Device for filling of containers

1. An apparatus for filling packages of the collapsible type, comprising:

a first station and a second station;

a transportation unit for intermittent transport of said packages from the first station (S 1 ) to the second station (S 2 ) along a transport direction (P) which extends between the first station (S 1 ) and the second station (S 2 ), wherein the transport of the packages between the first station (S 1 ) and the second station (S 2 ) is along a curved first path of movement,

the transportation unit being designed to transport the packages in a hanging position, and

the transportation unit comprising a gripping element which is movable along a circular path and which is designed to grip a top portion of a package, each gripping element, during movement along a work portion of the circular path, serving to transport a package along the first path of movement and, during movement along a return portion of the circular path, being designed to return to a starting position for gripping a new package; and

a swing-inhibiting unit which is designed to engage with the packages during said transport,

the swing-inhibiting unit being movable along the transport direction (P) while the transport unit transports the packages, and

the swing-inhibiting unit being arranged separately from the transport unit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the swing-inhibiting unit comprises engagement elements which, for engagement with said packages, are located in such a way as to counteract a swinging movement in a plane that is defined by the direction of gravity and the transport direction (P).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the swing-inhibiting unit is movable along a curved second path of movement.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , in which said second path of movement is curved in the same direction as said first path of movement.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , in which said second path of movement is open, the swing-inhibiting unit being designed to perform a reciprocating movement along said second path of movement and the first station being arranged at a first end position of said open second path of movement and the second station being arranged at a second end position of said open second path of movement.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the swing-inhibiting unit is designed to partially support said packages during said transport.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , in which said swing-inhibiting unit comprises engagement elements, each of which comprises a pair of engagement surfaces that are angled away from each other and that are designed to engage with a bottom portion of said packages.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the swing-inhibiting unit is movable along a curved second path of movement.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , in which said second path of movement is curved in the same direction as said first path of movement.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 , in which said second path of movement is open, the swing-inhibiting unit being designed to perform a reciprocating movement along said second path of movement and the first station being arranged at a first end position of said open second path of movement and the second station being arranged at a second end position of said open second path of movement.