EP2717927A1

EP2717927A1 - Method and device for sterilising and device for blow-moulding containers

Info

Publication number: EP2717927A1
Application number: EP12726361.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Herold; Harald Rieger; Dieter Klatt; Martin Gerhards
Original assignee: KHS Corpoplast GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2011-06-06
Filing date: 2012-06-01
Publication date: 2014-04-16
Also published as: JP2014523373A; US9757488B2; WO2012167890A1; DE102011104024A1; CN103561777A; US20140119988A1; CN103561777B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for sterilising parisons made of a thermoplastic material that are intended for producing blow-moulded containers. During the sterilising process a sterilising agent is introduced into an interior of the parison by an applicator. At least one gas is supplied to the applicator via a least one supply element, at least sections of which are arranged in a horizontal direction next to a transport path of the applicator. The supply element comprises at least one outlet opening facing towards the applicator. At least one pressure-applying element is arranged between the applicator and the supply element and is resiliently clamped between the applicator and the supply element.

Description

Method and device for sterilizing and device for blow molding of containers

The invention relates to a process for sterilizing preforms made of a thermoplastic material, which are provided for the production of blow-molded containers, in which a sterilizing agent is introduced from an applicator into an interior of the preform.

The invention further relates to a device for sterilizing preforms made of a thermoplastic material, which are provided for the production of blow-molded containers, wherein a feed device for the preparation of

CONFIRMATION COPY having an interior of the preform with a sterilizing agent at least one at least partially transportable together with the preform applicator.

The invention also relates to a device for blow-molding containers, which has at least one blowing station arranged on a support structure for forming thermoplastic preforms into the containers, a sterilization device being arranged in a transport direction of the preforms in front of the blowing station.

Typically, sterile blow-molded containers are manufactured by sterilizing these containers after they have been blow-molded and filled before using hydrogen peroxide or other chemicals. It is also already known to sterilize the preforms used in the blow-molding of the containers as starting material, in particular the area of the inner surface of these preforms.

In a container molding by Blasdruckeinwirkung preforms of a thermoplastic material, such as preforms of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), supplied to different processing stations within a blow molding machine. Typically, such a blow molding machine has a heating device and a blowing device, in the region of which the previously tempered preform is expanded by biaxial orientation to form a container. The expansion takes place by means of compressed air, which is introduced into the preform to be expanded. The procedural sequence in such an expansion of the preform is explained in DE-OS 43 40 291.

The basic structure of a blowing station for container molding is described in DE-OS 42 12 583. Possibilities for tempering the preforms are explained in DE - OS 23 52 926.

Within the blow molding apparatus, the preforms and the blown containers can be transported by means of different handling devices. In particular, the use of transport mandrels, onto which the preforms are attached, has proven to be useful. The preforms can also be handled with other support devices. The use of gripping tongs for handling preforms and the use of expanding mandrels which can be inserted into an opening region of the preform for mounting are likewise among the available constructions.

A handling of containers using transfer wheels is described, for example, in DE-OS 199 06 438 in an arrangement of the transfer wheel between a blowing wheel and a discharge path.

The already described handling of the preforms takes place firstly in the so-called two-stage process, in which the preforms are first produced in an injection molding process, then temporarily stored and later conditioned in temperature and inflated to a container. On the other hand, there is an application in the so-called one-step process, in which the preforms are suitably tempered and then inflated immediately after their injection molding production and sufficient solidification.

With regard to the blow molding stations used, different embodiments are known. In blow stations, which are arranged on rotating transport wheels, a book-like unfoldability of the mold carrier is frequently encountered. But it is also possible to use relatively movable or differently guided mold carrier. In fixed blowing stations, which are particularly suitable for receiving a plurality of cavities for container molding, typically plates arranged parallel to one another are used as mold carriers.

With regard to the sterilization of preforms, different methods and devices are already known from the prior art, but all have process-specific disadvantages that preclude reliable sterilization of the preforms with simultaneously high throughput rates.

For example, EP-A 1 086 019 describes the sterilization of hot preforms with a hot gaseous sterilant. There are used consecutively arranged separate treatment stations, namely a first heating module, a sterilization module and a second heating module. adversely Here is the temperature behavior of the preform during the sterilization process and the uncontrolled leakage of the sterilant from the preform within the heater.

In EP-A 1 896 245 a method is described in which a gaseous sterilizing agent is introduced into a cold preform before heating and condenses here. The problem here is to ensure complete condensation on the entire inner surface of the preform, since the incoming hot sterilizing agent, the inner wall temperature of the

Preform increased. In addition, here too, the sterilizing agent, after its evaporation in the area of the heating, emerges from the preform in an uncontrolled manner within the heating.

In EP-A 2 138 298 a device is described, in the precaution both before the blowing module used and behind the blowing module used

Sterilizers are arranged. This results in a very large mechanical engineering effort.

In WO 2010/020530 AI, the arrangement of a sterilizer between a heater and the blowing module is described. In this method, the amount of sterilant introduced into the area of the blowing module is difficult to predict. In addition, the amount of sterilant discharge into the environment can not be controlled and a corresponding contamination is not excluded. In general, the aim is to avoid uncontrolled spread of the sterilizing agent both in the area of the heating and in the area of the blowing module, since the sterilizing agents used frequently have corrosive properties. The higher a discharge amount of sterilizing agent, the higher the mechanical engineering effort for avoiding

Corrosion damage, for example by using particularly corrosion-resistant and therefore expensive materials.

On the other hand, the aim is to perform the sterilization in the shortest possible process time and to minimize the mechanical engineering effort for the constructive realization of the sterilizer.

The object of the present invention is to improve a method of the initially mentioned type such that a reliable sterilization can be carried out in a simple manner.

This object is achieved in that at least one gas is supplied to the applicator via at least one supply element which is at least partially disposed in a horizontal direction next to a transport path of the applicator and at least one applicator facing the outflow opening and that between the applicator and the supply element at least one pressure element is arranged, which is resiliently clamped between the applicator and the supply element. Another object of the present invention is to construct a device of the aforementioned type such that effective sterilization can be carried out with little effort.

This object is achieved in that at least partially in a horizontal direction next to a transport path of the applicator, a supply element for supplying the sterilizing agent is arranged and at least one applicator facing the outflow opening and that between the applicator and the supply element at least one pressure element is arranged, the resiliently clamped between the applicator and the supply element.

The combination of the applicator, the supply element and the clampable pressure element enables a sealed supply and / or discharge of the sterilizing agent to the preforms to be sterilized at the same time simple design. In particular, it is possible to design the movements to be carried out continuously and thereby to support a high throughput quantity. Due to the elastic tensioning of the pressure element between the applicator and the supply element, the required sealing is provided.

A mechanically simple construction is supported by the fact that the pressure element is moved together with the applicator. To reduce any wear occurring is also thought that the applicator is moved past the pressure element.

A compact embodiment is supported in that the applicator is formed as part of a support element for the preforms.

Unintended discharge quantities of the sterilizing agent can be further reduced by sealing at least two applicators relative to each other.

In particular, it is thought that the seal is formed as a circumferential seal. Preferably, the seal is made of an elastomer.

A modular structure is supported by the fact that the pressure element is resiliently mounted on the applicator.

The number of pressure elements can be reduced by the fact that the pressure element is resiliently mounted on the supply element.

In a movable embodiment of the supply element is for example thought that the supply element has disposed on a rotating wheel discharge elements. According to another embodiment, it is also possible that the supply element has discharge elements arranged on a revolving chain.

Optimum utilization of a movement range can be achieved by guiding the delivery element parallel to a direction of movement of the applicator at least in sections.

A typical application is defined by the fact that a blow molding machine for forming the preforms into containers in the region of their heating path is provided with the sterilizing device.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown schematically. Show it:

1 is a perspective view of a blowing station for the production of containers from preforms,

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through a blow mold in which a

Preform is stretched and expanded,

3 shows a sketch to illustrate a basic structure of a device for blow-molding containers,

Fig. 4 shows a modified heating with enlarged

Heating capacity,

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a heating module a blowing machine in which a sterilizing device is arranged in the region of the heating module,

6 shows a longitudinal section through an applicator for the

Sterilizing agent introduced into a mouth region of the preform,

7 is a schematic plan view of applicators on which resilient pressure elements are mounted, which are guided past a supply channel,

8 is a longitudinal section through an applicator with spring-mounted pressure element,

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of row-like transported applicators, which are acted upon along their transport path of pressure elements, which are arranged on a rotating wheel and

Fig. 10 is an opposite to Figure 9 modified embodiment in which the pressure elements are arranged on a circulating transported chain.

Before explaining the detailed structure of the device for sterilizing the preforms (1) by using a sterilizing agent and before explaining a concrete installation of a corresponding device in a blow molding machine, the basic structure of a blow molding machine will first be described below. The basic structure of a device for forming preforms (1) in container (2) is shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2.

The device for forming the container (2) consists essentially of a blowing station (3), which is provided with a blow mold (4) into which a preform (1) can be inserted. The preform (1) may be an injection-molded part of polyethylene terephthalate. To allow the preform (1) to be inserted into the blow mold (4) and to allow the finished container (2) to be removed, the blow mold (4) consists of mold halves (5, 6) and a bottom part (7), which is a lifting device (8) is positionable. The preform (1) can be held in the region of the blowing station (3) by a transport mandrel (9) which, together with the preform (1), passes through a plurality of treatment stations within the device. But it is also possible to use the preform (1), for example via pliers or other handling means directly into the blow mold (4).

To allow a compressed air supply line below the transport mandrel (9) a connecting piston (10) is arranged, which feeds the preform (1) compressed air and at the same time makes a seal relative to the transport mandrel (9). In a modified construction, it is basically also conceivable to use solid compressed air supply lines.

A stretching of the preform (1) by means of a stretch rod (11), which is positioned by a cylinder (12) becomes. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to perform a mechanical positioning of the stretch rod (11) via curve segments, which are acted upon by Abgriffrollen. The use of curve segments is particularly useful when a plurality of blowing stations (3) are arranged on a rotating blowing wheel. A use of cylinders (12) is expedient if stationarily arranged blowing stations (3) are provided.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the stretching system is designed such that a tandem arrangement of two cylinders (12) is provided. From a primary cylinder (13), the stretch rod (11) is first moved to the area of a bottom (14) of the preform (1) before the beginning of the actual stretching operation. During the actual stretching process, the primary cylinder (13) with extended stretching rod together with a carriage (15) carrying the primary cylinder (13) is positioned by a secondary cylinder (16) or via a cam control. In particular, it is intended to use the secondary cylinder (16) in such a cam-controlled manner that a current stretching position is predetermined by a guide roller (17) which slides along a curved path during the execution of the stretching operation. The guide roller (17) is pressed by the secondary cylinder (16) against the guideway. The carriage (15) slides along two guide elements (18).

After closing the mold halves (5, 6) arranged in the region of carriers (19, 20), the carriers (19, 20) are locked relative to one another with the aid of a Locking device (40).

To adapt to different shapes of a mouth section (21) of the preform (1), the use of separate threaded inserts (22) in the region of the blow mold (4) is provided according to FIG.

Fig. 2 shows in addition to the blown container (2) and dashed lines drawn the preform (1) and schematically a developing container bladder (23).

Fig. 3 shows the basic structure of a blow molding machine, which is provided with a heating section (24) and a rotating blowing wheel (25). Starting from a preform input (26), the preforms (1) are transported by transfer wheels (27, 28, 29) into the area of the heating section (24). Heater (30) and fan (31) are arranged along the heating path (24) in order to temper the preforms (1). After a sufficient temperature control of the preforms (1), they are transferred to the blowing wheel (25), in the region of which the blowing stations (3) are arranged. The finished blown containers (2) are fed by further transfer wheels to a delivery line (32).

In order to be able to transform a preform (1) into a container (2) in such a way that the container (2) has material properties which ensure a long usefulness of foodstuffs filled within the container (2), in particular beverages, special ones must be used Process steps in the heating and orientation of Preforms (1) are complied with. In addition, advantageous effects can be achieved by adhering to special dimensioning regulations.

As a thermoplastic material different plastics can be used. For example, PET, PEN or PP can be used.

The expansion of the preform (1) during the orientation process is carried out by compressed air supply. The compressed air supply is in a Vorblasphase in which gas, for example compressed air, is supplied at a low pressure level and divided into a subsequent main blowing phase, is supplied to the gas at a higher pressure level. During the pre-blowing phase, compressed air is typically used at a pressure in the interval of 10 bar to 25 bar and during the main blowing phase compressed air is supplied at a pressure in the interval of 25 bar to 40 bar.

From Fig. 3 it can also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, the heating section (24) is formed of a plurality of rotating transport elements (33) which are strung together like a chain and guided by guide wheels (34). In particular, it is envisaged to open a substantially rectangular basic contour by the chain-like arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, in the region of the transfer wheel (29) and an input wheel (35) facing extension of the heating section (24), a single relatively large-sized guide wheel (34) and in the range of adjacent deflections two comparatively smaller sized deflecting wheels (36) used. In principle, however, any other guides are conceivable.

To enable a possible dense arrangement of the transfer wheel (29) and the input wheel (35) relative to each other, the arrangement shown to be particularly useful, since in the region of the corresponding extent of the heating section (24) three deflecting wheels (34, 36) are positioned, and Although in each case the smaller deflection wheels (36) in the region of the transition to the linear curves of the heating section (24) and the larger deflection wheel (34) in the immediate transfer area to the transfer wheel (29) and the input wheel (35). As an alternative to the use of chain-like transport elements (33), it is also possible, for example, to use a rotating heating wheel.

After a finished blowing of the containers (2) they are led out of the area of the blowing stations (3) by a removal wheel (37) and transported via the transfer wheel (28) and a delivery wheel (38) to the delivery line (32).

In the modified heating section (24) shown in FIG. 4, a larger amount of preforms (1) per unit time can be tempered by the larger number of radiant heaters (30). The fans (31) introduce cooling air into the region of cooling air ducts (39), which in each case oppose the associated radiant heaters (30) and emit the cooling air via outflow openings. Due to the arrangement of the outflow directions, a flow direction for the cooling air realized substantially transversely to a transport direction of the preforms (1). The cooling air ducts (39) can provide reflectors for the heating radiation in the area opposite the radiant heaters (30), and it is likewise possible to realize cooling of the radiant heaters (30) via the discharged cooling air.

Fig. 5 shows schematically and greatly simplified an arrangement similar to the representation in Fig. 3 with additional arrangement of a sterilizer (41) in the region of the heating section (24). In addition, the transport elements (33) of the heating section (24) are shown.

Fig. 6 shows a portion of the sterilizer (41) which is inserted with an applicator (44) in the mouth portion (21) of the preform (1). The applicator (44) has a base member (45) supported by a positioning member (46). In the illustrated embodiment, this is

Positioning element (46) formed like a tube and by the positioning element (46), an actuating element (47) extends therethrough. The adjusting element (47) opens into a clamping element (49) in the region of its extension facing an interior space (48) of the preform (1).

Between the clamping element (49) and the base element (45) a wedge element (50) is arranged, which has at least one wedge surface (51) for acting on at least one clamping element (52). The clamping element (52) is rounded. Preferably, a spherical Execution of the clamping element (52) before. As a material for the clamping element (52), for example, the use of a ceramic, PEEK or a ceramic-coated metal is intended.

In the area of its wedge element (50) facing extension, the clamping element (49) at least one wedge surface (53). Likewise, the base element (45) is provided with at least one wedge surface (54) in the area of its extension facing the wedge element (50).

In the illustrated embodiment are thus in the direction of a longitudinal axis (55) of the positioning

(46) in succession and relative to each other with a distance at least two clamping elements (52) positioned. This is optional and not mandatory. Also, in a circumferential direction of the wedge member

(50) spaced apart at least two clamping elements (52) arranged. Preferably, at least three in the circumferential direction relative to each other equidistantly spaced clamping elements (52) are used.

For insertion of the applicator (44) into the mouth portion (21) or for removal of the applicator (44) from the region of the mouth portion (21) is compared to the positioning in Fig. 7, the distance between the clamping element (49) and Base element (45) by a positioning of the actuating element (47) increases. The clamping elements (52) can thereby be further limited in the direction of the adjusting element (47) in each case by wedge surfaces (51, 52) or wedge surfaces (51, 54) Ingress receiving pockets and release the preform (1) relative to the applicator (44). Conversely, the clamping elements (52) at a

Distance reduction between the clamping element (49) and the base member (45) along the wedge surfaces (51, 53, 54) positioned in the direction of the mouth portion (21) of the preform (1) and thereby perform a clamping operation.

After positioning the applicator (44) in the area of the mouth section (41), sterilizing agent is fed into the region of the applicator (44) using a feed device (56). In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular positioning element (46) has at least one outer-side recess (57) which opens into a feed space (58) of the feed device (56). The feed space (58) is sealed from an environment by seals (59, 60). The seals (59, 60) may be formed, for example, as O-rings which surround the positioning element (46) on the outside.

For sealing the adjusting element (47) relative to the positioning element (46), a seal (61) is used. Also, this seal (41) may be formed as an O-ring, which is inserted into an outer groove-shaped recess of the actuating element (47).

To carry out a sterilization process, the sterilization agent is introduced into the preform (1) through the feed device (56) and the positioning element (46). In the illustrated embodiment is Also, the adjusting element (47) at least partially hollow, so that the supply of the sterilizing agent through the hollow region of the actuating element (47) is carried out. In this way, a central introduction into the preform (1) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (55) take place.

A derivation of the sterilizing agent from the interior (48) out, for example, by channels or grooves in the region of the applicator (44). In the simplest case, a discharge takes place through suitable grooves on the clamping elements (52) over in the direction of an environment.

The sterilant is preferably introduced into the interior (48) in a gaseous state. In particular, to a temperature of the

Sterilisationsmittels thought of above 100 ° C. The preform (1) preferably has a temperature of above 80 ° C. in the region of its inner surface to be sterilized when carrying out the sterilization process. With regard to the sterilizing agent, particular consideration is given to the use of hydrogen peroxide.

According to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, the feed device (56) is formed as part of the applicator (44) and is transported together with it.

7 shows an embodiment in which, in a horizontal direction, next to a plurality of applicators (44) or feed devices (56) of the applicators (44) a supply element (62) is arranged. According to the illustrated embodiment, the supply element (62) is stationarily positioned in the blow molding machine. Between the supply element (62) and the applicators (44) and the feed devices (56) are pressure elements (63) resiliently clamped. Shown is a storage of each of the pressure elements (63) on four springs (64, 65), of which two springs (64, 65) are visible in the representation. Due to the resilient mounting, the pressure element (63) occupy a plurality of different angular positions.

The illustrated embodiment shows the resilient mounting of the pressure elements (63) on the applicators (44) and the feed devices (56). The pressure elements (63) are in this case pressed against the supply element (62). Basically, it is also possible to make the resilient mounting relative to the supply element (62) and the pressure elements (63) thereby resiliently clamped against the applicators (44) and the feed devices (56) to lead.

To avoid an uncontrolled escape of a sterilizing agent, the applicators (44) or the feed devices (56) are sealed relative to one another, for example using seals (66).

Fig. 8 shows a vertical section through an opposite to FIG. 6 Modified embodiment. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the pressure element (63) is resiliently mounted on the feed device (56). The pressure element (63) is guided with a contact surface (67) against a surface (68) of the supply element (62). In particular, it is envisaged to dispense with the use of special seals in the transition region from the contact surface (67) to the surface (68). A seal can for example be achieved in that one of the components (62, 63) is formed at least in the region of the mutually facing surfaces of metal and the other of the components of a plastic. For example, it is intended to use PTFE. Taking into account wear effects, it proves expedient to form the pressure element (63) made of metal and the area of the supply element (62) made of plastic facing the pressure element (63).

A sealing of the pressure element (63) relative to the feed device (56) takes place using a seal (69). The seal (69) on the one hand produces the required seal, moreover, the mobility of the pressure element (63) is allowed relative to the feed device (56).

From Fig. 8 it can be seen that a passageway (70) of the pressure element (63) is positioned such that the passageway (70) with an outflow opening (71) of the supply element (52) is in communication. Via the feed space (58) of the feed device (56), the through-channel (70) is then provided with a longitudinal channel (72) of the applicator. gate (44) through which the sterilant is introduced into the interior of the preform (1).

According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9, the supply element (62) is movably disposed in the blow molding machine and is moved synchronously with the applicator (44) at least during the time of transfer of the sterilizing agent from the supply element (62) to the applicator (44). As a result, a friction between the pressure element (63) and the corresponding component is avoided. For this purpose, the supply element (62) can be designed, for example, as a rotating wheel (73) which has a suitable number of discharge elements (74) along its circumference.

According to the illustrated embodiment, in contrast to the embodiment in Figure 7, the spring-mounted pressure elements (63) in the region of the supply element (62) are positioned. Specifically, each of the discharge elements (74) is provided with a respective spring-loaded pressure element (63). The individual delivery elements (74) are connected via connecting lines (75) to a central distributor (76) for the sterilizing agent. The connecting lines (75) may for example be formed of a flexible material to support a movable arrangement of the discharge elements (74) on the wheel (73).

According to a further alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, instead of a revolving wheel (73), a circulating chain (77) or comparable articulated arrangements can be used. The chain (77) is in the illustrated embodiment via two Umlenkrä- (78, 79) out.

The chain (77) extends in sections substantially parallel to the transport path of the applicators (44). This ensures a well-sealed contact between the pressure elements (63) and the respective corresponding components.

Even with the use of fully or partially circumferentially moving supply elements (62), it is possible to position the pressure element (63) either in the region of the supply element or in the area of the applicator (64) or the feed device (56).

In the case of an arrangement of the delivery elements (74) in the region of a rotating wheel (73), it is particularly intended to position the delivery elements (74) in a cam-controlled manner such that movement takes place at least in sections not only synchronously but also parallel to the applicators (44).

Claims

Patent claims

A method for sterilizing preforms of a thermoplastic material, which are provided for the production of blow-molded containers and in which a sterilizing agent by an applicator (44) is introduced into an interior of the preform, characterized in that at least one gas to the applicator (44 ) via at least one supply element (62) is supplied that at least partially in a horizontal direction next to a transport path of the applicator (44) is arranged and at least one of the applicator (44) facing outflow opening (71) and that between the applicator (44) and the supply element (62) at least one Pressure element (63) is arranged, which is resiliently clamped between the applicator (44) and the supply element (62).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure element (63) is moved together with the applicator (44).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (44) on the pressure element (63) is moved past.

4. An apparatus for sterilizing preforms made of a thermoplastic material, which are provided for the production of blow-molded containers, wherein a feed device for applying an interior of the preform with a sterilizing agent at least one at least partially transportable together with the preform applicator (44), characterized in that at least partially in a horizontal direction next to a transport path of the applicator (44) is arranged a supply element (62) for supplying the sterilizing agent and at least one applicator (44) facing the outflow opening and that between the applicator (44) and the Supply element (62) at least one pressure element (63) is ordered, which is resiliently clamped between the applicator (44) and the supply element (62).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the applicator (44) is formed as part of a support element for the preforms (1).

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least two applicators (44) are sealed relative to each other.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the seal is designed as a circumferential seal.

8.Vorrichtung according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the pressure element (63) is resiliently mounted on the applicator (44).

9. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the pressure element (63) is resiliently mounted on the supply element (62).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the supply element (62) is arranged stationarily in the region of a blow molding machine.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the supply element (62) is arranged movably in the region of a blow molding machine.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the supply element (62) arranged on a rotating wheel discharge elements.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the supply element (62) arranged on a revolving chain discharge elements.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the dispensing element is guided at least in sections parallel to a direction of movement of the applicator (44).

15. Device according to one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that a blow molding machine for forming the preforms (1) in container (2) in the region of its heating section (24) with the sterilizer (41) is provided.