METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PLASMA TREATMENT OF CONTAINERS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for the plasma treatment of containers according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a device for the plasma treatment of containers according to the preamble of claim 10. Such methods and devices are used, for example, to provide plastics with surface coatings. In particular, such devices are already known for coating the inner or outer surfaces of containers intended for packaging liquids. Furthermore, devices for plasma sterilization are known.

[0002] DE19944631 discloses a device for disinfection using hydrogen peroxide and coating containers with microwave plasma.

[0003] Publication WO95 / 22413 A1 describes a plasma chamber for the interior coating of PET containers. The containers to be coated are lifted into a plasma chamber through a movable floor and connected to an adapter near the container mouth. The container interior can be evacuated through the adapter. Furthermore, a hollow gas lance is inserted through the adapter into the interior of the container to supply process gas. The plasma is ignited using a microwave.

[0004] This publication also already discloses the arrangement of multiple plasma chambers on a rotating wheel. This supports a high production rate of containers per unit of time.

[0005] EP 10 10 773 A1 describes a feed device for evacuating the interior of a bottle and supplying it with process gas. WO 01 / 31680 A1 describes a plasma chamber into which the bottles are introduced via a movable lid that has previously been connected to a bottle mouth.

[0006] Publication WO 00 / 58631 A1 also already shows the arrangement of plasma stations on a rotating wheel and describes the grouping of vacuum pumps and plasma stations for such an arrangement to support efficient evacuation of the chambers and the interiors of the bottles. Furthermore, the coating of multiple containers in a common plasma station or a common cavity is mentioned.

[0007] Another arrangement for performing an internal coating of bottles is described in WO 99 / 17334 A1. In particular, the arrangement of a microwave generator above the plasma chamber and a vacuum and operating fluid supply line through a floor of the plasma chamber are described.

[0008] DE 10 2004 020 185 A1 already describes a gas lance that can be inserted into the interior of a preform to be coated and is used to supply process gases. The gas lance can be positioned longitudinally of the container.

[0009] Prior art relating to the subject matter of the invention can also be found, for example, in EP 2 151 510 A1, US 2001 / 042510 A1, EP 2 772 447 A1 and WO 00 / 00394 A1.

[0010] In the majority of known devices, plasma-generated container layers made of silicon oxides with the general chemical formula SiOx are used to improve the barrier properties of the thermoplastic material. Such barrier layers, particularly on the inner wall of a container, prevent oxygen from penetrating the packaged liquids and carbon dioxide from escaping from CO2-containing liquids, thus improving the storage properties and / or long-term preservation of the liquids filled and / or packaged in the container.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for the plasma treatment of containers, in which the storage properties of the container interior are further improved compared to the prior art. To achieve this object, a method for the plasma treatment of workpieces is designed according to patent claim 1. A device for the plasma treatment of containers forms the subject matter of patent claim 10.

[0012] The essential aspect of the method according to the invention is that at least the container interior of the at least one container is exposed to a gaseous, vaporous, or misty sterilization medium after the plasma treatment and before filling the container in the plasma chamber, preferably in such a way that during the aeration step, at least the container interior is at least partially aerated with the gaseous, vaporous, or misty sterilization medium. The aggregate state of the aforementioned sterilization medium refers to atmospheric pressure or to the aggregate state of the fluid in the corresponding supply line.

[0013] Particularly advantageously, unlike the prior art, the evacuated plasma chamber, including the container located therein, is not ventilated at ambient pressure as was previously customary in the prior art, but rather a sterilization medium is specifically introduced via its ventilation in order to create a sterilizing atmosphere within the container interior for the subsequent filling process already at the end of the plasma treatment, and thus in particular still at the plasma module. According to the invention, a sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is suitable as the sterilization medium. This is used, for example, together with hot sterile air and thus precipitates on the cooler container interior as an H2O2 condensation film. A sterilization medium containing ozone, alternatively or additionally, is also according to the invention.

[0014] Particularly advantageously, the aeration of the container interior with sterilization medium can be carried out in such a way that a sterilization medium is introduced into the container interior at least once during the aeration step. Thus, the sterilization medium can be introduced into at least the container interior via the aeration step in a particularly advantageous manner. Aeration or the aeration step should be understood as the introduction of a fluid, in particular comprising or consisting of a gas or gas mixture, for the purpose of increasing the vacuum or negative pressure in an evacuated chamber and / or in a container interior.

[0015] Advantageously, aeration can be carried out using the sterilization medium at the plasma station of a plasma wheel, whereby at least one subsequent treatment can take place in the area of ​​a discharge wheel or the transfer section to the next treatment machine. Furthermore, the interior of the container can be pressurized with the sterilization medium at least to atmospheric pressure or above, i.e., at overpressure. Preferably, provision can be made for at least the interior of the container to be pressurized with a sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide and / or ozone.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, in addition to the interior of the container, the plasma chamber and thus also the outer surface of the container can be at least partially ventilated with the sterilization medium.

[0017] Particularly preferably, it can also be provided that a subsequent activation and / or drying of the sterilization medium takes place. Suitable activation and drying devices for this purpose are known to those skilled in the art. Advantageously, at least the activation of the sterilization medium for the respective container can take place in the region of the dispensing wheel. Alternatively, the activation of the respective container can also advantageously take place during its transport to a container treatment machine downstream of a plasma module. In a preferred embodiment, it can also be provided that the drying of the respective container takes place during its transport to a container treatment machine downstream of a plasma module.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least a first to third process gas line and a central process gas line can be extracted and / or purged before a renewed plasma treatment.

[0019] Advantageously, the ventilation by means of sterilization medium can take place at least via a second ventilation line which opens into the central process gas line in a fluid-tight manner and which is designed to be switched on and / or off in a controlled and / or regulated manner via a valve device.

[0020] Advantageously, the ventilation by means of sterilization medium can also take place via a further first ventilation line which opens fluid-tight into a second side of a vacuum channel and which is designed to be switched on and / or off in a controlled and / or regulated manner via a valve device (76.1).

[0021] Again advantageously, the ventilation by means of sterilization medium can be effected via a third ventilation line which opens into the plasma chamber in a fluid-tight manner and which is designed to be switched on and / or off in a controlled and / or regulated manner via a valve device.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, an additional shut-off valve device, ideally a three-way valve, is provided in a fluid connection between the central vacuum device. This shut-off device allows the lines to be spatially separated, at least temporarily, during venting with a sterilizing agent by temporarily closing this shut-off device as needed. Thus, contamination of at least one of the vacuum lines, a group of vacuum lines, or sections of one or more vacuum lines with sterilizing agent is reliably prevented or limited as much as possible.

[0023] In the context of the invention, "container" is understood to mean in particular cans, bottles, barrels, also KEGs, tubes, pouches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also other packaging materials, in particular those suitable for filling powdered, granular, liquid or viscous products.

[0024] The expression "essentially" or "approximately" or "approx." means, in the sense of the invention, deviations from the exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0025] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a plurality of plasma chambers arranged on a rotating plasma wheel and in which the plasma wheel is coupled to input and output wheels, Fig. 2 an arrangement according to Fig. 1, in which the plasma stations each have two plasma chambers, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a plasma wheel with a plurality of plasma chambers, Fig. 4 a perspective view of a plasma station with a cavity, Fig. 5 a front view of the device according to Fig. 4 with closed plasma chamber, Fig. 6 a cross section according to section line VI-VI in Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a schematic block diagram of a plasma station designed according to the invention.

[0027] In Figure 1 The reference numeral 1 generally designates a plasma module provided with a rotating plasma wheel 2. A plurality of plasma stations 3 are arranged along a circumference of the plasma wheel 2. The plasma stations 3 are provided with cavities 4 or plasma chambers 17 for accommodating containers 5 to be treated, each having at least one container interior 5.1.

[0028] The containers 5 to be treated are fed to the plasma module 1 in the area of ​​an input 6 and forwarded via a separating wheel 7 to a transfer wheel 8, which is equipped with positionable support arms 9. The support arms 9 are pivotably arranged relative to a base 10 of the transfer wheel 8, so that the distance between the containers 5 can be changed. This transfers the containers 5 from the transfer wheel 8 to an input wheel 11 with an increased distance between the containers 5 relative to the separating wheel 7. The input wheel 11 transfers the containers 5 to be treated to the plasma wheel 2. After the treatment has been carried out, the treated containers 5 are removed from the area of ​​the plasma wheel 2 by an output wheel 12 and transferred to the area of ​​an output section 13.

[0029] In the embodiment according to Figure 2The plasma stations 3 are each equipped with two cavities 4 or plasma chambers 17. This allows two containers 5 to be treated simultaneously. In principle, it is possible to design the cavities 4 completely separately from one another; however, it is also possible to delimit only partial areas within a common cavity space in such a way that optimal coating of all containers 5 is ensured. In particular, the idea is to delimit the partial cavities from one another at least by separate microwave couplings.

[0030] Figure 3shows a perspective view of a plasma module 1 with a partially assembled plasma wheel 2. The plasma stations 3 are arranged on a support ring 14, which is formed as part of a rotary joint and is mounted in the area of ​​a machine base 15. The plasma stations 3 each have a station frame 16 that supports the plasma chambers 17. The plasma chambers 17 can have cylindrical chamber walls 18 and microwave generators 19.

[0031] A rotary distributor 20 can be provided at the center of the plasma wheel 2, through which the plasma stations 3 are supplied with operating materials and energy. Ring lines 21 can be used, in particular, for operating material distribution.

[0032] The containers 5 to be treated are shown below the cylindrical chamber walls 18, with the lower parts of the plasma chambers 17 not being shown for the sake of simplicity.

[0033] Figure 4shows a perspective view of a plasma station 3. It can be seen that the station frame 16 is provided with guide rods 23, on which a carriage 24 is guided to hold the cylindrical chamber wall 18. Figure 4 shows the carriage 24 with chamber wall 18 in a raised state, so that the container 5 is released.

[0034] The microwave generator 19 is located in the upper area of ​​the plasma station 3. The microwave generator 19 is connected via a deflector 25 and an adapter 26 to a coupling channel 27, which opens into the plasma chamber 17. In principle, the microwave generator 19 can be arranged either directly in the area of ​​the chamber lid 31 or coupled to the chamber lid 31 via a spacer element at a predeterminable distance from the chamber lid 31, thus being located in a larger area surrounding the chamber lid 31. The adapter 26 functions as a transition element, and the coupling channel 27 is designed as a coaxial conductor. A quartz glass window is arranged in the area where the coupling channel 27 opens into the chamber lid 31. The deflector 25 is designed as a waveguide.

[0035] The container 5 is positioned by a holding element 28 arranged in the region of a chamber base 29. The chamber base 29 is formed as part of a chamber base 30. To facilitate adjustment, it is possible to fix the chamber base 30 in the region of the guide rods 23. Another variant consists in attaching the chamber base 30 directly to the station frame 16. With such an arrangement, it is also possible, for example, to design the guide rods 23 in two parts in the vertical direction.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a front view of the plasma station 3 according to Figure 3 in a closed state of the plasma chamber 17. The carriage 24 with the cylindrical chamber wall 18 is in this case positioned opposite to the Figure 4 lowered so that the chamber wall 18 is moved against the chamber floor 29. In this positioning state, the plasma coating can be carried out.

[0037] Figure 6shows in a vertical section the arrangement according to Figure 5 . It can be seen in particular that the coupling channel 27 opens into a chamber cover 31, which has a laterally projecting flange 32. A seal 33 is arranged in the region of the flange 32, which seal is acted upon by an inner flange 34 of the chamber wall 18. When the chamber wall 18 is lowered, this seal seals the chamber wall 18 relative to the chamber cover 31. A further seal 35 is arranged in a lower region of the chamber wall 18 to ensure a seal relative to the chamber floor 29 here as well.

[0038] In the Figure 6In the position shown, the chamber wall 18 encloses the cavity 4, so that both the interior of the cavity 4 and the interior 5.1 of the container 5 can be evacuated. To support the supply of process gas, a hollow gas lance 36 is arranged in the area of ​​the chamber base 30, which can be moved into the interior 5.1 of the container 5. To carry out a positioning of the gas lance 36, it is held by a lance carriage 37, which can be positioned along the guide rods 23. A process gas channel 38 runs within the lance carriage 37, which in the Figure 6is coupled to a gas connection 39 of the chamber base 30 in the raised position shown. This arrangement avoids hose-like connecting elements on the lance carriage 37. When the gas lance 36 is retracted into the container interior 5.1, the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 is insulated, i.e., sealed, from the interior of the cavity 4. Whereas, in a lowered state of the gas lance 36, a gas-permeable connection is created between the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 and the interior of the cavity 4.

[0039] Figure 7shows, by way of example, a schematic block diagram of a plasma station 3 of the plasma module 1. The plasma module 3 comprises at least the plasma chamber 17, in the interior of the cavity 4 of which the container 5 is inserted and positioned in a gas-tight and / or airtight manner, as well as the chamber base 30, which has at least one vacuum channel 70. The vacuum channel 70 opens with its first side 70.1 into the plasma chamber 17 or, depending on the position of the gas lance 36, also establishes a gas-permeable connection to the container interior 5.1 of the container 5. In particular, it can be provided that when the gas lance 36 is retracted into the container interior 5.1, the container interior 5.1 is insulated, i.e. sealed, from the interior of the cavity 4, whereas when the gas lance 36 is lowered, a gas-permeable connection is created between the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 and the interior of the cavity 4.

[0040] Furthermore, at least one first to fifth vacuum line 71...75 and at least one first ventilation line 76 for a sterilization medium can be connected to a second side 70.2 of the vacuum channel 70, wherein, in particular, the first ventilation line 76 is designed to be switched on or off via a controllable and / or regulatable valve device 76.1. Furthermore, each of the first to fifth vacuum lines 71...75 can also comprise at least one controllable and / or regulatable valve device 71.1...75.5, wherein the valve devices 71.1...76.1 are designed to be controllable via a machine control system of the plasma module 1 (not shown in detail).

[0041] At the end facing away from the second side 70.2 of the vacuum channel 70, the first to fifth vacuum lines 71...75 are preferably in fluid-tight connection with a vacuum device 77 common to all vacuum lines 71...75. The vacuum device 77 is designed in particular to generate the vacuum required in the plasma chamber 17 and the container interior 5.1 during the plasma treatment. Furthermore, the vacuum device 77 is designed to generate different negative pressures on the first to fifth vacuum lines 71...75, i.e., negative pressure levels for each vacuum line 71...75. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to connect the individual vacuum lines 71...75 to separate vacuum devices 77.

[0042] In particular, it can be provided that the plasma chamber 17 and / or the container interior 5.1 are lowered to different vacuum levels via the first to fifth vacuum lines 71...75. For example, it can be envisaged that the plasma chamber 17, including the container interior 5.1, is lowered to a first vacuum level via the first vacuum line 71 when the valve device 71.1 is open, while, for example, when the valve device 72.1 of the second vacuum line 72 is opened, a lower vacuum level than the first vacuum level is created both in the plasma chamber 17 and in the container interior 5.1. Furthermore, it can also be provided that, for example, the fifth vacuum line 75 is designed as a process vacuum line, which is configured to maintain the vacuum synchronously with the supply of a process gas during the plasma treatment.The intended process vacuum line thus prevents the extracted process gas from passing into the supply circuits of the other vacuum lines, for example the first to fourth vacuum lines 71 ...74.

[0043] A pressure measuring device 78, designed, for example, as a pressure measuring tube, can also be assigned to the first to fifth vacuum lines 71...75, which is configured to detect the negative pressure generated via the first to fifth vacuum lines 71...75. In particular, an upstream valve device 78.1 can be assigned to the pressure measuring device 78, and the pressure measuring device 78 can be arranged in a fluid connection between the second vacuum line 72 and the second side 70.2 of the vacuum channel 70.

[0044] Furthermore, an additional shut-off valve device 79 can preferably be provided in a fluid connection between the third vacuum line 73 and the fourth vacuum line 74, each with the second side 70.2 of the vacuum channel 70. This shut-off valve device is also designed to be adjustable and / or controllable and is closed, in particular, during the venting of at least the container interior 5.1 with the sterilization medium in order to prevent, i.e., shut off, contamination of the supply circuits, for example at least the first to third vacuum lines 71...73, with sterilization medium. Furthermore, it can also be provided that, after at least the container interior 5.1 has been vented, a flushing medium is introduced into the supply circuits via the shut-off valve device 79, thereby cleaning the supply circuits contaminated with sterilization medium.

[0045] In addition, the gas lance 36 can be coupled, for example, via a central process gas line 80 to, for example, a first to third process gas line 81...83, via which different process gas compositions can be supplied, in particular, to the container interior 5.1 by means of the gas lance 36. Each of the first to third process gas lines 81...83 can further comprise at least one valve device 81.1...83.1 that can be regulated and / or controlled, for example, via the central machine control of the plasma module 1. Thus, the central process gas line 80 can also comprise such a controllable and / or adjustable valve device 80.1. Furthermore, a second ventilation line 84 for the sterilization medium can also be connected to the central process gas line 80, which is designed to be switched on or off via a controllable and / or adjustable valve device 84.1 and by means of which at least the container interior 5.1 can be supplied with the sterilization medium, i.e., introduced into it. For example, the second ventilation line 84 can open into a fluid connection of the third process gas line 83 in the central process gas line 80 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0046] Furthermore, a sixth vacuum line 85 can also be connected with a first side 85.1 directly and in particular in a fluid-tight manner to the plasma chamber 17 or can open into it, and with a second side 85.2 with the interposition of a controllable and / or controllable valve device 85.3 can interact in a fluid-tight manner with the central vacuum device 77 via the fifth vacuum line 75. A pressure measuring device 86, designed for example as a pressure measuring tube, can also be assigned to the sixth vacuum line 85. Finally, a third ventilation line 87 for pressurizing the plasma chamber 17 orThe interior of the cavity 4 can be provided with the sterilization medium, which is branched off in a fluid-tight manner from the sixth vacuum line 85 and is designed to be switched on or off via an associated, adjustable and / or controllable valve device 87.1. In other words, both a negative pressure can be generated in the interior of the cavity 4 via the sixth vacuum line 85 and a sterilization medium can be introduced via the branched third ventilation line 87.

[0047] In particular, the first, second and third ventilation lines 76, 84, 87 can be used to supply operating materials with the Figure 2illustrated ring line 21 of the rotary distributor 20, or be connected to it. The ends of the first, second and third ventilation lines 76, 84, 87 facing away from the plasma chamber 17 can interact with a sterilization device that is common to all three ventilation lines 76, 84, 87 or separate in each case and not shown in detail. The sterilization device can be designed for the manufacture or production of the sterilization medium, or as a storage tank or as a processing station for the sterilization medium. At least the first, second and third ventilation lines 76, 84, 87 can in particular be manufactured or produced from a material that is resistant to chemical attack or reaction with the sterilization medium, in particular H2O2 or O3.

[0048] Furthermore, a suction line 88, indicated only schematically and opening into the plasma chamber 17, can be provided to extract any remaining sterilization medium after at least the container interior 5.1 has been exposed to the sterilization medium and before a further plasma treatment of another container 5 in the plasma chamber 17, in particular from the first to third and the central process gas lines 80...83. A controllable and / or regulatable valve device 88.1 and a volume flow meter 88.2 can be assigned to the suction line 88. Thus, an extraction flow can be generated in the suction line 88 via an extraction device (not shown in detail). In particular, the extraction via the suction line 88 can take place with the container mouth raised or the lance carriage 37 lowered.The special feature of this additional suction line 88 and the associated components is that they are not required for the coating process and therefore do not have to be designed to achieve a high vacuum. Since they only serve to suction off residual sterilization medium, the suction line 88, for example, must be designed primarily with corrosion resistance in mind. For this purpose, the suction line 88 can be made of a plastic (e.g., Teflon), stainless steel, or another material coated against corrosion. By providing this additional suction line 88, contact between the central vacuum device 77 and the corresponding supply lines and components with the sometimes highly corrosive sterilization media is reduced or completely avoided. Furthermore, by decoupling the process steps, the process times for the central vacuum device 77 can be kept at a virtually unchanged level.

[0049] A typical treatment process is explained below using the example of a coating process and is carried out in such a way that the container 5 is first transported to the plasma wheel 2 using the input wheel, and that the container 5 is inserted into the plasma station 3 with the sleeve-like chamber wall 18 pushed up. After the insertion process is completed, the chamber wall 18 is lowered into its sealed position, and simultaneously, both the cavity 4 and the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 are evacuated.

[0050] After sufficient evacuation of the interior of the cavity 4, the gas lance 36 is retracted into the container interior 5.1 of the container 5, and by moving the sealing element 28, the container interior 5.1 is sealed from the interior of the cavity 4. It is also possible for the gas lance 36 to be moved into the container 5 synchronously with the beginning of the evacuation of the interior of the cavity 4. The pressure in the container interior 5.1 can then be reduced even further. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the positioning movement of the gas lance 36 may be carried out at least partially parallel to the positioning of the chamber wall 18. Once a sufficiently low negative pressure has been reached, process gas is introduced into the container interior 5.1 of the container 5, and the plasma is ignited using the microwave generator 19.In particular, it can be provided that with the aid of the plasma both an adhesion promoter is deposited on an inner surface of the container 5 and the actual barrier layer of silicon oxides.

[0051] After completion of the coating process, i.e. the plasma treatment, the gas lance 36 is removed from the container interior 5.1, i.e. lowered, and synchronously or prior to the lowering of the gas lance 36, at least the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 and, if applicable, the plasma chamber 17 are at least partially ventilated with a sterilization medium, i.e. supplied with the sterilization medium. The sterilization medium can therefore be introduced via the ventilation of the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 and, if applicable, the plasma chamber 17. The ventilation of at least the container interior 5.1 with the sterilization medium takes place in particular at a plasma station 3 of the plasma module 1, particularly preferably when this plasma station 3 is located in the area of ​​the output wheel 12, but without having reached it.

[0052] According to the invention, a suitable sterilization medium is a sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and / or ozone (O3). This medium is used, for example, together with hot sterile air, and thus precipitates on the cooler container interior 5.1, for example, as an H2O2 condensation film. According to the invention, the sterilization medium can be in a gaseous, vaporous, or mist state.

[0053] It can also be provided that the sterilization medium introduced into the container interior 5.1 in this way is subsequently activated and / or dried, for example, by introducing a hot gaseous and / or vaporous activation medium into the container interior 5.1 in such a way that the decomposition of H2O2 creates free oxygen radicals, which react with existing germs and contaminants to sterilize the container 5. For example, the activation medium can be sterile hot air at a temperature of 130°C to 150°C.

[0054] The activation and / or drying of the container interior 5.1 can take place, for example, at the dispensing wheel 12. Alternatively, the activation and / or drying of the respective container 5 can also take place during transport of the container 5 charged with sterilization medium to the downstream container treatment machine, for example a filler. In this case, it can additionally be provided that at least the area of ​​the dispensing wheel 12 of the plasma module 1 is enclosed in such a way that a sterile environment is ensured. For example, the provided enclosure can be operated with sterile air. Furthermore, the transport route to the downstream container treatment machines can also be enclosed and / or the containers 5 charged with sterilization medium can be activated and / or dried on or during transport to the downstream container treatment machine.Such sterile enclosures are known to the person skilled in the art and therefore require no further explanation.

[0055] Positioning of the chamber wall 18, the sealing element 28, and / or the gas lance 36 can be achieved using various drive units. In principle, the use of pneumatic drives and / or electric drives, particularly in a linear motor embodiment, is conceivable. However, in particular, it is contemplated to implement a cam control system to support precise movement coordination with a rotation of the plasma wheel 2. The cam control system can be designed, for example, such that control cams are arranged along a circumference of the plasma wheel 2, along which cam rollers are guided. The cam rollers are coupled to the respective components to be positioned.

[0056] First, after closing the plasma chamber 17, for example, the first and sixth valve devices 71.1 and 85.1 are opened, thus evacuating both the container interior 5.1 and the interior of the plasma chamber 17 via the first and sixth vacuum lines 71 and 85, respectively. This occurs while the valve device 79.1 of the shut-off line 79 is also open. Preferably, the valve device 80.1 of the central process gas line 80 and the valve device 88.1 of the suction line 88 are closed during this process. In particular, the corresponding valve devices 76.1, 84.1, and 87.1 of the first to third ventilation lines 76, 84, 87 are also closed during the evacuation of the container interior 5.1 and the plasma chamber 17. After closing the first valve device 71.1, for example, the second valve device 72.1 can be opened and thus the container interior 5.1 can be lowered to a lower pressure level via the second vacuum line 72.The container interior 5.1 and / or the plasma chamber 17 can also be reduced to further lower vacuum levels via the third or fourth vacuum line 73, 74, if necessary. After reaching a sufficiently low pressure level in the container interior 5.1 and / or the plasma chamber 17, the corresponding valve devices 71.1...75.1 can be closed. Alternatively, it can also be provided that, in order to provide a further sufficiently low pressure level in the container interior 5.1 and the plasma chamber 17 during the subsequent treatment steps, in particular the fifth valve device 75.1 and the sixth valve device 85.1 remain open.

[0057] In this case, one or more of the first to third valve devices 81.1...83.1 of the first to third process gas lines 81...83, as well as the valve device 80.1 of the central process gas line 80, can be opened simultaneously or prior to positioning the gas lance 36 within the vessel interior 5.1, and a process gas of a specific composition can be supplied, in particular, to the vessel interior 5.1 via the gas lance 36. For this purpose, the valve device 79.1 of the shut-off line 79 is closed prior to or simultaneously.

[0058] After a sufficient supply of process gas, the microwave generator 19 ignites the plasma in the container interior 5.1 of the container 5. In this context, it can be provided that, for example, the valve device 81.1 of the first process gas line 81 closes at a predeterminable time, while the valve device 82.1 of the second process gas line 82 is opened to supply a process gas of a second composition. At least temporarily, the fifth valve device 76.1 and / or the sixth valve device 85.3 can also be open in order to maintain a sufficiently low negative pressure, particularly in the container interior 5.1 and / or the process chamber 17. A pressure level of approximately 0.3 mbar proves to be expedient in this case.

[0059] After completion of the plasma treatment, the valve devices 81.1 ... 83.1 of the first to third process gas lines 81 ... 83 as well as all valve devices 71.1 ... 75.1, 85.3 of the first to sixth vacuum lines 71 ... 75, 85 that are still open at this time are closed, while at least the valve device 84.1 of the second ventilation line 84 is opened and at least the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 is at least partially ventilated, i.e., pressurized, with a sterilization medium after the plasma treatment at the plasma station 3. The sterilization medium is preferably introduced into the container interior 5.1 via the gas lance 36. Simultaneously, the gas lance 36 can be lowered from the container interior 5.1 and / or the valve device 76.1 of the second ventilation line 76 can be opened in order to thereby at least partially ventilate the container interior 5.1 of the container 5 after the plasma treatment at the plasma station 3, at least partially ventilate, i.e., apply a sterilization medium. Furthermore, the plasma chamber 17 or the outer wall of the container 5 can also be ventilated or applied with sterilization medium. Furthermore, the plasma chamber 17 or the outer wall of the container 5 can also be ventilated with sterilization medium by subsequently opening the valve device 87.1 of the third ventilation line 87.

[0060] After the container interior 5.1 and the plasma chamber 17 have been sufficiently pressurized or ventilated with the sterilization medium, preferably to at least atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure, the open valve devices 76.1, 84.1, 87.1 of the first to third vent lines 76, 84, 87 are closed. The venting time for each container 5 is between 0.1 and 0.4 seconds, preferably approximately 0.2 seconds. Furthermore, the residence time of each container 5 pressurized with sterilization medium is approximately 2.5 seconds at the plasma module 1 after venting, until the corresponding container 5 is transferred to a further transport line via the output wheel 12.

[0061] Subsequently, the remaining sterilization medium can be flushed and / or suctioned off, for example, via the fourth and / or fifth vacuum lines 74, 75 and / or the suction line 88, in order to remove the sterilization medium still present in the first to third and central process gas lines 80...83 and the plasma chamber 17 after venting. Furthermore, it can also be provided that, after venting at least the container interior 5.1, a flushing medium is introduced into the supply circuits via the shut-off valve device 79, thereby cleaning the supply circuits contaminated with sterilization medium.

[0062] Once ambient pressure is reached within the cavity 4, the chamber wall 18 is raised again. The coated container 5, filled with sterilization medium, is then removed or transferred to the dispensing wheel 12. List of reference symbols

[0063] 1 Plasma module 2 Plasma wheel 3 Plasma station 4 Cavity 5 Vessel 5.1 Vessel interior 6 Input 7 Separation wheel 8 Transfer wheel 9 Support arm 10 Base 11 Input wheel 12 Output wheel 13 Output section 14 Support ring 15 Machine base 16 Station frame 17 Plasma chamber 18 Chamber wall 19 Microwave generator 20 Rotary distributor 21 Ring line 23 Guide rod 24 Slide 25 Deflection 26 Adapter 27 Coupling channel 28 Holding element 29 Chamber floor 30 Chamber base 31 Chamber cover 32 Flange 33 Seal 34 Inner flange 35 Seal 36 Gas lance 37 Lance slide 38 Process gas channel 39 Gas connection 70 Vacuum channel 70.1First page 70.2Second page 71First vacuum line 71.1Valve device 72Second vacuum line 72.1Valve device 73Third vacuum line 73.1Valve device 74Fourth vacuum line 74.1Valve device 75Fifth vacuum line 75.1Valve device 76First venting line 76.1Valve device 77Vacuum device 78Pressure measuring device 78.1Valve device 79Shut-off valve device 80Central process gas line 80.1Valve device 81First process gas line 81.1Valve device 82Second process gas line 82.2Valve device 83Third process gas line 83.1Valve device 84Second ventilation line 84.1Valve device 85Sixth vacuum line 85.1First side 85.2Second side 85.3Valve device 86Pressure measuring device 87Ventilation line 87.1Valve device 88Suction line 88.1Valve device 88.2Volume flow meter.

Claims

1. A method for the plasma treatment of containers (5) in which - at least one container (5) with a container interior (5.1) is inserted and positioned into a plasma chamber (17) of a plasma station (3), - the plasma chamber (17) and the at least one container interior (5.1) are at least partially evacuated, - at least one container interior (5.1) of the container (5) within the at least partially evacuated plasma chamber (17) is provided with an inner coating by means of plasma treatment, and - after plasma treatment, a aeration step follows, in which both the plasma chamber (17) as well as the at least one container interior (5.1) of the container (5) are at least partially aerated, characterized in that at least the container interior (5.1) of at least one container (5) is impinged with a gaseous, vaporous or misty sterilization medium in the plasma chamber (17) after plasma treatment and before filling of the container (5) in such a way that at least the container interior (5.1) is at least partially aerated with the gaseous, vaporous or misty sterilization medium during the aeration step, wherein the impingement of at least the container interior (5.1) of the container (5) with a sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide and / or ozone occurs.

2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the container interior (5.1) of the container (5) is impinged with the sterilization medium at least up to atmospheric pressure.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, in addition to the container interior (5.1) of the container (5), the plasma chamber (17) is also at least partially aerated with the sterilization medium.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a subsequent activation and / or drying of the sterilization medium is carried out by an activation medium formed as sterile hot air at a temperature of 130 °C to 150 °C.

5. The method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the activation of the respective container (5) occurs during its transport to a container treatment machine downstream of a plasma module (1).

6. The method according to any one of the Claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the drying of the respective container (5) occurs during its transport to a container treatment machine downstream of a plasma module (1).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one first to third process gas line (81 ... 83) as well as a central process gas pipeline (80) is extracted and / or flushed.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that aeration by means of sterilization medium occurs at least via one second aeration line (84) flowing in a fluid-tight manner into the central process gas line (80), which is designed to be to capable of being engaged and / or disengaged in a controlled and / or regulated manner by means of a valve device (84.1), wherein aeration by means of sterilization medium occurs via further first aeration line (76) flowing in a fluid-tight manner into a second side (70.2) of a vacuum channel (70) which is designed to be capable of being engaged and / or disengaged in a controlled and / or regulated manner by means of a valve device (76.1) and / or wherein aeration is carried out by means of a sterilization medium via a further third aeration line (87) flowing in a fluid-tight manner into the plasma chamber (17), which is designed to be capable of being engaged and / or disengaged in a controlled and / or regulated manner via a valve device (87.1).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an additional shut-off-valve device (79) is provided in a fluid connection between the vacuum device (77) and the cavity (4), which is closed at least temporarily during aeration, in order to prevent contamination of at least one of the vacuum lines (71 to 75), a group of vacuum lines (71 to 75) or parts of one or a plurality of vacuum lines (71 to 75) with sterilization medium.

10. A device for the plasma treatment of containers (5) with a method according to Claims 1 - 9 comprising at least one plasma station (3) arranged on a plasma wheel (2) each with at least one plasma chamber (17), in which at least one container (5) with a container interior (5.1) can be inserted and positioned, wherein the respective plasma chamber (17) is at least partially designed to be evacuable, wherein the plasma station (3) is configured for the container interior (5.1) of the container (5) within the plasma chamber (17), which has been at least partially evacuated, to be designed with an inner coating by means of plasma treatment, and wherein the plasma station (3) comprises at least one aeration line (76, 84, 87) for at least partial aeration of both the plasma chamber (17) as well as the at least one container interior (5.1) after plasma treatment, characterized in that at least one aeration line (76, 84, 87) is provided for impinging at least one container interior (5.1) of at least one container (5) with a gaseous, vaporous or misty sterilization medium, wherein the impingement of at least the container interior (5.1) of the container (5) occurs using a sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide and / or ozone, and wherein at least one aeration line (76, 84, 87) is connected to a supply unit for the gaseous, vaporous or misty sterilization medium containing hydrogen peroxide and / or ozone.

11. The device according to Claim 10, characterized in that at least one aeration line (76, 84, 87) is connected to a sterilization device with its end facing away from the plasma chamber (17).

12. The device according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one second aeration line (84) is provided for aeration by means of sterilization medium, which flows in a fluid-tight manner into a central process gas line (80) and which is designed to be capable of being engaged and / or disengaged in a controlled and / or regulated manner by means of a valve device (84.1), wherein a first aeration line (76) is provided for aeration by means of sterilization medium which flows in fluid-tight manner into a second side (70.2) of a vacuum channel (70), and which is designed to be capable of being engaged and / or disengaged in a controlled and / or regulated manner by means of a valve device (76.1).

13. The device according to Claim 12, characterized in that a third aeration line (76) is provided for aeration by means of sterilization medium, which flows in a fluid-tight manner into the plasma chamber (17) and which is designed to be capable of engaged and / or disengaged in a regulated and / or controlled manner by means of a valve device (87.1).

14. The device according to any one of the preceding Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a suction line (88) is provided for the extraction of the sterilization medium flowing into the plasma chamber (17).

15. The device according to any one of the preceding Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that an activation and / or drying device is provided in the region of an output wheel (12) for the activation and / or drying of the sterilization medium by an activation medium formed as sterile hot air at a temperature of 130 °C to 150 °C.