Container handling apparatus and method for monitoring container handling apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a container treatment apparatus and a method for monitoring a container treatment apparatus. The invention particularly relates to a container treatment apparatus (10) for treating containers. At least one container treatment device (12, 14, 16, 18) and / or at least one container conveyor (20) are arranged in a sampling space (22). A sampling valve (24) has a gas inlet (30) connected to the interior of the sampling space (22) and a gas outlet (32) for extracting a gas sample. Advantageously, the container treatment apparatus (10) enables an improved monitoring of the sampling space (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to container handling equipment and methods for monitoring container handling equipment. Technical Background

[0002] In the filling apparatus of a container handling device, containers can be filled with products such as beverages. Here, many beverages require aseptic filling. For example, the sterilization process for aseptic filling can begin by sterilizing pre-made containers in a cleanroom specifically designed for this purpose. Alternatively, it may be possible that containers have already been manufactured from prefabricated parts in a cleanroom.

[0003] EP 0 794 903 B1 describes a system and method for packaging beverages in a sterile manner. Here, the beverage container is formed by blow molding a preform, subsequently filled with sterile beverage, and finally sealed with a sterile sealing cap.

[0004] Cleanrooms can be equipped with entrance covers to test for bacteria and other contaminants in the cleanroom environment. To verify sterility within the cleanroom, production can be interrupted and the entrance cover opened. Air samples, collected in the form of airborne bacteria, can be extracted through the opened entrance cover and subsequently analyzed.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved technique for monitoring container processing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This task is solved by the features of the following solution. Advantageous improvements are described in the specification.

[0007] One aspect relates to a container processing apparatus for handling containers (e.g., containers for manufacturing, purifying, inspecting, filling, sealing, labeling, printing, and / or packaging for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foods). The container processing apparatus has a sampling space, in which at least one container processing device and / or at least one container conveyor are arranged. The container processing apparatus has (at least) (e.g., manually operable) a sampling valve having a gas inlet connected to the interior of the sampling space (e.g., directly adjacent to the ground) and a gas outlet for extracting a gaseous sample (e.g., an air sample).

[0008] Advantageously, the sampling valve enables sampling from the sampling space without altering or affecting the environment within the sampling space, for example, by opening the inlet cover. For instance, the sampling space remains sterile even during sample extraction. Therefore, sampling can be performed without being affected by the environmental conditions surrounding the sampling space. Sampling can preferably be performed via the sampling valve during ongoing operation of the container handling equipment. This prevents interruptions in the operation of the equipment used for sampling. Furthermore, the sampling valve enables rapid and reliable sampling.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sampling space has an outer wall. A sampling valve is disposed in or on the outer wall, wherein the sampling valve preferably closes a through-hole in the outer wall (e.g., from outside the sampling space). This allows for simple assembly and arrangement of the sampling valve. The sampling valve may preferably be constructed and arranged as a tap valve for extracting a sample from the sampling space.

[0010] Preferably, the sampling valve can be simply flanged to a flange area on the outer wall, the flange area surrounding the through hole.

[0011] In another embodiment, the sampling valve is arranged outside the sampling space. This arrangement can advantageously prevent the sampling valve from being subjected to conditions within the sampling space, such conditions that could, for example, reduce the lifespan of the sampling valve.

[0012] In another embodiment, the container handling equipment uses a purification fluid source, preferably a sterilizing fluid source or a superheated steam source, wherein, preferably with an intermediate (e.g., manually operable) purification valve, the purification fluid source is connected to or can be connected to an additional gas inlet of the sampling valve. Therefore, it is advantageous to perform purification of the sampling valve before sampling, preventing the sample from being contaminated by bacteria or the like at the sampling valve.

[0013] In another embodiment, the sampling valve connects its gas inlet to its gas outlet in the first valve position. The additional gas inlet may preferably be blocked or released.

[0014] In another embodiment, the sampling valve in the second valve position connects the additional gas inlet of the sampling valve to the gas outlet of the sampling valve and / or blocks the gas inlet of the sampling valve.

[0015] In another embodiment, the container processing device further includes a preferably portable sample container having a gas inlet and a liquid chamber for filling with liquid, the gas inlet being connected to or capable of being connected to the gas outlet of the sampling valve (e.g., preferably by means of a quick-connect (e.g., tool-free) fluid line). The sample container advantageously enables the extraction of the sample, i.e., by deposition into the liquid within the sample container. All particles or microorganisms can be transported into the liquid. The quality or composition of the liquid can then be examined in a laboratory, for example, in a microbiological manner.

[0016] It goes without saying that the sample containers disclosed here are also disclosed independently of the container handling equipment.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sample container has a purge valve. The purge valve can preferably connect the gas inlet of the sample container to the purge outlet of the sample container in a first valve position, preferably bypassing the liquid chamber, and / or in a second valve position, block the connection from the gas inlet to the purge outlet of the sample container. This advantageously allows the sample container to be at least partially purged while connected to the sampling valve, preferably in the same steps as purifying the sampling valve with a purge fluid source. The purge fluid can preferably flow first through the sampling valve and then through a section of the sample container.

[0018] In another embodiment, the sample container has a filling valve. The filling valve can preferably connect the gas inlet of the sample container to a filling tube (e.g., an immersion tube) extending into the liquid chamber in a first valve position, and / or block the connection from the gas inlet of the sample container to the filling tube in a second valve position. The filling valve advantageously ensures that essentially only the extracted sample reaches the liquid chamber. The filling tube advantageously causes the extracted gaseous sample to be washed in the liquid as it rises to the liquid surface.

[0019] Preferably, the sample container may have a fluid chamber downstream of the gas inlet. A first outlet of the fluid chamber leading to the filling tube may be released and blocked by a valve member of the filling valve. A second outlet of the fluid chamber leading to the purge outlet may be released and blocked by a valve member of the purge valve.

[0020] In another embodiment, the sample container has a safety valve. The safety valve may preferably be configured to automatically open when a predetermined gas pressure value in the gas volume, preferably above the liquid chamber, is exceeded and / or not exceeded, to release and / or introduce gas. This may preferably prevent, for example, the sample container from bursting or imploding in case of improper use (e.g., filter blockage or the filling valve closing during sampling).

[0021] In another embodiment, the sample container has a gas outlet, which is preferably connected to the liquid chamber via an intermediate gas filter, preferably a sterile air filter, and / or a valve. The use of a valve (e.g., a check valve) or a gas filter advantageously ensures that other air does not enter the sample container and contaminate the liquid before, during, and / or after sampling.

[0022] In another embodiment, the container handling apparatus further includes a vacuum source, preferably a vacuum pump. The vacuum source is preferably connected to, or can be connected to, the gas outlet of the sample container for drawing in gas. The vacuum pump can assist or enable sampling from the sampling space. Positioning the vacuum source downstream of the sample container further prevents contamination of the sample through the vacuum source.

[0023] In one implementation variation, the at least one container handling apparatus includes a heating device for heating the preform of the container, a container manufacturing device for manufacturing the container, preferably a container blowing device (e.g., a stretch blowing device), a sterilization device for sterilizing the preform of the container, a filling device for filling the container, preferably a filling turntable and / or a sealing device for closing the container, preferably a sealing turntable.

[0024] In another implementation variation, the sampling space is a clean room, sterilization room, or aseptic room.

[0025] Cleanrooms are preferably substantially free of particles or have very few particles (e.g., particles of all types and sizes). Sterilization rooms are preferably substantially free of microorganisms. It is possible that the number of particles may be proportional to the number of microorganisms, such that a cleanroom can also be a sterilization room, and vice versa.

[0026] In another implementation variation, the sampling space is overpressurized. For example, the interior of the sampling space may have a higher pressure during operation than the pressure existing upstream, downstream, and / or outside the sampling space. Thus, contaminants and / or bacteria circulating upstream, downstream, or externally are preferably prevented from entering the sampling space.

[0027] In another implementation variant, the sampling space is encapsulated.

[0028] On the other hand, a method for monitoring container handling equipment (e.g., for manufacturing, purifying, inspecting, filling, sealing, labeling, printing, and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foods) is disclosed herein. This method includes extracting a gaseous sample (e.g., an air sample) from a sampling space by means of a sampling valve, wherein at least one container handling device and / or at least one container conveyor (e.g., a transport star and / or a linear conveyor) is arranged in the sampling space, the sampling valve having a gas inlet connected to the interior of the sampling space (e.g., directly adjacent to the ground) and a gas outlet for extracting the gaseous sample. This method can achieve the same advantages already described for container handling equipment.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further includes purifying the sampling valve with a purifying fluid, preferably superheated steam, and preferably sterilizing it prior to extraction.

[0030] Preferably, when the sampling valve is in the closed position, the purified fluid can be directly guided to the purification inlet or another gas inlet of the sampling valve.

[0031] Preferably, the purifying fluid can be guided through the sampling valve and downstream of the sampling valve into a section of the sample container (e.g., with a filling valve) for purifying that section and the connecting line between the sampling valve and the sample container.

[0032] In another embodiment, the method includes, preferably by means of a vacuum source, guiding the extracted gaseous sample into a liquid, preferably sterile water, in a preferably portable sample container. The method may further preferably include examining the liquid for bacteria and / or contaminants, for example, in a laboratory setting after the extracted gas has been guided into the liquid.

[0033] Preferably, the method may include sterilizing the sample container before guiding the extracted gas sample into the liquid, preferably in a pressure cooker.

[0034] Preferably, the method may include manufacturing, preferably blowing, containers from a preform, for example, by means of a blowing device (e.g., a stretch blowing device) of a container handling equipment.

[0035] Preferably, the method may include, for example, filling containers with beverages or liquid or paste-like foods using a filling device (filling turntable) of a container handling equipment.

[0036] Preferably, the method may include sealing the container, for example, by means of a sealing device (e.g., a sealing disc) of a container handling device.

[0037] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other arbitrarily. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Other details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view through the sampling valve is shown;

[0041] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view through the sample container is shown;

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the sampling valve and the sample container is provided.

[0043] Figure 5 Shown in purification mode Figure 4 The connection; and

[0044] Figure 6 Shown in sampling mode Figure 4 The connection.

[0045] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, such that similar or identical parts are equipped with the same reference numerals, and their description is also referenced to the description of other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 A container processing apparatus 10 is shown for handling containers. For example, the container processing apparatus 10 can manufacture, purify, inspect, fill, seal, label, print, group, and / or package containers. Containers can be, for example, bottles, boxes, cans, cardboard boxes, small glass bottles, etc. Containers are preferably used to contain liquid or paste-like media. Containers are preferably used to contain beverages or food.

[0047] The container handling equipment 10 has at least one container handling device 12, 14, 16, 18 and / or at least one container conveyor 20. The container handling equipment 10 also has a sampling space 22 and at least one sampling valve 24.

[0048] The container processing apparatus 12, which is implemented as a heating device, can heat the preform (container blank or preform) to the desired temperature.

[0049] The container handling apparatus 14, implemented as a container manufacturing apparatus, can manufacture containers from preforms. For example, the container manufacturing apparatus can be implemented as a container blowing apparatus, preferably a stretch blowing apparatus, for blowing containers from preforms. The container manufacturing apparatus is preferably implemented as a container manufacturing turntable. The container manufacturing apparatus can have multiple manufacturing stations, such as blowing stations, for simultaneously manufacturing multiple containers. For example, the manufacturing stations can be arranged circumferentially around the container manufacturing apparatus implemented as a container manufacturing turntable. The container manufacturing apparatus can be arranged downstream of the heating device relative to the container flow.

[0050] The container handling apparatus 16, implemented as a filling device, can fill containers, preferably with liquid or paste-like media. The filling device is preferably implemented as a packing disc. The filling device may have multiple filling valves for simultaneously filling multiple containers. For example, the filling valves may be arranged circumferentially around the filling device implemented as a packing disc. The filling device may be arranged downstream of the container manufacturing apparatus relative to the container flow.

[0051] The container handling device 18, implemented as a sealing device, can close the container, for example, with a lid, cork, crown cap, or bolt cap. The sealing device can preferably be implemented as a sealing disc. The sealing device can have multiple sealing stations for simultaneously closing multiple containers. For example, the sealing stations can be arranged circumferentially around the sealing device implemented as a sealing disc. The sealing device can be arranged downstream of the filling device relative to the container flow.

[0052] At least one container conveyor 20 can transport containers through container handling equipment. At least one container conveyor 20 can interconnect container handling units 12, 14, 16 and / or 18. At least one container conveyor 20 may, for example, have at least one transport star and / or at least one linear conveyor.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, container handling devices 14, 16, and 18, along with a bulk container conveyor 20, are arranged in sampling space 22. It is possible that alternative and / or additional container handling devices may be arranged in sampling space 22. For example, container handling device 12, implemented as a heating device, may additionally be arranged in sampling space 22. It is also possible, for example, that a sterilizer may be arranged between container handling devices 12 and 14 for sterilizing the preforms prior to container manufacturing.

[0054] The sampling space 22 is preferably a clean room or isolation room, a sterilization room or a sterile room. The sampling space 22 can be overpressurized. The sampling space 22 is preferably enclosed.

[0055] At least one sampling valve 24 may be arranged in or on the outer wall 26 of the sampling space 22. For example, the sampling valve 24 may be arranged on the outer wall 26 of the region of the container handling device 14, which is implemented as a container manufacturing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sampling valves 24 may be arranged on the outer wall 26 of the region of the container handling device 16, which is implemented as a filling device. Alternatively or additionally, the sampling valve 24 may be arranged on the outer wall of the region of the container handling device 18, which is implemented as a sealing device.

[0056] At least one sampling valve 24 may be configured to extract (gas sample, air sample) from the sampling space 22 without contaminating the sampling space 22. When used as intended, gas must not enter the sampling space 22 from the outside through the sampling valve 24. For example, sampling may be performed during ongoing operation of the container handling equipment 10.

[0057] Figure 2 An exemplary sampling valve 24 is shown.

[0058] The sampling valve 24 is preferably accessible from outside the sampling space 22. The sampling valve 24 may be disposed in or on the outer wall 26 of the sampling space 22. For example, the outer wall 26 may have a through-hole 28. The sampling valve 24 may be disposed in or on the through-hole 28. The sampling valve 24 may close or cover the through-hole 28. The sampling valve 24 is preferably operated manually.

[0059] The sampling valve 24 has a gas inlet 30 and a gas outlet 32. The sampling valve 24 may also have an additional gas inlet 34 and a movable valve member 36.

[0060] The gas inlet 30 may be adjacent to the interior of the sampling space 22. Gas may be discharged from the gas outlet 32, for example, when the sampling valve 24 is open, gas from the sampling space 22 may be discharged from the gas outlet 32.

[0061] For example, the additional gas inlet 34 can be used to connect a purified fluid source (in... Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). A purification fluid source can supply purification fluid to sampling valve 24 to purify sampling valve 24 and, if necessary, components downstream of gas outlet 32.

[0062] In the first valve position or open position of sampling valve 24, gas inlet 30 and gas outlet 32 ​​can be interconnected. Valve member 36 releases gas inlet 30. Gas can flow from inside sampling space 22 through gas inlet 30 to gas outlet 32. In the illustrated embodiment, additional gas inlet 34 and gas outlet 32 ​​are also connected in the first valve position. In other embodiments, it is possible that additional gas inlet 34 is blocked in the first valve position (e.g., through the valve member of the sampling valve).

[0063] In the second valve position or the closed position of sampling valve 24, gas inlet 30 can be blocked, while the other gas inlet 34 and gas outlet 32 ​​can be interconnected. Valve member 36 blocks gas inlet 30. Fluid (e.g., purification fluid) from the other gas inlet 34 can flow around valve member 36 and toward gas outlet 32.

[0064] For example, sampling valve 24 may have a fluid chamber with a gas inlet 30 and a valve member 36 movable within the fluid chamber. A first channel may be connected to the fluid chamber, with a gas outlet 32 ​​disposed at the end of the first channel. A second channel may be connected to the fluid chamber, with an additional gas inlet 34 disposed at the end of the second channel. The first and second channels may extend relative to each other, for example, in a V-shape toward the fluid chamber. The first and second channels may preferably be arranged on opposite sides of the fluid chamber.

[0065] Figure 3 The sample container 38 is shown.

[0066] The sample container 38 can be connected to the sampling valve 24 to extract a gas sample from the sampling space 22.

[0067] For example, the sample container 38 may have a container body 40 and a valve device 42. The sample container 38 is preferably portable, for example, having a handle arranged at the container body 40 or the valve device 42.

[0068] The container body 40 has a liquid chamber 44. The liquid chamber 44 may be filled with a liquid, such as sterile water. For example, the liquid chamber 44 may have a volume ≤10L, ≤5L, ≤3L, or ≤2L. The container body 40 may have markings indicating the desired liquid level in the liquid chamber 44. The container body 40 is preferably transparent.

[0069] The valve device 42 may be arranged above the container body 40. The valve device 42 may be arranged on the opening of the container body 40, for example, at the container neck of the container body 40. The valve device 42 and the container body 40 may be detachably connected to each other, for example by screwing the container body 40, preferably the container neck of the container body 40, into the valve device 42.

[0070] For example, valve assembly 42 may have a gas inlet 46, a filling valve 48 with a movable valve member 50, a filling pipe 52, a gas filter 54, and a gas outlet 56.

[0071] Gas can flow into valve device 42 through gas inlet 46.

[0072] The filling valve 48 is preferably operated manually. The filling valve 48 can release or disconnect the connection between the gas inlet 46 and the filling pipe 52.

[0073] In the first valve position or open position, the filling valve 48 can connect the gas inlet 46 and the filling tube 52 to each other. For example, the valve member 50 can release the inlet of the filling tube 52 or the fluid chamber in which the valve member 50 is positioned to the outlet of the filling tube 52 to allow flow into the filling tube 52.

[0074] In the second valve position or the closed position, the filling valve 48 can separate the gas inlet 46 and the filling tube 52 from each other. For example, the valve member 50 can block the inlet of the filling tube 52 or the fluid chamber in which the valve member 50 is located can block the outlet of the filling tube 52.

[0075] The filling tube 52 can extend into the liquid chamber 44 of the container body 40. During sampling operations, the outlet of the filling tube 52 can be positioned below the liquid level in the liquid chamber 44. The outlet of the filling tube 52 can preferably be arranged below a mark on the container body 40 indicating the desired liquid level in the liquid chamber 44.

[0076] Gas outlet 56 may be connected to container body 40. Gas filter 54, preferably a sterile air filter, may be arranged in this connection. For example, gas may flow from container body 40 to gas outlet 56 through an annular space surrounding filling tube 52 in the container neck of container body 40. Instead of or attached to gas filter 54, a valve may be provided, for example, that releases gas outlet 56 in a first valve position or open position and blocks gas outlet 56 in a second valve position or closed position.

[0077] The filling valve 48 is preferably prestressed to separate the connection between the gas inlet 56 and the filling pipe 52 or to move toward the closed position.

[0078] Preferably, the flow path from gas inlet 46 to gas outlet 56 may have the following components in the order mentioned: gas inlet 46 - filling valve 48 - filling pipe 52 - liquid chamber 44 - gas filter 56 and / or valve - gas outlet 56.

[0079] Optionally, the valve device 42 may have a purge valve 58 with a movable valve member 60 and a purge outlet or another gas outlet 62.

[0080] The purge valve 58 is preferably operated manually. The purge valve 58 can release or disconnect the connection between the fluid chamber located in the valve member 50 of the filling valve 48 and another gas outlet 62.

[0081] In the first valve position or open position, the purge valve 58 can connect the fluid chamber in which the valve member 50 of the filling valve 48 is positioned to another gas outlet 62. For example, the valve member 60 can release the inlet of the fluid chamber in which the valve member 60 is positioned or the outlet of the valve chamber in which the valve member 50 of the filling valve 48 is positioned to the gas outlet 62 for flow through to that other gas outlet 62.

[0082] In the second valve position or the closed position, the purge valve 58 can separate the fluid chamber in which the valve member 50 is positioned from another gas outlet 62. For example, the valve member 60 can block the inlet of the fluid chamber in which the valve member 60 is positioned or the valve chamber in which the filling valve 48 is positioned from the (other) outlet of the gas outlet 62.

[0083] The purge valve 58 is preferably prestressed to separate the connection between the fluid chamber in which the valve member 50 of the filling valve 48 is located and another gas outlet 62, or toward the closed position.

[0084] Preferably, the flow path from gas inlet 46 to gas outlet 62 may have the following components in the order mentioned: gas inlet 46 - filling valve 48 - purification valve 58 - gas outlet 62.

[0085] Alternatively, the valve device 42 may have a safety valve 64 with a movable valve member 66 and a safety outlet or another gas outlet 68.

[0086] Safety valve 64 is preferably configured to automatically open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded upstream of safety valve 64, so as to release gas into the environment of sample container 38. Safety valve 64 can release or disconnect the connection between container body 40 and another gas outlet 68 (= overpressure safety valve). Alternatively, it is possible that safety valve 64 opens when the gas pressure upstream of safety valve 64 does not exceed a predetermined gas pressure value, i.e., when the negative pressure in liquid chamber 44 becomes too low due to a vacuum pump connected to sample container 38, and, for example, when an implosion of container body 40 is imminent (= negative pressure safety valve). In another alternative, valve device 42 may have a safety valve device with both overpressure and negative pressure safety valves.

[0087] In the first valve position or open position, safety valve 64 can interconnect container body 40 with its liquid chamber 44 and another gas outlet 68. For example, valve member 66 can release the inlet of the fluid chamber in which valve member 66 is positioned to allow flow to the other gas outlet 68.

[0088] In the second valve position or the closed position, the safety valve 64 can separate the container body 40 from its liquid chamber 44 and another gas outlet 68. For example, the valve member 66 can block the inlet of the fluid chamber in which the valve member 66 is located or the outlet of the valve chamber in which the valve member 66 is located to the other gas outlet 68.

[0089] Safety valve 64 is preferably prestressed to disconnect the connection between container body 40 and another gas outlet 68 or toward the closed position.

[0090] The flow path from gas inlet 46 to gas outlet 68 can preferably have the following components in the order mentioned: gas inlet 46 - filling valve 48 - filling pipe 52 - safety valve 64 - gas outlet 68.

[0091] Figure 4 This shows how the sample container 38 can be connected to the sampling valve 24.

[0092] The connecting line 70 can connect the gas outlet 32 ​​of the sampling valve 24 to the gas inlet 46 of the sample container 38. The connecting line 70 can be flexible or bendable, for example. The connecting line 70 can be connected to the gas outlet 32 ​​of the sampling valve 24 and / or the gas inlet 46 of the sample container 38 in a tool-less manner and / or by means of a quick connector.

[0093] It is possible that the purified fluid source 72 (only in) Figure 4 (Schematally shown) It is connected to the gas inlet 34 of the sampling valve 24. The purification fluid source 72 can provide a purification fluid for purification, preferably sterilization. For example, the purification fluid source 72 can be a superheated steam source. For example, the purification fluid source 72 can be fed by the sterilizer of the container handling equipment 10.

[0094] (Another) Purification valve 74 (only when) Figure 4 (Schematably shown) The purge valve 74 can optionally be arranged in the connection between the purge fluid source 72 and the gas inlet 34. In the closed position, the purge valve 74 can disconnect or block the connection between the purge fluid source 72 and the gas inlet 34. In the open position, the purge valve 74 can release the connection between the purge fluid source 72 and the gas inlet 34. The purge valve 74 is preferably manually operable. The purge valve 74 can preferably be implemented as a superheated steam valve.

[0095] The connecting line 76 can connect the purge valve 74 to the gas inlet 34. The connecting line 76 can be flexible or bendable, for example. The connecting line 76 can be connected to the gas inlet 34 of the sampling valve 24 and / or the purge valve 74 in a tool-less manner and / or by means of a quick-connector.

[0096] The connecting line 78 can connect the purified fluid source 72 to the purified valve 74. The connecting line 78 can be flexible or bendable, for example. The connecting line 78 can be connected to the purified valve 74 and / or the purified fluid source 72 by means of tools and / or quick couplings.

[0097] It is possible that vacuum source 80 (only in) Figure 4 (Schematally shown) is connected to the gas outlet 56 of the sample container 38. A vacuum source 80 can draw gas or air from the gas outlet 56 and thus from the container body 40. For example, the vacuum source 80 can be implemented as a vacuum pump.

[0098] The connecting line 82 can connect the gas outlet 56 of the sample container 38 to the vacuum source 80. For example, the connecting line 82 can be flexible or bendable. The connecting line 82 can be connected to the gas outlet 56 of the sample container 38 and / or the vacuum source 80 in a tool-less manner and / or by means of a quick connector.

[0099] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 6 An exemplary method for monitoring container processing device 10 is described.

[0100] First, the sample container 38 can be purified, preferably sterilized. When the hygiene requirements for the container handling equipment 10 are very high, such as when the sampling space 22 is implemented as a clean room, sterilization room or aseptic room, optional purification can be performed.

[0101] For example, sample container 38 can be sterilized in a pressure cooker. During purification, valves 48 and 58 are preferably in the open position. Gas inlet 46, gas outlet 56, and gas outlet 62 are preferably free. Sample container 38 may already be filled with liquid, preferably sterilized water. After purification, valves 48 and 58 can be closed.

[0102] The sample container 38 may be connected to the sampling valve 24 after optional purification. The connecting line 70 may preferably be connected to the gas inlet 46 of the sample container 38 and / or to the gas outlet 32 ​​of the sampling valve 24. The sampling valve 24 is preferably in the closed position.

[0103] Additionally, a vacuum source 80 may be connected to the sample container 38. A connecting line 82 may preferably be connected to the gas outlet 56 of the sample container 38 and / or to the vacuum source 80.

[0104] Figure 4 The original position created in this manner is shown. Valves 24, 48, 58, and 64 are closed. Liquid chamber 44 is filled with liquid F, preferably sterile water.

[0105] Figure 5Optional purification steps are shown. When the hygiene requirements for the container handling equipment 10 are very high, such as when the sampling space 22 is implemented as a clean room, sterilization room, or aseptic room, optional purification steps may be performed.

[0106] First, the purge valve 58 of the sample container 38 can be opened. Simultaneously or subsequently, another purge valve 74 of the container handling device 10 can be opened.

[0107] Purified fluid, preferably superheated steam, from the purified fluid source 72 can flow through the sampling valve 24. The sampling valve 24 can remain closed. The purified fluid can flow from the gas inlet 34 to the gas outlet 32. The purified fluid can flush the preferably closed valve member 36 from all four directions. The purified fluid can purify, preferably sterilize, the sampling valve 24. The purified fluid can preferably purify, preferably sterilize, the gas inlet 34, the valve member 36, and the gas outlet 32.

[0108] The purified fluid can flow through the connecting pipe 70 and purify, preferably sterilize, the connecting pipe.

[0109] The purification fluid can flow in through the gas inlet 46 of the sample container 38, flush the valve components 50 and 60 from all four sides, and flow out from the gas outlet 62. The purification fluid can purify, preferably sterilize, the gas inlet 46, the valve component 50, the fluid chamber of the valve component 50, the valve component 60, and the fluid chamber of the valve component 60.

[0110] Purification valve 74 can then be closed, and purification valve 58 can be closed simultaneously or subsequently, for example.

[0111] Figure 6 The sampling procedure is shown. A gas sample is extracted from the sampling space 22 by means of sampling valve 24.

[0112] The filling valve 48 of the sample container 38 can be opened. Similarly, the sampling valve 24 can be opened. As long as this is present, the vacuum source 80 can draw gas from the gas outlet 56 of the sample container 38. Ultimately, the vacuum source 80 can thus assist the flow of gas from the sampling space 22 into the sample container 38.

[0113] Gas from sampling space 22 can flow through sampling valve 24 and exit at gas outlet 32. The extracted gas can flow through connecting pipe 70. The extracted gas can flow into gas inlet 46 of sample container 38. Gas can flow into filling pipe 52 through open filling valve 48. Gas can flow from filling pipe 52 into liquid chamber 44. Gas can flow through liquid F in liquid chamber 44. Here, bacteria and / or contaminants contained in the gas can be at least partially transferred to liquid F or washed away from the gas by liquid F. Gas exits the sample container through gas outlet 56 in a direction toward vacuum source 80 (if present).

[0114] After a predetermined duration, valves 24 and 48 can be closed again and vacuum source 80 (if present) is shut off. Sample container 38 can be disconnected from connecting lines 70 and 82 (if present). Gas filter 54 or a correspondingly arranged valve can prevent unwanted contaminants from entering liquid F, as gas cannot flow through gas outlet to liquid chamber 44. Sample container 38 can be taken to a laboratory for examination of bacteria and / or contaminants in the liquid. The examination results allow for the inference of bacteria and / or contaminants in the gas sample and therefore inside sampling space 22.

[0115] It is possible to monitor the container handling equipment 10 without using the sample container 38. For example, a connecting line can extend from the sampling valve 24 to the analytical device (not shown in the figure). The analytical device can continuously or at predetermined time intervals examine the sample from the sampling valve 24 for bacteria and / or contaminants. The analytical device can apply any suitable technique to analyze the sample.

[0116] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection.

[0117] List of reference numerals

[0118] 10 Container handling equipment

[0119] 12 Container handling equipment

[0120] 14 Container handling equipment

[0121] 16 Container handling equipment

[0122] 18 Container handling unit

[0123] 20 Container Conveyors

[0124] 22 Sampling Space

[0125] 24 Sampling valve

[0126] 26 outer wall

[0127] 28 through holes

[0128] 30 Gas Inlet

[0129] 32 Gas outlet

[0130] 34 Gas Inlet

[0131] 36 Valve components

[0132] 38 Sample container

[0133] 40 Container body

[0134] 42 Valve assembly

[0135] 44 Liquid Chamber

[0136] 46 Gas Inlet

[0137] 48. Loading valve

[0138] 50 Valve components

[0139] 52 Filling tube

[0140] 54 Gas Filter

[0141] 56 Gas outlet

[0142] 58 Purification Valve

[0143] 60 Valve components

[0144] 62 Gas outlet

[0145] 64 Safety valve

[0146] 66 Valve components

[0147] 68 Gas outlet

[0148] 70 Connecting pipes

[0149] 72 Purifying the fluid source

[0150] 74 (another) purification valve

[0151] 76 Connecting pipes

[0152] 78 Connecting pipes

[0153] 80 Vacuum Source

[0154] 82 Connecting pipes

[0155] F is liquid.

Claims

1. A container handling apparatus (10) for handling containers, comprising: A sampling space (22), at least one container handling device (12, 14, 16, 18) and / or at least one container conveyor (20) are arranged in the sampling space; The sampling valve (24) has a gas inlet (30) connected to the interior of the sampling space (22) and a gas outlet (32) for extracting gas samples. A sample container (38) having a gas inlet (46) and a liquid chamber (44) for filling with liquid (F), the gas inlet (46) being connectable to the gas outlet (32) of the sampling valve (24), wherein the sample container (38) has a gas outlet (56) connected to the liquid chamber (44) with an intermediate gas filter (54) and / or valve; and A vacuum source (80) is connected to the gas outlet (56) of the sample container (38) for drawing in gas.

2. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The sampling space (22) has an outer wall (26), and the sampling valve (24) is arranged in or on the outer wall (26), wherein the sampling valve (24) closes the through hole (28) in the outer wall (26); and / or The sampling valve (24) is located outside the sampling space (22).

3. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Purification fluid source (72), wherein the purification fluid source (72) can be connected to another gas inlet (34) of the sampling valve (24).

4. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The sampling valve (24) connects the gas inlet (30) of the sampling valve (24) to the gas outlet (32) of the sampling valve (24) in the first valve position, and connects the other gas inlet (34) of the sampling valve (24) to the gas outlet (32) of the sampling valve (24) and blocks the gas inlet (30) of the sampling valve (24) in the second valve position.

5. The container processing apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sample container (38) comprises: Purification valve (58) connects the gas inlet (46) of the sample container (38) to the purification outlet (62) of the sample container (38) in a first valve position, and blocks the connection from the gas inlet (46) of the sample container (38) to the purification outlet (62) of the sample container (38) in a second valve position.

6. The container processing apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sample container (38) comprises: A filling valve (48) connects the gas inlet (46) of the sample container (38) to the filling tube (52) extending into the liquid chamber (44) in a first valve position, and blocks the connection from the gas inlet (46) of the sample container (38) to the filling tube (52) in a second valve position.

7. The container processing apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sample container (38) comprises: Safety valve (64) is configured to automatically open to release and / or release gas when a predetermined gas pressure value is exceeded and / or not exceeded.

8. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one container handling device (12, 14, 16, 18) comprises: A heating device for heating the preform of the container; Container manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the container; A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the preform of the container; A filling device for filling the container; and / or A sealing device for closing the container.

9. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sampling space (22) is a clean room, sterilization room or sterile room; The sampling space (22) is overcharged; and / or The sampling space (22) is enclosed.

10. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The purification fluid source (72) is a sterilization fluid source or a superheated steam source.

11. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein, With the intermediate connection of the purification valve (74), the purification fluid source (72) can be connected to another gas inlet (34) of the sampling valve (24).

12. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The sample container (38) is a portable sample container (38).

13. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The purification valve connects the gas inlet (46) of the sample container (38) to the purification outlet (62) of the sample container (38) in the first valve position, bypassing the liquid chamber (44).

14. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The safety valve is configured to automatically open to release and / or release gas when a predetermined gas pressure value in the gas volume above the liquid chamber (44) is exceeded and / or not exceeded.

15. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The gas filter (54) is a sterilizing air filter.

16. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The vacuum source (80) is a vacuum pump.

17. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The container manufacturing apparatus is a container blowing apparatus.

18. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The filling device is a packing disc; and / or The sealing device is a sealing disc.

19. A method for monitoring a container handling apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the method comprises: A gas sample is extracted from a sampling space (22) by means of a sampling valve (24), wherein at least one container handling device (12, 14, 16, 18) and / or at least one container conveyor (20) is arranged in the sampling space (22), the sampling valve having a gas inlet (30) connected to the interior of the sampling space (22) and a gas outlet (32) for extracting the gas sample.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Before extraction, the sampling valve (24) is purified using a purifying fluid.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising: The extracted gas sample is directed into the liquid (F) in the sample container (38); as well as The liquid (F) is examined for bacteria and / or contaminants, and the extracted gas has been introduced into the liquid (F).

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The purification fluid is superheated steam.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein, Purifying the sampling valve (24) means sterilizing the sampling valve (24).

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The extracted gas sample is guided into the liquid (F) of the sample container (38) by means of suction through a vacuum source (80).

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The sample container (38) is a portable sample container (38).

26. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The liquid (F) is sterile water.

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