Container handling device for transporting plastic containers along predetermined transport path

Abstract

The utility model relates to a container handling device, in particular plastic preforms, for transporting plastic containers along a predetermined transport path, the container handling device (1) having a plurality of transport devices (4, 100, 200, 300), each having at least one holding element (140, 240) for holding and guiding the plastic containers (10) over a section of the transport path (T), wherein the second transport device (100) directly follows the first transport device (4) along a transport path (T), and the containers can be transferred from a holding device of the first transport device (4) to a holding device of the second transport device (100), and wherein the transport path (T) along which the first transport device (4) guides the containers is arranged at least partially outside the clean room, the transport path (T) along which the first transport device (4) guides the container is at least partially surrounded by the radiation shielding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a container handling device for transporting plastic containers, in particular plastic preforms, along a predetermined transport path, wherein the container handling device has a plurality of transport devices, each of which has at least one holding element for holding a plastic container and guiding the plastic container along a section of the transport path, wherein a second transport device (100) directly follows a first transport device (4) along the transport path (T), and the container can be transferred from the holding device of the first transport device (4) to the holding device of the second transport device (100). The utility model also relates to a method for handling containers, in particular for sterilizing containers. Background Art

[0002] There are various known container handling devices in the prior art. The handling can include, for example, sterilizing the surface of the container. Preforms are usually processed in such container handling devices and are then formed into bottles or other containers in subsequent steps. The advantage is that the area to be processed is relatively small. This is particularly advantageous for the sterilization process because less sterilizing agent and / or energy can be saved due to the smaller area to be sterilized.

[0003] The container is usually sterilized in at least a substantially enclosed housing to avoid contamination from the outside. In this case, such a housing usually forms a so-called clean room.

[0004] In some systems, at least one sterilization process includes applying radiation. The radiation source provided for this purpose is usually also at least partially arranged in the housing and emits radiation into the interior of the housing, wherein the housing has the property of shielding radiation. Therefore, people near such a sterilization device can be protected from scattered radiation. Generally, a housing with radiation shielding properties not only forms the boundary of the sterilization radiation but also forms the boundary of the clean room.

[0005] Especially when sterilizing different regions of the container one by one, there is a problem that all these devices should be arranged in the housing to avoid contaminating the sterilized surface during this period. If a plurality of such sterilization devices are arranged in a common housing, a so-called sterilization module is formed. Due to the large number of sterilization devices and transport devices for transferring individual containers from one sterilization device to the next, this sterilization module is often large in volume and occupies a large area.

[0006] It can be learned from the applicant's internal prior art that after the plastic preform is heated in an oven, both its inner and outer surfaces need to be sterilized. The applicant has successfully provided a particularly compact sterilization module that uses a particularly advantageous arrangement of partitioned deformable star wheels. Through these partitioned deformable star wheels, the distance between two directly following containers on the transport path can be set, and the containers can be guided on different horizontal planes.

[0007] It is further known that the sterilization of the containers to be filled is a core process step in aseptic filling equipment apart from the actual filling process. It has been proven that ionizing radiation is particularly suitable for achieving the required sterilization effect. In most applications, this radiation consists of accelerated electrons, which are generated in the corresponding equipment and are used to treat the containers to be sterilized. Most of the systems for sterilization consist of electron generation devices and finger-shaped radiators for inner surface sterilization, and electron generation devices and surface radiators for outer surface sterilization. Among them, the processing devices for outer surface sterilization and inner surface sterilization are respectively arranged on a turntable or a transport star wheel.

[0008] The X-ray radiation generated during the sterilization process - for example by accelerated electrons - must be isolated from the environment by appropriate shielding means. Therefore, the two processing devices are built-in or enclosed in a radiation shielding device. For example, EP 2 845 610 A1 describes such a shielding device in detail. This shielding device can also ensure radiation shielding at the inlet and outlet of the sterilization module, because the inlet star wheel is located upstream of the radiation treatment and the outlet star wheel is located downstream of the radiation treatment, which enables sufficient shielding surfaces to be arranged between the radiation source and the feed inlet and the discharge outlet.

[0009] In the compact sterilization module known in the applicant's internal prior art, no such inlet star wheel or outlet star wheel is provided. The container sterilization is carried out during the transportation of the containers by a transport star wheel, which is directly arranged at the inlet or outlet of the housing. This makes the housing particularly compact, shortens the transfer or transportation distance from the oven to the blow molding machine, and thus shortens the residence time of the containers in the processing module. However, the problem is that (scattered) radiation may leak out of the housing from the feed inlet and / or the discharge outlet.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide a container processing device, in particular a container sterilization device, which has the advantages of the above-mentioned compact container processing device, that is, a large container processing capacity, but can effectively reduce the leakage of (X-ray) radiation. This container processing device is preferably of modular design and can be compatible with other upstream or downstream container processing devices (such as blow molding equipment or heating equipment). In addition, there is a need to provide a method for effectively processing containers on a short transportation path.

[0011] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary of the Utility Model

[0012] To solve the fundamental problem, the present utility model provides a container handling device for transporting plastic containers (especially plastic preforms) along a predetermined transport path. Among them, the container handling device has a plurality of transport devices, and each of the transport devices has at least one holding element for holding the plastic container and guiding the plastic container on a section of the transport path. Among them, the second transport device is arranged to directly follow the first transport device along the transport path, and the container can be transferred from the holding device of the first transport device to the holding device of the second transport device.

[0013] The key to the solution of the above problem lies in that at least part of the transport path along which the first transport device guides the container is arranged outside the clean room, and at least part of the transport path along which the first transport device guides the container is surrounded by a radiation shielding device.

[0014] This can protect the environment in the area of the first transport device from the radiation of the sterilization device without arranging the entire first transport device in the clean room and / or a radiation protection housing.

[0015] The second transport device is preferably part of a container surface sterilization device (especially an outer surface sterilization device of the container). The holding device of the second transport device preferably can at least temporarily enter the opening area of the housing wall to receive the container that needs to be sent into the space surrounded by the housing from the first transport device. This can directly transfer the container to the container surface sterilization device. In this way, there is no need to set up an additional transport device, that is, a transport device that transfers the fed container to the first container surface sterilization device following along the transport path within the housing.

[0016] Hereinafter, the container surface sterilization device is generally also referred to as a container handling device. Accordingly, all examples given for container surface sterilization should be considered as also applicable to any other type of container handling. On the other hand, all embodiments generally disclosed for the container handling device should be considered as also applicable to the particularly preferred container surface sterilization scheme, and thus also applicable to the container surface sterilization device.

[0017] The holding device of the second transport device preferably can move relative to the sterilization device (such as a radiation source). As a supplementary or alternative solution, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the position and / or orientation of the container in the area of the outer surface treatment device of the container can change relative to the vertical projection of the transport path. Such movement of the container relative to each other or relative to the projection of the transport path enables the container to rotate and / or tilt relative to the nozzle or radiation source, so that the outer surface treatment device of the container can access the previously blocked surface area.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first and / or second transport device has a rotatable carrier. Such rotatable carriers are often used, especially in the field of bottle handling, and thus this embodiment offers particularly good possibilities for integrating the container handling device into an existing system or a system of new equipment. Preferably, the axes of rotation of the first and / or second transport device are substantially parallel, and particularly preferably completely parallel. This design enables the carriers directly following each other on the transport path to run smoothly relative to each other.

[0019] The first and / or second transport device preferably has a plurality of holding elements. This enables the transport and / or handling of a plurality of containers during repeated movement of the transport device, thereby increasing the throughput.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first and / or second transport device has a plurality of holding elements arranged on this carrier, and these holding elements can be guided on a circular track and / or a circumferential track with a variable distance from the center. Hereinafter, the "circular track" should also be understood as a circumferential track around the center as described above, where one or more sections deviate slightly from the ideal circular track. As described below, the reasons for these deviations are, for example, that the distances of the individual holding elements from the center are individually changed, which is, for example, to flatten the circular track in certain areas or even to enable a substantially linear guidance of the holding elements and the containers arranged thereon in a certain section. Preferably, the holding element has a height relative to the vertical projection of the transport path in the first section of this circular track (where container receiving occurs), which is different from its height in the second section (where the container is released). This enables the container to be received at a height different from the height at which the container is released (relative to the vertical projection of the transport path). This will be advantageous if adjacent transport devices on the transport path are at different height levels.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the section on which the holding element of the first transport device can be guided changes at least once, preferably multiple times. Such a change in the radius of curvature can include a change from a large radius of curvature to a small radius of curvature (with the same sign, so the curvature direction is the same) and a change from a small radius of curvature to a large radius of curvature. However, the sign of the radius of curvature (i.e., the curvature direction) preferably changes at least once. By changing the radius of curvature, the radiation shielding device can particularly effectively prevent incident radiation from escaping into the environment. This can be achieved by particularly effectively reflecting and / or absorbing radiation in areas with a particularly large radius of curvature. The radiation shielding device preferably forms a radiation trap by (if necessary, multiple times) changing the radius of curvature and / or the curvature direction. Preferably, the radiation is reflected and / or absorbed multiple times within the area with a larger radius of curvature, thereby weakening the radiation intensity and / or reflecting the radiation back into the interior of the housing.

[0022] The first transport device and / or the second transport device is preferably a segmented deformable star wheel. This makes it possible to vary the distance between two directly successive containers on the transport path in the region of the first transport device and / or the second transport device. For example, in the region of the second transport device, this makes it possible to guide the containers at individually adjustable speeds past a container processing device, such as a radiation emitter. This makes it possible to carry out the processing for the required duration without having to adjust the speed of the entire carrier on which the holding devices are arranged.

[0023] Likewise, by designing at least the first transport device and / or the second transport device as a segmented deformable star wheel, it is possible to ensure a better transfer of the containers from the first transport device to the second transport device and to operate with lower losses, since the speed of the containers to be transferred in the transfer region can be adjusted to a speed that is particularly suitable for the transfer. In particular, the transfer speed can be synchronized with the speed of the holding devices of the other transport device by means of the segmented deformable star wheel.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the drive device of the second transport device arranged in the housing is arranged outside the housing. In particular, the drive device is a drive device arranged above the plane defined by the transport path. This makes it possible to access the drive device, for example for maintenance work, without having to open the housing for this purpose.

[0025] In addition to the second transport device, which preferably corresponds to a container outer surface treatment device, at most two further transport devices are preferably arranged in the housing. This makes it possible to reduce the volume of the space enclosed by the housing, and the container processing device can also be designed to be particularly compact. In this embodiment, after the container processing device has processed the containers, the containers can be transferred to a subsequent processing device on the transport path in the same way as in known processing devices having, for example, five transport devices in the prior art. In this embodiment, since the number of all transport devices in the space enclosed by the housing is also odd, the rotational directions of the first and last transport devices along the transport path in the housing are the same.

[0026] The housing preferably encloses a clean room. This is particularly important if the container processing device is a sterilization device. In this way, at least one compartment in the housing can be kept sterile, and contamination of the sterilized containers in the housing can be avoided.

[0027] As a supplementary or alternative solution, it is provided that at least part of the transport path along which the second transport device guides the containers is arranged inside the clean room. This makes it possible to carry out surface sterilization during the transport of the containers by means of the second transport device without recontaminating the treated surfaces.

[0028] The housing is preferably a radiation barrier. If radiation is used to sterilize the surface of the container, it can prevent radiation or the resulting scattered radiation from escaping from the housing. This is particularly helpful for protecting the personnel around the container handling device.

[0029] The radiation shielding device preferably directly adjoins an opening on the housing designed as a radiation barrier. Here, in particular, it is ensured that no radiation escapes into the environment between the housing and the radiation shielding device. Thus, specifically, the radiation shielding device preferably directly adjoins the wall around the housing opening.

[0030] The transport path along which the second transport device guides the container preferably at least partially extends in the influence area of a container outer surface treatment device (in particular a container outer surface sterilization device) for treating the outer surface of the plastic container and / or a container inner surface treatment device (in particular a container inner surface sterilization device) for treating the inner surface of the plastic container.

[0031] Preferably, the holding device of the second transport device (in particular when the second transport device is part of a container outer surface treatment device) is a holding device that grasps the container from the inside, and / or (in particular when the second transport device is part of a container inner surface treatment device) the holding device of the container inner surface treatment device is a holding device that grasps the container from the outside. These designs enable the holding device to hold the container from one side on the container surface opposite the container surface to be treated at least on the container handling device. This means that no part of the holding device has to come into contact with the container surface to be treated, so that the container handling device can freely treat the container surface. For example, a sterilization medium (such as a sterilant solution or sterilizing radiation) can be applied to the entire surface to be treated in this way.

[0032] Hereinafter, the container can be understood as any container suitable for containing a medium. If a first container and a second container are mentioned, they can be the same or different. However, the same container can have different contents. For example, if the processing device is a filling device, the first container can contain a gaseous medium, and the second container can contain a liquid or another gas. It is also conceivable that the processing device is a sterilization device. In this case, for example, the first container can be a non-sterile container, and the second container can be a sterile container.

[0033] The (first and / or second) container to be treated is preferably a bottle and / or a preform. The processing device is preferably a sterilization device or a sterilization module. However, it is also conceivable that the processing device has at least one processing device selected from the group consisting of a closing device, a blow molding station, a filling device, a heating device, a cooling device, and a labeling device.

[0034] The radiation shielding device preferably extends partially along the transport path starting from a transfer point or transfer zone that allows the transfer of the container from the holding device of the first transport device to the holding device of the second transport device, along which transport path the container can be guided by the first transport device. This means that a section of the transport path is also surrounded by the radiation shielding device, and this section does not necessarily have to be located in the clean room.

[0035] The radiation shielding device preferably also extends in a direction in which the holding device of the first transport device can move after the container has been transferred onto the holding device of the second transport device. This enables particularly good shielding against radiation escape. In the path traversed by the holding element, this embodiment provides shielding measures on both sides of the container transfer zone.

[0036] In particular, the radiation shielding device preferably extends along an arc, along which the holding device of the first transport device can be guided. This design of conforming the radiation shielding device to the arc can make the radiation shielding device particularly compact.

[0037] The radiation shielding device preferably at least partially surrounds the path on which the holding device of the first transport device can move. In this section of the first transport device, in particular, the cross-section perpendicular to the transport direction is completely surrounded by the radiation shielding device. This provides particularly good shielding, thus ensuring the safety of the environment. As a supplementary or alternative solution, the radiation shielding device has a cross-section that is substantially in the shape of the letter Omega (Ω).

[0038] The radiation shielding device is preferably designed to consist of at least two parts. In a preferred embodiment, at least two radiation shielding device parts can be separated from each other. This allows the parts of the radiation shielding device to be separated from each other, so that, for example, access can be gained to the interior space of the radiation shielding device for maintenance work. In particular, the radiation shielding device parts can be separated from each other by a drive device.

[0039] As a supplementary or alternative solution, the radiation shielding device has a larger cross-section in at least one direction perpendicular to the transport path in the first radiation shielding region than in the second radiation shielding region. The first radiation shielding region is arranged along the transport path upstream of the transfer point or transfer zone (hereinafter also referred to as the upstream radiation shielding region) that allows the transfer of the container from the holding device of the first transport device to the holding device of the second transport device. After the holding device of the first transport device transfers the container to the holding device of the second transport device, it can move in the second radiation shielding region (hereinafter also referred to as the downstream radiation shielding region). A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the holding device of the first transport device is no longer loaded with the container downstream of the transfer point or transfer zone, so it occupies less space than upstream of the transfer point or transfer zone. This means that in the subsequent transfer zone, the cross-section perpendicular to the transport path can be selected to be smaller. This in turn has the following effect: with a shorter length of the downstream radiation shielding region, a similar number of radiation reflections and absorptions can occur as in the upstream radiation shielding region with a larger cross-section. Therefore, the shielding performance of the downstream radiation shielding region is similar to that of the upstream radiation shielding region, but the length is shorter.

[0040] The downstream radiation shielding region preferably at least partially has a cross-section that widens starting from the transfer point or transfer zone. This can prevent containers that are not correctly transferred to the second transport device from getting stuck in the downstream radiation shielding region and damaging the holding elements.

[0041] As an alternative or supplementary solution, it may be advantageous to provide a region in the downstream radiation shielding region for ejecting and / or discharging (containers that are not correctly transferred to the second transport device).

[0042] The radiation shielding device is preferably at least partially not a cleanroom boundary. Thus, in this embodiment, the cleanroom boundary and the radiation shielding are separated from each other at least in part, preferably within the region of the radiation shielding device. In particular, the radiation shielding device preferably does not form a cleanroom boundary at least in the region where the radiation shielding device extends along the path on which the holding device of the first transport device can move. Therefore, the first transport device can be non-sterile. This simplifies the accessibility and maintenance of the first transport device.

[0043] However, this is particularly advantageous if the treatment by the outer container surface treatment device and / or the inner container surface treatment device causes a vertical displacement of the container. In this case, it is not necessary to move the container several times in the height direction, for example, up and then down to the starting position. Instead, the vertical displacement can be carried out only on the sections that are absolutely required during the treatment process, and the holding device is moved back to the height for picking up another container only after the treatment process is completed and the treated container is released. In this way, especially in the case of a rotary container surface treatment device, this displacement can be carried out on the holding elements that are not occupied by the container in the following section of the circular track, where no treatment is carried out on the container, so this section will remain idle.

[0044] The container support or holding device is preferably a passive element, such as a clamp. The active devices required for receiving and transferring, such as the active device for pressing a preform into the clamp and pulling it out of the clamp against the holding force of the clamp, are preferably borne by the transfer device and the receiving device. In a preferred embodiment, the holding device of the outer container surface treatment device and / or the inner container surface treatment device is an active element. The force with which this active element holds the container is preferably variable. For example, this change can be related to specific sections. The reason why this embodiment is preferred is that the active holding element / clamp can ensure better and more secure reception and / or transfer.

[0045] Furthermore, the object of the present utility model is also achieved by a method of transporting plastic containers, especially plastic preforms, along a predetermined transport path. The plastic containers are transported by a plurality of transport devices, where at least one holding element holds one plastic container and guides the plastic container on a section of the transport path. The plastic container is transferred from the holding device of the first transport device to the holding device of the second transport device. Specifically, the method is characterized in that the first transport device guides the container on a transport path that is at least partially arranged outside the clean room, and the first transport device guides the container on a transport path that is at least partially surrounded by a radiation shielding device.

[0046] In the first variant of the method, the solution for achieving the above object is to at least temporarily introduce the holding device of the second transport device into the opening area of the housing wall in order to receive the container that needs to be sent into the space surrounded by the housing. When transferring through this opening, the container is preferably at least partially surrounded by a radiation shielding device. As described above for the device, this provides a possibility to keep the space surrounded by the housing relatively small while ensuring effective isolation of the environment from the radiation inside the housing.

[0047] These solutions and all other solutions can be implemented as a supplement or alternative to the first solution described above. The method steps and device embodiments described when explaining the preferred variants are also not limited to the solution in which they are first mentioned. On the contrary, as long as it is technically feasible, the preferred method steps and embodiments can also bring advantages to methods and / or devices that are not directly related to this variant.

[0048] When the container is transported along the transport path, its longitudinal axis is preferably substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the transport path. Therefore, the container extends in the height direction perpendicular to the transport path or perpendicular to the plane defined by the transport path. The vertical line of the vertical projection of the transport path is parallel to the height of one container (preferably each container). Therefore, the height direction above the vertical projection of the transport path is parallel to the height direction of one or more containers.

[0049] When the container is transported along the transport path, its longitudinal axis is preferably substantially parallel to the rotation axis of at least one carrier of the first and / or second transport device.

[0050] At least one of the first and / or second transport devices preferably has a plurality of holding elements for holding the plastic containers during transportation, in particular holding clamps and / or mandrels or holding mandrels. This enables a large number of containers to be transported simultaneously.

[0051] As described above, in a preferred embodiment, the first transport device is a (first) dividing and deforming star wheel, and the second transport device is a (second) dividing and deforming star wheel. The dividing and deforming star wheel is suitable for changing the spacing between successive or adjacent transported plastic containers, in particular for increasing and / or decreasing the spacing. This is preferably achieved by the holding elements of the first transport device and the holding elements of the second transport device being movably and / or pivotally mounted on their respective transport devices / their respective dividing and deforming star wheels, in particular being mounted to be pivotable radially or tangentially relative to the transport path of their respective transport devices.

[0052] Therefore, the separating deformable star wheel is always applied where a change in pitch is required. If other functions are needed, they are generally not implemented on the separating deformable star wheel, but other transport star wheels or transport devices need to be provided upstream and / or downstream of the separating deformable star wheel. For example, in a known device of the applicant's prior art, two transport star wheels need to be provided to receive the container with the holding mandrel for external processing, and a separating deformable star wheel also needs to be provided downstream, the purpose of which is only to change the pitch. Accordingly, the separating deformable star wheel known in the prior art can only move in the horizontal direction, that is, relative to the plane (more precisely, the circumference) of the (separating deformable) star wheel or in the radial and / or tangential directions related to the longitudinal direction of the plastic container, and cannot move in other planes, such as the vertical direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the (separating deformable) star wheel relative to the circumference of the (separating deformable) star wheel or the longitudinal direction of the plastic container. Instead, these movements are usually carried out on other or additional transport units.

[0053] Upstream of the container handling device, a heating device is preferably provided, which heats the plastic container, especially the plastic preform, to a predetermined temperature. The first transport device is advantageously arranged downstream of the heating device, so that the transfer of the plastic container from the heating device to the container handling device, that is, from the outlet star wheel (first transport device) of the heating device to the inlet star wheel (second transport device) of the container handling device, can be completed by two separating deformable star wheels without the need to provide other transport star wheels or transport devices between these separating deformable star wheels.

[0054] The above-mentioned housing preferably has a box body, and a clean room is preferably formed inside it. Among them, the first transport device is preferably arranged outside the housing, so as to be arranged outside the clean room, and the second transport device is preferably arranged inside the housing, especially inside the clean room. Accordingly, the first transport device preferably transfers the plastic container to the second transport device arranged in the housing that provides shelter for the environment. Accordingly, the second transport device or the second separating deformable star wheel is preferably designed aseptically.

[0055] Accordingly, the first transport device or the separating deformable star wheel arranged downstream of the heating device preferably transfers the plastic container directly to another separating deformable star wheel, on which the plastic container is also directly externally processed. In the prior art, an inlet star wheel is usually provided after the first separating deformable star wheel in the housing, which transfers the container to the subsequent transport star wheel for external sterilization, and the transport star wheel transfers the container to the second separating deformable star wheel after the external processing is completed.

[0056] Accordingly, by adopting the transfer method of the container processing device according to the present utility model or the transfer method proposed by the present utility model from one divided deforming star wheel directly to the next divided deforming star wheel (external processing is also performed on this divided deforming star wheel), the inlet star wheel and the processing and transporting star wheel arranged in the housing can be omitted, so that the housing can also be designed smaller as a whole. The necessary radiation shielding can be ensured by a radiation shielding device preferably separated from the clean room boundary and arranged in the first transport device area.

[0057] The transfer of the container from the first transport device to the second transport device is preferably carried out in the transfer window area, and this transfer window is arranged in the housing that also forms the clean room boundary. In this transfer window area, the spacing of the plastic containers is preferably variable, which enables the divided deformation of the first divided deforming star wheel to be optimally designed or adjusted according to the requirements of the second divided deforming star wheel.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the transfer window is between 250 mm and 320 mm, preferably between 270 mm and 310 mm, and particularly preferably between 285 mm and 300 mm. Advantageously, the transfer window is designed to be as small as possible, so that the possible sterility can be maintained inside the housing, while reducing the exit window of the radiation that may escape from the housing. The transfer window is preferably designed to be variable so that its width can be changed. Its advantages are, for example, that the transfer window can adapt to different types and sizes of preforms.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the second transport device has a lifting and rotating device, which can move the holding element of the second transport device relative to the longitudinal axis of the plastic container in the vertical and / or horizontal directions, and can rotate the plastic container and / or the holding element along the longitudinal axis. Each holding element of the second transport device preferably corresponds to its own lifting and rotating device, so that the plastic containers can rotate independently of each other and / or the holding elements can move independently of each other. In particular, in order to perform the rotational movement of the plastic container, each lifting and rotating device preferably corresponds to a driving device designed in a known manner. The lifting movement of the holding element in the vertical direction is preferably achieved by one or more lifting cams and at least one guiding cam.

[0060] In order to achieve the transfer from the first transport device to the second transport device, especially from the first divided deforming star wheel to the second divided deforming star wheel, a lifting and rotating device preferably adapted to receive the plastic container is further provided on the second transport device / second divided deforming star wheel.

[0061] On the one hand, the lifting and rotating device needs to be able to receive a plastic container and hold it inside, and the transfer from the holding element (especially the holding clamp) of the first transport device to the holding element (especially the holding mandrel) of the second transport device is preferably achieved by the holding element of the second transport device moving towards the container, so it is preferably a vertical or longitudinal movement of the container, so that the holding element moves towards the container. On the other hand, the lifting and rotating device is used to rotate the container about its longitudinal axis before the container outer surface treatment device (especially the container outer surface sterilization device), so that the radiation power uniformly distributed along the circumference and the resulting uniform sterilization power can be applied to the container.

[0062] Among them, the holding elements of the first transport device are preferably holding clamps, and these holding clamps hold the plastic container at the outer wall, especially below or above the container carrier ring. The holding elements of the second transport device are preferably holding mandrels, and these holding mandrels are inserted into the container and hold the container at the inner wall. Accordingly, the plastic container is preferably transferred from the external holding element to the internal holding element, especially from the external holding clamp to the internal holding mandrel.

[0063] Preferably, a part of the housing (especially the upper part of the housing) is arranged in a fixed manner, while the other part (especially the lower part, that is, the bottom) is arranged to be movable, especially to be lowered. Like the upper part, the lower part is preferably a shielding device, especially a radiation protection wall. Among them, the two shielding devices are arranged such that the lifting and rotating device, especially at least one guide roller of the lifting and rotating device, can move on the raceway through the gap between the two shielding devices.

[0064] The radiation protection wall and / or radiation shielding device of the housing is advantageously made of special radiation shielding materials, such as lead or tungsten or tungsten sintered composite wrapped by stainless steel or materials with similar properties.

[0065] However, the parts of the radiation shielding device are preferably also made of stainless steel or casting materials. Adapting the shielding material to better radiation tightness will first greatly reduce the wall thickness of the shield, so that it can move on the raceway separating the deformed star wheels between the two protective walls together with the lifting and rotating unit, or make the shield protrude into the lifting and rotating device without having to overly widen or increase the shield.

[0066] The shape of the radiation shielding device preferably conforms to the raceway of the holding element of the first transport device. This means that with the same shielding performance, the radiation shielding device can be made particularly small with less material.

[0067] In another preferred embodiment, at least one wall of the radiation shielding device is parallel to a section of the container transport path. This can reduce the overall size of the radiation shielding device. Specifically, the radiation shielding device is a radiation shielding device that is at least partially annular along the transport path of the plastic preform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] For more advantages and embodiments, refer to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Wherein:

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a container handling device in an exemplary embodiment;

[0071] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view from above and to the oblique side of the illustrated embodiment;

[0072] Figure 3 is a top view of the transfer area without the upper part of the radiation shielding device;

[0073] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container handling device in the container transfer area;

[0074] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the entrance of the radiation shielding device;

[0075] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exit of the radiation shielding device;

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic inclined top

[0077] view of the container handling device together with upstream and downstream container handling equipment; and

[0078] Figure 8 is another schematic inclined top view of the container handling device together with upstream and downstream container handling equipment when the radiation shielding device is open

[0079] including the container handling equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0080] Figure 1 Fig. shows a top schematic view of a container handling device 1 in an exemplary embodiment. The container handling device 1 shown in the figure is a container sterilization device in the example, and has three transport devices 100, 200, 300 for transporting containers 10 along a transport path T not highlighted in this figure inside a housing 400. Since the transport devices 100, 200, 300 guide the containers 10 inside the housing 400 forming a clean room, the transport devices 100, 200, 300 and the containers 10 are not presented or only partially presented in this figure.

[0081] One of the transport devices 100, 200, 300 is the container outer surface treatment device 100, in which the container outer surface acting device 150 or rather the radiation source 150 is arranged as an externally accessible attachment on the housing 400. In the case of the container inner surface treatment device 200, only the components located outside the housing 400 can be seen. These components can be, for example, components of the lifting mechanism 280 by means of which the container inner surface acting device 250 (for example a finger radiator 250), not shown here, can be moved relative to the container 10. Each of the transport devices 100 and 200 has a plurality of holding devices 140, 240 for holding at least one container 10 during container treatment and / or transport along the transport path T.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 4 is arranged downstream of a heating device 2 (only schematically shown), which heating device includes at least one heating device 5, such as an oven or a radiation source 5 (for example infrared or microwave). The transport device 4 has a plurality of holding elements 40 for receiving the containers 10, which holding elements are arranged together on a rotatable carrier 20.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 4 is arranged outside the housing 400. Only the holding elements 40 partially pass through the opening 420 of the housing 400 into the interior of the housing in order to transfer the container 10.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, even though the transport device 4 is arranged outside the housing 400, the holding elements 40 and the containers 10 arranged thereon cannot be seen or can only be partially recognized, because they are at least partially guided in the radiation shielding device 50. In the present embodiment, the radiation shielding device 50 extends partially along the transport path T along which the containers 10 are guided.

[0085] Furthermore, the radiation shielding device 50 also extends into the region of the opening 420 of the housing 400. In this way, the radiation shielding device can effectively shield the radiation leaking in the region of the opening 420 of the housing 400 and also the radiation propagating along the path of the holding elements 40 of the transport device 4.

[0086] As a further treatment of the container after treatment in the container treatment device 1, the container can, for example, be formed into other containers 10, such as bottles, by means of a forming device not shown. As a supplementary or alternative solution, this further treatment can be filling (and closing) of the containers 10 treated by the container treatment device 1.

[0087] Figure 2 Shown in an axonometric perspective from above Figure 1 A fragment of the illustrated embodiment of the container treatment device 1. In the foreground is the transport device 4. The downstream heating device 2 is not shown.

[0088] The transport device 4 has a plurality of holding elements 40 for receiving the containers 10, one of the holding elements 40e being arranged in the region of the inlet 60 of the radiation shielding device 50 and another holding element 40a being arranged in the region of the outlet 70 of the radiation shielding device 50. No container 10 is arranged in any of these two holding elements 40a and 40e, but in normal operation, the holding element 40e arranged in the region of the inlet 60 of the radiation shielding device 50 is loaded with the container 10.

[0089] In order to be able to guide the container 10 along the transport path T surrounded by the radiation shielding device 50 in this section, the radiation shielding device 50 has a channel design in the section 50e between the inlet 60 and the transfer area 90 (which is located in the region of the opening 420 of the housing 400) in order to guide the container therein. For this purpose, the radiation shielding device 50 has a channel 56 in the section 50e, which extends along a section of the transport path T and in which the container can be guided along the transport path T.

[0090] Since the container is not usually guided in the section 50a between the transfer area 90 and the outlet 70, there is no passage for the container to pass through in this area. The cross-section of the channel formed by the radiation shielding device 50 in this section 50a is smaller than its cross-section in the section 50e. However, the channel also has sufficient width in the section 50a so that the holding element 40 can pass through and thus can rotate with the rotatable carrier 20. Within the scope of this specification, the holding element and the holding device are synonyms.

[0091] Furthermore, it can be seen that the radiation shielding device 50 has a two-piece design, including an upper radiation shielding device part 50o and a lower radiation shielding device part 50u. This multi-piece design allows the radiation shielding device 50 to be opened, for example for cleaning or maintenance purposes, by separating the two radiation shielding device parts 50o and 50u.

[0092] Regarding the design of the inlet 60 and the outlet 70 of the radiation shielding device 50, it will be combined with Figure 6 and Figure 7 for a more detailed illustration and description.

[0093] Figure 3 A top view of the upper part 50o of the transfer area 90 without the radiation shielding device 50 is shown. In the state as shown in Figure 3 the upper radiation shielding device part 50o of the radiation shielding device 50 is separated from the lower radiation shielding device part 50u, so that the area inside the radiation shielding device 50, such as the channel 56, can be accessed, for example to carry out cleaning or maintenance work.

[0094] In this state, the holding element 40 can also be seen. In particular, the transfer area 90 extending in the opening 420 in the housing wall can also be seen. In this transfer area 90, the container 10 is transferred from the holding element 40 of the first transport device 4 to the holding device 140 of the second transport device 100. In the open state shown in the figure, the transfer area 90 can be accessed, and the holding element 40 of the first transport device 4 and the holding device 140 of the second transport device 100 can be relatively easily set and adjusted to ensure the safe transfer of the container 10.

[0095] The transfer area 90 is preferably also the boundary of the clean room. Generally, the area located outside the housing 400 is not sterilized. For example, overpressure inside the housing 400 can be used to prevent contaminants from entering the clean room. Due to this overpressure, gas continuously flows from inside the housing 400 through the opening 420 to the outside, so the contamination that can counteract this air flow is very limited. Although the containers 10 are not sterile when entering the clean room in the transfer area 90, they are immediately brought by the second transport device into the action range of a radiation source 150 (not shown here) after entering and are sterilized there. The containers have only come into contact with the corresponding holding device 140 before, and this holding device also passes through the radiation source 150 and is also sterilized. Therefore, the risk of contamination is extremely low.

[0096] In addition, in Figure 3 the control cams 70, 80 can also be seen. Through these control cams, the holding element 40 is relatively controllable relative to the rotatable carrier 20. For this purpose, guide rollers 82, 86 are respectively provided on the control cams 80, 84. When the rotatable carrier rotates, these guide rollers 82, 86 roll on their respective control cams 80, 84, and the mechanism connected to the guide rollers 82, 86 is moved according to the radial distance of the guide rollers 82, 86 from the rotation axis. This can control the movement of the holding element 40 according to the section exactly covered by the holding element 40 during rotation. Therefore, each holding element 40 can exactly perform a predetermined movement at a specific position on a circular track. This movement can also be a combination of multiple movements specified by different control cams 80, 84. For example, the first control cam 70 can control the radial movement of the holding element 40, while another control cam specifies the relative circumferential movement of the holding element 40 relative to the rotatable carrier 20. Similarly, the opening and closing of the holding device 40 for holding the container or the lifting movement of the holding device 40 along the longitudinal direction of the container can also be controlled by the guide cam.

[0097] In this case, the shape of the control cam 80 is particularly important, by means of which the radial distance of the holding device 40 relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable carrier 20 can be controlled. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the control cam 80 is such that the holding element 40 is displaced radially inwards both before and after reaching the transfer zone 90. Only when the holding element 40 is about to be located in the transfer zone 90 and after it is located in the transfer zone, the holding element 40 is displaced radially outwards. Due to this design, the path sections traversed by the holding element 40 before and after the transfer zone 90 change the radius of curvature several times.

[0098] The change in the radius of curvature can include a change from a large radius of curvature to a small radius of curvature (the signs are the same, so the curvature directions are the same) and a change from a small radius of curvature to a large radius of curvature. However, the sign of the radius of curvature (i.e., the curvature direction) preferably changes at least once. The channel 56 preferably conforms to this curvature, and its radius of curvature also changes accordingly.

[0099] By changing the radius of curvature, the radiation shielding device 50 can effectively prevent the incident radiation along the channel from escaping into the environment, because in the regions where the radius of curvature is particularly large, the reflection and / or absorption of the radiation is particularly effective. The radiation shielding device 50 forms a radiation trap by changing the radius of curvature and / or the curvature direction (if necessary, several times). The radiation is preferably reflected and / or absorbed several times in this region, so that the radiation intensity is weakened and / or the radiation is reflected back into the interior of the housing.

[0100] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the container handling device 1 within the container transfer 90 region is shown.

[0101] The left part shows a section of the first transport device 4. The arm 30 is shown, on which the holding element 40 is fixed. This arm 30 can move relative to the rotatable carrier 20 by means of the guide rollers 82 and 86 rolling on the control cams 80 and 84. For example, this can push the holding device 40 radially outwards in the region of the opening 420 in the housing wall 400 towards the holding device 140 of the second transport device 100.

[0102] A container 10 is shown in the transfer zone 90, which is in contact with the two holding devices 40 and 140. Thus, this container 10 is being transferred from the holding device 40 of the first transport device 4 to the holding device 140 of the second transport device 100. After the holding device 140 of the second transport device 100 grasps the container, the holding device 40 of the first transport device 4 can release the container and can, for example, retract radially inwards relative to the rotatable carrier 20. For example, this can be achieved by means of one of the control cams 80, 84.

[0103] Then, the container can be further moved on the holding device 140 of the second transport device 100, for example, by the rotation of the rotatable carrier 120 on which the holding device 140 is located.

[0104] By this transfer from the first transport device 4 to the second transport device 100, the container can be introduced from the non-sterile outer area 412 into the clean room 410 through the opening 420 in the housing wall 400.

[0105] At least one holding device 140 of the container outer surface treatment device 100 can at least temporarily enter the area of the opening 420 in the housing wall 400. In this way, this holding element 140 can receive the container from the transport device 4 in the space 412 outside the housing 400, and the transport device is arranged upstream relative to the transport path at this location. This design can eliminate the additional transport device inside the housing, that is, the transport device that receives the container from the outside and transfers it to the container outer surface treatment device 100.

[0106] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing the inlet 60 of the radiation shielding device 50 is presented. The section 50e of the radiation shielding device 50 located between the inlet 60 and the transfer area 90 is connected to the inlet 60 along the transport path T. In this area, the radiation shielding device 50 consists of at least two parts, including an upper radiation shielding device part 50o and a lower radiation shielding device part 50u. These radiation shielding device parts 50u and 50o jointly form a cladding of the transport path, which surrounds the transport path in the vertical cross-sectional direction, preventing radiation from escaping directly. Even if the radiation can escape, it can only escape after multiple reflections on the inner surface of the radiation shielding device 50, and there is energy loss.

[0107] Preferably, there is a gap between the two radiation shielding device parts 50u and 50o on the radially inner side for the components of the holding device 40 to pass through. In this way, the holding device 40 can be connected to the rotatable carrier through the arm 30, and the container 10 (not shown in the figure) can be guided inside the channel 56 formed by the radiation shielding device 50.

[0108] Figure 5 The control cams 80 and 84 are also clearly shown, and they can control the holding element 40 respectively through the interaction with the guide rollers 82 or 86.

[0109] Figure 6A cross-sectional view showing the outlet 70 of the radiation shielding device 50 is presented. The outlet 70 closes the section 50a of the radiation shielding device 50 between the transfer area 90 and the outlet 70 along the transport path T. In this section, the radiation shielding device 50 is preferably also designed to consist of at least two parts, including an upper radiation shielding device part 50o and a lower radiation shielding device part 50u. However, in this section 50a, usually no containers pass through the radiation shielding device 50, so there is no need to form a relatively large passage. Instead, the area between the upper radiation shielding device part 50o and the lower radiation shielding device part 50u can be so narrow that only the holding device 40 can pass between these two radiation shielding device parts 50o and 50u.

[0110] Due to the small space between the two radiation shielding device parts 50u and 50o, the escape of radiation will be well suppressed. Even if the radiation can escape, it can only escape after multiple reflections on the inner surface of the radiation shielding device 50, and there is energy loss. Since the free distance between the inner walls of the radiation shielding device 50 is significantly smaller compared to the section 50e, both the number of reflections and the energy loss will increase significantly. This can effectively prevent the escape of high-energy radiation.

[0111] As with Figure 5 the control cams 80 and 84 can also be clearly seen in Figure 6 and they can control the holding element 40 respectively through the interaction with the guide rollers 82 or 86.

[0112] Figure 7 A schematic inclined top view showing the container handling device 1 together with the upstream and downstream container handling equipment 2, 500 is presented. In the example shown in the figure, one of the container handling equipment 2, 500 is a heating device 2 arranged upstream of the first transport device 4, and the other is a container forming device 500. For example, in the container forming device 500, the preform is preferably formed into a bottle by blow molding. An inlet star wheel 490 is provided upstream of the container forming device 500, and an outlet star wheel 510 is provided downstream.

[0113] In the example shown, the container handling device 1 is a sterilization station device in which the containers are irradiated with sterilization radiation by a radiation source 150. The container handling device 1 also provides internal sterilization of the containers within the area of the transport device 300. However, at least some of the necessary equipment is not shown in Figure 7 the figure.

[0114] The radiation shielding device 50 is presented in a closed state in Figure 7 the figure. That is, the upper radiation shielding device part 50o is located on the lower radiation shielding device part 50u, thus forming a flush barrier to block the radiation escaping from the transfer area.

[0115] In Figure 7 the design shown, the upper radiation shielding device part 50o is provided with an opening 58 through which fluid can enter the transfer area 90. Thus, this opening can also be referred to as a fluid port. By feeding fluid (preferably sterile fluid) into the transfer area, a local overpressure can be generated there, causing the fluid (preferably gas) to flow out of the housing 400 through the opening 420. This can effectively prevent impurities from entering the housing against this fluid flow. However, this does not seriously impede the entry of the container into the interior of the housing.

[0116] Figure 8 Another schematic inclined top view showing the container handling device together with the upstream and downstream container handling equipment when the radiation shielding device 50 is open.

[0117] Figure 8 The container handling equipment 2, 500 located upstream and downstream of the container handling device 1 as shown is Figure 7 consistent with the container handling equipment shown. Thus, these container handling equipment are a heating device 2 arranged upstream of the first transport device 4 and a container forming device 500 arranged downstream of the container handling device 1. Here, an inlet star wheel 490 is also provided upstream of the container forming device 500, and an outlet star wheel 510 is provided downstream.

[0118] The container handling device 1 remains a sterilization station equipment, with the container externally sterilized by a radiation source 150 and the container internally sterilized within the area of the transport device 300.

[0119] The radiation shielding device 50 is shown in Figure 8 an open state, where the upper radiation shielding device part 50o has been removed upward from the lower radiation shielding device part 50u. This allows access to the space between these two radiation shielding device parts 50o and 50u for, for example, cleaning or maintenance work.

[0120] However, the transfer area can be accessed in this state. This makes it relatively easy to perform maintenance on this area and / or correctly adjust the transfer of the container. The transfer area has proven to be particularly critical, which is why the transfer requires particularly precise adjustment, especially the movement coordination of the holding elements 40 of the first transport device 4 and the holding elements 140 of the second transport device 100, taking into account the geometry of the container to be transferred if necessary.

[0121] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper radiation shielding device part 50o consists of at least two parts. Particularly preferably, the component 50d of the upper radiation shielding device part 50o is movable separately, and this component is preferably at least partly a lid of the opening 420 on the housing 400. This enables the particularly critical areas in the transfer zone to be made accessible or inaccessible separately. For example, if maintenance is required at this location due to an incorrect transfer of a container arranged in the section 50a of the radiation shielding device 50 between the transfer zone 90 and the outlet 70, it may be advantageous to cover the above-mentioned area. On the other hand, when maintenance or adjustment is required, for example, within the transfer 90 zone and contamination of the passage between the upper and lower radiation shielding device parts 50o and 50u is to be avoided, the separate opening of the component 50d of the upper radiation shielding device part 50o is also useful.

[0122] As long as all the features essential to the utility model disclosed in the application documents are novel compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination, the applicant reserves the right to claim these features. Further, it should be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also described in a single drawing. A person skilled in the art will directly recognize that a certain feature described in the drawing may be advantageous even if other features in the same drawing are not used. Additionally, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be obtained by combining several features shown in a single drawing or in different drawings.

[0123] List of Reference Numerals for the Drawings

[0124] 1 Container handling device

[0125] 2 Heating device

[0126] 4 First transport device, transport star wheel (outside the housing)

[0127] 5 Heating equipment

[0128] 6 Drive device for the transport device or transport star wheel 4

[0129] 10 Container, preform

[0130] 11 Mouth of the plastic preform

[0131] 14 Carrier ring

[0132] 20 Rotatable carrier

[0133] 30 Arm

[0134] 40 Holding element

[0135] 50 Radiation shielding device

[0136] Upper radiation shielding device part at 50°

[0137] Lower radiation shielding device part at 50°

[0138] Section of the radiation shielding device between the inlet and the transfer area

[0139] Section of the radiation shielding device between the transfer area and the outlet

[0140] Opening, fluid port

[0141] Inlet

[0142] Outlet

[0143] Control cam

[0144] Guide roller

[0145] Control cam

[0146] Guide roller

[0147] Transfer area, container transfer area

[0148] Container outer surface treatment device, second transportation device

[0149] Lifting and rotating device

[0150] Displacement device, displacement mechanism

[0151] Rotatable carrier

[0152] Rotor of the lifting and rotating device

[0153] Holding element, holding device, mandrel

[0154] Container outer surface acting device, radiation source

[0155] Container inner surface treatment device, transportation device

[0156] Transportation device, transport star wheel (inside the housing)

[0157] Housing

[0158] Space inside the housing, inside the housing, clean room

[0159] Space outside the housing, environment

[0160] Window, opening (for feeding into the housing)

[0161] Inlet star wheel

[0162] 500 Blow molding equipment

[0163] 510 Outlet star wheel

[0164] T Transportation path

Claims

1. A container handling device (1) for transporting plastic containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (T), wherein the container handling device (1) has a plurality of transport devices (4, 100, 200, 300), each of which has at least one holding device (40, 140, 240) for holding a plastic container (10) and guiding the plastic container (10) along a section of the transport path (T), wherein a second transport device (100) directly follows a first transport device (4) along the transport path (T) and containers can be transferred from the holding device of the first transport device (4) to the holding device of the second transport device (100), It is characterized in that The transport path (T) along which the first transport device (4) guides the container is at least partially arranged outside the clean room (410), and the transport path (T) along which the first transport device (4) guides the container (10) is at least partially surrounded by a radiation shielding device (50).

2. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The transport path (T) along which the second transport device (100) guides the container (10) is at least partially arranged inside the clean room (410).

3. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first transport device (4) and / or the second transport device (100) is a spacer-shaped deformable star wheel.

4. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The transport path (T) along which the second transport device (100) guides the containers extends at least partially in the area of ​​influence of a container outer surface treatment device (150) for treating the outer surface of the plastic container (10).

5. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The radiation shielding device (50) extends partially along the transport path (T) starting from a transfer point or transfer area (90) that allows the transfer of a container from a holding device of the first transport device (4) to a holding device of the second transport device (100), and the container (10) can be guided by the first transport device (4) on the transport path.

6. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The radiation shielding device (50) at least partially surrounds a path on which a holding device of the first transport device (4) can move, and / or the radiation shielding device (50) has a cross section substantially in the shape of the letter Omega (Ω).

7. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The radiation shielding device (50) is designed to consist of at least two parts.

8. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The radiation shielding device (50) has a larger cross-section in a first radiation shielding area (50e) in at least one direction perpendicular to the transport path (T) than in a second radiation shielding area (50a), and the first radiation shielding area is arranged along the transport path (T) upstream of a transfer point or transfer zone (90) allowing a container to be transferred from a holding device of the first transport device (4) to a holding device of the second transport device (100), and the holding device of the first transport device (4) can be moved in the second radiation shielding area after transferring the container (10) to the holding device of the second transport device (100).

9. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The radiation shielding device (50) is at least partially not a clean room boundary.

10. The container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The section on which the holding device of the first transport device is guided can change the radius of curvature at least once, wherein such change in the radius of curvature comprises a change from a large radius of curvature to a small radius of curvature and a change from a small radius of curvature to a large radius of curvature and / or comprises at least one change in the sign of the radius of curvature.

Images