EP2611695B1 - Method and device for treating containers - Google Patents

Method and device for treating containers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2611695B1
EP2611695B1 EP11722737.1A EP11722737A EP2611695B1 EP 2611695 B1 EP2611695 B1 EP 2611695B1 EP 11722737 A EP11722737 A EP 11722737A EP 2611695 B1 EP2611695 B1 EP 2611695B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
containers
treatment
printing ink
container
curing
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
Application number
EP11722737.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2611695A1 (en
EP2611695B2 (en
Inventor
Katrin Preckel
Martin Schach
Gernot Keil
Markus Reiniger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
Original Assignee
KHS GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=44118809&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2611695(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by KHS GmbH filed Critical KHS GmbH
Publication of EP2611695A1 publication Critical patent/EP2611695A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2611695B1 publication Critical patent/EP2611695B1/en
Publication of EP2611695B2 publication Critical patent/EP2611695B2/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B41J3/40733—Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D3/00—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials
    • B05D3/06—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by exposure to radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D3/00—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials
    • B05D3/06—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by exposure to radiation
    • B05D3/061—Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by exposure to radiation using U.V.
    • B05D3/065—After-treatment
    • B05D3/067—Curing or cross-linking the coating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00214—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using UV radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/08—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by irradiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C2003/227—Additional apparatus related to blow-moulding of the containers, e.g. a complete production line forming filled containers from preforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C2003/228—Aseptic features
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing
    • B67C7/0086—Sterilisation being restricted to the area of application of the closure

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 12.
  • tainers are in particular cans, bottles, tubes, pouches made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also other packaging materials which are suitable for filling liquid or viscous products for pressure filling or for pressureless filling.
  • treating containers means, in particular, the printing, also the digital printing of the containers on their outer container surface using at least one printing ink, preferably the multicolor printing using printing inks of different colors, the drying or hardening of the at least one printing ink
  • the at least one printing ink and the sterilizing, sterilizing or disinfecting the container to understand at least one container area at which a sterilization is required, taking into account the entire process flow, for example within a Be Daveerab Stahl and / or taking into account the state the container to be treated and / or taking into account the manufacturing process of these containers, such as plastic, eg PET by blow molding.
  • printing generally means the application of one or more printed images or imprints, in particular also multicolored printed images or imprints on the respective outer container surface, independently of special printing processes. Printing is preferably carried out using printing heads which are known to the person skilled in the art and which operate by the inkjet process DE 10 2006 001 223 A1 are described.
  • a printing ink is used, which by energy input, ie by heat and / or UV radiation and / or microwave radiation and / or electron radiation is preferably dried or cured by crosslinking.
  • non-thermal or substantially non-thermal energy radiation is to be understood as meaning energy radiation which contains no or substantially no components of heat or infrared radiation (IR radiation).
  • IR radiation infrared radiation
  • non-thermal or substantially non-thermal energy radiation is primarily UV radiation as well as beta or electron radiation or microwave radiation.
  • an energy radiation namely with UV radiation, electron radiation, electron radiation, microwave radiation and heat radiation or infrared radiation as well as by plasma discharge.
  • a disadvantage of the known technique is that for the drying or curing of the imprints and for the sterilization or sterilization of the container independent, each consuming and costly methods and devices are required.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a method for treating containers, in which the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink or the respective imprint and the sterilization or sterilization of the container with reduced effort is possible. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed. An apparatus for treating containers is the subject of claim 12.
  • a special feature of the method according to the invention is that at least the drying of the at least one applied to the respective container ink or the corresponding imprint as well as the sterilization or sterilization of the container with one and the same type of energy radiation, preferably with one and the same kind of not thermal or substantially non-thermal energy radiation, preferably with UV radiation.
  • the respective container area to be sterilized is directly exposed to the energy radiation.
  • a complete sterilization or a complete sterilization of the container u.a. on the entire container inner surface and at the mouth area is preferably not through the wall of the container, so as to achieve optimal sterilization or sterilization with the lowest possible radiation energy.
  • UV radiation is used as energy radiation, as is preferably the case with the invention
  • this radiation forms radicals with the photoinitiators contained in the respective printing ink (printing ink), which then crosslinks the monomers for the curing of the printing ink and / or Bring oligomers of this color.
  • UV lamps low-pressure Hg lamps, medium-pressure Hg lamps, excimer lamps, exciplex lamps, amalgam lamps, LEDs, xenon lamps, etc.
  • the containers are moved during treatment with a transport system through a treatment path and / or rotated or pivoted about its container axis.
  • Pre-treatment of the container surface to be printed preferably takes place in order to at least improve the adhesive strength of the imprint.
  • This pretreatment is preferably carried out with UV radiation which cleaves at a wavelength of about 170 to 200 nm oxygen molecules in the ambient air, with the formation of ozone. This is then decomposed by the UV radiation to form highly reactive O * radicals, which in turn lead to cleavage or oxidation of organic molecules on the container surface.
  • other radicals such as COO *. * OH, CO * and COOH- * formed, which lead to symmetry disturbances of the plastics, which results in an overall increase in the surface energy of the container made of plastic and thus an improvement in the strength of the ink or the imprint, is achieved.
  • the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and / or the sterilization of the container takes place by pressurizing the container with a process gas or with a protective or inert gas, for example with N 2, CO 2, Ar, Kr, Xe or a mixture of these.
  • This process gas with which the interior of the container is then flushed, also serves, for example, for cooling the containers during the treatment and / or has cooled down so far that the temperature of this process gas is lower than the temperature of the containers to be treated.
  • This will u.a. ensures that the process gas introduced into the container during the treatment u.a. heated by the heat emitted from the respective container and thereby partially flows out of the container mouth, whereby an ingress of oxygen, which could possibly damage the filled into the container contents, is prevented in the respective container.
  • the inert gas should be cooled, since the oxygen from the immediate container environment has a tendency to diffuse back into the container, as a large concentration gradient of the oxygen partial pressure in the container opening is present.
  • This tendency of the oxygen to flow into the container can be suppressed as long as as long as a cool gas in the container warms up to the temperature of the container, expands and slowly flows out of the container.
  • This effect has been demonstrated for both an upside down and an upside down opening, with a gas that is about 10K colder than the tank, preventing gas diffusion of the oxygen for more than 10 seconds. Even colder gas fillings have even better effect.
  • the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and / or the sterilization of the containers takes place in an oxygen-poor inert gas atmosphere formed, for example, by the abovementioned process or protective gas, i. within a housing containing this low-oxygen atmosphere and delimiting from the environment, formed by sheets, cages, hoods, etc.
  • an oxygen-poor inert gas atmosphere formed, for example, by the abovementioned process or protective gas, i. within a housing containing this low-oxygen atmosphere and delimiting from the environment, formed by sheets, cages, hoods, etc.
  • a particularly effective, short-wave UV radiation for example a UV radiation having a wavelength in the range between about 170 nm and 280 nm, preferably in the range between about 170 nm and 220 nm or in the range of about 170 nm to 200 nm for the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and / or for sterilizing the container possible, ie the use of UV radiation which can spread in ambient air because of the oxygen present only a few tenths of a millimeter.
  • the inert gas of the oxygen-poor inert gas atmosphere thus forms a transmission gas, which allows the use of short-wave UV radiation.
  • the oxygen partial pressure in the protective gas atmosphere is preferably at most 0.5%, preferably at most 0.1% of the total pressure of this atmosphere.
  • the pretreatment of the container outer surface to improve the adhesion of the at least one printing ink or the imprint by increasing the surface energy at the same time also a sterilization or sterilization of the container outer wall.
  • Container carriers or container grippers serve to hold and / or move the containers during the treatment. These are sterilized according to the invention together with the containers by the energy radiation also and / or there is an additional sterilization of the container carrier or container gripper after their uncoupling from the containers. Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out the container carriers or container grippers in such a way that each container carrier or container gripper remains at the respective container at least over the entire treatment path and with the respective container, even in the case of a treatment path which consists of several transport elements following one another in a direction of transport of the containers Transport direction is connected only on the part of the transport path formed by this device. Each container carrier or container gripper is decoupled from the container in question at the end of the treatment and then returned sterilized to the beginning of the treatment line or to the beginning of a system comprising this treatment line.
  • the in the FIG. 1 generally designated 1 treatment section is used to treat containers in the form of bottles 2, the plant 1 via an outer conveyor 3 hanging, that is kept hanging on a formed below the respective bottle opening 2.1 flange or neck ring 2.2, fed, in one indicated by the arrows A transport direction in which the bottles 2 are also moved through the treatment section 1 on a wave or meandering transport path 4 ( FIG. 2 ) and in which the treated bottles 2 leave the treatment section 1 at a container outlet in turn hanging on an outer conveyor 5.
  • the bottles 2 are supplied for further use, for example to a filling machine.
  • the bottles 2 are made for example in the manner known to those skilled in the art of preforms by stretch or blow molding in a blow molding machine, which in the FIG. 1 only indicated schematically with the block 6.
  • the method is not limited to PET bottles, but of course is also applicable to other plastic bottles such as PE, PP, PLA or PHB bottles.
  • the treatment section 1 is modular in the illustrated embodiment and consists of several treatment modules, ie in the illustrated embodiment of a total of eight treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8, the succession in the valency of their reference numerals in the transport direction A. are provided following that the bottles 2 are passed from treatment module to treatment module and thereby on the in the FIG. 2 move shown transport path 4.
  • the treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 each consist of an identical base unit with a lower module or machine housing 8, on its upper side in each case a rotatable about a vertical machine axis rotor 9 is provided on the circumference of several treatment stations are formed, where the bottles 2 at a Container inlet of the treatment module 7.1 - handed 7.8 and after the local treatment, which takes place on an angular range of rotation of the respective rotor 9, individually to a treatment station of a subsequent treatment module 7.2 - 7.8 or to the outer conveyor 5 on.
  • the rotors 9 of the successive in the transport direction treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 are synchronized by an appropriate control and driven at the same rotational or angular speed, but in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows B and C in the FIG. 1 is indicated.
  • the treatment stations of the treatment modules 7.1-7.8 are adapted to the respective treatment by means of corresponding aggregates and / or functional elements provided in the basic unit.
  • the treatment positions of the treatment module 7.1 are designed for pretreatment of the bottles 2 described in more detail below.
  • the treatment modules 7.2 - 7.7 serve as printing modules for printing, preferably for digital printing of the bottles 2 on their outer surface, ie for applying multicolor printed images or imprints on the outer surface of the bottles 2, preferably also on different areas of this bottle outer surface.
  • the treatment positions of the treatment modules 7.2 - 7.7 are accordingly in the FIG. 1 equipped printheads not shown, for example, working with the ink-jet method and known in the art printheads.
  • the treatment module 7.8 serves as a drying and sterilization module for drying or curing of the applied to the bottles 2 imprints or the corresponding ink or printing ink and at the same time for sterilization of the bottles 2 at least on a partial area at which such a sterilization due to the production of Bottles 2 and / or the starting materials used for the preparation and / or the handling of the bottles 2 after their manufacture, etc. is required.
  • both the curing of the imprint, as well as the sterilization using UV radiation, each with a UV spectrum, which optimizes in the manner described above for the curing of the ink as well as for killing germs is, for example, with a UV light spectrum, which has a pronounced maximum at a wavelength of about 270 nm.
  • the treatment module 7.8 is described in detail in the FIG. 3 and 4 shown.
  • the treatment stations denoted by 10 in these figures each comprise a forked or claw-like container carrier 11 for the suspended support and storage of the bottle 2 on its neck ring 2.2.
  • a first UV-emitting device 12 is arranged with at least one UV lamp, which is directed downwards, ie on the area of the bottle opening 2.1.
  • a second UV-emitting device 13 is provided, which is radially inwardly lying relative to the machine axis and which radiates onto the circumferential or circumferential surface of the bottle 2. This second radiating device 13 serves to cure or dry the printing ink.
  • a turntable 14 is provided, which is rotatable about its vertical turntable axis by a drive, not shown, and through which the bottle 2 is set in rotation.
  • the container carrier 11, the devices 12 and 13 and the turntable 14 are provided on a housing 15, on which, for example, the unit formed by the container carrier 11 and the device 12 controlled in the vertical direction up and down is movable (double arrow D) and in which among others the to Control and / or cooling of the UV lamps of the devices 12 and 13 necessary components are housed. Furthermore, the container carrier 11, the devices 12 and 13, the turntable 14 and the housing 15 form a complete assembly 16, which is provided as such on the rotor 9 and which forms one of the treatment stations of the treatment module 7.8.
  • the container carrier 11 and the device 12 are respectively raised at the transfer area between the treatment modules 7.7 and 7.8 and at the transfer area between the treatment module 7.8 and the outer conveyor 5 for a problem-taking over or dispensing a bottle 2 and lowered during treatment, so that the relevant Bottle 2 then stands with its bottle opening 2.1 remote bottle bottom on the turntable 14 and is rotated with this about the vertical turntable axis or about the same axis with this axis arranged bottle axis, in particular for a treatment of the entire bottle circumference with that of the device 13 emitted UV radiation.
  • the container carrier 11 then serves only to secure the upright bottle 2 against falling over.
  • the device consisting of the container carrier 11 and the device 12 can be moved up and down in a controlled manner.
  • the turntable 14 controlled in the vertical direction is moved up and down to a problem-free transfer and delivery of bottles 2 to or from the respective treatment station 10 and in the aforementioned manner on the other hand, turning the bottles 2 to allow their vertical axis of the bottle during the treatment.
  • UV sterilization of the bottles 2 takes place only in the area of their bottle mouth or mouth 2.1, this treatment requires that the bottles 2 are essentially sterile after their preparation or are formed from sterile preforms and possibly in the area their bottleneck were contaminated by the further handling on the way to treatment section 1 or within the treatment section 1.
  • FIG. 5 shows in a representation similar FIG. 4 as a further embodiment of the invention, a treatment station 10a, which differs from the treatment station 10 substantially in that the above the container support 11 provided UV light or radiation emitting means 12a is designed for sterilization of at least the entire inner surface of the respective bottle 2 and during the treatment with a UV lamp or with an acted upon by the UV radiation of a UV lamp light guide 17 during treatment through the bottle opening 2.1 extends into the interior of the bottle 2 to be treated. Also in this embodiment, the sterilization of the respective bottles 2 and the curing or drying of the printed image 2.4 takes place at one and the same treatment station 10a of the treatment module 7.8 and preferably at the same time.
  • This embodiment of the treatment station 10a takes into account the fact that even with transparent bottles 2, i. when producing the bottles 2 made of a translucent or clear material or plastic, such as PET, arranged at a location outside the bottle 2, emitting UV radiation source such a strong absorption of UV radiation when penetrating the wall of the bottle 2, at least with an economically justifiable UV performance and within a treatment period, among others in view of the necessary performance of the treatment section 1 is justifiable, no adequate sterilization is possible.
  • transparent bottles 2 i. when producing the bottles 2 made of a translucent or clear material or plastic, such as PET, arranged at a location outside the bottle 2, emitting UV radiation source such a strong absorption of UV radiation when penetrating the wall of the bottle 2, at least with an economically justifiable UV performance and within a treatment period, among others in view of the necessary performance of the treatment section 1 is justifiable, no adequate sterilization is possible.
  • the treatment module 10a can also be designed so that both a sterilization of the bottles 2 on the bottle inner surface, as well as an intensive sterilization on the bottle outer surface, in particular in the area of the bottle opening 2.1 and in particular by means of UV radiation, is achieved.
  • the treatment module 7.1 is designed for pretreatment of the bottles 2, in particular for pre-treatment of the bottles 2 on their surface to be printed, in order to achieve improved adhesion of the printing ink there. This pretreatment is carried out by irradiation of the surfaces to be printed later with UV radiation. The improvement of the adhesion for the ink is u.a.
  • the ultraviolet radiation in particular with a wavelength of less than 240 nm, cleaves oxygen molecules in the vicinity of the treated surfaces, which leads to the formation of ozone, which then, together with the oxygen, absorbs UV quanta with wavelengths below 240 nm ,
  • radicals such as COO *, * OH, CO *, COOH *
  • the plastic chains of the material of the bottles 2 radicals are formed, which there lead to selective changes in the symmetry of the molecular structure, whereby the surface energy increases and thus the Adhesive strength and wettability of the surfaces to be printed with ink can be improved.
  • sterilization or sterilization of the outer surface of the bottles 2 preferably also takes place.
  • the treatment stations of the treatment module 7.1 are then formed, for example, similar to the treatment stations 10 and 10a, respectively, but without the UV radiation emitting device 12 or 12a.
  • treatment module 7.1 Other treatment methods and accordingly designed treatment stations for improving the adhesive strength and wettability of the surfaces to be printed on the bottles 2 are possible for the treatment module 7.1.
  • methods and appropriately trained treatment stations in which by pyrolysis, for example by flame pyrolysis a surface silicization of the bottles 2 takes place at least on the surface areas to be printed later, in such a way that on the outer surface of the respective bottle 2 Although a thin but very dense and firmly adhering silicate with high surface energy and therefore high Adhesive strength is produced for the respective printing ink.
  • a suitable gas for example propane and / or butane gas in the presence of an organosilicon compound (eg silane).
  • the UV sterilization and the UV curing of the printing ink i. the treatment of the bottles 2 at the treatment stations 10 and 10a of the treatment module 7.8 in an oxygen-poor, sterile inert gas atmosphere, e.g. from N2 and / or CO2 and / or He and / or Ar and / or Kr and / or Xe.
  • an oxygen-poor, sterile inert gas atmosphere e.g. from N2 and / or CO2 and / or He and / or Ar and / or Kr and / or Xe.
  • the inert gas of the protective or inert gas atmosphere acts as a transmission gas, which allows for a fast and high quality UV sterilization to use a very short-wave UV radiation, for example, UV radiation in the wavelength range of 170 to 280 nm, preferably in Range between 170 to 220 nm.
  • UV radiation in the wavelength range of 170 to 280 nm, preferably in Range between 170 to 220 nm.
  • the oxygen partial pressure in the protective gas or inert gas atmosphere should at most be 0.5%, preferably 0.1%, of the total pressure.
  • the corresponding treatment stations 10 and 10a are housed in a housing, which is preferably acted upon by the protective or inert gas with a certain pressure, so that at the Inlet and outlet of this enclosure adjusts an inert gas flow from the enclosure into the environment, which prevents (flow) oxygen from entering the enclosure.
  • UV sterilization and UV curing take place in a part of an overall system preceding the filling machine, namely in the treatment module 7.8 of the treatment section 1.
  • the UV sterilization and / or UV curing or at least one corresponding treatment station in a filling machine, for example, in the form that in at least one treatment station then a UV sterilization or sterilization Also introduced into the respective bottle 2 filling takes place, as is possible in particular for mineral or table waters.
  • the FIG. 6 shows in a very simplified functional representation and in plan view of a system 18 for producing the bottles 2 by blow molding and subsequent printing and UV sterilization and UV curing of the bottles 2 and the respective imprint 2.4.
  • the system 18 includes, inter alia, a blow molding machine 19 of circulating design, which has a plurality of blow molds 21.
  • Blow molding machine 19 has a rotor 20 which can be driven about a vertical machine axis, wherein the blow molds 21 are arranged on or on the rotor 20.
  • the blow molds 21 are supplied with the heated preforms via a preheating section 22 having a transport path, which has inter alia the feed dog 23 and the two transport stars 24 and 25.
  • the bottles 2 produced with the blow molding machine 19 are forwarded via a transport star 26 to a treatment section 27 which, for example, corresponds to the treatment section 1 and on which the bottles 2 are pretreated on their bottle outer surface and ggs. sterilized with UV radiation, printed and then subjected to UV sterilization and curing of the respective imprint or printed image with UV radiation.
  • the thus treated bottles 2 are fed via an outlet star 28 and an outer conveyor 29 of a filling machine.
  • the transport of the bottles 2 from the blow molding machine 19 to the treatment line 27, through the treatment line or through the various treatment modules or work stations of this treatment section and the transport on the conveyor 28 takes place in reversed form, i. with the bottle opening 2.1 facing down.
  • the fundamental difference of the treatment section 27 with respect to the treatment section 1 is that instead of the container carrier 11, which in the treatment section 1 each fixed part of the treatment stations 10 and 10a of the individual treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 are, in the system 18 grippers or centering and holding elements 30 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) are used, in which already the preforms 31 (preforms) are kept centered after their transfer from the feed dog 23 and then the bottles 2 after blow molding and with which bottles 2 are moved to the that workstation or to that treatment module, which corresponds to the treatment module 7.8 and in which the UV sterilization of the bottles 2 takes place.
  • the container carrier 11 which in the treatment section 1 each fixed part of the treatment stations 10 and 10a of the individual treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 are, in the system 18 grippers or centering and holding elements 30 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) are used, in which already the preforms 31 (preforms) are kept centered after their transfer from the feed dog 23 and then the bottles 2 after blow molding and with which bottles 2 are moved to
  • Each centering and holding element 30 is designed so that controlled pivoting or turning of the respective bottle 2 about the bottle axis during its treatment is possible, in particular also during UV sterilization or UV curing.
  • each centering and holding elements 30 is provided with an actuator or can be coupled to such a respective treatment station.
  • the centering and holding elements 30 are formed so that the respective bottle 2 in the region of its mouth of the bottle 2.1. is held by clamps or jaws.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren gemäß Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 sowie auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 12.The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a device according to the preamble of patent claim 12.

"Behälter" sind im Sinne der Erfindung insbesondere Dosen, Flaschen, Tuben, Pouches aus Metall, Glas und/oder Kunststoff, aber auch andere Packmittel, die zum Abfüllen von flüssigen oder viskosen Produkten für ein Druckfüllen oder für ein druckloses Füllen geeignet sind.For the purposes of the invention, "containers" are in particular cans, bottles, tubes, pouches made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also other packaging materials which are suitable for filling liquid or viscous products for pressure filling or for pressureless filling.

Unter "Behandeln von Behältern" sind im Sinne der Erfindung insbesondere das Bedrucken, auch das digitale Bedrucken der Behälter an ihrer Behälteraußenfläche unter Verwendung wenigstens einer Druckfarbe, vorzugsweise das mehrfarbige Bedrucken unter Verwendung von Druckfarben unterschiedlicher Farbgebung, das Trocknen bzw. Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe, bevorzugt durch Vernetzen der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe sowie das Entkeimen, Sterilisieren bzw. Desinfizieren der Behälter an wenigstens einem Behälterbereich zu verstehen, an dem eine Entkeimung erforderlich ist, und zwar unter Berücksichtigung des gesamten Verfahrensablaufs beispielsweise innerhalb einer Behälterabfüllanlage und/oder unter Berücksichtigung des Zustandes der zu behandelnden Behälter und/oder unter Berücksichtigung des Herstellungsverfahrens dieser Behälter, beispielsweise aus Kunststoff, z.B. PET durch Blasformen.In the context of the invention, "treating containers" means, in particular, the printing, also the digital printing of the containers on their outer container surface using at least one printing ink, preferably the multicolor printing using printing inks of different colors, the drying or hardening of the at least one printing ink Preferably, by crosslinking the at least one printing ink and the sterilizing, sterilizing or disinfecting the container to understand at least one container area at which a sterilization is required, taking into account the entire process flow, for example within a Behälterabfüllanlage and / or taking into account the state the container to be treated and / or taking into account the manufacturing process of these containers, such as plastic, eg PET by blow molding.

Unter "Bedrucken" ist im Sinne der Erfindung ganz allgemein das Aufbringen eines oder mehrerer Druckbilder oder Aufdrucke, insbesondere auch mehrfarbiger Druckbilder oder Aufdrucke auf die jeweilige Behälteraußenfläche zu verstehen, und zwar unabhängig von speziellen Druckverfahren. Bevorzugt erfolgt das Bedrucken unter Verwendung von, dem Fachmann bekannten, nach dem Inkjet-Verfahren arbeitenden, Druckköpfen, die auch in der DE 10 2006 001 223 A1 beschrieben sind. Für das Bedrucken der Behälter wird eine Druckfarbe verwendet, die durch Energieeintrag, d.h. durch Wärme und/oder UV-Strahlung und/oder Mikrowellen-Strahlung und/oder Elektronenstrahlung vorzugsweise durch Vernetzen getrocknet bzw. ausgehärtet wird.
Unter "nicht thermischer oder im Wesentlichen nicht thermischer Energiestrahlung" ist im Sinne der vorliegenden Erfindung einer Energiestrahlung zu verstehen, die keine oder im Wesentlichen keine Anteile an Wärme- oder Infrarot-Strahlung (IR-Strahlung) enthält. In diesem Sinne sind nicht thermische oder im Wesentlichen nicht thermische Energiestrahlung vor allem UV-Strahlung sowie Beta- oder Elektronen-Strahlung oder Mikrowellen-Strahlung.For the purposes of the invention, "printing" generally means the application of one or more printed images or imprints, in particular also multicolored printed images or imprints on the respective outer container surface, independently of special printing processes. Printing is preferably carried out using printing heads which are known to the person skilled in the art and which operate by the inkjet process DE 10 2006 001 223 A1 are described. For the printing of the container, a printing ink is used, which by energy input, ie by heat and / or UV radiation and / or microwave radiation and / or electron radiation is preferably dried or cured by crosslinking.
For the purposes of the present invention, "non-thermal or substantially non-thermal energy radiation" is to be understood as meaning energy radiation which contains no or substantially no components of heat or infrared radiation (IR radiation). In this sense, non-thermal or substantially non-thermal energy radiation is primarily UV radiation as well as beta or electron radiation or microwave radiation.

Der Ausdruck "im Wesentlichen" bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung Abweichungen von jeweils exakten Wert um +/- 10%, bevorzugt um +/- 5% und/oder Abweichungen in Form von für die Funktion unbedeutenden Änderungen.The term "essentially" in the context of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5%, and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Bekannt ist das direkte Bedrucken von Flaschen oder anderen Behältern und dabei insbesondere das direkte Bedrucken von Kunststoff- oder PET-Flaschen unmittelbar nach deren Herstellung in einer Streck- oder Blasformmaschine aus vorerhitzten Vorformlingen (Preforms) und das Trocknen oder Aushärten der jeweiligen Druckfarbe oder des Aufdrucks durch Beaufschlagung der bedruckten Behälter mit UV-Strahlung, Elektronen-Strahlung, Mikrovrellen-Strahlung oder Hitze-Strahlung bzw. Infrarot-Strahlung ( DE 10 2006 001 223 A1 ).Known is the direct printing of bottles or other containers, and in particular the direct printing of plastic or PET bottles immediately after their production in a stretching or blow molding of preheated preforms (preforms) and the drying or curing of the respective printing ink or printing by exposure of the printed containers to UV radiation, electron radiation, microvrelle radiation or heat radiation or infrared radiation ( DE 10 2006 001 223 A1 ).

Aus der WO 2010/034375 A1 ist es bekannt, bei der Bedruckung von Behältern UV-Licht einzusetzen, um die im Ink-Jet-Verfahren applizierte Druckfarbe auf Behältern auszuhärten, welches gezielt auf den Bereich der äußeren, bedruckten Behälteroberfläche gerichtet wird. Ebenfalls ist es aus der DE 10 2008 054 110 A1 bekannt, mittels fokussierter Elektronenstrahlbündel die innere Oberfläche von Behältern zu sterilisieren.From the WO 2010/034375 A1 It is known to use in the printing of containers UV light to cure the ink applied in the ink jet process on containers, which is targeted to the area of the outer, printed container surface. It is also from the DE 10 2008 054 110 A1 known to sterilize the inner surface of containers by means of focused electron beam.

Bekannt ist auch das Entkeimen oder Sterilisieren der Behälter vor dem Befüllen mit einem Füllgut durch Energieeinträg oder durch Behandlung mit einer Energiestrahlung, nämlich mit UV-Strahlung, Elektronen-Strahlung, Elektronen-Strahlung, Mikrowellen-Strahlung und Wärme-Strahlung bzw. Infrarot-Strahlung sowie durch Plasmaentladung.Also known is the sterilization or sterilization of the container before filling with a product by energy input or by treatment with an energy radiation, namely with UV radiation, electron radiation, electron radiation, microwave radiation and heat radiation or infrared radiation as well as by plasma discharge.

Nachteilig bei der bekannten Technik ist, dass für das Trocknen oder Aushärten der Aufdrucke und für das Entkeimen bzw. Sterilisieren der Behälter eigenständige, jeweils aufwendige und kostspielige Verfahren und Vorrichtungen erforderlich sind.A disadvantage of the known technique is that for the drying or curing of the imprints and for the sterilization or sterilization of the container independent, each consuming and costly methods and devices are required.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren zur Behandlung von Behältern aufzuzeigen, bei dem das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe bzw. des jeweiligen Aufdrucks sowie das Entkeimen oder Sterilisieren der Behälter mit reduziertem Aufwand möglich ist. Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist ein Verfahren entsprechend dem Patentanspruch 1 ausgebildet. Eine Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern ist Gegenstand des Patentanspruchs 12.The object of the invention is to provide a method for treating containers, in which the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink or the respective imprint and the sterilization or sterilization of the container with reduced effort is possible. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed. An apparatus for treating containers is the subject of claim 12.

Eine Besonderheit des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens besteht darin, dass zumindest das Trocknen der wenigstens einen auf den jeweiligen Behälter aufgebrachten Druckfarbe bzw. des entsprechenden Aufdrucks sowie auch das Entkeimen oder Sterilisieren der Behälter mit ein und derselben Art der Energiestrahlung, bevorzugt mit ein und derselben Art der nicht thermischen oder im Wesentlichen nicht thermischen Energiestrahlung und dabei vorzugsweise mit UV-Strahlung erfolgt.A special feature of the method according to the invention is that at least the drying of the at least one applied to the respective container ink or the corresponding imprint as well as the sterilization or sterilization of the container with one and the same type of energy radiation, preferably with one and the same kind of not thermal or substantially non-thermal energy radiation, preferably with UV radiation.

Für das Sterilisieren wird der jeweils zu entkeimende Behälterbereich mit der Energiestrahlung unmittelbar beaufschlagt. Grundsätzlich besteht dabei die Möglichkeit, lediglich den Mündungs- oder Öffnungsbereich der Behälter durch Beaufschlagung mit der Energiestrahlung zu sterilisieren, und zwar insbesondere dann, wenn die Behälter einer Anlage bereits im sterilen Zustand zugeführt werden und durch das Handling innerhalb der Anlage lediglich eine Kontaminierung des Behältermündungsbereichs zu befürchten ist. Bevorzugt erfolgt aber eine komplette Entkeimung oder ein komplettes Sterilisieren der Behälter u.a. an der gesamten Behälterinnenfläche sowie am Mündungsbereich. Auch bei Behältern aus einem transparenten Werkstoff, z.B. Kunststoff (beispielsweise PET) erfolgt die Beaufschlagung der zu sterilisierenden Behälterbereiche bevorzugt nicht durch die Wandung des Behälters hindurch, um so bei möglichst geringer Strahlungsenergie eine optimale Entkeimung oder Sterilisation zu erreichen.For sterilization, the respective container area to be sterilized is directly exposed to the energy radiation. In principle, it is possible to sterilize only the mouth or opening region of the container by exposure to the energy radiation, in particular when the containers of a system are already supplied in the sterile state and the handling within the system only a contamination of the container mouth area is to be feared. Preferably, however, a complete sterilization or a complete sterilization of the container u.a. on the entire container inner surface and at the mouth area. Also in containers of a transparent material, e.g. Plastic (for example PET), the loading of the container areas to be sterilized is preferably not through the wall of the container, so as to achieve optimal sterilization or sterilization with the lowest possible radiation energy.

Wird beispielsweise als Energiestrahlung UV-Strahlung verwendet, wie dies bei der Erfindung bevorzugt der Fall ist, so bildet diese Strahlung mit den in der jeweiligen Druckfarbe (Drucktinte) enthaltenen Photoinitiatoren Radikale, die dann für das Aushärten der Druckfarbe eine Vernetzung der Monomere und/oder Oligomere dieser Farbe herbeiführen. Durch die Beaufschlagung der zu sterilisierenden Behälterbereiche mit der UV-Strahlung wird dort eine Schädigung der DNA oder RNA-Moleküle eventuell vorhandener Keime erreicht, wodurch eine Zellteilung unterbunden und die angestrebte Entkeimung erreicht wird.If, for example, UV radiation is used as energy radiation, as is preferably the case with the invention, then this radiation forms radicals with the photoinitiators contained in the respective printing ink (printing ink), which then crosslinks the monomers for the curing of the printing ink and / or Bring oligomers of this color. By exposing the container areas to be sterilized with the UV radiation there is damage to the DNA or RNA molecules of any existing germs reached, thereby preventing cell division and the desired sterilization is achieved.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens erfolgt das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe sowie das Sterilisieren der Behälter an jeweils ein und derselben Behandlungsstation, zumindest aber in ein und demselben Behandlungs- oder Arbeitsmodul oder in ein und derselben, mehrere Behandlungsstationen aufweisenden Arbeitsmaschine oder Arbeitsstation. Die Durchführung des Trocknungs- oder Aushärtprozesses der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und der Sterilisation der Behälter durch ein und dieselbe Art der Energiestrahlung, vorzugsweise durch UV-Strahlung hat erhebliche Vorteile:

  • Bei der Behältersterilisation kann auf Chemikalien verzichtet werden, sodass auch keine Chemikalienrückstände in- und/oder auf den sterilisierten Behältern verbleiben.
  • Bei der Trocknung oder Aushärtung der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe mit der Energiestrahlung, vorzugsweise mit der UV-Strahlung, bilden sich keine flüchtigen organischen Bestandteile. Weiterhin wird grundsätzlich auch keine die Behälter möglicherweise schädigende thermische Energie benötigt, wenngleich ein gewisser Anteil an thermischer Energie zusätzlich zu der Behandlung mit der UV-Strahlung oder einer anderen nicht thermischen Energiestrahlung für die Verkürzung insbesondere des Trocknungs- oder Aushärtprozesses der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe zweckmäßig sein kann.
  • Weiterhin sind das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und die Sterilisation der Behälter durch Energiestrahlung, insbesondere durch UV-Strahlung, schnelle Prozesse, die es ermöglichen, die behandelten Oberflächen der Behälter in Bruchteilen von Sekunden, allenfalls wenigen Sekunden optimal zu entkeimen und auch die wenigstens eine Druckfarbe in Bruchteilen von Sekunden, allenfalls wenigen Sekunden auszuhärten.
  • Erfolgt das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und das Sterilisieren der Behälter in einer gemeinsamen Behandlungsstation, wie dies bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung vorgesehen ist, und dabei vorzugsweise auch zeitgleich, so wird ein separater Sterilisationsprozess vermieden und die Kühlung der Quellen für die Energiestrahlung, insbesondere die Kühlung von UV-Lampen und deren Ansteuerung können zentral in einem Modul, beispielsweise in einem Modul der Abfülllinie, vorgesehen sein.
  • Bei Verwendung von UV-Strahlung wird mit dieser Strahlung nur in einem Teilbereich einer Gesamtanlage gearbeitet. Nur dort bzw. nur an dem entsprechenden Behandlungsmodul ist eine Abschirmung erforderlich, um eine UV-Strahlen-Belastung der Operatoren bzw. des bedienenden Personals zu vermeiden.
  • Werden für das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und für das Sterilisieren der Behälter jeweils dieselben UV-Lampen oder Röhren verwendet, so können diese in größeren Stückzahlen eingekauft werden, wodurch sich sowohl für den Hersteller als auch für den Anwender einer Anlage erhebliche Kostenvorteile ergeben.
  • Eine die Behälter schädigende Erwärmung findet nicht statt. Speziell bei Verwendung einer UV-Strahlung können eventuell von der Strahlungsquelle erzeugte IR-Strahlungsanteile ausgefiltert werden.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and the sterilization of the container takes place at one and the same treatment station, but at least in one and the same treatment or working module or in one and the same, several treatment stations having work machine or workstation , Carrying out the drying or curing process of the at least one printing ink and the sterilization of the containers by one and the same type of energy radiation, preferably by UV radiation, has considerable advantages:
  • When sterilizing containers, chemicals can be dispensed with so that no chemical residues remain in and / or on the sterilized containers.
  • During the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink with the energy radiation, preferably with the UV radiation, no volatile organic constituents are formed. Furthermore, in principle no thermal energy possibly damaging the containers is required, although a certain amount of thermal energy, in addition to the treatment with the UV radiation or other non-thermal energy radiation, may be expedient for shortening, in particular, the drying or curing process of the at least one printing ink can.
  • Furthermore, the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and the sterilization of the containers by energy radiation, in particular by UV radiation, rapid processes that allow the treated surfaces of the container in fractions of seconds, at best few seconds to sterilize and optimally to cure at least one printing ink in fractions of a second, at most a few seconds.
  • If the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and the sterilization of the containers in a common treatment station, as in a preferred embodiment of the invention, and preferably also at the same time, so a separate sterilization process is avoided and the cooling of the sources for the Energy radiation, in particular the cooling of UV lamps and their control can be provided centrally in a module, for example in a module of the filling line.
  • When using UV radiation, this radiation is only used in a partial area of an entire plant. Only there or only on the appropriate treatment module shielding is required to avoid UV radiation exposure of the operators or the operating staff.
  • If the same UV lamps or tubes are used for drying or curing the at least one printing ink and for sterilizing the containers, then these can be purchased in larger quantities, resulting in considerable cost advantages both for the manufacturer and for the user of a system ,
  • A container damaging heating does not take place. Especially when using UV radiation, any IR radiation components generated by the radiation source can be filtered out.

Als UV-Lampen können Niederdruck-Hg-Strahler, Mitteldruck-Hg-Strahler, Excimer-Strahler, Exciplex-Strahler, Amalgamlampen, LED, Xenonlampen usw. eingesetzt werden. Die Behälter werden während der Behandlung mit einem Transportsystem durch eine Behandlungsstrecke bewegt und/oder um ihre Behälterachse gedreht oder geschwenkt.As UV lamps, low-pressure Hg lamps, medium-pressure Hg lamps, excimer lamps, exciplex lamps, amalgam lamps, LEDs, xenon lamps, etc. can be used. The containers are moved during treatment with a transport system through a treatment path and / or rotated or pivoted about its container axis.

Bevorzugt erfolgt eine Vorbehandlung der zu bedruckenden Behälteroberfläche, um zumindest die Haftfestigkeit des Aufdrucks zu verbessern. Diese Vorbehandlung erfolgt vorzugsweise mit UV-Strahlung, die mit einer Wellenlänge von etwa 170 bis 200 nm Stauerstoffmoleküle der Umgebungsluft spaltet, und zwar unter Bildung von Ozon. Dieses wird dann von der UV-Strahlung unter Bildung von hochreaktiven O*-Radikalen zersetzt, die dann ihrerseits zu einer Spaltung oder Oxidation von organischen Molekülen an der Behälteroberfläche führen. Weiterhin werden durch die UV-Bestrahlung auch andere Radikale, wie COO*. *OH, CO* und COOH-* gebildet, die zu Symmetriestörungen der Kunststoffe führen, womit sich insgesamt eine Erhöhung der Oberflächenenergie der Behälter aus Kunststoff ergibt und damit eine Verbesserung der Festigkeit der Druckfarbe bzw. des Aufdrucks, erreicht wird.Pre-treatment of the container surface to be printed preferably takes place in order to at least improve the adhesive strength of the imprint. This pretreatment is preferably carried out with UV radiation which cleaves at a wavelength of about 170 to 200 nm oxygen molecules in the ambient air, with the formation of ozone. This is then decomposed by the UV radiation to form highly reactive O * radicals, which in turn lead to cleavage or oxidation of organic molecules on the container surface. Furthermore, by UV irradiation, other radicals, such as COO *. * OH, CO * and COOH- * formed, which lead to symmetry disturbances of the plastics, which results in an overall increase in the surface energy of the container made of plastic and thus an improvement in the strength of the ink or the imprint, is achieved.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung erfolgt das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und/oder das Sterilisieren der Behälter unter Beaufschlagung der Behälter mit einem Prozessgas oder mit einem Schutz- oder Inertgas, beispielsweise mit N2, CO2, Ar, Kr, Xe oder mit einer Mischung hiervon. Dieses Prozessgas, mit dem dann auch der Innenraum der Behälter gespült wird, dient beispielsweise auch zum Kühlen der Behälter während der Behandlung und/oder ist soweit abgekühlt, dass die Temperatur dieses Prozessgases niedriger ist als die Temperatur der zu behandelnden Behälter. Hierdurch wird u.a. erreicht, dass sich das in die Behälter eingebrachte Prozessgas während der Behandlung u.a. durch die von dem jeweiligen Behälter abgegebene Wärme erwärmt und dadurch aus der Behältermündung teilweise ausströmt, wodurch ein Eindringen von Sauerstoff, der eventuell das in die Behälter eingefüllte Füllgut schädigen könnte, in den jeweiligen Behälter verhindert ist.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and / or the sterilization of the container takes place by pressurizing the container with a process gas or with a protective or inert gas, for example with N 2, CO 2, Ar, Kr, Xe or a mixture of these. This process gas, with which the interior of the container is then flushed, also serves, for example, for cooling the containers during the treatment and / or has cooled down so far that the temperature of this process gas is lower than the temperature of the containers to be treated. This will u.a. ensures that the process gas introduced into the container during the treatment u.a. heated by the heat emitted from the respective container and thereby partially flows out of the container mouth, whereby an ingress of oxygen, which could possibly damage the filled into the container contents, is prevented in the respective container.

Wird der Behälter mit einem Schutz- oder Inertgas gefüllt und im Inneren durch Einbringen eines UV-Strahlers desinfiziert, dann können sich diejenigen UV-Quanten bis zur Behälterwand ausbreiten deren Energie ausreicht, um molekularen Sauerstoff, der bei einer Luftfüllung im Inneren des Behälters vorhanden wäre, zu dissoziieren, andernfalls - also bei vorhandensein von Sauerstoff - würden sich die Quanten nur wenige Zehntel Millimeter ausbreiten. Diese Quanten gingen durch deren Verbrauch in Dissoziationsprozessen des dissoziierenden Sauerstoffs für die Keiminaktivierung verloren. Eine Behälterfüllung mit Inertgas führt also zu einer sehr effektiven Desinfektion, weil kurzwellige Quanten im Bereich von 240 nm, um die es sich hier handelt eine effektivere Wirkung haben als Quanten mit Wellenlängen von mehr als 240 nm. Die Effektivität der Quanten nimmt sogar mit abnehmender Wellenlänge zu.If the container filled with a protective or inert gas and disinfected inside by introducing a UV lamp, then those UV quanta can propagate to the container wall whose energy is sufficient to molecular oxygen, which would be present in an air filling inside the container Otherwise, in the presence of oxygen, the quanta would spread only a few tenths of a millimeter. These quanta were lost through their consumption in dissociation processes of dissociating oxygen for the activation of nuclei. Tank filling with inert gas thus leads to a very effective disinfection, because short-wave quanta in the range of 240 nm, which are involved here have a more effective effect than quanta with wavelengths of more than 240 nm. The effectiveness of the quantum decreases even with decreasing wavelength to.

Als zusätzliche Verbesserung der Effektivität der Desinfektion und des Verfahrens hat sich weiterhin gezeigt, dass die Inertgasfüllung gekühlt sein sollte, da der Sauerstoff aus der unmittelbaren Behälterumgebung das Bestreben hat, wieder in den Behälter zu diffundieren, da ein großes Konzentrationsgefälle des Sauerstoffpartialdruckes im Bereich der Behälteröffnung vorliegt. Dieses Bestreben des Sauerstoffs in den Behälter zu strömen kann solange unterdrückt werden, solange sich ein im Behälter befindliches kühles Gas bis auf die Temperatur des Behälters aufwärmt, ausdehnt und langsam aus dem Behälter strömt. Dieser Effekt ist sowohl für auf dem Kopf stehende als auch mit nach oben weisender Öffnung nachgewiesen worden, wobei ein Gas, das etwa 10 K kälter als der Behälter ist, die Gasdiffusion des Sauerstoffs für mehr als 10 Sekunden unterbindet. Noch kältere Gasfüllungen haben noch bessere Wirkung.As an additional improvement of the effectiveness of the disinfection and the method has further been shown that the inert gas should be cooled, since the oxygen from the immediate container environment has a tendency to diffuse back into the container, as a large concentration gradient of the oxygen partial pressure in the container opening is present. This tendency of the oxygen to flow into the container can be suppressed as long as as long as a cool gas in the container warms up to the temperature of the container, expands and slowly flows out of the container. This effect has been demonstrated for both an upside down and an upside down opening, with a gas that is about 10K colder than the tank, preventing gas diffusion of the oxygen for more than 10 seconds. Even colder gas fillings have even better effect.

Bevorzugt erfolgt das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und/oder das Sterilisieren der Behälter in einer beispielsweise von dem vorgenannten Prozess- oder Schutzgas gebildeten sauerstoffarmen SchutzgasAtmosphäre, d.h. innerhalb einer diese sauerstoffarme Atmosphäre enthaltenden und gegenüber der Umgebung abgrenzenden, von Blechen, Käfigen, Hauben usw. gebildeten Einhausung. Hierdurch ist u.a. die Verwendung einer besonders wirksamen, kurzwelligen UV-Strahlung, beispielsweise einer UV-Strahlung mit einer Wellenlänge im Bereich zwischen etwa 170 nm und 280 nm, vorzugsweise im Bereich zwischen etwa 170 nm und 220 nm oder im Bereich von etwa 170 nm bis 200 nm für das Trocknen oder Aushärten der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe und/oder für das Sterilisieren der Behälter möglich, also die Verwendung einer UV-Strahlung die sich in Umgebungsluft wegen des vorhandenen Sauerstoffs nur wenige Zehntel Millimeter ausbreiten kann. Das Inert-Gas der sauerstoffarmen Schutzgasatmosphäre bildet somit ein Transmissionsgas, welches die Verwendung der kurzwelligen UV-Strahlung ermöglicht.Preferably, the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and / or the sterilization of the containers takes place in an oxygen-poor inert gas atmosphere formed, for example, by the abovementioned process or protective gas, i. within a housing containing this low-oxygen atmosphere and delimiting from the environment, formed by sheets, cages, hoods, etc. This is u.a. the use of a particularly effective, short-wave UV radiation, for example a UV radiation having a wavelength in the range between about 170 nm and 280 nm, preferably in the range between about 170 nm and 220 nm or in the range of about 170 nm to 200 nm for the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and / or for sterilizing the container possible, ie the use of UV radiation which can spread in ambient air because of the oxygen present only a few tenths of a millimeter. The inert gas of the oxygen-poor inert gas atmosphere thus forms a transmission gas, which allows the use of short-wave UV radiation.

Der Sauerstoffpartialdruck in der Schutzgasatmosphäre beträgt vorzugsweise maximal 0,5%, bevorzugt maximal 0,1% des Gesamtdruckes dieser Atmosphäre. Die Vorteile dieses speziellen Verfahrens bestehen also darin, dass eine Absorption der UV-Strahlung an 02-Molekülen, dessen Intensität mit abnehmender Wellenlänge der UV-Strahlung zunimmt, sowie auch eine Ozonbildung vermieden sind.The oxygen partial pressure in the protective gas atmosphere is preferably at most 0.5%, preferably at most 0.1% of the total pressure of this atmosphere. The advantages of this special method are thus that an absorption of the UV radiation at 02 molecules, whose intensity increases with decreasing wavelength of the UV radiation, as well as an ozone formation are avoided.

Bevorzugt erfolgt bei der Vorbehandlung der Behälteraußenfläche zur Verbesserung der Haftfestigkeit der wenigstens einen Druckfarbe bzw. des Aufdrucks durch Erhöhung der Oberflächenenergie zugleich auch eine Entkeimung bzw. Sterilisation der Behälteraußenwand.Preferably, in the pretreatment of the container outer surface to improve the adhesion of the at least one printing ink or the imprint by increasing the surface energy at the same time also a sterilization or sterilization of the container outer wall.

Zum Halten und/oder Bewegen der Behälter während der Behandlung dienen Behälterträger oder Behältergreifer. Diese werden erfindungsgemäß zusammen mit den Behältern durch die Energiestrahlung ebenfalls entkeimt und/oder es erfolgt eine zusätzliche Entkeimung der Behälterträger oder Behältergreifer nach deren Abkoppeln von den Behältern. Weiterhin besteht auch die Möglichkeit, die Behälterträger oder Behältergreifer so auszuführen, dass jeder Behälterträger oder Behältergreifer auch bei einer Behandlungsstrecke, die aus mehreren in einer Transportrichtung der Behälter aufeinander folgenden Transportelementen besteht, zumindest über die gesamte Behandlungsstrecke an dem jeweiligen Behälter verbleibt und mit der jeweiligen Transportrichtung nur auf dem von dieser Einrichtung gebildeten Teil des Transportweges verbunden ist. Jeder Behälterträger oder Behältergreifer wird am Ende der Behandlung von dem betreffenden Behälter abgekoppelt und dann sterilisiert an den Anfang der Behandlungsstrecke oder an den Anfang einer diese Behandlungsstrecke aufweisenden Anlage zurückgeführt.Container carriers or container grippers serve to hold and / or move the containers during the treatment. These are sterilized according to the invention together with the containers by the energy radiation also and / or there is an additional sterilization of the container carrier or container gripper after their uncoupling from the containers. Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out the container carriers or container grippers in such a way that each container carrier or container gripper remains at the respective container at least over the entire treatment path and with the respective container, even in the case of a treatment path which consists of several transport elements following one another in a direction of transport of the containers Transport direction is connected only on the part of the transport path formed by this device. Each container carrier or container gripper is decoupled from the container in question at the end of the treatment and then returned sterilized to the beginning of the treatment line or to the beginning of a system comprising this treatment line.

Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und aus den Figuren.Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
in vereinfachter perspektivischer Darstellung eine Anlage zur Behandlung von Behältern in Form von Flaschen (hier PET-Flaschen) in vereinfachter perspektivischer Darstellung;
Fig. 2
in schematischer Darstellung den Transportweg des jeweiligen Behälters durch die Anlage der Figur 1;
Fig. 3
in perspektivischer Einzeldarstellung eines der Behandlungsmodule der Anlage der Figur 1, und zwar zum beispielsweise zeitgleichen Aushärten des auf die jeweilige Flasche aufgebrachten Aufdrucks sowie zum Sterilisieren der Flaschen im Bereich zumindest ihrer Flaschenmündung;
Fig. 4
in schematischer, perspektivischer Einzeldarstellung eine der Behandlungspositionen des Behandlungsmoduls der Figur 3;
Fig. 5
eine Darstellung ähnlich Figur 4, jedoch bei einer anderen Ausbildungsform des Behandlungsmoduls;
Fig. 6
in vereinfachter Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Anlage zum Herstellen der Behälter in Form von Flaschen aus Kunststoff, beispielsweise in Form von PET-Flaschen durch Streck- oder Blasformen sowie zum anschließenden Behandeln der hergestellten Behälter;
Fig. 7
und 8 ein Zentrier- und Halteelement zur Verwendung bei der Vorrichtung der Figur 6 mit einem Vorformling bzw. mit einer teilweise dargestellten Flasche.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:
Fig. 1
in a simplified perspective view of a plant for the treatment of containers in the form of bottles (here PET bottles) in a simplified perspective view;
Fig. 2
in a schematic representation of the transport path of the respective container by the system of FIG. 1 ;
Fig. 3
in perspective detail of one of the treatment modules of the system FIG. 1 , For example, for simultaneous curing of the on the respective bottle applied imprint as well as for sterilizing the bottles in the area of at least its mouth of the bottle;
Fig. 4
in a schematic perspective perspective view one of the treatment positions of the treatment module of FIG. 3 ;
Fig. 5
a representation similar FIG. 4 but in another embodiment of the treatment module;
Fig. 6
in a simplified representation and in plan view of a plant for producing the container in the form of plastic bottles, for example in the form of PET bottles by stretch or blow molding and for subsequent treatment of the containers produced;
Fig. 7
and 8 a centering and holding element for use in the device of FIG. 6 with a preform or with a partially illustrated bottle.

Die in der Figur 1 allgemein mit 1 bezeichnete Behandlungsstrecke dient zum Behandeln von Behältern in Form von Flaschen 2, die der Anlage 1 über einen äußeren Transporteur 3 hängend, d.h. an einem unterhalb der jeweiligen Flaschenöffnung 2.1 ausgebildeten Flansch oder Halsring 2.2 hängend gehalten, zugeführt werden, und zwar in einer durch die Pfeile A angedeuteten Transportrichtung, in der die Flaschen 2 auch durch die Behandlungsstrecke 1 auf einem wellen- oder mäanderförmigen Transportweg 4 bewegt werden (Figur 2) und in der die behandelten Flaschen 2 die Behandlungsstrecke 1 an einem Behälterauslass wiederum hängend an einem äußeren Transporteur 5 verlassen. Über den äußeren Transporteur 5 werden die Flaschen 2 einer weiteren Verwendung zugeführt, beispielsweise an eine Füllmaschine. Die Flaschen 2 werden beispielsweise in der dem Fachmann bekannten Weise aus Vorformlingen durch Streck- oder Blasformen in einer Blasformmaschine hergestellt, die in der Figur 1 nur schematisch mit dem Block 6 angedeutet ist. Das Verfahren ist natürlich nicht auf PET-Flaschen beschränkt, sondern ist natürlich ebenso für andere Kunststoffflaschen, wie bspw. PE-, PP- ,PLA-oder PHB-Flaschen anwendbar.The in the FIG. 1 generally designated 1 treatment section is used to treat containers in the form of bottles 2, the plant 1 via an outer conveyor 3 hanging, that is kept hanging on a formed below the respective bottle opening 2.1 flange or neck ring 2.2, fed, in one indicated by the arrows A transport direction in which the bottles 2 are also moved through the treatment section 1 on a wave or meandering transport path 4 ( FIG. 2 ) and in which the treated bottles 2 leave the treatment section 1 at a container outlet in turn hanging on an outer conveyor 5. Via the outer conveyor 5, the bottles 2 are supplied for further use, for example to a filling machine. The bottles 2 are made for example in the manner known to those skilled in the art of preforms by stretch or blow molding in a blow molding machine, which in the FIG. 1 only indicated schematically with the block 6. Of course, the method is not limited to PET bottles, but of course is also applicable to other plastic bottles such as PE, PP, PLA or PHB bottles.

Die Behandlungsstrecke 1 ist bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform modular aufgebaut und besteht aus mehreren Behandlungsmodulen, d.h. bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform aus insgesamt acht Behandlungsmodulen 7.1 - 7.8, die in der Wertigkeit ihrer Bezugsziffern in Transportrichtung A derart aufeinander folgend vorgesehen sind, dass die Flaschen 2 von Behandlungsmodul zu Behandlungsmodul weitergegeben werden und sich dabei auf dem in der Figur 2 dargestellten Transportweg 4 bewegen.The treatment section 1 is modular in the illustrated embodiment and consists of several treatment modules, ie in the illustrated embodiment of a total of eight treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8, the succession in the valency of their reference numerals in the transport direction A. are provided following that the bottles 2 are passed from treatment module to treatment module and thereby on the in the FIG. 2 move shown transport path 4.

Die Behandlungsmodule 7.1 - 7.8 bestehen jeweils aus einer identischen Grundeinheit mit einem unteren Modul- oder Maschinengehäuse 8, auf dessen Oberseite jeweils ein um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend antreibbarer Rotor 9 vorgesehen ist, an dessen Umfang mehrere Behandlungsstationen gebildet sind, denen die Flaschen 2 an einem Behältereinlauf des Behandlungsmoduls 7.1 - 7.8 übergeben und nach der dortigen Behandlung, die auf einem Winkelbereich der Drehbewegung des jeweiligen Rotors 9 erfolgt, einzeln an eine Behandlungsstation eines nachfolgenden Behandlungsmoduls 7.2 - 7.8 oder aber an den äußeren Transporteur 5 weiter geleitet werden. Die Rotoren 9 der in Transportrichtung aufeinander folgenden Behandlungsmodule 7.1 - 7.8 sind durch eine entsprechende Steuerung synchron und mit derselben Dreh- oder Winkelgeschwindigkeit angetrieben, aber gegenläufig, wie dies mit den Pfeilen B und C in der Figur 1 angedeutet ist.The treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 each consist of an identical base unit with a lower module or machine housing 8, on its upper side in each case a rotatable about a vertical machine axis rotor 9 is provided on the circumference of several treatment stations are formed, where the bottles 2 at a Container inlet of the treatment module 7.1 - handed 7.8 and after the local treatment, which takes place on an angular range of rotation of the respective rotor 9, individually to a treatment station of a subsequent treatment module 7.2 - 7.8 or to the outer conveyor 5 on. The rotors 9 of the successive in the transport direction treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 are synchronized by an appropriate control and driven at the same rotational or angular speed, but in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows B and C in the FIG. 1 is indicated.

Die Behandlungsstationen der Behandlungsmodule 7.1 - 7.8 sind durch entsprechende Aggregate und/oder Funktionselemente, die in der Grundeinheit vorgesehen sind, der jeweiligen Behandlung angepasst. Bei der in der Figur 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform sind die Behandlungspositionen des Behandlungsmoduls 7.1 für eine nachstehend noch näher beschriebene Vorbehandlung der Flaschen 2 ausgebildet. Die Behandlungsmodule 7.2 - 7.7 dienen als Druckmodule zum Bedrucken, vorzugsweise zum digitalen Bedrucken der Flaschen 2 an ihrer Außenfläche, d.h. zum Aufbringen von mehrfarbigen Druckbildern oder Aufdrucken auf die Außenfläche der Flaschen 2, bevorzugt auch an unterschiedlichen Bereichen dieser Flaschenaußenfläche. Die Behandlungspositionen der Behandlungsmodule 7.2 - 7.7 sind dementsprechend mit in der Figur 1 nicht näher dargestellten Druckköpfen ausgestattet, beispielsweise mit nach dem Ink-Jet-Verfahren arbeitenden und dem Fachmann bekannten Druckköpfen.The treatment stations of the treatment modules 7.1-7.8 are adapted to the respective treatment by means of corresponding aggregates and / or functional elements provided in the basic unit. When in the FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown, the treatment positions of the treatment module 7.1 are designed for pretreatment of the bottles 2 described in more detail below. The treatment modules 7.2 - 7.7 serve as printing modules for printing, preferably for digital printing of the bottles 2 on their outer surface, ie for applying multicolor printed images or imprints on the outer surface of the bottles 2, preferably also on different areas of this bottle outer surface. The treatment positions of the treatment modules 7.2 - 7.7 are accordingly in the FIG. 1 equipped printheads not shown, for example, working with the ink-jet method and known in the art printheads.

Das Behandlungsmodul 7.8 dient als Trocknungs- und Sterilisationsmodul zum Trocknen bzw. Aushärten der auf die Flaschen 2 aufgebrachten Aufdrucke bzw. der entsprechenden Druckfarbe oder Drucktinte sowie zugleich auch zur Sterilisation der Flaschen 2 zumindest an einem Teilbereich, an dem ein derartiges Sterilisieren aufgrund der Herstellung der Flaschen 2 und/oder der für die Herstellung verwendeten Ausgangsmaterialien und/oder des Handlings der Flaschen 2 nach ihrer Herstellung usw. erforderlich ist.The treatment module 7.8 serves as a drying and sterilization module for drying or curing of the applied to the bottles 2 imprints or the corresponding ink or printing ink and at the same time for sterilization of the bottles 2 at least on a partial area at which such a sterilization due to the production of Bottles 2 and / or the starting materials used for the preparation and / or the handling of the bottles 2 after their manufacture, etc. is required.

Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform erfolgt sowohl das Aushärten des Aufdrucks, als auch das Sterilisieren unter Verwendung von UV-Strahlung, und zwar jeweils mit einem UV-Spektrum, welches in der eingangs beschriebenen Weise für das Aushärten der Druckfarbe sowie auch für ein Abtöten von Keimen optimiert ist, beispielsweise mit einem UV-Licht-Spektrum, welches ein deutlich ausgeprägtes Maximum bei einer Wellenlänge von etwa 270 nm aufweist.In the illustrated embodiment, both the curing of the imprint, as well as the sterilization using UV radiation, each with a UV spectrum, which optimizes in the manner described above for the curing of the ink as well as for killing germs is, for example, with a UV light spectrum, which has a pronounced maximum at a wavelength of about 270 nm.

Das Behandlungsmodul 7.8 ist im Detail in der Figur 3 und 4 dargestellt. Die in diesen Figuren mit 10 bezeichneten Behandlungsstationen umfassen jeweils einen gabel- oder greiferartigen Behälterträger 11 für die hängende Halterung und Lagerung der Flasche 2 an ihrem Halsring 2.2. Über dem Behälterträger 11 und damit über der Öffnung 2.1 der an der Behandlungsstation 10 vorgesehenen Flasche 1 eine erste UV-Licht abstrahlende Einrichtung 12 mit wenigstens einer UV-Lampe angeordnet, welche nach unten, d.h. auf dem Bereich der Flaschenöffnung 2.1 gerichtet ist. Weiterhin ist eine zweite ein UV-Licht abstrahlende Einrichtung 13 vorgesehen, die bezogen auf die Maschinenachse radial innen liegend ist und welche auf die Umfangs- oder Mantelfläche der Flasche 2 abstrahlt. Diese zweite abstrahlende Einrichtung 13 dient der Aushärtung oder Trocknung der Druckfarbe. Weiterhin ist ein Drehteller 14 vorgesehen, der durch einen nicht dargestellten Antrieb um seine vertikale Drehtellerachse drehbar ist und durch welchen die Flasche 2 in Rotation versetzt wird.The treatment module 7.8 is described in detail in the FIG. 3 and 4 shown. The treatment stations denoted by 10 in these figures each comprise a forked or claw-like container carrier 11 for the suspended support and storage of the bottle 2 on its neck ring 2.2. Above the container carrier 11 and thus above the opening 2.1 of the provided at the treatment station 10 bottle 1, a first UV-emitting device 12 is arranged with at least one UV lamp, which is directed downwards, ie on the area of the bottle opening 2.1. Furthermore, a second UV-emitting device 13 is provided, which is radially inwardly lying relative to the machine axis and which radiates onto the circumferential or circumferential surface of the bottle 2. This second radiating device 13 serves to cure or dry the printing ink. Furthermore, a turntable 14 is provided, which is rotatable about its vertical turntable axis by a drive, not shown, and through which the bottle 2 is set in rotation.

Der Behälterträger 11, die Einrichtungen 12 und 13 und der Drehteller 14 sind an einem Gehäuse 15 vorgesehen, an welchem beispielsweise die von dem Behälterträger 11 und der Einrichtung 12 gebildete Einheit gesteuert in vertikaler Richtung auf- und ab bewegbar ist (Doppelpfeil D) und in welchem u.a. die zur Ansteuerung und/oder Kühlung der UV-Lampen der Einrichtungen 12 und 13 notwendigen Komponenten untergebracht sind. Weiterhin bilden der Behälterträger 11, die Einrichtungen 12 und 13, der Drehteller 14 und das Gehäuse 15 eine komplette Baueinheit 16, die als solche an dem Rotor 9 vorgesehen ist und die jeweils eine der Behandlungsstationen des Behandlungsmoduls 7.8 bildet.The container carrier 11, the devices 12 and 13 and the turntable 14 are provided on a housing 15, on which, for example, the unit formed by the container carrier 11 and the device 12 controlled in the vertical direction up and down is movable (double arrow D) and in which among others the to Control and / or cooling of the UV lamps of the devices 12 and 13 necessary components are housed. Furthermore, the container carrier 11, the devices 12 and 13, the turntable 14 and the housing 15 form a complete assembly 16, which is provided as such on the rotor 9 and which forms one of the treatment stations of the treatment module 7.8.

Der Behälterträger 11 und die Einrichtung 12 sind am Übergabebereich zwischen den Behandlungsmodulen 7.7 und 7.8 sowie auch am Übergabebereich zwischen dem Behandlungsmodul 7.8 und dem äußeren Transporteur 5 für ein problemloses Übernehmen bzw. Abgeben einer Flasche 2 jeweils angehoben und während der Behandlung abgesenkt, sodass die betreffende Flasche 2 dann mit ihrem der Flaschenöffnung 2.1 entfernt liegenden Flaschenboden auf dem Drehteller 14 aufsteht und mit diesem um die vertikale Drehtellerachse bzw. um die achsgleich mit dieser Achse angeordneten Flaschenachse gedreht wird, und zwar insbesondere für eine Behandlung des gesamten Flaschenumfangs mit der von der Einrichtung 13 abgegebenen UV-Strahlung. Der Behälterträger 11 dient hierbei dann lediglich zur Sicherung der aufrecht stehenden Flasche 2 gegen Umfallen.The container carrier 11 and the device 12 are respectively raised at the transfer area between the treatment modules 7.7 and 7.8 and at the transfer area between the treatment module 7.8 and the outer conveyor 5 for a problem-taking over or dispensing a bottle 2 and lowered during treatment, so that the relevant Bottle 2 then stands with its bottle opening 2.1 remote bottle bottom on the turntable 14 and is rotated with this about the vertical turntable axis or about the same axis with this axis arranged bottle axis, in particular for a treatment of the entire bottle circumference with that of the device 13 emitted UV radiation. The container carrier 11 then serves only to secure the upright bottle 2 against falling over.

Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass die aus dem Behälterträger 11 und der Einrichtung 12 bestehende Einrichtung gesteuert auf- und ab bewegbar ist. Grundsätzlich besteht auch die Möglichkeit, dass anstelle hiervon oder zusätzlich hierzu der Drehteller 14 gesteuert in vertikaler Richtung auf- und ab bewegt wird, um in der vorstehend genannten Weise einerseits eine problemlose Übergabe und Abgabe der Flaschen 2 an bzw. von der jeweiligen Behandlungsstation 10 und andererseits das Drehen der Flaschen 2 um ihre vertikale Flaschenachse während der Behandlung zu ermöglichen.It has been assumed above that the device consisting of the container carrier 11 and the device 12 can be moved up and down in a controlled manner. Basically, there is also the possibility that instead of or in addition to the turntable 14 controlled in the vertical direction is moved up and down to a problem-free transfer and delivery of bottles 2 to or from the respective treatment station 10 and in the aforementioned manner on the other hand, turning the bottles 2 to allow their vertical axis of the bottle during the treatment.

Da an den Behandlungsstationen 10 eine UV-Sterilisation der Flaschen 2 lediglich im Bereich ihrer Flaschenmündung oder -öffnung 2.1 erfolgt, setzt diese Behandlung voraus, dass die Flaschen 2 nach ihrer Herstellung im Wesentlichen steril sind bzw. aus sterilen Vorformlingen geformt sind und allenfalls im Bereich ihrer Flaschenmündung durch das weitere Handling auf dem Transportweg zur Behandlungstrecke 1 bzw. innerhalb der Behandlungsstrecke 1 kontaminiert wurden.Since at the treatment stations 10 UV sterilization of the bottles 2 takes place only in the area of their bottle mouth or mouth 2.1, this treatment requires that the bottles 2 are essentially sterile after their preparation or are formed from sterile preforms and possibly in the area their bottleneck were contaminated by the further handling on the way to treatment section 1 or within the treatment section 1.

Die Figur 5 zeigt in einer Darstellung ähnlich Figur 4 als weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung eine Behandlungsstation 10a, die sich von der Behandlungsstation 10 im Wesentlichen dadurch unterscheidet, dass die oberhalb des Behälterträgers 11 vorgesehene UV-Licht oder -Strahlung aussendende Einrichtung 12a für eine Sterilisation zumindest der gesamten Innenfläche der jeweiligen Flasche 2 ausgeführt ist und hierfür während der Behandlung mit einer UV-Lampe oder mit einem mit der UV-Strahlung einer UV-Lampe beaufschlagten Lichtleiter 17 während der Behandlung durch die Flaschenöffnung 2.1 in das Innere der zu behandelnden Flasche 2 hineinreicht. Auch bei dieser Ausführungsform erfolgt das Sterilisieren der jeweiligen Flaschen 2 und das Aushärten bzw. Trocknen des Druckbildes 2.4 an ein und derselben Behandlungsstation 10a des Behandlungsmoduls 7.8 und dabei bevorzugt zeitgleich.The FIG. 5 shows in a representation similar FIG. 4 as a further embodiment of the invention, a treatment station 10a, which differs from the treatment station 10 substantially in that the above the container support 11 provided UV light or radiation emitting means 12a is designed for sterilization of at least the entire inner surface of the respective bottle 2 and during the treatment with a UV lamp or with an acted upon by the UV radiation of a UV lamp light guide 17 during treatment through the bottle opening 2.1 extends into the interior of the bottle 2 to be treated. Also in this embodiment, the sterilization of the respective bottles 2 and the curing or drying of the printed image 2.4 takes place at one and the same treatment station 10a of the treatment module 7.8 and preferably at the same time.

Diese Ausführung der Behandlungsstation 10a trägt dem Umstand Rechnung, dass selbst bei transparenten Flaschen 2, d.h. bei Herstellung der Flaschen 2 aus einem lichtdurchlässigen oder glasklaren Werkstoff oder Kunststoff, beispielsweise PET, bei einer außerhalb der Flasche 2 angeordneten, UV-Strahlung aussendenden Quelle eine so starke Absorption der UV-Strahlung beim Durchdringen der Wandung der Flasche 2 erfolgt, dass zumindest mit einer wirtschaftlichen vertretbaren UV-Leistung und innerhalb einer Behandlungsdauer, die u.a. im Hinblick auf die notwendige Leistung der Behandlungsstrecke 1 vertretbar ist, keine ausreichende Sterilisation möglich ist.This embodiment of the treatment station 10a takes into account the fact that even with transparent bottles 2, i. when producing the bottles 2 made of a translucent or clear material or plastic, such as PET, arranged at a location outside the bottle 2, emitting UV radiation source such a strong absorption of UV radiation when penetrating the wall of the bottle 2, at least with an economically justifiable UV performance and within a treatment period, among others in view of the necessary performance of the treatment section 1 is justifiable, no adequate sterilization is possible.

Das Behandlungsmodul 10a kann weiterhin auch so ausgeführt sein, dass sowohl eine Sterilisation der Flaschen 2 an der Flascheninnenfläche, als auch eine intensive Sterilisation an der Flaschenaußenfläche, insbesondere auch im Bereich der Flaschenöffnung 2.1 und insbesondere mittels UV-Strahlung, erzielt wird.The treatment module 10a can also be designed so that both a sterilization of the bottles 2 on the bottle inner surface, as well as an intensive sterilization on the bottle outer surface, in particular in the area of the bottle opening 2.1 and in particular by means of UV radiation, is achieved.

Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass durch Absenken des Behälterträger 11 oder aber durch Anheben des Flaschentellers 14 eine Entkopplung der jeweiligen Flasche 2 von dem Behälterträger 11 erfolgt, um die Flasche 2 während der Behandlung um ihre Flaschenachse drehen zu können. Selbstverständlich kann diese Entkopplung auch auf andere Weise erreicht werden, beispielsweise dadurch, dass ein entsprechend ausgebildeter Behälterträger die jeweilige Flasche 2 für das Drehen um ihre Flaschenachse während der Behandlung freigibt. Weiterhin besteht auch die Möglichkeit, den Behälterträger so auszubilden, dass er das Drehen der jeweiligen Flasche 2 während der Behandlung bewirkt.It has been assumed above that by lowering the container carrier 11 or by lifting the bottle plate 14, a decoupling of the respective bottle 2 from the container carrier 11 takes place in order to be able to turn the bottle 2 around its bottle axis during the treatment. Of course, this decoupling can be achieved in other ways, for example, characterized in that a suitably trained container carrier the respective bottle 2 for the Turn around its bottle axis during treatment releases. Furthermore, it is also possible to design the container carrier so that it causes the rotation of the respective bottle 2 during the treatment.

Das Behandlungsmodul 7.1 ist für eine Vorbehandlung der Flaschen 2 ausgebildet, und zwar insbesondere für eine Vorbehandlung der Flaschen 2 an ihrer zu bedruckenden Oberfläche, um dort eine verbesserte Haftung der Druckfarbe zu erzielen. Diese Vorbehandlung erfolgt durch Bestrahlung der später zu bedruckenden Oberflächen mit UV-Strahlung. Die Verbesserung der Haftung für die Druckfarbe ist dabei u.a. darauf zurück zu führen, dass die UV-Strahlung insbesondere mit einer Wellenlänge von kleiner 240 nmSauerstoffmoleküle in der Nähe der behandelten Oberflächen spaltet, was zur Bildung von Ozon führt, welches dann, zusammen mit dem Sauerstoff, UV-Quanten mit Wellenlängen unter 240 nm absorbiert. Hierdurch werden (zusätzlich zu Radikalen wie COO*, *OH, CO*, COOH*) an den Kunststoffketten des Materials der -Flaschen 2 Radikale gebildet, die dort zu punktuellen Veränderungen in der Symmetrie der Molekülstruktur führen, wodurch die Oberflächenenergie zunimmt und damit die Haftfestigkeit sowie die Benetzbarkeit der zu bedruckenden Oberflächen mit Druckfarbe verbessert werden. Bei dieser Vorbehandlung der Flaschen 2 mit der UV-Strahlung erfolgt bevorzugt auch eine Sterilisation bzw. Entkeimung der Außenfläche der Flaschen 2.The treatment module 7.1 is designed for pretreatment of the bottles 2, in particular for pre-treatment of the bottles 2 on their surface to be printed, in order to achieve improved adhesion of the printing ink there. This pretreatment is carried out by irradiation of the surfaces to be printed later with UV radiation. The improvement of the adhesion for the ink is u.a. due to the fact that the ultraviolet radiation, in particular with a wavelength of less than 240 nm, cleaves oxygen molecules in the vicinity of the treated surfaces, which leads to the formation of ozone, which then, together with the oxygen, absorbs UV quanta with wavelengths below 240 nm , In this way (in addition to radicals such as COO *, * OH, CO *, COOH *) on the plastic chains of the material of the bottles 2 radicals are formed, which there lead to selective changes in the symmetry of the molecular structure, whereby the surface energy increases and thus the Adhesive strength and wettability of the surfaces to be printed with ink can be improved. In this pretreatment of the bottles 2 with the UV radiation, sterilization or sterilization of the outer surface of the bottles 2 preferably also takes place.

Für diese Vorbehandlung sind die Behandlungsstationen des Behandlungsmoduls 7.1 dann beispielsweise ähnlich den Behandlungsstationen 10 bzw. 10a ausgebildet, allerdings ohne die die UV-Strahlung abgebende Einrichtung 12 bzw. 12a.For this pretreatment, the treatment stations of the treatment module 7.1 are then formed, for example, similar to the treatment stations 10 and 10a, respectively, but without the UV radiation emitting device 12 or 12a.

Auch andere Behandlungsverfahren und dementsprechend ausgebildete Behandlungsstationen für die Verbesserung der Haftfestigkeit und Benetzbarkeit der zu bedruckenden Oberflächen der Flaschen 2 sind für das Behandlungsmodul 7.1 möglich. Beispielsweise Verfahren und entsprechend ausgebildete Behandlungsstationen, bei denen durch Pyrolyse, beispielsweise durch Flammenpyrolyse eine Oberflächensilikatisierung der Flaschen 2 zumindest an den später zu bedruckenden Oberflächenbereichen erfolgt, und zwar derart, dass auf der Außenfläche der jeweiligen Flasche 2 eine zwar dünne jedoch sehr dichte und festhaftende Silikatschicht mit hoher Oberflächenenergie und damit mit hoher Haftfestigkeit für die jeweilige Druckfarbe erzeugt wird. Erreicht wird dies beispielsweise durch Flammbehandlung der Flaschen 2 unter Verwendung eines geeigneten Gases, beispielsweise Propan- und/oder Butangas in Anwesenheit einer siliziumorganischen Verbindung (z.B. Silan).Other treatment methods and accordingly designed treatment stations for improving the adhesive strength and wettability of the surfaces to be printed on the bottles 2 are possible for the treatment module 7.1. For example, methods and appropriately trained treatment stations, in which by pyrolysis, for example by flame pyrolysis a surface silicization of the bottles 2 takes place at least on the surface areas to be printed later, in such a way that on the outer surface of the respective bottle 2 Although a thin but very dense and firmly adhering silicate with high surface energy and therefore high Adhesive strength is produced for the respective printing ink. This is achieved, for example, by flame treatment of the bottles 2 using a suitable gas, for example propane and / or butane gas in the presence of an organosilicon compound (eg silane).

Besonders vorteilhafte Ergebnisse lassen sich dann erreichen, wenn insbesondere die UV-Sterilisation und das UV-Aushärten der Druckfarbe, d.h. die Behandlung der Flaschen 2 an den Behandlungsstationen 10 bzw. 10a des Behandlungsmoduls 7.8 in einer sauerstoffarmen, sterilen Inertgas-Atmosphäre z.B. aus N2 und/oder CO2 und/oder He und/oder Ar und/oder Kr und/oder Xe erfolgt. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass der Luftsauerstoff die Vernetzungsreaktion bzw. das Aushärten der üblichen polymeren Druckfarben hemmt. Durch die Verwendung einer sauerstoffarmen Schutz- oder Inertgas-Atmosphäre können die Aushärt- oder Trocknungszeiten reduziert und das Durchtrocknen der Druckfarbe verbessert werden. Weiterhin wird bei einer für die UV-Sterilisation optimalen kurzweiligeren UV-Strahlung mit einer Wellenlänge deutlich unter 240 nm eine Ozonbildung vermieden. Außerdem wirkt das Inertgas der Schutz- oder Inertgas-Atmosphäre als Transmissionsgas, welches es erlaubt, für eine schnelle und hochqualitative UV-Sterilisation eine sehr kurzwellige UV-Strahlung zu verwenden, beispielsweise eine UV-Strahlung im Wellenbereich von 170 bis 280 nm, vorzugsweise im Bereich zwischen 170 bis 220 nm. In einer sauerstoffhaltigen Atmosphäre wäre dies nicht möglich, da sich dort eine UV-Strahlung mit einem im Bereich von 170 bis 200 nm allenfalls nur wenige 1/10 mm ausbreiten kann. Insbesondere bei einer UV-Strahlung mit einer Wellenlänge von 200 nm sollte der Sauerstoffpartialdruck in der Schutzgas- oder Inertgas-Atmosphäre allenfalls noch bei 0,5%, vorzugsweise bei 0,1% des Gesamtdruckes liegen.Particularly advantageous results can be achieved if, in particular, the UV sterilization and the UV curing of the printing ink, i. the treatment of the bottles 2 at the treatment stations 10 and 10a of the treatment module 7.8 in an oxygen-poor, sterile inert gas atmosphere, e.g. from N2 and / or CO2 and / or He and / or Ar and / or Kr and / or Xe. It has been shown that the atmospheric oxygen inhibits the crosslinking reaction or the curing of the customary polymeric printing inks. By using a low-oxygen protective or inert gas atmosphere, the curing or drying times can be reduced and the through-drying of the printing ink can be improved. Furthermore, an ozone formation is avoided at an optimal for the UV sterilization more entertaining UV radiation having a wavelength well below 240 nm. In addition, the inert gas of the protective or inert gas atmosphere acts as a transmission gas, which allows for a fast and high quality UV sterilization to use a very short-wave UV radiation, for example, UV radiation in the wavelength range of 170 to 280 nm, preferably in Range between 170 to 220 nm. In an oxygen-containing atmosphere, this would not be possible because there a UV radiation with a range of 170 to 200 nm at most only a few 1/10 mm can propagate. In particular, in the case of UV radiation having a wavelength of 200 nm, the oxygen partial pressure in the protective gas or inert gas atmosphere should at most be 0.5%, preferably 0.1%, of the total pressure.

Bei Verwendung einer sauerstoffarmen Schutzgas- oder Sterilgasatmosphäre während der UV-Sterilisation und der UV-Aushärtung sind die entsprechenden Behandlungsstationen 10 bzw. 10a in einer Einhausung aufgenommen, die mit dem Schutz- oder Inertgas vorzugsweise mit einem gewissen Überdruck beaufschlagt ist, sodass sich an dem Einlass und Auslass dieser Einhausung eine Inertgas-Strömung aus der Einhausung in die Umgebung einstellt, die (Strömung) ein Eindringen von Sauerstoff in die Einhausung verhindert.When using a low-oxygen inert gas or sterile gas atmosphere during UV sterilization and UV curing, the corresponding treatment stations 10 and 10a are housed in a housing, which is preferably acted upon by the protective or inert gas with a certain pressure, so that at the Inlet and outlet of this enclosure adjusts an inert gas flow from the enclosure into the environment, which prevents (flow) oxygen from entering the enclosure.

Es besteht weiterhin die Möglichkeit, die Oberfläche der Flaschen 2 und/oder den Flascheninnenraum während der UV-Sterilisation und UV-Aushärtung mit einem vorzugsweise gekühlten Prozessgas oder Inertgas zu beaufschlagen bzw. zu spülen. Hierdurch wird u.a. die thermische Belastung der Flaschen 2 bei der UV-Sterilisation und der UV-Aushärtung insbesondere auch durch emittierte Infrarot-Anteile minimiert. Ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil ergibt sich dann, wenn das in die jeweilige Flasche 2 eingebrachte Inert-Prozessgas eine Temperatur aufweist, die deutlich niedriger ist als die Temperatur der Flasche 2, sodass das Prozessgas in der Flasche 2 zunächst eine höhere Dichte aufweist, sich dann langsam auf die Flaschentemperatur erwärmt und sich dabei ausdehnend teilweise aus der Flasche 2 strömt, sodass ein Eindringen von Sauerstoff in die jeweilige Flasche 2 verhindert ist.There is also the possibility of applying or flushing the surface of the bottles 2 and / or the bottle interior during the UV sterilization and UV curing with a preferably cooled process gas or inert gas. This will u.a. minimizes the thermal load on the bottles 2 in the UV sterilization and UV curing in particular by emitted infrared components. Another significant advantage arises when the introduced into the respective bottle 2 inert process gas has a temperature which is significantly lower than the temperature of the bottle 2, so that the process gas in the bottle 2 initially has a higher density, then slowly heated to the bottle temperature and thereby expands partially flows out of the bottle 2, so that penetration of oxygen into the respective bottle 2 is prevented.

Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass die UV-Sterilisation und UV-Aushärtung in einem der Füllmaschine vorausgehenden Teil einer Gesamtanlage, nämlich in dem Behandlungsmodul 7.8 der Behandlungsstrecke 1 erfolgen. Anstelle hiervon oder zusätzlich hierzu besteht auch die Möglichkeit, die UV-Sterilisation und/oder UV-Aushärtung bzw. wenigstens eine entsprechende Behandlungsstation in eine Füllmaschine zu integrieren, beispielsweise auch in der Form, dass in wenigstens einer Behandlungsstation dann eine UV-Sterilisation oder Entkeimung auch des in die jeweilige Flasche 2 eingebrachten Füllgutes erfolgt, wie dies insbesondere bei Mineral- oder Tafelwässern möglich ist.It has been assumed above that the UV sterilization and UV curing take place in a part of an overall system preceding the filling machine, namely in the treatment module 7.8 of the treatment section 1. Instead of or in addition thereto, it is also possible to integrate the UV sterilization and / or UV curing or at least one corresponding treatment station in a filling machine, for example, in the form that in at least one treatment station then a UV sterilization or sterilization Also introduced into the respective bottle 2 filling takes place, as is possible in particular for mineral or table waters.

Vorstehend wurde auch davon ausgegangen, dass die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte der Vorbehandlung, des Bedruckens sowie der UV-Sterilisation und der UV-Aushärtung jeweils in getrennten Bearbeitungsmodulen 7.1 - 7.8 erfolgen. Selbstverständlich besteht die Möglichkeit, sämtliche Behandlungsschritte oder aber einige dieser Behandlungsschritte in jeweils einer Arbeitsstation oder Arbeitsmaschine auszuführen. Weiterhin besteht die Möglichkeit, insbesondere bei einem Mehrfarbenaufdruck in einem oder mehreren zusätzlichen Arbeitsschritten jeweils ein Vortrocknen der Druckfarbe vorzunehmen, bevor eine weitere Druckfarbe aufgebracht wird.
Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass die Flaschen 2 aufrecht stehend, d.h. mit ihrer Flaschenöffnung 2.1 nach oben weisend und mit ihrer Flaschenachse in vertikaler Richtung orientiert durch die Behandlungsstrecke 1 bewegt werden und in dieser Position insbesondere auch die Behandlung in dem Behandlungsmodul 7.8 erfolgt. Grundsätzlich ist aber auch eine Behandlung der Flaschen 2 in einer anderen Orientierung, beispielsweise in einer Überkopf-Lage, d.h. mit der Flaschenöffnung 2.1 unten weisend möglich.It was also assumed above that the individual process steps of pretreatment, printing as well as UV sterilization and UV curing are each carried out in separate processing modules 7.1-7.8. Of course, it is possible to perform all treatment steps or some of these treatment steps in each case a workstation or work machine. It is also possible, in particular in a multi-color imprint in one or more additional steps each to perform a predrying of the ink before another ink is applied.
It has been assumed above that the bottles 2 stand upright, ie with their bottle opening 2.1 pointing upwards and with their bottle axis in oriented in the vertical direction can be moved through the treatment section 1 and in this position, in particular, the treatment is carried out in the treatment module 7.8. In principle, however, a treatment of the bottles 2 in a different orientation, for example in an overhead position, ie with the bottle opening 2.1 facing down possible.

Die Figur 6 zeigt in sehr vereinfachter Funktionsdarstellung und in Draufsicht eine Anlage 18 zum Herstellen der Flaschen 2 durch Blasformen und zum anschließenden Bedrucken und UV-Sterilisieren sowie UV-Aushärten der Flaschen 2 bzw. des jeweiligen Aufdrucks 2.4. Die Anlage 18 umfasst u.a. eine Blasformmaschine 19 umlaufender Bauart, welche eine Vielzahl von Blasformen 21 aufweist. Blasformmaschine 19 weist einen um eine vertikale Maschinenachse antreibbaren Rotor 20 auf, wobei die Blasformen 21 am oder auf dem Rotor 20 angeordnet sind. Den Blasformen 21 werden im bestimmungsgemäßen Betrieb die aufgeheizten Vorformlinge über eine Vorheizstrecke 22 aufweisende Transportstrecke zugeführt, die u.a. den Transporteur 23 und die beiden Transportsterne 24 und 25 aufweist.The FIG. 6 shows in a very simplified functional representation and in plan view of a system 18 for producing the bottles 2 by blow molding and subsequent printing and UV sterilization and UV curing of the bottles 2 and the respective imprint 2.4. The system 18 includes, inter alia, a blow molding machine 19 of circulating design, which has a plurality of blow molds 21. Blow molding machine 19 has a rotor 20 which can be driven about a vertical machine axis, wherein the blow molds 21 are arranged on or on the rotor 20. In normal operation, the blow molds 21 are supplied with the heated preforms via a preheating section 22 having a transport path, which has inter alia the feed dog 23 and the two transport stars 24 and 25.

Die mit der Blasformmaschine 19 hergestellten Flaschen 2 werden über einen Transportstern 26 an eine Behandlungsstrecke 27 weitergeleitet, die beispielsweise der Behandlungsstrecke 1 entspricht und auf der die Flaschen 2 an ihrer Flaschenaußenfläche vorbehandelt und ggs. mit UV-Strahlung sterilisiert, bedruckt und anschließend auch einer UV-Sterilisation und einer Aushärtung des jeweiligen Aufdrucks oder Druckbildes mit UV-Strahlung unterworfen werden. Die so behandelten Flaschen 2 werden über einen Auslaufstern 28 und einen äußeren Transporteur 29 einer Füllmaschine zugeführt. Der Transport der Flaschen 2 von der Blasformmaschine 19 an die Behandlungsstrecke 27, durch die Behandlungsstrecke bzw. durch die verschiedenen Behandlungsmodule oder Arbeitsstationen dieser Behandlungsstrecke sowie der Transport auf dem Transporteur 28 erfolgt in gewendeter Form, d.h. mit der Flaschenöffnung 2.1 nach unten weisend.The bottles 2 produced with the blow molding machine 19 are forwarded via a transport star 26 to a treatment section 27 which, for example, corresponds to the treatment section 1 and on which the bottles 2 are pretreated on their bottle outer surface and ggs. sterilized with UV radiation, printed and then subjected to UV sterilization and curing of the respective imprint or printed image with UV radiation. The thus treated bottles 2 are fed via an outlet star 28 and an outer conveyor 29 of a filling machine. The transport of the bottles 2 from the blow molding machine 19 to the treatment line 27, through the treatment line or through the various treatment modules or work stations of this treatment section and the transport on the conveyor 28 takes place in reversed form, i. with the bottle opening 2.1 facing down.

Der grundsätzliche Unterschied der Behandlungsstrecke 27 gegenüber der Behandlungsstrecke 1 besteht darin, dass anstelle der Behälterträger 11, die bei der Behandlungsstrecke 1 jeweils fester Bestandteil der Behandlungsstationen 10 und 10a der einzelnen Behandlungsmodule 7.1 - 7.8 sind, bei der Anlage 18 Greifer oder Zentrier- und Halteelemente 30 (Figur 7 und 8) verwendet werden, an denen bereits die Vorformlinge 31 (Preforms) nach deren Übergabe vom Transporteur 23 und anschließend auch die Flaschen 2 nach dem Blasformen zentriert gehalten werden und mit denen Flaschen 2 bis an die diejenige Arbeitsstation bzw. bis an dasjenige Behandlungsmodul bewegt werden, welches dem Behandlungsmodul 7.8 entspricht und in dem das UV-Sterilisieren der Flaschen 2 erfolgt. Erst nach der Übergabe der jeweiligen Flasche 2 von der Arbeitsstation 7.8 an den Auslaufstern 28 erfolgt ein Lösen der jeweiligen Flasche 2 von dem Zentrier- und Halteelement 30, welches dann in der Arbeitsstation 7.8 sterilisiert über eine in der Figur 6 mit den Elementen 32 - 36 bezeichnete Transportstrecke an die Blasformmaschine 19 bzw. an den Transportstern 24 zur Aufnahme eines weiteren Vorformlings 31 zurückgefördert wird. Der grundsätzliche Vorteil besteht hierbei darin, dass jeder Vorformling 31 und damit auch jede Flasche 2 von Anfang an an ein und dem selben sterilisierten bzw. entkeimten Zentrier- und Halteelemente 30 gehalten wird.The fundamental difference of the treatment section 27 with respect to the treatment section 1 is that instead of the container carrier 11, which in the treatment section 1 each fixed part of the treatment stations 10 and 10a of the individual treatment modules 7.1 - 7.8 are, in the system 18 grippers or centering and holding elements 30 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) are used, in which already the preforms 31 (preforms) are kept centered after their transfer from the feed dog 23 and then the bottles 2 after blow molding and with which bottles 2 are moved to the that workstation or to that treatment module, which corresponds to the treatment module 7.8 and in which the UV sterilization of the bottles 2 takes place. Only after the transfer of the respective bottle 2 from the workstation 7.8 to the outlet star 28, a release of the respective bottle 2 of the centering and holding element 30, which is then sterilized in the workstation 7.8 via a in the FIG. 6 transport path designated by the elements 32-36 is conveyed back to the blow molding machine 19 or to the transport star 24 for receiving a further preform 31. The basic advantage here is that each preform 31 and thus each bottle 2 is held from the beginning to one and the same sterilized or sterilized centering and holding elements 30.

Jedes Zentrier- und Halteelemente 30 ist so ausgebildet, dass ein gesteuertes Schwenken oder Drehen der jeweiligen Flasche 2 um die Flaschenachse bei ihrer Behandlung möglich ist, insbesondere auch beim UV-Sterilisieren oder UV-Aushärten. Hierfür ist jedes Zentrier- und Halteelemente 30 mit einem Stellantrieb versehen oder an einen solchen der jeweiligen Behandlungsstation ankoppelbar.Each centering and holding element 30 is designed so that controlled pivoting or turning of the respective bottle 2 about the bottle axis during its treatment is possible, in particular also during UV sterilization or UV curing. For this purpose, each centering and holding elements 30 is provided with an actuator or can be coupled to such a respective treatment station.

Die Zentrier- und Halteelemente 30 sind so ausgebildet, dass die jeweilige Flasche 2 im Bereich ihrer Flaschenmündung 2.1 z.B. durch Klemmen bzw. mit Klemmbacken gehalten wird.The centering and holding elements 30 are formed so that the respective bottle 2 in the region of its mouth of the bottle 2.1. is held by clamps or jaws.

Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend an Ausführungsbeispielen beschrieben. Es versteht sich, dass zahlreiche Änderungen sowie Abwandlungen möglich sind, ohne dass dadurch der der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Erfindungsgedanke verlassen wird.The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Behandlungsstrecketreatment section
22
Flaschebottle
2.12.1
Flaschenöffnungbottle opening
2.22.2
Halsringcollar
2.32.3
Aufdruckimprint
33
äußerer Transporteurexternal transporter
44
Transportweg durch die Behandlungsstrecke 1Transport route through the treatment route 1
55
äußerer Transporteurexternal transporter
66
Blasformmaschineblow molding machine
7.1 - 7.87.1 - 7.8
Behandlungsmodultreatment module
88th
Maschinengehäuse oder -gestellMachine housing or frame
99
Rotorrotor
10, 10a10, 10a
Behandlungsstationtreatment station
1111
Behälterträgercontainer carrier
12, 1312, 13
UV-Strahlung abgebende EinrichtungUV radiation emitting device
1414
Drehtellerturntable
1515
Gehäusecasing
16, 16a16, 16a
Baueinheitunit
1717
UV-Lampe oder LichtleiterUV lamp or optical fiber
1818
Anlageinvestment
1919
Blasformmaschineblow molding machine
2020
Rotorrotor
2121
Blasformblow
2222
Vorheizstrecke oder Preform-OfenPreheating section or preform oven
2323
Transporteurcarrier
24, 25, 2624, 25, 26
Transportsterntransport star
2727
Behandlungsstrecketreatment section
2828
FlaschenauslassFlaschenauslass
2929
äußerer Transporteurexternal transporter
3030
Greifer oder Zentrier- und HalteelementGripper or centering and holding element
3131
Vorformling oder PrefromPreform or preform
32 - 3632 - 36
Transportstrecketransport distance
AA
Transportrichtungtransport direction
B, CB, C
Drehrichtung des Rotors 9Direction of rotation of the rotor 9
DD
Hubbewegung des Behälterträgers 11Lifting movement of the container carrier 11

Claims (16)

  1. Method for treating containers (2), wherein the containers (2) are provided with at least one imprint (23), in at least one treatment station, on their outer container surface, making use of at least one printing ink or printing dye, and, at a treatment station (10, 10a), drying or curing of the printing ink takes place by the irradiation of the containers (2) with an energy radiation, preferably with a non-thermal or essential non-thermal energy radiation, wherein the containers (2), during treatment, are held for at least part of the time in centring and holding elements or container carriers (11, 30),
    characterised in that
    the method comprises using the same type of energy radiation which is used for the drying or curing of the printing ink, sanitising or sterilising of the containers (2) takes place on at least one container region, namely in the region of a container opening (2.1) and/or at a container inner surface, wherein the centring and holding elements or container carriers (11, 30) are sterilised at the sterilising of the containers (2) or, additionally, before or after the connection with the containers, preferably with the energy radiation also used for the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and/or the sterilising of the containers.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the non-thermal or essentially non-thermal energy radiation is an electron radiation, a microwave radiation, or preferably a UV radiation, for example a UV radiation with a wavelength in the range between 170 and 280 nm, preferably in the range between 170 to 220 nm.
  3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, before the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and before the sterilising of the containers (2), a pre-drying or pre-curing of the at least one printing ink takes place.
  4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curing of the at least one printing ink and the sterilising of the containers (2) with the energy radiation takes place before and/or after a filling of the containers (2) with a filling product, and specifically inside a container filling line.
  5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, before the printing of the containers (2), they are pretreated at least in the regions to be treated of their outer container surfaces, in order to improve the adherence of the at least one printing ink, for example by irradiation with an energy radiation, preferably with the energy radiation used for the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and for the sterilising of the containers (2), and/or that, before the printing of the containers (2), they are pretreated at least on the regions to be printed of their outer container surface in order to improve the adherence of the at least one printing ink by a surface silicatisation.
  6. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the containers (2) are sanitised or sterilised, during the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and/or during the pretreatment, on their outer container surface.
  7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and/or the sterilising of the containers (2) takes place with the energy radiation under the imposition and/or flushing of the containers (2) with a protective or inert gas, for example with N2, CO2, He, Ar, Kr, Xe or with a mixture of at least two of these components, wherein the protective or inert gas is, for example, cooled, preferably to a temperature below the temperature of the containers (2) which are to be treated.
  8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and/or the sterilising of the containers (2) takes place with the energy radiation in a low-oxygen protective gas or inert gas atmosphere, for example in a low-oxygen protective gas or inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure, amounting to a maximum of some 0.5%, preferably a maximum of 0.1%, of the total pressure of the protective gas or inert gas atmosphere, wherein the protective gas or inert gas atmosphere is formed for example of N2, CO2, Ar, KR, Xe, or a mixture of at least two of these components.
  9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the containers (2), during the pre-treatment and/or during the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and/or during the sterilising, are transported by at least one transport element (9) on a transport path (4) of a treatment section (1, 27) and/or are rotated or pivoted about their container axis.
  10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and the sterilising of the containers (2) take place in one and the same method step or at one and the same treatment station (10, 10a) or at one and the same work station or device (7, 8) of a treatment section (1) or system (18).
  11. Method according to claim 11 [sic-10?], characterised in that the centring and holding elements or container carriers (30), after release of the containers (2) at the end of a treatment section (1, 27), are decoupled from a transport system forming the treatment section or from transport elements (9), and are conveyed back as independent units to an inlet of the treatment section or a system comprising this treatment section (27).
  12. Device for the treatment of containers (2), with a treatment or transport section (1, 27) for the containers (2), with at least one first treatment station at the treatment or transport section (1, 27) for the printing, preferably digital printing, of the containers (2) at their outer container surfaces, making use of at least one printing ink or printing dye, as well as with at least one second treatment station (10, 10a) on the transport section (1, 27) for the drying or curing of the printing ink by irradiation of the containers (2) with an energy radiation, preferably with a non-thermal or essentially non-thermal energy radiation, wherein the containers (2), during the treatment, are held for at least part of the time at the centring and holding elements or container carriers (11, 30), characterised in that at least one device (12, 12a, 13) is provided on the treatment or transport section (1, 27) for the sanitising or sterilising of the containers (2) at at least one container region, namely at a region of a container opening (2.1) and/or at a container inner surface, by the imposition of the same type of energy radiation with which the drying or curing of the printing ink is carried out, wherein the centring and holding elements or container carriers (11, 30) are sterilised during the sterilising of the containers (2) or additionally before or after the connection with the containers, preferably with the energy radiation also used for the drying or curing of the at least one printing ink and/or the sterilizing of the containers.
  13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that the at least one device (12, 12a, 13) is provided for the sanitizing or sterilising of the containers (2) at the at least one second treatment station (10, 10a).
  14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that, on the treatment or transport section (1, 27), at least one further treatment station is provided for the pre-drying or pre-curing of the at least one printing ink or printing dye and/or for the pre-treatment of the containers (2) before the printing at least on the regions to be printed of their outer container surface, in order to improve the adherence of the printing ink, for example by irradiation with an energy radiation, preferably with the type of energy also used for the drying or curing of the printing ink and for the sterilising of the containers (2), and/or by the application of an adherence layer and/or by a surface silicatisation.
  15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 12, 13, or 14, characterized in that the at least one further treatment station (10, 10a) and/or the device (12, 12a, 13) for the sanitising or sterilising of the containers (2) and/or the at least one further treatment station are configured for the pre-drying or pre-curing of the at least one printing ink or printing dye and/or for the pre-treatment of the containers (2) for the emission of electron radiation, microwave radiation, or preferably UV radiation, for example UV radiation with a wavelength in the range between 170 and 280 nm, preferably in the range between 170 to 220 nm.
  16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the at least one second treatment station (10, 10a), with the at least one device (12, 12a, 13) for the sanitising or sterilising of the containers (2), is provided inside a container printing machine or system and/or container filling machine or system.
EP11722737.1A 2010-09-02 2011-05-19 Method and device for treating containers Not-in-force EP2611695B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010044244A DE102010044244A1 (en) 2010-09-02 2010-09-02 Method and device for treating containers
PCT/EP2011/002502 WO2012028215A1 (en) 2010-09-02 2011-05-19 Method and device for treating containers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2611695A1 EP2611695A1 (en) 2013-07-10
EP2611695B1 true EP2611695B1 (en) 2016-06-29
EP2611695B2 EP2611695B2 (en) 2019-08-07

Family

ID=44118809

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11722737.1A Not-in-force EP2611695B2 (en) 2010-09-02 2011-05-19 Method and device for treating containers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US10486193B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2611695B2 (en)
DE (1) DE102010044244A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012028215A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010044244A1 (en) 2010-09-02 2012-03-08 Khs Gmbh Method and device for treating containers
WO2013029711A1 (en) 2011-09-02 2013-03-07 Khs Gmbh Device for treating packaging means, and pressure segment for use in a device of this type
DE102011112106B3 (en) * 2011-09-02 2013-02-21 Khs Gmbh Apparatus for performing multi-color printing on packaging structure e.g. bottle, has holding and centering unit which holds packaging structure, and specific unit of pressure segment supports and releases holding and centering unit
DE102012005926A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-09-26 Khs Gmbh Method and device for treating packaging
DE102012209085A1 (en) * 2012-05-30 2013-12-05 Krones Ag Light deflection with container printing
DE102012213079A1 (en) * 2012-07-25 2014-01-30 Krones Ag System for printing containers, particularly plastic bottles filled with flowable medium with decorative or characterizing print motifs, has printing device and container pre-treatment device with four different pre-treatment units
DE102012223402A1 (en) 2012-12-17 2014-06-18 Krones Ag Direct printing machine with cladding
DE102013206685A1 (en) * 2013-04-15 2014-10-30 Krones Ag Container treatment module for use in container treatment machines
DE102013217657A1 (en) 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Krones Ag Clamping unit for containers on container treatment machines
DE102013113784A1 (en) * 2013-12-10 2015-06-25 Khs Gmbh Method for sterilizing objects and means for use in this method
EP3240753B1 (en) * 2014-12-30 2018-09-19 Gea Procomac S.p.A. Apparatus for filling containers
ITUB20153178A1 (en) * 2015-08-20 2017-02-20 Cesare Mauri S R L APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SANITIZING CONTAINERS FOR LIQUID FOOD SUBSTANCES
DE102016202551A1 (en) 2016-02-18 2017-09-07 Krones Ag Method, printhead and machine for printing on a container
DE102016216627A1 (en) 2016-09-02 2018-03-08 Krones Ag Curing station and method for curing ink of direct printing on containers
DE102017112259B3 (en) * 2017-06-02 2018-08-23 Isimat Gmbh Siebdruckmaschinen Device and method for decorating objects
CN110834022B (en) * 2019-11-25 2021-01-26 山东省农业科学院农业质量标准与检测技术研究所 Glassware cleaning system for microbial detection
EP3978260A3 (en) * 2020-09-30 2022-06-29 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Method and system for maufacturing container product
DE102022122422A1 (en) * 2022-09-05 2024-03-07 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Device and method for disinfecting containers

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3955286A (en) 1973-10-12 1976-05-11 Rene Anrep Method of and installation for treating various objects by means of microwaves
US20010042456A1 (en) 1997-10-17 2001-11-22 Kamen Melvin E. Apparatus and method for direct rotary screen printing radiation curable compositions onto cylindrical articles
WO2002081576A1 (en) 2001-04-03 2002-10-17 Sun Chemical Corporation Radiaton curable aqueous compositions for low extractable film packaging
WO2005066231A1 (en) 2003-12-19 2005-07-21 Sun Chemical Corporation Radiation curable aqueous compositions for low extractable film packaging
EP1914256A1 (en) 2005-08-09 2008-04-23 Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. Composition, actinic energy radiation hardenable composition and epoxy compound
US20080138243A1 (en) 2006-12-11 2008-06-12 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Method for irradiating objects
WO2009052890A1 (en) 2007-10-19 2009-04-30 Khs Ag Apparatus for printing bottles or similar containers on the outer container surface
US20100148065A1 (en) 2008-12-17 2010-06-17 Baxter International Inc. Electron beam sterilization monitoring system and method
WO2012028215A1 (en) 2010-09-02 2012-03-08 Khs Gmbh Method and device for treating containers

Family Cites Families (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3556174A (en) * 1967-12-21 1971-01-19 Hunt Wesson Foods Inc Apparatus for exchanging atmosphere in the headspace of a container
CH595248A5 (en) 1974-12-10 1978-02-15 Anders Ruben Rausing Sterilised cartons for long-life liquids
GB8917810D0 (en) * 1989-08-03 1989-09-20 Metal Box Plc Machine for filling containers with a food product
US5195294A (en) * 1991-01-15 1993-03-23 Campbell Soup Company Container filling and sealing system
GB9309015D0 (en) * 1993-04-30 1993-06-16 Pa Consulting Services Beverage packaging method and apparatus
US6209988B1 (en) * 1998-01-22 2001-04-03 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording head and ink jet recording apparatus
US6328078B1 (en) * 1998-03-13 2001-12-11 Tietex International, Ltd. System and process for forming a fabric having digitally printed warp yarns
US6264317B1 (en) * 1999-11-19 2001-07-24 Lexmark International, Inc. Corrosion resistant printhead body for ink jet pen
DE10019926A1 (en) * 2000-04-20 2001-10-31 Isimat Gmbh Siebdruckmaschinen Method for modifying a surface of a compact substrate
US6676762B2 (en) * 2001-01-15 2004-01-13 Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University Method for cleaning a finished and polished surface of a metal automotive wheel
US6457823B1 (en) * 2001-04-13 2002-10-01 Vutek Inc. Apparatus and method for setting radiation-curable ink
US20040071891A1 (en) * 2002-01-29 2004-04-15 Graham Packaging Company, L.P. Process for applying exterior coatings to three dimensional containers
JP4599023B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2010-12-15 大日本印刷株式会社 Method and apparatus for sterilizing packaging material using high voltage pulse power supply
GB2396331A (en) * 2002-12-20 2004-06-23 Inca Digital Printers Ltd Curing ink
US6797971B2 (en) * 2002-07-18 2004-09-28 Fusion Uv Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method providing substantially two-dimensionally uniform irradiation
US20040085423A1 (en) * 2002-10-29 2004-05-06 Rafael Bronstein Method and apparatus for curing ink based on image content
WO2004064874A2 (en) * 2003-01-21 2004-08-05 Safe Foods Corporation Underside disinfection of workpieces on a conveyor belt
WO2004103580A1 (en) * 2003-05-23 2004-12-02 Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc. Strongly adherent surface coatings
US7151123B2 (en) * 2004-02-04 2006-12-19 Ecology Coating, Inc. Environmentally friendly, 100% solids, actinic radiation curable coating compositions and coated surfaces and coated articles thereof
US7055990B2 (en) * 2004-05-06 2006-06-06 Fusion Uv Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing substantially uniform radiation of a three-dimensional object with at least one curved surface
AU2005202150A1 (en) * 2004-06-21 2006-01-12 Air Liquide Australia Limited An Apparatus for Inerting the Headspace of a Container
DE102004032861A1 (en) * 2004-07-07 2006-02-02 Khs Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau Ag Method and device for sterilizing containers with UV radiation
KR100889362B1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2009-03-18 삼성전자주식회사 Transistor having multi-dielectric layer and fabrication method thereof
US20070110611A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-17 Ajt & Associates, Inc. Method of Disinfecting Items In a Vacuum Using Ozone
DE102006001223A1 (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-07-12 Khs Ag Apparatus for printing on bottles or similar containers
US7759661B2 (en) * 2006-02-14 2010-07-20 Advanced Electron Beams, Inc. Electron beam emitter for sterilizing containers
US20070281099A1 (en) * 2006-05-31 2007-12-06 Cabot Corporation Solderable pads utilizing nickel and silver nanoparticle ink jet inks
JP4907413B2 (en) * 2006-09-29 2012-03-28 富士フイルム株式会社 Inkjet recording method and inkjet recording apparatus
JP4601009B2 (en) * 2007-03-30 2010-12-22 富士フイルム株式会社 Ink set for inkjet recording and inkjet recording method
ITMO20070137A1 (en) * 2007-04-18 2008-10-19 Maria Prudenziati INTEGRATED, FLEXIBLE AND TOTALLY COMPUTERIZED INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FOR THE PRODUCTION AND STERILIZATION OF PREFORMATIONS AND / OR SHAPED PET BOTTLES AND DIFFERENT SIZES, THEIR SEALING AND MARKING.
WO2008141136A1 (en) * 2007-05-09 2008-11-20 Exatec. Llc Pre-dry treatment of ink in decorative plastic glazing
WO2009009676A2 (en) * 2007-07-11 2009-01-15 Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. Active sterilization zone for container filling
BRPI0810301B1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2020-09-01 Khs Maschinen Und Anlagenbau Ag (Khs Ag) DEVICE AND STAMPING PROCESS ON CONTAINERS
DE102008045187A1 (en) * 2008-08-30 2010-03-04 Krones Ag Electron beam sterilization for containers
DE102008046548B4 (en) * 2008-09-10 2012-12-06 Daimler Ag Exposure chamber for the curing of radiation-curing coatings and curing system for motor vehicle bodies
DE102008049241A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-08 Khs Ag Device for applying in each case a multiple printing on packaging
DE102008054110A1 (en) 2008-10-31 2010-05-06 Khs Ag Device for sterilizing a container
US8293173B2 (en) * 2009-04-30 2012-10-23 Hitachi Zosen Corporation Electron beam sterilization apparatus

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3955286A (en) 1973-10-12 1976-05-11 Rene Anrep Method of and installation for treating various objects by means of microwaves
US20010042456A1 (en) 1997-10-17 2001-11-22 Kamen Melvin E. Apparatus and method for direct rotary screen printing radiation curable compositions onto cylindrical articles
WO2002081576A1 (en) 2001-04-03 2002-10-17 Sun Chemical Corporation Radiaton curable aqueous compositions for low extractable film packaging
WO2005066231A1 (en) 2003-12-19 2005-07-21 Sun Chemical Corporation Radiation curable aqueous compositions for low extractable film packaging
EP1914256A1 (en) 2005-08-09 2008-04-23 Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. Composition, actinic energy radiation hardenable composition and epoxy compound
US20080138243A1 (en) 2006-12-11 2008-06-12 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Method for irradiating objects
WO2009052890A1 (en) 2007-10-19 2009-04-30 Khs Ag Apparatus for printing bottles or similar containers on the outer container surface
US20100148065A1 (en) 2008-12-17 2010-06-17 Baxter International Inc. Electron beam sterilization monitoring system and method
WO2012028215A1 (en) 2010-09-02 2012-03-08 Khs Gmbh Method and device for treating containers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20130160405A1 (en) 2013-06-27
WO2012028215A1 (en) 2012-03-08
EP2611695A1 (en) 2013-07-10
DE102010044244A1 (en) 2012-03-08
US10486193B2 (en) 2019-11-26
EP2611695B2 (en) 2019-08-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2611695B1 (en) Method and device for treating containers
EP2275214B1 (en) Device for handling containers with holder sterilisation
EP2138298B1 (en) Device and method for manufacturing plastic containers
EP2848417B1 (en) Container handling machine for printing on containers
EP2371397B1 (en) Device for sterilising containers
WO2009095182A2 (en) Method and device for sterilizing packaging means, and system for filling and sealing packaging means
EP2319678A1 (en) Device and process for forming plastic preforms with a sterile area
EP2431058B1 (en) Aseptic sterilisation unit for clean room
EP2505505A2 (en) Device and method for sterilisation packaging items
EP3036081B1 (en) Method and device for blow-molding containers which are sterile at least in some areas
DE102011107772A1 (en) Method and device for producing beverage containers filled with liquids
EP4008364A2 (en) Apparatus and method for sterilising plastic pre-forms
EP3036079A1 (en) Device and method for producing sterile containers
EP3036080B1 (en) Device and method for producing sterile containers
EP3036082B1 (en) Method and device for blow-molding containers which are sterile at least in some areas
EP3033214B1 (en) Device and method for producing sterile containers
WO2017084865A1 (en) Curing station and method for curing the printing ink of a direct print on containers
DE102010049029A1 (en) Apparatus and method for treating plastic containers with a constant pitch
DE102019128738A1 (en) Method and device for treating, filling and closing a container

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130402

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20140502

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B67C 3/22 20060101ALI20151218BHEP

Ipc: B65B 55/08 20060101AFI20151218BHEP

Ipc: B41J 11/00 20060101ALI20151218BHEP

Ipc: B67C 7/00 20060101ALI20151218BHEP

Ipc: B41J 3/407 20060101ALI20151218BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160127

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160209

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 808887

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502011010048

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160929

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160930

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161029

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161031

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 502011010048

Country of ref document: DE

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: KRONES AG

Effective date: 20170329

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170531

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160929

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170519

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 808887

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20110519

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20190807

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R102

Ref document number: 502011010048

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160629

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160629

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20200527

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20200522

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20200520

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20200527

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20200603

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502011010048

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210601

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210519

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210519

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20211201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210601

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210531