Method and device for simultaneously shaping and filling preforms made of a thermoplastic material in order to form containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for simultaneously shaping and filling preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material in order to form containers (2), said method having the following steps: heating the preform (1) to a shaping temperature, wherein the heating takes place along a heating section in a heating device (50) in that the preforms (1) are guided in a transport direction along a transport path and along heating units (51) of the heating device (50), said heating units being provided along the heating section; introducing a sterilizing fluid into the interior (1) of the preform (1) upstream or within the heating device (50), allowing the sterilizing fluid to act at least temporarily while passing through the heating device (50), rinsing the preform (1) with a rinsing fluid within the heating device (50), and shaping the preform (1) by introducing a pressurized filling medium, said filling medium being supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium in order to expand the preform (1) and / or shape the container (2). The invention likewise relates to a corresponding device.

Description

[0001] Method and device for the simultaneous forming and filling of preforms made of a thermoplastic material into containers

[0002] Description

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for the simultaneous forming and filling of preforms made of a thermoplastic material into containers. The production of containers by blow molding from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, for example, from preforms made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), is known. The preforms are fed to various processing stations within a blow molding machine. Typically, a blow molding machine comprises a heating device for tempering or thermally conditioning the preforms, as well as a blow molding device with at least one blow molding station, in the area of ​​which the previously temperature-conditioned preform is expanded into a container.

[0004] Options for tempering preforms are explained, for example, in DE 2352 926 A1. Tempering or thermal conditioning refers to heating the preform to a temperature suitable for forming and, if necessary, imprinting a temperature profile on the preform in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions.

[0005] Expansion into the finished container occurs, for example, using a compressed gas, particularly compressed air, as the pressure medium, which is introduced into the preform to be expanded at a molding pressure. The process for this type of preform expansion is explained in DE 43 40 291 A1. The basic structure of a blow molding station is described in DE 42 12 583 A1. According to a typical further processing method, the containers produced by blow molding are fed to a downstream filling device and filled with the intended product or filling material.

[0006] However, it is also possible to produce containers from preforms and simultaneously fill them with a filling material, which is supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium for expanding the preform or for demolding the container with a forming and filling pressure. This results in the respective preform being formed into the container simultaneously with the filling process. This disclosure concerns precisely such simultaneous forming and filling. Such methods and devices for simultaneously forming and filling preforms into containers are known in specialist circles under the designations "FormFill" or "LiquiForm."

[0007] Sterilization (also known as sterilization) is understood here to mean, for example, a germ-killing treatment using chemical sterilizing fluids. The present disclosure should be viewed from the perspective that, for example, germ-sensitive beverages must be filled under aseptic or sterile conditions in order to achieve the desired shelf life. This requires, for example, that the containers into which the beverages are filled meet these sterile conditions. For this purpose, finished containers can be sterilized before filling, or preforms before they are converted into containers, thereby subsequently preventing recontamination. In this way, both the preforms and the containers subsequently produced from them can be sterilized.Sterilizing the preform has the advantage over sterilizing the container produced from it that a much smaller surface area needs to be sterilized, so that the amount of sterilizing fluid to be used can be smaller.

[0008] Typically, after the blow molding process, a rinsing with a sterile rinsing fluid is provided to remove traces of the sterilizing fluid from the finished container. The blow molding process itself already leads to a rinsing effect, as the blow gas used and the venting of the used blow gas contribute to the removal of the sterilizing fluid, if it is still present in the preform prior to forming.

[0009] It is also known in the prior art, for example, to flush a preform with a sterilizing fluid while the preform is already in the forming station. It is also known to sterilize a preform before it reaches the forming station, for example, on the path between the heating device and the forming station, or for example, before the preform enters the heating device of a blow molding machine, or for example, before a preform enters a blow molding machine, for example, in the area of ​​a preform feed rail. It is also generally known to sterilize a preform within the heating device.

[0010] A common procedure for preform sterilization, for example, is to dose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the preform, heat the preform together with the dosed hydrogen peroxide in the temperature control device, and then blow mold a finished container. In this process, the majority of the hydrogen peroxide used decomposes into oxygen and water. It is also known to add hydrogen peroxide between the heating device and the forming device. Upon release to ambient pressure, the finished container is rinsed with 25 to 30 times the bottle volume, thus reducing the residual hydrogen peroxide concentration to a tolerable level.

[0011] The aforementioned methods and devices all have their own specific disadvantages, and some are complex and expensive. In some cases, the sterilizing fluid also comes into contact with sensitive equipment, which can cause damaging effects and corrosion. Furthermore, it cannot always be completely ruled out that sterilizing fluid will escape from the machine.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a method for the simultaneous forming and filling of preforms made of a thermoplastic material into containers. The method comprises the following steps. The preform is first heated to a forming temperature, wherein the heating takes place along a heating section with heating devices in a heating device. The preforms are guided along a transport path in a transport direction through the heating device and move at least partially along the heating devices arranged along the heating section. In the present case, the heating section is therefore the circulation region of the heating device in which the preforms are guided along the heating devices. These heating devices (and thus also the heating sections) can preferably be arranged in the rectilinear circulation regions of the heating device, while the deflection regions, for example, can be free of heating devices.According to the process, a sterilizing fluid is then introduced into the interior of the preform before or within the heating device. The sterilizing fluid is allowed to act at least temporarily while it passes through the heating device and / or heating section. The preform is then rinsed with a rinsing fluid while still within the heating device. Finally, the preform is formed by introducing a filling material under pressure, with the filling material being supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium for expanding the preform and / or for forming the container. The final step is therefore the "Form Fill" or "LiquiForm" mentioned above.

[0013] The combination of the aforementioned process steps increases the efficiency of sterilization, rinsing, and forming, thus simplifying production. In particular, contact of the sterilizing fluid with the contents is avoided. Furthermore, significantly less effort is required for rinsing.

[0014] The rinsing fluid is advantageously fed into the preform through a transport mandrel, which carries the preform through the heating device. This further simplifies and improves production. The rinsing fluid can be sterile air, for example. Inert gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide can also be used as a rinsing fluid. Another possible rinsing fluid could be steam. The rinsing fluid is advantageously selected with regard to the filling material used for forming. For a carbonized filling material, carbon dioxide, for example, could be the preferred rinsing fluid. The rinsing fluid is generally gaseous, i.e., a rinsing gas.

[0015] Rinsing of the preform can advantageously take place in the final part of the heating device, i.e., shortly before the preform is removed from the heating device. This final part can be a fraction of the entire preform transport path through the heating device. In particular, rinsing can take place in a final quarter, fifth, sixth, tenth, or an even smaller fraction of the length of the transport path through the heating device.

[0016] In other words, the preform can be rinsed in a time equal to or less than the last second, or equal to or less than the last half second, before the preform is removed from the heating device. This further reduces the risk of recontamination. Furthermore, it can extend the exposure time of the sterilizing fluid. Finally, this allows rinsing to take place in an area where no heating devices are located, resulting in layout advantages due to less space constraints.

[0017] The sterilizing fluid is preferably filled before the start of tempering or heating the preform, i.e. shortly before or upon entry into the heating section along the heating devices within the heating device.

[0018] The sterilizing fluid can also be fed into the preform using a transport mandrel, which transports the preform through the heating device.

[0019] The preform can advantageously be at least partially and / or temporarily sealed after sterilization. This positively supports the sterilization process. Among other things, this can extend the exposure time of the sterilizing fluid, allowing, for example, smaller quantities and, if necessary, fluids with a lower concentration to be used to achieve the desired level of sterility.

[0020] The introduction of the sterilizing fluid into the preform can advantageously be carried out through the transport mandrel, which carries the preform through the heating device.

[0021] Advantageously, the same transport mandrel can be used to introduce the sterilizing fluid and the rinsing fluid.

[0022] Preferably, the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid can also be led out of the preform through the same transport mandrel.

[0023] Further preferably, the transport mandrel can be equipped with conduit means for supplying and / or discharging the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid.

[0024] According to one aspect, the conduits for supplying and discharging the sterilizing and / or rinsing fluid can be at least partially or completely the same. In this case, the conduits would be used intermittently, i.e., at one time for supplying and at another time for discharging the sterilizing fluid and / or rinsing fluid. Such an intermittent solution is preferably considered for the sterilizing fluid, since it remains in the interior of the preform for a certain period of time. The advantage of this design is its low structural complexity.

[0025] According to another aspect, the conduits for supplying and discharging the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid can also be designed separately from one another. This aspect advantageously enables a continuous flow of the fluids, which is particularly advantageous during a rinsing process.

[0026] Further advantageously, the conduits for supplying and discharging the sterilizing fluid and the rinsing fluid can be designed separately from one another. Accordingly, in this advantageous embodiment, there are separate supply and discharge conduits for the sterilizing fluid and separate supply and discharge conduits for the rinsing fluid. The respective conduits can then be used separately from one another. This aspect reduces waiting and / or changeover times during production.

[0027] Advantageously, the rinsing fluid and / or the sterilizing fluid can be introduced in a directed manner and at an angle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the preform. For this purpose, the transport mandrel can have correspondingly inclined channels. Alternatively or in addition to the previous aspect, the rinsing fluid and / or the sterilizing fluid can be introduced in a directed manner and offset eccentrically relative to a central longitudinal axis. For this purpose, the transport mandrel can have correspondingly offset channels. This facilitates the rinsing process and supports the discharge of the rinsing fluid.

[0028] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for simultaneously forming and filling preforms made of a thermoplastic material into containers. The apparatus comprises a transport device for transporting containers along a transport path, a heating device with a heating section for heating preforms, a forming device for forming preforms into containers, and a sterilizing device for sterilizing the preforms.

[0029] The device is advantageously configured to sterilize the preforms at least temporarily within the heating device. For this purpose, the sterilizing device is designed to introduce a sterilizing fluid into the preforms before or within the heating device. Furthermore, a rinsing fluid can be introduced into the preform within the heating device. The forming device is advantageously configured to feed a filling material under pressure into the preform, wherein the filling material is supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium for expanding the preform and / or for forming the container.

[0030] The device is advantageously configured according to the aspects, embodiments, and features described in this disclosure and, in particular, comprises one or more of the transport mandrels described herein. The disclosure is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device for treating containers under sterile conditions using the example of a treatment device for producing finished containers from preforms,

[0032] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a transport mandrel for the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid and.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a transport mandrel with channels for supplying and removing the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid.

[0034] The illustration in Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for treating containers 2. Here, in a concrete example, a apparatus for producing containers 2 from thermally conditioned preforms 1. The apparatus comprises a container production system 30, which in the embodiment shown here is a rotating forming apparatus 30 with a forming wheel 32 and with several forming stations 31 arranged circumferentially thereon for forming the preforms 1 into containers 2. In the present exemplary embodiment, this is a forming apparatus 30 which forms the containers 2 from the preforms 1 by introducing a filling material under pressure, wherein a hydraulic pressure medium is supplied for expanding the preform 1 and / or for forming the container 2.

[0035] Via a feed 40a, e.g. designed as a feed rail or as an air conveyor, the preforms 1 are transferred to a separating wheel 40, which rotates as indicated by arrow 400, driven by a drive not shown. The preforms 1 are transferred by means of the separating wheel 40 to a heating device 50, which has heating devices 51 along a heating section for thermally conditioning the preforms 1. The preforms 1 are guided in the direction of rotation (transport direction) indicated by arrow 500 along the heating devices 51 or along the corresponding heating sections and then transferred to the rotationally driven transfer wheel 60, which rotates in the direction of arrow 600. From the transfer wheel 60, the preforms 1 are transferred to the forming device 30. By means of the forming stations 31, finished containers 2 are formed from the preforms 1. After the finished containers 2 from the preforms

[0036] 1, they are transferred to an output wheel 70, which rotates in the direction of arrow 700. The containers 2 are then transported away by means of a discharge 70a.

[0037] In a known manner (not shown), the transport of the preforms 1 through the heating device 50 can be carried out by a mandrel chain with transport mandrels 110 connected to form an endless chain. The structure of the heating device 50 is generally known and therefore need not be described in detail here.

[0038] For the continuous conveyance of the preforms 1 or the containers 2 along a transport path through the overall device of Figure 1, the mentioned orbital movements of the mentioned wheels 40, 60, 70, the forming device 30 and the heating device 50 are coordinated with one another, e.g., by synchronization and / or by a common drive. The transport path of the preforms 1 or the containers 2 is defined by the transport path along a partial circumference of the aforementioned plurality of wheels, along a partial circumference of the forming device 30 and along a partial circulation area of ​​the mandrel chain. The arrangement of the spaced-apart preforms 1 and containers shown in Figure 1

[0039] 2, starting from the separating wheel 40 via the heating device 50, then via the transfer wheel 60, continuing via the forming device 30, while the preforms 1 are transformed into finished containers 2 on the forming wheel 32, continuing onto the output wheel 70, and finally ending at the discharge 70a, corresponds to this transport path through the overall arrangement shown. The forming stations 31 of the forming device 30, e.g., in a manner known per se and therefore not shown, consist of multi-part outer molds, against whose inner contour the preforms 1 are expanded by means of filling material. A machine housing 37a, 37b is indicated by dotted lines.

[0040] There is a control unit 20 of the forming device 30. This control unit 20 could also control the heating device 50 or other control functions of the overall device. However, it is also conceivable that additional control units could be provided to perform these additional control functions.

[0041] According to one embodiment, sterilizing fluid for sterilizing the preforms 1 is introduced into the interior of the preform 1 shortly before or upon entry into the heating device 50.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the sterilizing agent can be introduced, for example, at a point ST of the heating device 50. The preform 1 can be at least partially and / or temporarily sealed after the sterilizing fluid has been introduced.

[0043] After sterilization, the preforms 1 are rinsed with a sterile fluid. The rinsing fluid can be sterile air, for example. Inert gases, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, can also be used as the rinsing fluid. Steam could also be a possible rinsing fluid. The rinsing fluid is advantageously selected with regard to the subsequent filling material used for forming. For a carbonized filling material, carbon dioxide, for example, could be a preferred rinsing fluid. The rinsing fluid is generally gaseous, i.e., a rinsing gas.

[0044] Rinsing advantageously takes place within the heating device 50, but in a final section of the transport path, or in a final section of the total length of the transport path of the preform 1 through the heating device 50. The point at which rinsing is performed by supplying the rinsing fluid into the preform interior is marked here, for example, with SP. For example, the passage through the heating device for a preform can take approximately 10 seconds. Rinsing can then take place 1 second, half a second, or an even shorter period before the preform 1 is removed from the heating device 50.

[0045] Furthermore, the supply and / or removal of the sterilizing fluid and / or rinsing fluid into and out of the interior 116 of the preform 1 can be carried out by means of, and in particular by, a transport mandrel, possibly the same one. Advantageous embodiments of the transport mandrel 110 will be discussed below.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of a transport mandrel 110. It comprises a feed section 111 and an applicator 112, which is inserted into the mouth section 11 of the preform 1. The applicator 112 has a base element 113, which is supported by a positioning element 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning element 114 is tubular, and an adjusting element 115 extends through the positioning element 114. The adjusting element 115 opens into a clamping element 117 in the region of its extension facing an interior space 116 (preform interior) of the preform 1.

[0047] A wedge element 118 is arranged between the clamping element 117 and the base element 113. The wedge element 118 has at least one wedge surface 119 for engaging at least one clamping element 120. The clamping element 120 is rounded. Preferably, the clamping element 120 is spherical. The material for the clamping element 120 could be, for example, a ceramic, PEEK, or a ceramic-coated metal.

[0048] In the region of its extension facing the wedge element 118, the clamping element 117 has at least one wedge surface 119. The base element is also provided with at least one wedge surface 119 in the region of its extension facing the wedge element 118. In the illustrated embodiment, at least two clamping elements 120 are thus positioned one behind the other and spaced apart from one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis 121 of the positioning element 114. However, this is optional and not absolutely necessary. Likewise, at least two clamping elements 120 are arranged spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the wedge element 118. Preferably, at least three clamping elements equidistantly spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction are used.

[0049] To insert the applicator 112 into the mouth section 11 of the preform 1 or to remove the applicator 112 from the area of ​​the mouth section 11 of the preform 1, the distance between the clamping element 117 and the base element 113 is increased by positioning the adjusting element 115. The clamping elements 120 can thereby move further into receiving pockets delimited by wedge surfaces 119, 120 or wedge surfaces 119, 123 in the direction of the adjusting element 115 and release the preform 1 relative to the applicator 112. Conversely, when the distance between the clamping element 117 and the base element 113 decreases, the clamping elements 120 are positioned along the wedge surfaces 119, 122, 123 in the direction of the mouth section 11 of the preform 1 and thereby perform a clamping process.

[0050] After positioning the transport mandrel 110, sterilizing fluid is conveyed into the area of ​​the applicator 112 and from there into the interior 116 of the preform 1 using conduits. The conduit means comprise, for example, a feed device 124, a feed chamber 126, and a longitudinal channel 130 in the actuating element 115.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular positioning element 114 has at least one external recess 125 that opens into a feed chamber 126 of the feed device 124. The feed chamber 126 is sealed from the environment by seals 127, 128. The seals 127, 128 can, for example, be designed as O-rings that surround the positioning element 114 on the outside. According to this embodiment, the feed device 124 is formed as part of the applicator 112 and is transported together with it. In this respect, the transport mandrel 110 in the present example comprises the applicator 112 and the feed section with the feed device 124.

[0052] A seal 129 is used to seal the adjusting element 115 relative to the positioning element 114. This seal 129 can also be designed as an O-ring, which is inserted into an external groove-shaped recess of the adjusting element 115.

[0053] To carry out a sterilization process, the sterilizing fluid is introduced into the preform 1 through the feed device 124 and the positioning element 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 115 is also hollow, at least in some areas, so that the sterilizing agent is fed through the hollow area of ​​the actuating element 115. The longitudinal channel 130 thus formed allows for central introduction into the preform 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 121.

[0054] The sterilizing fluid can be drained out of the interior space 116, for example, through the same or other conduit means, such as channels or grooves in the area of ​​the applicator 112.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment, the conduits 124, 126, 130 for supplying the sterilizing fluid can also be used for removing the sterilizing fluid from the interior space 116 of the preform. This would then be an intermittent design.

[0056] The sterilizing fluid is advantageously collected again during drainage. Further exemplary designs for drainage conduits are explained below with reference to Figure 3.

[0057] During the sterilization process, the preform 1 preferably has a temperature of above 80°C in the region of its inner surface to be sterilized. With regard to the sterilizing fluid, the use of hydrogen peroxide is particularly contemplated.

[0058] For example, the sterilization process can begin at a point ST at or shortly before entry into the heating device. At this point, the sterilization fluid can be poured into preform 1.

[0059] The preform 1 can advantageously be at least partially and / or temporarily sealed after the sterilizing agent has been added. This positively supports the sterilization process. Among other things, this can extend the exposure time of the sterilizing fluid, allowing, for example, smaller quantities and, if necessary, fluids with a lower concentration to be used to achieve the desired level of sterility.

[0060] Advantageously, the rinsing fluid is also supplied into the interior 116 of the preform 1 by the transport mandrel 110, which carries the preform 1 through the heating device 50.

[0061] To perform a rinsing process, the rinsing fluid can be introduced into the preform 1 through the feed device 124 and the positioning element 114. In principle, an alternating and intermittent use of the same channels as those of the feed device 124 and the longitudinal channel 130 for introducing the sterilizing fluid and supplying the rinsing fluid is possible.

[0062] According to an advantageous embodiment, the supply device 124 and the actuating element 115 can have separate conduits (channels or longitudinal channels 124, 126, 130) for supplying the rinsing fluid, which are not used for supplying and / or removing the sterilizing fluid. Such an additional, separate longitudinal channel 130 can, for example, enable the rinsing fluid to be introduced centrally into the preform 1 in the inlet direction ER0, i.e., in the direction of and along the central longitudinal axis 121. For example, further conduits, such as channels or grooves in the region of the applicator 112, can be provided to drain the rinsing agent out of the interior space 116. The preform 1 can be rinsed in a final part of the heating device 50, i.e., shortly before the preform 1 is removed from the heating device 50. For example, rinsing can occur at a point SP on the heating device 50.The point SP for rinsing is located significantly later in the direction of the transport path along the heating device 50 than the point ST. The last part of the transport path of the heating device 50 from the point ST can be a fraction of the transport path through the entire heating device 50. In particular, the rinsing can take place in a final quarter, fifth, sixth, tenth, twentieth, or an even smaller fraction of the transport path through the heating device 50 before the preform 1 is removed from the heating device 50.

[0063] In terms of time, the rinsing of the preform 1 can also take place in a time frame that is less than or equal to the last second before the preform 1 is removed from the heating device 50, or equal to or less than the last half second before the preform 1 is removed from the heating device 50. Passing through the heating device 50 for a preform 1 can take less than 20 seconds, preferably about 10 seconds or less.

[0064] As already mentioned, the sterilizing fluid for sterilizing the preform can be supplied through the same transport mandrel 110 as the rinsing fluid during rinsing. The same or different conduits, i.e., supply channels and longitudinal channels 124, 126, 130, can be provided in the transport mandrel 110 for supplying and discharging the sterilizing fluid and the rinsing fluid.

[0065] Advantageously, the supply of the rinsing fluid into the interior 116 of the preform 1 can be directed such that the relevant entry direction ER1 of the rinsing agent is inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis 121 of the preform 1.

[0066] Alternatively or cumulatively, the relevant entry direction ER1 of the rinsing fluid into the interior space 116 of the preform 1 can be offset from the central longitudinal axis 121 of the preform. In other words, the relevant entry point ER1 of the rinsing fluid can be eccentric relative to the central longitudinal axis 121 of the preform 1. This facilitates the rinsing process, in particular, it assists the discharge of the rinsing fluid.

[0067] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a transport mandrel 110 with conduits 126, 130 for supplying and conduits 131, 132, 133, 134 for discharging the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid. The basic functionality and most of the structure correspond to those of the transport mandrel 110 shown in Figure 2 and are therefore not repeated.

[0068] Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid are also guided out of the interior 116 of the preform 1 through the transport mandrel 110. The arrows with the letters A and Z serve to illustrate the feed direction Z and the discharge direction A. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 2, the embodiment in Figure 3 therefore shows additional conduits for discharging the rinsing fluid and / or sterilizing fluid. These conduits comprise a discharge section 131 with a discharge chamber 132, a first discharge channel section 133, and a second discharge channel section 134. As shown in this embodiment, the conduits for supply 126, 130 and discharge 131-134 can be designed separately from one another.

[0069] Advantageously, the lines 126, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134 for the sterilizing fluid and for the rinsing fluid can also be designed separately from one another, for example, by doubling the illustrated lines. The above aspects reduce waiting and / or changeover times during production.

[0070] With regard to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 3, reference is again made to the supply and insertion directions ER0 and ER1. Particularly for supplying the flushing fluid, a directed supply direction ER1 that is inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis and possibly offset can be advantageous compared to a central supply direction ER0. Accordingly, the conduit means (here 130) would have to be designed such that this supply and insertion direction ER1 is achieved. For this purpose, the supply channel can be inclined or angled, for example.

[0071] 1 preform

[0072] II Mouth section of the preform

[0073] 2 finished containers

[0074] 20 Control unit

[0075] 30 Container treatment device, in particular forming device

[0076] 31 forming stations

[0077] 32 forming wheel

[0078] 37a, 37b Housing walls

[0079] 40 Separation wheel

[0080] 40a feeder

[0081] 50 Heating device / Temperature control device

[0082] 51 heating devices along a heating section

[0083] 60 Transfer wheel

[0084] 70 Output wheel

[0085] 70a Transfer

[0086] 90, 90', 90“Connectors

[0087] 110 Transport mandrel

[0088] III Feed section

[0089] 112 Applicator

[0090] 113 Basic element

[0091] 114 Positioning element

[0092] 115 Actuator

[0093] 116 Interior of the preform

[0094] 117 clamping element

[0095] 118 wedge element

[0096] 119 Wedge surface

[0097] 120 clamping element

[0098] 121 Longitudinal axis of the positioning element

[0099] 122 wedge surface

[0100] 123 wedge surface

[0101] 124 Supply device for sterilizing fluid / rinsing fluid

[0102] 125 External recess

[0103] 126 Feed room

[0104] 127, 128 Seals

[0105] 129 Seal

[0106] 130 longitudinal channel

[0107] 131 discharge section

[0108] 132 discharge chamber

[0109] 133 first discharge channel section

[0110] 134 second discharge channel section

[0111] 300 Direction of rotation of the forming wheel of the forming device

[0112] 400 Direction of rotation of the separating wheel 500 Direction of rotation of the transport chain within the heating device

[0113] 600 Direction of rotation of the transfer wheel

[0114] 700 Direction of rotation of the output wheel

[0115] ST Start of sterilization (supply of sterilizing fluid) SP Start of rinsing (supply of rinsing fluid)

[0116] ERO Standard entry direction along central longitudinal axis

[0117] ER1 improved entry direction (eccentric and / or inclined)

[0118] A Drain or discharge direction of the sterilizing fluid and / or rinsing fluid

[0119] Z Inlet or feed direction of the sterilizing fluid and / or rinsing fluid

Claims

Claims 1. A method for the simultaneous forming and filling of preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material into containers (2), the method comprising the following steps: heating the preform (1) to a forming temperature, wherein the heating takes place along a heating section in a heating device (50) by guiding the preforms (1) in a transport direction along a transport path and along heating devices (51) of the heating device (50) arranged along the heating section, introducing a sterilizing fluid into an interior of the preform (1) in front of or within the heating device (50), allowing the sterilizing fluid to act at least temporarily while passing through the heating device (50), rinsing the preform (1) within the heating device (50) with a rinsing fluid, and forming the preform (1) by introducing a filling material under pressure,which is supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium for expanding the preform (1) and / or for forming the container (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rinsing fluid is introduced into the preform (1) through a transport mandrel (110) which carries the preform (1) through the heating device.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rinsing of the preform (1) takes place in a last quarter or a last sixth, a last tenth or shorter section of the remaining length of the transport path of the preform (1) through the heating device (50).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rinsing of the preform (1) takes place in the last second or in the last half second or an even shorter period before the removal of the preform from the heating device (50).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction of the sterilizing fluid into the preform (1) takes place through a transport mandrel (110) which carries the preform (1) through the heating device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the supply of the sterilizing fluid and the supply of the rinsing fluid are effected by the same transport mandrel (110).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sterilizing fluid and / or the rinsing fluid are led out of the preform through the transport mandrel (110).

8. Method according to one of claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein the transport mandrel (110) is equipped with line means, wherein the line means for feeding and removing are designed separately from one another.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the conduit means for the sterilizing fluid and for the rinsing fluid are formed separately from one another.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction of the rinsing fluid and / or the sterilizing fluid is directed and inclined relative to a central longitudinal axis (121) of the preform and / or eccentrically displaced relative to a central longitudinal axis (121).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the preform (1) is at least partially and / or temporarily closed after the introduction of the sterilizing fluid.

12. A device for the simultaneous forming and filling of preforms made of a thermoplastic material into containers, the device comprising: a transport device for transporting containers along a transport path, a heating device (50) with a heating section for heating preforms (1), a forming device for forming preforms (1) into containers (2), a sterilizing device for sterilizing the preforms (1), characterized in that the device is designed to sterilize the preforms (1) at least temporarily within the heating device (50) by the sterilizing device being designed to introduce a sterilizing fluid into the preforms (1) upstream of or within the heating device and to introduce a rinsing fluid into the preform within the heating device (50), the forming device being designed to supply a filling material under pressure into the preform, the filling material is supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium for expanding the preform (1) and / or for forming the container.

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