Device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, in particular for a molding, filling, and closing machine, at least consisting of a sterile filling chamber (10), which is at least partly surrounded by housing parts (12). The device comprises at least one supply device (16), which is provided for supplying at least one filling medium and each of which is longitudinally movably guided in the sterile filling chamber (10) while maintaining a specifiable distance to the housing parts (42), and at least one additional supply device (20) for supplying sterile fluid into the sterile filling chamber (10) along a specifiable flow guide. The device is characterized in that as part of the process of guiding the flow of sterile fluid, the sterile fluid enters the sterile filling chamber (10) laterally via at least one inflow opening (22) and is then guided directly along the inner wall faces (24) of the housing parts (12) adjoining the respective inflow opening (22) and arrives, in divided portions, at the housing parts (12) from the sterile filling chamber (20) in opposite directions via top and bottom outflow openings (26, 28).

Description

[0001] device

[0002] The invention relates to a device, in particular for a forming, filling, and closing machine, comprising at least a filling sterile chamber (ASR) which is at least partially enclosed by housing parts, with at least one feeding device for supplying at least one filling medium, which is longitudinally movable within the filling sterile chamber while maintaining a predefinable distance to the housing parts, and with at least one further feeding device for supplying sterile fluid along a predefinable flow path into the filling sterile chamber. DE 10 2021 003 226 A1 discloses a device for producing formed, filled, and closed container products made of plastic material, comprising a hose head for dispensing at least one hose extruded by means of an extrusion device, and a separating device for separating a preform from the

[0003] Hose, a main form for receiving at least one preform within its preforming process, a transfer device for transferring the preform from the hose head to a filling device for filling via an opening in the preform, and

[0004] - a supply device for a sterile fluid that allows flow around at least one filling mandrel of the filling device, wherein a further supply device for sterile fluid is provided that at least partially protects the opening of the preform in the area below the tube from contamination.

[0005] In this way, even during transport of the respective preform from the tube head area to the forming / filling area of ​​the filling device, the open filling opening of the preform is continuously protected against particulate, chemical, and / or microbiological contamination at every spatial position by means of sterile fluid. In particular, the aim is to ensure that the open filling opening of the preforms is supplied with sterile fluid by a crossflow, essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the preforms and essentially perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The sterile fluid is preferably a low-particle, sterile gas or gas mixtures such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, or similar. Within a single system, different sterile fluids can certainly be used simultaneously, depending on requirements.

[0006] To reduce the risk of contamination in the hose head area, particularly from particles that can be generated when the hose is cut, a ring-shaped suction nozzle surrounding the extrusion head has already been proposed in US 2019 / 0375145A1. The applied negative pressure draws particles upwards, with gas velocities of at least 20 m / s and higher being the target. The upward vertical flow and the high flow velocities have the disadvantage that the resulting negative pressure can simultaneously draw in contaminated ambient air, allowing particles from the ambient air to enter the open hose and thus contaminating the contents of the container.

[0007] The associated contamination risk in the forming / filling area can be reduced if sterile, particle-free air is fed as a sterile gas curtain from top to bottom, and thus as a vertical flow, into the so-called filling sterile chamber (ASR), which continuously surrounds the movable filling mandrels of the feeding device and the open container area. An example of such a solution is shown in WO 2019 / 236526A1, where a telescopically extendable housing is used as the variable sterile chamber.

[0008] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to further improve known solutions while retaining their advantages. A device with the features of claim 1 in its entirety achieves this objective.

[0009] According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the sterile fluid enters the filling sterile chamber laterally via at least one inlet opening and is then guided directly along the inner wall sides of the housing parts adjacent to the inlet opening and exits the filling sterile chamber in opposite directions via outlet openings at the top and bottom of the housing parts, resulting in improved flow guidance for the sterile fluid within the filling sterile chamber. This ensures that individual, spaced-apart filling mandrels of the feed device are uniformly supplied with fluid, thus reliably minimizing particulate, chemical, and / or microbiological contaminants in container products, including ampoules or bottles, manufactured, filled, and sealed according to the BFS process.This applies in particular to indexing machines, i.e. BFS devices and processes, which provide for the transport of an open preform (hose section) from an extrusion position to a different filling position.

[0010] For the production of bottle-like containers with a total volume of more than 30 ml, a combined blowing / filling mandrel, as exemplified in the German Patent Application DE 1 283 141, can also be used as a filling mandrel, which is common in blow molding, so that this will not be discussed in more detail here.

[0011] Preferably, the spatial distribution of the sterile fluid in the filling sterile room is carried out via at least one pressure and volume distribution stage within the flow path.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the quantity distribution ratio of sterile fluid flowing from the head to the foot can be predetermined and is 10 to 40 percent, preferably 20 to 30 percent, at the head and 60 to 90 percent, preferably 70 to 80 percent, of the quantity of sterile fluid supplied to the filling sterile chamber.

[0013] Accordingly, the supplied sterile fluid is also removed from the sterile filling chamber in this predetermined quantity ratio, without any unwanted suction effects from the surroundings, which would otherwise regularly lead to contamination of the contents to be held in the container.

[0014] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flow path for the sterile fluid is designed to run along the inner wall surfaces of the housing parts of the filling sterile chamber such that a portion of the sterile fluid is guided parallel to and along the longitudinal orientation of each filling dome of the feed device. In this way, the known area for generating a sterile gas curtain is exited from top to bottom, and starting from a central inlet area, the sterile fluid can be divided and guided in opposite directions along each filling mandrel of the feed device. This results in an improved distribution of the sterile fluid within the filling sterile chamber, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the filling sterile chamber with its housing parts forms, in cross-section, two chalice- or bell-shaped bowls, which are arranged adjacent to each other with their free edges, and between them define the inflow opening as part of the flow guide for the entry of the sterile fluid into the filling sterile chamber. Preferably, the adjacent bowls have a longitudinal extension such that several feed devices in the form of the filling mandrels are accommodated in parallel arrangement in the filling sterile chamber.It has been shown that, due to the chalice or bell shape, the sterile fluid introduced laterally into the filling chamber adheres to the corresponding curved or conical areas on the inside of the housing components, which essentially define the filling chamber. This leads to the previously mentioned improved distribution of the sterile fluid within the filling chamber. The housing shells for the filling chamber, as discussed here, form a kind of surface support structure, which is appropriately curved and can absorb loads both vertically (like a plate) and in its plane (like a disk). Thus, even with reduced wall thickness of the housing, reliable control of the forces occurring, along with improved force transmission during operation, is achieved.It is understood that for the introduction of the sterile fluid into the filling sterile chamber, a corresponding flow guide for the sterile fluid is also necessary outside, wherein according to the invention it is provided that outside the filling sterile chamber the flow guide has a channel network which in the installed or operating state has at least one horizontally extending first channel, which is supplied from the outside and from which the sterile fluid first enters at least one vertically extending transfer channel, in order to then be forwarded to a horizontally extending distribution channel, from which the sterile fluid enters at least one distribution chamber and from there is led via the slit-shaped inflow opening into the interior of the filling sterile chamber which is at least partially enclosed by the housing parts.In this way, a relatively short distribution path is achieved between the injection of the sterile fluid into the sewer network and its discharge into the filling sterile room.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of the other dependent claims.

[0017] The device according to the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the drawing. The drawing is shown in a general and not to scale representation.

[0018] Figure 1 in perspective top view parts of a housing for a filling sterile room (ASR) with a channel network as part of the flow guidance for a sterile fluid and supply lines as part of a cleaning system;

[0019] Figure 2, in the form of an exploded view, shows components of the device according to Figure 1, but without the filling domes;

[0020] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the device according to Figure 1 with the hose gripper arranged underneath in partial view; and Figure 4 shows a side view of the object according to Figure 3 in the direction of arrow X.

[0021] The device shown in the figures, in particular intended for a forming, filling, and closing machine, has at least one filling sterile chamber (ASR) 10, which is at least partially enclosed by housing parts 12 of an overall housing 14. The device further has at least one feed device 16 for supplying at least one filling medium, which in particular consists of individual filling mandrels 18 that are longitudinally movable within the filling sterile chamber 10 while maintaining a predefinable distance to the housing parts 12. In addition, a further feed device 20 is provided for supplying sterile fluid along a predefinable flow path into the filling sterile chamber 10. Within the flow path, the sterile fluid enters the filling sterile chamber 10 laterally through at least one inlet opening 22.The sterile fluid is then guided directly along the inner wall surfaces 24 of the housing parts 12, which adjoin the respective inlet opening 22. The flow path is indicated in Figure 3 by opposing arrows Y and Z. In this way, the fluid flowing into the filling sterile chamber 10 is divided by volume and guided towards the top and bottom outlet openings 26 and 28, respectively, in the housing parts 12. During normal operation, the sterile fluid can exit the filling sterile chamber 10 through these outlet openings 26 and 28.

[0022] The spatial distribution of the sterile fluid within the filling sterile chamber 10 is achieved via at least one pressure and volume distribution stage within the flow path, optionally incorporating control valves, which is common practice and therefore will not be discussed in further detail here. The ratio of sterile fluid flowing from the top to the bottom, indicated by arrows Y and Z, is such that 10 to 40%, preferably 20 to 30%, is discharged at the top, while 60 to 90%, preferably 70 to 80%, is discharged at the bottom. This ratio is based on the amount of sterile fluid supplied to the filling sterile chamber 10, which also exits the filling sterile chamber 10 in this ratio via the top and bottom discharge openings 26 and 28, respectively.

[0023] It is understood that the flow path for the sterile fluid along the inner wall surfaces 24 of the housing parts 12 of the filling sterile chamber 10 is designed such that at least a portion of the sterile fluid flows parallel to and along the longitudinal orientation of each filling mandrel 18 of the feed device 16. In this way, a very good distribution of the sterile fluid within the filling sterile chamber 10 with its filling mandrels 18 is achieved.

[0024] As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the filling sterile chamber 10 with its two opposing housing parts 12 forms, in cross-section, two chalice- or bell-shaped bowls 30, 32, which are arranged adjacent to each other with their free edges surrounding each other, and between them define the respective inlet opening 22 as part of the flow guide for the entry of the sterile fluid into the filling sterile chamber 10.

[0025] As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, the adjacent trays 30, 32 have a predetermined longitudinal extension such that several feeding devices 16, now in the form of eight filling mandrels 18, are accommodated in the filling sterile chamber 10 in the parallel arrangement shown. The bowl 30, located at the top, has a smaller depth when viewed parallel to the longitudinal orientation of the filling mandrels 18 than the bowl 32 located at the bottom. A fictitious truncated pyramid with a rectangular base can be inscribed in each bowl 30, 32, with at least partial inner contact. The taper of this truncated pyramid along its longitudinal sides 36 is greater for the bowl 30 at the top than for the bowl 32 at the bottom. The respective fictitious truncated pyramid 34, with its correspondingly opposing longitudinal sides 36, is shown with dashed lines in Figure 3.

[0026] As can be further seen from Figures 1 to 3, the flow path for the sterile fluid outside the filling sterile chamber 10 comprises a channel network 38, which, in the installation or operating state shown, has two horizontally extending first channels 40. Each of these channels is supplied with sterile fluid from the outside via a central, horizontally extending inlet 42. From each horizontally extending channel 40, which can also be subdivided into individual channel sections, the sterile fluid passes through individual transfer points 44, a total of six, into vertically extending transfer channels 46, in order to be subsequently directed into a horizontally extending distribution channel 48. As can be seen particularly from Figure 2, there are two distribution channels 48, each opposite the other. Each distribution channel 48 is closed at the top by a cover plate 49, which carries components of the channel network 38 divided equally between the two plates.Starting from the respective distribution channel 48, the sterile fluid then enters a corresponding distribution chamber 50 with a predefinable longitudinal extent and from there again via the slit-shaped inlet opening 22 with a likewise predefinable longitudinal extent into the filling sterile chamber 10. Both distribution chamber 50 and inlet opening 22 extend over the entire oval outer circumference of the respective housing part 12, whereby the upper housing part 12 engages in the lower housing part 12 along the free inner edge, leaving the slit-shaped inlet opening 22 free.

[0027] As previously explained, during the flow process, the sterile fluid from the filling sterile chamber 10 flows outwards in the outflow area via outlet openings 28 at the top and bottom. These outlet openings are penetrated by the individual filling mandrels 18, at least during the production process for container products, and at least partially alter the free opening cross-section of the outlet openings 28 at the top and bottom. This is particularly evident from the illustrations in Figures 3 and 4. Since the extruded tube or container opening is located below the free dispensing opening of the respective filling mandrel 18, the outlet opening 28 at the bottom ensures that this sensitive area is also kept free of any kind of contamination.Since the flow pattern in the filling sterile chamber 10 regularly creates a predominantly positive pressure, which permanently causes the flow to be discharged via the outflow openings 26, 28, it is also ensured that an unintended negative pressure does not occur inside the filling sterile chamber 10, and consequently, that ambient air, which is regularly considered contaminated, does not flow in. Thus, the solution according to the invention allows for low-contamination filling of container products using the respective filling mandrel 18, which, via its internal channel, allows the introduction of various types of filling media in the usual manner, which is common practice and therefore will not be discussed in further detail here.

[0028] As further shown in Figures 3 and 4, the individual filling mandrels 18 have a stepped geometry with a sealing cone 54 arranged on their outer circumference, so that as soon as the filling mandrel 18 is moved to an upper end position during shutdown, the respective sealing cone 54 comes into contact with the circumferential wall sections of the associated head-side outflow opening 26, which in this area has a sealing system for the system with the sealing cone 54, so that the filling sterile chamber 10 is closed off at the top for a cleaning process. The bottom 66 of the housing 14 is tightly closed with a sliding closure (not shown), so that the filling sterile chamber 10 and the filling mandrels 18 can be cleaned by supplying cleaning fluid to the filling sterile chamber 10 from the outside via a spray bulb 56 and supply lines 58.

[0029] As can be seen particularly from the longitudinal section in Figure 4, the bottom outlet openings 28 and the bottom outlet openings for the bottom outflow of the sterile fluid from the filling sterile chamber 10 differ partially in their cross-sectional area. Preferably, the two bottom outlet openings 60 arranged at the ends have a larger cross-sectional area than the bottom outlet openings 62 arranged between them. In the preferred embodiment, approximately 20 to 30% of the sterile gas flows upwards through the annular outflow gaps in the form of the top outlet openings 26, whereby each filling mandrel 18 is circumferentially surrounded by the gas flow upwards. Furthermore, approximately 70 to 80% of the gas flows downwards through the bottom outlet openings in the housing 14 via the bottom outlet openings 28.For the six central filling mandrels 18, viewed in the direction of Figure 4, the bottom-side outlet openings 28 have a circular cross-section, whereas the two end-side filling mandrels 18 with the associated lower housing parts 12 form bottom-side outlet openings 28 with a larger cross-sectional area, in particular in an oval shape. Furthermore, the two outer filling mandrels 18, viewed in the direction of Figure 4, are positioned asymmetrically and offset inwards in the respective oval elongated hole that serves as the bottom-side outlet opening 28.

[0030] As already indicated, in the prior art a so-called problematic "pumping effect" can occur, i.e., pressure fluctuations lead to the unintended intake of outside air through the bottom openings or the foot-side exhaust openings 28. This is particularly due to the varying outer diameter of the filling mandrels 18 along their length and their movement within the foot-side exhaust openings 28. The aforementioned pumping effect can easily lead to contamination of the filling sterile chamber 10 as well as the mandrel surface of the filling mandrels 18.

[0031] To counteract this, the individual filling mandrels 18 have a stepped geometry, which makes it possible to keep the sum of the area areas of the gap cross-sections for the outflow constant during production, regardless of the respective filling mandrel position, when gas flows downwards and upwards on both sides.

[0032] The annular inflow gap, forming the inflow opening 22, has a preferred width of 1 to 5 mm, whereas the respective downwardly adjoining overflow channel or the respective bottom-side outflow opening 28 has a preferred width of 2 to 6 mm. In contrast, the outflow annular gap in the form of the respective top-side outflow opening 26 has a width of 2 to 5 mm. For a preferred overall width of the filling sterile chamber 10 of more than 300 mm, at least six vertical inlets in the form of transfer channels 46 are preferably required for a uniform introduction of sterile fluid; however, for a smaller width of the filling sterile chamber 10, four vertical transfer channels 46 are also quite sufficient. All transfer channels 46 are arranged in rows and distributed equally across the two cover plates 49.Due to the precise division of the total volume flow into several, in the case shown six, individual vertical volume flows already outside the filling sterile chamber 10, which are guided via the transfer channels 46, an inclination of the airflow within the filling sterile chamber 10 can be avoided, thereby achieving a stable and uniform flow along the circumference of the respective filling mandrel 18.

[0033] The described turbulent but directed flow pattern with several stages for uniform distribution and pressure reduction allows the gas flow containing sterile fluid to be supplied to the interior of the filling sterile chamber housing 14 with a largely homogeneous pressure and velocity. Furthermore, the gas pressure of approximately 90 Pa within the horizontal distributor, in the form of the two distribution channels 48 (relative to the surrounding distribution chamber 50), can be reduced to 60 Pa and subsequently, via the inlet gap and the surrounding inlet opening 22, to approximately 20 Pa in the filling sterile chamber 10, reliably and without interference.

[0034] During production, the distance between the base 66 of the housing 14 of the filling sterile chamber 10 and an adjacent hose gripper 64 below it is advantageously adjusted to less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm. This, in conjunction with the geometries of the base openings 60 and 62 already described, enables an induction-free outflow of the sterile gas from the ASR housing 14.

[0035] As already mentioned, for cleaning and / or sterilizing the filling sterile chamber 10, the individual filling mandrels 18 are fully retracted upwards into the filling sterile chamber 10, where they tightly seal the upper outflow annular gap in the form of the top-side outflow opening 26 with their respective sealing cones 54. Subsequently, the entire housing 14 of the filling sterile chamber 10 is moved upwards, thus increasing the distance between the bottom 66 of the housing 14 of the filling sterile chamber 10 and the hose gripper 64 to 70 mm to 300 mm, preferably to 100 mm to 200 mm, so that the bottom 66 of the filling sterile chamber housing 14 can then be closed on the bottom side with a corresponding sealing slide (not shown). Cleaning and sterilization are carried out regularly by means of cleaning agents or steam, which are introduced into the filling sterilization room 10 by means of the spray or spray ball 56.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Device, in particular for a forming, filling and closing machine, comprising at least a filling sterile chamber (10) which is at least partially enclosed by housing parts (12), with at least one feeding device (16) provided for supplying at least one filling medium, which is guided longitudinally in the filling sterile chamber (10) while maintaining a predefinable distance to the housing parts (42) and with at least one further feeding device (20) for supplying sterile fluid along a predefinable flow path into the filling sterile chamber (10), characterized in that, within the framework of the flow path, the sterile fluid enters the filling sterile chamber (10) laterally via at least one inlet opening (22) and is then guided directly along the inner wall sides (24) of the housing parts (12),which adjoin the respective inlet opening (22) and are divided by quantity in opposite directions via top and bottom outlet openings (26, 28) in the housing parts (12) from the filling sterile chamber (20).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spatial distribution of the sterile fluid in the filling sterile chamber (10) takes place via at least one pressure and volume distribution stage within the flow guide.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ratio of the sterile fluid flowing from the top to the bottom can be predetermined and is 10 to 40 percent, preferably 20 to 30 percent, on the top side, and 60 to 90 percent, preferably 70 to 80 percent, on the bottom side, of the amount of sterile fluid supplied to the filling sterile chamber (10), which exits from the filling sterile chamber (10) in this respective ratio.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow guidance for the sterile fluid along the inner wall sides (24) of the housing parts (12) of the filling sterile chamber (10) is carried out in such a way that a part of the sterile fluid flows parallel to and along the longitudinal orientation of a respective filling dome (18) of the feed device (16).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling sterile chamber (10) with its housing parts (12) forms in cross-section two chalice- or bell-shaped bowls (30, 32) which are arranged adjacent to each other with their free edges, and between them define the respective inflow opening (22) as part of the flow guide for the entry of the sterile fluid into the filling sterile chamber (10).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjacent trays (30, 32) have a longitudinal extension such that several feed devices (16) are accommodated in parallel arrangement in the filling sterile chamber (10).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bowl (30) arranged at the head end has a smaller bowl depth parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the filling mandrels (18) than the bowl (32) arranged at the foot end.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fictitious truncated pyramid (34) with a rectangular base can be inscribed in the respective shell (30, 32) under at least partial contact with it, the conicity of which along its longitudinal sides (36) is greater for the top shell (30) than for the bottom shell (32).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow guide for the sterile fluid outside the filling sterile chamber (10) has a channel network (38) which in the installed or operating state has at least one horizontally extending first channel (40) which is supplied from the outside (42) and from which the sterile fluid first enters at least one vertically extending transfer channel (46) in order to then be directed to a horizontally extending distribution channel (48), from which the sterile fluid enters at least one distribution chamber (50) and from there via the respective slit-shaped inflow opening (22) into the filling sterile chamber (10) which is at least partially enclosed by the housing parts (12).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, within the framework of the flow guidance, the sterile fluid from the filling sterile chamber (10) in the outflow area reaches the outside via head (26) and foot (28) outflow openings, which are penetrated at least during the production process for container products by individual filling mandrels (18) which at least partially change the free opening cross-section of the head (26) and / or foot (28) outflow openings.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective filling mandrel (18) has different outer diameters.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot-side outflow openings (28) or bottom openings for bottom-side outflow of the sterile fluid from the filling sterile chamber (10) differ partially in their cross-sectional area from one another, preferably the two end-side The floor openings arranged (60) have a larger cross-sectional area than the floor openings arranged between them (62).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (14) of the filling sterilization chamber (10) has at least one feed (58) for a cleaning and / or sterilization medium, preferably using at least one spray ball (56).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical distance of a lower edge of the housing (14) of the sterile chamber (10) to an upper edge of an associated hose gripper (64) is variable, preferably selected to be smaller during the production process for container products than during the cleaning and / or sterilization process.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the production process for container products, the further flow guidance of the sterile fluid after exiting the filling sterile chamber (10) at the bottom takes place between the upper edge of the hose gripper (64) and the bottom (66) of the filling sterile chamber housing (14), wherein their vertical distance is preferably less than 20 mm, particularly preferably less than 15 mm.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for cleaning or sterilization, the distance between the upper edge of the hose gripper (64) and the bottom (66) of the filling sterile chamber housing (14) is between 70 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm, and the filling sterile chamber (10) can be closed at the bottom by means of an associated closing slide.

Images