Container manufacturing apparatus including a sterile transfer zone

Abstract

The invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus (10) for manufacturing containers (12B) in batches by shaping preforms (12A) made of thermoplastic material, comprising: a heating station (20); a shaping station (26); a filling station (50); at least one conveying device (64) for conveying hollow bodies along a transfer path between two stations; characterized in that at least one transfer path is arranged in a transfer zone (83) which is separated from a shaping zone (86) which houses the shaping station (26) by a separating partition (87) comprising at least one opening (88, 93) for the passage of hollow bodies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for mass-producing containers by molding preforms made of thermoplastic material, wherein the preforms and containers are referred to indiscriminately as "hollow bodies," and the manufacturing apparatus includes:

[0002] - Heating station, used to heat the preform to a temperature sufficient to form the preform;

[0003] - A forming station used to form containers by stretching and blow molding each preform in a mold carried by a rotating turntable;

[0004] - Filling station, used for filling containers;

[0005] - Sterilization device, used to sterilize preforms, is arranged upstream of the molding station in the direction of movement of the hollow body;

[0006] - A preform conveying device for conveying hot preforms in rows along a first transfer path from the outlet of the heating station to the loading point of the forming station;

[0007] - A container conveying device for conveying containers in a line along a second container transfer path from the forming station to the filling station;

[0008] - At least one source for sending a stream of sterile gas that permeates the hollow body along the transfer path of the hollow body. Background Technology

[0009] This invention is intended for use in equipment for manufacturing containers made of thermoplastic materials, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), by forming preforms, especially by blow molding or stretch blow molding. Such equipment allows for the production of containers at very high speeds and in very large quantities.

[0010] In the following text, the term "hollow body" will be used indiscriminately to refer to a preform or a container formed from a preform.

[0011] Preforms are typically made by injection molding in a first location, and then blow molded into the final shape of the container in a second location on a manufacturing equipment.

[0012] This technology allows blow molding to be performed as close as possible to the filling site, while injection molding can be performed anywhere. In fact, conveying small preforms is relatively easy and inexpensive, while conveying blow-molded containers is economically unfeasible due to their large size.

[0013] To enable the preform to be molded, the body of the preform is heated above its glass transition temperature, which makes the body walls malleable by significantly reducing their elastic limit. Conversely, the neck is kept at a temperature below the glass transition temperature to prevent deformation. For this purpose, the manufacturing equipment includes a heating station that allows the body of the preform to be heated to the temperature required to perform the molding steps.

[0014] The heated preform is then transported to the forming station of the manufacturing equipment. The hot preform is automatically placed into the mold cavity using clamping devices such as jigs. Pressurized molding fluid is then injected into the preform to press its walls against the mold cavity walls, thus shaping the preform into the final container. This forming operation is typically accompanied by a stretching operation, in which a stretching rod is introduced from the preform body into the preform to axially stretch its walls.

[0015] Containers are typically filled immediately after molding. Filling and blow molding stations are placed side-by-side to achieve a compact production facility that fully handles the container production process until filled containers are obtained.

[0016] In such production facilities, every effort is made to reduce the risk of container contamination, especially since these containers may contain products that are more or less sensitive to such risks.

[0017] Therefore, the sole purpose of all known actions is to control and manage the microbial quality of the production environment, especially to eliminate pathogens such as bacteria, spores, and germs, which may affect the products contained in the containers, making the products unsuitable for consumption.

[0018] Therefore, these actions are not only aimed at purifying the containers, but also include purifying the pre-forms used to manufacture the containers and the equipment itself in general.

[0019] In the production process, container filling is generally considered the most sensitive stage in terms of contamination risk. Therefore, containers must be sterilized before being transported to the filling station.

[0020] Various methods are known for sterilizing containers, such as spraying sterilizing agents like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the containers or preforms before they enter the filling station.

[0021] Therefore, it is known to spray a sterilizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, onto the preform upstream of the forming station. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly effective when heated. It has been proposed to spray this sterilizing agent into the preform upstream of the heating station or into the heating station during preform heating. To avoid affecting container sterilization, container forming in the forming station is performed by blowing a sterile gas, such as air, into the preform.

[0022] However, the containers introduced into the filling station are only one of the main carriers of contamination.

[0023] In fact, pathogens are particularly likely to contaminate the internal volume of a container once they are present in the container's immediate environment, from the air to equipment components.

[0024] Therefore, in addition to directly sterilizing or aseptically treating the product to be introduced into the container and the container itself, the filling station must also be chemically purified, for example by spraying a sterilization solution such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0025] To maintain a sterile atmosphere at the filling station and prevent rapid recontamination, it is known to arrange the filling station within a sterile enclosure called a filling housing, which is sealed by several walls. The atmosphere in the filling housing is maintained sterile by injecting sterile air. Thus, the filling housing contains a sterile atmosphere pressurized relative to the immediate external environment. This ensures that no contaminants are drawn in from the outside through gaps in the housing or through windows for container passage.

[0026] However, it is essential to ensure that the hollow body remains sterile until it enters the filling shell.

[0027] Therefore, it is known to arrange the molding station in a sterile shell called a blow molding shell, which is enclosed by walls and is purified and sealed with a sterile atmosphere.

[0028] Therefore, sterile air is supplied to the interior of the blow-molded housing, and the sterile atmosphere is maintained at overpressure relative to the exterior of the blow-molded housing. The internal pressure of the blow-molded housing is lower than that of the filling housing, thus ensuring the sterility of the filling station.

[0029] However, maintaining a sterile atmosphere inside such a large blow-molded shell is extremely expensive. Furthermore, the sheer size of the blow-molded shell presents numerous potential sources of contamination, making it highly complex to ensure the sterility of the atmosphere inside the shell for more than a few days or even hours.

[0030] To address this issue, it has been proposed to protect the interior of the hollow body from any risk of contamination only during its transfer from one station to another. However, during transfer, the neck of the hollow body is open, thus exposing its interior to potential contamination risks. Conversely, when the hollow bodies are loaded into the forming station, they are minimally exposed to contamination risks because their necks are sealed and covered by sterile gas nozzles.

[0031] In addition, due to its small volume, it is easy to maintain a controlled sterile atmosphere inside the heating station.

[0032] To protect the interior of the hollow body during transfer, it is known to blow a layered flow of sterile gas, forming a curtain, along the path of the hollow body between stations. Therefore, it has been proposed to arrange a first row of nozzles for spraying sterile gas jets above the preform path between the outlet of the heating station and the inlet in the forming station, and a second row of nozzles for spraying sterile gas jets above the container path between the outlet of the forming station and the inlet of the filling station.

[0033] The sterile gas jet passes through the neck of the hollow body and is directed into the interior of the hollow body to prevent any stale air from entering and to maintain a sterile atmosphere therein.

[0034] This device prevents the neck and interior of the hollow body from becoming contaminated during its movement. Therefore, it eliminates the need to maintain a completely sterile atmosphere within the blow-molded shell.

[0035] However, this solution has the following drawback: it cannot effectively protect the exterior of the hollow body from contamination. Contaminants can enter the interior of the filling shell, potentially leading to the formation of contamination sources within the filling station over time.

[0036] The molding station typically takes the form of a rotating turntable surrounding the molding stations. The extremely rapid rotation of the turntable results in very high air turbulence.

[0037] Laminar sterile air jets are exposed to this agitation. They must be powerful enough to maintain the laminar flow up to the neck of the hollow body. Therefore, the generation of sterile air curtains requires a large flow rate of pressurized sterile gas, which consumes a significant amount of energy.

[0038] Furthermore, the laminar flow of the air jet ejected by the nozzle quickly becomes turbulent after passing along the neck of the hollow body. The sterile gas flow disperses and mixes with the surrounding air. Therefore, the exterior of the container body is further exposed to the risk of contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0039] This invention proposes a manufacturing apparatus for mass-producing containers by molding preforms made of thermoplastic material, wherein the preforms and containers are referred to indiscriminately as "hollow bodies," and the manufacturing apparatus includes:

[0040] - Heating station, used to heat the preform to a temperature sufficient to form the preform;

[0041] - A forming station used to form containers by stretching and blow molding each preform in a mold carried by a rotating turntable;

[0042] - Filling station, used for filling containers;

[0043] - Sterilization device, used to sterilize preforms, is arranged upstream of the molding station in the direction of movement of the hollow body;

[0044] - A preform conveying device for conveying hot preforms in rows along a first transfer path from the outlet of the heating station to the loading point of the forming station;

[0045] - A container conveying device for conveying containers in a line along a second container transfer path from the forming station to the filling station;

[0046] - At least one source for sending a stream of sterile gas that permeates the hollow body along the transfer path of the hollow body;

[0047] The feature is that at least one transfer path is arranged in the transfer zone, which is separated from the molding zone of the receiving molding station by a separation partition, the separation partition including at least one opening for the passage of the hollow body.

[0048] Other features of the invention:

[0049] - A first transfer path for the preform and a second transfer path for the container are arranged in the transfer zone separated from the molding zone by the separation partition, the separation partition including an opening for the preform to pass through and an opening for the container to pass through;

[0050] - The filling station is enclosed in a closed sterile shell called the filling shell. The heating station and the forming station are arranged outside the filling shell. The filling shell includes an inlet window for containers to enter directly from the transfer area. Under the pressure difference between the filling shell and the transfer area, a first sterile gas stream leaves the filling shell through the inlet window. The container conveying device conveys the containers to the inlet window of the filling shell.

[0051] - The manufacturing equipment includes a second enclosed sterile shell called a transfer shell, the boundary wall of which is formed by the separation partition. The transfer shell encloses the transfer area. A forming station is arranged outside the transfer shell in the forming area. The pressure in the forming area is lower than the internal pressure of the transfer shell. The internal pressure of the transfer shell is lower than the internal pressure of the filling shell. The inlet window of the filling shell is directly opened into the transfer shell.

[0052] - The second transfer path of the container and the first transfer path of the preform are arranged approximately in alignment with the first sterile gas flow from the filling shell, and the preform and the container move countercurrently to the first sterile gas flow.

[0053] - The container conveying device includes at least one rotating downstream transfer wheel that allows containers to be transported from the interior of the forming zone to the transfer zone via an opening for container passage. The downstream transfer wheel includes a separate container retainer around its periphery. The central portion of the downstream transfer wheel is separated from the transfer zone by a shell that includes a groove for the container retainer to pass through.

[0054] -The downstream transfer wheel's container holders directly grip each container in the mold at the forming station;

[0055] - The preform conveying device includes at least one rotating upstream transfer wheel that allows preforms to be transported from the interior of the transfer zone to the interior of the forming zone via an opening for preform passage. The upstream transfer wheel includes a separate preform retainer around its periphery. The central portion of the upstream transfer wheel is separated from the interior of the transfer zone by a housing that includes a groove for the passage of the preform retainer.

[0056] - The preform holder of the upstream transfer wheel places each preform directly into the mold of the forming station;

[0057] --The heating station is located in a third housing called the heating housing. The internal pressure of the heating housing is lower than that of the transfer housing. The heating housing is directly connected to the transfer housing through a preform channel, which is arranged so that it is approximately opposite to the inlet window of the container in the direction of the first sterile gas flow.

[0058] - The transfer shell is directly supplied with sterile gas by a second layer of sterile gas flow guided vertically into the neck of the hollow body. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which will be understood with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 This is a top view, schematically illustrating a container manufacturing apparatus implemented according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 This is an axial cross-sectional view, showing that it can be obtained from... Figure 1 Pre-formed parts loaded on manufacturing equipment;

[0062] Figure 3 This is an axial section view, showing the process through... Figure 1 Containers obtained from preforms are formed in the forming station of the equipment;

[0063] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 Section 4-4 shows the axial cross-sectional view of the preform received in the blow molding station of the forming station;

[0064] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A larger-scale top view shows the preform conveying device and container conveying device in more detail;

[0065] Figure 6 It is a perspective view, showing from Figure 1 The separation partition seen inside the transfer housing of the equipment;

[0066] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of section 7-7 shows the container being delivered into the transfer housing and exposed to a layered flow of sterile gas from the top plate of the transfer housing. Detailed Implementation

[0067] In the following text, elements with the same structure or similar function will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0068] In the following text, the longitudinal direction pointing from back to front, the vertical direction pointing from bottom to top, and the transverse direction pointing from left to right will be used without limitation, and these directions will be indicated by the coordinate system (L, V, T) in the figure. A horizontal plane extending orthogonally to the vertical direction will also be used.

[0069] In the following text and claims, the term "shell" is defined as a space physically enclosed by walls.

[0070] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a manufacturing apparatus 10 for mass production of thermoplastic container 12B from preform 12A. Hereinafter, the term "hollow body" will be used indiscriminately to refer to preform 12A, finished container 12B, or preform in the process of molding. In a non-limiting manner, container 12B is referred to here as a bottle. Here, the thermoplastic material is formed from polyethylene terephthalate, hereinafter referred to as "PET".

[0071] Figure 2 An example of preform 12A is shown in the figure. Figure 3 An example of a container 12B obtained from the preform 12A is shown. This hollow body is made of a thermoplastic material, here made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The hollow body has... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The central axis, "Z1," is shown vertically. The hollow body includes a main body 14, which has... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The closed axial end is shown in the lower middle section. The main body 14 is composed of... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The upper part, as shown, opens into the open neck 16 at its opposite ends. The neck 16 has a tubular shape, and its main axis defines the main axis "Z1" of the hollow body.

[0072] The container 12B formed from the preform 12A includes the same neck 16 as the neck of the preform 12A, but the body 14 of the container is a larger body formed by stretch blow molding of the body 14 of the preform 12A, particularly by biaxial stretching.

[0073] exist Figure 2In this case, the body 14 of the preform 12A has an axisymmetric shape of an elongated tube along the main axis, and the diameter of the body is approximately the same as the diameter of the neck 16. As a variation, the diameter of the body 14 is smaller than the diameter of the neck 16.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In this case, the body 14 of container 12B also has an axisymmetric shape. However, the body 14 here is much larger than the body 14 of the preform 12A that produces it. In particular, the height of the body 14 of container 12B is much greater than the height of the body 14 of preform 12A.

[0075] The height of the body 14 of container 12B is, for example, two to five times the height of the body 14 of preform 12A.

[0076] The neck 16 of the preform also has a radially protruding annular ring 18.

[0077] The hollow body, first in the form of preform 12A, then in the form of container 12B, continues along this path. Figure 1 The production path "T", indicated by the thick arrow, moves through the manufacturing equipment in rows of 10. The hollow bodies are held entirely along the path by individual holders, with each hollow body being transferred from an individual holder of one conveyor to an individual holder of a subsequent conveyor.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 The device 10 includes a heating station 20 for heating the preform 12A. As a non-limiting example, the heating station 20 is formed by a tunnel in which heating elements 22 that emit electromagnetic radiation, such as halogen lamps or laser emitters, are arranged.

[0079] The conveying member 24 for conveying the preform 12A is arranged such that the preform travels along the heating member from the tunnel entrance to the exit. The direction of travel of the hollow body is... Figure 1 The arrow in the diagram indicates that the conveying component 24 is formed, for example, by a closed chain, which includes a separate retainer formed here by a mandrel for holding the preform 12A through the preform neck 16.

[0080] As a variation not shown, the invention can also be applied to conveying components having independent shuttle-shaped parts that move along a track. For example, each shuttle-shaped part forms a linear electric motor with the track. Each shuttle-shaped part carries a separate retainer.

[0081] Upon leaving the heating station 20, the body 14 of the preform 12A becomes malleable by heating to a temperature above the glass transition temperature sufficient to mold it, while the neck 16 is kept at a sufficiently low temperature to retain its original shape.

[0082] The apparatus 10 also includes a forming station 26 for forming a container 12B from the preform 12A that has been heated in this manner. Referring to the direction of movement of the hollow body along its production path "T" in the apparatus 10, the forming station 26 is located downstream of the heating station 20.

[0083] The forming station 26 includes a turntable 28 that supports multiple forming stations 30. The turntable 28 is mounted around the central axis "Z2". Figure 1 Rotate in the direction indicated by the middle arrow "F". Therefore, each molding station 30 can move around the axis "Z2" of the turntable 28 between the loading point 32 for loading the heated preform 12A and the unloading point 34 for unloading the container 12B obtained from the preform 12A before restarting a new cycle.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 Each molding station 30 includes a mold 36, which defines a mold cavity 38. The mold 36 generally consists of two or three parts that are movable relative to each other to allow a heated preform 12A to be introduced into the mold cavity 38 and to allow a container 12B, formed in the mold 36, to be removed from the mold 36. When the parts of the mold 36 are assembled, as... Figure 4 As shown, the mold 36 has a generally flat upper surface 40, through which a channel hole 42 with a vertical axis "Z3" passes and leads to the mold cavity 38.

[0085] When the preform 12A is received into the mold cavity 38, its neck 16 extends above the upper surface 40 of the mold 36, and the ring 18 rests on the upper surface 40 of the mold 36.

[0086] Each molding station 30 also includes an injection device 44 for injecting pressurized molding fluid into the hollow body 12 received in the mold 36. This pertains to a stretch blow molding station 30. The molding fluid used is a sterile gas such as air. For example, the pressure of the molding fluid is approximately 40 bar.

[0087] However, it is understood that the present invention is also applicable to other types of molding stations, particularly molding stations where molding is performed by injecting pressurized fluid into the preform. The injection device 44 is designed to press the plastic wall of the body 14 of the preform 12A against the wall of the mold cavity 38 by injecting pressurized molding fluid through the neck 16 of the hollow body 12, thereby giving the hollow body the shape of the final container 12B. For this purpose, the injection device 44 also includes a movable nozzle 46. The movable nozzle 46 is in the form of a tubular conduit having a main axis “Z3” for supplying molding fluid. The axis “Z3” of the nozzle coincides with the main axis “Z1” of the preform 12A received in the mold 36.

[0088] The movable nozzle 46 has a bell-shaped lower end, which covers the neck 16 of the hollow body by pressing against the upper surface 40 of the mold 36 in a sealing manner. Here, the seal is achieved by an annular sealing ring 48 supported by the lower edge of the bell-shaped portion.

[0089] The controllable movable nozzle 46 can slide between a working position and a non-working position, such as the working position... Figure 4 As shown by the solid line, in the working position, the nozzle seals over the neck 16 of the hollow body; in the non-working position, as shown... Figure 4 As shown by the dashed line, in the non-working position, the nozzle is positioned at a distance above the mold 36 to allow the neck 16 to move laterally, allowing the finished product container 12B to be removed, and then allowing the introduction of a new heated preform 12A.

[0090] The equipment 10 also includes a filling station 50 for filling the containers 12B thus formed by the forming station 26. The filling station 50 includes a filling wheel 52, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis “Z4”. The filling wheel 52 allows the containers 12B to be transported along an arc-shaped path, along which the containers are filled with their final contents through filling components such as valves, which will not be described below.

[0091] The filling station 50 is enclosed within a first housing called the filling housing 54. The forming station 26 and the heating station 20 are arranged outside the filling housing 54. Therefore, the volume of the filling housing 54 is small enough to maintain a sterile atmosphere and limit sources of contamination within it.

[0092] The filling shell 54 can also enclose the container sealing station 55. Therefore, the container 12B leaving the filling shell 54 no longer needs to be kept under sterile conditions.

[0093] The filling housing 54 is defined by walls in all directions. Here, the filling housing is defined longitudinally and rearward by a wall 56, which includes an inlet window 58 for the container 12B from the forming station 26 to enter. The filling housing 54 here has an outlet window 60 in the opposing wall for the filled and possibly sealed container 12B to exit.

[0094] The filling housing 54 is enclosed in a sterile atmosphere, which is pressurized relative to the atmosphere surrounding the filling housing 54. This ensures that no contaminants are drawn in through gaps in the walls of the filling housing 54 or through the inlet window 58 or outlet window 60. The pressure within the filling housing 54 is regulated by a known component (not shown) injecting sterile gas at a controlled flow rate.

[0095] Here, sterile gas is formed by various known means, particularly by filtration and / or by exposure to cleaning chemicals and / or by exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

[0096] Due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the filling housing 54 Figure 1 The first sterile gas stream “G1”, indicated by the arrow, exits the filling housing 54 permanently through the inlet window 58.

[0097] The manufacturing equipment 10 also includes a preform 12A conveying device 62 for transferring the hot preform 12A along a first transfer path from the outlet of the heating station 20 to the loading point 32 of the forming station 26. Similarly, the manufacturing equipment 10 includes a container 12B conveying device 64 for transferring the container 12B along a second transfer path from the unloading point 34 of the forming station 26 to the inlet window 58 of the filling shell 54.

[0098] The preform 12A conveying device 62 includes an upstream transfer wheel 66 that rotates about a vertical axis "Z5". The upstream transfer wheel 66 includes retainers 68 around its periphery for individually holding the preform 12A. Figure 5 As shown in more detail, the retainer 68 is formed here by a clamp arranged at the end of the support arm 70.

[0099] The upstream transfer wheel 66 is arranged and designed so that its retainer 68 places each preform directly into the corresponding mold 36 of the forming station 26. For this purpose, the trajectory of the retainer 68 is tangent to the circular trajectory of the mold 36 at the loading point 32 of the preform 12A. Furthermore, the various rotating elements of the manufacturing equipment 10 are synchronized.

[0100] The support arm 70 is mounted here to pivot on the upstream wheel 66 about a vertical axis so as to change the spacing between the two preforms 12A, especially when the spacing between the two successive mandrels of the heating station 20 is different from the spacing between the two successive molds 36 of the forming station 26.

[0101] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the preform conveying device 62 only includes an upstream transfer wheel 66, which directly grabs the hot preform 12A from the heating station 20.

[0102] In a variant not shown, the preform 12A conveying device 62 includes, in addition to the upstream transfer wheel 66, one or more other conveying wheels, such as notched wheels, which allow the hot preform 12A to be conveyed from the heating station to the upstream transfer wheel 66.

[0103] The container 12B conveying device 64 includes a downstream transfer wheel 72 that rotates about a vertical axis "Z6". The downstream transfer wheel 72 includes a retainer 74 around its periphery that separately holds the container 12B. Figure 5 As shown in more detail, the retainer 74 is formed by a clamp arranged at the end of the support arm 76.

[0104] The downstream transfer wheel 72 is arranged and designed such that its retainer 74 directly grips each container 12B from the associated mold 36 of the forming station 26. For this purpose, the trajectory of the retainer 74 is tangent to the circular trajectory of the mold 36 at the unloading point 34 of the container 12B.

[0105] The support arm 76 is mounted here to pivot about a vertical axis on the downstream wheel 72 so as to change the spacing between the two containers 12B, especially when the spacing between the two successive molds 36 of the forming station 26 is different from the spacing between the two successive container holders of the filling station 50.

[0106] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the container conveying device 64 includes, in addition to the downstream transfer wheel 72, another conveying wheel 78, which allows the container 12B to be conveyed from the downstream transfer wheel 72 to the conveying wheel 80 located within the filling housing 54. The conveying wheel 78 includes, around its periphery, a separate retainer 82 for individually holding the container 12B, the retainer 82 being formed here by a clamp.

[0107] like Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the clamp forming the retainer 68 of the upstream transfer wheel 66 grips the preform 12A at the neck 16 above the ring 18 so that when the mold closes again at the loading point 32, the preform 12A can be placed directly against the upper surface 40 of the mold 36 through its ring 18.

[0108] Similarly, the clamp forming the retainer 74 of the downstream transfer wheel 72 grips the container 12B at the neck 16 above the ring 18 so that the container 12B can be gripped at the neck 16 before the mold 36 is opened at the loading point 32.

[0109] The manufacturing equipment 10 also includes a sterilization device 102 for sterilizing the interior of the preform 12A, which is arranged upstream of the molding station 26 in the direction of movement of the preform 12A along the production path "T".

[0110] For example, this relates to a sterilization apparatus 102 that sterilizes the preform 12A by spraying a detergent, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), into the interior of the preform 12A. In doing so, the exterior of the preform 12A is also exposed to an atmosphere permeated with the detergent. In a known manner, this detergent is more effective when heated.

[0111] The sterilization device 102 is located upstream of the outlet of the heating station 20. Therefore, the detergent is heated by the heating element 22 of the heating station to achieve high efficiency.

[0112] exist Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the sterilization device 102 is more precisely positioned upstream of the heating station 20.

[0113] In a variant of the invention (not shown), the sterilization device 102 is arranged in the heating station 20.

[0114] According to another variation of the invention (not shown), the sterilization device 102 is arranged downstream of the furnace. The detergent is then directly heated by the heat stored in the preform 12A.

[0115] The sterilization device 102 may be supplemented by other decontamination devices (not shown), for example, by decontaminating the preform by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation.

[0116] To keep the container sterile until filling, it is known to expose the container to a stream of sterile gas during its path from the outlet of the forming station 26 to the filling housing 54.

[0117] Therefore, the device includes a source for delivering a sterile gas stream along the immersion transfer path. Within the scope of this invention, the source is formed herein by:

[0118] - Filling housing 54, the aseptic gas flow is therefore formed by the first aseptic gas flow "G1" and / or

[0119] - Nozzles for delivering the second sterile gas stream "G2" are arranged along the transfer path, as will be explained below.

[0120] A first sterile gas stream "G1" is introduced into the pre-sterilized filling housing 54. Specifically, the first sterile gas stream "G1" is obtained by filtering air using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, capable of blocking micron-sized particles, such as a ULPA filter. After filtration, the air is introduced into the filling housing 54 through sterile conduits. Therefore, the first sterile gas stream "G1" remains sterile when exiting the filling housing 54.

[0121] The second sterile gas flow "G2" is directed directly toward the transfer path of the preform 12A, without passing through another housing. The second sterile gas flow "G2" is obtained specifically through filtration by a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, capable of blocking particles as small as micrometers, such as a ULPA filter. After filtration, the air is directed toward the preform through sterile conduits.

[0122] According to the teachings of the present invention, the transfer paths of container 12B and / or preform 12A are arranged in a transfer zone 83, which is separated from the forming zone 86 of the forming station 26 by a separation partition 87. The separation partition 87 extends vertically. The separation partition is sized sufficiently to prevent the aseptic gas flow guided along its transfer path to container 12B and / or preform 12A from being disturbed by air agitation caused by the rotation of the turntable 28 of the forming station 26.

[0123] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the transfer path of container 12B is arranged in transfer area 83.

[0124] like Figure 6 As shown, the separation partition 87 includes an opening 88 for the container 12B to pass from the forming zone 86 to the transfer zone 83. Therefore, the downstream transfer wheel 72 allows the container 12B to be transported from the forming zone 86 via the opening 88 for the container 12B to the interior of the transfer zone 83. The opening 88 for the container 12B has a size suitable for the container 12B, that is, a size sufficient to allow the largest container 12B that the manufacturing equipment 10 can produce to pass through, but a size limited enough to restrict the passage of air between the transfer zone 83 and the forming zone 86.

[0125] It is advantageous to eliminate the transfer zone 83, which may become a source of infection or contamination. It is also advantageous to reduce the turbulence source generated by air agitation caused by the downstream transfer wheel 72.

[0126] For this purpose, the central portion of the downstream transfer wheel 72 is separated from the interior of the transfer zone 83 by a housing 90, which includes a horizontal groove 92 for the passage of the retainer 74. The term "central portion" should be understood as a cylindrical space extending from a plane above the retainer 74 to a plane below the retainer 74, specifically accommodating the drive shaft, components for guiding the rotation of the downstream transfer wheel 72, and any other components of the downstream transfer wheel 72. Only a portion of the retainer 74 and its support arm 76 protrudes through the groove 92 into the transfer zone 83 on a portion of its circular trajectory corresponding to the transfer path from container 12B to the conveyor wheel 78. The retainer 74 completes its remaining circular path outside the transfer zone 83.

[0127] The casing 90 forms part of the separation partition 87, so that the central portion of the downstream wheel 72 is arranged within the forming area 86.

[0128] The conveyor wheel 78 is entirely located within the transfer zone 83 to limit the number of openings leading to the forming zone 86.

[0129] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the transfer path of the preform 12A is also arranged within the transfer zone 83. Therefore, the sterile gas flow immersing the preform 12A along the transfer path is also protected from air agitation caused by the molding station 26. For this purpose, as... Figure 6 As shown, the separation partition 87 includes an opening 93 for the preform 12A to pass through from the transfer housing 84 to the forming zone 86. The opening 93 for the preform 12A to pass through has a size adapted to the preform 12B, that is, a size sufficient to allow the largest preform 12A that can be loaded by the manufacturing equipment 10 to pass through, but a size limited enough to restrict the passage of air between the transfer zone 83 and the forming zone 86.

[0130] The opening 88 for the container 12B and the opening 93 for the preform 12A are separated by a portion of the opening of the separator 87 used to restrict access to the forming area 86.

[0131] The upstream transfer wheel 66 allows the preform 12A to be transported from the interior of the transfer zone 83 to the forming zone 86 via the opening 93 for the preform 12A to pass through.

[0132] For the same reasons mentioned above with respect to the downstream transfer wheel 72, the central portion of the upstream transfer wheel 66 is separated from the interior of the transfer zone 83 by a housing 94, which includes a horizontal groove 96 for the passage of the retainer 68. Only the retainer 68 and a portion of its support arm 70 protrude into the transfer zone 83 through the groove 96 on a portion of its circular trajectory corresponding to the transfer path of the preform 12A. The retainer 68 completes the remaining circular path outside the transfer zone 83.

[0133] The casing 94 forms part of the separation partition 87, so that the central part of the upstream wheel 66 is arranged within the forming area 86.

[0134] In order to obtain and utilize the sterile gas flow "G1" from the filling shell 54 to effectively protect the container 12B along its transfer path, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a second shell, referred to as the transfer shell 84, which encloses the transfer area 83. The transfer shell 84 encloses a sterile atmosphere. Therefore, the container 12B is protected from any contamination along its transfer path by the sterile atmosphere of the transfer shell 84.

[0135] The transfer zone 83 is separated from the forming zone 86 by the separation partition 87, which thus forms a wall defining the transfer housing 84. Therefore, the forming station 26 is arranged outside the transfer housing 84. The forming zone 86 has an atmosphere with a pressure lower than the internal pressure of the transfer housing 84.

[0136] Therefore, the transfer housing 84 is generally defined laterally by the separation partition 87 on one hand and by the opposing partition 89 on the other. Figure 1 As shown, the transfer housing is further defined longitudinally by an end partition 91 and an opposing partition 97, where the end partition 91 is shared with the housing wall 56 and the partition 97 is adjacent to the heating station 20. Therefore, the heating station 20 is outside the transfer housing 84. Furthermore, the transfer housing 84 is defined vertically by a floor 95 and a top plate 101.

[0137] The inlet window 58 of the filling shell 54 opens directly into the transfer shell 84. Therefore, the transfer wheel 78 of the container 12B conveyor 64 allows the container to be transported directly to the inlet window 58.

[0138] The internal pressure of the transfer housing 84 is lower than that of the filling housing 54. Therefore, the first sterile gas stream "G1" exiting through the inlet window 58 enters directly into the interior of the transfer housing 84. Thus, the transfer housing 84 is at least partially supplied with sterile gas by the filling housing 54. Consequently, the container 12B is exposed to the first sterile gas stream "G1" along its transfer path.

[0139] The internal pressure of the transfer housing 84 is maintained higher than that of the forming zone 86. Therefore, at least a portion of the first sterile gas flow “G1” exits the transfer housing 84 toward the forming zone 86 through the opening 88 and the through slot 92 for the passage of container 12B.

[0140] When the transfer area 83 also includes the transfer path of the preform 12A, as is the case here, the preform 12A is also received into the transfer housing 84 along its transfer path.

[0141] The transfer paths of container 12B and preform 12A are roughly aligned with the first sterile gas flow "G1" from filling shell 54, and preform 12A and container 12B move countercurrently to the first sterile gas flow "G1". This arrangement has the advantage of reducing the footprint of manufacturing equipment 10 and exposing preform 12A to the first sterile gas flow "G1".

[0142] Furthermore, the heating station 20 is arranged within a third housing, referred to as the heating housing 98, the internal pressure of which is lower than the internal pressure of the transfer housing 84. The housing 98 more specifically defines a tunnel through which the preform 12A travels. The heating housing 98 opens directly into the transfer housing 84 via a preform channel 100, which is formed within the wall of the transfer housing 84. The preform channel 100 is arranged approximately opposite the container inlet window 58 in the direction of the first sterile gas flow “G1” at the inlet window 58. Due to the pressure difference between the transfer housing 84 and the heating housing 98, a portion of the first sterile gas flow “G1” exits the transfer housing 84 through the preform channel 100.

[0143] When the flow rate of the first sterile gas stream "G1" from the filling housing 54 is insufficient to maintain the necessary overpressure in the transfer housing 84, the transfer housing 84 is configured to be directly supplied with sterile gas from at least one second source to supplement the first sterile gas stream "G1" from the filling housing 54. Figure 7 As shown, the transfer housing 84 is directly supplied with sterile gas by a layered second sterile gas stream "G2" delivered via device 104. The second sterile gas stream "G2" falls from a nozzle disposed on the top plate 101 of the transfer housing 84. The second sterile gas stream "G2" is vertically guided downwards toward the neck 16 of the preform 12A and the container 12B. Here, the sterile gas is formed from sterile air.

[0144] Due to the presence of the separation baffle 87 that protects the lamellar second stream "G2" from the agitation of the forming station 26, the flow rate and power of the lamellar second stream "G2" are much lower than those of existing technology devices that withstand agitation for different gas streams.

[0145] Furthermore, the presence of the transfer housing 84 allows for the acquisition of a first sterile gas flow “G1” from the filling housing 54. This allows for a further reduction in the flow rate of the laminar second flow “G2” necessary to maintain the container and preform in a sterile environment during the transfer path of the container 12B and the preform 12A.

[0146] During equipment operation, the preform 12A is first purified by the sterilization device 102 before entering the heating station 20, where the body of the preform is heated to the temperature necessary for its molding. Upon leaving the heating station 20, the preform 12A, thus heated, is directly loaded by the upstream transfer wheel 66 of the first conveying device 62. Therefore, the preform 12A is conveyed along its transfer path within the transfer housing 84. The preform exits the transfer housing through the outlet opening 93. Once the preform enters the molding zone 86, it is placed in the mold 36, which closes around the preform, and the associated nozzle 46 is controlled in the working position. During its stretch blow molding operation, the hollow body, first in the form of the preform 12A and then in the form of a container 12B, is protected from external contaminants by the bell-shaped portion of the nozzle 46 and the mold 36. After molding, the container 12B is gripped by the retainer 74 of the downstream transfer wheel 72 to be rapidly conveyed through the inlet opening 88 into the transfer housing 84. The container is conveyed along its transfer path to the inlet window 58 of the filling housing 54, where it is loaded by the conveyor wheel 80.

[0147] In the transfer path of the preform and container within the transfer housing 84, the preform 12A and container 12B are exposed to a first sterile gas flow “G1” and, if necessary, also to a layered second sterile gas flow “G2”. Due to overpressure, the sterile gas flows naturally out of the transfer housing 84 through openings 88 and 93, through slots 92 and 96, and through the preform channel 100.

[0148] The presence of the separation partition 87 protects the container 12B and / or preform 12A from the sterile gas flow exposed therein, regardless of the source of the sterile gas flow. The presence of the separation partition 87 advantageously allows the preform 12A and container 12B to be exposed to the sterile gas flow without requiring the high flow rates seen in prior art devices where the transfer path is physically open to the forming zone.

[0149] According to another aspect of the invention, a first sterile gas stream “G1” exiting the filling housing 54 is utilized to maintain the container 12B and / or preform 12A in a sterile atmosphere. This is made possible, in particular, by the presence of a transfer housing 84 that allows it to be separated from the forming station 26.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus (10) for mass-producing containers (12B) by molding preforms (12A) made of thermoplastic material, wherein the preforms (12A) and containers (12B) are referred to indiscriminately by the term "hollow body", the manufacturing apparatus (10) comprising: - Heating station (20) for heating the preform (12A) to a temperature sufficient to form the preform; - A forming station (26) for forming a container (12B) by stretching and blow molding each preform (12A) in a mold (36) carried by a rotating turntable (28); - Filling station (50) for filling containers (12B); - Sterilization device (102), used to sterilize preforms (12A), is arranged upstream of molding station (26) in the direction of movement of hollow body; - Preform conveying device (62) for conveying hot preforms (12A) in rows along a first transfer path from the outlet of heating station (20) to the loading point (32) of molding station (26). - Container conveying device (64) for conveying containers (12B) in a row along a second transfer path of containers (12B) from forming station (26) to filling station (50); - At least one source (54, 104) for sending a sterile gas stream (G1, G2) that permeates the hollow body along the transfer path of the hollow body. Its features are, The first transfer path and / or the second transfer path are arranged in a transfer area (83), which is separated from the molding area (86) of the molding station (26) by a separation partition (87), the separation partition (87) including at least one opening (88, 93) for the passage of the hollow body.

2. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transfer path of the preform (12A) and the second transfer path of the container (12B) are arranged in the transfer area (83) separated from the forming area (86) by the separation partition (87), the separation partition (87) including an opening (93) for the preform (12A) to pass through and an opening (88) for the container (12B) to pass through.

3. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filling station (50) is enclosed in a closed sterile shell called the filling shell (54). The heating station (20) and the forming station (26) are arranged outside the filling shell (54). The filling shell (54) includes an inlet window (58) for containers (12B) to enter directly from the transfer zone (83). Under the pressure difference between the filling shell (54) and the transfer zone (83), a first sterile gas stream (G1) passes through the inlet window (58) and leaves the filling shell (54). The container (12B) conveying device (64) conveys the containers (12B) to the inlet window (58) of the filling shell (54).

4. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The manufacturing equipment includes a second enclosed sterile shell called a transfer shell (84), the boundary wall of which is formed by the separation partition (87), the transfer shell (84) enclosing the transfer area (83), the forming station (26) being arranged outside the transfer shell (84) in the forming area (86), the pressure in the forming area being lower than the internal pressure of the transfer shell (84), the internal pressure of the transfer shell (84) being lower than the internal pressure of the filling shell (54), and the inlet window (58) of the filling shell (54) being directly open into the transfer shell (84).

5. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second transfer path of the container (12B) and the first transfer path of the preform (12A) are arranged approximately aligned with the first sterile gas flow (G1) from the filling shell (54), and the preform (12A) and the container (12B) move countercurrently to the first sterile gas flow (G1).

6. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The container conveying device (64) includes at least one rotating downstream transfer wheel (72) that allows the container to be transported from the interior of the forming zone (86) to the transfer zone (83) via an opening (88) for the container (12B) to pass through. The downstream transfer wheel (72) includes a separate container holder (74) around its periphery. The central portion of the downstream transfer wheel (72) is separated from the transfer zone (83) by a housing (90) that includes a groove (92) for the container holder (74) to pass through.

7. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The container holder (74) of the downstream transfer wheel (72) directly grips each container (12B) in the mold (36) of the forming station (26).

8. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preform (12A) conveying device (62) includes at least one rotating upstream transfer wheel (66) that allows the preform (12A) to be transported from the interior of the transfer zone (83) to the interior of the forming zone (86) via an opening (93) for the preform (12A) to pass through. The upstream transfer wheel (66) includes a separate preform retainer (68) around its periphery. The central portion of the upstream transfer wheel (66) is separated from the interior of the transfer zone (83) by a housing (94) that includes a groove (96) for the preform retainer (68) to pass through.

9. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The preform holder (68) of the upstream transfer wheel (66) places each preform (12A) directly into the mold (36) of the molding station (26).

10. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating station (20) is arranged in a third housing called the heating housing (98), the internal pressure of which is lower than the internal pressure of the transfer housing (84). The heating housing (98) is directly connected to the transfer housing (84) through the preform channel (100), which is arranged to be approximately opposite the inlet window (58) of the container (12B) in the direction of the first sterile gas flow (G1).

11. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transfer shell (84) is directly supplied with sterile gas by a layered second sterile gas flow (G2) guided along the neck (16) of the vertical hollow body.

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