EP2354080A2 - Device for handling containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a clean room (2) for receiving the containers, in which a pressure is provided. An actuator (4) is arranged within the clean room in a partial manner. The actuator is actuated with another pressure in a temporary manner, where the latter pressure is lower than the former pressure. The actuator has two working areas (6,8) that are divided by a movable element (10). An independent claim is also included for a method for handling containers.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for treating containers according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10.

To date, are used in devices for treating containers having a clean room, pneumatic cylinder for operating arranged in the clean room facilities that are operated with up to 12 bar working air. The pneumatic cylinders can also be operated with sterile air. However, this measure is not sufficient because, in the case of a continuous concept with the use of sterile air, the cylinder and all lines to the cylinder, including the built-in valves must be sterilized. The sterilization of pneumatic systems is difficult to realize, d. H. Pneumatic systems known in the art are unsuitable for sanitizing environments. In many cases, they can be replaced by electromagnetic systems, which, however, also have a number of disadvantages.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for treating containers, which enables the reliable or contamination-free application or use of a pneumatic system in a clean room in a simple and cost-effective manner.

According to the invention, the solution of the above problem is achieved by a device for treating containers with a clean room for receiving the containers, ie in particular a receiving area in which preferably no or hardly any impurities or contaminants are present.

A clean room is usually characterized by a higher pressure inside than in the environment. Ten pascal pressure difference are generally sufficient to keep microorganisms out. In order to be able to maintain the clean room, the pressure within the clean room is always greater than the ambient pressure and / or the fluid pressure of the fluid devices provided within the clean room, in particular according to the clean room rule. In the clean room therefore a first pressure is foreseeable.

Furthermore, the device has at least one at least partially disposed within the clean room and fluid actuated actuator. The fluid-actuatable actuator is preferably used for actuating, for example, one or more closure stoppers, one or more gripper actuators and / or the like, generally for actuation in a device for treating containers arranged in the clean room. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the fluid-actuatable actuator is designed as an element of a closure stopper and / or a gripper control and / or the like.

According to the invention, the (fluid-actuatable) actuator is preferably at least temporarily and particularly preferably permanently or exclusively operable with a pressure which is less than the first pressure. Preferably, the first pressure is at least equal to the ambient pressure and more preferably greater than the ambient pressure.

This embodiment is advantageous because a safe use of a pneumatic system in a clean room for receiving containers is provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Containers are preferably understood to be bottles, canisters, cans, bags or the like. Furthermore, the containers preferably have an external thread and a collar arranged underneath. It is also conceivable that the containers are preforms that are expandable to bottles or the like. Furthermore, the containers are preferably filled with food, drinks and food.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuator has at least two work spaces divided by a movable element, into which a fluid can be introduced. The movable element is in this case preferably understood as a cylinder, piston or disc-shaped surface element, also conceivable is a spherical or spherical-like or a flat surface having training. The work spaces are preferably work spaces of a cylinder, d. H. their volumes always result in the sum always independent of the respective position or position of the movable element always the same total volume.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the working spaces is at least temporarily in fluid communication with at least one means for generating a negative pressure. It is conceivable that both or all working spaces are always in communication with one or the same means for generating a negative pressure. The means for generating a negative pressure is preferably as a pump, d. H. e.g. as a vacuum device or the like. However, it would also be possible that in one of the working spaces a spring element is provided, which biases the movable element in a certain position.

This embodiment is advantageous since a fluid can be sucked out of at least one working space. The suction of the fluid results in movement of the movable member, whereby the negative pressure working space decreases due to movement of the movable member and the second working space due to an increase in its volume fluid from the environment or a fluid in the second working space in combination aspirated standing another receptacle.

This is also advantageous, since a movement of the movable element without the application of an overpressure can be realized. A contamination of the clean room is therefore excluded because the pressure in the clean room is always greater than the pressure in the workrooms. Even in the case of a defect of the clean room or specially provided openings or outlet openings in the clean room, only matter preferably exits from the clean room, but not into it.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid in the first working space, at least temporarily, a pressure which is dependent on the pressure in second working space is different, wherein in the clean room always a pressure is provided which is greater than the pressures in the workrooms. It is therefore also conceivable that negative pressure can be applied alternately in one working space and negative pressure in another working space, the pressure being particularly preferably less than the pressure in the clean space.

This embodiment is advantageous because it allows a faster movement of the movable element, since, when a negative pressure is generated in a first working space, no negative pressure acts against movement of the movable element in the further or second working space.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure is higher than the ambient pressure. This is advantageous because it prevents the penetration of bacteria, microorganisms, viruses, contamination and / or the like into the clean room.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transport device for transporting the containers is provided in the clean room. It is also conceivable that the containers by means of the transport device into the clean room and / or from the clean room out or movable into, out or are movable. The speed of the movement can be controlled as a function of further parameters or, for example, arbitrarily specified.

The transport device may be, for example, a carrier wheel on which a plurality of gripping or holding devices is provided for holding the containers. Conceivable, however, would be transport chains, conveyor belts and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is a liquid, a gas or a liquid-gas mixture. However, the fluid is preferably a working gas, which is particularly preferably air. Advantageously, a treatment device for treating the containers is provided in the clean room next to the transport device. These may be sealing units, sterilization units, filling units and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one sensor device is provided for monitoring device parameters selected from the group consisting of pressure parameters, degree of contamination, movement parameters, temperature, combinations thereof and / or the like. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows accurate monitoring and thus control of the treatment of the containers.

The invention is further directed to the use of a vacuum operated actuator for the contamination-free operation of at least one container treatment device within a clean room. This is advantageous because actuation of a treatment device, in particular a closure stopper or a gripper activation, can be effected in a cost-effective and secure manner by means of an actuator operated with negative pressure.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for treating containers. According to this method, a first pressure is provided in a clean room for receiving the containers, and at least one actuator arranged at least partially within the clean room is fluid-actuated. According to the invention, the actuator is at least temporarily operated at a pressure which is lower than the first pressure. Preferably, the actuator is permanently operated at a pressure that is less than the first pressure.

At this point it should be pointed out that all features disclosed in the application documents further develop individually or in combination with each other in a generic manner or known from the prior art container treatment devices. Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of the accompanying drawings, in which an example of a container treatment device is shown in a clean room. Components of the container treatment device, which in the figure at least substantially coincide with regard to their function, can hereby be identified by the same reference symbols.

Fig.1

die Anordnung eines Aktuators in einer Behandlungseinrichtung für Behältnisse, wobei der Aktuator zumindest teilweise innerhalb des Reinraums der Behandlungseinrichtung angeordnet ist;

Fig. 2

ein Beispiel einer ersten aseptischen Abfüllanlage;

Fig. 3

ein Beispiel einer zweiten aseptischen Abfüllanlage;

Fig. 4

ein Beispiel eines Pneumatikplans, zur Ansteuerung der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine Füllmaschine in einem ersten Zustand; und

Fig. 6

eine Füllmaschine in einem zweiten Zustand.

It shows:

Fig.1

the arrangement of an actuator in a treatment device for containers, wherein the actuator is at least partially disposed within the clean room of the treatment device;

Fig. 2

an example of a first aseptic filling plant;

Fig. 3

an example of a second aseptic filling plant;

Fig. 4

an example of a pneumatic plan for controlling the device according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a filling machine in a first state; and

Fig. 6

a filling machine in a second state.

Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for treating containers, which has a clean room 2, in the containers can be introduced and are treatable and in which a fluid, in particular a sterile gas such as sterile air, in a first preferably adjustable pressure p ₁ providable or provided is. The containers are for example manually or automatically introduced by means of a transport device in the clean room 2 and / or movable therein. The containers to be introduced into the clean room 2 can be separated and / or introduced into the clean room 2 in containers.

The reference numeral 4 denotes an actuator, which is preferably at least partially disposed within the clean room 2 and has a first working space 6, on which a first fluid line 7 for introducing or discharging a fluid from the working space 6 is arranged. Furthermore, the actuator 4, which is preferably designed as a pneumatic cylinder, a second working space 8, on which a second fluid conduit 9 is provided for introducing or discharging a fluid in the second working space 8 and from the second working space 8 out.

The working spaces 6 and 8 are preferably separated from each other by a movable element 10 such that preferably at least temporarily different pressures p ₂ , p _{3 can be provided} in the individual work spaces 6 and 8. Furthermore, it is conceivable that different fluids are introduced into the work spaces 6 and 8. Preferably, however, air is introduced as working gas in each of the working spaces 6, 8. The work spaces 6 and 8 preferably have in their sum a volume which always has the same size. The two pressures p ₂ and p ₃ are, in particular, regardless of the position of the movable element 10 is less than the pressure p. ₁

With the movable element 10 is particularly preferably a transmission means 12 in contact. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the movable element 10 and the transmission means 12 are formed as a common component. A displacement of the movable element 10 in the direction X preferably also leads to a movement of the transmission means 12 due to a coupling between the movable element 10 and the transmission means 12. Preferably, the movements of the transmission means 12 and the movable element 10 are at least partially synchronized. The reference p _at denotes the (in particular atmospheric) ambient pressure, which is lower than the pressure p ₁ in the clean room.

The actuator 4 is according to Fig. 1 however, it may also be oriented in the Y direction or in a direction defined by X and Y components. Of course, the actuator may also be oriented arbitrarily in the Z direction (not shown), which extends at right angles to the X / Y plane. The transmission means 12 is preferably designed as a force transmission means and preferably acts on a further device.

It is also conceivable that a plurality of actuators 4 in the clean room 2 or at least partially provided in the clean room 2 and these actuators 4 are individually controlled. It is also conceivable that the actuators 4 are at least partially connected in series and / or in parallel.

If now a negative pressure P2 is applied to the line 9 (which is smaller than P3) and P1> P2, then the transmission means 12 extends. In line 7 and in the first working space 6 maximum p _at prevail. Therefore, the clean room rule (P1> p _at ; P1> P3) is not violated.

If, conversely, a negative pressure is applied to the line 7 (P3 <P2), then the transmission means moves in, and at the line 9 and in the second working space 8, a maximum of p _{at can} prevail. The clean room rule is not violated here either.

FIG. 2 shows a plant for germ-free filling, with a dry sterilization process, in this case for example with a hot H ₂ O ₂ gas. The dry sterilization process also includes container sterilization with electron beam.

In the Fig. 2 shown aseptic filling plant 14 is used for example for the treatment of containers 16, which are preferably designed as bottles. The containers 16 are conveyed to a sterilization treatment star 20 via a prewarming treatment star 18 (treatment star for preheating the container eg with hot air) and a treatment transfer unit 28 or a container discharge device 42 (starter sterilizing the container, for example with H ₂ O ₂ Gas) guided or transported. After the containers have been processed in the sterilization treatment star 20, they are transported by means of a further container transfer unit 28 or a further container ejector 42 to a treatment star for blowing out the containers 22. A container ejector 42 (not shown in detail) can remove incorrectly treated containers from the container transfer unit 28 , The ejection device 42 can be controlled, for example, with the device according to the invention. In the transport path of the containers 16, after the blow-out treatment star 22 (treatment star for blowing out the container), a container transfer unit 28 or a container discharge device 42 is again provided, by means of which the transfer of the container 16 to a filling machine 24 is made possible. In the further transport path of the containers 16, a container transfer unit 28 or a container discharge device 42 is again preferably provided downstream of the filling machine 24 in order to enable the transfer of the preferably at least partially filled containers to a closing machine 26. The sealed containers are preferably transported to the container outlet 32 by means of a container transfer unit 28 or a container ejection device 42.

The areas where z. Example, the preheat treatment star 18, the Sterilisierbehandlungsstern 20, the Ausblasbehandlungsstern 22, the filling machine 24, the capping machine 26 and the container outlet 32 are arranged are separated by partitions 36 from each other.

The reference numeral 30 indicates the container inlet via which the containers 16 are introduced into the bottling plant 14 by an upstream treatment device and / or a feed device. A protection of the container inlet 30 is provided by wall elements 38, in which z. B. in addition to a door 40 and viewing window can be provided. Corresponding observation or access devices are also foreseeable in the areas of the aforementioned facilities. Outside the system 14 there is preferably ambient pressure p _AT , the pressure p ₁ prevailing at least in individual sections of the device.

FIG. 3 shows a plant 15 for germ-free filling with wet sterilization process, such. With peracetic acid (PES). The system 15 has a filling machine 24, downstream of which, in addition to a large number of container transfer units 28, a closing machine 26 is provided. Contrary to the transport path of the containers 16, ie in the transport path of the containers before the filling machine 24 is preferably at least one container ejector 42, a container pivoting star 50, a Spülstern 44, a container transfer unit 28 and / or a container ejection device 42, a container treatment star 46 and / or next possible Facilities a container pivot 48 provided for pivoting the containers 16.

Facilities, as in Figures 2 and 3 are preferably "Cleaning in place (CIP)" and / or "Sterilization in place (SIP)" facilities and, among other things, particularly suitable for the filling of weak acid products, in which case much mechanics is outsourced from the clean room 2. In technical jargon is then spoken of a small clean room 2 or a (neckring) insulator. In such a small clean room 2 is relatively little pneumatics. Container or closure ejection devices can be dispensed with in the clean room 2. For actuating such a device, a pneumatic cylinder Z is particularly suitable. Particularly suitable is a cylinder Z for devices that interrupt the container or the closure flow.

For strongly acidic or carbonated products or products that reach the consumer in a cold chain, the treatment machines are often placed in a large clean room 2. This means that the complete container treatment machine (s) are located in a clean room 2. The particle filters for creating a clean room atmosphere are located mostly on the roof of the clean room housing. It follows that many pneumatic drives are in the clean room 2.
Some uses are z. B .Manipulation of the container or closure transport system, control of media valves (product / cleaning media / sterilization media), closing organs: cap ejection and gripper activation, container pivoting or swiveling out, lifting movements of treatment organs, eg. As flushing nozzles, filling organs and Verschließorganen.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a pneumatic plan. Cylinders Z1 and Z2 are retracted and Z3 is extended. Cylinder Z4 shows a flanged to the clean room 2 cylinder. The valves V ₁ - V ₄ are z. B. as 5/2 way valves and are preferably located outside of the clean room. 2

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a particularly well suited application example. The flushing cap 58 closes the filling valve 54 during cleaning or sterilization of the product or media paths. The flushing cap 58 is actuated by a flanged cylinder Z. By a seal D, such as. As a labyrinth, lip or bellows seal, the cylinder working space can be separated from the clean room 2.

In the production mode, there is preferably no pressure at p ₂ (p ₂ = p _at ) and at p _{3 there} is a negative pressure (this ensures that the flushing cap 58 has not retracted). If the flushing cap 58 is now to be retracted, a negative pressure is applied to p ₂ and an overpressure can be applied to p ₃ in this case since the working chamber connected to p ₃ does not directly adjoin the clean room 2. The required closing pressure of the flushing cap 58 is thereby enhanced.

The clean room 2 preferably extends in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis 52 and a relative movement of a first portion of the clean room relative to a second portion of the clean room is rotationally about this axis of rotation 52. By means of the hydraulic seal 56 is preferably a seal of the clean room can be ensured. By the reference numerals 14 and 15 it is stated that the in FIGS. 5 and 6 specified arrangement can be found both in aseptic filling systems application in which a dry sterilization or wet sterilization takes place.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for treating containers

2

cleanroom

4

actuator

6

first working space

7

first fluid line

8th

second workspace

9

second fluid line

10

movable element

12

transmission means

14

aseptic filling line (dry sterilization)

15

aseptic filling system (wet sterilization)

16

container

18

Vorwärmbehandlungsstern

20

Sterilisierbehandlungsstern

22

Ausblasbehandlungsstern

24

filling Machine

26

sealing

28

Container transfer unit

30

container inlet

32

container outlet

34

casing

36

partition wall

38

protection

40

door

42

Container discharge unit

44

Spülstern

46

Container processing Star

48

Container pivoting star (for swiveling up the containers)

50

Container pivoting star (for swiveling the containers)

52

axis of rotation

54

filling valve

56

hydraulic seal

58

flushing cap

D

poetry

V1

Valve 1

V2

Valve 2

V3

Valve 3

V4

Valve 4

X

X-direction

Y

Y-direction

Z1

Cylinder 1

Z2

Cylinder 2

Z3

Cylinder 3

Z4

Cylinder 4

p ₁

Pressure in the sterile room

p ₂ , p ₃

pressures

P _at

ambient pressure

Claims (10)

Device (1) for treating containers, having a clean room (2) for receiving the containers in which a first pressure can be provided, and at least one actuator (4) arranged at least partially within the clean room (2),
characterized in that
the actuator (4) is at least temporarily operable at a pressure which is less than the first pressure. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the actuator (4) has two work areas (6, 8) divided by a movable element (10) into which a fluid can be introduced. Device according to claim 2,
characterized in that
at least one of the working spaces (6, 8) is at least temporarily in fluid communication with a means for generating a negative pressure. Device according to at least one of claims 2 or 3,
characterized in that
the fluid in the first working chamber (6) at least temporarily has a pressure which is different from the pressure in the second working chamber (8), wherein in the clean room (2) a pressure is always provided which is greater than the pressures in the working spaces (6 , 8). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first pressure is higher than the ambient pressure. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
in the clean room (2) a transport device for transporting the containers is provided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the fluid is a gas and is preferably air. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one sensor device for monitoring device parameters selected from the group consisting of pressure parameters, degree of contamination, movement parameters, combinations thereof and the like is provided. Use of an actuator (4) operated by means of negative pressure for the contamination-free actuation of at least one container treatment device within a clean room (2). Method for treating containers, wherein in a clean room (2) for receiving the containers, a first pressure is provided and at least one at least partially within the clean room (2) arranged actuator (4) is fluid-actuated,
characterized in that
the actuator (4) is at least temporarily operated at a pressure which is less than the first pressure.

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