DE102021133886A1 - Device for transporting containers and method for their operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for transporting containers (12). The device (10) has a chamber (16) which can be pressurized with respect to the surroundings of the chamber (16) and/or with a disinfectant. The device (10) has at least one movement device (22) which can be driven individually. The at least one movement device (22) has a base body (32) which is guided on a guideway (20), a holder (34) for holding a container (12) and a connecting device (36) which connects the base body (32) and connecting the bracket (34) to one another. The device (10) also has a housing (24) in which the guide track (20) and the base body (32) of the at least one movement device (22) are arranged, the connecting device (36) extending through an opening (42) of the housing (24) and the holder (34) is arranged outside of the housing (24) in the chamber (16). The device (10) can advantageously enable particularly hygienic or aseptic container transport.

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a device for transporting containers and a method for operating the device.

Technical background

A current development trend in the transport of containers, such as bottles or cans, in systems and machines for the production, filling and packaging of beverages and liquid foodstuffs is linear motor technology, e.g. B. in the form of long-stator linear drive systems or short-stator linear drive systems. In a long-stator linear motion system, a stationary long-stator can be used with electromagnets to effect movement of the moving devices equipped with permanent magnets. In the case of short-stator linear drive systems, on the other hand, the movement devices can each have a short stator formed by electromagnets, which can interact magnetically with stationary permanent magnets in order to move the movement device. The movement devices, also called "shuttle" or "mover", can each move one or more containers. A major advantage of linear motor technology is that the movement devices can be controlled and moved individually or separately and independently of one another.

In a filling device of a container treatment plant, containers with a filling product, e.g. B. a drink to be filled. For many beverages it is necessary to fill them under aseptic conditions. For example, a sterilization process for aseptic filling can begin with the sterilization of the already finished containers in a clean room provided for this purpose. It is also possible, for example, for the containers to be produced from preforms in a clean room.

The EP 3 670 404 A1 discloses a transport device for advancing container closures, a sterilization device with a transport device, and a method for transporting and sterilizing container closures.

The EP 3 590 874 A1 discloses a device for container treatment and/or container production with a clean room and a transport device for transporting containers and/or preforms along a process section arranged within the clean room, the clean room having a wall element separating the clean room from an outside space. The transport device has an inner transport path with an inner guide element which is arranged inside the clean room along the wall element and on which at least one inner transport element for transporting one or more containers or preforms is movably arranged. The transport device also has a drive system with at least one linear motor train arranged parallel to the inner guide element, which is arranged outside the clean room and is designed to move the inner transport element along the inner guide element through the wall element by means of magnetic interaction.

Movement devices of a transport system can be equipped, for example, with a number of guide rollers in order to be able to guide the movement devices along a guide track. The guide rollers of the moving devices can be made of plastic or metal, for example. The guide track can also be made of metal, for example. When using steel rollers, lubrication may be necessary to prevent increased wear. Lubrication can often be dispensed with using plastic rollers. However, it should be noted that abrasion occurs due to the often very high, necessary mileage of the rollers. A particular disadvantage of this technique can be that the movement devices can introduce undesirable foreign particles in the form of roller abrasion and/or lubricants into hygienically sensitive areas.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved technique for the hygienic or aseptic operation of a device for transporting containers, with which the disadvantages explained can preferably be overcome.

Summary of the Invention

The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for transporting containers. The device has a chamber, preferably an overpressure chamber, wherein the chamber can be pressurized with an overpressure compared to the surroundings of the chamber and/or with a disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide. The device also has (e.g. at least) one, preferably closed (or circumferential) guide track (e.g. guide rail). The device further comprises at least one movement device which (e.g. with by means of a linear drive system) can be driven individually. The at least one movement device has (each) a base body, which is guided on the guide track (for example by means of a running gear, such as a roller running gear), a holder for holding (at least) one container, and a (e.g. mechanical) connecting device, which connects the base body and the bracket to one another. The device also has a housing in which the guide track and the base body of the at least one movement device are arranged, with the connecting device extending through an opening in the housing (e.g. from inside the housing to outside the housing) and the holder outside from the enclosure in the chamber, preferably for holding a container in the chamber outside the enclosure.

The device can advantageously enable a particularly hygienic or aseptic container transport, e.g. B. from a container manufacturing device to a filling device for filling the containers. The device can prevent particles generated by the moving device, e.g. B. in the form of roller abrasion and / or lubricant, get into hygienically sensitive areas of the device inside the chamber and contaminate the container or its contents. The undesired particles can remain inside the housing and be discharged from there, for example, without getting into the chamber outside the housing. The device can thus effectively prevent contamination of the hygienically sensitive areas, including the containers in the chamber, with abrasion from the rollers or other dirt, such as lubricant particles.

The chamber can preferably be closed and/or accessible only via at least one lock for people and/or containers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device also has an overpressure source, preferably a clean air source or a sterile air source, the overpressure source being connected to the overpressure in order to pressurize the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the device can also have a disinfectant source which is connected to apply the disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide, to the chamber.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the housing has at least one outlet channel for discharging gas that has flowed out of the chamber through the opening into the housing. The particles located in the housing can thus advantageously be discharged at the same time. In this way, progressively increasing soiling inside the housing can advantageously also be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the at least one outlet channel leads to an environment of the device outside the chamber. Advantageously, this can result in a pressure gradient being created from the housing to the environment, which enables gas mixed with particles to flow out of the housing into the environment.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the device also has a suction device which is connected to the at least one outlet channel for sucking gas out of the housing. Advantageously, the discharge of the gas contaminated with particles from the housing can be effected or supported.

In one embodiment, the at least one outlet channel has at least one inlet, which is arranged adjacent to the preferably stepped opening and/or is arranged on a side of the housing opposite the opening. Advantageously, a particularly effective discharge of the gas contaminated with particles from the housing can be made possible, and contamination of the sensitive areas within the chamber can thus be prevented particularly effectively.

In a further embodiment, the at least one movement device can be driven individually by means of a long-stator linear drive or a short-stator linear drive.

The long-stator linear drive or the short-stator linear drive can preferably be arranged in the housing.

The device preferably also has a control unit for controlling the at least one movement device for driving the movement device along the guide track. For example, the term “control unit” can refer to electronics (e.g. designed as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data memory) which, depending on the training, can take on control tasks and/or regulation tasks and/or processing tasks. Even if the term “control” is used here, it can also expediently include or mean “regulation” or “control with feedback” and/or “processing”.

Electromagnets of the linear drive can preferably be arranged within the housing, for example in the form of long stator segments which extend parallel to the guide track cken, or included in the base body of at least one movement device.

In a further embodiment, the electromagnets of the long-stator linear drive or the short-stator linear drive are encapsulated in a gas-tight manner and/or coated with a protective coating that is insensitive to the disinfectant. It can thus advantageously be made possible that the chamber can be charged with the disinfectant without this having negative effects on the operation of the long-stator linear drive or the short-stator linear drive for driving the at least one movement device.

In a further embodiment, the housing is arranged in the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the housing can enclose (or surround) the guideway along its entire length. Alternatively or additionally, the opening of the housing can be designed as a circumferential gap.

It is possible for the device to be included in a container treatment plant (e.g. for manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, labelling, printing and/or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foodstuffs).

For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, preforms, canisters, cartons, flasks, etc.

In one embodiment variant, the device also has a container manufacturing device, preferably a container blow molding device (e.g. stretch blow molding device), for manufacturing the containers, the container manufacturing device being arranged in the chamber and connected to the at least one movement device for transporting containers. Alternatively or additionally, the device can also have a filling device, preferably a filler carousel, for filling the containers (e.g. with a liquid or pasty medium), the filling device being arranged in the chamber and connected to receive containers from the at least one movement device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a device as disclosed herein. The method includes subjecting the chamber to excess pressure and/or a disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide. The method also includes preventing particles from escaping from the housing by means of a preferably continuous inflow of gas from the chamber (outside the housing) through the opening into the housing, preferably caused by the chamber being subjected to the overpressure and/or or by evacuating gas from the enclosure. The same advantages that have already been described with reference to the device can advantageously be achieved with the method.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises venting, preferably continuously venting, gas from the enclosure through at least one outlet port of the enclosure along a pressure gradient, preferably to an environment outside the chamber.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the gas from the housing flows into the at least one outlet channel at at least one position, the at least one position being passed by the connecting device of the at least one movement device while the at least one movement device is being moved along the guide track. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one position is adjacent to the preferably stepped opening. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one position is arranged on a side of the housing opposite the opening.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the method also includes moving the at least one movement device along the guide track for transporting the containers, as a result of which the particles are formed and/or are distributed within the housing.

In one embodiment, the particles have wear particles from a running gear, preferably roller running gear, guided on the guideway, the at least one movement device and/or lubricant particles of a lubricant for lubricating the guideway.

In a further embodiment, the chamber has a clean room atmosphere, sterile room atmosphere or aseptic room atmosphere or the chamber is designed to produce a clean room atmosphere, sterile room atmosphere or aseptic room atmosphere.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired.

character list

• 1 eine rein schematische Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung zum Transportieren von Behältern gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 2 eine rein schematische Schnittansicht entlang einer Linie A-A in 1; und
• 3 eine rein schematische Schnittansicht durch einen Abschnitt einer Vorrichtung zum Transportieren von Behältern gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a purely schematic plan view of a device for transporting containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 a purely schematic sectional view along a line AA in 1 ; and
• 3 a purely schematic sectional view through a portion of a device for transporting containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols and, for their explanation, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The 1 and 2 show a device 10 for transporting containers 12. However, it is also possible for the device 10 to be used for transporting objects that differ from containers 12.

The apparatus 10 may transport the containers 12 through a portion of a container processing facility for processing the containers 12, for example. The device 10 can, for example, transport the containers 12 to at least one optional container treatment device 14 and/or transport them away from it. For example, the containers 12 can be cleaned, coated, checked, filled, closed, labeled and/or printed on the at least one container treatment device 14 .

The device 10 has a chamber 16 and a conveyor 18 with at least one guide track 20, at least one movement device 22 and an enclosure 24.

The chamber 16 can be pressurized with an overpressure compared to the surroundings of the chamber 16 and/or with a disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The chamber 16 can be operated as a clean room, sterile room or aseptic room.

In detail, the device 10 can have at least one positive pressure and/or disinfectant source 26 . The at least one positive pressure and/or disinfectant source 26 can be connected to the chamber 16 .

The overpressure source 26 can apply an overpressure to the chamber 16 . The chamber 16 can therefore also be referred to as an overpressure chamber. For example, the overpressure source 26 can supply clean air or sterile air to the chamber 16, for example continuously or when the pressure in the chamber 16 falls below a predetermined value. The overpressure source 26 can, for example, be a compressor or a fan for conveying the air, at least one air filter for filtering the Air and/or a reservoir (e.g. clean air or sterile air) for storing the air under pressure.

The disinfectant source 26 can apply a disinfectant to the chamber 16 . For example, the disinfectant source 26 can supply a disinfectant, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the chamber 16 . The disinfectant can be supplied to the chamber 16 continuously. Alternatively, it is also possible for the disinfectant to be supplied to the chamber 16 at predetermined time intervals, for example at intervals of several hours in each case. The disinfectant source 26 can have, for example, a delivery device for delivering the disinfectant to the chamber 16 and/or a dosing device for dosing the disinfectant.

During operation, the chamber 16 can be subjected to an overpressure caused by the overpressure source 26 and/or to a disinfectant supplied by the disinfectant source 26 . A clean room atmosphere, sterile room atmosphere or aseptic room atmosphere can thus form in the chamber 16 in which the containers 12 can be transported and treated hygienically or aseptically by the device 10 .

The conveyor 18 is arranged in the chamber 16 . The conveyor 18 can transport the containers 12 to and/or away from the optional container handling device 14 . The container treatment device 14 can, for example, have one or more treatment stations, e.g. B. filling, capping or labeling stations, which are arranged side by side along a portion of the conveyor 18 and the at least one guide track 20 respectively. The conveyor 18 can transport the containers 12 to the multiple processing stations and/or hold them during processing through the processing stations and/or transport them away after processing.

The conveyor 18 can be connected to an infeed conveyor 28, for example. The infeed conveyor 28 can transport the containers 12 to the conveyor 18 . The conveyor 18 can transport the containers 12 take over from the infeed conveyor 28. The feed conveyor 28 is preferably also arranged in the chamber 16 . For example, the infeed conveyor 28 can be designed as a transport star, as in 1 is shown. Alternatively, the feed conveyor 28 can be designed, for example, as a linear conveyor.

The feed conveyor 28 can, for example, be part of a container manufacturing device for manufacturing the containers 12 . The container manufacturing device can, for example, produce the containers 12 from preforms. For example, the container manufacturing device can be embodied as a container blow molding device, preferably a stretch blow molding device, for blowing the containers 12 out of the preforms. The container manufacturing device is preferably designed as a container manufacturing carousel. The container manufacturing device can have multiple manufacturing stations, e.g. B. blow molding stations for the simultaneous production of several containers 12 . For example, the manufacturing stations can be arranged around a circumference of the container manufacturing device designed as a container manufacturing carousel. The container manufacturing device may be disposed upstream of the conveyor 18 with respect to a container flow. The container manufacturing apparatus may be located within the chamber 16.

The conveyor 18 can be connected to an outfeed conveyor 30, for example. The outfeed conveyor 30 can transport the containers 12 away from the conveyor 18 . The conveyor 18 can transfer containers 12 to the outfeed conveyor 30 . The outfeed conveyor 30 is preferably also arranged in the chamber 16 . For example, the outfeed conveyor 30 can be designed as a transport star, as in 1 is shown. Alternatively, the outfeed conveyor 30 can be designed, for example, as a linear conveyor.

The outfeed conveyor 30 can, for example, be part of a filling device for filling the containers 12 . The filling device can fill the containers 12, preferably with a liquid or pasty medium. The filling device is preferably designed as a filler carousel. The filling device can have a number of filling valves for filling a number of containers 12 at the same time. For example, the filling valves can be arranged around a circumference of the filling device designed as a filler carousel. The filling device may be located downstream of the conveyor 18 with respect to a container flow. The filling device can be arranged within the chamber 16 .

The at least one guide track 20 is preferably closed or circumferential. For example, the at least one guide track 20 can be circular, ring-shaped, oval, or elliptical. If several guide tracks 20 are included, they preferably extend parallel to one another or one above the other. The at least one guide track 20 can be designed, for example, as a roller track or guide rail.

The at least one movement device 22 preferably comprises a plurality of movement devices 22, as in 1 is shown. For better legibility, several movement devices 22 are therefore always mentioned below. However, the features described can also be used in embodiments in which only one movement device 22 is included.

The moving devices 22 each have a base body 32 , a holder 34 and a connecting device 36 . The movement devices 22 can also have a chassis 38 .

The movement devices 22 can be moved along the at least one guide track 20 . Specifically, the base bodies 32 of the movement devices 22 can be guided along the at least one guide track 20 . The base bodies 32 are preferably each connected to the at least one guide track 20 by means of the running gear 38 . The undercarriage 38 can physically contact the at least one guideway 20 . The respective movement device 22 can be carried on the at least one guide track 20 by means of the running gear 38 . For example, the chassis 38 can be supported on or on the at least one guideway 20 .

The chassis 38 can be designed, for example, as a roller chassis with one or more rollers. The rollers can roll along the at least one guideway 20 . Alternatively, the chassis 38 can have, for example, one or more sliding blocks that can slide along the at least one guide track 20 .

The movement devices 22 can be moved or driven individually or independently of one another along the at least one guide track 20 . Preferably, the device 10 can be a linear drive system 40, e.g. B. long-stator linear drive system or short-stator linear drive system, for driving the moving devices 22 individually. The linear drive system 40 can be arranged in the housing 24 .

For example, in a long-stator linear drive system, a number of long-stator segments, each having a number of electromagnets, can be arranged along the at least one guideway 20, e.g. B. run parallel to it. The long stator segments can be converted into magnetic Wec act with permanent magnets of the movement devices 22 in order to drive or move the movement devices 22 along the at least one guide track 20 individually. The permanent magnets are preferably accommodated in the base bodies 32 .

In contrast, in the case of a short-stator linear drive system, for example, a plurality of permanent magnets can be arranged along the at least one guide track 20, e.g. B. run parallel to it. The movement devices 22 can each have at least one electromagnet (e.g. accommodated in the base bodies 32), which can interact magnetically with the permanent magnets in order to drive the movement devices 22.

The electromagnets of the long-stator linear drive or the short-stator linear drive can preferably be encapsulated in a gas-tight manner, for example to prevent the disinfectant from coming into contact with the electromagnet. Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnets themselves or housings of the electromagnets can be coated with a protective coating that is essentially impervious to the disinfectant.

However, completely different individual drive concepts for the moving devices 22 are also conceivable, e.g. B. per movement device 22 at least one electric motor that drives the rollers of the movement devices 22.

Bracket 34 can hold container 12 for transport. The holder 34 can be designed in any way that can enable the containers 12 to be held. For example, the holder 34 can hold a container 12 on its container neck, on its container neck ring, on its container jacket and/or on its container bottom. The holder 34 can hold the container 12, for example, in so-called neck handling or in so-called base handling. The holder 34 can have, for example, a gripper, a clamp or a support plate. The mount 34 can be active or passive. It is possible that the holder 34 can also carry the respective container 12 . Alternatively, the holder 34 can only hold the container 12 when moving, e.g. B. Sliding, hold or support over a transport surface.

The connecting device 36 connects the base body 32 and the holder 34 to one another. The connecting device 36 can carry the holder 34 on the base body 32 . The connecting device 36 can have, for example, a linkage or at least one support arm.

The enclosure 24 may enclose or surround a major portion of the conveyor 18 . The at least one guide track 20 and the base body 32 of the movement devices 22 are arranged in the housing 24 . The brackets 34 are arranged outside of the housing 24 in the chamber 16 . The housing 24 has an opening 42 through which the connecting devices 36 of the moving devices 22 extend (see FIG 2 ). The housing 24 is preferably arranged in the chamber 16 .

In operation, the moving devices 22 can move partially inside and partially outside of the enclosure 24, respectively. As the movers 22 move, the mounts 34 and a portion of the connectors 36 adjacent the mounts 34 may move outside the enclosure 24 within the chamber 16 . When moving the moving devices 22, the base body 32, the chassis 38 and a section of the connecting devices 36 adjoining the base body 32 can move within the housing 24.

The enclosure 24 may enclose the at least one guideway 20 along the entire length of the at least one guideway 20 . A course of the housing 24 can be adapted to a course of the at least one guide track 20 . For example, the housing 24 can follow the course of the at least one guideway 20 . The housing 24 can be designed, for example, as a tubular housing. Just like the at least one guide track 20, the housing 24 can also be circumferential or have a closed course.

The opening 42 is preferably designed as a circumferential gap or slot. For example, the opening 42 can lie in a horizontal plane. The opening 42 can preferably be arranged on a longitudinal side of the housing 24 . Alternatively, the opening 42 can be arranged, for example, on an upper side or an underside of the housing.

The opening 42 may connect an interior of the enclosure 24 to an environment of the enclosure 24 in the chamber 16 . The opening 42 preferably has a dimension (e.g. height or width) which is adapted to a dimension (e.g. height or width) of the connecting device 36 . For example, the dimensioning of the opening 42 can essentially correspond to the dimensioning of the connecting device 36 or be only slightly larger than the dimensioning of the connecting device 36 in order to enable the connecting device 36 to be guided through the opening 42 preferably without contact.

The housing 24 can have at least one outlet channel 44 . Gas contaminated with particles, for example, can be discharged from the housing 24 via the at least one outlet channel 44 . The at least one outlet channel 44 preferably leads to an environment of the device 10 outside of the chamber 16. An inlet of the at least one outlet channel 44 can preferably be arranged on a side of the housing 24 opposite the opening 42, as in 2 is shown.

It is possible for the device 10 to have a suction device 46, as in FIG 1 is shown. The suction device 46 can be connected to the at least one outlet channel 44 for sucking in and discharging gas from the housing 24 . For example, the intake device 46 can have a blower or a compressor.

The 3 shows a versus the 1 and 2 modified embodiment, of which the main differences to the embodiment of the following 1 and 2 are described. It goes without saying that the two exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another, with the combinability in each case relating to the complete exemplary embodiment and to the respective individual features of the two exemplary embodiments.

The device 10' of FIG 3 has at least one outlet channel 44 which is arranged in an area around the opening 42 around. An inlet of the at least one outlet passage 44 may be located adjacent to the opening 42 . The inlet of the at least one outlet channel 44 can thus discharge gas from an area that is passed by the connecting devices 36 of the movement devices 22 during the movement of the movement devices 22 along the at least one guide track 20 . Starting from its inlet, the at least one outlet channel 44 can, for example, extend vertically upwards (as in 3 shown) or extend downwards.

The opening 42 can have a stepped profile or a shoulder. Likewise, the connecting devices 36 can have a stepped course or shoulder, which is arranged in the stepped opening. The inlet of the at least one outlet channel 44 is preferably arranged at the step or shoulder of the opening 42 .

Optionally, the housing 24 can have an inflow channel 48 through which gas, preferably clean air, can flow into the housing 24, e.g. B. from inside or outside the chamber 16.

Below is another operation of the device 10 or 10' with reference to FIG 1 until 3 described.

During operation, the movement devices 22 can be driven and moved individually along the at least one guideway 20 . The moving device 22 can take over the containers 12 from the infeed conveyor 28 with their holders 34, transport them to the outfeed conveyor 30 and transfer them to the outfeed conveyor 30. If necessary, the containers 12 can be treated on the optional container treatment device 14 .

During operation, the chamber 16 is pressurized with an overpressure and/or a disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide. The housing 24 can prevent particles from escaping from the housing 24 during operation of the device 10 or 10' and contaminating the chamber 16 or the containers 12 moved therein.

Gas from the chamber 16 can flow through the opening 42 into the housing 24 due to the overpressure in the chamber 16 and/or the suction by the suction device 46, which prevents the particles from escaping through the opening 42 to the outside of the housing 24. The particles can arise, for example, as a result of the moving devices 22 moving along the at least one guide track 20 and can be distributed within the housing 24 . The particles can have wear particles of the running gear 38, which are caused, for example, by the rolling of rollers of the running gear 38 on the at least one guideway 20. The particles may also include lubricant particles of a lubricant used to lubricate the track 20 .

The gas contaminated with the particles can be continuously discharged from the housing 24 into an environment outside the chamber 16 through the at least one outlet channel 44 . The gas can flow out of the housing 24 through the at least one outlet channel 44 along a pressure gradient, since the pressure (ambient pressure) in the environment can be lower than in the chamber 16, which is pressurized. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure gradient can be generated by the suction device 46 effected or supported.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the opponent stood and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also independent of all the features of independent claim 1 and, for example, are independent of the features relating to the presence and/or configuration of the chamber, the guideway, the at least one movement device, the base body, the holder, the connecting device and/or or the enclosure of independent claim 1.

Reference List

10

Device for transporting containers

12

container

14

container treatment device

16

chamber

18

sponsor

20

guideway

22

moving device

24

enclosure

26

Positive pressure and/or disinfectant source

28

infeed conveyor

30

exit conveyor

32

body

34

bracket

36

connecting device

38

landing gear

40

linear drive system

42

opening

44

exhaust port

46

suction device

48

inflow channel

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 3670404 A1 [0004]
• EP 3590874 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Device (10) for transporting containers (12), comprising: a chamber (16), preferably an overpressure chamber, wherein the chamber (16) can be subjected to an overpressure relative to the surroundings of the chamber (16) and/or to a disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide; a preferably closed guide track (20); at least one movement device (22) which can be driven individually and has: - A base body (32) which is guided on the guide track (20); - a holder (34) for holding a container (12); and - A connecting device (36) which connects the base body (32) and the holder (34) to one another; a housing (24) in which the guide track (20) and the base body (32) of the at least one movement device (22) are arranged, the connecting device (36) extending through an opening (42) of the housing (24) and the Holder (34) is arranged outside of the housing (24) in the chamber (16). Device (10) after claim 1 , further comprising: an overpressure source (26), preferably a clean air source or a sterile air source, the overpressure source (26) being connected to the overpressure for loading the chamber (16); and/or a disinfectant source (26) connected to apply the disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide, to the chamber (16). Device (10) after claim 1 or claim 2 wherein: the housing (24) has at least one outlet channel (44) for discharging gas that has flowed out of the chamber (16) through the opening (42) into the housing (24). Device (10) after claim 3 wherein: the at least one outlet passage (44) leads to an environment of the device (10) outside of the chamber (16); and/or the device (10) has a suction device (46) which is connected to the at least one outlet channel (44) for sucking gas out of the housing (24). Device (10) after claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the at least one outlet channel (44) has at least one inlet which: is arranged adjacent to the, preferably stepped, opening (42); and/or is arranged on a side of the housing (24) opposite the opening (42). Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one movement device (22) can be driven individually by means of a long-stator linear drive (40) or a short-stator linear drive (40). Device (10) after claim 6 , wherein: electromagnets of the long-stator linear drive (40) or the short-stator linear drive (40) are encapsulated in a gas-tight manner and/or are coated with a protective coating that is insensitive to the disinfectant. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the enclosure (24) is located in the chamber (16); and or the enclosure (24) encloses the track (20) along its entire length; and or the opening (42) of the housing (24) is designed as a circumferential gap. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a container manufacturing device, preferably container blowing device, for manufacturing the containers (12), the container manufacturing device being arranged in the chamber (16) and connected for transporting containers (12) to the at least one moving device (22); and or a filling device, preferably a filler carousel, for filling the containers (12), the filling device being arranged in the chamber (16) and connected to receive containers (12) from the at least one moving device (22). Method for operating a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: subjecting the chamber (16) to excess pressure and/or a disinfectant, preferably hydrogen peroxide; and Preventing particles from escaping from the housing (24) by a preferably continuous inflow of gas from the chamber (16) through the opening (42) into the housing (24), preferably caused by the chamber (16) being charged with the excess pressure and/or by sucking gas out of the housing (24). procedure after claim 10 , further comprising: discharging, preferably continuously discharging, gas from the housing (24) through at least one outlet channel (44) of the housing (24) ent along a pressure gradient, preferably to an environment outside the chamber (16). procedure after claim 11 , wherein the gas from the housing (24) flows into the at least one outlet channel (44) at at least one position which: from the connecting device (36) of the at least one movement device (22) during movement of the at least one movement device (22) along the guide track (20) is passed; and/or is adjacent to the preferably stepped opening (42); and/or is arranged on a side of the housing (24) opposite the opening (42). Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 12 , further comprising: moving the at least one moving device (22) along the guide track (20) for transporting the containers (12), whereby the particles are formed and/or distributed within the housing (24). Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 13 , wherein: the particles are wear particles from a running gear (38) guided on the guideway (20), preferably roller running gear, which has at least one movement device (22) and/or lubricant particles of a lubricant for lubricating the guideway (20). Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 14 wherein: the chamber (16) has a clean room atmosphere, sterile room atmosphere or aseptic room atmosphere.

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