Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/42403—Purging or cleaning the blow-moulding apparatus
  • B29C49/42405—Sterilizing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/4205—Handling means, e.g. transfer, loading or discharging means
  • B29C49/42073—Grippers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/4205—Handling means, e.g. transfer, loading or discharging means
  • B29C49/42093—Transporting apparatus, e.g. slides, wheels or conveyors
  • B29C49/42095—Rotating wheels or stars
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/4252—Auxiliary operations prior to the blow-moulding operation not otherwise provided for
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/4273—Auxiliary operations after the blow-moulding operation not otherwise provided for
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/46—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations characterised by using particular environment or blow fluids other than air
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/64—Heating or cooling preforms, parisons or blown articles
  • B29C49/68—Ovens specially adapted for heating preforms or parisons
  • B29C49/6835—Ovens specially adapted for heating preforms or parisons using reflectors
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
  • B65B3/02—Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
  • B65B3/022—Making containers by moulding of a thermoplastic material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
  • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
  • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
  • B65B55/08—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by irradiation
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
  • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
  • B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
  • B29C2949/0715—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration the preform having one end closed
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
  • B29C49/06—Injection blow-moulding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/42407—Procedures for start-up or material change
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/42414—Treatment of preforms, e.g. cleaning or spraying water for improved heat transfer
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C49/4268—Auxiliary operations during the blow-moulding operation
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
  • B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
  • B29K2067/003—PET, i.e. poylethylene terephthalate
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
  • B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
  • B29K2105/25—Solid
  • B29K2105/253—Preform
  • B29K2105/258—Tubular
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages

Definitions

• the invention relates to a method for the production of blow-molded, at least partially sterile containers, in which a preform of a thermoplastic material is first heated and then acted upon by a pressurized fluid, and wherein the preform at least over a portion of its transport path along a Sterile gas leading channel is performed, wherein the transport path of the preform from the channel out with the sterile gas is applied to produce a sterile gas corridor, in which the preform is guided.
• the invention relates to an apparatus for producing at least partially sterile blow-molded containers, which is provided with a heating section for controlling the temperature of the preforms and a blowing device for blow molding the preforms into the container, along at least a portion of the transport path of the preform gan a sterile gas - Render channel is arranged, which acts on the trajectory of the preform with sterile gas to produce a sterile gas corridor, wherein the preform is guided on its transport path along this channel and within the sterile gas corridor
• a production of at least partially sterile blow-molded containers according to a first prior art so in that these containers are sterilized after their blow molding and before filling using hydrogen peroxide or other chemicals.
• preforms made of a thermoplastic material for example preforms made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• a blowing machine has a heating device, for example in the form of a furnace with heating boxes, as well as a blowing device, in the region of which the previously tempered preform is expanded by biaxial orientation to form a container.
• the expansion is usually carried out with the aid 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 preforms as well as the blown containers can be transported by means of different handling devices.
• the use of transport mandrels, onto which the preforms are plugged, has proven to be useful.
• the preforms can also be handled with other support devices.
• the use of gripper tongs for handling preforms and the use of expansion mandrels which are insertable into a muzzle region of the preform for mounting are also 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.
• blow molding stations different embodiments are known.
• 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.
• 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.
• EP-A 1 086 019 describes the sterilization of hot preforms with a hot gaseous sterilant.
• 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.
• the disadvantage 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.
• Another disadvantage is that re-germination may occur after completion of sterilization in the sterilization module.
• EP-A 1 896 245 describes a method in which a gaseous sterilizing agent is introduced into a cold preform before heating and condenses here.
• the problem here is the assurance of a complete Condensation on the entire inner surface of the preform as the incoming hot sterilant increases the preform inner wall temperature.
• the sterilizing agent after its evaporation in the area of the heating, emerges from the preform in an uncontrolled manner within the heating. Again, there is the problem of recontamination after sterilization of the preform.
• EP-A 2 138 298 describes a device in which, as a precaution, sterilizing devices are arranged both in front of the blowing module used and behind the blowing module used. This results in a very large mechanical engineering effort, which at least partially solves the problem of Neuverkeimung. However, the problem of recontamination continues to exist with respect to the further transport path of the finished blown bottle to a filling device in which the bottle is e.g. is filled with a drink, and up to a closing device in which the filled bottle is provided with a closure.
• blowing device and possibly further treatment facilities such as filler or capper enclosing sterile space, but there is shown a sterile gas-carrying channel, along which the preform or the finished blown container is performed.
• a sterile gas-carrying channel along which the preform or the finished blown container is performed.
• the channel outlet openings are provided, from which the sterile gas can flow out to produce a pressurized with sterile gas corridor.
• the preform is guided in this sterile gas corridor and thereby acted upon by the sterile gas and flows around it. A Neuverkeimung is thereby effectively prevented.
• the latter aspect in contrast to sterilization, can be termed sterility.
• the preform is guided over at least a portion of its transport path along a channel leading to a sterile gas, wherein the transport path of the preform from the channel out of the channel with the sterile gas is applied to produce a sterile gas corridor.
• this sterile gas corridor no re-germination can take place, because the flowing sterile gas prevents any germs.
• a plurality of radiation sources are arranged one after the other along the channel and in the transport direction, which emit sterilizing radiation to the preform and / or to the channel and / or to the sterile gas corridor.
• These radiation sources have the further advantage that the germ-displacing and the germinating gene-preventing effect of the sterile gas corridor is additionally supported by the germicidal effect of the radiation.
• These radiation sources may be stationary, e.g. on the sterile gas channel, or move along the transport path with the preforms, e.g. by arranging on the transport means for the preforms, e.g. on the transport stars or pliers.
• the co-moving arrangement may be advantageous in order to apply radiation to the preform reliably and without interruption.
• the stationary arrangement offers structural advantages and facilitates the supply of the radiation sources.
• This object is achieved in that along at least a portion of the transport path for the preforms at least one sterile gas leading channel is arranged, which has at least one outflow from which the sterile gas flows out to form a running along the transport path sterile gas corridor, wherein the channel and the outflow opening are arranged and formed such that at least the mouth region of the preforms is guided in the sterile gas corridor, wherein along the channel and in the transport direction several radiation sources are arranged one behind the other, the sterilizing radiation on the preform and / or on the channel and / or on the Sterile gas corridor arranged emitting and aligned.
• the arrangement of the radiation sources is advantageously carried out in the transport direction one behind the other on the channel and aligned with the sterile gas corridor. Compared with other arrangements, for example, away from the channel, this has the advantage that no additional brackets are needed and, for example, the channel and the spotlights are easy to retrofit existing machines.
• the orientation of the radiator is simplified because they can be arranged firmly with respect to the channel and no subsequent and costly adjustment is required.
• the mouth area of the preforms is critical.
• at least some radiation sources are directed towards the minting area of the preforms, e.g. by impinging radiation from the lateral or oblique direction on the height region through which the mouth region of the preforms is guided, or e.g. by radiating radiation in the vertical direction to the mouth area.
• the radiation direction is e.g. permanently directed to the mouth area, so that the desired sterility is reliably achieved.
• One possible cause for recontamination can be effectively avoided by arranging a plurality of radiation sources one behind the other within the channel and in the transport direction, which emit sterilizing radiation onto the inner surfaces of the channel. In this way, it is ensured that the germ fed from the channel into the preform or into the blown container is not contaminated by the supplied sterile gas flowing out of the channel. At the same time, the sterile gas conducted in the channel is continuously irradiated and thus likewise reliably kept germ-free, whereby it is already fed into the channel in a sterile manner.
• UV emitters which oppose alternative sources of radiation such as e.g. Electron emitters, microwave radiators or X-ray emitters are characterized by the fact that they are technically easier to handle and less effort to operate the shield. UV emitters are particularly well suited for sterility and offer a cost advantage.
• the arrangement of radiation sources directed onto the preforms or to the containers in the heating device and / or in the blow molding device and / or in the filling device and / or in the closing device has the advantage that microbial contamination can also be prevented in these regions.
• the radiation also ensures that said devices remain germ-free, at least in the area passed through by the preforms.
• the radiation sources mentioned above can also be used to particular advantage when starting up the blow molding machine, which also means downstream downstream filling and closing devices to cause sterilization of the machine or certain areas of the machine.
• the emitters are also turned on during startup and can thus develop their sterilizing effect. In the same way, this applies to interruptions in the blow molding process in which the blow molding machine continues in inline operation, that is, it is not yet shut down. In this inline mode, too, the emitters remain switched on with advantage in order to have a sterilizing effect.
• the radiation sources may e.g. operate in a pulse mode or permanently emit radiation in a continuous operation. It is known that e.g. pulsed UV emitters can emit particularly high-intensity radiation. As far as e.g. in the preceding paragraph of powered emitters is mentioned so this also means that emitters working pulsed work during inline operation of the blow molding machine in this pulse mode.
• Preform containers a longitudinal section through a blow mold in which a preform is stretched and expanded, a sketch to illustrate a basic structure of a device for blow molding containers,
• FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the use of sterile gas-carrying channels for connecting a heater and a blowing wheel and the blowing wheel and a discharge path
• 6 is a schematic representation similar to FIG. 5 of an alternative embodiment
• Fig. 7 is a schematic representation for illustrating the arrangement of the channel for generating a sterile gas corridor along a
• FIG. 1 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, in which a preform 1 can be inserted.
• the preform 1 may be an injection-molded part of polyethylene terephthalate.
• the blow mold 4 consists of mold halves 5, 6 and a bottom part 7, which is positionable by a lifting device 8.
• the preform 1 may be held in the region of the blowing station 3 by a transporting 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.
• a connecting piston 10 is arranged below the transport mandrel, which feeds the preform 1 compressed air and at the same time makes a seal relative to the transport mandrel 9.
• a connecting piston 10 is arranged below the transport mandrel, which feeds the preform 1 compressed air and at the same time makes a seal relative to the transport mandrel 9.
• the stretching system is formed such that a tandem arrangement of two cylinders 12 is provided.
• the stretch rod 11 is first moved into the region of a bottom 14 of the preform 1 before the beginning of the actual stretching process.
• the primary cylinder 13 is positioned with extended stretch rod together with a carriage 15 carrying the primary cylinder 13 of a secondary cylinder 16 or via a cam control.
• 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 18th
• the carriers 19, 20 are locked relative to one another with the aid of a locking device 40.
• FIG. Fig. 2 shows in addition to the blown container 2 also shown in dashed lines the preform 1 and schematically a developing container bladder 23rd
• 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.
• the preforms 1 are transported by transfer wheels 27, 28, 29 in the region of the heating section 24 along a transport path.
• heating radiator 30 and fan 31 are arranged to temper the preforms 1.
• the finished blown container 2 are supplied by a further transfer wheels 32 a discharge path.
• thermoplastic material different plastics can be used.
• 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 subdivided into a subsequent Hauptblasphase in which gas is supplied at a higher pressure level.
• 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.
• the heating path 24 is formed from a multiplicity of circulating transport elements 33, which are strung together in a chain-like manner and guided along deflection wheels 34.
• the arrangement shown to be particularly useful since in the region of the corresponding extent of the heating section 24 three pulleys 34, 36 are positioned, in each case the smaller pulleys 36 in the area the transition to the linear curves of the heating section 24 and the larger deflection 34 in the immediate transfer area to the transfer wheel 29 and the input wheel 35.
• chain-like transport elements 33 it is also possible, for example, to use a rotating heating.
• a larger amount of preforms 1 per unit time can be tempered by the larger number of radiant heaters 30.
• the fans 31 in this case introduce cooling air into the region of cooling air ducts 39, which lie opposite the associated radiant heaters 30 in each case and emit the cooling air via outflow openings.
• a flow direction for the cooling air is realized essentially transversely to a transport direction of the preforms 1.
• the cooling air ducts 39 can provide reflectors for the heating radiation in the area of the surfaces opposite the radiant heaters 30; likewise, it is possible to realize a cooling of the radiant heaters 30 via the discharged cooling air.
• a sterilizing device which may be arranged, for example, in the region of the heating section 24, as shown for example in WO 2012/083910 A1, to which reference is made to its contents.
• the sterilizer can also be arranged elsewhere, in particular before or after the heating section.
• a sterilant is preferably introduced into the preform 1 in a gaseous state.
• the sterilizing agent particular consideration is given to the use of hydrogen peroxide.
• the radiant heater 30 along a transport direction of the preforms 1 through the heating section 24 are arranged on one side. Reflectors are positioned opposite the radiant heaters 30 as a rule.
• the radiant heaters 30 are arranged in the region of heating boxes, wherein reflectors mounted on a side facing away from the preforms 1 of the radiant heaters 30 are arranged by the heating box.
• the reflectors Preferably, have a reflection profile.
• a filter disk can be positioned, which has frequency-selective properties.
• the filter disk may for example consist of quartz glass.
• Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation similar to the representation in Fig. 3, but more schematically.
• the preforms 1 are heated here in the region of the heating section 24.
• the heating section 24 is fed on the input side by an input wheel 29 with preforms 1.
• the preforms 1 heated to blow molding temperature are transferred to a transfer wheel 35.
• a channel 43 Starting from the end of the heating section 24 extends in the direction of the blowing wheel 25, a channel 43.
• the channel 43 serves to the preform. 1 At least partially act upon a sterile gas so that contamination of the preform 1 with germs along the transport path is excluded.
• the channel 43 is arranged and shaped so that it follows the path of movement of the preforms 1 on the transfer wheel 35.
• the preform 1 is inserted into a blowing station 3. Again, care is taken to ensure sufficiently sterile handling of the preform 1.
• An output region of the blower wheel 25 is also equipped with a channel 44 at least along the removal wheel 37, which in the same way as the channel 43 provides a sufficiently large-sized sterile gas corridor through which the blown containers 2 are transported at least in certain regions.
• UV emitters are generally preferred radiation sources in the context of the present invention since they are resistant to alternative sources of radiation such as e.g. Electron emitters, microwave radiators or X-ray emitters are characterized by the fact that they are technically easier to handle and less effort to operate the shield. Suitable UV emitters are known in the art, e.g. UV-LEDs, low-pressure amalgam lamps, mercury-vapor lamps (low pressure, medium pressure, high pressure and maximum pressure), excimer laser, diode laser.
• UV radiation sources are preferably arranged as radiation sources which emit radiation, in particular in a wavelength range suitable for sterilization, for example in the range from 180 to 300 nm, be it narrowband or broadband, be it pulsed or in continuous emission operation. It is considered optimal if the radiation intensity is in the range around 220 nm and / or 265 nm.
• radiation sources 61 are shown in FIG. 5 distributed on the circumference of the blowing wheel 25 and act on the blowing stations 3, the blow molds 5, 6 and / or the preforms 1 and / or the finished blown bottles 2, for example with UV radiation .
• the emitters 61 can move, for example, with the blowing wheel 25, for example by being mounted on the blowing wheel 25. Alternatively, they may be arranged stationarily outside the blowing wheel 25. The use of both moving and stationary radiation sources is possible and advantageous to achieve the most complete sterility possible.
• the aforementioned radiation sources 60, 61 are used at the beginning of the production of the blow molding machine primarily for the sterilization of the irradiated areas. By this is meant that non-sterile areas are sterilized.
• the radiation sources 60, 61 serve sterility. By this is meant that already sterilized areas are protected against the resettlement of germs. 6 shows a modification to FIG. 5. There are additional UV radiators 62 arranged on the input wheel 29 and in the heating section 24, which unfold their germ-destroying effect in these areas, and are directed, for example, to the mouth region 21 of the preforms 1 guided past.
• FIG. 7 shows in a cross-sectional view a preform 1 which is guided along the channel 43.
• the channel 43 has a sterile gas feed opening (not shown) and a plurality of outflow openings 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the outflow openings 46 are arranged, for example, obliquely to a vertical direction.
• a propagation component of the sterile gas flowing out of the channel 43 in a transport direction of the preforms 1 along the channel 43 leads to a propagation component of the sterile gas flowing out of the channel 43 in a transport direction of the preforms 1 along the channel 43.
• a flow of the sterile gas is generated in the direction of an input region of the blowing wheel 25, so that an insertion of the preforms 1 into the Blow station 3 is supported in a sterile environment.
• the sterile gas flows out of the channel 43 such that at least the mouth portion 21 of the preform 1 is positioned within the sterile gas so as to prevent the entry of germs. It creates in this way below the channel 43 a sterile gas corridor.
• the preform 1 moves completely within this corridor. But it would be sufficient if only the mouth region 21 would be moved within the corridor.
• UV emitters 63 are arranged, which act on the particular channel interior 64 and also supplied in the channel 43 sterile gas with UV radiation.
• the inner walls 65 of the channel 43 are permanently illuminated with UV radiation, so that a permanent sterility is guaranteed.
• UV radiators 66 are shown, which are arranged laterally at the level of the mouth region 21 of a preform 1 and aligned with this region. These radiators 66 may e.g. be attached to the channel 43.

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• 2013
  • 2013-08-19 DE DE102013013590.7A patent/DE102013013590A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2014
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  • 2014-08-13 JP JP2016535362A patent/JP6492082B2/ja active Active
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  • 2014-08-13 WO PCT/EP2014/002220 patent/WO2015024641A1/de not_active Ceased
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