EP1028057A2 - Filling station for an aseptic form, fill and sealing packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine has an aseptic tunnel with contents conveyor and two filling stations (1,1'). The stations are positioned sealable in adjustable apertures in the tunnel above the contents conveyor, with one station being in working position and the other in cleaning position. The stations are moved between positions by aperture adjustment. Each consists of a two-part moveable unit with a trough section (5) accommodating the filler pipe (3) in cleaning position, and a passage part (6) holding the filler pipe working position. The pipe passage part has a removeable closure cap (8) when the trough section is under the filler pipe.

Description

The invention relates to the filling station for an aseptic FFS packaging machine according to the preamble of the two independent Claims.

Aseptic FFS packaging machines for molding (by deep drawing), Filling and closing a continuous packaging material web are sufficient known and in use. Depending on the product and the type of offer in the respective store (in the refrigerator or in not refrigerated shelves) must be ensured that the one the packaging material web and the cover film are germ-free and on the other hand, this also during the passage through the machine remain aseptic, i.e. for an aseptic operation such machines with a slightly overpressure Aseptic tunnel equipped. All of these claims are made by the currently available packaging machines of this type, which also according to the requirements of the operators of such machines run with the highest possible number of cycles and also if possible short downtimes for the essential cleaning especially the filling station (daily basic cleaning and intermediate rinsing when changing products). A related one The aseptic tunnel, in the filling station with its at least one filling pipe in a suitable manner Way while maintaining aseptic conditions and the necessary cleaning and rinsing options integrated have to be.

As far as is known, two basic principles have so far been used for this, namely the arrangement of a drainable detergent return tub under the shaped packaging material web in the filling area and also the arrangement of a cleaning agent return tub horizontally displaceable under the dose between the doser and the packaging material web in the sterile tunnel.
Since in the first case the drip pan is located under the packaging material web or its conveyor line, but the tub with its opening edge must be tightly sealed against the so-called dosing plate during the cleaning process, it is necessary to separate the packaging material web for each cleaning process and out of the area of the filling station remove what is inevitably associated with long downtimes of the entire machine.
The second principle does not require separation and removal of the packaging material web, but here the entire adjustment mechanism for the displacement of the collecting trough and also its drainage must be managed by penetrating the tunnel wall.
With both principles, it is not possible to continue operating the machine while cleaning or rinsing the dosing device, regardless of whether it is an intermediate rinse or basic cleaning.

Starting from an aseptic FFS packaging machine at the beginning mentioned type, the invention is based on the object the filling station of such a packaging machine to improve that with a short break too can continue to run normally during cleaning.

For the solution of this problem arise according to the invention two alternatives:

In the first solution, according to the invention, the aseptic tunnel Sealable in adjustable openings above the conveyor line two filling stations arranged one behind the other to the tunnel, each consisting of a drainable tub part and a subordinate filling pipe penetration part are formed.

The tub and penetration part is relative to the fill pipe adjustable to the conveyor line, the filling pipe with one for both the bath and the access part matching cap closure and the fill pipe penetration part Position of the tub part under the filling pipe with a laying or removable cap are provided.

The second solution is also based on two in a row arranged filling stations, each consisting of a Filler tube penetration part and from a separate, drainable Trough part are formed, but here over, i.e., arranged outside the tunnel and relative to the fill pipe penetration part with the filling pipe raised to the conveyor line is adjustable, again according to the first solution the filling pipe with one for both the tub part and the Filler tube penetration part matching cap closure and Filler tube penetration part when the tub part is under the filling tube with a removable or removable cap is provided.

Reg. of the term "cap lock" used is on it to point out that including a so-called nozzle plate is understood, which is usually used when a dosing device comprises several filling tubes. One to the filling pipe belonging cap lock is necessary to one hand in Filling position the access opening at least as far as possible complete and on the other hand in cleaning or rinsing position complete the tub, as is usually the detergent is fed under pressure.

If in the two solutions according to the invention from one Relative movement, this is because that of course the filling tube or tubes not only per se vertically but also horizontally to the then stationary tub can be adjusted.

Advantageous further developments and embodiments of these two solutions according to the dependent claims are in Framework of the special description of exemplary embodiments explained in more detail and also their function.

The two solutions according to the invention are decisive Advantage associated with that, apart from a relative short break for the machine changeover during the Rinsing one filling station the machine with the other Filling station can continue, but not only for the arrangement a second filling station is a requirement, but also their special training according to the invention other characteristics. The construction effort on the packaging machine is bigger, but this effort is caused by the completely reduced downtimes, taking into account that so far thorough Cleaning rinses take two to three hours to complete take during the entire operation of such machines is interrupted. This is the case with the invention Solutions require only a time of the order of magnitude Max. 20 min opposite that for changing the filling stations or machine changeover and the necessary sterile flushing the one to be opened temporarily for the change and then again closed sterile tunnels.

The filling stations according to the invention and their function below based on the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments explained in more detail.

Fig.1

stark schematisiert eine Aseptik-FFS-Verpackungsmaschine in Seitenansicht;

Fig.2 A-C

eine der Füllstationen in unterschiedlichen Betriebsstellungen;

Fig.3

den Füllstationenbereich mit den beiden Füllstationen nach der ersten Lösung;

Fig.4

den Füllstationenbereich mit den beiden Füllstationen nach der zweiten Lösung;

Fig.5

schematisch ein besonderes Verstellprinzip zur zweiten Lösung;

Fig.6

in Draufsicht das Wannen- und Füllrohr-Durchgriffsteil gemäß Fig.3 für mehrere in Reihe quer zur Förderstrecke angeordnete Füllrohre;

Fig.7

in Draufsicht das Wannenteil gemäß Fig.4 für mehrere in Reihe quer zur Förderstrecke angeordnete Füllrohre und

Fig.8

in Draufsicht das Füllrohr-Durchgriffsteil gemäß Fig.4 für mehrere in Reihe quer zur Förderstrecke angeordnete Füllrohre.

It shows

Fig. 1

highly schematized an aseptic FFS packaging machine in side view;

Fig. 2 AC

one of the filling stations in different operating positions;

Fig. 3

the filling station area with the two filling stations after the first solution;

Fig. 4

the filling station area with the two filling stations after the second solution;

Fig. 5

schematically a special adjustment principle for the second solution;

Fig. 6

3 is a top view of the tub and fill pipe penetration part according to FIG. 3 for several fill pipes arranged in a row transversely to the conveying path;

Fig. 7

4 shows a top view of the tub part according to FIG. 4 for several filling pipes arranged in a row transversely to the conveying path

Fig. 8

4 is a top view of the fill pipe penetration part according to FIG. 4 for several fill pipes arranged in a row transversely to the conveying path.

The filling station for one shown only schematically in Fig.1 FFS machine still consists of at least one related on the conveyor line PFS stationary but perpendicular to Conveyor path adjustable filling tube 3 (so-called dosing device), the one tub 4 indicated here only according to the principle Recording of the filling tube during the cleaning rinsing 3 accruing cleaning liquid is assigned. The whole The conveyor line PFS of the packaging material web PB is located in a supplied with sterile air, for example, under light Pressure sterile tunnel 2, which in the embodiment 1 is shown as a so-called half-tunnel.

In front of the filling station or filling device of sole interest here 1 is a molding station FS, in front of this a pre-treatment area VB for that of a supply roll VR supplied packaging material PB in which the packaging material sterilization and preheating, and behind the filling device 1, a locking station SS is arranged. All these machine components attached to a frame, not shown except for those who are only interested here Filling device 1 no further explanation, since this for one is well known and the other for the present Invention require no changes.

With regard to the first alternative, FIGS. 2 A-C and 3 referred. For this embodiment, the filling device is essential that the aseptic tunnel 2 above the conveyor line PFS in adjustable openings 2 '' sealable to the tunnel 2 two consecutive (see Fig. 3) filling stations 1,1 ' are arranged, each of a tub part 5 and one subordinate filling pipe penetration part 6 formed and tub and Filler tube penetration part 5.6 on the filler tube 3 in parallel to the conveyor line PFS are arranged adjustable, the Filling tube 3 with one for both the tub part 5 and the Filler tube penetration part 6 matching cap closure 7 and Filler tube penetration part 6 when the tub part 5 is in position under the filling tube 3 (Fig.2C) with a removable cap 8 are provided, which according to the cleaning position 2C closes the access opening 6 '. Is located only one of the filling stations alternately in the operating position (1 'on the right in Fig. 3) and the other in the cleaning position (1 on the left in Fig. 3). Because of the adjustable or implementable Openings 2 ″, the filling stations 1, 1 ′ can be moved back and forth arranged.

Regarding the feature "adjustable or relocatable openings" 2 '' is referred to Fig.2A, B, the necessary Offset V of the trough and penetration part forming a unit 5.6 to fill tube 3 clarify. Is accomplished this offset V in that the upper limit 2 'of Aseptic tunnel 2 at least in the arrangement area of the two Filling stations 1, 1 ', for example, from cover elements which can be placed in a sealed manner 9,9 'as shown. For the sealed one Elements of the elements 9, 9 'are on the tunnel 2 with grooves 21 provided trusses 20, and with such grooves 21st the tub and penetration parts 5, 6 are also provided, the also have on their underside longitudinal grooves 22 with which they slide on guides 23. See also 6, which is one of the filling devices according to FIG Top view shows.

As mentioned above, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 2A-C also possible with a stationary tub and reach-through part 5,6 the filling pipe 3 in the raised position horizontally from Pass-through part 6 to adjust pan part 5 and vice versa.

The adjustment mechanism for the whole is highly schematic that is stationary in relation to the PFS conveyor line this vertically adjustable filling tube 3 is only shown in Fig. 2B and designated 30. To drain the detergent the tub part 5 is with detergent drain channels 13 provided (see Fig. 4,5), e.g. to an elastic detergent drain line 14 (Fig.5) are connected.

2A shows the filling device in the dosing or operating position, Fig.2B in change position and Fig.2C in rinsing or Cleaning position. To move from the normal operating position 2A to get into the cleaning position according to FIG. 2C, the procedure is as follows:

The filling pipe 3 in FIG. 2A is in the filling position superscript, and there are the two adjacent cover elements 9.9 'with offset of the tub and penetration part 5.6 exchanged to the right. Because by pulling out the filling pipe 3 of the aseptic tunnel 2 with access part 6 per se the ambient air would be one in itself Possible, variable length design of the upper tunnel cover 9 to the arrangement opening 2 '' by the dimension V. move (Fig.2B), connected with too much effort, which is why the illustrated embodiment with displaceable Cover elements 9,9 'is preferred.

If the change position according to Fig. 2B is reached, this will Filling tube 3 with its cap closure 7 in the cleaning position lowered according to Fig.2C, with the lower edge the cap closure 7 on the upper edge of the tub part 5 puts on, which is provided with a circumferential seal 11.

To close the aseptic tunnel 2 again and one brief sterile rinsing (pre-sterilization) with a suitable Submit sterile agents (sterile air / steam or the like) to can, is on the passage opening 6 'of the fill pipe passage part 6 simply an appropriately sized cap 8, which is also dashed in Fig.6 with is indicated.

Since according to the invention a second, appropriately trained Filling station 1 '(see Fig.3) is available, the promotion can now the packaging material web provided with shaped cups B. PB to be resumed, with sufficient time now is available, the one in the cleaning position Subject filling station 1 to a thorough cleaning rinse, which usually take 2 to 3 hours takes, but no longer matters here, since the machine continues with the other filling station 1 '.

The second alternative according to the invention (see Fig.4 and 7,8) differs from the one described above in that that the two filling devices 1, 1 'each have one separate tub part 5 and one stationary to the conveyor line Filler tube penetration part 6 are formed, the Trough part 5 above the tunnel 2, i.e. outside the tunnel 2 is arranged and over the stationary filling tube penetration part 6 with the filling pipe 3 raised, parallel to the conveyor line PFS is adjustable. A transfer of the two fill pipe penetration parts 6 is therefore not necessary here.

According to FIG. 4, any stationary fill pipe penetration part can 6 a separate tub part 5 can be assigned, but what as is easily imaginable, not absolutely necessary, since both penetration parts 6 with a correspondingly extended, only Dashed slide guide 10 of a tub part 5 can be operated for cleaning. After superscript that in this embodiment in pairs in each Filling station 1,1 'existing filling tubes 3 (the packaging material web PB is in the deduction direction with double steps clocked moved) is the tub part in this embodiment 5 under the correspondingly raised filling pipes 3 moved, and the filling tube passage part exempt from filling tubes 3 6, as described above, during the cleaning process also with an appropriately sized cap 8 closed. Also in this embodiment and in superscript filler tubes 3, it is in turn possible horizontally over the respective, then stationary tub part 5 to adjust in the direction of arrows P, as this is schematic is shown in Fig.5. The necessary for this Adjustment mechanism is advantageously limited to Up and down and transverse adjustments of the filling tubes 3, for example with one indicated only schematically in FIG Vertical adjuster 31 and a cross adjuster 32 causes becomes.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 4, the filling tube penetration part 6 is provided with sleeves 12 or sleeve-like extensions which surround the through openings 6 'and fit into the cap closure 7 of the filling tubes 3, so that, as can be seen, they are lowered when in the filling position Filling tubes 3 results in a kind of labyrinth seal of the aseptic tunnel 2 in this area.
Only for the sake of completeness, FIGS. 6 through 8 show top views of the tub and fill pipe penetration part 5.6 forming a unit according to FIG. 3 and of the separate tub 5 and fill pipe penetration parts 6 according to FIG. 4. The paired arrangement of filling tubes 3 and corresponding paired configuration of the tub and penetration parts 5, 6 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, can of course also be provided in the embodiment of the filling devices according to FIG.

Claims (12)

Filling station for an aseptic FFS packaging machine, the packaging material conveyor line (PFS) in an aseptic tunnel (2) and behind the packaging material forming station (FS) the filling station (1) is arranged, which consists of at least one in relation to the conveyor line (PFS ) there is a stationary but vertically adjustable metering filling pipe (3), to which a trough (4) is assigned to hold the cleaning liquid that occurs during the cleaning rinsing of the filling pipe (3),
characterized by that on the aseptic tunnel (2) above the conveyor line (PFS) in adjustable openings (2 '') to the tunnel (2) are arranged one behind the other two filling stations (1,1 '), with only one filling station (1,1') alternating ) is in the operating position and the other filling station (1 ', 1) is in the cleaning position, that the filling stations (1, 1 ') can be moved back and forth between an operating position and a cleaning position due to the adjustable openings (2'') and each have a tub part (5) receiving the filling tube (3) in the cleaning position and a filling part (5) 3) in the operating position receiving fill pipe penetration part (6) and both parts (5,6) together form a movable unit and that the filler tube penetration part (6) is provided with a removable cap (8) when the tub part (5) is under the filler tube (3). Filling station for an aseptic FFS packaging machine, the packaging material conveyor line (PFS) in an aseptic tunnel (2) and behind the packaging material forming station (FS) the filling station (1) is arranged, which consists of at least one in relation to the conveyor line (PFS ) there is a stationary but vertically adjustable metering fill pipe (3), to which a trough (4) is assigned to hold the cleaning liquid resulting from the cleaning of the fill pipe (3),
characterized by that two filling stations (1,1 ') are arranged one behind the other in the openings (2'') sealed to the tunnel (2) on the aseptic tunnel (2) above the conveyor line (PFS), only one filling station (1,1') alternating each time is in the operating position and the other filling station (1 ', 1) is in the cleaning position, that the filling station (1, 1 ') are each formed from a stationary filling tube passage part (6) receiving the filling tube (3) in the operating position and from a separate tub part (5) and the separate tub part (5) in the cleaning position relatively below that the upright filling tube (3) is movable and that the filling tube passage part (6) is provided in the cleaning position with a removable closure cap (8). Filling station according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized by that in a row (R) transversely to the packaging material conveyor line (PFS) several filling tubes (3) are arranged side by side and these are provided with a common cap lock (7) for the correspondingly elongated tub part (5) and the filling tube passage part (6) with a corresponding number of through openings (6 ') is provided which can be covered with a common closure cap (8). Filling station according to claim 3,
characterized by that the row (R) of filling tubes (3) is assigned at least one further row (R ') of filling tubes (3). Filling station according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized by that the upper boundary (2 ') of the aseptic tunnel (2) is formed at least in the arrangement area of the two filling stations (1, 1') from cover elements (9) which can be placed on tightly. Filling station according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 5,
characterized by that the tub part (5) with its associated fill pipe penetration part (6) in a slide guide (10) in the filling and cleaning position can be adjusted to the exact position of the fill pipe (3) or the fill pipes. Filling station according to one of claims 2 and 3 to 5,
characterized by that the dewaterable tub part (5) in a slide guide (10) in the cleaning position can be adjusted steeply (6) in a precise position by means of the covered fill pipe penetration. Filling station according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized by that the tub part (5) is provided on the opening side with a circumferential seal (11) for the cap closure (7) to be fitted. Filling station according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized by that the filler tube passage part (6) is provided with sleeves (12) surrounding the passage openings (6 ') and fitting into the cap closure (7). Filling station according to one of claims 2 to 9,
characterized by that with a correspondingly extended slide guide instead of two tub parts (5), only one tub part (5) which is adjustable in the areas of both filling stations (1, 1 ') is provided. Filling station according to one of claims 2 to 4, 8 and 9,
characterized by that the two filling tube passage parts (6) arranged stationary on the aseptic tunnel (2) above the tunnel (2) are assigned a stationary tub part (5) and two filling tubes (3) can be alternately adjusted to these stationary parts (5, 6). Filling station according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized by that the aseptic tunnel (2) is formed at least in the arrangement areas of the openings (2 '') for receiving the tub (5) and fill pipe penetration parts (6) from individual cover elements (9) which can be placed tightly.

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