EP1708923B1 - Method and device for producing and filling containers - Google Patents

Method and device for producing and filling containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1708923B1
EP1708923B1 EP04804314A EP04804314A EP1708923B1 EP 1708923 B1 EP1708923 B1 EP 1708923B1 EP 04804314 A EP04804314 A EP 04804314A EP 04804314 A EP04804314 A EP 04804314A EP 1708923 B1 EP1708923 B1 EP 1708923B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sterile
filling
hose
filler opening
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
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EP04804314A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1708923A1 (en
Inventor
Bernd Hansen
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to PL04804314T priority Critical patent/PL1708923T3/en
Publication of EP1708923A1 publication Critical patent/EP1708923A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/02—Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
    • B65B9/24—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the tubes being formed in situ by extrusion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/02—Forming flat bags from individual sheets or blanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases
    • B65B55/103—Sterilising flat or tubular webs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing and filling containers in which at least one tube of plasticized plastic material is extruded into an open mold, the tube is welded at its leading end when closing the mold to form the container bottom, the tube above the mold is severed to form a filling opening by means of a separating element and the mold is moved with the tube having the open filling opening in a filling position in which the container, after it has been formed by generating a pressure gradient acting on the tube and this widening in the mold , filled and then closed, wherein the filling opening of the tube is at least covered by its formation until filling of the associated container under a sterile room by a sterile barrier.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method.
  • bottelpack ® which enable an automated forms (blowing or vacuum molding), filling and closing containers in an economical manner.
  • highly sensitive products are to be placed in the containers,
  • pharmaceuticals that meet international standards for aseptic packaging when placed in the filling position, are in a so-called sterile filling chamber (ASR) in soft sterile air over the open filling opening of the containers flows and provides effective protection against the ingress of germs until, after completion of the filling operation, movable head jaws of the mold are closed to form the desired head closure of the container by a combined vacuum welding operation.
  • ASR sterile filling chamber
  • the open filling opening during the sliding movement of the mold from the extrusion position in which the formed tube is cut under the extruder die and the filling opening is formed is not complete until reaching the filling position protected, even if the process is carried out in a clean room.
  • the hose having the filling opening forms an open-topped container.
  • the known sterile barrier is formed by a heatable plate which is movable together with the dividing element which divides the tube and which is heated to a germicidal temperature, preferably of more than 120 ° C.
  • the movable sterile barrier is in such a position arrangement and provided with such dimensions that, in the working position of the separating element, it is located above the movement path of the mold leading into the filling position and covers the filling opening, until it has reached the filling sterile space.
  • the present invention seeks to further optimize the known solution in terms of improving the sterility in the filling opening of a container to even sterile / sterile in the highly sensitive products for medical / pharmaceutical application To be able to spend containers.
  • This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 in its entirety and a device having the features of patent claim 9.
  • Sterile air and / or nitrogen and / or further media, such as other inert gases, hydrogen peroxide, etc., which are brought from the media delivery device to the filling opening, are preferably suitable as sterile media.
  • the medium conveying device with a predeterminable overpressure spend the respective sterile medium in the direction of the filling opening and / or a suction device as part of the media conveyor supports the pertinent conveying direction with negative pressure, wherein the suction device then also excess, sterile medium, from the point of the filling opening to the outside transported away from the molding apparatus, but preferably sucks non-living (non-viable) particles.
  • sterile means such as steam or hydrogen peroxide.
  • the sterilization of the barrier preferably takes place before the respective start-up, but can be initiated at discrete intervals during production breaks.
  • the sterile medium preferably in the form of an inert gas for filling the container can be used, for example, if the product content is sensitive to oxygen.
  • the sterile barrier moves as a plate-shaped cover formed with an inlet and a discharge for the respective sterile medium together with the separator for cutting the plastic tubing or there is a synchronous movement with parts of the manufacturing form.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show parts of an apparatus for producing plastic containers in the blow molding process, wherein by means of an extruder 10, a tube 12 of molten plastic material between the two mold halves 14 of a mold 16 is extruded, in the Fig.1a in the open state and in Figs. 1b and 1c is shown in the closed state. After extruding the tube 12 into the opened mold 16, the tube 12 between the nozzle exit of the extruder device 10 and the top of the mold 16 is severed with a knife 28.
  • 1b, 1c show the mold 16 in the closed state, wherein the parts forming the main part of the container to be formed from the tube 12, namely the mold halves 14, have moved together such that bottom welding edges at the lower end of the tube 12 perform a welding operation run to close the hose 12 along a bottom-side weld (not shown).
  • FIG. 1 c shows the mold 16 in a filling position, in which the mold is displaced sideways in relation to the position shown in FIG. 1 a, b and oriented towards the extruder device 10.
  • the container (not shown), which was previously formed by blown through the open filling port 18 by means of a blowing mandrel, not shown, is filled via the filling opening 18 with the respective filling material.
  • 1c shows the end of the filling mandrel 20 to be introduced into the respective filling opening 18 for this purpose. The vertical up and down movement of the filling mandrels 20 in FIG.
  • 1c is represented by a double arrow 22, as is the lateral reciprocating movement of the mold 16 with a double arrow 24 and the possible opening and closing movement of the two mold jaws 14 of the mold 16 with a double arrow 26.
  • the molding and filling of the container by means of a combined blower Filling mandrel done.
  • the mold 16 shown is not limited to the manufacture of one or two containers, but will usually produce a plurality of containers arranged in series next to one another, the simpler representation being explained on the basis of the manufacturing process on only one container.
  • the mold In the filling position shown in Fig. 1c, the mold is below a so-called.
  • Filling sterile room (ASR) which is not shown in detail in the figures and acts as an aseptic shielding of the filling opening 18, which has been formed by the preceding separation process on the tube 12 is.
  • ASR Filling sterile room
  • the Standdorn After filling the container, the Golfdorn is moved upwards and the still open movable upper welding or head jaws (not shown) of the mold 16 are moved together to effect the shaping of the container neck and / or to close this simultaneously by welding.
  • the pertinent production steps are customary in this respect and subject of the already mentioned bottelpack ® system.
  • FIG. 1a shows the operating state prior to cutting through the respective extruded tube 12, wherein serving as a separating element 28 heatable blade is arranged at a predetermined distance and thus also without a gap at the front of a plate-like cover member 30, which serves as a sterile barrier, and Separating element 28 together with cover 30 are reciprocally moved in the directions indicated by double arrow 32, and from a basic position according to Fig.1a in a working position according to Fig.1b and vice versa.
  • a sterile medium 34 can be transported in the direction of the filling opening 18 by means of a medium conveying device designated as a whole by 36.
  • Suitable sterile media 34 are sterile air and / or nitrogen and / or other media, such as other inert gases, hydrogen peroxide, etc., which are brought from the media delivery device 36 to the respective filling opening 18.
  • the plate-shaped cover member 30 in the direction of the filling opening 18 on media discharge points 38 as part of the media conveyor 36, forming a kind of perforation in the plate 30 and the supply of the respective medium via entry points 40 in the direction of Allow filling opening 18 by the pertinent sterile medium 34 is blown in the direction of the filling opening 18.
  • the pertinent entry points 40 which are also part of the media conveyor, are present in the rear region of the cover 30, on the opposite side of the narrow end face of the cover 30 with the separator or knife 28.
  • the sterile medium can be supplied via the sterile barrier to the filling openings.
  • an inert gas for example nitrogen gas
  • this can also be used to keep the container filled with the inert gas, which makes sense, for example, if the product actually to be introduced into the container should be sensitive to oxygen.
  • the media conveying device 36 may have a suction device designated as a whole by 42, preferably in the manner of a vacuum device, which carries out the predetermined removal of the respective sterile medium 34 away from the filling opening 18 with a predeterminable negative pressure via central suction points 44 in the direction of the arrow.
  • the pertinent suction device as part of the media conveyor 36 is mainly used to extract the non-viable particles that are formed at the hose section. In this case, overflowing, sterile medium can be sucked out and brought out of the device. Preferably, there is an equilibrium between the amount of medium that flows out of the perforation by overpressure and the amount of medium that is sucked by the suction device 42.
  • the Abschreibschitzkeit on the central Absaugstellen 44 is shown in the figures with arrows accordingly, and further surrounds the suction or vacuum device 42, the plate-shaped cover 30 like a frame in the form of rectangularly arranged frame members 46, but the rest of the inlet and outlet of the sterile Release the barrier in the form of the cover element 30.
  • the sterile medium is supplied at a temperature which satisfies the sterility conditions, for example by the medium 34 having a temperature of more than 120 ° C, preferably such a temperature in the range of 150 ° C to 200 ° C.
  • the sterile barrier and thus the cover 30, which is preferably constructed of stainless steel materials, be heated to the temperature range mentioned. If the suction device 42 is heated over the sufficient Leia be. If the suction device 42 has the sufficient power potential, the medium 34 need not be supplied via a pump or blower device, but it is sufficient if necessary, the suction to ensure the media management and thus the flow of the respective filling port 18th
  • the closed mold 16 comes to the filling station according to the illustration according to FIG. 1c, whereby here the sterile safety, as already explained, on the Filling sterile room (ASR) is ensured.
  • ASR Filling sterile room
  • the sterile barrier in the form of the covering element 30 is spatially separated from the separating element 28 and can be moved independently of it.
  • the cover member 30 is associated with at least one of the mold halves and, as the illustration in Fig.2b shows, the two mold halves 14 can be moved under the sterile barrier, in which case a synchronous movement between cover 30 and the mold halves 14 vonstatten can go.
  • the sterile barrier in the form of the cover 30 is moved with obvious when moving the mold 16 to the filling station according to the illustration of Fig.2c.
  • the mold moves to the separating element 28 (knife), which cuts thereby and synchronously drives the plate as a sterile barrier (identical to the illustration of FIG. 1).
  • the mold moves with the plate-like cover member 30 in the filling position. Once there, the plate moves backwards, so that the blowing and filling mandrel can enter into the opening 18.
  • After closing the container along its head side then moves the open mold together with the plate as a sterile barrier back into the initial or in the tube position.
  • the separating element 28 is arranged at the same height, but preferably below the covering element 30, in a vertical arrangement.
  • the inventive method is preferably used for the simultaneous production of a plurality of containers, preferably in the form of small-volume containers in the form of ampoules, wherein the formation of the container by blow molding or in particular in very small-volume containers can also be carried out by vacuum molding.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Constitution Of High-Frequency Heating (AREA)

Abstract

A method ignites the combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber (5) of engine (2), by introducing microwave radiation into the combustion chamber (5). The microwave radiation is produced in a microwave source (7) on the outside of the combustion chamber (5). The introduced microwave radiation is absorbed by the fuel distributed in the combustion chamber (5). The supply of energy, in the fuel, arising from absorption, distributes combustion in a large-volume in the combustion chamber (5), preferably in the entire combustion chamber (5) and in a homogenous manner, and is essentially simultaneously ignited. An associated ignition device (1) and an associated engine (2) are also provided.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Herstellen und Befüllen von Behältern, bei dem zumindest ein Schlauch plastifizierten Kunststoff materials in eine geöffnete Form hinein extrudiert wird, der Schlauch an seinem vorauseilenden Ende beim Schließen der Form zur Bildung des Behälterbodens verschweißt wird, der Schlauch oberhalb der Form zur Bildung einer Füllöffnung mittels eines Trennelementes durchtrennt wird und die Form mit dem die offene Füllöffnung aufweisenden Schlauch in eine Füllposition bewegt wird, in welcher der Behälter, nachdem dieser durch Erzeugen eines am Schlauch wirksamen und diesen aufweitenden Druckgradienten in der Form ausgebildet worden ist, befüllt und anschließend verschlossen wird, wobei die Füllöffnung des Schlauches zumindest von ihrer Bildung bis zum Befüllen des zugehörigen Behälters unter einem Sterilraum durch eine sterile Barriere abgedeckt wird. Außerdem bezieht sich die Erfindung auf eine Vorrichtung für die Durchführung eines derartigen Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for producing and filling containers in which at least one tube of plasticized plastic material is extruded into an open mold, the tube is welded at its leading end when closing the mold to form the container bottom, the tube above the mold is severed to form a filling opening by means of a separating element and the mold is moved with the tube having the open filling opening in a filling position in which the container, after it has been formed by generating a pressure gradient acting on the tube and this widening in the mold , filled and then closed, wherein the filling opening of the tube is at least covered by its formation until filling of the associated container under a sterile room by a sterile barrier. In addition, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Im einschlägigen Stand der Technik ist unter der Markenangabe bottelpack® ein Herstellverfahren nebst Herstellvorrichtung bekannt, die ein automatisiertes Formen (Blasen oder Vakuumformen), Füllen und Verschließen von Behältnissen auf wirtschaftliche Art und Weise ermöglichen. Wenn hochsensible Erzeugnisse in die genannten Behältnisse eingefüllt werden sollen, beispielsweise Pharmazeutika, bei denen die internationalen Standards für die aseptische Verpackung zu erfüllen sind, befindet sich die Form, wenn sie in die Füllposition verbracht ist, unter einem sog. Abfüll-Sterilraum (ASR), in weichem sterile Luft über die offene Füllöffnung der Behälter strömt und einen wirksamen Schutz gegen das Eindringen von Keimen bildet, bis nach Beendigen des Füllvorganges bewegliche Kopfbacken der Form geschlossen werden, um durch einen kombinierten Vakuum-Schweißvorgang den gewünschten Kopfverschluß des Behälters auszubilden. Dahingehende Abfüll-Sterilräume und ihre Einrichtungen zum sterilen Befüllen von Behältnissen sind im Stand der Technik bekannt, beispielsweise in Form der DE 19G 48 087 A1 oder der US 6,098,676 .In the relevant prior art, together with a manufacturing method manufacturing apparatus is known under the trademark indication bottelpack ®, which enable an automated forms (blowing or vacuum molding), filling and closing containers in an economical manner. If highly sensitive products are to be placed in the containers, For example, pharmaceuticals that meet international standards for aseptic packaging, when placed in the filling position, are in a so-called sterile filling chamber (ASR) in soft sterile air over the open filling opening of the containers flows and provides effective protection against the ingress of germs until, after completion of the filling operation, movable head jaws of the mold are closed to form the desired head closure of the container by a combined vacuum welding operation. These filling sterile rooms and their facilities for the sterile filling of containers are known in the art, for example in the form of DE 19 G 48 087 A1 or the US 6,098,676 ,

Während die Füllöffnung durch den Abfüll-Sterilraum in der Füllposition wirksam geschützt ist, ist die offene Füllöffnung während der Verschiebebewegung der Form von der Extrusionsposition, in der der gebildete Schlauch unter der Extruderdüse durchtrennt und die Füllöffnung gebildet wird, bis zum Erreichen der Füllposition nicht vollständig geschützt, selbst wenn das Verfahren in einem Reinraum durchgeführt wird. Mit anderen Worten gesagt, bildet der die Füllöffnung aufweisende Schlauch während der Bewegung der Form in die Füllposition ein an der Oberseite offenes Behältnis. Um die Sterilitätssicherheit zu erhöhen, ist in der DE 100 63 282 A1 als gattungsgemäßem Stand der Technik bereits ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung vorgeschlagen worden, die dafür Sorge tragen, dass die Füllöffnung des Schlauches während der Bewegung der Form in die Füllposition durch eine sterile Barriere abgedeckt wird. Die bekannte sterile Barriere ist durch eine zusammen mit dem den Schlauch durchtrennenden Trennelement bewegliche, beheizbare Platte gebildet, die auf eine keimabtötende Temperatur, vorzugsweise von mehr als 120°C, erhitzt wird. Die bewegbare sterile Barriere ist dabei in solcher Lageanordnung und mit solchen Abmessungen versehen, dass sie sich bei der Arbeitsposition des Trennelementes oberhalb der in die Füllposition führenden Bewegungsbahn der Form befindet und die Füllöffnung überdeckt, und zwar so lange, bis diese den Abfüll-Sterilraum erreicht hat.While the filling opening is effectively protected by the filling sterile space in the filling position, the open filling opening during the sliding movement of the mold from the extrusion position in which the formed tube is cut under the extruder die and the filling opening is formed, is not complete until reaching the filling position protected, even if the process is carried out in a clean room. In other words, during the movement of the mold into the filling position, the hose having the filling opening forms an open-topped container. To increase the sterility security is in the DE 100 63 282 A1 As the generic prior art, a method and a device have been proposed, which ensure that the filling opening of the tube is covered during the movement of the mold in the filling position by a sterile barrier. The known sterile barrier is formed by a heatable plate which is movable together with the dividing element which divides the tube and which is heated to a germicidal temperature, preferably of more than 120 ° C. The movable sterile barrier is in such a position arrangement and provided with such dimensions that, in the working position of the separating element, it is located above the movement path of the mold leading into the filling position and covers the filling opening, until it has reached the filling sterile space.

Mit dieser bekannten Lösung ist nicht nur die Gefahr vermieden, dass nach dem Durchtrennen des Schlauches Fremdkörper in die offene Füllöffnung fallen könnten, bevor die Form den Abfüll-Sterilraum erreicht hat, sondern die sterile Barriere verhindert während dieses Verfahrensabschnittes auch den Zutritt von Keimen zur Füllöffnung, so dass insoweit bereits sehr weitgehend die gewünschte Keimfreiheit erreicht ist.With this known solution not only the risk is avoided that after cutting the tube foreign matter could fall into the open filling opening before the mold has reached the filling sterile room, but the sterile barrier prevents the access of germs to the filling opening during this process section , so that in this respect already largely the desired sterility is achieved.

Ausgehend von diesem nächstkommenden Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, die bekannte Lösung im Hinblick auf die Verbesserung der Keimfreiheit im Bereich der Füllöffnung eines Behälters noch weiter zu optimieren, um auch hochsensible Erzeugnisse für den medizinisch/pharmazeutischen Anwendungsbereich steril/keimfrei in die Behälter verbringen zu können. Eine dahingehende Aufgabe löst ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruches 1 in seiner Gesamtheit sowie eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruches 9.Based on this closest prior art, the present invention seeks to further optimize the known solution in terms of improving the sterility in the filling opening of a container to even sterile / sterile in the highly sensitive products for medical / pharmaceutical application To be able to spend containers. This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 in its entirety and a device having the features of patent claim 9.

Dadurch, dass bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren sowie zugehörige Vorrichtung gemäß dem kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruches 1 bzw. des Patentanspruches 9 mittels der sterilen Barriere mindestens ein steriles Medium mittels einer Mediumfördereinrichtung in Richtung der Füllöffnung des Behälters gebracht wird, wird unmittelbar nach Durchtrennen des Schlauches mittels des Trennelementes (Messerschneide) die Sterilität (hohe Keimfreiheit) dadurch gewährleistet, dass das sterile Medium zumindest die Füllöffnung überstreicht und dergestalt Keime jedweder Art von der Füllöffnung abdrängt bzw. erst gar nicht den dahingehenden Zutritt in Richtung der Füllöffnung ermöglicht.The fact that in the inventive method and associated apparatus according to the characterizing part of claim 1 and of claim 9 is brought by means of the sterile barrier at least one sterile medium by means of a medium conveying device in the direction of the filling opening of the container is immediately after severing the tube by means of Trennelementes (knife edge) the sterility (high sterility) ensured by the fact that the sterile medium covers at least the filling opening and thus germs of any kind of the filling opening pushes or even not the pending access in the direction of the filling opening allows.

Vorzugsweise kommen als sterile Medien sterile Luft und/oder Stickstoff und/oder weitere Medien, wie andere inerte Gase, Wasserstoffperoxyd etc. in Frage, die von der Medienfördereinrichtung zu der Füllöffnung gebracht werden. Dabei kann die Medienfördereinrichtung mit einem vorgebbaren Überdruck das jeweilige sterile Medium in Richtung der Füllöffnung verbringen und/oder eine Absaugeinrichtung als Teil der Medienfördereinrichtung unterstützt die dahingehende Förderrichtung mit Unterdruck, wobei die Absaugeinrichtung dann auch überschüssiges, steriles Medium, von der Stelle der Füllöffnung nach außen hin aus der Formvorrichtung abtransportiert, vorzugsweise jedoch nicht lebende (non viable) Partikel absaugt. Zum Sterilisieren der sterilen Barriere nebst den Zuführleitungen der Medienfördereinrichtung dienen sterile Mittel wie Dampf oder Wasserstoffperoxid. Die Sterilisierung der Barriere findet vorzugsweise vor der jeweiligen Inbetriebnahme statt, kann aber in zeitlich diskreten Abständen während der Produktionspausen veranlaßt werden. Auch kann das sterile Medium, vorzugsweise in Form eines inerten Gases zum Befüllen des Behältnisses eingesetzt werden, beispielsweise wenn dessen Produktinhalt sauerstoffempfindlich ist.Sterile air and / or nitrogen and / or further media, such as other inert gases, hydrogen peroxide, etc., which are brought from the media delivery device to the filling opening, are preferably suitable as sterile media. In this case, the medium conveying device with a predeterminable overpressure spend the respective sterile medium in the direction of the filling opening and / or a suction device as part of the media conveyor supports the pertinent conveying direction with negative pressure, wherein the suction device then also excess, sterile medium, from the point of the filling opening to the outside transported away from the molding apparatus, but preferably sucks non-living (non-viable) particles. To sterilize the sterile barrier together with the feed lines of the media conveyor are sterile means such as steam or hydrogen peroxide. The sterilization of the barrier preferably takes place before the respective start-up, but can be initiated at discrete intervals during production breaks. Also, the sterile medium, preferably in the form of an inert gas for filling the container can be used, for example, if the product content is sensitive to oxygen.

In weiterer vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sowie der Vorrichtung bewegt sich die sterile Barriere als plattenförmiges Abdeckelement ausgebildet mit einer Zu- und einer Abfuhr für das jeweilige sterile Medium zusammen mit dem Trennelement zum Durchtrennen der Kunststoffschläuche oder es erfolgt eine synchrone Bewegung mit Teilen der Herstellform.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention and the device, the sterile barrier moves as a plate-shaped cover formed with an inlet and a discharge for the respective sterile medium together with the separator for cutting the plastic tubing or there is a synchronous movement with parts of the manufacturing form.

Im folgenden wird das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren sowie die Vorrichtung anhand zweier Ausführungsbeispiele nach der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen in prinzipieller und nicht maßstäblicher Darstellung die

Fig. 1a,b,c
eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die wesentlichen Teile des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Herstellvorrichtung;
Fig. 2a,b,c
eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die wesentlichen Teile des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer geänderten Herstellvorrichtung.
In the following the method according to the invention and the device will be explained in more detail with reference to two embodiments according to the drawing. This show in principle and not to scale representation of the
Fig. 1a, b, c
a perspective view of the essential parts of the first embodiment of a manufacturing device;
Fig. 2a, b, c
a perspective view of the essential parts of the second embodiment of a modified manufacturing device.

Die Fig.1 und 2 zeigen Teile einer Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Kunststoffbehältern im Blasformverfahren, wobei mittels einer Extrudereinrichtung 10 ein Schlauch 12 aus aufgeschmolzenem Kunststoffmaterial zwischen die beiden Formhälften 14 einer Form 16 extrudiert wird, die in der Fig.1a im geöffneten Zustand und in den Fig. 1b und 1c im geschlossenen Zustand dargestellt ist. Nach dem Extrudieren des Schlauches 12 in die geöffnete Form 16 wird der Schlauch 12 zwischen dem Düsenaustritt der Extrudereinrichtung 10 und der Oberseite der Form 16 mit Messer 28 durchtrennt. Die Fig. 1b, 1c zeigen die Form 16 in geschlossenem Zustand, wobei die für den Hauptteil des aus dem Schlauch 12 zu bildenden Behälters formgebenden Teile, nämlich die Formhälften 14, so zusammengefahren sind, dass bodenseitige Schweißkanten am unteren Ende des Schlauches 12 einen Schweißvorgang ausführen, um den Schlauch 12 entlang einer bodenseitigen Schweißnaht (nicht dargestellt) zu verschließen.1 and 2 show parts of an apparatus for producing plastic containers in the blow molding process, wherein by means of an extruder 10, a tube 12 of molten plastic material between the two mold halves 14 of a mold 16 is extruded, in the Fig.1a in the open state and in Figs. 1b and 1c is shown in the closed state. After extruding the tube 12 into the opened mold 16, the tube 12 between the nozzle exit of the extruder device 10 and the top of the mold 16 is severed with a knife 28. FIGS. 1b, 1c show the mold 16 in the closed state, wherein the parts forming the main part of the container to be formed from the tube 12, namely the mold halves 14, have moved together such that bottom welding edges at the lower end of the tube 12 perform a welding operation run to close the hose 12 along a bottom-side weld (not shown).

Die Fig.1c zeigt die Form 16 in einer Füllposition, in die die Form gegenüber der in Fig.1a,b gezeigten, auf die Extrudereinrichtung 10 ausgerichteten Position seitwärts verschoben ist. In dieser Füllposition wird der Behälter (nicht dargestellt), der zuvor ausgebildet wurde, indem mittels eines nicht gezeigten Blasdornes Blasluft durch die offene Füllöffnung 18 eingeblasen worden ist, über die Füllöffnung 18 mit dem jeweiligen Füllgut befüllt. Die Fig.1c zeigt dabei das Ende des zu diesem Zweck in die jeweilige Füllöffnung 18 einzuführenden Fülldornes 20. Die senkrechte Auf und Abbewegung der Fülldorne 20 in der Fig.1c ist mit einem Doppelpfeil 22 wiedergegeben, ebenso die seitliche Hin- und Herbewegung der Form 16 mit einem Doppelpfeil 24 und die mögliche Öffnungs- und Schließbewegung der beiden Formbacken 14 der Form 16 mit einem Doppelpfeil 26. Anstelle der Fülldorne 20 und eines zuvor eingeführten Blasdornes (nicht dargestellt) kann das Ausformen und Befüllen des Behälters auch mittels eines kombinierten Blas-Fülldornes erfolgen. Die gezeigte Form 16 ist nicht auf die Herstellung eines oder zweier Behälter eingeschränkt, sondern wird üblicherweise eine Vielzahl von in Reihe nebeneinander angeordneter Behälter herstellen, wobei der einfacheren Darstellung wegen der Herstellvorgang an nur einem Behälter erläutert ist.FIG. 1 c shows the mold 16 in a filling position, in which the mold is displaced sideways in relation to the position shown in FIG. 1 a, b and oriented towards the extruder device 10. In this filling position, the container (not shown), which was previously formed by blown through the open filling port 18 by means of a blowing mandrel, not shown, is filled via the filling opening 18 with the respective filling material. 1c shows the end of the filling mandrel 20 to be introduced into the respective filling opening 18 for this purpose. The vertical up and down movement of the filling mandrels 20 in FIG. 1c is represented by a double arrow 22, as is the lateral reciprocating movement of the mold 16 with a double arrow 24 and the possible opening and closing movement of the two mold jaws 14 of the mold 16 with a double arrow 26. Instead of Fülldorne 20 and a previously introduced mandrel (not shown), the molding and filling of the container by means of a combined blower Filling mandrel done. The mold 16 shown is not limited to the manufacture of one or two containers, but will usually produce a plurality of containers arranged in series next to one another, the simpler representation being explained on the basis of the manufacturing process on only one container.

In der in Fig. 1c gezeigten Füllposition befindet sich die Form unterhalb eines sog. Abfüll-Sterilraumes (ASR), der in den Figuren nicht näher dargestellt ist und als aseptische Abschirmung der Füllöffnung 18 wirkt, die durch den vorausgehenden Trennvorgang am Schlauch 12 gebildet worden ist. Nach dem Befüllen des Behälters wird der Fülldorn nach oben weggefahren und die noch geöffneten beweglichen oberen Schweiß- oder Kopfbacken (nicht dargestellt) der Form 16 werden zusammengefahren, um die Formgebung am Behälterhals zu bewirken und/oder diesen gleichzeitig durch Verschweißen zu verschließen. Die dahingehenden Herstellschritte sind insoweit üblich und Gegenstand des bereits erwähnten bottelpack®- Systems.In the filling position shown in Fig. 1c, the mold is below a so-called. Filling sterile room (ASR), which is not shown in detail in the figures and acts as an aseptic shielding of the filling opening 18, which has been formed by the preceding separation process on the tube 12 is. After filling the container, the Fülldorn is moved upwards and the still open movable upper welding or head jaws (not shown) of the mold 16 are moved together to effect the shaping of the container neck and / or to close this simultaneously by welding. The pertinent production steps are customary in this respect and subject of the already mentioned bottelpack ® system.

Die Fig. 1a zeigt den Betriebszustand vor dem Durchtrennen des jeweils extrudierten Schlauches 12, wobei eine als Trennelement 28 dienende beheizbare Schneide mit einem vorgebbaren Abstand und mithin auch abstandsfrei an der Vorderseite eines plattenartigen Abdeckelementes 30 angeordnet ist, das als sterile Barriere dient, und das Trennelement 28 nebst Abdeckelement 30 werden in den mit Doppelpfeil 32 angegebenen Richtungen hin- und hergehend bewegt, und zwar aus einer Grundposition nach der Fig.1a in eine Arbeitsposition nach der Fig.1b und umgekehrt.1a shows the operating state prior to cutting through the respective extruded tube 12, wherein serving as a separating element 28 heatable blade is arranged at a predetermined distance and thus also without a gap at the front of a plate-like cover member 30, which serves as a sterile barrier, and Separating element 28 together with cover 30 are reciprocally moved in the directions indicated by double arrow 32, and from a basic position according to Fig.1a in a working position according to Fig.1b and vice versa.

Mittels der sterilen Barriere in Form des plattenförmigen Abdeckelementes 30 läßt sich ein steriles Medium 34 in Richtung der Füllöffnung 18 mittels einer als Ganzes mit 36 bezeichneten Medienfördereinrichtung'transportieren. Als sterile Medien 34 kommt dabei sterile Luft und/oder Stickstoff und/oder weitere Medien, wie sonstige inerte Gase, Wasserstoffperoxyd etc. in Frage, die von der Medienfördereinrichtung 36 zu der jeweiligen Füllöffnung 18 gebracht werden. Für den Transport des jeweiligen sterilen Mediums 34 weist das plattenförmige Abdeckelement 30 in Richtung der Füllöffnung 18 Medien-Austrittsstellen 38 als Teil der Medienfördereinrichtung 36 auf, die in der Platte 30 eine Art Perforation ausbilden und die Zufuhr des jeweiligen Mediums über Eintrittsstellen 40 in Richtung der Füllöffnung 18 erlauben, indem das dahingehende sterile Medium 34 in Richtung der Füllöffnung 18 geblasen wird. Die dahingehenden Eintrittsstellen 40, die ebenfalls Bestandteil der Medienfördereinrichtung sind, sind im rückwärtigen Bereich des Abdeckelementes 30 vorhanden, und zwar auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite von der schmalen Stirnseite des Abdeckelementes 30 mit dem Trennelement oder Messer 28. Der Medientransport des sterilen Mediums 34, insbesondere in Form der sterilen Luft zu der Abdeckplatte 30 und durch die Medienaustrittsstellen 38 hindurch in Richtung der Füllöffnung 18 erfolgt mittels Überdruck.By means of the sterile barrier in the form of the plate-shaped cover element 30, a sterile medium 34 can be transported in the direction of the filling opening 18 by means of a medium conveying device designated as a whole by 36. Suitable sterile media 34 are sterile air and / or nitrogen and / or other media, such as other inert gases, hydrogen peroxide, etc., which are brought from the media delivery device 36 to the respective filling opening 18. For the transport of the respective sterile medium 34, the plate-shaped cover member 30 in the direction of the filling opening 18 on media discharge points 38 as part of the media conveyor 36, forming a kind of perforation in the plate 30 and the supply of the respective medium via entry points 40 in the direction of Allow filling opening 18 by the pertinent sterile medium 34 is blown in the direction of the filling opening 18. The pertinent entry points 40, which are also part of the media conveyor, are present in the rear region of the cover 30, on the opposite side of the narrow end face of the cover 30 with the separator or knife 28. The transport of the sterile media Medium 34, in particular in the form of sterile air to the cover plate 30 and through the media outlet points 38 in the direction of the filling opening 18 by means of overpressure.

Um vor der eigentlichen Produktion mit der Vorrichtung die Barriere zu sterilisieren, ist vorgesehen Dampf oder sonstwie geeignete Mittel wie Wasserstoffperoxyd durch die Barriere mit ihren Öffnungen nebst den Zuführleitungen zu führen. Anschließend kann dann für die eigentliche Produktion das sterile Medium über die sterile Barriere zu den Einfüllöffnungen zugeführt werden. Wird für den Einsatz der sterilen Barriere als steriles Medium ein Inertgas beispielsweise Stickstoffgas eingesetzt, kann dieses auch dazu benutzt werden, das Behältnis mit dem Inertgas gefüllt zu halten, was beispielsweise dann Sinn macht, wenn das eigentlich in das Behältnis einzufüllende Produkt sauerstoffempfindlich sein sollte.In order to sterilize the barrier prior to actual production with the device, steam or other suitable means such as hydrogen peroxide is to be passed through the barrier with its openings along with the supply lines. Then, for the actual production, the sterile medium can be supplied via the sterile barrier to the filling openings. If an inert gas, for example nitrogen gas, is used for the use of the sterile barrier as a sterile medium, this can also be used to keep the container filled with the inert gas, which makes sense, for example, if the product actually to be introduced into the container should be sensitive to oxygen.

Der eigentliche Schutz für die Füllöffnung 18 findet dann statt, wenn gemäß der Darstellung nach der Fig.1b der Schlauch 12 über das Trennelement 28 durchtrennt ist, mithin sich also das Abdeckelement 30 in seiner vordersten Verschiebeposition befindet und dergestalt auch die Trennstelle zwischen den beiden Formhälften 14 zumindest im Bereich der Füllöffnung 18 mit abdeckt. Dergestalt wird dann bei betätigter Medienfördereinrichtung 36 das sterile Medium in Längsrichtung der Behälterlängsachse in Richtung der Füllöffnung 18 in diese mit Überdruck geblasen. Sofern in dem Abdeckelement 30 entsprechende Abfuhrstellen sind, gibt es auch die Möglichkeit, das Behälterinnere und mithin die Füllöffnung 18 zu spülen, indem das sterile Medium 34 eingeblasen und gleich darauf über weitere Teile der Medienfördereinrichtung 36 abgesaugt wird. Gerade bei der Zuführung an sterilem Medium kann diese aber völlig unabhängig von der Absaugleistung der dahingehenden Teile der Medienfördereinrichtung 36 von statten gehen.The actual protection for the filling opening 18 takes place when, as shown in FIG. 1b, the tube 12 is severed via the separating element 28, thus the cover element 30 is in its foremost displacement position and thus also the separation point between the two mold halves 14 covers at least in the region of the filling opening 18. In this way, when the medium conveying device 36 is actuated, the sterile medium in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis of the container is blown in the direction of the filling opening 18 into it with overpressure. If corresponding discharge points are in the cover element 30, there is also the possibility of flushing the container interior and consequently the filling opening 18 by blowing in the sterile medium 34 and immediately afterwards sucking it off via further parts of the media conveyor device 36. Especially with the supply of sterile medium, but this can go completely out of the suction of the pertinent parts of the media conveyor 36 of equip.

Die Medienfördereinrichtung 36 kann eine als Ganzes mit 42 bezeichnete Absaugeinrichtung aufweisen, vorzugsweise in der Art einer Vakuumeinrichtung, die mit einem vorgebbaren Unterdruck über zentrale Absaugstellen 44 in Pfeilrichtung den Abtransport des jeweiligen sterilen Mediums 34 von der Füllöffnung 18 weg vornimmt. Die dahingehende Absaugeinrichtung als Teil der Medienfördereinrichtung 36 wird hauptsächlich dazu benutzt, die beim Schlauchabschnitt entstehenden, nicht lebenden (non viable) Partikel abzusaugen. Dabei kann auch überströmendes, steriles Medium mit abgesaugt und aus der Vorrichtung gebracht werden. Vorzugsweise besteht dabei ein Gleichgewicht zwischen der Menge an Medium, das durch Überdruck aus der Perforation ausströmt und der Menge an Medium, die von der Absaugeinrichtung 42 abgesaugt wird.The media conveying device 36 may have a suction device designated as a whole by 42, preferably in the manner of a vacuum device, which carries out the predetermined removal of the respective sterile medium 34 away from the filling opening 18 with a predeterminable negative pressure via central suction points 44 in the direction of the arrow. The pertinent suction device as part of the media conveyor 36 is mainly used to extract the non-viable particles that are formed at the hose section. In this case, overflowing, sterile medium can be sucked out and brought out of the device. Preferably, there is an equilibrium between the amount of medium that flows out of the perforation by overpressure and the amount of medium that is sucked by the suction device 42.

Die Abfuhrmöglichkeit über die zentralen Absaugstellen 44 ist in den Figuren mit Pfeilen entsprechend wiedergegeben, und des weiteren umgibt die Absaug- oder Vakuumeinrichtung 42 das plattenförmige Abdeckelement 30 rahmenartig in Form rechteckförmig zueinander angeordneter Rahmenteile 46, die aber im übrigen den Ein- und Austritt der sterilen Barriere in Form des Abdeckelementes 30 freilassen.The Abfuhrmöglichkeit on the central Absaugstellen 44 is shown in the figures with arrows accordingly, and further surrounds the suction or vacuum device 42, the plate-shaped cover 30 like a frame in the form of rectangularly arranged frame members 46, but the rest of the inlet and outlet of the sterile Release the barrier in the form of the cover element 30.

Um eine besonders gute keimabtötende Wirkung zu erreichen, wird das sterile Medium mit einer solchen Temperatur zugeführt, die den Sterilitätsbedingungen genügt, beispielsweise indem das Medium 34 eine Temperatur von mehr als 120°C, vorzugsweise eine solche Temperatur im Bereich von 150°C bis 200°C aufweist. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann auch die sterile Barriere und mithin das Abdeckelement 30, das vorzugsweise aus Edelstahlmaterialien aufgebaut ist, auf den genannten Temperaturbereich aufgeheizt sein. Sofern die Absaugeinrichtung 42 über das genügende Leiaufgeheizt sein. Sofern die Absaugeinrichtung 42 über das genügende Leistungspotential verfügt, muß das Medium 34 nicht über eine Pump- oder Gebläseeinrichtung zugeführt werden, sondern es reicht gegebenenfalls die Absaugleistung, um die Medienführung zu gewährleisten und mithin das Beströmen der jeweiligen Füllöffnung 18.In order to achieve a particularly good germicidal effect, the sterile medium is supplied at a temperature which satisfies the sterility conditions, for example by the medium 34 having a temperature of more than 120 ° C, preferably such a temperature in the range of 150 ° C to 200 ° C. Additionally or alternatively, the sterile barrier and thus the cover 30, which is preferably constructed of stainless steel materials, be heated to the temperature range mentioned. If the suction device 42 is heated over the sufficient Leia be. If the suction device 42 has the sufficient power potential, the medium 34 need not be supplied via a pump or blower device, but it is sufficient if necessary, the suction to ensure the media management and thus the flow of the respective filling port 18th

Ist gemäß der Darstellung nach der Fig.1b unter Bildung der Füllöffnung der Schlauchabschnitt über das Trennelement 28 durchtrennt, kommt die geschlossene Form 16 zu der Füllstation gemäß der Darstellung nach der Fig. 1c, wobei hier die sterile Sicherheit, wie bereits dargelegt, über den Abfüll-Sterilraum (ASR) sichergestellt ist. Nach Zurückbringen der Form in den Ausgangszustand nach der Fig.1a kann dann wiederum ein Schlauchabschnitt zur Behälterbildung in die formgebenden Teile der Formhälften 14 hinein extrudiert werden.If, as shown in FIG. 1b, the tube section is cut through the separating element 28 to form the filling opening, the closed mold 16 comes to the filling station according to the illustration according to FIG. 1c, whereby here the sterile safety, as already explained, on the Filling sterile room (ASR) is ensured. After returning the mold to the initial state according to FIG. 1a, a tube section for container formation can then be extruded into the shaping parts of the mold halves 14 again.

Die Ausführungsform nach den Fig. 2a,b,c ähnelt weitgehend der ersten Ausführungsform nach den Fig. 1a,b,c und wird nur noch insofern erläutert, als sie sich wesentlich von dem vorangehenden Ausführungsbeispiel nach der Fig. 1 unterscheidet. Bei der modifizierten Lösung ist die sterile Barriere in Form des Abdeckelementes 30 von dem Trennelement 28 räumlich getrennt und kann unabhängig von diesem bewegt werden. Vorzugsweise ist dabei das Abdeckelement 30 mindestens einer der Formhälften zugeordnet und, wie die Darstellung nach der Fig.2b zeigt, lassen sich die beiden Formhälften 14 unter die sterile Barriere verfahren, wobei hierbei eine Synchronbewegung zwischen Abdeckelement 30 und den Formhälften 14 vonstatten gehen kann. Bei einer dahingehenden Zuordnung wird dann beim Verschieben der Form 16 zur Füllstation gemäß der Darstellung nach der Fig.2c die sterile Barriere in Form des Abdeckelementes 30 sinnfällig mit verfahren. Es besteht aber auch bei der Ausführungsform nach den Fig. 2a, b, c die Möglichkeit den folgenden Verfahrensablauf zu realisieren, nämlich dass die Form zu dem Trennelement 28 (Messer) fährt, das dabei schneidet und synchron dazu fährt die Platte als sterile Barriere zu (identisch zu der Darstellung nach der Fig. 1). Anschließend fährt die Form mit dem plattenartigen Abdeckelement 30 in die Füllposition. Dort angekommen fährt die Platte nach hinten, damit der Blas- und Fülldorn in die Öffnung 18 einfahren kann. Nach Verschließen des Behälters längs seiner Kopfseite fährt dann die geöffnete Form zusammen mit der Platte als sterile Barriere wieder zurück in die Ausgangs- bzw. in die Schlauchposition.The embodiment according to FIGS. 2 a, b, c is largely similar to the first embodiment according to FIGS. 1 a, b, c and will only be explained insofar as it differs substantially from the preceding exemplary embodiment according to FIG. In the modified solution, the sterile barrier in the form of the covering element 30 is spatially separated from the separating element 28 and can be moved independently of it. Preferably, the cover member 30 is associated with at least one of the mold halves and, as the illustration in Fig.2b shows, the two mold halves 14 can be moved under the sterile barrier, in which case a synchronous movement between cover 30 and the mold halves 14 vonstatten can go. In a pertinent assignment then the sterile barrier in the form of the cover 30 is moved with obvious when moving the mold 16 to the filling station according to the illustration of Fig.2c. However, it is also in the embodiment of FIGS. 2a, b, c the possibility to carry out the following procedure, namely that the mold moves to the separating element 28 (knife), which cuts thereby and synchronously drives the plate as a sterile barrier (identical to the illustration of FIG. 1). Subsequently, the mold moves with the plate-like cover member 30 in the filling position. Once there, the plate moves backwards, so that the blowing and filling mandrel can enter into the opening 18. After closing the container along its head side then moves the open mold together with the plate as a sterile barrier back into the initial or in the tube position.

Bei der Ausführungsform nach der Fig.2 ist darüber hinaus in vertikaler Anordnung das Trennelement 28 in derselben Höhe, vorzugsweise jedoch unterhalb des Abdeckelementes 30 angeordnet.In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, moreover, the separating element 28 is arranged at the same height, but preferably below the covering element 30, in a vertical arrangement.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren dient vorzugsweise für die gleichzeitige Herstellung mehrerer Behälter, vorzugsweise in Form kleinvolumiger Behälter in Ampullenform, wobei die Ausbildung der Behälter durch Blasformen oder insbesondere bei sehr kleinvolumigen Behältern auch durch Vakuumformen durchgeführt werden kann.The inventive method is preferably used for the simultaneous production of a plurality of containers, preferably in the form of small-volume containers in the form of ampoules, wherein the formation of the container by blow molding or in particular in very small-volume containers can also be carried out by vacuum molding.

Claims (11)

  1. Method for producing and filling containers, whereby at least one hose (12) of a plastified plastic material is extruded into an open mould (16), the hose (12) welded at its frontmost end for forming the floor of the container when the mould is closed (16), the hose (12) then cut by means of a separating element (28) above the mould for forming a filler opening (18), and the mould (16) moved together with the hose (12) comprising the open filler opening (18) into a filling position, in which the container is filled and subsequently closed once the same has been shaped in the mould (16) by creating a pressure gradient widening the hose (12) that acts on the same, whereby the filler opening (18) of the hose (12) is covered at least from its formation until the filling of the associated container under a sterile chamber by a sterile barrier (30), characterised in that at least one sterile medium (34) is conveyed in the direction of the filler opening (18) by means of the sterile barrier (30) and a medium conveying device (36).
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that sterile air and/or other media such as inert gases, hydrogen peroxide or suchlike are transported by the medium conveying device (36) in the direction of the filler opening (18) as sterile media (34).
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the medium conveying device (36) transports the relevant sterile medium (34) in the direction of the filler opening (18) at a pre-determined overpressure.
  4. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that in particular dead (non-viable) particles are removed by means of a suction means (42), preferably of the type of a vacuum means.
  5. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the sterile barrier takes the form of a plate-shaped covering element (30) that covers the filler opening (18) and supplies the same with a sterile medium (34) following the cutting of the hose (12) at least until the filling of the container under the sterile filling chamber (ASR) commences following widening of the same.
  6. Method according to Claim 5, characterised in that the covering element (30) moves together with the separating element (28) or synchronously with parts of the mould (16) in such a way for separating the plastic hose (12) that the covering element (30) will preferably not release the filler opening (18) until the container is filled.
  7. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the container is flushed across the filler opening (18) or partially filled with the relevant medium (34) by means of the medium conveying device (36).
  8. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the sterile barrier and/or the sterile medium (34) can be heated, preferably to a temperature of more than 120°C, preferably to a temperature within a range of 150°C to 200°C.
  9. Device for producing and filling containers, with at least one moveable mould (16) comprising mould walls, into which at least one hose (12) of a plastified plastic material can be extruded, the mould parts (14) of which can be closed for welding the frontmost end of the hose (12) by means of welding edges located on the same for forming a container floor, with a device for producing a pressure gradient acting on the hose and widening the same for forming the container along the mould walls, with a moveable separating element (28) that can be moved between a retracted starting position (Fig. 1a; Fig. 2a) and a working position (Fig. 1c; Fig. 2c) for forming a filler opening (18) by cutting the hose (12) above the mould (16), and with a displacing means for moving the mould (16) into a filling position (Fig. 1b; Fig. 2b) for filling the container via the filler opening (18), whereby the filling of the container takes place under a sterile filling chamber (ASR), and whereby the filler opening (18) of the hose (12) is covered by a sterile barrier (30) at least from its formation until the associated container is filled under the sterile filling chamber (ASR), characterised in that at least one sterile medium (34) can be transported in the direction of the filler opening (18) by means of the sterile barrier (30) and by means of a medium conveying device (36).
  10. Device according to Claim 9, characterised in that the sterile barrier takes the form of a plate-shaped covering element (30) equipped with medium outlet points (38) in the direction of the filler opening (18), and with at least one inlet point (40) for the supply of the relevant medium by means of a medium conveying device (36).
  11. Device according to Claim 10, characterised in that a suction means (42), preferably in the form of a vacuum means, is envisaged, which surrounds the same in at least one position of the covering element (30) in a frame-like way and forms a part of the medium conveying device (36).
EP04804314A 2004-01-30 2004-12-27 Method and device for producing and filling containers Not-in-force EP1708923B1 (en)

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EP (1) EP1708923B1 (en)
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KR (1) KR101204280B1 (en)
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CA2549648A1 (en) 2005-08-11
US8205416B2 (en) 2012-06-26
AU2004314960A1 (en) 2005-08-11
PT1708923E (en) 2007-07-12
US20080041019A1 (en) 2008-02-21
JP2007519575A (en) 2007-07-19
BRPI0418489A (en) 2007-06-19
AU2004314960B2 (en) 2010-05-13
EP1708923A1 (en) 2006-10-11
ATE365129T1 (en) 2007-07-15
WO2005073087A1 (en) 2005-08-11
CN1906088A (en) 2007-01-31
PL1708923T3 (en) 2007-11-30
HK1103062A1 (en) 2007-12-14
KR101204280B1 (en) 2012-11-27
DE502004004159D1 (en) 2007-08-02
DK1708923T3 (en) 2007-10-29
DE102004004755A1 (en) 2005-08-25
JP4532506B2 (en) 2010-08-25
CA2549648C (en) 2011-05-31
KR20060130143A (en) 2006-12-18
CN100453407C (en) 2009-01-21
BRPI0418489B1 (en) 2016-12-13
ES2287800T3 (en) 2007-12-16

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