Container treatment plant with improved hygiene

Abstract

The invention relates to a container treatment system (10) for treating containers (12), comprising at least one component (26, 28) containing a spider silk protein. The invention further relates to the use of a component (26, 28) containing a spider silk protein in a container treatment system (10), a method for cleaning at least one component (26, 28) of a container treatment system (10), and a method for producing a component (26, 28) of a container treatment system (10).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment system for treating containers. The invention further relates to the use of a component in a container treatment system. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning at least one component of a container treatment system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a component of a container treatment system. Technical background

[0002] The beverage manufacturing industry utilizes a wide variety of machines and devices. This includes all the machines involved in manufacturing and filling containers, cans, and bottles. The machines required for this include conveyors, blow molding machines, fillers, and capping machines. These machines utilize all kinds of fittings, as well as a variety of railing profiles, conveyor chains, and conveyor belt mats. Rollers that roll along a guide are also used in conveyor starwheels, especially in specialty starwheels such as pitch-deflection starwheels or infeed starwheels, and in container handling machines.

[0003] Many of the components mentioned can be made of plastics. Fillers (additives) can be added to the plastic to further improve its properties. Properties such as toughness, strength, wear resistance, and friction play a role. In aseptic systems, cleanability with various alkalis and cleaning agents can also be relevant. Examples of fillers that can be used here include carbon fibers, glass fibers, or aramid.

[0004] A disadvantage of the current state of the art technology is that hygiene issues can arise. For example, unwanted bacterial growth can occur in parts of the system due to inadequate cleaning options due to the design or infrequent cleaning of the system. This can particularly affect areas where parts, such as trim parts, are increasingly exposed to bacterial contamination from the product being filled.

[0005] In this context, DE 10 2021 128 275 A1, for example, discloses that a container treatment system comprises at least one component that has a surface coated with a material that can be photoactivated to disinfect the surface. Advantageously, the container treatment system can be self-disinfecting in hygienically relevant sections.

[0006] A detergent containing a spider silk protein is known from DE 10 2014 218 503 A1.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating a technology with which improved hygiene can be achieved in a container treatment plant. Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container treatment system for treating containers, preferably bottles or cans. The container treatment system comprises at least one component containing (at least) one spider silk protein.

[0010] Spider silk protein can advantageously contribute to reduced germ and microbial growth in container treatment plants. Specifically, a (e.g., surface) structure of spider silk protein can be microbe-repellent and resistant to microbial infestation, as well as water-repellent. These special properties can be utilized in any component, particularly guide, transport, format, and trim components, in a treatment plant. Thanks to the spider silk protein(s), these components are not only more wear-resistant, etc., but also exhibit weaker bacterial growth, e.g., upon contact with the filled product due to broken glass, burst cans, etc. This, in turn, increases hygiene in these areas. Even if the spider silk protein is abrasion-resistant, this abrasion is unproblematic during the production process.

[0011] For example, the spider silk protein(s) can be in filament form or fiber form.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spider silk protein is a natural spider silk protein or an artificial spider silk protein.

[0013] Spider silk proteins can be polymers that exhibit exceptional physical properties. For example, the anchor threads of the golden silk spider (Nephila clavipes) and the garden spider (Araneus diadematus) have been studied. These spider silks are typically composed of two large proteins, although it is possible that other proteins play a role in the composition and final structure of the spider silk. The two main protein components of Araneus diadematus spider silk are called ADF-3 and ADF-4.

[0014] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "spider silk protein" encompasses not only all natural sequences, but in particular also all artificial / synthetic sequences derived therefrom. Particularly preferably, the spider silk protein is industrially and synthetically produced, e.g., derived from ADF-3 or ADF-4.

[0015] Accordingly, spider silk amino acid sequences can be derived from so-called "authentic" sequences. This term means that the underlying nucleic acid sequences were isolated from their natural environment without significant alteration of the sequence. However, it is acceptable to modify the authentic nucleic acid sequence in such a way that its expression in a host organism, for example, by genetically modified bacteria such as Escherichia coli, is facilitated without resulting in a change in the encoded amino acid sequence.

[0016] The authentic non-repetitive sequences are preferably derived from the amino-terminal non-repetitive region and / or the carboxy-terminal non-repetitive region of a naturally occurring spider silk protein.

[0017] For example, the proteins of one or more of the spiders Arachnura higginsi, Araneus circulissparsus, Araneus diadematus, Argiope picta, Argiope trifasciata, Nephila antipodiana, Cyrtophora beccarii, Celaenia excavata, Gasteracantha kuhlii, Argiope aurantia, Ordgarius furcatus, Ordgarius magnificus, Neoscona nautica, Neoscona rufofemorata, Zygiella calyptrata, Parawixia dehaani, Neoscona oxancensis, Gasteracantha cancriformis (ellipsoides), Gasteracantha arcuata, Cyrtophora moluccensis, Cyrtophora parnasia, Dolophones conifera, Dolophones turrigera, Gasteracantha doriae, Gasteracantha mammosa, Cyrtophora exanthematica, Aculeperia ceropegia, Eriophora pustulosa, Anepsion depressium, Gasteracantha quadrispinosa, Eriophora transmarina, Araneus bicentenarius, Nephila maculata, Gasteracantha hasseltii, Tegenana atrica, Heurodes turrita, Cyclosa insulana, Astracantha minax, Araneus mitificus, Eriovixia laglaisei, Cyclosa bifida, Nephilengys malabarensis, Argiope versicolor,Herennia ornatissima, Argiope aemula, Cyrtophora unicolor, Cyrtophora hirta, Argiope keyserlingi, Acusilas coccineus, Argiope argentata, Neoscona domiciliorum, Argiope aetheria, Poltys illepidus, Arkys clavatus, Arkys lancearius, Poecilopachys australasia), Nephila species, such as Nephila clavipes, Nephila senegalensis, Nephila madagascariensis.

[0018] Within the scope of the present disclosure, a recombinant spider silk protein may not only be derived from protein sequences from one species, but may also contain sequences derived from or from different spider species. It is also possible to use a recombinant spider silk protein that has more than one type of repeating sequence, where the different types may originate from different species.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the at least one component has a surface comprising the spider silk protein. Preferably, the surface can be a container contact surface for contacting the containers during operation of the container treatment system. Advantageously, the spider silk protein can thus act directly on the surface, where there is a high risk of contamination by microbial growth.

[0020] In one embodiment, the at least one component is a format part, a trim part, or a setup part of the container treatment system. Thus, components that are particularly frequently contaminated during the production process by spilled product, etc., and the associated microbial growth, can particularly benefit from the spider silk protein.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the at least one component has (or is) a guide element for guiding the containers, preferably a guide rail, a guide wall, a guide format part adapted to the geometry of the containers to be treated, or a wear strip of a container guide. This can advantageously achieve reduced germ growth on a guide surface, which can also reduce, for example, the risk of product contamination in the guided container.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one component comprises (or is) a transport element for transporting the containers, preferably a transport chain, a conveyor belt, a transport mat, a container clamp, a container gripper, or a feed screw (e.g., an infeed screw). This advantageously allows for reduced germ growth on a transport element, which can also reduce, for example, the risk of product contamination in the transported container.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the container treatment system further comprises a container conveyor, preferably a star-shaped conveyor or a linear conveyor, for transporting the containers, wherein the container conveyor comprises the at least one component. This can also advantageously reduce the risk of product contamination in the transported containers.

[0024] In one embodiment, the container treatment system further comprises a container treatment device, preferably a turning device, rinsing device, filling device, or closing device, for treating the containers, wherein the container treatment device comprises the at least one component. This can advantageously reduce the risk of product contamination in the treated containers.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the at least one component has a coating comprising the spider silk protein. Advantageously, the spider silk protein can thus be applied directly to the surface of the at least one component.

[0026] In one embodiment, a surface of the at least one component is formed, at least in sections, by a dried cleaning agent comprising the spider silk protein applied to the at least one component. Advantageously, the spider silk protein can thus be easily and regularly reapplied when cleaning the at least one component, thereby counteracting a wear-related reduction in the beneficial effects of the spider silk protein.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the spider silk protein is admixed with a base material, preferably plastic, of the at least one component. Advantageously, the spider silk protein can thus be added directly during the production of the at least one component and thus become an integral part of the at least one component.

[0028] It is possible that additional additives are added to the base material, e.g. to increase abrasion resistance and / or toughness.

[0029] In one embodiment, the spider silk protein(s) has a weight fraction of ≥ 1% and / or ≤ 10% of the respective component. Advantageously, these weight fractions can significantly improve the microbiological properties of at least one component.

[0030] A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to the use of a component (preferably as disclosed herein) comprising a spider silk protein in a container processing system (e.g., for bottles or cans), preferably for guiding or supporting containers in the container processing system. Advantageously, the same advantages as those already explained with reference to the container processing device can be achieved with this use.

[0031] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning at least one component (preferably for guiding or supporting containers and / or as disclosed herein) of a container treatment system (e.g., for bottles or cans). The method comprises cleaning a surface of the at least one component with a preferably liquid or vaporous cleaning agent comprising a spider silk protein that remains on the surface of the at least one component when the cleaning agent dries. As already mentioned, the spider silk protein can thus advantageously be reapplied in a simple manner and regularly during cleaning of the at least one component, thereby counteracting an abrasion-induced reduction in the beneficial effects of the spider silk protein.

[0032] For example, cleaning can be done manually and / or using an automatic cleaning device.

[0033] Preferably, a user or the cleaning device can spray or flush the at least one component with the cleaning agent containing the spider silk protein, e.g., via one or more nozzles. Preferably, the cleaning device can be connected to a cleaning agent source. For example, the cleaning agent source can supply the cleaning agent containing the spider silk protein to the at least one component. For example, the external cleaning medium source can comprise a pump and a reservoir for the cleaning agent.

[0034] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for producing a component (preferably for guiding or supporting containers and / or as disclosed herein) of a container treatment system (e.g., for bottles or cans). The method comprises admixing a spider silk protein as an additive to a base material, preferably plastic, and producing the component from the base material and the admixed spider silk protein. Alternatively, the method may, for example, comprise producing the component from a base material and coating a surface of the produced component with a coating comprising a spider silk protein. Advantageously, the component produced in this way can achieve the same advantages as those already explained with reference to the container treatment system.

[0035] Preferably, the container treatment plant can be designed, for example, for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid foodstuffs or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.

[0036] It is possible that the container treatment plant includes a clean room or aseptic room in which the containers are treated (e.g. filled and / or sealed) and / or transported.

[0037] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, flacons, tubes, etc.

[0038] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. Short description of the characters

[0039] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a container treatment plant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of components of a container treatment plant and a container.

[0040] The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0041] The Fig. 1 shows a container treatment plant 10 for treating containers 12, of which, by way of example, Fig. 1 only two pieces are shown.

[0042] The container treatment system 10 comprises at least one container treatment device 14, 16, 18 and / or 20 and / or at least one container conveyor 22. The container treatment system 10 may further comprise, for example, at least one user interface 24.

[0043] The container treatment device 14, designed as a heating device, can heat preforms (container blanks or preforms) to a desired temperature.

[0044] The container processing device 16, designed as a container manufacturing device, can produce the containers 12 from preforms. For example, the container manufacturing device can be designed as a container blow-molding device, preferably a stretch blow-molding device, for blowing the containers from the preforms. The container manufacturing device is preferably designed as a rotary container manufacturing device. The container manufacturing device can have multiple manufacturing stations, e.g., blow-molding stations, for producing multiple containers 12 simultaneously or at overlapping times. For example, the manufacturing stations can be arranged around a circumference of a container manufacturing carousel of the rotary container manufacturing device. The container manufacturing device can be arranged downstream of the heating device with respect to a container flow.

[0045] The container treatment device 18, designed as a filling device, can fill the containers 12, preferably with a liquid or pasty medium. The filling device is preferably designed as a rotary filling device. The filling device can have multiple filling valves for the simultaneous or temporally overlapping filling of multiple containers 12. For example, the filling valves can be arranged around a circumference of a filler carousel of the rotary filling device. The filling device can be arranged downstream of the container manufacturing device with respect to a container flow, if present.

[0046] The container processing device 18, designed as a closing device, can close the containers 12, e.g., with a lid, a cork, a crown cap, or a screw cap. The closing device can preferably be designed as a rotary closing device. The closing device can have multiple closing stations for the simultaneous or temporally overlapping closing of multiple containers. For example, the closing stations can be arranged around a circumference of a closing carousel of the rotary closing device. The closing device can be arranged downstream of the filling device with respect to a container flow.

[0047] It is possible for the container treatment system 10 to have at least one alternative or additional container treatment device. For example, the container treatment system 10 can have a depalletizing device, a coating device for (e.g., internally) coating the containers 12, a turning device for turning the containers 12, a rinsing device for rinsing the containers 12, an inspection device for inspecting the containers 12, a pasteurizing device for pasteurizing the containers 12, a labeling device for labeling the containers 12, a printing device for printing the containers 12, a packaging device for packaging the containers 12, an adhesive pack manufacturing device, and / or a palletizing device.

[0048] The at least one container conveyor 22 can transport the containers 12 through the container processing system 10. The at least one container conveyor 22 can connect the container processing devices (e.g., 14, 16, 18, and / or 20) of the container processing system 10. The at least one container conveyor 22 can, for example, comprise at least one transport star and / or at least one linear conveyor, e.g., a belt conveyor or a mesh chain conveyor (e.g., with a plastic mesh chain).

[0049] The user interface 24 can be configured to receive inputs from a user and / or to output information to a user. For example, the user interface 24 can include a control element (e.g., a knob, button, switch, etc.), a preferably touch-sensitive display, a keypad, an emergency stop button, a safety switch, and / or a door opener.

[0050] A special feature of the present disclosure is that it is proposed that at least one component of the container treatment system 10 comprises a spider silk protein (or spider silk proteins). For example, the spider silk protein can have a weight fraction of the respective component of ≥ 1% and / or ≤ 10%. Preferably, a surface of the at least one component can comprise the spider silk protein. Preferably, the surface can be a contact surface that touches the containers 12 during operation of the container treatment system 10.

[0051] The spider silk protein is preferably a synthetic or synthetically produced spider silk protein. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the spider silk protein is a natural spider silk protein.

[0052] The at least one component can be any component of the container processing system 10. For example, the at least one component can be included in one of the container processing devices 14, 16, 18, and / or 20. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one component can be included, for example, in one of the container conveyors 22 and / or the user interface 24.

[0053] The following is with reference to the Fig. 2 explains an embodiment in which the component provided with the spider silk protein is a guide element or a transport element of the container treatment system 10.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 2 shows, purely schematically, a section of the container treatment system 10 in which the containers 12 are moved or transported. This section can, for example, be included in one of the container conveyors 22 and / or one of the container treatment devices 14, 16, 18, and / or 20.

[0055] The section may comprise a guide element 26 for guiding the containers 12 and / or a transport element 28 for transporting the containers 12.

[0056] The guide element 26 can guide the containers 12 during transport, preferably laterally. The guide element 26 can move with the containers 12 or be stationary, or it can not move with the containers 12 during transport.

[0057] The guide element 26 can be designed, for example, as a rod-shaped guide railing or a lateral guide wall. Alternatively, the guide element 26 can be designed, for example, as a wear strip of a guide device. Alternatively, the guide element 26 can be designed, for example, as a format part, fitting part, or setup part, which is preferably adapted to a respective format or geometry of the containers 12 and can be replaced, for example, during a format change. For example, the format part can have cylinder jacket segment-shaped recesses for contacting cylinder jacket-shaped jacket sections of the containers 12. For example, the format part can be included in a rotary conveyor, such as a transport star.

[0058] It is possible for a further guide element (not shown) to be provided opposite the guide element 26 for laterally guiding the containers 12. The guide element 26 and the further guide element can guide the containers 12 between them. The further guide element can, for example, be designed in the same way as the guide element 26.

[0059] The transport element 28 can transport the containers 12. The transport element 28 can move along with the containers 12 during transport, or the containers 12 can move in the transport direction. The transport element 28 can, for example, be circulating.

[0060] For transport, the transport element 28 can support the containers 12, for example, on the bottom side, as in Fig. 2. Accordingly, the transport element 28 can be designed, for example, as a transport chain, a transport belt, or a transport mat (e.g., a transport mat chain, such as a plastic mat chain with spider silk protein).

[0061] It is also possible for the transport element 28 to support the containers 12, for example, on a container shell, a container neck, and / or a container neck ring for transport. Accordingly, the transport element 28 can be designed, for example, as an active or passive container clamp or container gripper, or a dividing screw (not shown).

[0062] The guide element 26 and / or the transport element 28 can be coated with a coating 30. The coating 30 can comprise the silk spider protein. The coating 30 forms a surface of the guide element 26 or the transport element 28. The coating 30 can be applied in any suitable manner. Preferably, the coating 30 is sprayed or sprayed on. Alternatively, the coating can be applied, for example, by brushing or by means of an additive manufacturing process.

[0063] Even if with reference to Fig. 2 only describes an embodiment in which the guide element 26 and the transport element 28 have the coating 30 with the spider silk protein, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any component of the container treatment system, in particular those described herein with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the coating may comprise 30 and / or the spider silk protein.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, a surface of the at least one component, e.g., guide element 26 and / or transport element 28, can be cleaned with, for example, a liquid or gaseous cleaning agent by applying cleaning agent to the surface. The cleaning agent can comprise the spider silk protein. After the cleaning agent has dried, the spider silk protein can remain on the surface or wet it in sections. This technique is also applicable to any component of the container treatment system 10, in particular to those described herein with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 were described.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible, for example, for the silk spider protein to be added as an additive (e.g., one of several additives) to a base material, preferably plastic, of at least one component, e.g., guide element 26 and / or transport element 28. The plastic can be, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), high molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW), or high density polyethylene (PE-HD). This technique, in turn, is applicable to any component of the container treatment plant 10, in particular to those described herein with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 were described.

[0066] For example, the spider silk protein can already be incorporated during the primary shaping of the at least one component, e.g., guide element 26 and / or transport element 28. For example, the at least one component, e.g., guide element 26 and / or transport element 28, can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing), e.g., from a base material (e.g., a plastic) with the spider silk protein as an additive material. Additive manufacturing can result in a layered structure of the at least one component. It is possible for the at least one component to be additively manufactured in such a way that the spider silk protein content is highest in a layer of the at least one component close to the surface and / or higher than in a layer of the at least one component remote from the surface.It is possible for the spider silk protein to be comprised only in at least one near-surface layer of the at least one component. It is also possible for the spider silk protein to be incorporated directly during the production of the at least one component in another suitable primary forming process.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims, independent of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1. All ranges referred to herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that, as it were, all values ​​falling within the respective range are individually disclosed, e.g., also as preferred, narrower outer limits of the respective range. List of reference symbols 10 Container treatment plant 12 containers 14-20 Container treatment device 22 container conveyors 24 User interface 26 Guide element (example of component with spider silk protein) 28 Transport element (example of component with spider silk protein) 30 Coating QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 128 275 A1

[0005] DE 10 2014 218 503 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Container treatment plant (10) for treating containers (12), preferably bottles or cans, comprising: at least one component (26, 28) with a spider silk protein. [2] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the spider silk protein is a natural spider silk protein or an artificial spider silk protein. [3] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the at least one component (26, 28) has a surface comprising the spider silk protein, wherein preferably the surface is a container contact surface for contacting the containers (12) during operation of the container treatment plant (10). [4] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one component (26, 28) is a format part, a fitting part or a setup part of the container treatment system (10). [5] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one component (26, 28) has a guide element (26) for guiding the containers (12), preferably a guide railing, a guide wall, a guide format part adapted to a geometry of the containers (12) to be treated or a wear strip of a container guide. [6] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one component (26, 28) has a transport element (28) for transporting the containers (12), preferably a transport chain, a conveyor belt, a transport mat, a container clamp, a container gripper or a dividing screw. [7] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a container conveyor (22), preferably a transport star or a linear conveyor, for transporting the containers (12), wherein the container conveyor (22) has the at least one component (26, 28). [8] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a container treatment device (14, 16, 18, 20), preferably a turning device, rinsing device, filling device or closing device, for treating the containers (12), wherein the container treatment device (14, 16, 18, 20) has the at least one component (26, 28). [9] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one component (26, 28) has a coating (30) comprising the spider silk protein. [10] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: a surface of the at least one component (26, 28) is formed at least in sections by a dried cleaning agent comprising the spider silk protein applied to the at least one component (26, 28). [11] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the spider silk protein is mixed with a base material, preferably plastic, to which at least one component (26, 28) is added. [12] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the spider silk protein has a weight fraction of the respective component (26, 28) of ≥ 1% and / or ≤ 10%. [13] Use of a component (26, 28) comprising a spider silk protein in a container treatment plant (10), preferably for guiding or supporting containers (12) in the container treatment plant (10). [14] Method for cleaning at least one component (26, 28) of a container treatment plant (10), the method comprising: Cleaning a surface of the at least one component (26, 28) with a preferably liquid or vaporous cleaning agent comprising a spider silk protein which remains on the surface of the at least one component (26, 28) when the cleaning agent dries. [15] A method for producing a component (26, 28) of a container treatment plant (10), the method comprising: Mixing a spider silk protein as an additive to a base material, preferably plastic, and producing the component (26, 28) from the base material and the mixed spider silk protein; or Producing the component (26, 28) from a base material and coating a surface of the manufactured component (26, 28) with a coating (30) comprising a spider silk protein.

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