Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine adapted for a highly aseptic filling operation comprises a plug attaching device 16 for attaching a plug P to an edge portion defining a liquid outlet O in a top forming portion T of a tubular container C, and a container bottom forming device 21 for folding flat a bottom portion of the tubular container C having the plug P attached thereto to close the bottom portion. The plug attaching device 16 is connected to the bottom forming device 21 by a transport path of a container transport device 201, 202. A container sterilizing device 23 is disposed at an intermediate portion of the transport path.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A packaging machine comprising a plug attaching device for attaching a plug to an edge portion defining a liquid outlet in a top forming portion of a tubular container, and a container bottom forming device for folding flat a bottom portion of the tubular container having the plug attached thereto to close the bottom portion, 
 the packaging machine being characterized in that the plug attaching device is connected to the container bottom forming device by a transport path of a container transport device, a container sterilizing device being disposed at an intermediate portion of the transport path.    
     
     
         2 . A packaging machine according to  claim 1  which comprises a plug feeder for supplying plugs to the plug attaching device, a container feeder for supplying containers to the plug attaching device, a clean booth surrounding the plug attaching device, the plug feeder and the container feeder, and a duct for connecting the clean booth to the container sterilizing device.  
     
     
         3 . A packaging machine according to  claim 2  wherein the plug is in the form of a tube having a flange at one end thereof, 
 the plug attaching device comprising inserting means for inserting the plug through the liquid outlet from inside the container so that an end face of the flange opposite to the tube end is fitted to an inner surface of the outlet-defining edge portion, and sealing means for joining the flange end face to the inner surface of the outlet-defining edge portion,  
 the plug feeder having an ultraviolet lamp for irradiating the plug with ultraviolet rays from the flange end face side.  
 
     
     
         4 . A packaging machine according to any one of  claims 1  to  3  wherein the container sterilizing device comprises a sterilizing chamber and a drying chamber each adapted to surround the transport path over a required length from an upstream position downstream, a hydrogen peroxide nozzle disposed within the sterilizing chamber and a hot air nozzle disposed within the drying chamber.  
     
     
         5 . A packaging machine according to  claim 4  which further comprises an extraneous matter removing device for removing particulate extraneous matter from the container having the plug attached thereto before the container is brought into the sterilizing chamber.