Method and device for blow-molding containers which are sterile at least in some areas

US11198244B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KHS GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Frank Lewin · Tangstedt, DE
• Thomas Herold · Boxberg, DE
• Jan Fabian Meyer · Hamburg, DE
• Martin Gerhards · Hamburg, DE
• Dieter Klatt · Wülfrath, DE
• Rolf Baumgarte · Ahrensburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 2014
• Grant date: Dec 14, 2021
• Expiry date: May 18, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/712
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and a device for producing blow-molded containers which are sterile at least in some areas. A preform made of a thermoplastic material is first heated in a heating device on a transport path through a blow-molding machine and then supplied with a pressurized fluid in a blow-molding station of the device. The preform is guided along a channel, which conducts a sterile gas, at least over one sub-section of the transport path of the preform. The transport path of the preform out of the channel is supplied with the sterile gas in order to produce a sterile gas corridor in which at least the opening region of the preform is guided. Multiple radiation sources are arranged along the channel and one behind the other in the transport direction. The radiation sources emit a sterilizing radiation onto the preform and/or onto the channel, and/or onto the sterile gas corridor.