Packaging machine with a preform treatment module for the preparation of preforms for the production of containers

Abstract

A packaging machine preform handling module for preparing preforms (11) with a view to container manufacture, the preform comprising a neck and a body, the preform handling module comprising: [a] a preform feed module (10) comprising a preform feed rail (12), [b] a spray unit (18) for spraying a disinfectant substance into the preforms (11) to visibly cover the interior of the preforms (11) with the disinfectant substance; [c] an oven (20) with heating means (26a, 26b) for heating the preforms (11); [d] drive means (13, 23) for moving the preforms (11) within the spray unit (18) and subsequently moving the preforms (11) within the furnace (20) along the heating means (26a, 26b), wherein the preform feed module (10) comprises at least one neck heating module (H1), wherein the at least one neck heating module (H1) transfers heat to the necks of the preforms (11) as they move along the preform feed rail (12).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of equipment and methods for packaging beverages in containers having a very high degree of disinfection, and more particularly to a packaging machine having a preform handling module for preparing preforms for container manufacture. Background of the invention

[0002] The production of sterile containers and the packaging machines used for this purpose are known. In most cases, a packaging machine includes a preform handling machine for feeding and heating the preforms before they are formed into containers. Continuous improvements in the production of sterile containers and the equipment used for this purpose are sought. The present invention is primarily aimed at providing an improved packaging machine for producing sterile containers that meets these and other requirements. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to the embodiments, the invention relates to a packaging machine with a preform handling module configured to prepare preforms for container production. In embodiments, the preform handling module comprises several components, such as a preform feeding module equipped with a feeding rail, a spray unit for applying a disinfectant substance to the interior of the preforms, an oven with heating functions, and a drive mechanism to facilitate the movement of the preforms through the spray unit and into the oven. In embodiments, the preform feeding module has at least one neck heating module that supplies heat to at least the necks of the preforms as they move along the feeding rail.

[0004] In embodiments, the neck heating module may utilize a UV neck heating module. In embodiments, this UV neck heating module is equipped with one or more UV lamps positioned to direct the necks of the preforms. In embodiments, the configuration ensures that the UV lamps are focused on the neck sections. In embodiments, at least one lamp is configured to extend longitudinally along the preform feed rail, thereby optimizing the exposure of the preforms to the UV light and the resulting heat.

[0005] In embodiments, the UV lamps are positioned approximately 5 cm from the preform necks. In embodiments, this proximity increases the efficiency of the sterilization and heating process and ensures that the necks are adequately treated as they pass through the module. In embodiments, pretreating the preforms with UV heating prior to applying the disinfectant substance results in a reduction in condensation on the preform necks, which is beneficial for maintaining the integrity of the disinfection treatment and eliminates the likelihood of the "orange peel" effect on the blown preforms.

[0006] In embodiments, the module may include a tunnel enclosing the preform feed rail and providing a controlled environment for the preforms as they move along the feed module. In embodiments, the preform feed rail and the heating module are arranged within the tunnel. Thus, the tunnel ensures that the preforms undergo consistent heating and disinfection processes throughout their entire transport path. In embodiments, the configuration of this preform handling module improves the efficiency and effectiveness of preparing preforms for subsequent container production.

[0007] Another example relates to a packaging machine with a preform handling module for preparing preforms for container production. The preform handling module comprises a spray unit, an oven with heating means, and drive means. The spray unit is configured to spray a disinfectant substance into the preforms, thus visibly covering the interior of the preforms with the disinfectant substance.

[0008] The oven and heating means heat the preforms, and the drive means move the preforms within the spray unit and then within the oven along the heating means. In embodiments, the drive means move the preforms from the upstream feed end of the heating means, where they are visibly covered by the disinfectant substance, to the downstream discharge end of the heating means, where they are not visibly covered by the disinfectant substance. Accordingly, the action of the heating means on the preforms as they move through the oven causes evaporation of the disinfectant substance contained therein.

[0009] In embodiments, the drive means extends along a first axis X1 and then along a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1, wherein the heating means comprises a first heating means arranged along a part of the first axis X1 and wherein a second heating means is arranged along a part of the second axis X2.

[0010] In embodiments, the first heating means causes the evaporation of at least a portion of the disinfecting substance on the preforms so that they are visibly covered before the first heating means and are less visibly covered directly after the first heating means.

[0011] In embodiments, the first heating means does not evaporate all of it, so that the preform is not visibly covered directly after the first heating means.

[0012] In embodiments, the second heating means evaporates the substance on the preforms so that they are visibly covered at the feed end of the second axis X2 and not visibly covered at the discharge end of the second axis X2.

[0013] In embodiments, the second heating means evaporates the substance on the preforms so that they are visibly covered at a feed end of the second axis X2 and not visibly covered at a discharge end of the second axis X2.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the first heating agent evaporates everything, so that nothing is visible on the preforms directly after the first heating agent.

[0015] In embodiments, the drive means has a U-turn point between the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 in order to convey preforms from the first heating means to the second heating means.

[0016] In embodiments, the turning point is divided into three segments and the preforms undergo residual heat evaporation during their movement along at least one of the segments of the turning point.

[0017] In embodiments, the preforms are subjected to post-heat evaporation within the turning point in order to transition from a less visibly covered state to a visibly uncovered state within the first segment of the turning point.

[0018] In embodiments, the preforms are subjected to post-heat evaporation within the turning point in order to transition from a less visibly covered state to a visibly uncovered state within the second segment of the turning point.

[0019] In embodiments, the preforms are subjected to post-heat evaporation within the U-turning point in order to transition from a less visibly covered state to a non-visibly covered state within the third segment of the U-turning point.

[0020] In embodiments, the drive means moves the preforms from a discharge end of the first heating means, where they are still visibly covered, to a feed end of the second heating means, where they are not visibly covered.

[0021] In embodiments, the drive means moves the preforms from a discharge end of the first axis, where they are still visibly covered, to a feed end of the second axis, where they are not visibly covered.

[0022] In embodiments, the preform handling module further comprises a preform feeding module, wherein the preform feeding module transports the preforms to the spraying unit.

[0023] In embodiments, the drive means takes the form of a rotating star wheel at the level of the spray unit and the form of at least one base wheel at the level of the furnace. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a top view of a diagram of a packaging machine and a preform handling module according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a side view of the preform feed module of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows an end view of the preform feed module of Fig. 2. Fig. 4A shows a side view of a sequence of process steps through which the preforms transported by the feed module along the feed rail go and are subsequently treated with a dose of a disinfectant substance according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4B is a detailed view of the preform neck without condensation droplets from Fig. 4A, Fig. Figure 4C shows a side view of a known sequence of process steps through which the preforms transported by the feed module along the feed rail go, and are then treated with a dose of a disinfectant substance Fig. 4D is a detailed view of the preform neck with condensation droplets of Fig. 4C Fig. Figure 5 shows the preforms moving along the respective sections of the packaging machine and the preform handling module of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows the preforms moving along the respective sections of the packaging machine and the preform handling module of Fig. 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 shows the preforms moving along the respective sections of the packaging machine and the preform handling module of Fig. 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows the preforms moving along the respective sections of the packaging machine and the preform handling module of Fig. 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 shows the preforms moving along the respective sections of the packaging machine and the preform handling module of Fig. 1, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0024] Embodiments of the invention relate to systems or packaging machines 1 for producing sterile containers and, for example, to a preform handling module 5 for preparing preforms 11 with a view to container production. Fig. 1 shows the packaging machine 1, which includes the preform handling module 5.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the packaging machine 1 described here comprises the preform handling module 5, which is connected, for example, to a blow molding system 100, so that the preforms 11 can be prepared by the preform handling module 5 and can proceed directly to container production, wherein the preforms 11 are fed to the blow molding system 100 to be formed into sterile containers by blow molding or stretch blow molding. In exemplary embodiments, the packaging machine 1 can comprise further systems, such as a filling and closing system (not shown) for filling and closing the sterile container and / or a labeling system (not shown) for decorating the sterile container. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, the packaging machine 1 can comprise the preform heating module 5, the blow molding system 100, and filling and closing and / or labeling systems (not shown).

[0026] A preform feed module 10 is configured to transport preforms to a spray module or spray unit 18 to spray a disinfectant substance into the preforms and visibly cover their interior with the disinfectant substance. In embodiments, the disinfectant substance may comprise hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or, for example, another desired disinfectant substance. In embodiments, the preform feed module 10 comprises a rail 12 positioned adjacent drive means 13 for feeding and conveying preforms 11 to receive a dose of the disinfectant substance at the spray unit 18.

[0027] In embodiments, the spray unit 18 can be configured to spray or dispense the disinfectant substance in various configurations and formats. According to one embodiment, the spray unit 18 can be configured to dispense a cold vapor or mist of microdroplets of the disinfectant substance such that, by condensation, a substantially uniform film of condensate of the disinfectant substance is deposited on at least the inner wall of the preforms 11 to be sterilized. According to another embodiment, the spray unit 18 can be configured to dispense a hot vapor of microdroplets that condense at least on the inner wall of the preforms 11. According to another embodiment, the spray unit 18 can be an ultrasonic evaporator that dispenses a plurality of cold microdroplets in vapor form.According to another embodiment, the spray unit 18 is configured to spray a mixture of air and cold droplets of a disinfectant substance. Preferably, the spray unit 18 and the delivery of the disinfectant substance, in whatever form, significantly reduce the likelihood of large condensation droplets forming on the inner wall or near the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11, thanks to the neck heating module H1 (described in more detail below).

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the drive means 13 of the preform feed module 10 comprises a rotating star wheel 14 for feeding the preforms 11 to the spray unit 18 for treatment with a dose of the disinfectant substance. The preforms 11 are then conveyed individually by a chain 24 of spindles connected to base wheels 22 of a furnace 20 provided with heating means 26a, 26b. The chain 24 moves along the furnace 20 and exposes the connected preforms 11 to the heating means 26a, 26b.

[0029] In embodiments, the chain 24 describes a cyclic path around the two base wheels 22. In embodiments, at least one of the base wheels 22 can be configured to drive the cyclic movement of the chain 24 around itself, or the chain 24 itself is otherwise driven to move cyclically around the base wheels 22. In embodiments, the drive means 23 can be in the form of one or both base wheels 22, or the drive means 23 can be otherwise configured, for example, to cause displacement of the chain 24.

[0030] In embodiments, the preforms 11 move through the oven 20 once they have been sprayed with the disinfectant substance and connected to the chain 24, initially moving along a first axis X1 in a first direction and then along a second axis X2 in a second direction. In embodiments, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. In embodiments, the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 are parallel and spaced apart from each other. In embodiments, a first heating means 26a is provided along the first axis X1 and a second heating means 26b is provided along the second axis X2.

[0031] Referring to the Fig. 2 to 4D, the preform feed module 10 comprises a housing 6 having a tunnel 7 extending therethrough. In embodiments, the rail 12 for feeding and conveying the preforms 11 along it is mounted within the tunnel 7 to provide an enclosed space for the preforms 11 to be conveyed to the spray unit 18.

[0032] As in the Fig. 2-3, the preform feed module 10 comprises at least one neck heating module H1 for applying heat to the necks of the preforms 11 as they move along the preform feed rail 12. According to one embodiment, the at least one neck heating module H1 comprises a UV neck heating module UVH1, and for example, the UV neck heating module UVH1 comprises one or more UV lamps 200 connected thereto. In embodiments, the UV neck heating module UVH1 and one or more lamps 200 are positioned to face the necks of the preforms 11 and, for example, preferably sterilize and heat at least the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 (by ultraviolet radiation) as they are conveyed along the preform feed rail 12 through the tunnel 7. According to embodiments, the UV neck heating module UVH1 is mounted above the preform feed rail 12.

[0033] As in the Fig. 2-3, at least one lamp 200 of the UV neck heating module UVH1 extends longitudinally along the length or extent of the preform feed rail 12. According to the embodiments, the at least one UV lamp 200 of the UV neck heating module UVH1 has a temperature of approximately 100 degrees Celsius during operation and emits a wavelength between approximately 100 and 280 nanometers, which is often categorized as UV-C radiation, for example. As is generally known, UV-C is referred to as "shortwave" UV radiation and is considered the most effective type of UV radiation for killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Accordingly, the UV neck heating module UVH1 offers a dual functionality by heating at least the neck sections 11a of the preforms 11 and the surroundings thereof (e.g., the tunnel 7) and simultaneously emitting UV-C radiation onto the neck sections 11a.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the at least one UV lamp 200 can have a temperature between 30 and 60 degrees Celsius during operation and thus correspond, for example, to a UV-C type, so that the wavelength emitted by it during operation is between approximately 100 and 280 nanometers. According to embodiments, at least one lamp 200 is positioned at a distance L from the neck of the preform 11. According to one embodiment, the distance L is approximately 5 centimeters. According to other embodiments, the distance L can be chosen arbitrarily. According to the embodiments, the distance L is close enough to the neck 11a of the preform 11 so that the UV-C radiation can sufficiently act on it while it is transported along the rail 12.

[0035] According to the embodiments, the at least one UV lamp 200, as disclosed herein, may have a temperature between approximately 30 and 100 degrees Celsius during operation, and thus correspond to a UV-C type, such that the wavelength emitted during operation is between approximately 100 and 280 nanometers. According to some embodiments, two or more UV lamps 200 are powered by the UV neck heating module UVH1, for example, each lamp operating at a relatively similar temperature. According to other embodiments, two or more UV lamps 200 are powered by the UV neck heating module UVH1, for example, each lamp operating at a relatively different temperature.

[0036] According to the embodiments, the at least one lamp 200 is multifunctional, for example, by providing an output of UV-C waves and a calculated amount of heat, so that during transport of the preforms through the tunnel 7, at least one disinfection of the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 is possible through the action of the UV-C radiation, and wherein, for example, at least a portion of the heat energy is absorbed by at least the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11, for example, a sufficient amount of heat energy to sufficiently heat at least the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 and prevent condensation droplets from forming thereon when the disinfectant substance is applied by the spray unit 18. Furthermore, at least the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 are disinfected and at least partially heated while being conveyed through the tunnel 7 of the preform feed module 10.According to some embodiments, by at least partially heating the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 prior to applying a dose of disinfectant solution from the spray unit 18, the risk of forming condensation droplets large enough to cause the "orange peel" effect is significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated.

[0037] According to the embodiments, the at least partial or preferential heating of the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 (while being transported through the preform feed module 10) accelerates disinfection. For example, applying the dose of disinfectant substance to the at least partially heated neck portion 11a causes the immediate disinfection of the neck portion 11a. Thereafter, the disinfected neck portions 11a are connected to the chain 24, which allows the preforms 11 to move through the oven 20, first moving along a first axis X1 in a first direction and then along a second axis X2 in a second direction. In the oven 20, the remaining portions of the preforms 11 are heated and disinfected before being fed to the blow molding system 100 to be formed into sterile containers by blow molding or stretch blow molding.According to the embodiments, the preforms 11 are configured to undergo a multi-stage disinfection process by first at least partially heating and disinfecting the neck portions 11a before entering the oven 20, and then disinfecting the remaining portions of the preforms 11 while being transported through the oven 20. Preferably, the multi-stage disinfection process conveniently causes the disinfectant substance to condense into a vapor film (without forming condensation droplets C of such a size that an "orange peel" effect is created) and the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 are immediately disinfected. For example, once the neck portions 11a are at least partially heated, the disinfectant substance is immediately activated upon contact with the neck portions 11a.Thereafter, as the preforms are transported through the oven 20, the remaining portions of the preforms 11 are heated and disinfected, while the previously disinfected neck portions 11a are substantially protected from excessive heat exposure in the oven 20, so that the neck portions 11a remain structurally identical without undesirable deformation occurring.

[0038] As in Fig. 3 and according to one embodiment, the housing 6 of the preform feed module 10 comprises the UV neck heating module UVH1 for emitting ultraviolet UV-C radiation and heat energy towards the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 as they are transported along the preform feed rail 12. According to the embodiments, with the UV neck heating module UVH1 provided on a top side of the housing 6, one or more additional UV neck heating modules UVH2, UVH3 can optionally be provided along one or more other portions of the housing 6 and / or the tunnel 7 therefor. According to embodiments, an optional second UV neck heating module UVH2 can be provided on a first transverse side of the housing 6 and a third UV neck heating module UVH3 can be provided on a second transverse side of the housing 6.According to embodiments, ultraviolet radiation LW is generated by at least one lamp 200 of the at least one UV neck heating module UVH1, which is configured to be directed toward each of the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 being transported along the preform feed rail 12. Furthermore, the heat generated by the at least one lamp 200 (e.g., the heat generated by electrical operation and its inefficiencies), in combination with the generated ultraviolet radiation LW, is emitted or radiated by at least the UV neck heating module UVH1 toward the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11. Accordingly, according to embodiments, as described in more detail below, the neck heating module H1, or for example the UV neck heating module UVH1, can influence a temperature difference (ΔT) of the preforms during the transport of the preforms 11 through the preform feed module 10.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 2 and according to one embodiment, the preform feed rail 12 is influenced and heated to a certain extent by exposure to and its proximity to the UV neck heating module UVH1. Furthermore, the UV neck heating module UVH1 influences and heats the surroundings of the tunnel 7, thereby achieving a tunnel temperature T Tunnel According to one embodiment, the at least one lamp 200 of the UV neck heating module UVH1 has a temperature of approximately 100 degrees Celsius during operation. Thus, the temperature of the at least one lamp 200 when supplied with power and emitting UV-C radiation is approximately 100 degrees Celsius. According to various embodiments, this typically corresponds to the surface temperature of the bulb 200, which is 100 degrees Celsius.

[0040] According to the embodiments, the ambient temperature (T ambient ) of the environment surrounding the preform feeding module 10 is approximately 20 degrees Celsius, and the tunnel temperature T Tunnelof the tunnel 7 is between approximately 25 and 45 degrees Celsius. According to one embodiment, the UV neck heating module UVH1 comprises three lamps 100, each operating at 100 degrees Celsius, the ambient temperature T ambient the environment of the preform feeding module 10 is 20 degrees Celsius and the tunnel temperature T tunnel of the tunnel 7 is approximately 35 degrees Celsius. According to another embodiment, the UV neck heating module UVH1 comprises three lamps 100, each operating at 60 degrees Celsius, the ambient temperature T ambient the environment of the preform feeding module 10 is 20 degrees Celsius and the tunnel temperature T tunnelof the tunnel 7 is approximately 28 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the UV neck heating module UVH1 and the lamps provided therefor can be selected as desired so that the desired parameters of the preform feed module 10 can be achieved and maintained. According to the embodiments and as described above, the at least one UV lamp 200, as disclosed, can have a temperature between approximately 30 and 100 degrees Celsius during operation and thus correspond to a UV-C type, such that the wavelength emitted during operation is between approximately 100 and 280 nanometers. For example, if two or more UV lamps 200 are powered by the UV neck heating module UVH1, each of these lamps can be configured to operate at a relatively similar temperature or, for example, at a relatively different temperature.According to other embodiments, at least two UV lamps 200 may be operated at a relatively similar temperature, while one or more other UV lamps may be operated at a different temperature that is higher or lower than the temperature of the at least two UV lamps 200.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the temperature of the rail 12 was measured after a continuous production of approximately 30 minutes. In Fig. 2, the temperature was measured from right to left at five locations along the rail 12 to define, for example, a first rail temperature Tr1, a second rail temperature Tr2, a third rail temperature Tr3, a fourth rail temperature Tr4, and a fifth rail temperature Tr5. According to one embodiment, a first rail temperature Tr1 of approximately 33 degrees Celsius, a second rail temperature Tr2 of approximately 36 degrees Celsius, a third rail temperature Tr3 of approximately 37 degrees Celsius, a fourth rail temperature Tr4 of approximately 40 degrees Celsius, and a fifth rail temperature Tr5 of approximately 61 degrees Celsius were measured. Accordingly, the thermal energy emitted by at least one lamp 200 directly influences the tunnel temperature T Tunnelof the tunnel 7, which consequently influences the temperature of the rail 12 and at least the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 transported therethrough. According to one embodiment, the tunnel temperature T Tunnel of the tunnel 7 and the temperatures of the rails (Tr1 - Tr5) lead to an increase in the temperature of the neck (e.g., the neck portion 11a) of the preform 11, for example, to a temperature increase of at least 0.5 degrees Celsius. As described below, according to embodiments, the preform feed module 10 causes the temperature difference of the neck portions 11a of the preform 11 to be between approximately 0.5 and 25 degrees Celsius, for example, between approximately 5 and 17 degrees Celsius according to one embodiment, between approximately 10 and 20 degrees Celsius according to another embodiment, and for example, between approximately 1 and 4 degrees Celsius according to a further embodiment.

[0042] According to the embodiments, the time for the preforms 11 to be transported along the rail 12 of the module 10 until they reach the spray unit 18 is, as standard, between 1 and 10 seconds, for example, between approximately 2 and 6 seconds according to the embodiments. Accordingly, the exposure of each preform 11 during its transport through the feed module 10 and the tunnel 7 causes an increase in the temperature of the neck section 11a, even though the preforms 11 are not exposed to the environment within the tunnel 7 for longer than 10 seconds. Furthermore, the temperatures Tr1 - Tr5 of the rail 12 can influence the temperature difference (ΔT) of the neck sections 11a of the preforms 11 transported thereby, for example, such that the heat conduction occurring between the rail 12 and the neck sections 11a generates at least a certain amount of heat absorption contributing to the temperature difference (ΔT).

[0043] According to some embodiments, the preforms 11 and their neck portions 11a may be heated to a greater extent, for example, under abnormal conditions such as machine downtime or when the residence time of the preforms 11 and the neck portions 11a exceeds the time period (standardly between 1 and 10 seconds) in which the preforms 11 are transported through the tunnel 7. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, the temperature difference of the neck portion 11a of the preform 11 may be in the range of approximately 10 to 60 degrees Celsius, for example, between approximately 20 and 50 degrees Celsius according to one embodiment and between approximately 30 and 40 degrees Celsius according to another embodiment.

[0044] The Fig. 4A-B show a sequence of process steps that the preforms 11, transported by the feed module 10 along the feed rail 12, go through until they reach the spray unit 18 and are treated with a dose of the disinfectant substance, and show the state of the preforms 11 thereafter, before they are individually fed onto the chain 24 of spindles. As in Fig. 4A, the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 are exposed to the neck heating module H1 (e.g., the UV neck heating module UVH1) during transport along the rail 12 of the feed module 10.

[0045] According to the embodiments, the preforms 11 enter the preform feed module 10 with a neck preform temperature T1, and exposure of the neck sections 11a to the neck heating module H1 within the preform feed module 10, for example, causes the preforms 11 to leave the preform feed module 10 and reach the spray unit 18 with a neck preform temperature T2. According to the embodiments, the surface temperature of the neck section 11a of the preform 11 is measured before entering the preform feed module 10 and measured again when it reaches the spray unit 18, just before it is sprayed with the disinfectant substance. According to the embodiments, therefore, slight heating of the entire preform 11 may occur, but the neck section 11a of each preform 11 and its preferred heating are most relevant.

[0046] According to the embodiments, the temperature T2 of a preform neck is greater than the temperature T1 of the preform neck. According to the embodiments, the temperature difference (ΔT) between the temperatures T1, T2 of a preform neck can be between approximately 0.5 and 25 degrees Celsius, for example, at least greater than or equal to approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius. For example, according to the embodiments, T1 approximately corresponds to the ambient temperature T ambient and T2 is at least about 0.5 degrees Celsius greater than T1. According to one embodiment, T1 may be between about 18 and 30 degrees Celsius, and T2 may be between about 18.5 and 45 degrees Celsius. According to another embodiment, T1 approximately corresponds to the ambient temperature T ambient and T2 is about 5 to 15 degrees Celsius higher than the ambient temperature T ambientAccording to other embodiments, the temperature difference (ΔT) can be selected as desired, for example, such that the temperature T2 of the neck sections 11a is at least partially increased to reduce the risk of the formation of condensation droplets that are so large that the "orange peel" effect occurs. Compared to a known operating sequence, as described, for example, in the Fig. 4C-D, the temperature difference (ΔT) is negligible (e.g., ΔT=0), and thus the neck portion 11a of the preform 11 (and its inner surface) is more susceptible to the formation of condensation droplets C so large that the "orange peel" effect occurs.

[0047] According to one embodiment, an exhaust line 300 and a fan (not shown) may be provided for each UV neck heating module, and, for example, the fan may be modulated as needed to achieve a desired internal temperature of the tunnel 7. For example, a feedback loop may be provided in which the desired internal temperature of the tunnel can be maintained by activating or deactivating the fan. According to the embodiments, the activation of the fan when the temperature T Tunnel above the desired temperature, excess warm air is sucked in / extracted from the tunnel 7. If the temperature T Tunnel is below the desired temperature, the fan remains in a deactivated state, preventing the intake / extraction of excess warm air from the tunnel 7, so that the temperature T Tunnel can be increased to the desired temperature.

[0048] According to the embodiments, one or more sensors, thermocouples, loggers, thermostats or other air temperature measuring devices may be provided to measure, for example, the real-time temperature T Tunnel of the tunnel 7 in order to maintain a desired internal temperature as desired. According to the embodiments, a controller or other electronic computing device may be integrated with one or more temperature sensors, which are used for real-time measurement of the temperature T Tunnel of the tunnel 7. As soon as the tunnel 7 is heated to a desired temperature T Tunnel has been set, the air temperature measuring devices can monitor this temperature (in real time) and the fan can be modulated (activated / deactivated) as required to keep the tunnel 7 at the set temperature T Tunnel to keep.

[0049] According to the embodiments, and to ensure at least partial heating of the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 transported through the preform feed module 10, one or more auxiliary sensors or measuring devices can be used to measure the temperature of the neck portion 11a of the preform 11 upon reaching the spray unit 18 (and before application of the disinfectant solution) in order to monitor its heating during transport through the tunnel 7. According to some embodiments, the temperature of the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 is measured before (or just at the beginning of) the movement along the rail 12 and through the tunnel 7. Thus, according to the embodiments, during operation, the temperatures T1 and T2 of the neck portion 11a of each preform 11 can be measured and monitored in real time, approximately before (e.g., T1) and after (e.g., T2) the transport along the rail 12 and through the tunnel 7.Accordingly, the partial heating of the neck sections 11a of the preforms 11 in the preform feed module 10 causes an accelerated pre-disinfection of the neck sections 11a at the time of application of the dose of the disinfectant substance. According to the embodiments, the accelerated pre-disinfection of the neck sections 11a occurs, for example, at the moment the disinfectant substance first comes into contact with the neck sections 11a. Furthermore, due to the temperature T2 of the neck sections 11a, the disinfectant substance condenses into a vapor film, completely eliminating the risk of forming condensation droplets C large enough to cause an "orange peel" effect. In this way, the disinfection of the preforms 11 is strategically optimized and segmented, avoiding known adverse consequences, such as the "orange peel" effect.

[0050] According to embodiments, the sensors or measuring devices for real-time temperature measurement can be provided in various forms. According to one embodiment, one or more wireless infrared cameras can be provided to capture and visualize the thermal radiation emitted by the preforms 11. According to other embodiments, one or more other wireless measurement technologies, thermal imaging systems, laser systems, etc., can be provided to monitor the real-time temperature of the neck portions 11a of the preforms 11 while they are being fed to the spray unit 18 (and before the disinfectant substance is applied).According to the embodiments, one or more measuring devices can therefore be used to detect the temperature T1 of the neck portion 11a before transport through the tunnel 7 and the temperature T2 of the neck portion 11a after transport through the tunnel 7 and before or upon reaching the spray unit 18. According to other embodiments, one or more additional sensors and measuring devices can be provided to detect the temperature of the neck portion 11a of the preform 11 at one or more intermediate positions along the rail 12, for example, after the temperature T1 has been detected but before the temperature T2 is detected.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 1, the first axis X1 comprises a feed end P1 and a discharge end P4, and the second axis X2 comprises a feed end P5 and a discharge end P8. In exemplary embodiments, a U-turning point TU is provided to convey the preforms 11 from the first heating means 26a to the second heating means 26b or, for example, to convey the preforms 11 from the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1 to the feed end P5 of the second axis X2.

[0052] As shown, the U-turn point TU is approximately U-shaped or semicircular to connect the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1 with the supply end P5 of the second axis X2. According to the embodiments, the first heating means 26a is arranged along a portion of the first axis X1 and the second heating means 26b is arranged along a portion of the second axis X2. In embodiments and still referring to Fig. 1, the first heating means 26a comprises a supply end P2 and a discharge end P3, and the second heating means 26b comprises a supply end P6 and a discharge end P7. In embodiments, the ends P2, P3, P6, P7 of the heating means 26a, 26b are spaced apart inwardly from the ends P1, P4, P5, P8 of the first and second axes X1, X2. According to some embodiments, the first and second heating means 26a, 26b are arranged approximately centered along their respective axes X1, X2 between the associated supply end and the associated discharge end.

[0053] According to the embodiments, the preform handling module 5 is configured such that the drive means 23 conveys the preforms 11 from the upstream feed end P2 of the first heating means 26a, where they are visibly covered by the disinfecting substance, to the downstream discharge end P7 of the second heating means 26b, where they are visibly not covered by the disinfecting substance.

[0054] In embodiments, and as described in more detail below, the visibility of the disinfectant substance covering the inside of the preforms 11 may vary between a visibly covered state 19a, a less visibly covered state 19b, and a non-visibly covered state 19c. In embodiments, the visibility of the disinfectant substance is typically measured from a viewing angle VP (see directional arrows in Fig. 1) which is located approximately orthogonal to the transport path of the preforms 11 along the first and second axes X1, X2 and the U-turning point TU connected therebetween, while the chain 24 moves cyclically around the base wheels 22.

[0055] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, in a first embodiment, the chain 24 conveys the preforms 11, which are visibly covered with the disinfectant substance, along the first axis X1 from the feed end P1 and past the feed and discharge ends P2, P3 of the first heating means 26a. In embodiments, the first heating means 26a causes the evaporation of at least a portion of the disinfectant substance on the preforms 11.

[0056] When the preforms 11 emerge from the discharge end P3 of the first heating means 26a, the evaporation of the disinfectant substance on the preforms 11 begins, with the disinfectant substance remaining visible on the preforms 11. This results in the preforms 11 being in a visibly less covered state 19b than, for example, before passing the feed end P2 of the first heating means 26a.

[0057] Upon exiting the discharge end P3 of the first heating means 26a, the preforms 11 are in a less visibly covered state 19b and move along the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1, along the U-turn point TU and along the second axis X2 past the feed end P5 and the second heating means 26b to the discharge end P6 of the second axis X2.

[0058] According to the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the preforms 11 remain in a less visibly covered state from the discharge end P3 until they pass the feed end P6 of the second heating means 26b. Thereafter, upon leaving the discharge end P7 of the second heating means 26b, the preforms 11 are in a visibly uncovered state.

[0059] Accordingly, the first heating means 26a causes a change in the visibility of at least a portion of the disinfectant substance on the preforms 11, so that they are in a visibly covered state 19a before the first heating means 26a and in a visibly less covered state 19b directly after the first heating means 26a. Therefore, the first heating means 26a does not evaporate all of the disinfectant substance, so that the preform 11 is in a non-visibly covered state after the first heating means 26a.

[0060] In the Fig. 5, the second heating means 26b evaporates the substance on the preforms 11 so that they are in a non-visibly covered state at the discharge end P8 of the second axis X2. Furthermore, the second heating means 26b evaporates the substance on the preforms 11 according to the embodiment in Fig. 5 the substance on the preforms 11, so that they are in a non-visibly covered state at the discharge end P7 of the second heating means 26b.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 6, in a second embodiment, the chain 24 conveys the preforms 11, which are visibly covered by the disinfectant substance, along the first axis X1 from the feed end P1 to the feed end P2 of the first heating means 26a. Upon passing the feed end P2, the disinfectant substance of the preforms 11 begins to transition to another state; after a first change of state, the preforms 11 are in a visibly less covered state 19b and then in a visibly uncovered state 19c, all of which occurs between the feed end P2 and the discharge end P3 of the first heating means 26a. Thereafter, when the preforms 11 exit the first heating means 26a, the preforms remain in a non-visibly covered state 19c along the U-turn point TU and the second axis X2.

[0062] In embodiments, the first heating means 26a causes the evaporation of the entire disinfecting substance on the preforms 11, so that when they exit the discharge end P3, no disinfecting substance is visible anymore (e.g. visibly not covered 19c) on the preforms 11. In an alternative embodiment, the preforms 11 can be in a less visibly covered state 19b when passing the first heating means 26a and, for example, transition from the less visibly covered state 19b to the non-visibly covered state 19c between the discharge end P3 of the first heating means 26a and the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1.

[0063] Referring to the Fig. 7 to 9, in a third embodiment, the chain 24 conveys the preforms 11, which are visibly covered by the disinfectant substance, along the first axis X1 from the feed end P1 to the feed end P2 of the first heating means 26a. After passing the feed end P2, the disinfectant substance of the preforms 11 begins to change its state and transition to the less visibly covered state 19b. During further transport, the preforms 11 remain in the less visibly covered state 19b until the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1. Upon entering the U-turning point TU, the preforms 11 remain in the less visibly covered state.

[0064] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, the preforms 11 transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c as they pass through the U-turning point TU. According to the embodiments, the U-turning point can be divided into three consecutive segments α, β, and γ to enable the identification of more precise positions along the U-turning point at which the disinfection solution at least partially visible on the preforms 11 transitions to the non-visibly covered state 19c''. In embodiments, the segments α, β, and γ consist of approximately 60 degrees around the U-turning point TU for which the transition can occur. According to the embodiments, the preforms 11 are subjected to post-heat evaporation during their transport along at least one of the segments α, β, or γ of the U-turning point TU. For example, the term “residual heat” used here may indicate that at least an initial heating step has taken place (e.g.that the preforms 11 have been exposed to the first heating means 26a); and not that the preforms 11 have already been completely exposed to the heating means 26 (the first and second heating means 26a, 26b).

[0065] According to the embodiments, a first segment α is approximately defined between the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1 (e.g., a feed end of the U-turning point TU) and a first parting line D1, a third segment γ is approximately defined between the feed end P5 of the second axis X2 (e.g., a discharge area of the U-turning point TU) and a second parting line D2, and a second segment β is approximately defined between the first parting line D1 and the second parting line D2. Accordingly, during transport along the U-turning point TU, the preforms 11 are conveyed by means of the chain 24, first along the first segment α, followed by a movement along the second segment β and then a movement along the third segment γ.

[0066] According to the Fig. 7, the preforms 11, when passing through the first segment α of the U-turning point, transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c, whereby the preforms 11 undergo a residual heat evaporation within the U-turning point in order to transition from a visibly less covered state 19b to a visibly uncovered state 19c within the first segment α of the U-turning point.

[0067] According to the Fig. 8, the preforms 11, when passing through the second segment β of the U-turning point, transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c, whereby the preforms 11 undergo a residual heat evaporation within the U-turning point TU in order to transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c within the second segment β of the U-turning point TU.

[0068] According to the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 9, the preforms 11 transition from a visibly less covered state 19b to a visibly uncovered state 19c when passing through the third segment γ of the U-turning point, whereby the preforms 11 undergo a residual heat evaporation within the U-turning point TU in order to transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c within the third segment γ of the U-turning point TU.

[0069] Accordingly, the drive means 23 conveys the preforms 11 from a discharge end P4 of the first axis X1, where they are still visibly covered by the disinfectant substance, to a feed end P5 of the second axis X2, where they are visibly not covered by the disinfectant substance. For example, in other words, the drive means 23 conveys the preforms 11 from a discharge end P3 of the first heating means 26a, where they are still visibly covered by the disinfectant substance, to a feed end P6 of the second heating means 26b, where they are visibly not covered by the disinfectant substance.

[0070] According to the embodiments, the control and adaptability with regard to the period of time during which the disinfectant substance remains present and visible in the preforms 11 conveyed along the first and second axes X1, X2 and the U-turn point TU connected therebetween can be integrated. For example, in certain protocols it is intended to maximize the period of time during which the disinfectant substance remains present and visible on the preforms 11 before reaching the blow molding system 100 and at the same time to ensure that the preforms 11 transition to the non-visibly covered state 19c before passing the discharge end P8 of the second axis X2.

[0071] According to embodiments, the disinfecting method is improved with respect to the duration that the disinfecting substance remains in the preforms 11 at least in a less visibly covered state 19b and before the transition to a non-visibly covered state 19c.

[0072] According to the embodiments, one or more devices, such as a camera, a sensor, or other image capture device, can be arranged along the first axis X1, the second axis X2, and the U-turn point TU to gain an understanding of the current state of the visibility of the disinfectant substance in the preforms 11. For example, one or more devices can be placed near the viewing points VP positioned outside the conveyor path of the chain 24 and facing the chain 24, or one or more devices can be positioned within the conveyor path of the chain 24 and facing away from the chain 24 to capture real-time images and / or videos of the current state indicating whether the disinfectant substance is visible on the preforms 11 during transport through the preform handling module 5 along the chain 24.According to the embodiments, the one or more devices can be configured to be oriented in a direction that extends approximately orthogonal to the conveying path of the chain 24, or, for example, the one or more devices can be configured to be oriented in a direction that encloses a defined angle relative to the conveying path of the chain 24, wherein the direction of the one or more devices encloses an angle between approximately 0.5 and 89.5 degrees relative to the conveying path of the chain 24. According to the embodiments, the protocols can vary with regard to the duration for which the preforms 11 remain in an at least less visibly covered state 19b during transport along the chain 24.

[0073] For example, according to certain protocols, the preforms 11 can change from a visibly less covered state 19b to a visibly uncovered state 19c during transport along the second axis X2 (see Fig. 5). According to another embodiment, the preforms 11, during transport along the first axis X1, transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c (see Fig. 6). According to a further embodiment, the preforms 11 transition from a less visibly covered state 19b to a non-visibly covered state 19c during transport along one of the three segments α, β or γ of the U-turning point TU.

[0074] According to embodiments, during transport of the preforms 11 along the first axis X1, the second axis X2, and the intermediate U-turning point TU, a visual inspection of the preforms 11 confirms that the disinfection of the preforms 11 has taken place, for example, when the preforms 11 transition to a non-visibly covered state 19c before passing the discharge end P8 of the second axis X2. Accordingly, the disinfection of the preforms 11 can be visually detected by the human eye or a technical system, for example, one or more devices such as a camera, a sensor, or another image capture device.Therefore, the visual detection of the disinfectant solution in the preforms 11 provides a real-time indication that a particular protocol is still being followed or, for example, that disinfection is complete and the preforms 11 are in a non-visibly covered state19c, for example, without the disinfectant substance or chemical particles being visible therein (in the present case, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)).

[0075] According to the embodiments, the alignment of the preforms 11, as shown in the Fig.5 to 9, for illustrative purposes only. According to embodiments of the invention, the orientation of the preforms 11 changes along at least a portion of the first axis X1, the U-turn point TU, and / or the second axis X2, for example, to be oriented in a reverse orientation with the opening and neck facing down and connected to spindles of the chain 24. According to alternative embodiments, the orientation of the preforms 11 may be maintained as they pass through the preform handling module 5, or the preforms 11 may be oriented in any desired manner, for example, as they pass through the preform handling module 5.

Claims

[1] A packaging machine preform handling module for preparing preforms (11) with a view to container manufacture, the preform comprising a neck and a body, the preform handling module comprising: [a] a preform feed module (10) comprising a preform feed rail (12), [b] a spray unit (18) for spraying a disinfectant substance into the preforms (11) to visibly cover the interior of the preforms (11) with the disinfectant substance; [c] an oven (20) with heating means (26a, 26b) for heating the preforms (11); [d] drive means (13, 23) for moving the preforms (11) within the spray unit (18) and subsequently moving the preforms (11) within the furnace (20) along the heating means (26a, 26b), wherein the preform feed module (10) comprises at least one neck heating module (H1), wherein the at least one neck heating module (H1) transfers heat to the necks of the preforms (11) as they move along the preform feed rail (12). [2] The packaging machine preform handling module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one neck heating module (H1) comprises a UV neck heating module (UVH1). [3] The packaging machine preform handling module according to claim 1, wherein the UV neck heating module (UVH1) comprises one or more UV lamps (200). [4] The packaging machine preform handling module of claim 1, wherein one or more UV lamps (200) are positioned to be directed toward the necks of the preforms (11). [5] The packaging machine preform handling module of claim 1, wherein at least one UV lamp (200) extends longitudinally along the length of the preform feed rail (12). [6] The packaging machine preform handling module of claim 4, wherein the at least one UV lamp (200) is positioned within approximately 5 cm of the necks of the preforms (11). [7] The packaging machine preform handling module according to claim 1, further comprising a tunnel formed along the preform feed module (10) and enclosing the preform feed rail (12), the preforms (11) moving along the tunnel and the at least one neck heating module (H1). [8] The packaging machine preform handling module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the preform necks (11a) undergo a temperature change when passing through the UV neck heating module (UVH1) so that the disinfectant substance is applied after the preforms (11) have passed through the preform.

Images