Container processing system with component storage section

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container processing apparatus for processing containers, preferably for filling containers with contents, and / or for sealing containers filled with contents with a container sealing member. [Solution] The container processing apparatus (100) comprises a housing portion (110) that defines a processing chamber (120), and electrical and / or electronic components for monitoring and / or illuminating processing modules within the processing chamber (120), wherein the electrical and / or electronic components are arranged in a component housing portion (200) that penetrates the housing portion (110) and protrudes into the processing chamber (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container processing apparatus for processing containers, preferably a container processing apparatus for filling a container with a content and / or sealing a container filled with a content with a container sealing member.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a container processing system in which containers to be filled are first manufactured in a stretch blow molding module by a stretch blow molding process, then filled with respective contents by a filling machine, and thereafter sealed by a sealing machine. The corresponding modules of the container processing system, i.e., for example, a stretch blow molding module, a filling machine or a sealing machine, are typically housed in a housing. The housing prevents operator intervention in the parts of the module moving at high speed and protects the operator from the contents discharged, for example, in the case of defective containers. At the same time, the housing can prevent unnecessary objects and particles from entering the contents. For particularly sensitive contents, it is known to arrange modules, particularly filling and sealing machines, in a so-called isolator that provides a space completely shielded from the surroundings. In this way, it can be ensured that the contents come into contact only with a predetermined atmosphere present in the isolator.

[0003] Such an isolator can be designed, for example, to be substantially airtight from the surroundings. The introduction of the containers to be filled and the discharge of the finally filled containers are realized by corresponding locking means. By these locking means, a predetermined atmosphere is maintained inside the isolator even during operation.

[0004] Aseptic isolators are used particularly in the field of sensitive contents, where a sterile atmosphere or a protective gas atmosphere is provided inside the isolator, in particular. For example, dairy products can preferably be filled in such aseptic isolators.

[0005] Furthermore, the use of isolators is important to protect workers and the surrounding area from contact with cleaning media (e.g., caustic soda or hot water) when automated cleaning of equipment is performed using cleaning media.

[0006] When the processing module of a container processing device is located inside such an isolator, the sealed isolator walls make direct external viewing or monitoring difficult. Furthermore, operators cannot easily and directly access the processing chamber to perform adjustments to components of the processing module, for example, nor can they select a suitable observation position within the processing chamber. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a container processing apparatus that enables more reliable monitoring of the inside of an isolator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This objective is achieved by a container processing apparatus having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are derived from the dependent claims, specification and drawings.

[0009] In response to this, a container processing apparatus for processing containers is proposed, preferably for filling containers with contents and / or sealing containers filled with contents with a container sealing member. This apparatus comprises a housing portion defining a processing chamber. Furthermore, electrical and / or electronic components are provided for monitoring and / or illuminating the processing module within the processing chamber.

[0010] In response to this, monitoring or adjustment of the mechanical components of the processing module can be performed by electrical and / or electronic components.

[0011] According to the present invention, electrical and / or electronic components are arranged in a component housing that penetrates the housing portion and protrudes into the processing chamber, sealing the processing chamber.

[0012] As a result, electrical and / or electronic components can certainly operate within the processing chamber, but from the standpoint of chamber isolation, they can actually be located outside the processing chamber. In particular, this makes it possible to achieve isolation between the processing chamber and the external area where the electrical and / or electronic components are located, without damaging the processing chamber formed as an isolator chamber.

[0013] The component housing section preferably includes a housing space for housing electrical and / or electronic components and a transparent boundary section that protrudes into the processing chamber to the extent that a line of sight is formed between the electrical and / or electronic components and the processing module.

[0014] The transparent boundary allows electrical and / or electronic components to optically interact with the processing chamber, preferably the isolator chamber, without actually being located inside the chamber. Here, the electrical and / or electronic components actually act on the processing chamber from the outside, but can still form a line of sight, so that optical monitoring or illumination of the processing module being monitored is possible.

[0015] The transparent boundary can be designed in the form of a cylinder, cone, truncated cone, or hemispherical dome. In this way, entry into the processing chamber becomes particularly easy, and a line of sight can be formed between it and the module being monitored.

[0016] To withstand the harsh conditions within the processing chamber and achieve durability, the transparent boundary is preferably formed from a transparent, alkali-resistant, acid-resistant, and temperature-resistant material, and particularly preferably includes acrylic glass, glass, or plexiglass.

[0017] The transparent boundary is preferably sealed within the housing portion. Particularly preferably, the transparent boundary is elastically held within the housing portion and, more preferably, sealed within the flange region of the transparent boundary by a first elastic element and / or a second elastic element that accommodates them.

[0018] The transparent boundary can be sealed to the housing portion via a hygienic sealing ring so as to avoid undercuts and areas that cannot be cleaned from the perspective of the processing chamber. In this way, a particularly hygienic design can be achieved that can also be used in cleanrooms or sterile isolators.

[0019] The processing chamber may be an isolator chamber, and the enclosure defining portion may be a wall of the enclosure defining the isolator chamber, preferably a top plate.

[0020] To achieve monitoring or illumination of the target processing module within the processing chamber, electrical and / or electronic components may include lamps, lights, cameras, and / or smartphones.

[0021] When the component housing is formed as a pre-assembled assembly, particularly favorable assembly and maintenance can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail by the following description of the drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a part of a container processing apparatus having a component housing section capable of accommodating electrical or electronic components. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the container processing apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the container processing apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this figure, the light is arranged as an electrical component within the component housing. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the container processing apparatus of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the upper part of an exemplary capper having a plurality of installed component storage parts. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of the upper part of the exemplary capper of FIG. 5 having an installed component storage part.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this case, the same, similar or identically acting elements are given the same reference signs in different drawings, and the repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows the details of the container processing apparatus 100, where a cross-section of the top plate 110 of an isolator (not shown) is schematically shown. In this case, the top plate 110 closes the isolator chamber 120 schematically indicated by reference sign 120 at the top. The isolator chamber 120 is usually further partitioned from the surroundings 300 by other walls as well.

[0025] A storage opening 130 into which the component storage part 200 is inserted is provided in the top plate 110. The component storage part 200 is provided for storing electrical and / or electronic components such as lights, cameras, sensors, smartphones, etc., whereby the electrical components can be used for optical interaction, particularly for optical monitoring or illumination of the isolator chamber 120.

[0026] For this purpose, the component storage part 200 includes a transparent boundary part 220 that protrudes into the isolator chamber 120 in the installed state and provides a storage space 222. At least a partial area of the electrical and / or electronic components can be stored within the storage space 222.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the transparent boundary 220 is designed in the form of a hemispherical dome manufactured from a transparent material such as plexiglass. The boundary 220 can also be formed from glass or acrylic glass.

[0028] In this way, the transparent material of the boundary 220 allows optical access from the surrounding 300 to the isolator chamber 120 to electrical and / or electronic components housed in the containment space 222, such as a light, camera, or smartphone. In other words, for example, a lamp housed in the containment space 222 can radiate into the isolator chamber 120 through the wall provided by the transparent boundary 220.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transparent boundary 220 can be designed in the form of a hemispherical dome. However, other geometric shapes are also conceivable, for example, the transparent boundary 220 may be designed in the form of a cylinder, cone, frustocone, or other geometric shape that extends into the isolator chamber 120, protrudes into the isolator chamber 120, and at the same time accommodates corresponding electrical components in the housing space 222 of the boundary 220 on the side away from the isolator chamber 120.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the component housing section 200, while Figure 2 is a direct cross-sectional view from the side.

[0031] In the illustration in Figure 2, the shape of the transparent boundary 220 can be seen again in particular. At least in the downward-facing portion in Figure 2, the boundary 220 is designed to be substantially like a hemispherical dome.

[0032] The top plate 110, at its lower side 112, forms an end surface that closes the isolator chamber 120 at the top. The transparent boundary portion 220 protrudes beyond the end surface defined by the lower side 112 of the top plate 110. As a result, a portion of the containment space 222 is located within the isolator chamber 120, but at the same time, it is hygienically and completely separated from the isolator chamber 120 by the transparent boundary portion 220.

[0033] In other words, the transparent boundary 220 causes the surrounding area 300, which is by definition outside the isolator chamber 120, to be substantially drawn into the isolator chamber 120, and as a result, even electrical components placed in the surrounding area 300 can have optical access to the isolator chamber 120.

[0034] The transparent boundary portion 220 protruding into the isolator chamber 120 allows for the introduction of electrical components capable of monitoring the isolator chamber 120 and, in particular, modules of the container processing device 100 installed within it, such as a sealing machine, a filling machine, or a stretch blow molding device. At the same time, the volume of the isolator chamber 120 is not impaired, and an airtight compartment from the surrounding 300 is maintained, thus enabling a sterile design.

[0035] The component housing section 200 and, in particular, the transparent boundary section 220, protrude into the isolator chamber 120, which is the object being monitored but is isolated from the surrounding 300, so that a direct optical connection can be formed between the electrical components housed in the housing space 222 of the boundary section 220 of the component housing section 200 and the module to be monitored housed in the isolator chamber 120. In other words, a direct line of sight can be formed between the housing space 222 and the module to be monitored.

[0036] Therefore, the geometric dimensions of the boundary 220 are determined based on both the positioning of the module of the container processing device 100 to be monitored within the isolator chamber 120 and the physical extent of the electrical components to be housed within the housing space 222. The larger the electrical components to be housed within the housing space 222 protruding into the isolator chamber 120, the larger the transparent boundary 220 must be dimensioned.

[0037] Similarly, the position of each module to be monitored in the container processing apparatus 100 within the isolator chamber 120 relative to the component housing 200 depends on this. For example, if the module to be monitored is located directly below the component housing 200, and as a result an optical connection can be formed between the component housing 200 and the module to be monitored in the isolator chamber 120, and this optical connection extends substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the lower side 112 of the top plate 110, then the requirement for the boundary portion 220 to protrude into the isolator chamber 120 is low.

[0038] However, if the module to be monitored is substantially located in or on the plane formed by the underside 112 of the top plate 110, the transparent boundary portion 220 needs to extend considerably into the isolator chamber 120 in order to form a corresponding optical connection between the module to be monitored by the container processing device 100 and the electrical components housed in the containment space 222.

[0039] However, the transparent boundary 220 always extends into the space under observation, i.e., the isolator chamber 120 in the exemplary embodiment shown. In this case, the isolator chamber 120 is defined by the housing walls that partition the isolator chamber 120, for example, the top plate 110 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each of these outer boundaries of the isolator chamber 120 is defined by the corresponding housing portions, each forming a plane.

[0040] The fact that the transparent boundary portion 220 extends into the isolator chamber 120 is understood to mean that the transparent boundary portion 220 extends beyond the plane defined by the housing portion of the isolator into the space monitored by the container processing device 100.

[0041] The component housing section 200 includes, in addition to the boundary section 220, further components as discussed below.

[0042] The component housing section 200 includes a mounting body 230 that is inserted into the housing opening 130 of the top plate 110. The mounting body 230 houses a first elastic element 232 that is in contact with the flange region 224 of the boundary section 220. The first elastic element 232 is designed as an elastic ring that fits within the ring housing section of the mounting body 230. A second elastic element 234 is housed above the flange region 224, so that the flange region 224 of the transparent boundary section 220 is in contact with the first elastic element 232 below it and with the second elastic element 234 above it.

[0043] The elastic elements 232 and 234 can preferably be formed from silicone foam in order to provide corresponding temperature resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, and durability.

[0044] The first elastic element 232 and / or the second elastic element 234 may also be designed as a seal, particularly a sealing ring, to seal the flange region 224 of the transparent boundary 220.

[0045] The retaining ring 240 allows the first elastic element 232 and the second elastic element 234 to be pressed against the mounting body 230 together with the flange region 224 of the interposed transparent boundary portion 220. Correspondingly, the boundary portion 220 can be hermetically held between the mounting body 230 and the retaining ring 240.

[0046] A hygienic seal of the transparent boundary 220 to the top plate 110 is achieved by an additional hygienic sealing ring 270. This hygienic sealing ring 270 is pressed between the mounting body 230 and the housing flange 132 of the top plate 110.

[0047] By pressing the elastic elements 232 and 234, the hygienic sealing ring 270 is also pressed in at the same time.

[0048] The hygienic sealing ring 270 prevents the formation of undercuts and areas that cannot be cleaned when connecting the component housing 200 to the top plate 110. The hygienic sealing ring 270 enables a smooth, undercut-free seal of the transparent boundary 220 to the isolator chamber 120, and simultaneously a similarly smooth, undercut-free connection to the top plate 110, particularly in the area of ​​the housing flange 132 of the housing opening 130.

[0049] In this way, the component housing section 200 can be designed to be particularly hygienic, and can therefore be used without problems even in applications with strict hygienic requirements, such as a sterile isolator for a container processing device 100.

[0050] The hygienic sealing ring 270 can preferably be a silicone disc provided with a recess that can seal and receive the transparent boundary portion 220.

[0051] In other words, the housing opening 130 of the top plate 110 is hygienically sealed again from the perspective of the isolator chamber 120 by the combination of the transparent boundary portion 220 and the hygienic sealing ring 270.

[0052] The retaining ring 240 is connected to the mounting body 230. In this embodiment, the retaining ring 240 and the mounting body 240 are fastened together with screws.

[0053] The mounting ring 250 helps to screw the component housing 200 to the top plate 110, and accordingly includes a flange 252 having a corresponding bolt receiver, which allows it to be screwed to the top plate 110 by screw bolts 254.

[0054] By screwing the mounting ring 250 to the top plate 110, the component housing section 200 is pressed towards the housing flange 132 within the housing opening 130 of the top plate 110, and as a result, the hygienic sealing ring 270 is pressed between the mounting body 230 and the housing flange 132.

[0055] The seal of the mounting ring 250 against the upper part 114 of the top plate 110 is achieved via a sealing ring 256 positioned between the flange 252 of the mounting ring 250 and the upper part 114 of the top plate 110.

[0056] Furthermore, an upper cover 260 is provided that partitions the housing space 222 of the transparent boundary 220 at the top. This does not mean sealing or airtightly closing the housing space 222, but rather it is simply a mechanical cover intended to prevent electrical components housed in the housing space 222 from being mechanically accessed from the surrounding 300. The upper cover 260 may have ventilation openings 262 that form a connection between the housing space 222 and the surrounding 300, thereby allowing for air exchange.

[0057] Correspondingly, the transparent boundary 220 is the portion where separation actually occurs between the isolator chamber 120 being observed and the surrounding area 300.

[0058] The boundary 220 is transparent, and especially optically transparent in the visible range, thus allowing optical observation of the isolator chamber 120 from the surrounding 300. However, this does not compromise the airtight compartmentalization of the space within the isolator chamber 120.

[0059] At the same time, the electrical components housed in the containment space 222 are protected from actions performed within the isolator chamber 120, such as cleaning, sterilization, or mechanical operations within the isolator chamber 120.

[0060] In other words, the electrical components housed in the storage space 222 of the component storage section 200 do not need to be specially designed to withstand the cleaning or sterilization cycles within the container processing device 100. Therefore, specific sealing and design of the electrical components housed in the storage space 222, such as cameras or lamps, are unnecessary. This allows for the use of optically particularly high-quality components and / or reduces costs.

[0061] Electrical components can be housed on component holders 400 within the housing space 222. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the component holder 400 comprises an L-shaped holder 420 formed integrally with the retaining ring 240. The L-shaped holder 420 extends radially inward into the housing space 222 relative to the retaining ring 240, and then extends upward.

[0062] The L-shaped holder 420 comprises a plate having an elongated hole 422 on which a swivelable retaining device 430 is positioned. Since the swivelable retaining device 430 also has an elongated hole 432, retaining bolts 440 that engage with both the elongated hole 432 of the swivelable retaining device 430 and the elongated hole 422 of the L-shaped holder 420 allow for secure and highly flexible positioning of electrical components placed on the retaining device 430.

[0063] In response to this, the two elongated holes 422 and 432 enable positioning in both the rotational and vertical directions. In the rotational direction, the component housing section 200 can be rotated, allowing for alignment of electrical components placed on the holding device 430 with any degree of freedom. As a result, electrical components can be aligned within the housing space 222, enabling flexible monitoring of each module being monitored within the isolator chamber 120.

[0064] Figures 3 and 4 show the component housing section 200 of Figures 1 and 2. Here, an exemplary design is shown in which an electrical component 500, illustrated exemplary in the form of a lamp or light, is exemplary housed on a holding device 430. The light is held on the holding device 430, and the degrees of freedom of the holding device allow the electrical component 500 to be appropriately positioned and aligned within the housing space 222. This ensures that an area within the isolator chamber 120 is reliably illuminated. In particular, a desired area within the isolator chamber 120 can be fully illuminated.

[0065] At the same time, the electrical component 500, in this case the light, is protected from cleaning media and mechanical loads within the isolator chamber 120. As a result, the electrical component 500 can be selected to have the desired optical properties while not requiring any specific seals or specifications, especially for hygiene or resistance to the media used within the isolator chamber 120.

[0066] Figures 5 and 6 schematically show the upper part of the capper housing 600. In particular, the upper part of the housing 600 has a top plate 110 that forms the upper part of the isolator. Correspondingly, Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view and Figure 6 shows a side view. As can be seen from the side view of the housing 600 in Figure 6, the top plate 110 has a lower part 112 and an upper part 114, where the lower part 112 corresponds to forming a compartment of the isolator chamber 120 (not shown) located below the top plate 110 in the installed state.

[0067] In the side view of Figure 6, multiple component housing sections 200 are provided, and the transparent boundary sections 220 of each component housing section 200 protruding into the isolator chamber 120 can be seen.

[0068] Since the transparent boundary portions 220 of the component housing section 200 protrude into the isolator chamber 120, electrical components housed in the respective housing spaces 222 can make corresponding optical contact with the isolator chamber 120. For example, a camera provided in one of the component housing sections 200 can be housed in the housing space 222 of each transparent boundary portion 220 and observe the inside of the isolator chamber 120, thus enabling monitoring of modules housed in the isolator chamber 120. Furthermore, a light housed in one of the component housing sections 200 can similarly illuminate the isolator chamber 120 as a target, and in particular, its optical focus or optical cone can be directed towards a specific module within the isolator chamber 120.

[0069] The material used for the transparent boundary 220 is preferably transparent in the visible range so that an optical camera or light can interact with the module in the isolator chamber 120 in the visible range.

[0070] However, the material used for the transparent boundary 120 may also be transparent in other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, if a thermal imaging camera is used instead of a camera that operates in the visible range. Accordingly, the material of the transparent boundary 220 must be designed so that the heat rays to be received by the thermal imaging camera can pass through the material of the transparent boundary 220 and reach the corresponding camera.

[0071] The material of the transparent boundary 220 is more preferably designed not to discolor and / or become cloudy even when frequently exposed to aggressive cleaning media used in container processing equipment for cleaning and sterilization. Therefore, the material is preferably transparent, alkali-resistant, acid-resistant, and temperature-resistant, so that the normal operation of the container processing equipment 100 does not negatively affect the optical properties of the component housing 200. Preferred materials for this purpose are acrylic glass, glass, or plexiglass. However, other materials having the described properties are equally suitable.

[0072] The container processing device 100 may be, for example, a sealing machine, such as a can sealing machine in a can filling system. In such a can sealing machine, it is important to monitor the sealing process and precisely adjust the individual mechanical parts in order to achieve reliable sealing.

[0073] For this purpose, the component housing section 200 extends into the space under surveillance (in this embodiment, into the isolator chamber 120), but is formed to be hygienically separated from this space under surveillance.

[0074] The component housing section 200 extends correspondingly into the monitored space 120. Therefore, reliable monitoring of the mechanical components of the can sealing machine is possible without requiring special protection of the electrical components housed in the component housing section 200 against aggressive cleaning media.

[0075] Since the component housing 200 can be provided as a pre-assembled assembly, it only needs to be inserted into the housing opening 130 of the top plate 110, screwed to the top plate 110, and then electrically connected. Accordingly, if an electrical component is defective or needs to be replaced with another, the component housing 200 can be easily replaced. For example, a component housing 200 containing a lamp or light can be easily replaced with a component housing 200 containing a camera.

[0076] To the extent applicable, all individual features illustrated in exemplary embodiments can be combined with and / or substituted for each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 100 container processing equipment 110 Top plate 112 Lower side 114 Upper side 120 Isolator Chambers 130 Containment opening 132 Housing flange 200 Parts housing 220 Transparent border 222 Accommodation space 224 Flange area 230 Mounting body 232 First elastic element 234 Second elastic element 240 retaining rings 250 Mounting Ring 252 Flange 254 Screw bolts 256 Ceiling Ring 260 Top cover 262 Ventilation openings 270 Hygienic sealing ring 300 perimeter 400 parts holder 420 L-shaped holder 422 Long hole 430 Holding device 432 long hole 440 retaining bolts 500 electrical components 600 enclosures

Claims

1. A container processing device (100) for processing containers, preferably for filling containers with contents, and / or for sealing containers filled with contents with a container sealing member, The system comprises a housing portion (110) defining a processing chamber (120), and electrical and / or electronic components (500) for monitoring and / or illuminating the processing module within the processing chamber (120). A container processing apparatus (100) characterized in that the electrical and / or electronic component (500) penetrates the housing portion (110) and protrudes into the processing chamber (120), and is arranged within a component housing portion (200) that seals the processing chamber (120).

2. The container processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the component housing section (200) defines a housing space (222) for housing the electrical and / or electronic components (500) and includes a transparent boundary section (220) that protrudes into the processing chamber (120) to such an extent that a line of sight is formed between the electrical and / or electronic components and the processing module.

3. The container processing apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the transparent boundary portion (220) is designed in the form of a cylinder, cone, truncated cone, or hemispherical dome.

4. The container processing apparatus (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transparent boundary portion (220) is formed from a transparent, alkali-resistant, acid-resistant, and temperature-resistant material, preferably including acrylic glass, glass, or plexiglass.

5. The container processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the transparent boundary portion (220) is sealed to the housing portion (110) by a first elastic element (232) and / or a second elastic element (234) that house the flange region (224) of the transparent boundary portion (220) between them.

6. The container processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the transparent boundary portion (220) is sealed to the housing portion (110) via a hygienic sealing ring (270) so as to avoid undercuts and areas that cannot be cleaned from the viewpoint of the processing chamber (120).

7. The container processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the processing chamber is an isolator chamber (120), and the defining housing portion (110) is a wall of a housing that defines the isolator chamber (120), preferably a top plate.

8. The container processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrical and / or electronic component (500) is a lamp, a light, a camera and / or a smartphone.

9. The container processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the component housing section (200) is a pre-assembled assembly.

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