System and Method for the Folding, Filling and Sealing of Carton Sleeves

Abstract

A system for the folding, aseptic filling, and aseptic sealing of packaging agents including a transporting device including a conveyor belt and cells connected to the conveyor belt for the transportation of the carton sleeves, a device for folding and conveying the carton sleeves to the cells of the transporting device, a device for sterilizing the carton sleeves, a device for folding and sealing bottom surfaces of the carton sleeves, a device for filling the carton sleeves with contents, a device for folding and sealing the gable surfaces of the carton sleeves, and an aseptic chamber. The cells at least in a partial region of the system are arranged within the aseptic chamber, while the conveyor belt is arranged outside the aseptic chamber. A corresponding method is also illustrated and described.

1 . A system for folding, aseptic filling, and aseptic sealing of carton sleeves comprising:
 a transporting device comprising a conveyor belt and cells connected to the conveyor belt for transporting the carton sleeves,   a device for folding and conveying the carton sleeves to the cells of the transporting device,   a device for sterilising the carton sleeves,   a device for folding and sealing the bottom surfaces of the carton sleeves,   a device for filling the carton sleeves with contents,   a device for folding and sealing gable surfaces of the carton sleeves, and   an aseptic chamber,   wherein   the cells at least in a partial region of the system are arranged within the aseptic chamber, while the conveyor belt is arranged outside the aseptic chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the aseptic chamber has a wall with a slit running in a transporting direction. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cells at least in a region of the
 device for sterilising the carton sleeves,   device for folding and sealing the bottom surfaces of the carton sleeves,   device for filling the carton sleeves with contents, and the   device for folding and sealing the gable surfaces of the carton sleeves,   are arranged within the aseptic chamber.   
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a device for removing filled and sealed carton sleeves from the cells of the transporting device. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the conveyor belt and the cells are arranged in a horizontal plane. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises devices for pre-folding the bottom surfaces and the gable surfaces of the carton sleeves. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises at least one device for ejecting defective carton sleeves from the aseptic chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a device for the final fabrication of the carton sleeves, for attaching flaps of the carton sleeves. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a device for conditioning the cells, for cleaning, disinfecting and/or drying the cells. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the device for filling the carton sleeves with contents is a carousel. 
     
     
         11 . A method for the folding, aseptic filling, and aseptic sealing of carton sleeves, comprising the following steps:
 a) folding and conveying the carton sleeves to cells fastened to a conveyor belt,   b) sterilising the carton sleeves,   c) folding and sealing the bottom surfaces of the carton sleeves,   d) filling the carton sleeves with contents, and   e) folding and sealing gable surfaces of the carton sleeve,   wherein the cells at least in a partial region of the method are guided through an aseptic chamber, while the conveyor belt is guided outside the aseptic chamber.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the cells are guided through the aseptic chamber at least during the steps b), c), d) and e). 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein step aa) pre-folding of the bottom surfaces and/or gable surfaces of the carton sleeves is carried out after step a) and before step b). 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein step ab) ejection of defective carton sleeves from the cells of the transporting device is carried out after step aa) and before step b). 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein step ca) ejection of defective carton sleeves from the cells of the transporting device and from the aseptic chamber is carried out after step c) and before step d). 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the carton sleeves are guided during step d) along a circular path. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein step f) removal of the filled and sealed carton sleeves from the cells of the transporting device is carried out after step e). 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein step g) final fabrication of the carton sleeves and attachment of the flaps of the carton sleeves is carried out after step f). 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein step h) conditioning of the cells of the transporting device and cleaning, disinfection and/or drying of the cells of the transporting device is carried out after step f). 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the conveyor belt and the cells have a constant speed. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the conveyor belt and the cells are guided in a horizontal plane. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein a continuous inflow of sterile air takes place within the aseptic chamber.