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EP1928749B1 - Apparatus for sterilizing containers transported continuously in succession - Google Patents

Apparatus for sterilizing containers transported continuously in succession Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1928749B1
EP1928749B1 EP06793759A EP06793759A EP1928749B1 EP 1928749 B1 EP1928749 B1 EP 1928749B1 EP 06793759 A EP06793759 A EP 06793759A EP 06793759 A EP06793759 A EP 06793759A EP 1928749 B1 EP1928749 B1 EP 1928749B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
containers
succession
container
distributing
annular component
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
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EP06793759A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1928749A1 (en
Inventor
Dirk Auer
Detlef Marten
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SIG Services AG
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SIG Technology AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1928749A1 publication Critical patent/EP1928749A1/en
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Publication of EP1928749B1 publication Critical patent/EP1928749B1/en
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/025Packaging in aseptic tunnels
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for sterilizing upright, open-topped and continuously successively transported container, in particular carton / plastic composite packages for receiving drinks and / or food, with a plurality of successively arranged treatment zones having housing having a fixed, downwardly open channel for the passage of the container, and having a plurality of successively arranged receiving locations having transport device, wherein the transport device or parts thereof forms the bottom of the housing / form.
  • a generic device is from the US 5,879,648 A known.
  • Another sterilizer is from the DE 40 31 472 A1 known.
  • the device as in the aforementioned prior art in the interior of its housing on several treatment zones, in which the different process media are introduced into the container. Between the individual zones locks are available to seal the zones against each other. The locks are designed so that the container itself take over the seal to the respective adjacent zone. It is understood that this type of locks by the moving container can not be a perfect foreclosure and that it can only be used for a specific container size.
  • sterile process gas is passed into an annular channel and flows from there through openings in the treatment room.
  • From the DE 38 09 855 A1 discloses a method for the sterile filling of liquid goods into containers, in which the containers are subjected to a sterilization medium prior to filling, wherein the containers are partially surrounded below the media supply by a bell, which leads the sterile medium to the outside of the container.
  • the invention is based on the object, the above-mentioned and previously described device for sterilizing upright, open-topped and continuously transported one behind the other container so and further, that the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided, so that the container in the individual treatment zones with the be fed there defined process media defined.
  • the solution according to the invention represents a simple construction, since all units and devices for generating and monitoring the process media can be installed in a fixed location and complex and wear-resistant lock bushings are not required.
  • the paths of the process media used are very short, so that the control of the process parameters can be done very low loss.
  • the individual treatment zones (preheating zone, sterilization zone and drying zone) work reliably without intersections and in direct succession, resulting in a spatially very compact design.
  • the transport device has a rotating system with a container receiving the transport wheel and that the housing is annular. In this way it is achieved that all process organs are permanently actively sterilized within the sterilization process by the constantly repeating cyclic circulation. Furthermore, the rotary construction is a particularly compact design.
  • all containers are transported one behind the other, especially for smaller plants.
  • a plurality of juxtaposed containers are transported in tracks one behind the other and sterilized.
  • the distributing elements are arranged on a ring element.
  • this ring element is rigidly connected to the transport device, so that no relative speed between the containers and the distributing organs arranged above can occur.
  • a further embodiment of the invention provides that the gaps between the stationary housing and the moving transport device are sealed with sealing elements. The leakage of this functional column can be minimized.
  • a further teaching of the invention provides that above each container a fixedly connected to the distributor member hood member is provided.
  • This hood element has a dual function: on the one hand, it serves for controlled introduction of the process media into the containers and is designed so that the process media emerging upwards from the container are deflected so that they can flow off over the edges and outsides of the containers.
  • the hood shape causes a laminar flow of above supplied sterile air, so that form around the container 'sterile air curtains'. For this purpose, preferably the space between the ring element and hood elements with sterile air is applied.
  • partitions are each provided for the separation of the treatment zones, which each have a foot at its lower end. These feet are preferably designed as a sealing element.
  • the partitions fill the entire cross section of the channel down to the ring element. In this way it is reliably ensured that the individual media distribution spaces are sealed against each other. It goes without saying that the width of the feet of the stationary partitions is greater than the diameter of the openings in the moving ring element.
  • the transport device at least one suction unit, which absorbs the sterile air and possibly inflowing outside air, so that they under no circumstances in the open containers or their walls and edges can get.
  • the inventive device for sterilizing upright, open at the top and continuously successively transported container P is designed as a rotary.
  • This consists initially and essentially of a housing 1, in which the successively transported containers P are introduced via a transport device 2.
  • the encapsulation of the housing 1 forms a channel 3, the upper region is formed as a media distribution space 3 '.
  • the stationary channel 3 is closed upwards and to the outside by the wall of the channel 3 and down through a stationary sheet 3A, which is provided with a plurality of openings 4.
  • the exact arrangement, size and number of openings 4 can vary depending on the treatment zone and the conditions necessary in each case.
  • Partitions 5 which are likewise arranged fixedly in the interior of the channel 3, subdivide this into a preheating zone 6, a sterilization zone 7 and a drying zone 8. For impinging the treatment zones with the required process media, these have corresponding inlets 6A, 7A and 8A.
  • each partition wall 5 on its underside a widened foot 5A, which is designed as a sealing element and the individual media distribution spaces 3 'seals against each other.
  • the width of the foot 5A is always wider than that of the bores 13 in the moving ring element 12 in order to reliably preclude an exchange of the different process media. This applies in particular to production stoppages, ie machine downtime.
  • the transport of the container P in the interior of the device is done by means of a transport wheel 9, which rotates in the direction of the unspecified arrows.
  • a transport wheel 9 which rotates in the direction of the unspecified arrows.
  • this arranged tube nozzles 10 are provided, through which the medium of the respective Ruleverteilraum 3 'along the unspecified arrows enters the open container P, as shown in particular from FIGS. 2 and 3 shows, which shows the device according to the invention in vertical section along and transversely to the transport direction.
  • hood elements 11 are provided, which are arranged centrally above the successively transported containers P in a corresponding distance.
  • the hood elements are mounted below a ring element 12 which, preferably rigidly coupled to the transport wheel 9, moves at the same speed as the container P.
  • the ring element 12 has holes 10 for the passage of the process media above the pipe nozzles 13 with one corresponding diameter, as clear from the FIGS. 2 and 3 evident.
  • the exact shape of the hood elements 11 is clearly visible. This shape of the hood elements 11, the process media emerging from the container P upwards are deflected so that they flow over the edges and outsides of the container P.
  • the housing has corresponding sterile air inlets 14A. Due to the downwardly directed laminar flow of sterile air, sterile air curtains are formed which reliably prevent the ingress of foreign air, dust or the like into the interior of the housing 1. Even if, as in Fig. 1 shown, the housing has an outer circumferential gap, which is required for cleaning and maintenance purposes, the device of the invention operates extremely reliable, so that there can be no problems of the container P sterilized therein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren aufrecht stehender, oben offener und kontinuierlich hintereinander transportierter Behälter, insbesondere Karton/Kunststoff-Verbundpackungen zur Aufnahme von Getränken und/oder Lebensmitteln, mit einem mehrere hintereinander angeordnete Behandlungszonen aufweisenden Gehäuse, das einen feststehenden, nach unten offenen Kanal zum Durchlauf der Behälter aufweist, und mit einer eine Vielzahl hintereinander angeordnete Aufnahmeplätze aufweisenden Transportvorrichtung, wobei die Transportvorrichtung oder deren Teile den Boden des Gehäuses bildet/bilden.The invention relates to a device for sterilizing upright, open-topped and continuously successively transported container, in particular carton / plastic composite packages for receiving drinks and / or food, with a plurality of successively arranged treatment zones having housing having a fixed, downwardly open channel for the passage of the container, and having a plurality of successively arranged receiving locations having transport device, wherein the transport device or parts thereof forms the bottom of the housing / form.

Aus der Praxis sind als Längsläufer ausgebildete Vorrichtungen zum Sterilisieren von kontinuierlich hintereinander transportierten Behältern bekannt, bei der zwischen den einzelnen Sterilisierstationen keine "sauberen" Abtrennungen vorhanden sind. Bei diesen bekannten Vorrichtungen wird das Sterilisiermedium auf die Behälteröffnung aufgeblasen und nicht gezielt in die einzelnen Behälter eingeleitet. Dies kann unter Umständen zu Problemen beim Sterilisieren führen.From practice trained as a longitudinal runner devices for sterilizing continuously successively transported containers are known in which there are no "clean" separations between the individual sterilization. In these known devices, the sterilizing medium is inflated onto the container opening and not specifically introduced into the individual containers. This can potentially lead to sterilization problems.

Eine gattungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist aus der US 5,879,648 A bekannt.A generic device is from the US 5,879,648 A known.

Eine weitere Sterilisiervorrichtung ist aus der DE 40 31 472 A1 bekannt. Dabei weist die Vorrichtung wie beim vorgenannten Stand der Technik im Inneren ihres Gehäuses mehrere Behandlungszonen auf, in denen die unterschiedlichen Prozessmedien in die Behälter eingeleitet werden. Zwischen den einzelnen Zonen sind Schleusen vorhanden, um die Zonen gegeneinander abzudichten. Die Schleusen sind dabei so ausgeführt, dass die Behälter selbst die Abdichtung zu der jeweils benachbarten Zone übernehmen. Es versteht sich, dass diese Art der Schleusen durch die sich bewegenden Behälter keine vollkommene Abschottung darstellen kann und dass sie nur für eine bestimmte Behältergröße einsetzbar ist.Another sterilizer is from the DE 40 31 472 A1 known. In this case, the device as in the aforementioned prior art in the interior of its housing on several treatment zones, in which the different process media are introduced into the container. Between the individual zones locks are available to seal the zones against each other. The locks are designed so that the container itself take over the seal to the respective adjacent zone. It is understood that this type of locks by the moving container can not be a perfect foreclosure and that it can only be used for a specific container size.

Bei einer aus der DE 102 13 343 A1 bekannten Vorrichtung zum sterilen Abfüllen von Behältern wird steriles Prozessgas in einen Ringkanal geleitet und strömt von dort über Öffnungen in den Behandlungsraum.At one of the DE 102 13 343 A1 known device for sterile filling of containers sterile process gas is passed into an annular channel and flows from there through openings in the treatment room.

Aus der DE 38 09 855 A1 ist ein Verfahren zum sterilen Abfüllen von flüssigen Gütern in Behälter bekannt, bei dem die Behälter vor dem Abfüllen mit einem Sterilisationsmedium beaufschlagt werden, wobei die Behälter unterhalb der Medienzuführung teilweise von einer Glocke umgeben sind, die das sterile Medium an die Außenseite des Behälters führt.From the DE 38 09 855 A1 discloses a method for the sterile filling of liquid goods into containers, in which the containers are subjected to a sterilization medium prior to filling, wherein the containers are partially surrounded below the media supply by a bell, which leads the sterile medium to the outside of the container.

Der Erfindung liegt nun die Aufgabe zugrunde, die eingangs genannte und zuvor näher beschriebene Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren aufrecht stehender, oben offener und kontinuierlich hintereinander transportierter Behälter so auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass die vorerwähnten Nachteile vermieden werden, so dass die Behälter in den einzelnen Behandlungszonen mit den dort zugeführten Prozessmedien definiert beaufschlagt werden.The invention is based on the object, the above-mentioned and previously described device for sterilizing upright, open-topped and continuously transported one behind the other container so and further, that the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided, so that the container in the individual treatment zones with the be fed there defined process media defined.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung dadurch, dass im oberen Bereich des Kanals in jeder Behandlungszone wenigstens ein mit Durchbrüchen nach unten versehener Medienverteilraum vorgesehen ist und dass oberhalb der Behälter mit der Transportvorrichtung gekoppelte Verteilorgane vorgesehen sind, die über die Durchbrüche mit dem jeweiligen Verteilraum in Verbindung stehen und durch welche die Behälter in den Behandlungszonen mit den jeweiligen Prozessmedien beaufschlagt werden.This object is achieved in the apparatus according to the invention characterized in that in the upper region of the channel in each treatment zone at least one provided with apertures downwardly Medienverteilraum is provided and that above the container with the transport device coupled distribution members are provided, via the openings with the respective distribution space are connected and through which the containers in the treatment zones with the respective process media are applied.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung stellt eine einfache Konstruktion dar, da alle Aggregate und Geräte zur Erzeugung und Überwachung der Prozessmedien ortsfest installiert sein können und aufwendige und verschleißträchtige Schleusendurchführungen nicht benötigt werden. Die Wege der eingesetzten Prozessmedien sind sehr kurz, so dass die Regelung der Prozessparameter sehr verlustarm erfolgen kann. Die einzelnen Behandlungszonen (Vorwärmzone, Sterilisierzone und Trocknungszone) arbeiten zuverlässig überschneidungsfrei und unmittelbar aufeinander folgend, so dass sich eine räumlich sehr kompakte Bauweise ergibt.The solution according to the invention represents a simple construction, since all units and devices for generating and monitoring the process media can be installed in a fixed location and complex and wear-resistant lock bushings are not required. The paths of the process media used are very short, so that the control of the process parameters can be done very low loss. The individual treatment zones (preheating zone, sterilization zone and drying zone) work reliably without intersections and in direct succession, resulting in a spatially very compact design.

Eine weitere Lehre der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Transportvorrichtung ein rotierendes System mit einem die Behälter aufnehmenden Transportrad aufweist und dass das Gehäuse ringförmig ausgebildet ist. Auf diese Weise wird erreicht, dass innerhalb des Sterilisierprozesses durch den ständig wiederholenden zyklischen Umlauf alle Prozessorgane permanent aktiv mit sterilisiert werden. Des Weiteren stellt die Rundläuferkonstruktion eine besonders kompakte Bauform dar.Another teaching of the invention provides that the transport device has a rotating system with a container receiving the transport wheel and that the housing is annular. In this way it is achieved that all process organs are permanently actively sterilized within the sterilization process by the constantly repeating cyclic circulation. Furthermore, the rotary construction is a particularly compact design.

Bevorzugt werden alle Behälter einzeln hintereinander transportiert, insbesondere bei kleineren Anlagen. Es ist jedoch nach einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung auch möglich, dass jeweils mehrere nebeneinander stehende Behälter in Bahnen hintereinander transportiert und sterilisiert werden.Preferably, all containers are transported one behind the other, especially for smaller plants. However, it is also possible according to an alternative embodiment of the invention that in each case a plurality of juxtaposed containers are transported in tracks one behind the other and sterilized.

Zweckmäßigerweise sind bei der Ausführung als Rundläufer gemäß einer weiteren Lehre der Erfindung die Verteilorgane an einem Ringelement angeordnet. Bevorzugt ist dieses Ringelement mit der Transportvorrichtung starr verbunden, damit keine Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen den Behältern und den darüber angeordneten Verteilorganen auftreten kann. Darüber hinaus weist in vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung jedes Verteilorgan eine mittig über dem zugehörigen Behälter angeordnete Rohrdüse auf.Conveniently, in the embodiment as a rotary according to a further teaching of the invention, the distributing elements are arranged on a ring element. Preferably, this ring element is rigidly connected to the transport device, so that no relative speed between the containers and the distributing organs arranged above can occur. In addition, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each distributor organ on a centrally above the associated container arranged pipe nozzle.

Eine weitere Ausbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Spalte zwischen feststehendem Gehäuse und der sich bewegenden Transportvorrichtung mit Dichtelementen abgedichtet sind. Die Leckage dieser funktionsbedingten Spalte lässt sich dadurch minimieren.A further embodiment of the invention provides that the gaps between the stationary housing and the moving transport device are sealed with sealing elements. The leakage of this functional column can be minimized.

Eine weitere Lehre der Erfindung sieht vor, dass oberhalb jedes Behälters ein fest mit dem Verteilorgan verbundenes Haubenelement vorgesehen ist. Dieses Haubenelement hat eine doppelte Funktion: Einerseits dient es zur kontrollierten Einleitung der Prozessmedien in die Behälter und ist dazu so ausgebildet, dass die aus dem Behälter nach oben austretenden Prozessmedien so umgelenkt werden, dass sie über die Kanten und Außenseiten der Behälter abfließen können. Andererseits bewirkt die Haubenform eine laminare Strömung der von oben zugeführten Sterilluft, so dass sich um die Behälter herum 'Sterilluftvorhänge' bilden. Dazu wird bevorzugt der Raum zwischen Ringelement und Haubenelementen mit Sterilluft beaufschlagt.A further teaching of the invention provides that above each container a fixedly connected to the distributor member hood member is provided. This hood element has a dual function: on the one hand, it serves for controlled introduction of the process media into the containers and is designed so that the process media emerging upwards from the container are deflected so that they can flow off over the edges and outsides of the containers. On the other hand, the hood shape causes a laminar flow of above supplied sterile air, so that form around the container 'sterile air curtains'. For this purpose, preferably the space between the ring element and hood elements with sterile air is applied.

In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sind zur Trennung der Behandlungszonen jeweils Trennwände vorgesehen, welche an ihrem unteren Ende jeweils einen Fuß aufweisen. Diese Füße sind bevorzugt als Dichtelement ausgestaltet. In vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung füllen die Trennwände den Gesamtquerschnitt des Kanals bis zum Ringelement hinab aus. Auf diese Weise ist zuverlässig gewährleistet, dass die einzelnen Medienverteilräume gegeneinander abgedichtet sind. Es versteht sich von selbst, dass die Breite der Füße der ortsfesten Trennwände größer ist als der Durchmesser der Durchbrüche in dem sich bewegenden Ringelement.In a further embodiment of the invention, partitions are each provided for the separation of the treatment zones, which each have a foot at its lower end. These feet are preferably designed as a sealing element. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the partitions fill the entire cross section of the channel down to the ring element. In this way it is reliably ensured that the individual media distribution spaces are sealed against each other. It goes without saying that the width of the feet of the stationary partitions is greater than the diameter of the openings in the moving ring element.

Zur Verbesserung der zum Schutz vor erneuter Verkeimung benötigten laminaren Sterilluftströme um die sterilisierten Behälter ist nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung unterhalb der Transportvorrichtung wenigstens ein Absaugaggregat vorgesehen, welches die Sterilluft und gegebenenfalls zuströmende Außenluft aufsaugt, so dass diese keinesfalls in die offenen Behälter oder deren Wandungen und Kanten gelangen kann.To improve the required for protection against re-germination laminar sterile air flows to the sterilized container is provided according to a further embodiment of the invention below the transport device at least one suction unit, which absorbs the sterile air and possibly inflowing outside air, so that they under no circumstances in the open containers or their walls and edges can get.

Die Erfindung ist nachfolgend anhand einer lediglich ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht,
Fig. 2
schematisch, den inneren Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Vertikalschnitt und
Fig. 3
einen Querschnitt entlang der Linie III-III aus Fig. 2.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment. In the drawing show:
Fig. 1
a device according to the invention in perspective view,
Fig. 2
schematically, the internal structure of the device according to the invention in vertical section and
Fig. 3
a cross section along the line III-III Fig. 2 ,

Im dargestellten und insoweit bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren aufrecht stehender, oben offener und kontinuierlich hintereinander transportierter Behälter P als Rundläufer konzipiert. Dieser besteht zunächst und im wesentlichen aus einem Gehäuse 1, in welches die hintereinander transportierten Behälter P über eine Transportvorrichtung 2 eingeschleust werden. Dabei bildet die Kapselung des Gehäuses 1 einen Kanal 3, dessen oberer Bereich als Medienverteilraum 3' ausgebildet ist. Der ortsfeste Kanal 3 wird nach oben und zu den Außenseiten durch die Wandung des Kanals 3 und nach unten durch ein ortsfestes Blech 3A abgeschlossen, welches mit einer Vielzahl von Durchbrüchen 4 versehen ist. Die genaue Anordnung, Größe und Anzahl der Durchbrüche 4 kann dabei je nach Behandlungszone und den jeweils notwendigen Bedingungen variieren.In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the inventive device for sterilizing upright, open at the top and continuously successively transported container P is designed as a rotary. This consists initially and essentially of a housing 1, in which the successively transported containers P are introduced via a transport device 2. In this case, the encapsulation of the housing 1 forms a channel 3, the upper region is formed as a media distribution space 3 '. The stationary channel 3 is closed upwards and to the outside by the wall of the channel 3 and down through a stationary sheet 3A, which is provided with a plurality of openings 4. The exact arrangement, size and number of openings 4 can vary depending on the treatment zone and the conditions necessary in each case.

Trennwände 5, die gleichfalls ortsfest im Inneren des Kanals 3 angeordnet sind, unterteilen diesen in eine Vorwärmzone 6, eine Sterilisierzone 7 und eine Trocknungszone 8. Zum Beaufschlagen der Behandlungszonen mit den erforderlichen Prozessmedien weisen diese entsprechende Einlässe 6A, 7A und 8A auf.Partitions 5, which are likewise arranged fixedly in the interior of the channel 3, subdivide this into a preheating zone 6, a sterilization zone 7 and a drying zone 8. For impinging the treatment zones with the required process media, these have corresponding inlets 6A, 7A and 8A.

Zur Abdichtung der ortsfesten Trennwände 5 weist jede Trennwand 5 an seiner Unterseite einen verbreiterten Fuß 5A auf, welcher als Dichtelement ausgebildet ist und die einzelnen Medienverteilräume 3' gegeneinander abdichtet. Die Breite des Fußes 5A ist dabei stets breiter als die der Bohrungen 13 im sich bewegenden Ringelement 12, um einen Austausch der unterschiedlichen Prozessmedien zuverlässig auszuschließen. Dies gilt insbesondere für Produktionsunterbrechungen, also Maschinenstillstände.To seal the stationary partitions 5, each partition wall 5 on its underside a widened foot 5A, which is designed as a sealing element and the individual media distribution spaces 3 'seals against each other. The width of the foot 5A is always wider than that of the bores 13 in the moving ring element 12 in order to reliably preclude an exchange of the different process media. This applies in particular to production stoppages, ie machine downtime.

Der Transport der Behälter P im Inneren der Vorrichtung geschieht mittels einem Transportrad 9, welches sich in Richtung der nicht näher bezeichneten Pfeile dreht. Dabei sind oberhalb jedes Behälters zentral über diesem angeordnete Rohrdüsen 10 vorgesehen, durch welche das Medium von dem jeweiligen Medienverteilraum 3' entlang der nicht näher bezeichneten Pfeile in die offenen Behälter P gelangt, wie dies insbesondere aus den Fig. 2 und 3 hervorgeht, welche die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung im Vertikalschnitt längs und quer zur Transportrichtung zeigt.The transport of the container P in the interior of the device is done by means of a transport wheel 9, which rotates in the direction of the unspecified arrows. In this case, above each container centrally above this arranged tube nozzles 10 are provided, through which the medium of the respective Medienverteilraum 3 'along the unspecified arrows enters the open container P, as shown in particular from FIGS. 2 and 3 shows, which shows the device according to the invention in vertical section along and transversely to the transport direction.

Damit nun das jeweilige Prozessmedium dem jeweiligen Behälter P definiert zugeführt werden kann, sind Haubenelemente 11 vorgesehen, welche zentral über den hintereinander transportierten Behältern P in entsprechendem Abstand angeordnet sind. Im dargestellten und insoweit bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Haubenelemente unterhalb eines Ringelementes 12 angebracht, welches sich, bevorzugt starr mit dem Transportrad 9 gekoppelt, mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit bewegt wie die darunter befindlichen Behälter P. Das Ringelement 12 weist zum Durchtritt der Prozessmedien oberhalb der Rohrdüsen 10 Bohrungen 13 mit einem entsprechenden Durchmesser auf, wie deutlich aus den Fig. 2 und 3 hervorgeht. Dort ist die genaue Form der Haubenelemente 11 klar ersichtlich. Durch diese Form der Haubenelemente 11 werden die aus dem Behälter P nach oben austretenden Prozessmedien so umgelenkt, dass sie über die Kanten und Außenseiten der Behälter P abfließen.So that now the respective process medium can be supplied to the respective container P defined, hood elements 11 are provided, which are arranged centrally above the successively transported containers P in a corresponding distance. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the hood elements are mounted below a ring element 12 which, preferably rigidly coupled to the transport wheel 9, moves at the same speed as the container P. The ring element 12 has holes 10 for the passage of the process media above the pipe nozzles 13 with one corresponding diameter, as clear from the FIGS. 2 and 3 evident. There, the exact shape of the hood elements 11 is clearly visible. This shape of the hood elements 11, the process media emerging from the container P upwards are deflected so that they flow over the edges and outsides of the container P.

Es versteht sich von selbst, dass die Spalte zwischen feststehendem Gehäuse 1 und dem sich bewegenden Ringelement 12 mit (nicht dargestellten) Dichtelementen abgedichtet sind.It goes without saying that the gaps between the fixed housing 1 and the moving ring element 12 are sealed with sealing elements (not shown).

Aus den Fig. 2 und 3 ist ferner ersichtlich, dass der Raum 14 zwischen dem Ringelement 12 und Haubenelementen 11 mit Sterilluft beaufschlagbar ist. Dazu weist das Gehäuse entsprechende Sterillufteinlässe 14A auf. Aufgrund der nach unten gerichteten laminaren Strömung der Sterilluft bilden sich Sterilluftvorhänge aus, welche ein Eindringen von Fremdluft, Staub oder dergleichen in das Innere des Gehäuses 1 zuverlässig verhindern. Auch wenn, wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt, das Gehäuse einen außen umlaufenden Spalt aufweist, welcher zu Reinigungs- und Wartungszwecken benötigt wird, arbeitet die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung äußerst zuverlässig, so dass es zu keinerlei Problemen der darin sterilisierten Behälter P kommen kann.From the FIGS. 2 and 3 is also apparent that the space 14 between the ring member 12 and hood elements 11 can be acted upon by sterile air. For this purpose, the housing has corresponding sterile air inlets 14A. Due to the downwardly directed laminar flow of sterile air, sterile air curtains are formed which reliably prevent the ingress of foreign air, dust or the like into the interior of the housing 1. Even if, as in Fig. 1 shown, the housing has an outer circumferential gap, which is required for cleaning and maintenance purposes, the device of the invention operates extremely reliable, so that there can be no problems of the container P sterilized therein.

Claims (14)

  1. Apparatus for sterilising upright containers (P), and in particular composite card/plastics packs for receiving beverages and/or foodstuffs, which are open at the top and are transported continuously in succession, having an enclosure (1) which has a plurality of treatment zones (6, 7, 8) arranged in succession and which has a fixed, downwardly open, passage (3) for the containers (P) to travel through, and having a transporting arrangement (2) having a plurality of receiving locations arranged in succession, the transporting arrangement (2) or parts thereof forming the floor of the enclosure, characterised in that there is provided in the upper region of the passage (3), in each treatment zone (6, 7, 8), at least one medium distributing space (3') which is provided with apertures (4) in the downward direction, and in that there are provided, above the containers (P), distributing members coupled to the transporting arrangement (2) which communicate with the respective distributing space (3') via the apertures (4) and by which the respective process media in the treatment zones (6, 7, 8) are applied to the containers (P) in the treatment zones (6, 7, 8).
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the transporting arrangement (2) has a rotating system having a transporting wheel (9) which receives the containers (P), and in that enclosure (1) is of an annular form.
  3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that single containers (P) are transported in succession.
  4. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that in each case a plurality of containers standing next to one another are transported in succession.
  5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,
    characterised in that each distributing member has a tubular nozzle (10) arranged centrally above the associated container.
  6. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 5,
    characterised in that the distributing members are arranged on an annular component (12).
  7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterised in that the gaps between the fixed enclosure (1) and the moving annular component (12) are sealed by sealing members.
  8. Apparatus according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that a hood member (11) which is firmly connected to the annular component (12) is provided above each container (1).
  9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that the hood members (11) are so designed that the process media emerging upwards from the container (P) are diverted in such a way that they flow downwards over the edges and outer surfaces of the containers (P).
  10. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that partitions (5) are provided to separate the respective treatment zones (6, 7, 8) and in that the partitions (5) each have a foot (5A) at their bottom end.
  11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterised in that each foot (5A) takes the form of a sealing member.
  12. Apparatus according to Claims 6 and 10 or 11,
    characterised in that the partitions (5) fill the entire cross-section of the passage (3) down to the annular component (12).
  13. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 12,
    characterised in that sterile air is applied to the space between the annular component (12) and the hood members (11).
  14. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 13,
    characterised in that at least one extractor unit is provided below the transporting arrangement.
EP06793759A 2005-09-30 2006-09-22 Apparatus for sterilizing containers transported continuously in succession Not-in-force EP1928749B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102005047427A DE102005047427B3 (en) 2005-09-30 2005-09-30 Container e.g. cardboard or plastic composite package, fixing device, has distributed mediums coupled above container with transport device, where container is stressed by processing medium in each handling area
PCT/EP2006/066645 WO2007036492A1 (en) 2005-09-30 2006-09-22 Apparatus for sterilizing containers transported continuously in succession

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1928749A1 EP1928749A1 (en) 2008-06-11
EP1928749B1 true EP1928749B1 (en) 2009-09-02

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US (1) US8591826B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1928749B1 (en)
DE (2) DE102005047427B3 (en)
ES (1) ES2330475T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2007036492A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
DE502006004759D1 (en) 2009-10-15
ES2330475T3 (en) 2009-12-10
DE102005047427B3 (en) 2006-12-28
US20100021359A1 (en) 2010-01-28
WO2007036492A1 (en) 2007-04-05
EP1928749A1 (en) 2008-06-11
US8591826B2 (en) 2013-11-26

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