Abstract:
An apparatus for conveying containers includes a transport star having a rotor that rotates around a machine axis, transport positions disposed around the star, and a laminar-flow system. Each transport position has a container carrier to hold a container. The laminar-flow system, which is above the container carriers and above the containers&#39; trajectory, prevents container contamination while the containers are disposed on the transport positions. The laminar-flow system has openings that direct a stream of sterile medium downward along outer surfaces of the containers.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is the national stage under 35 USC 371 of international application PCT/EP2013/002230, filed on Jul. 27, 2013, which claims the benefit of the Aug. 15, 2012 priority date of German application DE 102012016124.7, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The invention relates to machines for handling containers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is known to fill containers while they are arranged in a space that is separated from the environment by a housing. It is also known to expose the containers to laminar flow of sterile air directed from the top down while the containers are in this space. Doing so helps to avoid contamination of the containers with foreign particles, such as dust, germs, or other unwanted substances. 
         [0004]    It is also known to have transport sections between container handling machines or assemblies. These container-handling machines convey containers from one container-handling machine to a subsequent container-handling machine along a container-transport direction. A disadvantage of known transport sections is that any empty containers, or containers that have bee filled but not yet sealed, remain un protected against contamination while being transported along a transport section. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention features a transport star that is used as part of a container transport section that avoids contamination of the containers during their transportation on the container transport section and also during their transfer to and removal from the container transport section. 
         [0006]    According to the invention, discharge openings form a laminar current or flow of a sterile medium. The sterile medium can be a sterile vaporous medium or gaseous medium, or it can be a sterile fluid or sterile air. The laminar current circulates with the transport star or with its rotor. The containers are also then exposed to the sterile medium when they are conveyed by the transport star or on the container transport section. In systems for handling containers, preferably also in the container handling machines or assemblies, the laminar flow system continues so that, to avoid contamination, the containers are exposed to the laminar flow of the sterile fluid everywhere that they are not yet sealed during transport and/or during handling. 
         [0007]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container transport section is part of a system for filling and sealing containers that are manufactured from preforms by blow-molding in the system using a blow-molding machine or by a corresponding assembly. The container transport section between this blow-molding machine and a subsequent filling machine in the direction of transport of the containers or a corresponding filling assembly and also the container transport section between the filling machine and a subsequent sealing machine in the direction of transport of the containers or a corresponding assembly are formed in each case by at least one transport star according with the laminar flow system. The laminar flow system continues in the handling machines or assemblies so that the open containers, at least from the point of transfer from the blow-molding machine through to the sealing machine, are systematically under a laminar flow of the sterile fluid moving with the containers. This tends to prevent contamination of the containers until they are sealed. 
         [0008]    As the discharge openings for the sterile fluid or for generating the laminar flow of this fluid are provided on the faceplate rotating with the rotor of the transport star or on a corresponding perforated or laminator panel, it is not necessary to provide this faceplate with discharge openings over its entire surface. Moreover, according to the invention, it is proposed that the discharge openings be concentrated on the transport positions, and preferably in such a way that, there, they form groups of in each case a plurality of discharge openings, which then are arranged preferably in an annular structure around the axis of the relevant transport position oriented parallel to the machine axis. 
         [0009]    Due to the arrangement of the discharge openings only on the transport positions, there results a considerable reduction in the consumption of the sterile medium, the flow of which is permanently maintained during the operation of a system including the transport star or the container transport section. In a continuation of the laminar flow system in the container handling machines or assemblies, a faceplate moved with the rotor is preferably in each case provided there too, wherein said faceplate has discharge openings for the sterile fluid only at container handling positions. 
         [0010]    In one aspect, the invention features an apparatus for conveying containers. Such an apparatus includes a first transport star, a plurality of transport positions, and a laminar-flow system. The transport star includes a rotor that rotates around a machine axis and has the transport positions disposed around it. Each transport position includes a container carrier to hold a container. The laminar-flow system, which is disposed above the container carriers and above the containers&#39; trajectory, is configured to prevent container contamination while containers are disposed on the transport positions. The laminar-flow system includes outlet openings configured to direct a fluid stream of sterile medium downward along outer surfaces of the containers. 
         [0011]    Some embodiments include a faceplate, and a channel. The faceplate rotates with the transport element and the channel supplies and distributes the sterile medium. The outlet openings, which are disposed on the faceplate, are divided into groups, each of extends above at most one transport position. 
         [0012]    In other embodiments, the outlet openings are divided into groups, each of which includes a ring of outlet openings. The ring extends above at most a first transport position from the plurality of transport positions, and an axis of the first transport position that is parallel to the machine axis. 
         [0013]    Other embodiments include walls defining an annular space that extends along a trajectory of the transport positions. In these embodiments, the outlet openings are disposed in the annular space. In operation, container mouths held in the transport positions extend into the annular space. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the laminar-flow system includes a channel that has first, second, and third channel sections. The channel supplies and distributes the sterile fluid from a source of the sterile fluid to the outlet openings. The first channel section forms an annular space into which, in operation, container mouths protrude. The third channel section is coaxial with the machine axis. The second channel section is between the first and third channel sections and is oriented to distribute fluid in a radial direction from the third channel section to the first channel section. 
         [0015]    Yet other embodiments include a channel for distributing sterile fluid. The channel is formed at least in part between a first wall and a second wall. The second wall rotates with the rotor. The first wall is at a first distance from the machine axis. The second wall is at a second distance from the machine axis, the second distance being less than the first distance. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the first wall is a stationary wall amounted on a machine rack. 
         [0017]    Embodiments also include those that have a channel for distributing sterile fluid. This channel is formed at least in part between a first wall that defines an outer cone having a cone axis that is parallel to the machine axis and a second wall that defines an inner cone that is coaxial with the first cone and that cooperates with the first cone to define an annular gap that is coaxial with the machine axis and with the cone axis and in which the outlet openings are disposed. A base of the outer cone intersects the cone axis at a first point that is a first distance from a vertex of the outer cone. A base of the inner cone intersects the cone axis at a second point that is a second distance from the vertex of the outer cone, the second distance being greater than the first distance. Among these are embodiments that also include an inner circumferential wall and an outer circumferential wall, both of which are coaxial with the cone axis, both of which extend in a direction parallel to the cone axis, and that collectively define an annular space below the annular gap. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the outer circumferential wall includes openings for enabling passage through the outer circumferential wall in a radial direction. A first opening is located at a transport star inlet, and a second opening is located at a transport star outlet. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, the outlet openings are disposed in a faceplate that is itself disposed on a movable segment that is radially movable relative to the machine axis. The outlet openings can be removed from normal positions thereof above a transport position. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the container carrier is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the container carrier is arranged at an associated transport position from the plurality of transport positions. In the second position, the container carrier is located outside the associated transport position. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, movement of the container carrier and the segment are configured such that movement of the segment and movement of the container carrier occur together. 
         [0022]    Some embodiments include a first container-handling machine, a second container-handling machine, and a container transport section between the first and second container-handling machines. In these embodiments, the transport star is a constituent of the container transport section. Among these are embodiments that also include a second transport star, and a container transfer area, the second transport star being adjacent to the first transport star. The container transfer area is disposed where the first transport star meets the second transport star. The first transport star includes a first faceplate having the outlet openings thereon, and the second transport star includes a second faceplate having outlet openings thereon for discharge of sterile medium. The first faceplate is offset along the machine axis relative to the second faceplate so that when the first faceplate and the second faceplate are concurrently in the container transfer area, the outlet openings in the first faceplate and the outlet openings in the second faceplate align sufficiently to enable passage of sterile air both the outlet openings in the first faceplate and the outlet openings in the second faceplate. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the first container handling machine is a blow-molding machine and the second container handling machine is selected from the group consisting of a filling machine and a sealing machine. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the laminar-flow system continues into at least one of the container handling machines. 
         [0025]    As used herein, “handling machines” are machines, devices or assemblies for the manufacture and handling of containers, in particular for the blow-molding, sterilization, filling, and sealing of containers. 
         [0026]    As used herein, the expressions “substantially” or “approximately” mean deviations from the exact value in each case by ±10%, and preferably by ±5% and/or deviations in the form of changes not significant for function. 
         [0027]    As used herein, a “sterile” fluid or medium is a fluid or medium that contains no germs and/or no dirt particles, or so few germs and/or dirt particles and only such germs and/or dirt particles that no harmful effects on the filling material are to be expected taking account the properties of the filling material. 
         [0028]    Further developments, benefits and application possibilities of the invention arise also from the following description of examples of embodiments and from the figures. In this regard, all characteristics described and/or illustrated individually or in any combination are categorically the subject of the invention, regardless of their inclusion in the claims or reference to them. The content of the claims is also an integral part of the description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0029]    These and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and the accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a view from above a system for blow-molding containers, such as plastic bottles, and for filling and sealing these bottles under sterile conditions; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a simplified perspective view of two transport stars adjacent to each other in the direction of transport of the containers, the stars being within a container transport section of the system in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is sectional view of the two transport stars of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a view from above the two transport stars of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a simplified perspective view of a further embodiment in which two transport stars are adjacent to each other in the direction of transport of the containers; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a vertical section through one of the two transport stars in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are perspective views of the two transport stars in  FIG. 5  seen from below in various operating statuses; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a partial representation, similar to  FIG. 6 , of a further embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]      FIG. 1  shows a system  1  for blow-molding, filling and sealing of containers  2  under sterile conditions. Such containers include, in particular, plastic bottles, such as PET bottles 
         [0039]    The system  1  comprises a blow-molding machine  3  in which the containers  2  are made by blowing using pre-forms, a filling machine  4  for filling the containers  2  with liquid filling material, and a sealing machine  5  for sealing the filled containers  2 . An outlet transport star  6  then moves the filled containers  2  to an external conveyor  7 . The blow-molding machine  3 , the filling machine  4  and the sealing machine  5  are, for example, also blocked assemblies of a complete machine. 
         [0040]    A first container-transport section  8  is provided in a container-transport direction between a blow-molding-machine container outlet  3 . 1  of the blow-molding machine  3  and a filling-machine container inlet  4 . 1  of the filling machine  4 . The first container-transport section  8  is formed by rotor-like first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2  that are driven to rotate in opposite directions around corresponding vertical first and second machine axes MA 1 , MA 2 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0041]    A second container-transport section  10  extends from a filling-machine container outlet  4 . 2  of the filling machine  4  to the sealing machine  5 . In the illustrated embodiment, a third transport star  9 . 3  forms the second container-transport section  10 . The third transport star  9 . 3  is rotationally driven around a third vertical machine axis. The first, second, and third transport stars  9 . 1 - 9 . 3  are preferably identical to each other. The blow-molding machine  3 , the filling machine  4 , the sealing machine  5  and the first, second, and third transport stars  9 . 1 - 9 . 3  are preferably held within a housing  11  that defines a sterile space separate from the environment. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 2-4  show the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2  forming the first container-transport section  8  in greater detail. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 1  each have a spoked-wheel rotor  13  that is rotationally driven around the associated first and second vertical machine axes MA 1 , MA 2 . Each rotor  13  is mounted on a vertical column  12 . 
         [0043]    On the circumference of each rotor  13  are tong-like grippers or holding clamps  14 . These are distributed at regular angular distances around the first and second machine axes MA 1 , MA 2  and at the same radial distance from the machine axis MA 1 , MA 2 . Each holding clamp  14  functions as a container carrier for suspending a container  2  by its container neck  2 . 1  directly underneath the container mouth  2 . 2  or on a throat ring, or neck ring, provided there. 
         [0044]    To allow a meshing of clamps  14  on the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2 , and to thus allow containers  2  to be transferred from the first transport star  9 . 1  to the second transport star  9 . 2 , it is not enough for the rotors  13  of the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2  to be driven synchronously and in opposite directions. It is also important for the clamps  14  that are on the first transport star  9 . 1  and the clamps  14  that are on the second transport star  9 . 2  to be located on different horizontal levels. As can be seen clearly in  FIG. 3 , the clamps  14  on the first transport star  9 . 1  are arranged on a horizontal level that lies slightly below the horizontal level of the clamps  14  on the second transport star  9 . 2 . 
         [0045]    To transport containers  2  along the first container-transport section  8  under sterile conditions, and in particular to avoid penetration of foreign particles, such as dirt and/or germs, into the containers  2  that have just been made in a sterile manner in the blow-molding machine  3 , the containers  2  are exposed, during transport along the first container-transport section  8 , to a laminar flow system that constantly provides laminar flow of a sterile fluid oriented from the top down as is indicated in  FIG. 3  by the arrows A. A suitable sterile fluid is sterile air. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the laminar flow system includes a channel  16  for the supply and distribution of the sterile fluid. The channel has a distal channel section  16 . 1  just above the trajectory of the clamps  14  that hold the containers  2 . The distal channel section  16 . 1  forms an annular space that is concentric with and surrounds the corresponding first or second machine axis M 1 , M 2 . When held by a clamp  14 , the container neck  2 . 1  extends into this annular space. A laminator panel  17  is arranged just above the trajectory of the container mouths  2 . 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the laminator panel  17  is a perforated panel that has openings  18  for the sterile fluid. 
         [0047]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the channel  16  furthermore forms a mid-channel section  16 . 2  and a proximal channel section  16 . 3  through which sterile fluid is continuously supplied during operation. The mid-channel section  16 . 2  and proximal channel section  16 . 3  are arranged to be concentric with the particular first or second machine axis MA 1 , MA 2 . The proximal channel section  16 . 3  is made substantially from one pipe  19 . The mid-channel section  16 . 2  extends radially away from the first or second machine axis MA 1 , MA 2  and diagonally downwards from its junction with the proximal channel section  16 . 3  between an upper hood  20  and a lower hood  21  connected to the relevant rotor  13 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a machine rack  8 . 1  supports the upper hoods  20 . Within a transfer area  15  between the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2 , the upper hoods  20  corresponding to the adjacent first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2  transition into each other to form a connection between them. Each upper hood  20  has an upper-hood conical wall section  20 . 1  that is coaxial with its corresponding first or second machine axis MA 1 , MA 2 . The upper-hood conical wall section  20 . 1  transitions into the pipe  19  that forms the distal channel section  16 . 3 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , an upper-hood peripheral wall section  20 . 2  extends downward from the upper-hood conical wall section  20 . 1  and encloses the corresponding first or second machine axis MA 1 , MA 2 . The upper-hood peripheral wall section  20 . 2  is interrupted at the transfer area  15  and at a container inlet and container outlet of the first container-transport section  8 . In the illustrated embodiment, these correspond to the blow-molding machine container outlet  3 . 1  and the filling-machine container inlet  4 . 1 . 
         [0050]    Each lower hood  21  comprises a lower-hood conical wall section  21 . 1  that is coaxial with the corresponding first or second machine axis MA 1 , MA 2 . Each lower hood  21  also has a lower-hood peripheral wall  21 . 2  that defines an annulus surrounding its corresponding machine axis MA 1 , MA 2 . The lower-hood peripheral wall  21 . 2  extends downwards and cooperates with the upper-hood peripheral wall  20 . 2  to define the lateral bounds of the distal channel section  16 . 1 . The annular laminator panel  17  is secured on the lower-hood peripheral wall  21 . 2  so that the annular laminator panel  17  rotates with the relevant rotor  13  in the same way as the lower hood  21 . 
         [0051]    The laminator panels  17  of the corresponding transport stars  9 . 1  and  9 . 2  are in turn arranged on different horizontal levels. In the illustrated embodiment, the laminator panel  17  of the second transport star  9 . 2  is on a level above the level of the laminator panel  17  of the first transport star  9 . 1  so that that the two laminator panels  17  can move past each other in the transfer area  15 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the openings  18  are provided only at container transport positions  14 . 1 . Preferably, the openings  18  are arranged such that they form, on each container transport position  14 . 1 , an annular or sieve-like arrangement or group  22 . Each group  22  defines a circular region that is centered at the container transport position  14 . 1 . 
         [0053]    Sterile fluid emerges from the openings  18  in each group  22 . This sterile fluid flows mainly along the outer surface of the relevant container  2  from the top down. It does not, in any substantial way, make its way into the interior of the container  2 . The groups  22  are formed such that, whenever the container transport positions  14 . 1  reach the transfer area  15 , the openings  18  of the laminator panels  17  at the transfer area  15  align sufficiently to allow unimpeded downward flow of sterile fluid. 
         [0054]    The third transport star  9 . 3  is made in the same way as the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2 . Insofar as the second container-transport section  10  comprises multiple transport stars following each other in the container transport direction, they are adjacent to each other in the same way as the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2 . 
         [0055]    The first container-transport section  8  described herein comprises only the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2  following each other in the container transport direction. Embodiments are also possible in which the corresponding container-transport section is formed from three or more than three transport stars adjacent to each other in the container transport direction. It should be apparent, however, that the structure described for the first and second transport stars  9 . 1 ,  9 . 2  can be repeated indefinitely for any pair of adjacent transport stars in series. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 5-8  show, as a further embodiment, a first container-transport section  8  that comprises a first transport star  9 . 1  and a fourth transport star  9 . 4  following each other and adjacent to each other in the container transport direction. The fourth transport star  9 . 4  forms a container inlet of a container-handling machine, such as the filling machine  4 . 
         [0057]    Unlike the second transport star  9 . 2 , the fourth transport star  9 . 4  has a laminator panel  17  that has radially-movable segments  17 . 1 , best seen in  FIG. 6 . These radially-movable segments  17 . 1  can be moved in a direction radial to a third vertical machine axis MA 4 , which is the machine axis of the fourth transport star  9 . 4 . 
         [0058]    A radially-movable segment  17 . 1  moves between a normal outer position and an inner position. In the normal outer position, the openings  18  are above the associated transport positions  14 . 1  in the distal channel section  16 . 1 . In the inner position, in which the radially-movable segment  17 . 1  is moved radially inwards relative to the third machine axis MA 4 , the openings  18  are outside the distal channel section  16 . 1  and inside the lower-hood peripheral wall  21 . 2 , as is indicated by the double arrow B in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0059]    In the illustrated embodiment, a spring  23  biases the radially-movable segments  17 . 1  into the outer position. The movement of a particular radially-movable segment  17 . 1  into the inner position occurs when an actuator  24 , such as a pneumatic cylinder, interacts with a carrier  25  provided on the radially-movable segment  17 . 1  and is located in the area of the filling machine container inlet  4 . 1  between the transport star  9 . 4  and the filling machine  4 . 
         [0060]    The rotor  13  is rotated so that a relevant radially-movable  17 . 1  is at the angular position in which the actuation element  24  is arranged. The rotor  13  is then held in this angular position so that the actuator  24  can move the radially-movable segment  17 . 1  into the inner position. 
         [0061]    As advantage of the foregoing segmented design of the laminator panel  17  becomes apparent when attempting to clean and/or disinfect the transport star  9 . 4  and adjacent components of the system  1 , such as the filling machine  4 . Without this feature, during CIP cleaning and/or CIP sterilization of the filling machine  4  in the area of the container transfer  4 . 1  from the first container-transport section  8  to the filling machine  4 , the laminator panel  17  would possibly collide with rinsing caps or other seals provided on filling elements of the filling machine  4  for the CIP cleaning and/or CIP sterilization. Such collisions are avoided by moving the relevant radially-movable segment  17 . 1  arranged at the filling machine container inlet  4 . 1  between the transport star  9 . 4  and the filling machine  4 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment that has a fifth transport star  9 . 5 . In the fifth transport star  9 . 5 , clamps  14  allocated to a particular radially-movable segment  17 . 1  can be moved relative to a fourth machine axis MA 5  between an outer normal position and an inner position. In the inner position, the clamps  14  are located below the lower hood  21 , as indicated by the double arrow B. The clamps  14  are thus routed in a radially-displaceable manner radially on the rotor  13  for movement in a radial direction relative to the machine axis MA 5 . A ring segment  26  and linkage connect the clamps  14  so they can be driven by the carrier  25 . In some embodiments, the radially-movable segments  17 . 1  and the allocated clamps  14  can only be moved together. In others, they can move independently of each other. 
         [0063]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the laminar flow system extends across the various container-handling machines, i.e. in the blow-molding machine  3 , in the filling machine  4  and in the sealing machine  5 . As a result, containers  2  are permanently exposed to a flow of downwardly directed sterile fluid, from their manufacture through to their sealing. 
         [0064]    To achieve the foregoing distribution of sterile fluid, a faceplate  17 . 2  is provided in the blow-molding machine  3  above the containers, in the filling machine  4  and in the sealing machine  5 . This faceplate  17 . 2 , which corresponds to the laminator panel  17 , is moved with a circulating transport element or rotor of the particular container-handling machine. The faceplate  17 . 2  preferably has the outlet openings for the sterile fluid, corresponding to the openings  18 . These outlet openings are concentrated only on the container transport and/or handling positions of these machines or at these positions. 
         [0065]    The invention was described above using example embodiments. It is clear that modifications and variations are possible without thereby departing from the inventive idea underlying the invention. 
         [0066]    For example, it is possible to make the laminator panel  17  have radially-movable segments  17 . 1  only in a partial area thereof. In this case, it would be important to position the relevant transport star for CIP cleaning and/or sterilization in an angularly accurate manner so that the overlapping or transfer area is held between the container handling machine to be cleaned and the fifth transport star  9 . 5  in a way that avoids interference from the laminator panel  17  of the fifth transport star  9 . 5 . 
         [0067]    In other embodiments, other transport stars have at least one radially-movable segment  17 . 1 . 
         [0068]    In yet other embodiments, container carriers other than clamps or tongs can also be used.