Vaporizer device, in particular sterilization vaporizer device, for vaporizing liquid and / or aerosol

Abstract

To provide a vaporizer device for vaporizing a liquid and / or an aerosol, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2.SOLUTION: The invention is based on a vaporizer device, comprising at least one heating unit for the vaporization of fed-in liquid and / or fed-in aerosol, in a vaporizer space. The heating unit is realized as a matrix heating unit comprising heating elements, in particular heating circuits, which can be regulated and / or monitored separately, in particular individually.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] prior art From DE 10 2017 215 200 A1, a vaporizer device for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular a sterile vaporizer device, is already known which has at least one housing with at least one vaporizer space housing defining a vaporizer space to which the liquid to be vaporized and / or the aerosol to be vaporized can be supplied, and at least one heating unit for vaporizing the supplied liquid and / or the supplied aerosol.

[0002] Furthermore, carburettor arrangements are already known from DE 102016105676 A1, DE 3540161 A1 and DE 102011056440 A1.

[0003] Disclosure of the Invention The present invention is based on a vaporizer device for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2, in particular a sterile vaporizer device, which has at least one housing with at least one vaporizer space housing defining a vaporizer space to which the liquid to be vaporized and / or the aerosol to be vaporized can be supplied, and at least one heating unit for vaporizing the supplied liquid and / or the supplied aerosol, in particular in the vaporizer space.

[0004] It is proposed that the heating unit is realized as a matrix heating unit with heating elements, in particular heating circuits, which are separately, in particular individually adjustable and / or monitorable, the heating unit comprising a plurality of heating elements arranged irregularly and / or regularly in a plane, the heating elements being arranged on a heating plate of the heating unit, the surface of which forms the vaporizer surface of the heating unit for vaporizing the liquid and / or aerosol. Preferably, the heating elements of the matrix heating unit are divided into groups, in particular segmented. The matrix heating unit may in particular alternatively or additionally be implemented as a heating unit with a single serpentine heating element, in particular arranged in a plane and with several heating zones which are individually adjustable, or may comprise a plurality of serpentine heating elements, in particular in a plane, preferably divided into groups, in particular segmented. Preferentially, the matrix heating unit comprises a plurality of segmented electric heating circuits, in particular arranged concentrically or in a grid, in a plan view. The heating elements, in particular heating resistors, are separately, in particular individually adjustable and / or monitorable. Heating elements, in particular heating resistors, "separately, in particular individually adjustable and / or monitorable" is intended to define in particular that the heating elements, in particular the individual heating resistors, can be adjusted to a temperature independently of one another and / or that the temperature of each individual heating element can be recorded separately at each heating element, independent of the other heating elements. Preferably, the heating elements, in particular each separate heating element, form an individual heating circuit of the heating unit, in particular in conjunction with the circuit configuration. The heating elements are preferentially arranged on, in particular within, a heating plate of the heating unit. The heating plate is preferably made of a ceramic or metallic material. However, it is also conceivable that the heating plate is made of different materials that are considered expedient by the skilled person, suitable for use in vaporizer processes, in particular H2O2 vaporizer processes. The heating elements are preferentially arranged on the heating plate in a regularly or irregularly distributed manner. Preferably, the heating elements are arranged on the heating plate at a distance from one another, in particular in a plan view. In particular, the heating elements are arranged on the heating plate in such a way that they are separated by the webs of the heating plate.Preferably, the heating element is inserted, in particular embedded, in the heating plate. The heating element may be realized in one-piece implementation with the heating plate, for example cast in the heating plate, or may be fitted, in particular fixed, in a receptacle, for example a groove in the heating plate. The term "in one-piece implementation" means in particular that it is connected by a material-to-material bond, for example by a welding process and / or a bonding process, and particularly advantageously that it is formed by casting and / or by a one- or multi-part injection molding procedure. Preferably, the heating element ends at least substantially flush with the surface of the heating plate. The surface of the heating plate, in particular together with the surface of the heating element, forms a vaporizer surface of the heating unit for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2. However, it is also conceivable that the heating element is arranged in the heating plate, in particular within it, in a plane that is offset and arranged parallel to the surface of the heating plate that forms the vaporizer surface, the heating element contacting the vaporizer surface, for example to heat the vaporizer surface. Other arrangements of the heating elements on, and in particular within, the heating plate are also conceivable, as deemed expedient by the person skilled in the art.The vaporizer device is preferably intended for use in sterilization processes of packaging elements of manufacturing machines in the aseptic and / or ultra-cleaning fields.

[0005] The housing of the vaporizer device is preferably realized in a multi-part implementation. The housing is in particular configured for accommodating, at least partially surrounding and / or supporting the individual components of the vaporizer device. "Configured" means in particular specifically implemented, specifically designed and / or specifically equipped. By an object configured for a function, it is understood in particular that the object fulfills and / or performs said certain function in at least one application and / or operating state. The housing comprises a vaporizer space housing that defines a vaporizer space, in particular in the mounted state of the housing, one side of which is defined by the heating plate. The vaporizer space housing is preferably realized in a bell shape. In particular seen in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, the vaporizer space housing may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross section, or may have a different cross section that is considered expedient by the person skilled in the art. The longitudinal axis of the housing preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the vaporizer surface of the heating plate. The heating plate is preferably arranged in the housing symmetrically, in particular rotationally symmetrically, with respect to the longitudinal axis. The heating plate in particular has a longitudinal extent that extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The vaporizer surface preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The term "substantially perpendicular" is intended here in particular to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, the direction and the reference direction having an angle of 90°, in particular seen in a projection plane, with a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, particularly advantageously less than 2°. The vaporizer space housing preferably defines the vaporizer space at least along the circumferential direction and in at least one direction that extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, in particular on the side of the vaporizer space facing away from the heating plate. The circumferential direction preferentially extends in a plane that extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The vaporizer space housing is preferably made of a metallic material.However, it is contemplated that the vaporizer space housing may be made of different materials deemed convenient by those skilled in the art and suitable for use in a vaporizer process, particularly an H2O2 vaporizer process.

[0006] The vaporizer device comprises at least one sealing unit, which preferentially comprises at least one sealing element arranged between the vaporizer space housing and the heating plate. The sealing element may have a circular or polygonal cross section, or a further cross section deemed expedient by the person skilled in the art. Viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the sealing element may be arranged between the vaporizer space housing and the heating plate, or viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the sealing element may be arranged between the vaporizer space housing and the heating plate. The sealing element is preferably adjacent to the vaporizer space housing on at least one side and adjacent to the heating plate on at least one other side. The vaporizer space housing and / or the heating plate may have at least one receiving recess for receiving the sealing element. However, it is also conceivable that the sealing unit comprises a plurality of sealing elements, in particular viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, which are arranged between the vaporizer space housing and the heating plate.

[0007] The housing further comprises a heating housing configured to accommodate at least the heating unit. The heating housing is preferably made of a metal material. However, it is also conceivable that the heating housing is made of a different material that is deemed advantageous by the skilled person. The heating housing and the vaporizer space housing are preferentially connected to one another, in particular releasably. Preferably, the heating housing and the vaporizer space housing each comprise a connection flange for connecting the heating housing and the vaporizer space housing. In the connected state of the heating housing and the vaporizer space housing, the heating plate is arranged between the heating housing and the vaporizer space housing, in particular in the region of the connection interface. Preferably, the vaporizer space housing is realized in such a way that it is removable from the heating housing, in particular for maintenance purposes of the heating unit. The connection interface preferably extends in a plane that extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis.

[0008] The vaporizer device preferentially comprises at least one thermal insulation unit with at least one thermal insulation element arranged between the vaporizer space housing and the heating housing, in particular for thermal insulation against high thermal loads of electronic components of the heating unit arranged in the heating housing. The thermal insulation element may have a circular or polygonal cross section or any further cross section deemed expedient by the person skilled in the art. Viewed in a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the thermal insulation element is preferentially arranged between the vaporizer space housing and the heating housing, in particular in the region of the connection interface. Preferentially, the thermal insulation element adjoins the vaporizer space housing on at least one side and the heating housing on at least one other side. The thermal insulation unit preferably comprises at least one further thermal insulation element arranged outside the vaporizer space housing. The further thermal insulation element surrounds the vaporizer space housing along the circumferential direction. Preferentially, the further thermal insulation element adjoins the outer surface of the vaporizer space housing. The further heat insulating element is configured for heat insulation of the vaporizer space, in particular for suppressing condensation formation on the inner walls of the vaporizer space housing and / or for suppressing convection into the environment / ambient air. It is conceivable that the heat insulation unit alternatively or additionally comprises further heat insulating elements for heat insulation of individual components of the vaporizer device.

[0009] The vaporizer device preferably comprises at least one supply unit, which comprises at least one supply element, in particular a supply nozzle or a supply dripper, for supplying liquid and / or aerosol, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2, to the vaporizer space. The supply element is preferably arranged in the vaporizer space housing, in particular in a cover of the vaporizer space housing located opposite the heating plate. However, it is also conceivable that the supply element is arranged in a different position of the housing, which is considered expedient by the skilled person, so as to enable the supply of liquid and / or aerosol, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2. The supply element is preferentially arranged in the vaporizer space housing such that the central axis of the supply element is oriented at least substantially parallel, in particular coaxially, to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The cover of the vaporizer space housing is preferably arranged removably, in particular fixed, on a base body of the vaporizer space housing, in particular a tubular, preferably cylindrical, base body. However, it is also conceivable that the cover is realised in one-piece implementation with the base body of the vaporizer space housing, in particular without a releasable connection technique and / or is arranged on the base body in such a way that it cannot be lost.

[0010] The vaporizer space housing preferably comprises a cleaning access opening or a cleaning connection for enabling a cleaning process of the vaporizer space, in particular a CIP process (cleaning in place process). The cleaning access opening or the cleaning connection may be oriented transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The cleaning access opening or the cleaning connection may alternatively or additionally comprise an overflow opening of the vaporizer space housing for carrying away the unvaporized part of the liquid and / or the aerosol supplied to the vaporizer space. The vaporizer space housing preferentially comprises at least one vaporizer outlet or a vaporizer outflow connection for carrying the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space, in particular the H2O2 vapor-gas mixture, directly or via a distributor, to a packaging element, in particular via one or several conduits of a production machine, in particular a food filling machine and / or a food packaging machine, in particular comprising a vaporizer device. The vaporizer outlet or vaporizer outflow connection may be oriented transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0011] The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. Advantageously, an individual activation of the respective heating element is possible. Advantageously, it makes it possible to obtain a uniform heating situation over substantially the entire operating time of the vaporizer device. Advantageously, it makes it possible to detect droplet formation on the vaporizer surface and preferably suppress this early in the vaporizer process. Advantageously, it makes a selective energy input possible. Advantageously, since the droplet formation on the vaporizer surface can be advantageously suppressed, a low energy consumption can be achieved, in particular since individual small areas of the vaporizer surface can be operated individually at different temperatures.

[0012] It is further proposed that each heating element is assigned a regulating electronic element, in particular an individual, of the heating unit and / or a monitoring electronic element, in particular an individual, of the heating unit, and that each heating circuit comprises, in particular, an integrated regulating electronic element of the heating unit and / or an integrated monitoring electronic element of the heating unit. The regulating electronic element and / or the monitoring electronic element of the heating unit are preferably arranged, at least for the most part, in the heating housing on the side of the heating plate facing towards the vaporizer space housing. However, it is also conceivable that the regulating electronic element and / or the monitoring electronic element of the heating unit are arranged outside the heating housing, for example external to the heating unit and / or formed separately from the heating unit, for example being part of a computing unit configured for controlling or regulating further components. In particular, the regulating electronic element and / or the monitoring electronic element of the heating unit are connected to the heating element by means of a connecting line of the heating unit, in particular an electrical connecting line of the heating unit, in particular in a form already known to the person skilled in the art. The connecting line may be formed as a cable, as a soldered copper wire realized in a one-piece implementation with the heating plate, or as a different connecting line considered expedient by the person skilled in the art. The regulating and / or monitoring electronic elements of the heating unit are preferentially configured to regulate and / or monitor the heating elements separately, in particular individually. In particular, each individual heating element is assigned an individual regulating and / or monitoring electronic element for the purpose of regulating and / or monitoring the temperature of the respective heating element separately, in particular individually. It is conceivable that the individual regulating and / or monitoring electronic elements are implemented as individual hardware components or that the individual regulating and / or monitoring electronic elements are implemented as software components selectively assigned to the individual heating elements. The temperature monitoring and / or temperature regulation of the individual heating elements may be brought about, for example, by monitoring / regulating the resistance value of the heating elements, in particular heating elements formed as heating resistors, or may be implemented in different forms considered expedient by the skilled person. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that each individual heating element is assigned its own controlling electronic element of the heating unit in order to independently control the temperature of the heating element.The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in vaporizer processes, in particular sterilization processes. Advantageously, deviations from the temperature setpoint of the heating element within the cycle period of the vaporizer process, in particular the sterilization process, are made possible. Advantageously, adjustments with low reactive power are made possible.

[0013] It is further proposed that the heating elements are arranged concentrically around the central axis of the heating unit or that the heating elements are arranged in a grid on the side of the heating unit facing towards the vaporizer space housing. Preferably, in particular with the heating unit arranged in the housing, the central axis of the heating unit runs at least substantially parallel, in particular coaxially, to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The heating elements are preferably arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis of the housing or mirror-symmetrically with respect to at least one plane that completely contains the longitudinal axis. The heating elements may be realised as point-like or line-like heating resistors. In the implementation of the heating elements as point-like heating resistors, preferably several heating elements together form a group that is separately adjustable and / or monitorable, in particular independently from groups of other heating elements. Preferably, in the implementation of the heating elements as point-like heating resistors, the heating elements are arranged, for example, similar to a grid of a screen and preferably form individually actuable heating pixels. In the implementation of the heating elements as linear resistors, these may be implemented and / or arranged, for example, in the shape of a circular arc, in one or more straight lines, in the shape of an L-shape, in the shape of an S-shape, in the shape of a zigzag, in the shape of a wave, in an arrangement of rows and lines, etc. The heating elements may preferably be arranged in a regularly distributed manner in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the heating unit, or may have dimensions that increase or decrease outwardly, towards the edges of the heating plate, depending on the distance from the center of the heating plate. Other implementations and / or arrangements of the heating elements are also conceivable, which are considered advantageous by the skilled person. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in vaporizer processes, in particular in sterilization processes. Advantageously, it is possible to obtain a large heated vaporizer surface for vaporization, which makes it possible to individually adjust the individual heating elements with high energy requirements for the suppression of droplet formation on the vaporizer surface and for the detection of contamination.

[0014] It is further proposed that the housing comprises at least one, in particular as mentioned above, heating housing for accommodating the heating unit, the heating housing being connected, in particular directly, with the vaporizer space housing, in particular via the aforementioned connection interface, and the heating element being arranged at least partially in the region of the connection interface of the housing between the heating housing and the vaporizer space housing. Preferably, a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the connection interface and at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis intersects the heating unit. The heating unit is preferably surrounded by the vaporizer space housing and the heating housing along the circumferential direction, in particular with the vaporizer space housing and the heating housing arranged adjacent to one another. Preferably, the heating plate adjoins, in particular directly, the vaporizer space housing, in particular in the edge region of the heating plate. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. An advantageous heat input into the vaporizer space is made possible. Easy maintenance of the heating element is made possible, in particular due to the easy removal of the vaporizer space housing from the heating housing.

[0015] It is further proposed that the heating unit is arranged on the vaporizer space housing such that at least one heating element of the heating unit adjoins the vaporizer space housing, in particular directly, with the vaporizer space housing and the heating housing being arranged adjacent to each other. Preferably, the individual heating elements of the heating unit adjoin the vaporizer space housing at least partially. Preferentially, the individual heating elements contact the vaporizer space housing directly, in particular at least in a small area of ​​the individual heating element. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. Advantageously, the heating of the vaporizer space housing can be realized with the aim of suppressing condensation formation on the inner wall of the vaporizer space housing.

[0016] Besides this, it is proposed that the vaporizer device comprises at least one elastic preloading element, in particular a spring element, which is configured to apply a preloading force to the heating unit towards the vaporizer space housing. The preloading element is preferably arranged in the heating housing. The preloading element is preferentially supported on one side on the heating unit and on another side on the heating housing, in particular on the inner wall of the heating housing. The preloading element may be formed as a helical spring, an elastomer, a gas compression spring, a leaf spring, a hydraulic piston or another preloading element considered expedient by the person skilled in the art. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. Advantageously, it is possible to achieve a reliable adjacency of the heating unit to the vaporizer space housing, so as to allow a reliable heat input to the vaporizer space housing.

[0017] It is further proposed that the vaporizer device comprises at least one outlet opening arranged on the vaporizer space housing and / or on the vaporizer surface of the heating unit for carrying away the unvaporized part of the liquid supplied to the vaporizer space housing and / or the aerosol supplied to the vaporizer space housing. If the outlet opening is arranged on the vaporizer space housing, the outlet opening preferably has an orientation extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis. If the outlet opening is arranged on the vaporizer surface of the heating unit, in particular on the heating plate, the outlet opening preferably has an orientation extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, other orientations and / or arrangements of the outlet opening on the vaporizer space housing and / or on the heating plate are also conceivable, which are considered advantageous by the skilled person. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. Advantageously, it becomes possible to suppress contamination of the heating unit.

[0018] It is also proposed that the vaporizer surface assigned to the heating element has a coating that is realized so as to be resistant to the liquid to be vaporized and / or the aerosol to be vaporized, in particular to H2O2. The coating is preferably arranged on the side of the heating plate that forms the vaporizer surface and faces towards the vaporizer space. The coating preferably covers the heating element or the surface of the heating element, in particular the heating element facing towards the vaporizer space, at least partially forms the vaporizer surface provided with the coating. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. Advantageously, it becomes possible to suppress the adhesion of unvaporized liquid and / or unvaporized aerosol, in particular unvaporized H2O2.

[0019] Moreover, it is proposed that the vaporizer space housing comprises several vaporizer outlets for supplying the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space, in particular the H2O2 vapor-gas mixture, directly or via a distributor, in particular to the packaging elements via one or several conduits of the production machine. The vaporizer outlets may be oriented transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The vaporizer outlets may be arranged in the vaporizer space housing so as to be regularly or irregularly distributed along the circumferential direction. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. Advantageously, a centralized production of a sterilization gas mixture can be achieved, which can be distributed in a particularly flexible manner to different packaging elements or positions of the production machine.

[0020] Besides this, the invention proposes a production machine, in particular a food filling machine and / or a food packaging machine, with at least one vaporizer device according to the invention. The production machine may be intended for use in the food industry or the medical industry. In addition to the vaporizer device, the production machine may have further components that are considered advantageous by the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a product production device, a product filling device, a product packaging device in which the product to be produced or the product to be filled is automatically packaged, a product conveying device, etc. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. For example, a reliable sterilization of the packaging element in which the product to be filled or the product to be packaged is filled and packaged can be advantageously achieved.

[0021] The present invention further relates to a method for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2, by means of a vaporizer device, in particular by means of a vaporizer device according to the invention. It is proposed that in at least one method step, a plurality of regularly and / or irregularly arranged in a plane of a heating unit formed as a matrix heating unit are separately, in particular individually, adjusted and / or monitored, the heating elements being arranged on a heating plate of the heating unit, and in at least one method step, the liquid and / or aerosol is vaporized by means of a surface of the heating plate forming the vaporizer surface of the heating unit. The features already disclosed for the vaporizer device are understood by analogy with respect to the method, such that the features already disclosed for the vaporizer device are also considered to be disclosed with respect to the method. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a high degree of process reliability in the vaporizer process, in particular in the sterilization process. For example, a reliable sterilization of the product to be filled or of the packaging element in which the product to be packaged is filled and packaged can advantageously be achieved.

[0022] The vaporizer device according to the present invention, the manufacturing machine according to the present invention and / or the method according to the present invention are not limited here to the above-mentioned applications and implementations. In particular, in order to fulfill the functions described herein, the vaporizer device according to the present invention, the manufacturing machine according to the present invention and / or the method according to the present invention may have a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps different from the number given here. Moreover, with regard to the ranges of values ​​given in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also disclosed and are considered applicable according to the requirements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a number of features in combination. A person skilled in the art can also consider the features separately in terms of their purpose and will find further advantageous combinations. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic illustration of a vaporizer device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer device according to the present invention; [Figure 3a] 1 is a schematic view of a heating unit of a vaporizer device according to the invention from above, with the vaporizer space housing removed from the heating housing of the vaporizer device according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 3b] A schematic diagram of an alternative heating unit of a vaporizer device according to the present invention viewed from above, with the vaporizer space housing removed from the heating housing of the alternative housing of an alternatively implemented vaporizer device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic representation of a production machine according to the invention having a vaporizer device according to the invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method according to the present invention;

[0024] Description of exemplary embodiments FIG. 1 shows a vaporizer device 10 for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2. The vaporizer device 10 is preferably formed as a sterile vaporizer device configured for application in a sterilization process in the food industry and / or medical industry. The vaporizer device 10 has at least one housing 12 with at least one vaporizer space housing 16 defining a vaporizer space 14 (see FIG. 2) to which the liquid to be vaporized and / or the aerosol to be vaporized can be supplied. The vaporizer device 10 comprises at least one heating unit 18 for vaporizing the supplied liquid and / or the supplied aerosol. The vaporizer device 10 is preferably part of a production machine 78, in particular a food filling machine and / or a food packaging machine, exemplarily shown in FIG. 4. However, it is also conceivable that the vaporizer device 10 is realized as a self-contained device capable of operating independently from the production machine 78.

[0025] The housing 12 of the vaporizer device 10 is preferably realized in a multi-part implementation. The housing 12 is configured in particular for accommodating, at least partially surrounding and / or supporting the individual components of the vaporizer device 10. The housing 12 comprises a vaporizer space housing 16 and at least one heating housing 60, which at least partially accommodates the heating unit 18. Preferentially, the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating housing 60 together define the vaporizer space 14. The vaporizer space housing 16 is preferably realized in a bell-shaped shape. The vaporizer space housing 16 may have a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a polygonal cross-section or a different cross-section that is considered advantageous by the person skilled in the art, in particular seen in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 84 of the housing 12. The longitudinal axis 84 of the housing 12 preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the vaporizer surface 68 of the heating plate 86 of the heating unit 18 (see FIG. 2). The vaporizer surface 68 is preferably arranged on the side 58 of the heating plate 86 facing towards the vaporizer space 14. The vaporizer surface 68 of the heating unit 18, which is assigned to the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 of the heating unit 18, has a coating that is implemented so as to be resistant to the liquid to be vaporized and / or the aerosol to be vaporized, in particular to H2O2. The vaporizer space housing 16 preferably defines the vaporizer space 14, in particular on the side of the vaporizer space 14 facing away from the heating plate 86, at least along a circumferential direction 88 and in at least one direction extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 84. The circumferential direction 88 preferentially extends in a plane that extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 84 of the housing 12. The vaporizer space housing 16 is preferably made of a metallic material. However, it is also conceivable that the vaporizer space housing 16 is made of a different material that is suitable for use in a vaporizer process, in particular a H2O2 vaporizer process, and that is deemed expedient by the person skilled in the art. Preferentially, the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16 are connected to each other, in particular releasably.Preferably, the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16 each comprise a connection flange 90, 92 for connecting the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16. For example, the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16 are connected to one another, in particular releasably, by means of a screw connection (not shown in detail here) via a connection interface 64 defined by the connection flanges 90, 92. With the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16 connected, the heating plate 86 is arranged between the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16, in particular in the region of the connection interface 64. Preferably, the vaporizer space housing 16 is removably mounted from the heating housing 60, in particular for maintenance purposes of the heating unit 18. The connection interface 64 preferably extends in a plane extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis 84.

[0026] The vaporizer device 10 comprises at least one thermal insulation unit 118, which has at least one thermal insulation element 120 arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating housing 60, preferentially for the thermal insulation of the electronic components of the heating unit 18 arranged in the heating housing 60, in particular against high thermal loads (see Figs. 1 and 2). The thermal insulation element 120 may have a circular cross section, a polygonal cross section or a different cross section considered expedient by the person skilled in the art. Viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 84, the thermal insulation element 120 is preferentially arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating housing 60, in particular in the region of the connection interface 64. Preferentially, the thermal insulation element 120 is implemented in the shape of a ring, in particular in the shape of a circular arc.

[0027] The vaporizer device 10 preferably comprises at least one supply unit 94, which comprises at least one supply element 96, in particular a supply nozzle or supply dripper, for supplying liquid and / or aerosol, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2, to the vaporizer space 14. The supply element 96 is preferably arranged in the vaporizer space housing 16, in particular in a cover 98 of the vaporizer space housing 16 located opposite the heating plate 86. However, it is also conceivable that the supply element 96 is arranged in a different position of the housing 12, which is considered advantageous by the person skilled in the art, so as to allow the supply of liquid and / or aerosol, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2. The supply element 96 is preferentially arranged in the vaporizer space housing 16 such that the central axis of the supply element 96 is oriented at least substantially parallel, in particular coaxially, to the longitudinal axis 84 of the housing 12. The cover 98 of the vaporizer space housing 16 is preferably removably arranged, in particular fixed, on a base body 100 of the vaporizer space housing 16, which is in particular tubular, preferably cylindrical. However, it is also conceivable that the cover 98 is realised in one-piece implementation with the base body 100 of the vaporizer space housing 16, in particular without a releasable connection technique, and / or is arranged in such a way that it cannot be lost on the base body 100.

[0028] The vaporizer space housing 16 preferentially comprises at least one vaporizer outlet 72, 74, 76 or a vaporizer outflow connection for supplying the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space 14 and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space 14, in particular the H2O2 vapor-gas mixture, directly or via a distributor, in particular to a packaging element via one or several conduits (not shown in detail here) of the manufacturing machine 78. The vaporizer outlet 72, 74, 76 or the vaporizer outflow connection may be oriented transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 84 of the housing 12. In at least one implementation of the vaporizer device 10, the vaporizer space housing 16 comprises several vaporizer outlets 72, 74, 76 for supplying the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space 14 and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space 14, in particular the H2O2 vapor-gas mixture, directly or via a distributor, to several packaging elements.

[0029] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer device 10 along a plane including the longitudinal axis 84. The vaporizer device 10 preferably comprises at least one sealing unit 102, which comprises at least one sealing element 104 arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating plate 86. Viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 84, the sealing element 104 is arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating plate 86. However, alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that, viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 84, the sealing element of the sealing unit 102, in particular the aforementioned sealing element, is arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating plate 86. The sealing element 104 preferably adjoins the vaporizer space housing 16 on at least one side and the heating plate 86 on at least one other side. The vaporizer space housing 16 and / or the heating plate 86 may comprise at least one receiving recess for at least partially receiving the sealing element 104. However, it is also conceivable that the sealing unit 102 comprises a plurality of sealing elements arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating plate 86. In an implementation of the vaporizer space housing 16 having a removable cover 98, the sealing unit 102 preferably comprises at least one further sealing element 106 arranged between the cover 98 and the base body 100, as exemplarily shown in FIG.

[0030] The vaporizer device 10 may comprise a thermal insulation unit having at least one thermal insulation element arranged between the vaporizer space housing 16 and the heating housing 60, in particular for thermal insulation of electronic components of the heating unit 18 arranged in the heating housing 60 against high thermal loads. The thermal insulation unit may additionally comprise at least one further thermal insulation element arranged on the outside of the vaporizer space housing 16. The further thermal insulation element may surround the vaporizer space housing 16 along the circumferential direction 88, in particular to suppress condensation formation on the inner walls of the vaporizer space housing 16.

[0031] The vaporizer space housing 16 preferably comprises a cleaning access opening and / or a connection 108 to enable a cleaning process of the vaporizer space 14, in particular a CIP process (cleaning in place process). The cleaning access opening and / or the connection 108 may be oriented transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 84 of the housing 12. The cleaning access opening and / or the connection 108 may alternatively or additionally form an overflow opening of the vaporizer space housing 16 for carrying away the liquid supplied to the vaporizer space 14 and / or the unvaporized part of the aerosol supplied to the vaporizer space 14.

[0032] The heating plate 86 is preferably arranged in the housing 12 symmetrically, in particular rotationally symmetrically, with respect to the longitudinal axis 84. The heating plate 86 in particular has a main extent that extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 84. The vaporizer surface 68 preferably extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 84. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the vaporizer surface 68 is realized as a plane. However, it is also conceivable that the vaporizer surface 68 has, in terms of its contour, a different implementation that is considered advantageous by the person skilled in the art, for example stepped, domed, undulating, etc.

[0033] Fig. 3a shows a schematic top view of the heating unit 18 with the vaporizer space housing 16 removed from the heating housing 60. The heating unit 18 is formed as a matrix heating unit with heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 which are separately, in particular individually adjustable and / or monitorable. The heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are preferably implemented as heating resistors which are separately, in particular individually adjustable and / or monitorable. Preferentially, the heating unit 18 comprises a plurality of segmented electric heating circuits which are arranged concentrically or in a grid, in particular in a plan view. Preferably, the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, in particular each individual heating element 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, in particular in conjunction with wiring, form an individual heating circuit of the heating unit 18. The heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are preferentially arranged on, in particular within, the heating plate 86 of the heating unit 18. The heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 may be arranged on the heating plate 86 in a regular or irregular distribution. Preferably, the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are inserted in, in particular embedded in, the heating plate 86. Preferably, the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 end at least substantially flush with the surface of the heating plate 86. The surface of the heating plate 86, in particular together with the surfaces of the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, forms the vaporizer surface 68 of the heating unit 18 for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2. However, it is also conceivable that the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are arranged on, and in particular within, the heating plate 86 in a plane that is offset parallel to the surface of the heating plate 86 that forms the vaporizer surface 68, such that the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 contact the vaporizer surface, for example, to heat the vaporizer surface 68. Other arrangements of the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 on, and in particular within, the heating plate 86 are also conceivable that are considered advantageous by those skilled in the art.

[0034] Each heating element 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 is assigned a, in particular an individual, regulating electronic element 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 of the heating unit 18 and / or a, in particular an individual, monitoring electronic element 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 of the heating unit 18. Preferably, each electric heating circuit comprises an integrated regulating electronic element 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 of the heating unit 18 and / or an integrated monitoring electronic element 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 of the heating unit 18. The heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, together with the assigned regulating electronic elements 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and / or monitoring electronic elements 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 of the heating unit 18, preferably form an electrical heating circuit of the heating unit 18 that is individually adjustable and / or monitorable.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are arranged concentrically around the central axis 56 of the heating unit 18. In the exemplary embodiment of the vaporizer device 10' shown in FIG. 3b, the heating elements 20', 22', 24', 26', 28', 30' of the heating unit 18' of the vaporizer device 10' are arranged in a grid on the side of the heating unit 18' facing towards the vaporizer space housing (not shown in detail here). Different from the exemplary embodiment of the vaporizer device 10 already described in FIGS. 1 to 3a, the vaporizer device 10' shown in FIG. 3b has an alternative arrangement and / or implementation of the heating unit 18' as well as an alternative implementation of the housing 12'. The housing 12' of the vaporizer device 10' shown in FIG. 3b and the heating unit 18' shown in FIG. 3b have a polygonal cross section, in particular a square or rectangular cross section. However, it is also conceivable that only the heating unit 18' has a polygonal, in particular a square or rectangular, cross-section and the housing 12' has a circular cross-section, or vice versa. With regard to further features of the alternative implementation of the vaporizer device 10' shown in Fig. 3b, reference may be made to the above and following description of the vaporizer device 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 3a, so that the features of the vaporizer device 10 are read analogously with respect to the vaporizer device 10' shown in Fig. 3b.

[0036] 2 shows that the housing 12 comprises at least a heating housing 60 for accommodating the heating unit 18, the heating housing 60 being connected, in particular directly, with the vaporizer space housing 16, the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 being arranged at least partially in the region of the connection interface 64 of the housing 12 between the heating housing 60 and the vaporizer space housing 16. The heating unit 18 is arranged in the vaporizer space housing 16 such that at least one heating element 20, 30 of the heating unit 18 is adjacent, in particular directly, to the vaporizer space housing 16. Preferably, at least two, in particular at least four, heating elements 20, 30 of the heating unit are directly adjacent to the vaporizer space housing 16. Preferentially, the heating elements 20, 30 arranged in the peripheral region of the heating plate 86 are directly adjacent to the vaporizer space housing 16.

[0037] The vaporizer device 10 further comprises at least one elastic preload element 66, in particular a spring element (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 ), which is configured to exert a preload force on the heating unit 18 towards the vaporizer space housing 16. The preload element 66 is preferentially supported on one side on the heating unit 18 and on another side on the heating housing 60, in particular on an inner wall of the heating housing 60. The preload element 66 may be formed as a helical spring, an elastomer, a gas compression spring, a leaf spring or another preload element deemed expedient by the person skilled in the art.

[0038] The vaporizer device 10 comprises at least one outlet opening 70 (see Figs. 1 and 2) arranged on the vaporizer space housing 16 or on the vaporizer surface 68 of the heating unit 18 for carrying away the liquid supplied to the vaporizer space housing 16 and / or the unvaporized portion of the aerosol supplied to the vaporizer space housing 16. The outlet opening 70 preferentially has an orientation at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 84. However, different orientations and / or arrangements of the outlet opening 70 on the vaporizer space housing 16 and / or on the heating plate 86 are also conceivable, as deemed expedient by those skilled in the art. In addition to carrying away the liquid supplied to the vaporizer space housing 16 and / or the unvaporized portion of the aerosol supplied to the vaporizer space housing 16, it is further conceivable that the outlet opening 70 is configured for connecting a cleaning device, in particular a CIP cleaning device.

[0039] 5 shows a flow chart of a method 80 for vaporizing liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H2O2 and / or aerosolized H2O2, using the vaporizer device 10. In at least one method step 110, the heating unit 18 is activated. In at least one method step 112, liquids and / or aerosols are supplied to the vaporizer space 14 via the supply unit 94. In at least one method step 82, the heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 of the heating unit 18, which is realized as a matrix heating unit, are separately, in particular individually, regulated and / or monitored. The heating elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are separately regulated and / or monitored using the respective regulating electronic elements 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and / or monitoring electronic elements 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54. In at least one method step 116, the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space 14 and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space 14, in particular the H2O2 vapor-gas mixture, is sucked in, in particular via a conduit, for supply to the packaging element to be sterilized. In at least one method step 114, in particular but not necessarily present, the substance concentration, in particular the H2O2 concentration, in the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space 14 and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space 14 is recorded, in particular for adjusting the heating unit 18 depending thereon, and / or a drop detection and / or, in particular indirect, determination of the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space 14 and / or the aerosol vaporized in the vaporizer space 14, in particular the H2O2 vapor-gas mixture, is performed by the power consumption of the heating unit 18. With regard to the further method steps of the method 80, reference is made to the description of the vaporizer device 10, which is to be understood analogously to the method 80.

Claims

1. Liquids and / or aerosols, especially liquid H ２ O ２ and / or aerosolized H ２ O ２ A vaporizer device, in particular a sterilizing vaporizer device, for vaporizing at least one housing (12) comprising at least one vaporizer space housing (16) defining a vaporizer space (14) in which said liquid to be vaporized and / or said aerosol to be vaporized can be provided; at least one heating unit (18) for vaporizing the supplied liquid and / or the supplied aerosol; In a vaporizer apparatus having the heating unit (18) is realized as a matrix heating unit with separate, in particular individually adjustable and / or monitorable heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30), in particular heating circuits, The heating unit (18) comprises a plurality of heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) arranged in a plane in an irregular and / or regular manner; The heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are disposed on a heating plate (86) of the heating unit (18); a surface of the heating plate (86) forms a vaporizer surface (68) of the heating unit (18) for vaporizing the liquid and / or aerosol; A vaporizer device comprising:

2. 2. The vaporizer arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that each heating element (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) is assigned to a respective, in particular regulating electronic element (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42) of the heating unit (18) and / or a respective, in particular monitoring electronic element (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54) of the heating unit (18), and each heating circuit is provided with an integrated regulating electronic element (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42) of the heating unit (18) and / or an integrated monitoring electronic element (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54) of the heating unit (18).

3. 3. The vaporizer device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are arranged concentrically around a central axis (56) of the heating unit (18) or the heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are arranged in a grid on a side (58) of the heating unit (18) facing toward the vaporizer space housing (16).

4. 4. The vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one heating housing (60) for accommodating the heating unit (18), the heating housing (60) being connected, in particular directly, to the vaporizer space housing (16), and the heating element (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) being at least partially arranged in the region of a connection interface (64) of the housing (12) between the heating housing (60) and the vaporizer space housing (16).

5. The vaporizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heating unit (18) is arranged in the vaporizer space housing (16) such that at least one heating element (20, 30) of the heating unit (18) is adjacent to the vaporizer space housing (16), in particular directly adjacent to the vaporizer space housing (16).

6. The carburetor arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic preload element (66), in particular a spring element, configured to apply a preload force to the heating unit (18) towards the carburetor space housing (16).

7. The vaporizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one outlet opening (70) arranged in the vaporizer space housing (16) and / or in the vaporizer surface (68) of the heating unit (18) for carrying away an unvaporized portion of the liquid supplied to the vaporizer space housing (16) and / or the aerosol supplied to the vaporizer space housing (16).

8. The vaporizer surface (68) of the heating unit (18) assigned to the heating element (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) is resistant to the liquid to be vaporized and / or the aerosol to be vaporized, in particular to H ２ O ２ 8. Carburetor arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a coating which is realised so as to be resistant to.

9. The vaporizer space housing (16) is adapted to receive the liquid vaporized in the vaporizer space (14) and / or the aerosol, in particular H ２ O ２ Vaporizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises several vaporizer outlets (72, 74, 76) for supplying the vapor-gas mixture to the packaging element, either directly or via a distributor.

10. 10. A production machine, in particular a food filling machine and / or a food packaging machine, comprising at least one vaporizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A vaporizer device, in particular a vaporizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, is used to produce liquids and / or aerosols, in particular liquid H ２ O ２ and / or aerosolized H ２ O ２ 1. A method for vaporizing a liquid comprising: In at least one method step (82), a plurality of randomly and / or regularly arranged planar heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of a heating unit (18) formed as a matrix heating unit are separately, in particular individually, adjusted and / or monitored, The heating elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are disposed on a heating plate (86) of the heating unit (18); In at least one method step, liquids and / or aerosols are vaporized using a surface of the heating plate (86) forming a vaporizer surface (68) of the heating unit (18). A method comprising:

Images