EP3689815B1 - Filling plant - Google Patents
Filling plant Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3689815B1 EP3689815B1 EP19305107.5A EP19305107A EP3689815B1 EP 3689815 B1 EP3689815 B1 EP 3689815B1 EP 19305107 A EP19305107 A EP 19305107A EP 3689815 B1 EP3689815 B1 EP 3689815B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- filling
- isolation channel
- advancement
- plane
- inner space
- 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.)
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Links
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 claims description 69
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004320 controlled atmosphere Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000014214 soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
- B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing
- B67C7/0086—Sterilisation being restricted to the area of application of the closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
- B67C7/0006—Conveying; Synchronising
- B67C7/004—Conveying; Synchronising the containers travelling along a circular path
- B67C7/0046—Infeed and outfeed devices
- B67C7/0053—Infeed and outfeed devices using grippers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
- B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
- B67C3/22—Details
- B67C2003/228—Aseptic features
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a filling plant for filling receptacles with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
- the present invention also relates to a star wheel for the advancement of receptacles.
- a typical filling plant comprises at least a filling apparatus configured to fill the receptacles and having a plurality of star wheels configured to advance the empty receptacles to and the filled receptacles from the filling apparatus.
- Some filling plants also comprise a molding apparatus configured to blow or compression mold preforms so as to obtain the receptacles.
- Some of the star wheels being arranged such to advance the empty receptacles from the molding apparatus to the filling apparatus.
- the filling apparatus, the star wheels and the molding apparatus are at least partially arranged within an isolation chamber so that the receptacles are advanced within a controlled atmosphere, which is necessary in order to maintain the sterility of at least the inner of the receptacles to be filled with the pourable product.
- WO2014026732 discloses a transport star for conveying bottles, or like containers, on a container transport section connecting container handling machines or assemblies, comprising a rotor-like transport element that can be rotationally driven around a vertical machine axis, and comprising a plurality of transport positions on the transport element, each provided with a container carrier for holding a container.
- a plurality of discharge openings for a sterile vaporous and/or gaseous medium or fluid is provided, that is, for forming a fluid stream from the top down along a container outer surface.
- Referral number 1 indicates as a whole a filling plant for at least filling receptacles, such as bottles 2, in particular plastic bottles, with a pourable product, even more particular a pourable food product such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps).
- a pourable food product such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps).
- bottles 2 being made from a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PET), glass, aluminum, steel or composites.
- PET polytetrafluoroethylene
- each bottle 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A and comprises a pouring/inlet opening 3 allowing for the introduction and the outpouring of the pourable product respectively into and out of bottle 2.
- each bottle 2 also comprises a hollow main body 4 having a bottom portion 5 and a top portion 6 opposite to bottom portion 5 and carrying pouring/inlet opening 3.
- hollow main body 4 is bounded by a bottom wall 7, sidewalls 8 extending from bottom wall 7 and along axis A and by a top neck 9 delimiting pouring/inlet opening 3 and being arranged opposite to bottom wall 5.
- bottom portion 5 comprises bottom wall 7 and top portion 6 comprises top neck 9.
- filling plant 1 is also configured to produce bottles 2 from preforms 10.
- filling plant 1 comprises at least:
- a defined and/or controlled (sterile) gas atmosphere is intended to express that the gas atmosphere presents a reduced load of contaminants (such as microbes, bacteria, viruses and others), in particular for allowing a treating and/or processing of preforms 10 and/or bottles 2 in a sterile environment.
- a defined and/or controlled (sterile) gas atmosphere also expresses that the temperature and/or humidity of the gas atmosphere is controlled.
- filling plant 1 also comprises a molding apparatus 20 configured to form and/or mold bottles 2 from preforms 10 and being at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 14 so that bottles 2 are formed and/or molded from preforms 10 within inner space 15.
- molding apparatus 20 is arranged upstream from filling apparatus 18 along advancement path P and conveying device 19 is configured to advance bottles 2, in particular along a first portion P1 of advancement path P, from molding apparatus 20 to filling apparatus 18.
- filling plant 1 also comprises a conveying assembly 21 (only partially shown) configured to advance preforms 10 along an advancement path Q and to molding apparatus 20.
- conveying assembly 21 is interposed between filling plant 1 and molding apparatus 20.
- filling plant 1 also comprises a capping apparatus 22 configured to apply at least one closure onto each (filled) bottle 2 and being arranged downstream from filling apparatus 18 along advancement path P.
- conveyor device 19 is configured to advance (the filled) bottles 2 (filled with the pourable product) along a second portion P2 of advancement path P from filling apparatus 18 to capping apparatus 22.
- filling plant 1 also comprises a preform sterilization apparatus 24 being at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 14 and being configured to sterilize at least the inner portion of preforms 10.
- sterilization apparatus 24 is configured to introduce a sterilization agent into preforms 10 so as to sterilize at least the inner portion of preforms 10 (and in consequence of bottles 2).
- sterilization apparatus 24 is arranged upstream of molding apparatus 20 along advancement path Q and conveying assembly 21 is configured to advance preforms 10 within inner space 15 from sterilization apparatus 24 to molding apparatus 20.
- filling apparatus 18 comprises a conveying carousel 28 rotatable around a rotation axis B, in particular having a vertical orientation, for advancing bottles 2 along a filling path and a plurality of filling units (not shown and known as such) arranged on conveying carousel 28 and configured to retain and fill one respective bottle 2 during advancement of bottles 2 along the filling path.
- conveying carousel 28 and the filling units are arranged within inner space 15.
- the filling units are peripherally arranged on the conveying carousel 28 and equally spaced around rotation axis B.
- molding apparatus 20 comprises:
- conveying carousel 29 and molding units 30 are arranged within inner space 15.
- molding units 31 are peripherally arranged on conveying carousel 29 and equally spaced around rotation axis C.
- capping apparatus 22 comprises:
- conveying carousel 31 and the capping units are arranged within inner space 15.
- the capping units are peripherally arranged on conveying carousel 31 and equally spaced around rotation axis E.
- isolation chamber 14 is configured to be arranged on a (substantially horizontal) surface (e.g. a floor of a production site) and comprises at least an upper wall 33 distanced from the surface and a plurality of lateral walls 34 connected to upper wall 33 so as to enclose and/or delimit inner space 15.
- lateral walls 34 protrude from upper wall 33 towards the surface.
- upper wall 33 is not necessarily parallel to the surface and upper wall 33 may comprise varying portions some being arranged on a higher elevation level than others (with respect to the surface). It should also be noted that lateral walls 34 (see e.g. Figure 2 ) can extend from e.g. a first portion of upper wall 33 to a second portion of upper wall 33 being below the first portion.
- isolation chamber 2 comprises at least a first isolation channel 35 extending within inner space 15 and at least downstream from filling apparatus 18 along advancement path P.
- isolation channel 35 is configured to receive at least a portion, in particular the respective top portions 6, of bottles 2 during advancement of bottles 2 along at least a portion of advancement path P.
- the respective top portions 6 advance within isolation channel 35.
- isolation channel 35 is interposed between filling apparatus 18 and molding apparatus 20.
- isolation chamber 14 also comprises a second isolation channel 36 similar to isolation channel 35 and extending within inner space 15 and at least upstream from filling apparatus 18 along advancement path P.
- isolation channel 36 is configured to receive at least a portion, in particular the respective top portions 6, of (filled) bottles 2 (i.e. bottles 2 filled with the pourable product) during advancement of bottles 2 along advancement path P.
- isolation channel 36 is interposed between filling apparatus 18 and capping apparatus 22.
- isolation channel 35 is arranged within an upper section 37 of inner space 15.
- upper section 37 being adjacent to, even more particular being at, upper wall 33.
- inner space 15 also comprises a lower section 38 opposed to upper section 37, in particular lower section 38 being positioned adjacent to, in particular at, the surface.
- isolation channel 35 comprises a first lateral wall 42 and a second lateral wall 43 spaced apart from one another and laterally delimiting an advancement space 44 of isolation channel 35 and for receiving at least portion 6 of bottles 2 (i.e. in use, during advancement of (empty) bottles 2 along advancement path P, the respective top portions 6 advance within advancement space 44).
- lateral walls 42 and 43 extend from upper wall 33 into inner space 15 and, in particular are arranged within upper section 37.
- lateral walls 42 and 43 are connected to upper wall 33 and protrude towards lower section 38, in particular towards the surface.
- each one of lateral walls 42 and 43 also defines at least a respective portion of one respective lateral wall 34.
- advancement space 44 comprises an upper portion 45 and a lower portion 46 opposed to upper portion 45.
- upper portion 45 being positioned adjacent to, even more particular at, upper wall 33.
- the respective top portions 6 are positioned within lower portion 46 and advance within lower portion 46.
- isolation channel 36 is similar to isolation channel 35 regarding the details of isolation channel 36 we refer to the description with respect to isolation channel 35 using the same references for similar or equivalent parts.
- isolation channel 36 differs from isolation channel 35 in that isolation channel 36 receives, in use, filled bottles 2, i.e. bottles 2 being filled with the pourable product.
- the conditioning device is configured to control and/or determine and/or create a flow of (sterile) gas within isolation channel 35, and preferentially but not necessarily also in isolation channel 36.
- the conditioning device is configured to control the flow of gas from the respective upper portion 45 to the respective lower portion 46.
- the flow of gas is directed onto the respective top portions 6 and from top portions 6 to the respective bottom portions 5. In this manner, it is ensured that contaminations present on outer surfaces of bottles 2 are kept away from pouring/inlet opening 3.
- the conditioning unit is configured to control the flow of gas such that the flow of gas is substantially a laminar (top-bottom) flow.
- the conditioning unit is also configured to control a gas pressure within isolation chamber 14 such that the gas pressure at least in the section housing filling apparatus 20 and, in particular the ones housing isolation chamber 35 and/or isolation chamber 36 and/or capping apparatus 22, is above the ambient pressure.
- the conditioning unit is also configured to control the gas pressure within isolation chamber 14 such that the gas pressure equals the ambient pressure within the section(s) housing molding apparatus 20 and/or sterilization apparatus 24.
- the conditioning unit is configured to control a flow of (sterile) gas within inner space 15, in particular for obtaining a (substantially laminar) flow of gas from upper section 37 to lower section 38, in this section of isolation chamber 14 housing filling apparatus 18, and in particular molding apparatus 20.
- the conditioning unit comprises one or more filter elements (e.g. HEPA or ULPA filters) for filtering the gas to be introduced into isolation chamber 14.
- filter elements e.g. HEPA or ULPA filters
- conveying device 19 is configured to at least advance the empty bottles 2 along a first portion P1 of advancement path P, in particular from molding apparatus 20 to filling apparatus 18.
- conveying device 19 is also configured to advance the filled bottles 2 along a second portion P2 of advancement path P, in particular from filling apparatus 18 to capping apparatus 22.
- the filling path is interposed between portions P1 and P2.
- conveying device 19 comprises a plurality of conveyors, in particular a plurality of star wheels 50, configured to advance bottles 2 within inner space 15 and along a respective portion of advancement path P (i.e. along a respective portion of portion P1 or a respective portion of P2).
- each star wheel 50 is rotatable around a respective rotation axis F, in particular having a vertical orientation, and each being configured to advance bottles 2 along the respective portion of advancement path P and, in particular each one being at least partially arranged within isolation chamber 14 so that bottles 2 advance within inner space 15 (i.e. within a controlled gas atmosphere).
- the conveyors could be of the linear-conveying type (i.e. bottles 2 advance along a linear path when being advanced by a conveyor of the linear-conveying type).
- conveying device 19 comprises a plurality of star wheels 50 and a plurality of conveyors of the linear-conveying type.
- each conveyor in particular each star wheel 50, comprises a plurality of gripping assemblies 51, each one configured to retain one respective bottle 2 during advancement of the respective bottle 2 along the respective portion of advancement path P.
- each star wheel 50 further comprises:
- the respective gripping assemblies 51 are arranged along and on a peripheral portion 54 of support structure 53 and, in particular are angularly spaced apart from one another around the respective rotation axis F.
- each peripheral portion 54 extends within a respective first plane H1 transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the respective rotation axis F.
- each support structure 53 comprises a disc 55, in particular an annular disc, carrying the respective peripheral portion 54.
- the respective disc 55 extends within the respective first plane H1.
- each gripping assembly 51 is configured to arrange the respective bottle 2 during advancement along the respective portion of advancement path P such that at least a portion, in particular the respective top portion 6, of the respective bottle 2 is arranged and/or advances within isolation channel 35 or isolation channel 36, in particular so that at least top portion 6 advances, in use, within the respective advancement space 44.
- the respective top portions 6 are arranged and/or advance within isolation channel 35, and even more particular when advancing, in use, along portion P2 the respective top portions 6 are arranged and/or advance within isolation channel 36.
- the flow of gas determined by the conditioning unit "hits" the top portions 6 in the desired manner without that the, in use, varying rotating parts of filling plant 1 influence the flow of gas within isolation channel 35 in a significant manner.
- the laminar flow of the gas can be substantially maintained without the generation of significant turbulences.
- each gripping assembly 51 further comprises:
- each gripper 56 extends within a second plane H2 transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the respective rotation axis F.
- each support frame 57 is designed such that the respective gripper 56 is arranged or is arrangeable at a position so that the respective second plane H2 is spaced apart, in particular is arranged above, from first plane H1.
- each plane H2 is interposed between isolation channel 35 and plane H1 and/or plane H1 is interposed between the surface and each plane H2.
- each gripper 56 is positioned such that the respective second plane H2 is spaced apart, in particular is arranged above, plane H1.
- each support frame 57 transversally, in particular perpendicularly, extends from the respective peripheral portion 54.
- each gripping assembly 51 could comprise an adjustment unit configured to adjust and/or control the position of the respective plane H2 (i.e. the distance between plane H1 and the respective plane H2).
- filling plant 1 at least fills bottles 2 with the pourable product.
- Operation of filling plant 1 comprises at least the first step of
- operation of filling plant 1 also comprises the steps of:
- operation of filling plant 1 also comprises the steps of:
- operation of filling plant 1 also comprises the step of conditioning inner space 15.
- At least the respective top portions 6 advance within isolation channel 35, in particular within the respective advancement space 44, and in particular from molding apparatus 20 to filling apparatus 18.
- each bottle 2 is retained by one respective gripping assembly 51, in particular the respective gripper 56.
- the respective grippers 56 extend within the respective plane H2 being spaced apparat, in particular being above, plane H1.
- At least top portions 6 advance within isolation channel 36, in particular the respective advancement space 44, and in particular from filling apparatus 18 to capping apparatus 20.
- each bottle 2 is retained by one respective gripping assembly 51, in particular the respective gripper 56.
- the respective grippers 56 extend within the respective plane H2 being spaced apparat, in particular being above, plane H1.
- the conditioning device controls and/or determines and/or creates the flow of gas within isolation channel 35, in particular also within isolation channel 36.
- the flow of gas is controlled such that the flow of gas is from the respective upper portion 45 towards the respective lower portion 46.
- filling plant 1 comes along with a reduced risk of contaminations entering into bottles 2 during advancement of bottles 2 to filling apparatus 18 and/or from filling apparatus 18 to capping apparatus 22.
- This is possible by providing for isolation channel 35 and/or isolation channel 36 and having gripping assemblies 51, which arrange bottles 2 such that top portions 6 advance within respectively isolation channel 35 and/or isolation channel 36.
- the presence of isolation channels 35 and/or 36 suppresses the formation of possible turbulences within the respective advancement spaces 44, which otherwise may in some rare instances lead to contaminations to enter bottles 2.
- filling plant 1 comes along with an overall improved sterile performance.
Description
- The present invention relates to a filling plant for filling receptacles with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
- Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a star wheel for the advancement of receptacles.
- Filling plants for the filling of receptacles such as bottles with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, are known.
- A typical filling plant comprises at least a filling apparatus configured to fill the receptacles and having a plurality of star wheels configured to advance the empty receptacles to and the filled receptacles from the filling apparatus.
- Some filling plants also comprise a molding apparatus configured to blow or compression mold preforms so as to obtain the receptacles. Some of the star wheels being arranged such to advance the empty receptacles from the molding apparatus to the filling apparatus.
- Typically, the filling apparatus, the star wheels and the molding apparatus are at least partially arranged within an isolation chamber so that the receptacles are advanced within a controlled atmosphere, which is necessary in order to maintain the sterility of at least the inner of the receptacles to be filled with the pourable product.
-
WO2014026732 discloses a transport star for conveying bottles, or like containers, on a container transport section connecting container handling machines or assemblies, comprising a rotor-like transport element that can be rotationally driven around a vertical machine axis, and comprising a plurality of transport positions on the transport element, each provided with a container carrier for holding a container. In order to form a laminar flow system above the container carriers, and thus above the trajectory of the containers arranged at the transport positions, a plurality of discharge openings for a sterile vaporous and/or gaseous medium or fluid is provided, that is, for forming a fluid stream from the top down along a container outer surface. - Even though, the known filling plants work satisfyingly well, it is the desire to further improve the filling plants and their operation.
- In particular, it is a desire to reduce as much as possible the risk that contaminations may enter into the bottles during the advancement of the bottles.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved filling plant for filling receptacles with a pourable product.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a filling plant according to the independent claim 1.
- Further advantageous embodiments of the filling plant are specified in the claims being directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.
- A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 shows a schematic top-view of a filling plant according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 2 shows a schematic side-view of details of the filling plant ofFigure 1 , with parts removed for clarity. - Referral number 1 indicates as a whole a filling plant for at least filling receptacles, such as
bottles 2, in particular plastic bottles, with a pourable product, even more particular a pourable food product such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps). - The following description will refer without any limitative scope to the receptacles being
bottles 2 being made from a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PET), glass, aluminum, steel or composites. - With particular reference to
Figures 1 and2 , eachbottle 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A and comprises a pouring/inlet opening 3 allowing for the introduction and the outpouring of the pourable product respectively into and out ofbottle 2. In particular, eachbottle 2 also comprises a hollowmain body 4 having abottom portion 5 and atop portion 6 opposite tobottom portion 5 and carrying pouring/inlet opening 3. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, hollow
main body 4 is bounded by a bottom wall 7,sidewalls 8 extending from bottom wall 7 and along axis A and by atop neck 9 delimiting pouring/inlet opening 3 and being arranged opposite tobottom wall 5. - Preferentially but not necessarily,
bottom portion 5 comprises bottom wall 7 andtop portion 6 comprisestop neck 9. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 is also configured to produce
bottles 2 frompreforms 10. - With particular reference to
Figure 1 , filling plant 1 comprises at least: - an
isolation chamber 14 for separating an inner space 15 (ofisolation chamber 14 itself) from anouter environment 16; - a conditioning device configured to provide for a defined and/or controlled (sterile) gas atmosphere, in particular a sterile air atmosphere, within
inner space 15; - a
filling apparatus 18 configured to fillbottles 2 with the pourable product and being at least partially arranged withinisolation chamber 14 so that, in use, the filling of bottles occurs and/or is executed within inner space 15 (i.e. under a controlled gas atmosphere); and - a
conveying device 19, in particular at least partially arranged withinisolation chamber 14 and, being configured to advancebottles 2 along an advancement path P, in particular withininner space 15, to and/or away from fillingapparatus 18. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, with the term "a defined and/or controlled (sterile) gas atmosphere" is intended to express that the gas atmosphere presents a reduced load of contaminants (such as microbes, bacteria, viruses and others), in particular for allowing a treating and/or processing of
preforms 10 and/orbottles 2 in a sterile environment. Preferentially but not necessarily, the term "a defined and/or controlled (sterile) gas atmosphere" also expresses that the temperature and/or humidity of the gas atmosphere is controlled. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 also comprises a
molding apparatus 20 configured to form and/ormold bottles 2 frompreforms 10 and being at least partially arranged withinisolation chamber 14 so thatbottles 2 are formed and/or molded frompreforms 10 withininner space 15. In particular,molding apparatus 20 is arranged upstream from fillingapparatus 18 along advancement path P and conveyingdevice 19 is configured to advancebottles 2, in particular along a first portion P1 of advancement path P, from moldingapparatus 20 to fillingapparatus 18. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 also comprises a conveying assembly 21 (only partially shown) configured to advance
preforms 10 along an advancement path Q and to moldingapparatus 20. In particular,conveying assembly 21 is interposed between filling plant 1 and moldingapparatus 20. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 also comprises a
capping apparatus 22 configured to apply at least one closure onto each (filled)bottle 2 and being arranged downstream from fillingapparatus 18 along advancement path P. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment,
conveyor device 19 is configured to advance (the filled) bottles 2 (filled with the pourable product) along a second portion P2 of advancement path P from fillingapparatus 18 to cappingapparatus 22. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 also comprises a
preform sterilization apparatus 24 being at least partially arranged withinisolation chamber 14 and being configured to sterilize at least the inner portion ofpreforms 10. In particular,sterilization apparatus 24 is configured to introduce a sterilization agent intopreforms 10 so as to sterilize at least the inner portion of preforms 10 (and in consequence of bottles 2). - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment,
sterilization apparatus 24 is arranged upstream ofmolding apparatus 20 along advancement path Q andconveying assembly 21 is configured to advancepreforms 10 withininner space 15 fromsterilization apparatus 24 to moldingapparatus 20. - With particular reference to
Figure 1 , fillingapparatus 18 comprises a conveyingcarousel 28 rotatable around a rotation axis B, in particular having a vertical orientation, for advancingbottles 2 along a filling path and a plurality of filling units (not shown and known as such) arranged on conveyingcarousel 28 and configured to retain and fill onerespective bottle 2 during advancement ofbottles 2 along the filling path. In particular, conveyingcarousel 28 and the filling units are arranged withininner space 15. - Preferentially but not necessarily, the filling units are peripherally arranged on the conveying
carousel 28 and equally spaced around rotation axis B. - According to a preferred-non-limiting embodiment,
molding apparatus 20 comprises: - a conveying
carousel 29 rotatable around a rotation axis C, in particular having a vertical orientation, for advancingpreforms 10 prior to their formation intobottles 2 andbottles 2 after their formation along respectively a final preform advancement path and an initial bottle advancement path; and - a plurality of
molding units 30 arranged on conveyingcarousel 29 and configured to retainpreforms 10, to mold preforms 10 intobottles 2 during advancement ofpreforms 10 along the final preform advancement path and to retain the formedbottles 2 along the initial bottle advancement path. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, conveying
carousel 29 andmolding units 30 are arranged withininner space 15. - Preferentially but not necessarily,
molding units 31 are peripherally arranged on conveyingcarousel 29 and equally spaced around rotation axis C. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, capping
apparatus 22 comprises: - a conveying
carousel 31 rotatable around a rotation axis E, in particular having a vertical orientation, for advancing (filled)bottles 2 along a capping path; and - a plurality of capping units (not shown) arranged on conveying
carousel 31 and each one configured to retain one respective (filled)bottle 2 and to apply one respective closure onto the respective (filled)bottle 2 during its advancement along the capping path. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, conveying
carousel 31 and the capping units are arranged withininner space 15. - Preferentially but not necessarily, the capping units are peripherally arranged on conveying
carousel 31 and equally spaced around rotation axis E. - With particular reference to
Figures 1 and2 ,isolation chamber 14 is configured to be arranged on a (substantially horizontal) surface (e.g. a floor of a production site) and comprises at least anupper wall 33 distanced from the surface and a plurality oflateral walls 34 connected toupper wall 33 so as to enclose and/or delimitinner space 15. In particular,lateral walls 34 protrude fromupper wall 33 towards the surface. - It should be noted that
upper wall 33 is not necessarily parallel to the surface andupper wall 33 may comprise varying portions some being arranged on a higher elevation level than others (with respect to the surface). It should also be noted that lateral walls 34 (see e.g.Figure 2 ) can extend from e.g. a first portion ofupper wall 33 to a second portion ofupper wall 33 being below the first portion. - Advantageously,
isolation chamber 2 comprises at least afirst isolation channel 35 extending withininner space 15 and at least downstream from fillingapparatus 18 along advancement path P. In particular,isolation channel 35 is configured to receive at least a portion, in particular the respectivetop portions 6, ofbottles 2 during advancement ofbottles 2 along at least a portion of advancement path P. In other words, in use, during advancement of (empty) bottles 2 (i.e. bottles 2 not being filled with the pourable product) along advancement path P, the respectivetop portions 6 advance withinisolation channel 35. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment,
isolation channel 35 is interposed between fillingapparatus 18 and moldingapparatus 20. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment,
isolation chamber 14 also comprises asecond isolation channel 36 similar toisolation channel 35 and extending withininner space 15 and at least upstream from fillingapparatus 18 along advancement path P. In particular,isolation channel 36 is configured to receive at least a portion, in particular the respectivetop portions 6, of (filled) bottles 2 (i.e. bottles 2 filled with the pourable product) during advancement ofbottles 2 along advancement path P. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment,
isolation channel 36 is interposed between fillingapparatus 18 and cappingapparatus 22. - Preferentially but not necessarily,
isolation channel 35 is arranged within anupper section 37 ofinner space 15. In particularupper section 37 being adjacent to, even more particular being at,upper wall 33. In particular,inner space 15 also comprises a lower section 38 opposed toupper section 37, in particular lower section 38 being positioned adjacent to, in particular at, the surface. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment,
isolation channel 35 comprises a firstlateral wall 42 and a secondlateral wall 43 spaced apart from one another and laterally delimiting anadvancement space 44 ofisolation channel 35 and for receiving atleast portion 6 of bottles 2 (i.e. in use, during advancement of (empty)bottles 2 along advancement path P, the respectivetop portions 6 advance within advancement space 44). - Preferentially but not necessarily,
lateral walls upper wall 33 intoinner space 15 and, in particular are arranged withinupper section 37. In more detail,lateral walls upper wall 33 and protrude towards lower section 38, in particular towards the surface. - According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, each one of
lateral walls lateral wall 34. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment shown,
advancement space 44 comprises anupper portion 45 and alower portion 46 opposed toupper portion 45. In particular,upper portion 45 being positioned adjacent to, even more particular at,upper wall 33. In use, the respectivetop portions 6 are positioned withinlower portion 46 and advance withinlower portion 46. - As
isolation channel 36 is similar toisolation channel 35 regarding the details ofisolation channel 36 we refer to the description with respect toisolation channel 35 using the same references for similar or equivalent parts. - In particular,
isolation channel 36 differs fromisolation channel 35 in thatisolation channel 36 receives, in use, filledbottles 2, i.e.bottles 2 being filled with the pourable product. - Advantageously, the conditioning device is configured to control and/or determine and/or create a flow of (sterile) gas within
isolation channel 35, and preferentially but not necessarily also inisolation channel 36. In particular, the conditioning device is configured to control the flow of gas from the respectiveupper portion 45 to the respectivelower portion 46. In particular, in this manner, in use, the flow of gas is directed onto the respectivetop portions 6 and fromtop portions 6 to therespective bottom portions 5. In this manner, it is ensured that contaminations present on outer surfaces ofbottles 2 are kept away from pouring/inlet opening 3. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the conditioning unit is configured to control the flow of gas such that the flow of gas is substantially a laminar (top-bottom) flow.
- Preferentially but not necessarily, the conditioning unit is also configured to control a gas pressure within
isolation chamber 14 such that the gas pressure at least in the sectionhousing filling apparatus 20 and, in particular the ones housingisolation chamber 35 and/orisolation chamber 36 and/or cappingapparatus 22, is above the ambient pressure. - Preferentially but not necessarily, the conditioning unit is also configured to control the gas pressure within
isolation chamber 14 such that the gas pressure equals the ambient pressure within the section(s)housing molding apparatus 20 and/orsterilization apparatus 24. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the conditioning unit is configured to control a flow of (sterile) gas within
inner space 15, in particular for obtaining a (substantially laminar) flow of gas fromupper section 37 to lower section 38, in this section ofisolation chamber 14housing filling apparatus 18, and inparticular molding apparatus 20. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the conditioning unit comprises one or more filter elements (e.g. HEPA or ULPA filters) for filtering the gas to be introduced into
isolation chamber 14. - With particular reference to
Figures 1 and2 , conveyingdevice 19 is configured to at least advance theempty bottles 2 along a first portion P1 of advancement path P, in particular from moldingapparatus 20 to fillingapparatus 18. Preferentially but not necessarily, conveyingdevice 19 is also configured to advance the filledbottles 2 along a second portion P2 of advancement path P, in particular from fillingapparatus 18 to cappingapparatus 22. In particular, the filling path is interposed between portions P1 and P2. - In particular, conveying
device 19 comprises a plurality of conveyors, in particular a plurality ofstar wheels 50, configured to advancebottles 2 withininner space 15 and along a respective portion of advancement path P (i.e. along a respective portion of portion P1 or a respective portion of P2). - In more detail, each
star wheel 50 is rotatable around a respective rotation axis F, in particular having a vertical orientation, and each being configured to advancebottles 2 along the respective portion of advancement path P and, in particular each one being at least partially arranged withinisolation chamber 14 so thatbottles 2 advance within inner space 15 (i.e. within a controlled gas atmosphere). - According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the conveyors could be of the linear-conveying type (i.e.
bottles 2 advance along a linear path when being advanced by a conveyor of the linear-conveying type). - According to another alternative embodiment, conveying
device 19 comprises a plurality ofstar wheels 50 and a plurality of conveyors of the linear-conveying type. - Advantageously, each conveyor, in particular each
star wheel 50, comprises a plurality ofgripping assemblies 51, each one configured to retain onerespective bottle 2 during advancement of therespective bottle 2 along the respective portion of advancement path P. - According to a preferred non-limiting, each
star wheel 50 further comprises: - a
drive shaft 52 rotatable around the respective rotation axis F; - an actuator configured to actuate rotation of
drive shaft 52 around the respective rotation axis F; and - a
support structure 53 fixed to driveshaft 52 and carryinggripping assemblies 51. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the respective
gripping assemblies 51 are arranged along and on aperipheral portion 54 ofsupport structure 53 and, in particular are angularly spaced apart from one another around the respective rotation axis F. - In particular, each
peripheral portion 54 extends within a respective first plane H1 transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the respective rotation axis F. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each
support structure 53 comprises adisc 55, in particular an annular disc, carrying the respectiveperipheral portion 54. In particular, therespective disc 55 extends within the respective first plane H1. - Advantageously, each gripping
assembly 51 is configured to arrange therespective bottle 2 during advancement along the respective portion of advancement path P such that at least a portion, in particular the respectivetop portion 6, of therespective bottle 2 is arranged and/or advances withinisolation channel 35 orisolation channel 36, in particular so that at leasttop portion 6 advances, in use, within therespective advancement space 44. In particular, when advancing, in use, along portion P1 the respectivetop portions 6 are arranged and/or advance withinisolation channel 35, and even more particular when advancing, in use, along portion P2 the respectivetop portions 6 are arranged and/or advance withinisolation channel 36. - In this way, it is guaranteed that the flow of gas determined by the conditioning unit "hits" the
top portions 6 in the desired manner without that the, in use, varying rotating parts of filling plant 1 influence the flow of gas withinisolation channel 35 in a significant manner. In particular, the laminar flow of the gas can be substantially maintained without the generation of significant turbulences. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each gripping
assembly 51 further comprises: - a
gripper 56 configured to retain therespective bottle 2 during advancement along the respective portion of the advancement path P; and - a
support frame 57 carrying therespective gripper 56 and being connected and/or mounted to the respectiveperipheral portion 54. - In particular, each
gripper 56 extends within a second plane H2 transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the respective rotation axis F. - In particular, each
support frame 57 is designed such that therespective gripper 56 is arranged or is arrangeable at a position so that the respective second plane H2 is spaced apart, in particular is arranged above, from first plane H1. - In particular, each plane H2 is interposed between
isolation channel 35 and plane H1 and/or plane H1 is interposed between the surface and each plane H2. - In particular, in use (i.e. during advancement of the
respective bottle 2 along advancement path P), eachgripper 56 is positioned such that the respective second plane H2 is spaced apart, in particular is arranged above, plane H1. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each
support frame 57 transversally, in particular perpendicularly, extends from the respectiveperipheral portion 54. - According to an embodiment not shown, each gripping
assembly 51 could comprise an adjustment unit configured to adjust and/or control the position of the respective plane H2 (i.e. the distance between plane H1 and the respective plane H2). - In use, filling plant 1 at least fills
bottles 2 with the pourable product. - Operation of filling plant 1 comprises at least the first step of
- advancing
empty bottles 2 withininner space 15, along advancement path P, in particular portion P1, and to fillingapparatus 18; and - filling
bottles 2 by means of fillingapparatus 18 with the pourable product. - Preferentially but not necessarily, operation of filling plant 1 also comprises the steps of:
- advancing
preforms 10 withininner space 15, along advancement path Q and tomolding apparatus 20; and - forming
bottles 2 from preforms 10 withinmolding apparatus 20. - Preferentially but not necessarily, operation of filling plant 1 also comprises the steps of:
- advancing filled
bottles 2 withininner space 15, along advancement path P, in particular along portion P2, and to cappingapparatus 22; and - applying closures onto
bottles 2 by means of cappingapparatus 22. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, operation of filling plant 1 also comprises the step of conditioning
inner space 15. - In more detail, during the step of advancing
empty bottles 2 at least the respectivetop portions 6 advance withinisolation channel 35, in particular within therespective advancement space 44, and in particular from moldingapparatus 20 to fillingapparatus 18. - In even more detail, during the step of advancing
empty bottles 2, eachbottle 2 is retained by one respective grippingassembly 51, in particular therespective gripper 56. During advancement ofbottles 2 along advancement path P, in particular portion P1, therespective grippers 56 extend within the respective plane H2 being spaced apparat, in particular being above, plane H1. - In more detail, during the step of advancing filled
bottles 2 at leasttop portions 6 advance withinisolation channel 36, in particular therespective advancement space 44, and in particular from fillingapparatus 18 to cappingapparatus 20. - In even more detail, during the step of advancing filled
bottles 2, eachbottle 2 is retained by one respective grippingassembly 51, in particular therespective gripper 56. During advancement ofbottles 2 along portion P2, therespective grippers 56 extend within the respective plane H2 being spaced apparat, in particular being above, plane H1. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the step of conditioning, the conditioning device controls and/or determines and/or creates the flow of gas within
isolation channel 35, in particular also withinisolation channel 36. In particular, the flow of gas is controlled such that the flow of gas is from the respectiveupper portion 45 towards the respectivelower portion 46. - The advantages of filling plant 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
- In particular, filling plant 1 comes along with a reduced risk of contaminations entering into
bottles 2 during advancement ofbottles 2 to fillingapparatus 18 and/or from fillingapparatus 18 to cappingapparatus 22. This is possible by providing forisolation channel 35 and/orisolation channel 36 and having grippingassemblies 51, which arrangebottles 2 such thattop portions 6 advance within respectivelyisolation channel 35 and/orisolation channel 36. The presence ofisolation channels 35 and/or 36 suppresses the formation of possible turbulences within therespective advancement spaces 44, which otherwise may in some rare instances lead to contaminations to enterbottles 2. Thus, filling plant 1 comes along with an overall improved sterile performance. - Clearly, changes may be made to filling plant 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.
Claims (5)
- Filling plant (1) for the filling of receptacles (2) with a pourable product comprising at least:- an isolation chamber (14) having an inner space (15), the isolation chamber (14) being configured to be arranged on a surface and comprising at least an upper wall (33) distanced from the surface and a plurality of lateral walls (34) connected to upper wall (33) so as to enclose and/or delimit inner space (15);- a conditioning device configured to provide for a defined and/or controlled gas atmosphere within the inner space (15);- a filling apparatus (18) configured to fill the receptacles (2) with the pourable product and being at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (14) so that, in use, the receptacles (2) are filled within the inner space (15); and- a conveying device (19) configured to advance the receptacles (2) along an advancement path (P) to and/or away from the filling apparatus (18);wherein the isolation chamber (14) comprises at least one isolation channel (35; 36) extending within the inner space (15) and being arranged downstream or upstream from the filling apparatus (18) along the advancement path (P);wherein the conditioning unit is configured to control a flow of a gas within the isolation channel (35; 36);wherein the conveying device (19) comprises at least one conveyor (50) being configured to advance the receptacles (2) along at least a portion of the advancement path (P) and through at least a portion of the isolation channel (35; 36) ;wherein the conveyor (50) comprises a plurality of gripping assemblies (51), each gripping assembly (51) being configured to retain one respective receptacle (2) during advancement of the respective receptacle (2) along the portion of the advancement path (P);wherein each gripping assembly (51) is configured to arrange the respective receptacle (2) such that at least a top portion (6) of the respective receptacle (2) is arranged within the isolation channel (35; 36);wherein the conveyor is a star wheel (50);wherein the star wheel (50) further comprises:- a drive shaft (52) rotatable around a rotation axis (F) ;- an actuator configured to actuate rotation of the drive shaft (52) around the rotation axis (F); and- a support structure (53) fixed to the drive shaft (52) and having a peripheral portion (54);wherein the plurality of gripping assemblies (51) is arranged along and on the peripheral portion (54) and angularly spaced apart from one another around the rotation axis (F);wherein the peripheral portion (54) extends within a first plane (H1) transversal;wherein each gripping assembly (51) further comprises a gripper (56) configured to retain the respective receptacle (2) and a support frame (57) carrying the respective gripper (56) and being connected to the peripheral portion (54);wherein each support frame (57) is designed such that the respective gripper (56) is arranged or is arrangeable at a position so that the respective gripper (56) extends within a respective second plane (H2) being transversal to the rotation axis (F) and such that the second plane (H2) is spaced apart from the first plane (H1);wherein the isolation channel (35; 36) comprises a first lateral wall (42) and a second lateral wall (43) spaced apart from one another and laterally delimiting an advancement space (44) for said portion (6) of the receptacles (2);wherein each gripping assembly (51) is configured to arrange the respective receptacle (2) such that said portion (6) of the receptacle (2) is arranged within a lower portion (46) of an advancement space (44) of the isolation channel (35; 36);wherein the conditioning device is configured to direct the gas from an upper portion (45) of the advancement space (44) to the lower portion (46);characterized in that:each second plane (H2) is interposed between the isolation channel (35; 36) and the first plane (H1).the rotation axis (F) has a vertical orientation and each second plane (H2) is arranged above the first plane (H1) ;- lateral walls (42) and (43) of the isolation channel (35, 36) extend from upper wall (33) into inner space (15);- each one of lateral walls (42) and (43) of the isolation channel (35) also defines at least a respective portion of one respective lateral wall (34) of the isolation chamber (14).
- Filling plant according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (53) comprises a disc (55), in particular an annular disc, carrying the peripheral portion (54);
wherein the disc (55) extends within the first plane (H1). - Filling plant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support frame (57) transversally, in particular perpendicularly, extends from the peripheral portion (54).
- Filling plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the isolation channel (35; 36) is arranged within an upper section (37) of the inner space (15).
- Filling plant according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a molding apparatus (20) configured to form and/or mold the receptacles (2) from preforms (10);wherein the molding apparatus (20) is at least partially arranged within the isolation chamber (14) so that, in use, the receptacles (2) are formed from the preforms (10) within the inner space (15);wherein the molding apparatus (20) is arranged upstream from the filling apparatus (18) along the first advancement path (P); andwherein the isolation channel (35) is interposed between the filling apparatus (18) and the molding apparatus (20) .
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19305107.5A EP3689815B1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Filling plant |
PCT/EP2020/050653 WO2020156786A1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-01-13 | Filling plant and star wheel for a filling plant |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19305107.5A EP3689815B1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Filling plant |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3689815A1 EP3689815A1 (en) | 2020-08-05 |
EP3689815B1 true EP3689815B1 (en) | 2022-10-12 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19305107.5A Active EP3689815B1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Filling plant |
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EP (1) | EP3689815B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020156786A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE102012016124A1 (en) * | 2012-08-15 | 2014-05-15 | Khs Gmbh | Transport star for container, container transport route and plant for treating containers |
CN113443226B (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2023-06-20 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Method for confirming initial bacteria in content filling system and method for verifying sterility |
-
2019
- 2019-01-29 EP EP19305107.5A patent/EP3689815B1/en active Active
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2020
- 2020-01-13 WO PCT/EP2020/050653 patent/WO2020156786A1/en active Application Filing
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WO2020156786A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 |
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