . The valve is, for example, on a pre-punched hole in the bag sleeve, placed and connected. In this case, the valve has, for example, a continuous bottom, which breaks in the connection area a predetermined breaking point, which then planned by rotary motion at the later Erstöffnen and releases the content.

2. Only the valve base of the valve described in point 1 is connected, for example, with the bag shell and only after the filling of the rest of the valve is connected to the valve base. Here, for example, also the aforementioned Aufbrechmechanismus comes to

Commitment.

3. The bag, for example, has no pre-punching and the valve or again only the base is connected to the bag. This valve then has, for example, a slicing mechanism which cuts through the bag casing during initial opening and makes the contents available to the consumer. Here, for example, could also only the socket be connected and then placed after filling the spout and / or the optional valve.

Advantage: The valve can be pressure-worked on both sides when fastening with the bag or it could also be welded without additional material.

Disadvantage: The valve must pass through the sterile treatment and one has to take into account the technical possibilities when forming the bag by the machine when placing the valve.

The valve is, for example, also connected to the bag only after filling from the outside. The connection can preferably be made by gluing, welding, jamming or else by other mechanisms.

In this case, for example, a cutting tool or opening mechanism in the valve is needed, because the bag is already filled sterile and must be opened through the spout or the spout with valve. Here, the above-described power transmission through the membrane is particularly advantageous.

Advantage: The valve can be placed practically anywhere and does not have to undergo the complex sterilization process.

Disadvantage: There is no back pressure from the inside of the bag to fix the valve. Preferably, the bag is sterilized and the wrapper or prefabricated container, and more preferably the screw cap, are not sterilized.

In the sterilization of consumables today are sterile fluids such. As hydrogen peroxide but also irradiation by aseptic light sources or gamma rays available.

The sterile bath is preferably used in the process according to the invention. However, it may also be replaced by irradiation, steaming, sprinkling, heating, frostbite, negative pressure or overpressure or other sterilizing procedures. It's just about killing all sorts of germs and bacteria during treatment.

In the method according to the invention, for example, the most diverse forms can be used - completely or partially surrounded by an outer shell, preferably of cardboard but also of any other materials that give stability, but for example, only the finished shaped and filled bag out of the clean room transported and the stability-providing sheath is placed around the bag in a very normal environment and therefore does not need to be sterilized.

This has the advantage that the stability-giving sheath does not have to undergo any sterile treatment and, as a result, it is also possible to use a treatment of the sheath, such as paint for moisture or discoloration by irradiation or temperature treatment. Also eliminates elaborate

Technology in a more expensive clean room. As a result, a much wider range of creative possibilities can be exploited in the design. For example, it is even possible to use special colors that react to temperature or time, for example, to indicate to the consumer how old the packaging is or whether the filling material has a certain amount has optimal consumption temperature. So you could also indicate that the cold chain was interrupted once.

Preferably, in step b. to a prefabricated container made of cardboard, the carton only immediately before step b. to a

Container is formed.

Incidentally, today you can weld all foils, for example, but also connect them with ultrasound technology. This has the advantage that even a slightly moist or wetted by the filling material weld can be tightly connected. The contamination can z. B. by climbing up the contents (capillary action) arise. If you fill, for example, in the level, so would be squeezed in a conventional manner, the bag so that here a great effort is necessary, which would ultimately mean energy expenditure again. Ultrasonic welding does not require this high pressure.

In previous systems that do not work in this way, such as. As the US Patent 5, 156,295 or the so-called Capri sun, the bag is heated after or during the filling to a temperature of at least 70 degrees to kill all germs and bacteria. Then the entire bag is cooled down again. This has the disadvantage that it takes a lot of time, a lot of energy is wasted and the contents suffer greatly from the temperature differences.

In addition, in these systems is usually filled by the valve, thus a valve would be very expensive and the filling process takes much more time. Of course, this approach would be possible when accepting these disadvantages. Of course, one can also work in this way, for example, in the method according to the invention. This is possible, for example, with a bag without outer carton or with an already filled cardboard. This would have the disadvantage that you then have to accept the disadvantage of heating and cooling down.

It is important, for example, that the bag rests as close as possible to the carton. For example, the bag can accommodate most of the load of stacked bags on a pallet. Such a bag can carry up to 190 kg or more of load, depending on the film thickness. In order to build a box of the same load capacity, one would have to use a very thick wall thickness, which is then considerably more expensive than a bag with the same load capacity.

Since it is allowed to load up to 33 pallets in a truck that is currently in operation and only up to 24.5 tons may be loaded in Europe, only 28 pallets are often loaded onto a truck. These weigh then including wood about 900 kg. This results in the following packing scheme:

z. B. in the following packing scheme (attention, other pack sizes may result in other value)

1 . Location: 4 * 3 pieces of pack of 12 = 144 packs per ply =

 1056 grams / bag times 144 packets = 152 kg / layer

 900 kg - 25 kg (empty pallet) = 875 kg / 152 kg = 5.76 layers

For example, if a beverage carton is in its lowest position, it should weigh approximately 5 * 152 kg = 760 kg / 144 cartons = 5,277 kg. In addition, the truck can get bumps through rough roads and thus the weight is often doubled or multiplied. For example, a beverage carton should certainly be able to carry up to 25 kg.

In other countries, transport may also be common, which can accommodate even higher transport loads, and thus our system is also advantageous in these countries, as theoretically pallets could be used up to 10,000 kg carrying capacity on the lower layer.

Since the space in some large distribution warehouses is always very scarce, up to 5 or more pallets of our system can be stacked on top of each other by taking up the load through the inner bag and thus lower logistics costs.

For example, since untreated cardboard can easily be softened by moisture such as condensation or even high humidity, it may be necessary for the inner bag to take up most of the load, only so may a special treatment or the use of much of the outer carton or sheath material be saved.

To possibly still occurring moisture z. For example, by keeping condensation water or humidity away from the carton, it would also be possible to weld a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 60 pack, or even an entire pallet, with a moisture resistant film to be sure that none Moisture comes to the wrapper and thus prevents softening.

But you could also, for example, the material of the envelope with a water-repellent color, a particularly smooth surface or a 2 Coat coat with rough inner part and high-quality paper from the outside, possibly also by nanotechnology or by the use of the lotus technique treat so that the envelope can not absorb moisture.

However, the inner bag could for example also be shaped so that it is firmly connected to the outer shell only at the upper side and the lower side by the internal pressure and has some space on the sides. This would for example have the advantage that when gripping the Umverpa- ckung, which usually takes place on the side walls, no pressure on the inner bag is applied and thus spilled the contents, especially in a completely filled state from the spout.

In addition, this would have the advantage that due to the air in the interior between bag and casing, so to speak acts as insulation and thus the contents remain cool for longer during transport.

In a further embodiment, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a filled packaging produced according to the invention, characterized in that the bag fills at least 90% of the internal volume of the packaging.

In a further embodiment, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a filling system for carrying out the

Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following components, a. a filling machine for filling the bag, which connects a screw cap with the bag before or after filling, b. a cartoner that folds cardboard around the bag into a container or inserts a pre-fabricated container from cardboard with the cartoner firmly connecting the valve to the container and c. an automatic palletizer.

Since the previous beverage cartons are already highly optimized in relation to the required material in relation to the required space, the existing machines of the conventional drinks card manufacturers could be modified, for example, so that the thinner foil is filled in the same way instead of the composite material used and then subsequently the carton is placed outside of the sterile room or inserted into the prefabricated packaging. For example, you only need an additional cartoner between the filling machine and the automatic palletizer.

This has the advantage that the stabilizing outer packaging does not have to be sterilized at all. As already mentioned, it would also be possible, for example, to install the valve only outside the sterile room and then place or insert the outer packaging around the inner bag.

You could also, for example, connect the valve with the wrapper and only after the transfer to the inner bag from the outside with the

Connect inner bag.

This has the further advantage that the carton does not need to be treated, for example, so as not to become full of liquid / disinfectant (hydrogen peroxide). For if the bag is filled aseptically times, for example, the carton does not need to be sterile anymore because it no longer comes into contact with the contents.

Depending on the contents, for example, the most optimal and most cost-effective valve can be used. For example, one needs a different valve for a liquid than for liquid with solids, such. B. peas in Water or tomato paste. Here it must be taken into account that the contents flow only very little. If necessary, then, for example, in carton a buckling mechanism or an additional slider z. B. be made of cardboard in the envelope, so that a complete emptying of the filling material can be guaranteed.

It is important, for example, that the inner bag can be easily separated from the outer wrapper after use. For this purpose, for example, a predetermined breaking point open the box or the inner bag can be easily pulled out so that can be disposed of separately at any time.

For example, when selecting the shape of the bag, care must be taken to ensure that:

optimum material savings, optimal emptying, an optimal carrying capacity for a possible buckling mechanism for emptying the residue - an optimal separate disposal with as few as possible glued joints or connections an optimal valve seat for logistics and end users

Depending on the product is guaranteed. Therefore, for example, the most varied bag shapes are conceivable on the basis of the respective requirements. For example, almost all materials for daily use could be bottled here, including materials that are currently conceivable in tin cans, beverage cartons, stand-up pouches, transparent packaging, lids, etc. The Filling of, for example, mixed goods in bags with a carton for the first time is possible.

Due to the cold-aseptic or refrigerated non-aseptic packaging of foods, these remain more similar in their consistency to autoclaved contents of the original form and nutrients, vitamins, etc. are better preserved. For this purpose, one or more holes could be punched into the envelope, so that when pouring air between the sheath and the inner bag can flow, which has the advantage that when pouring no negative pressure in the outer shell may arise and thus the pouring behavior evenly and can take place faster.

When selecting the coating, for example, make sure that the contents can be emptied easily and practically. For this purpose, for example, suitable prefoldings in the casing are possible, which then also make it possible to press firmer substances out of the pack.

Another advantage of the inventive system is the delivery of the packaging material. In previous beverage textures, either the composite material that is very rigid is delivered to rolls or a prefabricated beverage carton, which is then set up by a machine. Since the material is very thick and has up to 7 or more layers, this material is very difficult to wrap or fold, taking up a lot of space during storage and transport. Even prefabricated bags with already folded cardboard, such as the Edelmann principle or other version can not be optimally folded together.

In the system according to the invention can be very large amounts of film with up to several 1, 000 running meters z. B. be delivered on a roll and consume a lot less space than the previous system. In the case of the cardboard used, it is even possible to work preferably only with blanks cut out flat, which in the ideal case are not even kinked, so that an optimal transport characteristic also exists here. Only in the machine, the bag is formed and the carton folded and possibly glued, that he gets his stable property later. This has enormous logistical advantages in terms of storage and transport costs. The gluing

Of course there can also be mixed versions. That would be z. B. interesting for smaller manufacturers who do not want to afford the complex machine technology. Here also prefabricated bags or boxes could be delivered. Cartons, z. B. with automatic floor or even with a glue, so that you only have to put the coat together. Even these prefabricated boxes require less space during storage and transport.

In addition, the materials used can be produced in most film and carton factories and, therefore, require no special material-making machinery. This can also save time consuming and extensive transport routes.

Brief Description:

1 shows the membrane 27 on the membrane support 29 with a nipple 31 on the membrane 27 for easy removal of the membrane.

Fig.2 shows different types of closure

3 shows the screw closure 1 according to the invention. 4 shows the base bottom. 5

 5 shows the screw closure 1 according to the invention.

Fig.6 shows various packaging containers.

Fig.7 shows various packaging containers.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 screw cap

 3 locking sockets

 5 base

 7 base ring

 9 clockwise external thread

11 left-handed thread

13 cutting ring

 15 slashing

 17 left-handed external thread

19 cap

 21 clockwise turn

23 drivers

 25 guide groove

 27 membrane

 29 membrane support

 31 nipples

 33 Cover with predetermined breaking points

* * * * * * *

Claims

claims 1 . Screw cap (1) for a beverage package, characterized in that it comprises at least the three following elements: a. a lock socket (3), i. having a flat base bottom (5) for connection to a container to be sealed, and ii. perpendicular to the base (5) has a base (5) fixedly connected to the base ring (7), wherein (I) the base bottom (5) within the base ring (7) is at least partially recessed, (II) the base ring (7) on the outside has a right-handed external thread (9), and (III) has the base ring (7) on the inside a left-handed thread (1 1), b. a cutting ring (1 3), i. which is guided in the base ring (7), ii. which at the end (1 5), which faces the base bottom (5), hereinafter referred to as Aufschneidende (1 5), cutting teeth or / or at least has a sharp edge, and iii. the above the Aufschneidendes (1 5) has a left-handed external thread (1 7) which engages in the anti-clockwise thread (1 1) of the base ring (7), wherein the cutting edge (15) of the recess in the base bottom (5) faces, c , a closure cap (19), i. having on the inside a dextrorotatory thread (21) which engages in the dextrorotatory external thread (9) of the base ring (7), wherein the closure cap (19) and the cutting ring (1 3) are designed such that a rotation of the closure cap (19) moves the cutting ring (13) in the direction of the base (5) at least when the screw cap (1) is first opened. 2. screw closure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that either in the closure cap (19) or in the cutting ring (13) drivers (23) are arranged, which engage in guide grooves (25) of the respective complementary part (13 or 19) such that a rotation of the closure cap (19) moves the cutting ring (1 3) in the direction of the base bottom (5) at least when the screw cap (1) is first opened. 3. screw closure (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that within the cutting ring (1 3) a membrane (27) made of an elastic material, in particular of rubber or silicone on the side in the direction of the cap (19) a membrane support (29) is arranged so that the beverage through the membrane support (29) can be poured out by the weight of the beverage, the membrane (27) of the membrane support (29) deflects away. 4. screw closure (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the membrane (27) in particular by a membrane (27) connected to the nipple (31) is removable. 5. screw closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized  characterized in that in the recess in the base bottom (5) within the base ring (13) a tight cover with predetermined breaking points (33) is arranged, which are easily pierced by the cutting end (1 5) of the cutting ring (13) when unscrewing the screw cap (1) can. 6. A method of making a filled food or beverage package comprising the steps of: a. Filling a bag with contents, with the bag being capped before or after filling, and b. Wrapping the bag with a stiff wrapper or inserting the bag into a prefabricated container with the screw cap firmly attached to the wrapper or prefabricated container. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the  Screw closure according to one of claims 1 to 5 is used. 8. The method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the bag is sterilized and the wrapper or the prefabricated container and more preferably the screw cap are not sterilized. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it is in step b. is a prefabricated container made of cardboard, the carton just before step b. is formed into a container. 10. filled packaging produced by the method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the bag fills at least 90% of the internal volume of the packaging. 1 1. Filling system for carrying out the method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following components, a. a filling machine for filling the bag, which connects a screw cap with the bag before or after filling, b. a cartoner that folds cardboard around the bag into a container or inserts a prefabricated container from cardboard, the cartoner connecting the valve to the container and c. an automatic palletizer.