Method and device for sterilising a forming station
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/060190
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-17
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure EP2026060190_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Eisenführ Speiser
[0002] 5
[0003] 0
[0004] Hamburg, April 8, 2026
[0005] Our reference number: KH 478-02WO
[0006] 5 Applicant / Owner: KHS GmbH
[0007] Official file number: New registration
[0008] 0
[0009] KHS GmbH
[0010] Juchostraße 20, 44143 Dortmund,
[0011] Method and apparatus for sterilizing a forming station
[0012] 5
[0013] The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of claim 18. Preferably, it relates to a method and a device for sterilizing a forming station, e.g., a blow molding station in a forming machine, e.g., a blow molding machine or a forming and filling machine for manufacturing bottles by forming.
[0014] The production of containers by blow molding from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, for example, from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) preforms, is known from DE 4340291 A1. The thermally conditioned preforms are fed to different processing stations within a blow molding machine. Typically, a blow molding machine has a heating unit for tempering or thermally conditioning the preforms, as well as a blow molding unit with at least one blowing station, in which the previously tempered preform is expanded into a container. The expansion is carried out using a pressurized gas, which is introduced into the preform to be expanded at a pressure. The process is explained in the aforementioned DE 4340291 A1. The basic structure of a blow molding station is described in DE 42 12583 A1.Temperature control or thermal conditioning refers to heating the preform to a temperature suitable for blow forming and, if necessary, imprinting a temperature profile onto the preform. Blow forming of containers from preforms, using a stretching bar to extend the preforms, is also known.
[0015] Containers produced by blow molding are typically fed to a subsequent filling unit and filled with the intended product or material. This requires the use of separate blow molding machines and filling machines. These can also be combined into a single machine unit, although blow molding and filling still occur on separate machine components and sequentially.
[0016] It is also already known to form the containers from the preforms using the fill material itself, i.e., using the fill material as a hydraulic pressure medium, see DE 102010007541 A1 and US 7,914,726 B2. Thus, the respective preform is simultaneously transformed into the container by a hydraulic forming process. This forming process can also be supported by the use of a stretching bar. This type of machine is referred to here as a forming and filling machine.
[0017] Sterilization (also called sterilization) in this context refers to a germicidal treatment, for example, using chemical sterilizing fluids. The present disclosure should be viewed in the context of the fact that, for example, germ-sensitive beverages must be filled under aseptic or sterile conditions to achieve the desired shelf life. This requires, for example, that the containers into which the beverages are filled meet these sterile conditions, meaning that at least the surfaces in contact with the contents are largely germ-free, such that a sterilization treatment has been carried out to kill microorganisms. For this purpose, finished containers can be sterilized before filling, or preforms can be sterilized before being formed into containers, thereby preventing subsequent recontamination. In this way, both the preforms and the containers subsequently produced from them can be sterilized.
[0018] In addition to sterilizing the preforms and / or containers, the machines or components of the devices are also kept as sterile as possible or are repeatedly sterilized. Among other things, it is known to sterilize the blow molds in which the preforms are transformed into expanded containers. For example, DE 102009061262 A1 discloses sterilizing the blow molds via the drawing bar. This involves a sterilization device configured to sterilize areas of the molding tool, in this case the blow mold, wherein the sterilization device has at least one outlet opening for a sterilizing agent for sterilizing the blow mold, and this outlet opening is located in the drawing bar and / or in the pressurization device. Other methods for sterilizing the blow molds are known, for example, from DE 102018131396 A1, EP 2 170580 A1, EP 2283991 A1, EP 2283992 A1, EP 2495089 A1 or EP 2 818302 A1.
[0019] However, all known devices and methods are inflexible and difficult to adapt to different applications, and in particular, can only be retrofitted with great effort.
[0020] The object of the present invention is to create a method and a device for sterilizing forming stations of a forming machine that is more flexible than conventional methods and devices.
[0021] The object of the invention is achieved by a method for sterilizing forming stations of a forming wheel of a forming machine. The forming machine can, in particular, be a blow molding machine, stretch blow molding machine, or forming and filling machine.
[0022] In this context, "forming" is generally considered a generic term encompassing both blow molding with compressed gas and forming using a filler material in a molding and filling machine. Compressed gas and filler material are referred to as the pressure medium. The term "forming machine" serves as a generic term for blow molding machines, stretch blow molding machines, and molding and filling machines. The forming wheel includes the blow molding wheel (with and without stretching) and the wheel of a molding and filling machine (forming and filling wheel). The term "forming station" encompasses both the term "forming and filling station" and the term "blow molding station." The term "forming head" is the generic term for both a forming and filling head and a blow molding head. The forming tool is the generic term for both the forming tool of the molding and filling machine and the blow mold of a blow molding station. Similarly, the term "forming nozzle" encompasses both the blow molding nozzle and the forming and filling nozzle, and "forming valve(s)" encompasses both the blow molding valve(s) and the forming and filling valve(s).
[0023] The forming machine is set up to produce expanded containers from preforms made of a thermoplastic material by applying a pressure medium through a forming nozzle.
[0024] Within the forming machine, there is a forming device / forming unit, for example, a forming and filling unit or a blow molding unit with a forming wheel (e.g., a blow molding wheel or a forming and filling wheel). The forming wheel can have multiple forming stations. The forming stations can be arranged on a rotating carrier. Each forming station can have a forming tool (e.g., a blow mold or the forming tool of a forming and filling station) and a forming head. The forming head can include a forming nozzle, a drawing bar, and forming valves.
[0025] Each forming tool can assume an open and a closed state and, in the closed state, form a cavity in which the forming process of the preform into the expanded container takes place.
[0026] The present disclosure provides a device, in particular a sterilization device, comprising a sterilization head. The sterilization device with the sterilization head and methods based thereon are described in more detail below.
[0027] According to the present disclosure, sterilization is advantageously carried out by means of a separate sterilization device, meaning that the sterilization device advantageously does not rotate with the forming wheel or is not permanently mechanically connected to it. The sterilization device is arranged outside the forming wheel and can, for example, be placed on the outside of the forming machine or mounted at a location outside the forming wheel. Sterilization is advantageously carried out when the forming tool is empty, i.e., when neither a preform nor a container is present in the forming tool. During sterilization, the forming wheel is advantageously stationary. Sterilization takes place in a dedicated process step before or after production. During production, the sterilization device has no contact with the forming station or the forming tool. The arrangement of the device is located outside the forming wheel.Any feed lines and processing equipment are also located outside the forming wheel. Therefore, no rotational distribution within the forming wheel is required.
[0028] The sterilization unit can be configured to perform sterilization using a sterilizing fluid. The sterilizing fluid can be liquid or gaseous. The sterilizing fluid can be hydrogen peroxide or another suitable agent.
[0029] The sterilization unit can have at least one supply line that feeds a sterilizing agent into the conversion station.
[0030] The sterilization unit may also have at least one drain through which the sterilizing fluid can be removed from the conversion station.
[0031] Advantageously, the sterilizing fluid can be introduced and exited in gaseous form. The sterilizing fluid then flows through specific sections or parts of the forming station and sterilizes the corresponding surfaces.
[0032] According to one aspect, to sterilize a forming station, e.g. a forming tool, a sterilization head can be introduced, advantageously automatically, from outside the forming wheel to a forming tool.
[0033] In a first embodiment, the interior of the (closed) mold can be supplied with sterilizing fluid by the sterilization unit. For this purpose, the sterilizing fluid can be supplied via at least one supply line to the sterilization unit.
[0034] The sterilization head can be set up to be placed (e.g. lowered) onto the closed forming tool between the forming nozzle / forming head and the forming tool in order to create a tight connection between the sterilization head and the forming tool.
[0035] The sterilization head can be advantageously clamped between the forming head or forming nozzle and the forming tool. The forming head can be lowered for this purpose. It is advantageous for the sterilization head to be equipped with a seal on the side facing the forming tool, which then creates a completely airtight connection.
[0036] After the sterilization head has been attached and clamped, the sterilizing fluid can be introduced into the cavity of the closed mold to sterilize the mold from the inside.
[0037] The sterilization head is advantageously (automatically or semi-automatically) inserted into the forming station and the forming nozzle (automatically or semi-automatically) lowered onto the sterilization head to create a tight connection.
[0038] The sterilization head can additionally be equipped with appropriate seals, especially on the side of the molding tool.
[0039] For improved distribution, the supply line into the mold can be extended (pipe). The outlet can then be located in the neck area of the mold. This improves the distribution of the sterilizing fluid.
[0040] In an alternative design, the outlet could also be extended or longer than the inlet. Then the sterilizing fluid would flow in a different direction.
[0041] In principle, it would also be possible to work without a drain if the necessary precautions are taken to allow the sterilizing fluid to be released into the environment.
[0042] The base of the sterilization unit is always located outside the forming wheel. The supply lines and processing devices are also located outside the forming wheel, so no rotary distribution is required. An advantageous aspect is that the forming head or forming nozzle can be sterilized via the sterilization head, either additionally or alternatively to the forming tool. For this purpose, the sterilization unit can be designed with at least one (additional) supply line or at least one (additional) supply and at least one (additional) outlet, configured to feed sterilizing fluid into the forming nozzle.
[0043] A separate or additional outlet can be arranged at the upper end of the forming nozzle to generate a directed flow from the sterilization device or sterilization head through the forming nozzle.
[0044] To reduce residual sterilizing fluid, the process can be rinsed with sterile air, which can also be warmed. To prevent condensation, preheating the surfaces with warm / hot air is also an option.
[0045] Advantageously, the forming valves can also be sterilized via the sterilization head. For this purpose, the sterilization device or sterilization head can have a supply line or at least one (additional) supply line and at least one (additional) return line that feeds the sterilizing agent through the forming nozzle into the forming valves.
[0046] In this configuration, a separate or additional outlet can be arranged at the upper end of the forming valves to generate a directed flow from the device through the forming nozzle and the forming valves.
[0047] According to one embodiment, the forming station, e.g., the forming tool, the forming nozzle, and possibly also the forming valves and / or the forming head, can be temperature-controlled during sterilization. For temperature control, the components can have internal heating elements (e.g., electric).
[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the forming station can be purged with hot air, at least in sections or components. These measures can improve the sterilizing effect and prevent condensation or deposits on the inner surfaces of the forming tools. The surfaces to be sterilized can therefore either be heated or preheated with hot air. Then, vaporized hydrogen peroxide is introduced and sterilizes the surfaces. Condensation is prevented. Subsequently, the vaporized hydrogen peroxide is purged with hot air.
[0049] Alternatively, the sterilizing fluid could be introduced as steam and condensed on the mold surfaces, then evaporated and rinsed away by warm / hot (sterile) air.
[0050] From this perspective, cooler surfaces are advantageous. According to this alternative, the surfaces to be sterilized (forming tool, forming nozzle, forming valves, forming head, etc.) are cold and kept cold to force condensation of the evaporated sterilizing fluid (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) on these surfaces. Condensation ensures complete wetting with the sterilizing fluid, e.g., hydrogen peroxide. Activation and removal can then be carried out with (sterile) hot air.
[0051] The two aforementioned alternatives for tempering and cooling mold tool surfaces can also be combined.
[0052] According to one aspect, the temperature could be monitored during each tempering process in order to maintain a defined temperature of the surfaces and / or the sterilizing fluid.
[0053] According to one aspect, flow and / or mass sensors can be provided to monitor the amount of sterilizing fluid.
[0054] A control system can be provided to regulate the treatment time. For example, one control system regulates the temperature of the sterilizing fluid, and another regulates the temperature of the mold. A further control system regulates the quantity of the treatment agent.
[0055] The sterilization process can be adapted to the mold geometry and / or volume by adjusting the amount of sterilizing fluid and / or the treatment time. Advantageously, the drawing bar can also be sterilized, at least in sections, via the sterilization head. In this case, the sterilizing fluid can be guided along the forming nozzle and the drawing bar, with the drawing bar often forming part of the path for the forming air or being surrounded by such a path.
[0056] In one embodiment, the pull-up bar can be lowered during the sterilization of the molding tool in order to also be sterilized during the sterilization of the molding tool.
[0057] The sterilization system can be advantageously monitored by a control and regulation system that monitors all necessary parameters. Temperature sensors, flow sensors, and / or optical sensors can be advantageously used for monitoring and control to monitor and regulate the sterilization process.
[0058] The sterilizing fluid can be supplied from a reservoir outside the converter wheel.
[0059] In summary, the present disclosure enables the sterilization of a forming station with a forming tool, but also a forming nozzle and also the channels used for supplying the forming air.
[0060] For this purpose, a feed device in the form of a sterilization head from a sterilization unit is positioned between the raised forming nozzle and the forming tool. This feed device can serve either solely for feeding the sterilizing fluid or for both feeding and draining it.
[0061] According to one aspect, the feeding device is exclusively a feeding device into the closed mold.
[0062] According to another aspect, the only provision is for the supply to the open end of the forming die. According to yet another aspect, the supply of sterilizing fluid to the forming tool and forming die occurs simultaneously, e.g., via separate channels. Regarding the sterilization of the forming tool, it is provided that the forming tool is moved into a target position. The forming tool is then opened, and after the supply unit is moved into its operating position, the mold is closed again. Opening and closing the forming tool has the advantage that a supply tube projecting into the interior of the forming tool can be moved into the operating position, i.e., into the interior of the forming tool. Opening and closing is not necessary if the process is carried out without such a supply tube.
[0063] Alternatively, the feed tube can be extended from the feed device in the axial direction of the mold.
[0064] The sterilization process can be carried out analogously to known sterilization processes of preforms, i.e. a gaseous medium can be supplied, which e.g. flows in continuously and is continuously removed.
[0065] According to one aspect, a vaporous medium is supplied, which condenses on the mold halves and the bottom mold, and is then evaporated by the supply of heat.
[0066] To avoid residues of the sterilizing fluid, the sterilizing medium can be supplied in gaseous form and / or, if using a vaporous medium, the mold can be brought to an elevated temperature so that condensation just does not occur.
[0067] According to one aspect, the increased temperature for the outer shape could be achieved in a preliminary step via the feeding device, for example by first supplying hot air and allowing it to flow through the shape for a certain period of time.
[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the mold can be heated electrically or in other known ways.
[0069] The temperature is set according to the available sterilization time. The sterilizing fluid (efficacy) is also selected based on the time frame, e.g., one with a higher concentration. It is advantageous to sterilize the forming stations (forming tool and / or forming head, forming nozzle, and, if applicable, forming valves) in parallel with other sterilization processes of a system with a forming machine, e.g., during the sterilization of an aseptic filling line. This ensures that the same amount of time is available for sterilizing the forming machine itself.
[0070] According to one aspect, several forming stations are sterilized simultaneously, e.g. by the sterilization unit and / or the sterilization head or the feeding unit supplying several stations at the same time.
[0071] According to one aspect, serial sterilization of forming stations is planned.
[0072] Another aspect is the provision for parallel sterilization of forming stations.
[0073] It is advantageous to use two independent sterilization units or supply units for two stations simultaneously.
[0074] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description below and from the claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show:
[0075] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station with a sterilization device according to a first embodiment in a first position.
[0076] Fig. 2 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station with a sterilization device according to a first embodiment in a second position.
[0077] Fig. 3 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station with a sterilization device according to a first embodiment in a third position.
[0078] Fig. 4 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station with a sterilization unit according to a second embodiment in a first position. Fig. 5 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station with a sterilization unit according to a second embodiment in a second position.
[0079] Fig. 6 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station with a sterilization device according to a second embodiment in a third position and
[0080] Fig. 7 is a highly simplified schematic representation of a forming machine or stretch blow molding machine according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0081] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic view of a forming station 3 (e.g., a blow molding station or a forming and filling station) with a sterilization device 9 according to a first embodiment in a first position P1. The forming station 3 comprises a forming tool 4 and a forming head 6. The forming head 6 includes, for example, a number of valves 7 or a valve block 7, a drawing bar 8, and a forming nozzle 10. Further details have been omitted here for the sake of simplicity. It is also only symbolically indicated that the forming station 3 is located on a forming wheel 32, as shown in Fig. 7.
[0082] In the mold 4, or rather in the interior or cavity 13 of the mold 4, preforms 102 are expanded to form containers 103. For this purpose, the forming nozzle 10 is placed on the neck of the mold 4. Using the stretching rod 8, the pre-tempered preform 102 is stretched inside 13 of the mold 4 and then pressurized with a pressure medium until it has expanded. The supply and control of the pressure medium is carried out by means of the valves 7.
[0083] Sterilization of the molding tool 4 takes place when neither a preform 102 nor an expanded container 103 is in the molding tool, i.e. in a separate process step.
[0084] In addition to the forming tool 4, the sterilization unit 9 is located. This unit comprises a sterilization head 16. The sterilization head 16 is connected to a base 23 of the sterilization unit 9 via at least one inlet 19 and at least one outlet 20 for sterilizing fluid. If the environment is adequately protected, the outlet 20 could also be omitted, so that the sterilizing fluid 15 is released into the environment. Sterilizing fluid can be conveyed to and returned from the sterilization head 16 via the inlet and outlet lines 19 and 20. For example, a reservoir 18 for sterilizing fluid 15 is located at the base 23 of the sterilization unit 9. It is also possible, in principle, to provide only one inlet 19 on the sterilization unit 9 and to discharge the sterilizing fluid 15 by other means. The base 23 can serve as a carrier for the sterilization head 16 and may include inlets and outlets.continue and, if necessary, take over tax and regulatory tasks.
[0085] In the first position P1 of Fig. 1, the sterilization device 9 is in a rest position. In this position, the sterilization head 16 is located outside the forming wheel 32 and outside the forming station 3, and is therefore also spaced apart from the forming tool 4.
[0086] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic view of a forming station 3 with a sterilization unit 9 according to a first embodiment in a second position P2. The second position P2 can also be referred to as the approach position. In this position, the sterilization unit 9, or advantageously at least the sterilization head 16, is moved towards the forming station 3 or forming tool 4. At this point, the forming head 6 is in a rest position, spaced apart from the forming tool 4. The sterilization head 16 is moved between the forming head 6 or the forming nozzle 10 and the forming tool 4.
[0087] A particular advantage is that the mold 4 is opened during start-up (e.g., the two shells of the mold are separated). This allows the insertion of an extended feed tube (see Fig. 3, 29). The mold is then closed again.
[0088] Fig. 3 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station 3 with a sterilization device 9 according to a first embodiment in a third position P3. The third position P3 can also be referred to as the operating position, sealing position, or sterilization position. Here, the sterilization head 16 is lowered onto the forming tool 4 and tightly connected to it. Advantageously, the sterilization head 16 is clamped between the forming nozzle 10 and the forming tool 4. For this purpose, the forming head 6 or the forming nozzle 10 can be lowered onto the forming tool 4. Special seals 24, such as a sealing ring 24, can be provided between the underside of the sterilization head (16) and the neck of the forming tool 4. In this third position P3, the sterilizing fluid 15 can be introduced into the interior 13 of the forming tool 4 through the supply line 19. There, it can circulate and wet the internal surfaces.
[0089] In one embodiment, the sterilizing fluid 15, which does not remain on the surfaces, can be returned through the drain 20 of the sterilization device 9.
[0090] The flow of the sterilizing fluid 15 is indicated by arrows.
[0091] In an advantageous embodiment, the supply line (feed tube for sterilizing fluid 15) 19 can be extended (see 29) so that this extension 29 reaches deeper into the interior 13 of the mold than the outlet 20. This improves the reach and coverage of the sterilizing fluid 15 in the interior.
[0092] To insert an extended feed tube 29, the forming tool 4 is advantageously opened when approaching the sterilization head 16, at least when the extended feed tube 29 is rigidly connected to the sterilization head 16.
[0093] Alternatively, the extension 29 can be extended telescopically, for example. In one embodiment, the suction line 20 could also be extended or extendable telescopically. This would allow the flow of the sterilizing fluid 15 to be reversed.
[0094] Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic view of a forming station 3 with a sterilization device 9 according to a second embodiment in a first position P1.
[0095] In this embodiment, the sterilization head 16 of the sterilization unit 9 has further inlets and outlets 21, 22 for sterilizing fluid 15. The sterilization unit 9 is designed here to sterilize further components or sections of the forming station 3. In the rest position P1 shown in Fig. 4, the sterilization unit 9 is spaced apart from the forming station 3 or the forming wheel 32. In particular, the sterilization unit 9 is located outside the forming station 3.
[0096] Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic view of a forming station 3 with a sterilization device 9 according to a second embodiment in a second position P2. In the approach position P2, the forming head 6 is again in a rest position and is spaced apart from the forming tool 4. In this position, the sterilization head 16 can be guided between the forming nozzle 10 and the forming tool 4 or the neck of the forming tool 4. Although a sterilization head is shown here that is suitable for sterilizing both the forming tool 4 and the forming nozzle 10 and / or the forming valves 7, the sterilization head 16 can also be designed exclusively for sterilizing the forming nozzle 10 and / or the forming valves 7.
[0097] According to one aspect, the forming tool 4 can be open during startup and then closed again afterwards.
[0098] Fig. 6 shows a simplified schematic view of a forming station 3 with a sterilization device 9 according to the second embodiment in a third position P3. In this sterilization or sealing position P3, the sterilization head 16 is clamped between the forming tool 4 and the forming nozzle 10 or the forming head 6. A seal 26 is located between the sterilization head 16 and the forming head 6 in the direction of the forming nozzle 10. Seals 24 act between the sterilization head 16 and the forming tool 4 in the direction of the forming tool 4. Thus, the sterilization head 16 is tightly coupled to both the forming head 6 or the forming nozzle 10 and the interior 13 of the forming tool 4. Sterilizing fluid 15 can now be introduced into the interior 13 of the forming tool 4 via the supply line 19 and into the forming nozzle 10 via the outer side of the drawing bar 8 up to the valves 7 via the supply line 21.The arrows indicate possible flow directions of the sterilizing fluid 15. In the upper region of the forming head 6, outlets or ports 27, 28 for the sterilizing fluid 15 can be provided. These can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the outlet 22. The outlet or port 27 can, for example, be located at the upper end of the forming nozzle 10, with the upper end facing the forming tool 4. This allows a directed flow of sterilizing fluid 15 to be achieved. Additionally or alternatively, an outlet 28 can also be provided at the upper end of the valves 7. This allows the valves to be sterilized as well, by creating a flow of sterilizing fluid 15 through the valves.
[0099] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the components of the forming station 3 and the sterilization unit 9 can be configured for temperature control. Individual components, such as the forming tool 4 or the forming nozzle 10, can have integrated heating or cooling elements for targeted heating or cooling. Alternatively, the surfaces of the forming tool 4, the forming head 6, or the forming nozzle 10 can be preheated with hot air.
[0100] Depending on the application, the components can be cooled or heated to force or prevent condensation of sterilizing fluid 15 on the surfaces.
[0101] The sterilizing fluid 15 can be either gaseous (vapor) or liquid. The sterilization device 9 can also be configured to heat and / or cool the sterilizing fluid 15.
[0102] After sterilization, rinsing with hot and / or cold, preferably sterile, air is possible.
[0103] Since the sterilization unit 9, including feed lines and processing devices, is located outside the forming wheel 32, no rotary distribution is required. A control unit can be provided to monitor all sterilization parameters. Temperature sensors, flow sensors, and optical sensors can be used for monitoring and control to oversee the sterilization process. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a forming machine, e.g., a stretch blow molding machine or a device for forming preforms 102 or containers 103, as it can be used for the present disclosure. The forming machine 1 comprises a forming device 2, which, in the embodiment shown here, is a rotating forming unit with a forming wheel 32 and several forming stations 3 arranged circumferentially spaced on it, e.g.,Blow molding stations 3 are used to form the preforms 102 into containers 103. In the present embodiment, this can be a forming device that forms the containers 103 from the preforms 102 using compressed air (as the pressure medium), or a forming device that forms the containers 103 by introducing a liquid filler material under pressure, which is supplied as a hydraulic pressure medium for expanding the preform 102 and / or for forming the container 103. Each forming station 3 comprises a forming head 6 with a forming nozzle 10 and forming valves 7 (valve block) and a forming tool 4.
[0104] The preforms 102 and containers 103 are transported downstream along a transport path as follows. The preforms 102 are transferred via a feeder 40a, e.g., designed as a feed rail or pneumatic conveyor, to a singulation wheel 40, which rotates as indicated by arrow 400, driven by a drive (not shown). The preforms 102 are transferred by the singulation wheel 40 to a heating device 50, which has heating elements 51 along a heating section for thermally conditioning the preforms 1. The preforms 1 are guided along the heating elements 51 or along the corresponding heating sections in the direction of travel (transport direction) indicated by arrow 500 and then transferred to the rotary-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 2.Using the forming stations 3, finished containers 103 are formed from the preforms 102. After the finished containers 103 have been formed from the preforms 102, they are transferred to a discharge wheel 70, which rotates in the direction of arrow 700. The containers 103 are then transported away by means of a discharge device 70a. The containers 103 can, for example, be conveyed via further transport devices (not shown) to a device for filling the containers 103. "Transport" here generally refers to the conveyance to a further processing step, which may consist of filling, closing, inspection, or other operations.
[0105] The preforms 102 and containers 103 can be held during transport and, if necessary, during individual processing steps by means of transport mandrels or grippers. In a known manner, and therefore not shown, the transport of the preforms 102 through the heating device 50 can advantageously be carried out by a chain of mandrels connected to form an endless chain. The basic design of the heating device 50 is known and therefore need not be described in detail here.
[0106] For the continuous conveyance of the preforms 102 or the containers 103 along a transport path through the overall device of Figure 1, the aforementioned circular movements of the wheels 40, 60, 70, the forming device 2, and the heating device 50 are coordinated, e.g., by synchronization and / or by a common drive. The transport path of the preforms 102 or the containers 103 is defined by the transport route along a partial circumference of the transfer wheels 40, 60, 70, along a partial circumference of the forming device 2, and along a partial circumference of the mandrel chain.The sequence of spaced-apart preforms 102 and containers 103 shown in Figure 1, starting from the singulation wheel 40, via the heating device 50, then via the transfer wheel 60, continuing via the forming device 2, while the preforms 102 are transformed into finished containers 103 on the forming wheel 32, continuing further to the output wheel 70 and finally ending at the discharge device 70a, corresponds to this transport path through the overall arrangement shown. In the context of this disclosure, the singulation wheel 40, the transfer wheel 60 and the output wheel 70 are generally referred to as "transfer devices" or "transfer wheels". The forming stations 3 of the forming device 2 comprise forming tools 4 consisting of multi-part outer molds against whose inner contour the preforms 102 are expanded by means of compressed air or filling material.
[0107] A machine housing 37a, 37b is indicated by dotted lines.
[0108] There is a control unit 200 for the forming device 1. This control unit 200 could also control the heating device 50 or other control functions of the overall device. However, it is also conceivable that further control units are provided to take over these additional control functions.
[0109] In a separate process step outside of normal production, the forming stations 3 can be sterilized according to the aspects described herein. In particular, a sterilization unit 9 with a sterilization head 16 can be provided, which is arranged next to the forming wheel 32 and is used for sterilization according to the aspects described herein.
[0110] The sterilizing device 9 may also be equipped with a reservoir 18 for sterilizing fluid 15. The reservoir 18 could also be located further away and / or outside the device 1 and may be connected to the sterilizing device 9 via lines.
[0111] The control unit 200 can also include the control unit for the sterilization unit 9. Alternatively, a separate control unit for the sterilization unit can be provided.
[0112]
[0113] 1 forming machine, blow molding machine, stretch blow molding machine, forming and filling machine
[0114] 2 Forming device, blowing device, forming and filling device 3 Blowing station, forming stations, forming and filling station
[0115] 4. Molding tool, blow mold, molding tool of the molding and filling station 5. Molding tool segment, blow molding segment
[0116] 6 forming head, blowing head, forming and filling head
[0117] 7. Forming valve, blow valve, forming and filling valve
[0118] 8 horizontal bar
[0119] 9 Sterilization unit
[0120] 10 forming nozzle, blowing nozzle, forming and filling nozzle
[0121] 12 Support of the forming wheel (blowing wheel, forming device) 13 Interior, cavity of the forming tool (in closed state)
[0122] 15 Sterilizing fluid
[0123] 16 Sterilization head
[0124] 18 Sterilizing fluid reservoir
[0125] 19 First inlet / line Sterilizing fluid
[0126] 20 First run / drainage Sterilizing fluid
[0127] 21 Second inlet / line Sterilizing fluid
[0128] 22 Second drain / drainage of sterilizing fluid
[0129] 23 Base of the sterilization unit
[0130] 24 Seal, sealing ring between forming tool and sterilization head 26 Seal, sealing ring between forming head f and sterilization head 27 Sterilizing fluid outlet at the upper end of the forming nozzle 28 Sterilizing fluid outlet at the upper end of the valves 29 Extension, pipe for the supply to the forming tool 32 Forming wheel, blowing wheel, forming and filling wheel
[0131] 37a, 37b Machine housing
[0132] 40a Feeder for preforms
[0133] 40 singulation wheel
[0134] 50 Heating device
[0135] 51 Heating system
[0136] 60 T transfer wheel
[0137] 70 output wheel
[0138] 70a Discharge device
[0139] 200 control unit
[0140] 400° direction of rotation
[0141] 500 direction of rotation
[0142] 600° direction of rotation transfer wheel
[0143] 700° Rotation direction output wheel
[0144] 102 preforms
[0145] 103 finished blow-molded containers
[0146] P1 first position - resting position
[0147] P2 second position - approach position
[0148] P3 third position - sterilization position, clamped position
Claims
1. A method for at least partially sterilizing forming stations (3) of a forming wheel (32) of a forming machine (1), in particular a stretch blow molding machine (1), wherein each forming station (3) comprises a forming head (6) with a forming nozzle (10) and forming valves (7), as well as a forming tool (4), wherein in the forming machine (1) expanded containers (103) are produced from preforms (102) made of a thermoplastic material by applying a pressure medium through the forming nozzle (10), wherein the forming wheel (32) has a plurality of forming stations (4) arranged on a rotating carrier of the forming wheel (32), wherein each forming tool (4) can assume an open and a closed state and, in the closed state, forms an interior space (13) in which the forming process from the preform (102) to the expanded container (103) takes place. characterized by the fact that The sterilization of the forming station (3) is carried out by means of a separate sterilization device (9) which includes a sterilization head (16), the sterilization device (9) with the sterilization head (16) is arranged in a first position (P1) outside the forming wheel (32), the sterilization device (9), in particular the sterilization head (16) has at least one first supply line (19) for a sterilizing fluid (15) through which the sterilizing fluid (15) is directed to the forming station (3), the sterilization by means of the separate sterilization device (9) is carried out when the forming tool (4) is empty, To sterilize the forming station (2), the sterilization head (16) is inserted from outside the forming wheel (32) sealingly between the forming head (6) and the forming tool (4) in order to introduce the sterilizing fluid (15) into the forming station (3) in a third position (P3).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sterilizing fluid (15) is introduced into the interior (13) of the closed forming mold (4) via the sterilization head (16) and the supply line (19).
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sterilization head (16) has a drain (20) for draining sterilizing fluid (15) from the forming tool (4).
4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the inlet (19) extends further from the sterilization head (16) into the interior of the molding tool (4) than the outlet (20).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sterilization head (16) rests sealingly on the forming head (6), in particular the forming nozzle (10), and the forming head (6) is sterilized at least section by section via the sterilization head (16).
6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the sterilization device (9), in particular the sterilization head (16) of the sterilization device (9), has a further, second supply line (21) through which sterilizing fluid (15) is introduced into the forming head (6).
7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sterilization head (16) has a drain (20) for draining sterilizing fluid (15) from the forming head (4).
8. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the forming head (4), in particular the forming nozzle (10), has a separate upper outlet (27) for sterilizing fluid (15).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forming valves (7) are also sterilized via the sterilization head (16).
10. Method according to claim 9, wherein a further separate drain for sterilizing fluid (15) is arranged at an upper end of the forming valves (7).
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pull-up bar (8) is also sterilized at least externally via the sterilization head (16).
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forming stations (3), in particular the forming tools (4), the forming nozzle (10) and / or the forming valves (7) are at least partially / section-wise heated during sterilization.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the tempering comprises at least partial heating.
14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the tempering comprises at least partial cooling.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the tempering comprises a combination of at least partial heating and at least partial cooling.
16. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the tempering comprises the application of hot air.
17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, after sterilization, a rinsing with sterile, in particular heated, air takes place.
18. Device for at least partially sterilizing forming stations (3) of a forming wheel (32) of a forming machine (1), in particular a stretch blow molding machine (1) or a forming and filling machine, wherein each forming station (3) comprises a forming head (6) with a forming nozzle (10) and forming valves (7), as well as a forming tool (4), wherein the forming machine (1) is configured to produce expanded containers (103) from preforms (102) made of a thermoplastic material by applying a pressure medium through the forming nozzle (10), wherein the forming wheel (32) has a plurality of forming stations (4) arranged on a rotating carrier of the forming wheel (32), wherein each forming die (4) can assume an open and a closed state and, in the closed state, forms an interior space (13) in which the forming process from the preform (102) to the expanded container (103) takes place. characterized by the fact that the device is configured as a separate sterilization unit (9) comprising a sterilization head (16), the sterilization unit (9) with the sterilization head (16) can be arranged in a first position (P1) outside the forming wheel (32), the sterilization unit (9), in particular the sterilization head (16), has at least one first supply line (19) for a sterilizing fluid (15) through which the sterilizing fluid (15) is directed to the forming station (3), the sterilization unit (9) is configured to at least partially sterilize a forming station (3) when the forming tool (4) is empty, the sterilization device (9) is set up to insert the sterilization head (16) from outside the forming wheel (32) in a sealing manner between the forming head (6) and the forming tool (4) in order to sterilize the forming station (3) in order to introduce the sterilizing fluid (15) into the forming station (3) in a third position (P3).