Method for sterilizing a packaging machine, and apparatus for performing the method

US5335479A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Kuno Lemke · Bietigheim-Bissingen, DE
• Guenther Voegele · Schenefeld, DE
• Harro Stehle · Ludwigsburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 19, 1993
• Grant date: Aug 9, 1994
• Expiry date: Feb 19, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B2210/06
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A bag package making machine that operates aseptically and in which a product is filled into a tube of packaging material and bag packages are partitioned off from that tube, the parts that come into contact with the packaging material and the product are sterilized, before filling operation begins, by passing a sterilizing agent through the filling tube and the bag forming part. For passing a sterilizing agent through the filling tube, a cup-shaped connecting element, which is enclosed by the packaging material tube, is connected to the outlet of the filling tube. Toward the end of the sterilizing phase, the filling tube and the connecting element are moved apart from one another, and the part of the packaging material tube surrounding these parts is sealed off between the connecting element and the filling tube and severed, so that the filling tube end remains in the closed end portion of the tube of packaging material which continues in a sterilized condition.