Detecting container fractures in a device for processing

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for handling containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling installation, and to a method for detecting container anomalies, preferably breakage or loss of containers, in such a device (1). The device (1) has: an electrically operable clamping device (50) for holding the container, the clamping device (50) having at least one electric drive unit (53) which is configured to operate the clamping device (50), including gripping and releasing the container; and a processing device (100) in communication with the clamping device (50) and configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably current consumption and / or electrical power, of the electrical drive unit (53); wherein the processing device (100) is further configured to generate a container signal indicating whether the clamping device (50) holds the container from the monitoring of the operating parameter, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container fracture or a container loss, from the container signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device for handling containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, and to a method for detecting a container anomaly, in particular a container breakage or a container loss, in such a device. BACKGROUND

[0002] When filling a liquid filling product into a container, for example when filling a beverage into a glass bottle, a breakage of the container can occur from time to time, for example when a pre-damaged container is loaded with pressure during filling. The precondition for averting such a situation during regular operation is the recognition of a container breakage.

[0003] It is known to detect a container breakage by monitoring the operating state of a filling mechanism or a closure mechanism, for example via the posture of a lifting cylinder, a filling probe, a bell link or the like, in which case a deviation from the normal behavior can possibly be inferred as a container breakage. Thus, DE 10 2019 135 223 A1 describes a method for identifying the structural integrity of a container to be closed in that a force acting in the longitudinal direction is determined by detecting the control / regulation current of an electric drive providing the movement of the closure mechanism in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] It is also known to identify a container breakage by means of external sensors. Optical sensors, such as for example cameras, are considered here in particular. The use of ultrasonic sensors or gratings for monitoring the flow of containers is also known. DE 10 2021 108 790 A1 describes a method for evaluating defective containers based on position-resolved sensor data.

[0005] Errors can occur when detecting a container breakage by contamination, water droplets, incorrect settings, etc. In addition to the general recognition of a container breakage, it is furthermore no longer trivial to identify such a defect purposefully, that is to say to precisely resolve the location in the plant at which a container breakage has occurred. SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for handling containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, and an improved method for detecting a container anomaly, in particular a container breakage or a container loss, in such a device.

[0007] The object is achieved by a device for handling containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, and a method for detecting a container anomaly, in particular a container breakage or a container loss, in such a device. Advantageous refinements result from the following presentation of the invention and the description of preferred embodiments.

[0008] The device according to the application serves for handling containers, in particular comprising filling containers with a filling product. The device is particularly preferably applied in a beverage filling plant, for example for filling water (still or carbonated), beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, mixed beverages, etc.

[0009] The containers to be handled can be bottles, cans or other suitable containers of glass, PET construction or other properties.

[0010] The device has an electrically operable gripping device for holding a container, wherein the gripping device comprises at least one electric drive unit which is configured for operating the gripping device, including grasping and releasing the container. For this purpose, the gripping device can have pivotably and / or movably supported gripping arms which, via operation by means of the drive unit, can grasp or release the container.

[0011] The device further has a processing device which is in communication with the gripping device and is configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably the current consumption and / or the electrical power, of the electric drive unit. The gripping device in this way provides a diagnostic capability. Alternatively or additionally, as operating parameter a resistance value, a closing speed of the gripping device or other suitable variables can be considered.

[0012] The processing device is further configured to generate a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter which indicates whether the gripping device holds a container, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signal.

[0013] The described diagnostic function which determines a container anomaly, such as for example a container breakage or a container loss, does not require an external sensing mechanism, that is to say an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a light barrier, etc. It follows from this that environmental conditions and fine adjustments do not influence the quality of the container signal for detection. Furthermore, the reaction time is very small. The container handling by the gripping device and the diagnostic function are combined in a coordinated manner.

[0014] Preferably, the device has at least one transport carousel on the outer periphery of which a plurality of electrically operable gripping devices for holding and transporting one container each are mounted, wherein the gripping devices each have at least one electric drive unit which is configured for operating the corresponding gripping device, including grasping and releasing the container. In this case, the processing device is in communication with each of the gripping devices of the transport carousel and is configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably the current consumption and / or the electrical power, of the corresponding electric drive unit each. The processing device is further configured to generate a container signal for each gripping device of the transport carousel which indicates whether the corresponding gripping device holds a container, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signal.

[0015] In this way, possible container anomalies, such as container breakage or container loss, can be precisely associated with a partition in the transport carousel. The container handling by the transport carousel and the diagnostic function are combined in a coordinated manner.

[0016] Preferably, the apparatus further has a handling carousel, at an outer circumference of which a plurality of handling mechanisms for handling the containers are mounted, a plurality of transport carousels, which include an entry starwheel, which is configured to transport and deliver the containers to be handled to the handling carousel, and an exit starwheel, which is configured to receive and transport away the handled containers from the handling carousel. The handling device is in this case preferably configured to generate, for each clamping device of the entry starwheel, a container signal indicating whether the corresponding clamping device holds a container, to generate, for each clamping device of the exit starwheel, a container signal indicating whether the corresponding clamping device holds a container, and to determine from the evaluation of the container signals thus generated whether a container anomaly, including container breakage or container loss, occurred in the handling carousel.

[0017] The container diagnosis is thus carried out independently of the handling carousel, that is to say, the interrogation of the lifting cylinders, bell links, filling probes, presses, etc. can be dispensed with. By this means, the detection quality can be improved in that false container breakages, for example caused by wear or defects of the aforementioned components, can be ruled out. Furthermore, the mechanical manufacturing effort and the maintenance effort of the facility are reduced.

[0018] It is particularly preferred that the handling device is configured to determine from the evaluation of the generated container signals in the event of a container anomaly at which filling mechanism the container anomaly occurred.

[0019] By the container anomaly, such as, for example, container breakage or container loss, being precisely associated with a partition, that is to say a specific handling mechanism, in the handling carousel, the handling of the container breakage scenario is significantly simplified. The handling carousel can thus be moved purposefully to the empty position, inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. This can be carried out in a revolution or a turn of the handling carousel, so that the regular operation of the facility is not disturbed or only insignificantly disturbed in the event of a container anomaly.

[0020] The handling carousel can also purposefully carry out a preset cleaning action only at the specific handling mechanism, for example, in a revolution or a turn after a container breakage or container loss has been detected, the accommodation of a container to be filled is ignored, and the specific handling mechanism is flushed with filling product or cleaning medium, and the specific handling mechanism is flushed by means of an external flushing device. In this way, it can be achieved that the specific handling mechanism can be brought again into an accommodation-capable state in only one revolution or one turn and can again be used regularly in the subsequent revolutions.

[0021] In other words, a cleaning action is carried out precisely at the processing mechanism where the container anomaly occurred, wherein all other processing mechanisms process the containers normally and in particular fill them with filling product.

[0022] By precisely determining the specific handling mechanism at which a container break or container loss is detected, a cleaning action can then be implemented at only this one handling mechanism. All other handling mechanisms can continue to be used conventionally for handling containers.

[0023] Of course, multiple container anomalies can also be detected in one round, so that the above description then relates to all of these anomalies that are then correspondingly present at multiple processing units.

[0024] Furthermore, incorporating the clamping device into container diagnostics allows for real-time adjustments to the handling process by the handling unit. Thus, if a container breakage is reported via the exiting starwheel, the container can be removed from the entry starwheel at full plant power. Alternatively or additionally, the relevant handling mechanism can be bypassed during the next processing cycle, for example, for machine self-protection and / or to ensure product quality. This significantly shortens the container breakage scenario by keeping the relevant handling mechanism idle. This improves overall plant efficiency.

[0025] Preferably, the handling mechanism of the handling carousel is a filling mechanism for filling a filling product, preferably a beverage, into a container. The application of container diagnosis herein is particularly useful for product filling, in particular beverage filling, in order to ensure hygienic and simultaneously efficient filling of the container even in the event of a container rupture.

[0026] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container rupture or a container loss, in an apparatus for handling containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling facility, wherein the method comprises: operating a clamping device to hold the container by means of an electric drive unit; monitoring electrical operating parameters, preferably current consumption and / or electrical power, of the electric drive unit by means of a processing device, preferably during operation; generating a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameters, which indicates whether the clamping device holds the container; and identifying a container anomaly, preferably a container rupture or a container loss, based on the container signal.

[0027] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described with reference to the apparatus apply analogously to the method.

[0028] Therefore, at least one transport carousel is preferably provided for the above-mentioned reasons, a plurality of electrically operable gripping devices for holding and transporting individual containers being mounted at the outer circumference of the transport carousel, wherein the gripping devices each have at least one electric drive unit for operating the corresponding gripping device, including grasping and releasing the container. The processing device monitors at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably the current consumption and / or the electrical power, of the electric drive unit of each gripping device of the transport carousel, generates a container signal for each gripping device of the transport carousel indicating whether the corresponding gripping device holds a container, and determines a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signals.

[0029] Preferably, a processing carousel is also provided for the above-mentioned reasons, a plurality of processing mechanisms for processing the containers being mounted at the outer circumference of the processing carousel, and a plurality of transport carousels, the transport carousels comprising an entry star wheel transporting and delivering the containers to be processed to the processing carousel, and an exit star wheel receiving and transporting the processed containers from the processing carousel. The processing device in this case generates a container signal for each gripping device of the entry star wheel indicating whether the corresponding gripping device holds a container, generates a container signal for each gripping device of the exit star wheel indicating whether the corresponding gripping device holds a container, and determines from the evaluation of the thus generated container signals whether a container anomaly, including a container breakage or a container loss, occurs when processing in the processing carousel.

[0030] Preferably, the processing device determines from the evaluation of the generated container signals in the event of a container anomaly which filling mechanism the container anomaly occurred at for the above-mentioned reasons.

[0031] Preferably, the processing mechanisms of the processing carousel are filling mechanisms for filling the containers with a filling product, preferably a beverage, for the above-mentioned reasons, wherein processing the containers in the processing carousel comprises filling the containers with the filling product.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the application can be seen from the description of preferred embodiments in the following text. The features described herein can be realized individually or in combination with one or more of the above-mentioned features, provided that the features do not contradict one another. The following description of preferred embodiments is made here with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The drawings show

[0034] Preferred further embodiments of the application are explained in detail by the description of the drawings in the following text. Shown here are:

[0035] Figure 1 A top view of an apparatus for filling containers with a filling product is shown according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2a perspective view of a transport carousel according to one embodiment; and

[0037] Figure 3 a perspective view of a clamping device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] A preferred embodiment is described next with reference to the drawings. Herein, identical, similar or like elements are designated with the same reference signs in the drawings and are partially not described again in order to avoid redundancy.

[0039] Figure 1 a top view of a device 1 for processing containers. The containers are not shown in the figure. The device 1 is particularly preferably used for filling containers with a filling product. The device 1 is particularly preferably applied in beverage filling, for example for filling water (still or carbonated), beer, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, mixed beverages, etc. The containers to be filled can be bottles, cans or other suitable containers of glass, PET constitution, which can be filled with a liquid filling product, in particular a beverage.

[0040] The device 1 is in a circular carousel structure embodiment, comprising a processing carousel 10 and an entry starwheel 20 and an exit starwheel 30. The processing carousel 10 is preferably a filler wheel.

[0041] First, the containers to be processed are fed to the processing carousel 10 via the entry starwheel 20, which is also a circular carousel structure for containers.

[0042] The processing carousel 10 can be rotated about a rotation axis and has at its circumference a plurality of processing mechanisms configured for processing containers. The processing mechanisms are in Figure 1 are obscured in a top view, their positions along the outer circumference of the processing carousel 10 are however visible and are consecutively numbered with F1, F2,... Fn, where n is the number of processing mechanisms. Thus, the processing carousel 10 has n stations that can accommodate and process one container each.

[0043] The processing preferably comprises filling the containers with a filling product, wherein additional or alternative processes can also be performed on the containers, for example one or more of the following processing processes: manufacturing (stretch blow molding) the containers, rinsing the containers, cleaning the containers, pre-tensioning the containers, evacuating the containers, closing the containers, inspecting the containers, labeling the containers, printing of the containers, packaging the containers.

[0044] The treatment mechanisms F1, F2,... Fn are mounted in uniform spacing along the entire circumference of the treatment carousel 10. The treatment of the containers essentially occupies the entire circumference of the treatment carousel 10, with the exception of a small angular section between the two transport star wheels 20, 30, also referred to as "dead angle", before the containers are delivered after the treatment to the exit star wheel 30 for removal of the treated containers.

[0045] The handling of the apparatus 1 and its components takes place via a treatment device 100 which communicates with the corresponding components, including the treatment carousel 10, the entry star wheel 20 and the exit star wheel 30. The treatment device 100 is connected in signal technology with the components or assemblies to be controlled or regulated and / or to be read.

[0046] The communication between the treatment device 100 and the components to be controlled or regulated and / or to be read can take place wired or wirelessly, digitally or analogously. The treatment device 100 can correspondingly receive and / or transmit signals (control signals, data, etc.), wherein not only the signal transfer in one direction, but also the signal transfer in both directions falls under the term "communication" in this context. The treatment device 100 does not necessarily have to be implemented here by a central computing unit or an electronic regulating device, but rather comprises a discrete and / or multi-stage system, a regulating network, a cloud system, an AI system, etc. The treatment device 100 can also be an integrated component of or be in communication with a superordinate plant control device. The treatment device 100 can also be in communication with an underlying plant control device, that is to say a control device associated with the corresponding apparatus.

[0047] Figure 2 A perspective view of a transport carousel 40, also referred to herein as "gripping star wheel" according to one embodiment is shown. The transport carousel 40 serves here as entry star wheel 20 and / or exit star wheel 30.

[0048] The transport carousel 40 transports the containers along a circular path, usually without further treatment of the containers, and delivers the containers to the treatment carousel 10 or correspondingly removes the containers treated by the treatment carousel 10.

[0049] The transport carousel 40 can be rotated about a rotation axis and comprises a plurality of gripping devices 50 which are preferably arranged at the outer circumference of the transport carousel 40 in uniform spacing. The gripping devices 50 can each be configured as a multi-layer gripper in order to be able to grip the containers at a plurality of positions along their axial direction. It is however also possible for the gripping devices 50 to be embodied as single-layer grippers, that is to say to each have only one gripping plane.

[0050] The transport carousel 40 is embodied in the present embodiment as an electrically clamped star wheel, comprising an electrically clamped star wheel drive unit 41 and a slip ring transmitter 42. The clamping device 50 is put in motion along a circular trajectory by means of the clamped star wheel drive unit 41. The clamped star wheel drive unit 41 can be arranged, for example, at the upper side or at the lower side of the transport carousel 40, depending on the configuration.

[0051] The slip ring transmitter 42 is connected with the electrically clamped star wheel drive unit 41 and with the clamping device 50. The slip ring transmitter 42 can have, for example, an electrical interface, which can enable an electrical connection between a rotating part of the slip ring transmitter 42 and a stationary part of the slip ring transmitter 42.

[0052] The transport carousel 40 is in communication with the processing device 100 to operate the clamped star wheel drive unit 41 and the clamping device 50. Alternatively or additionally, a local processing device can be installed internally at the transport carousel 40 and be in communication with the processing device 100.

[0053] The processing device 100 monitors one or more electrical operating parameters of the electric drive unit 41 and of the clamping device 50. The operating parameters can include the current consumption of the electrically clamped star wheel drive unit 41 and / or of the clamping device 50 and / or the electrical power of the electrically clamped star wheel drive unit 41 and / or of the clamping device 50.

[0054] From the monitored operating parameters, the processing device 100 determines, for example, the status of the clamping device 50, in particular of the container holders 51, 52 described in more detail below. The operating parameters include at least one status, which indicates whether the involved clamping device 50 has actually held or successfully received a container or whether the clamping device 50 has only carried out an empty stroke when operating without receiving a container. The processing device 100 can determine further status variables from the operating parameters, if necessary, for example a defect and / or a wear state of the clamping device 50.

[0055] The status determination can be carried out, for example, by a comparison of the monitored electrical operating parameters with at least one preset limit value and / or at least one preset value range for the electrical operating parameters. The at least one limit value and / or the at least one value range can be stored in the processing device 100. The at least one limit value and / or the at least one value range can be determined, for example, empirically, by testing, in the field and / or by simulation and is characteristic for a specific status of the clamping device 50.

[0056] The recognition of whether a container has actually been received and held by the relevant clamping device 50 or whether the clamping device 50 has only carried out an empty stroke without receiving a container can be carried out, for example, according to a characteristic change profile of the current consumption of the relevant clamping device 50.

[0057] It is also possible for the processing device 100 to determine a feature of the container on the basis of the monitored electrical operating parameters. For example, it is possible to determine on the basis of the current consumption when the clamping device 50 is in abutment with the container. From this, for example, the size of the container, such as the container diameter or the container width, can be inferred. Likewise, on the basis of the current consumption for holding by means of the clamping device 50, the weight or the gravitational force of the container can be inferred, so that, for example, it can be inferred whether the container has been filled correctly or is empty.

[0058] Figure 3 A perspective view of a clamping device 50 for holding and transporting containers is shown.

[0059] The clamping device 50 has a container holder 51 mentioned above for holding a container. The clamping device 50 also has an electrical drive unit 53 for operating the container holder 51. Optionally, the clamping device 50 can have a further container holder 52 mentioned above, which has a further electrical drive unit 54 belonging thereto for operating the further container holder 52.

[0060] The container holders 51, 52 are each embodied as a clamping pair. However, it is possible for the container holders 51, 52 to have a configuration that deviates therefrom, as long as they can hold and / or release a container by means of the operation by the electrical drive units 53, 54.

[0061] The electrical drive units 51 and, if necessary, 52 can be embodied, for example, as electrical, electromagnetic, electrodynamic or piezoelectric (for example linear) drive units. It is possible, for example, for the holding force, the opening instant, the closing instant and / or the adjustment path of the container holders 51, 52 to be variably adjustable by means of the electrical drive units 53, 54.

[0062] The container holder 51 can have two clamping arms 51a, 51b. Similarly, the further container holder 52 can have two further clamping arms 52a, 52b. Preferably, the further container holder 52 is embodied essentially identically in construction and / or function to the container holder 51. Preferably, the container holder 51 and the further container holder 52 are essentially mirror-symmetrically constructed with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the clamping device 50 or with respect to a horizontal plane (in the installed state). The median longitudinal plane divides the clamping device 50 in half and can extend, for example, parallel to a longitudinal axis or a directional plane of the container holders 51, 52.

[0063] The clamping arms 51a, 51b and 52a, 52b are pivotably and / or movably supported, so that a container can be correspondingly gripped or released. The two container holders 51, 52 are preferably movable, in particular pivotable and / or movable, independently of or decoupled from one another.

[0064] The container holders 51, 52 are supported at opposite sides of a common carrier 55. It is possible for the electric drive unit 53 and, if necessary, 54 to be connected or operatively connected directly with the container holder 51 and, if necessary, 52. Alternatively, the electric drive unit 53 and, if necessary, 54 can be connected or operatively connected with the container holder 51 and, if necessary, 52, for example by means of a connection device 56 and, if necessary, a further connection device 57. The connection devices 56, 57 can connect the electric drive unit 53, 54 in a drive- ing manner with the container holder 51, 52.

[0065] The connection devices 56, 57 are carried by the carrier 55. The connection devices 56, 57 can extend at least partially through the carrier 55, preferably in a through-hole which extends from the rear side or the side facing away from the container of the carrier 55 to the front side or the side facing towards the container of the carrier 55.

[0066] The connection device 56 can be connected with the clamping arms 51a, 52a in the section between the free end of the clamping arms 51a, 51b and the (for example pivoting) bearing, preferably in the middle section of the clamping arms 51a, 51b with respect to the respective longitudinal axis. The same applies to the possible further connection device 57.

[0067] The connection device 56 preferably comprises a transmission element 56a and a toggle 56b. The further connection device 57 likewise preferably comprises a further transmission element 57a and a further toggle 57b. The toggles 56b, 57b are connected with the respective transmission element 56a, 56b and the respective clamping arm 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, such that the feed motion of the transmission elements 56a, 57a caused by the drive unit 53, 54 is converted into a pivoting or opening motion of the clamping arms 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b.

[0068] Preferably, the container holders 51, 52, the electric drive unit 53, 54 and the connection devices 56, 57 do not have elastic spring elements. However, it is possible in principle for one or more elastic spring elements and / or magnets to be provided in order to pre-tension the container holders 51, 52 towards the open position or the closed position.

[0069] The clamping device 50 also has a fastening device 58 for fastening the clamping device 50 at the transport carousel 40, preferably by means of a screw connection.

[0070] By means of the electric clamping device 50 it is possible to identify or diagnose whether a container is held, in such a way that the processing device 100 monitors the corresponding operating parameters and generates therefrom a signal which is referred to here as a "container signal" and which indicates the state of the clamping device.

[0071] By means of this diagnostic capability of each individual section (Teilung) on the transport star wheel 40, container signals can be interrogated at the drive unit 53, 54 of each clamping device 50, for example with regard to the current consumption and / or the voltage consumption. Alternatively or additionally, container signals can be obtained or generated from the resistance value of the clamping device 50, the closing speed or other suitable variables suitable for identifying whether the clamping device 50 has grasped a container. It can thus be determined whether a container has been grasped and handed over by the associated clamping device 50.

[0072] According to Figure 1 The device 1 according to the application, not only the entry star wheel 20, but also the exit star wheel 30, is formed by a transport star wheel 40 each having such a diagnostic function. The entry star wheel 20 now detects whether a container has been grasped and handed over to the treatment carousel 10. Each section or clamping device 50 in the entry star wheel 20 is therefore provided with a sensor which reports whether a container has been identified. If a container breakage or other container loss occurs during the treatment by the treatment carousel 10, the container does not reach the corresponding handover position at the exit star wheel 30. The exit star wheel 30 now similarly identifies, via the diagnostic capability of the electric clamping sections, whether a container has been handed over to the exit star wheel 30 by the treatment carousel 10. By means of the container signals output by the associated electric clamping devices 50 at the exit star wheel 30, it can be determined by the processing means 100 whether a) a container breakage (container loss, etc.) has occurred in the treatment carousel 10 and b) at which position, that is to say at which treatment mechanism Fl, F2,... Fn, such a container breakage (container loss, etc.) has occurred.

[0073] The identification of a container breakage or container loss is carried out, for example, by means of a comparison of the container signals of the clamping devices 50 of the entry star wheel 20 with the container signals of the cooperating clamping devices 50 of the exit star wheel 30. Thus, for example, the container signals from the shift register can be taken into account and it can be determined whether the entry star wheel 20 has handed over a container to the treatment carousel 10. In the case of a container input into the treatment carousel 10, the container must reach the corresponding position or section at the exit star wheel 30, otherwise something has happened to the container in the treatment carousel 10, in particular a container breakage or container loss. The exit star wheel 30 triggers a possible container breakage scenario in this way.

[0074] By means of the possibility of associating a container breakage or container loss criterion exactly with a section in the treatment carousel 10, that is to say with a specific treatment mechanism Fl, F2,... Fn, the handling of the container breakage scenario is significantly simplified. The treatment carousel 10 can thus be moved purposefully to the empty places and cleaned. This can be carried out within one revolution or one turn of the treatment carousel 10, so that the regular operation of the facility is not disturbed or only insignificantly disturbed in the case of such a scenario.

[0075] The treatment carousel 10 can also have the possibility of implementing the preset cleaning action only at the specific treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn, for example, in the round or revolution following the detection of a container breakage or container loss, the omission of the accommodation of the containers to be filled, and the flushing of the specific treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn with filling product or cleaning medium and the flushing of the specific treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn by means of an external flushing device (Schwallvorrichtung). In this way it is possible to achieve that the specific treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn can be brought again into the state of accommodation capacity in only one round or revolution and can be used again conventionally in the subsequent rounds.

[0076] By precisely determining the specific treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn at which the container breakage or container loss was detected, it is then possible to implement the cleaning action only at this one treatment facility. All other treatment facilities can continue to be used conventionally for the treatment of containers.

[0077] The diagnostic function described here for the determination and localization of container breakage or container loss does not require external sensor means, that is to say, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, gratings, etc. It follows from this that environmental conditions and fine adjustments do not influence the quality of the container signal for container breakage detection. In addition, the reaction time is minimal, especially compared to alternative sensor variants.

[0078] For the diagnostic function, the electrical clamping device 50 in the entry star wheel 20 and the exit star wheel 30 is incorporated into the container breakage scenario. In other words, the container treatment and the diagnosis are combined in a coordinated manner.

[0079] In addition, the incorporation of the clamping device 50 into the container breakage diagnosis allows the treatment process to be adjusted in real time by the treatment apparatus 100. Thus, in the case of a container breakage feedback by the exit star wheel 30, the containers can be guided out of the entry star wheel 20 at full power of the facility. Alternatively or additionally, the relevant treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn can be omitted in the next treatment cycle, for example, in the sense of a machine self-protection and / or in order to guarantee the product quality, whereby the container breakage scenario is significantly shortened by the relevant treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn remaining free. In this way, the overall facility efficiency is increased.

[0080] In other words, the cleaning action is carried out exactly at the treatment facility F1, F2,... Fn at which the container anomaly occurred, wherein all other treatment facilities F1, F2,... Fn treat the containers conventionally and, in particular, fill them with filling product.

[0081] The container diagnosis and treatment carousel 10 is carried out independently, that is to say, the interrogation of the lifting cylinders, bell links, filling probes, pressing, etc. can be dispensed with. By this means, the detection quality can be improved in that false container breakage notifications, for example, caused by wear or defects of the aforementioned components, can be ruled out. Furthermore, the mechanical manufacturing outlay and the maintenance outlay are reduced.

[0082] All individual features shown in the embodiments can be combined with and / or interchanged with one another as far as applicable, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0083] List of reference signs

[0084] 1 Device for processing containers

[0085] 10 Treatment carousel

[0086] 20 Entry star wheel

[0087] 30 Exit star wheel

[0088] 40 Transport carousel

[0089] 41 Clamping star wheel-drive unit

[0090] 42 Slip ring transmitter

[0091] 50 Clamping device

[0092] 51 Container holder

[0093] 51a Clamping arm

[0094] 51b Clamping arm

[0095] 52 Further container holder

[0096] 52a Further clamping arm

[0097] 52b Further clamping arm

[0098] 53 Drive unit

[0099] 54 Further drive unit

[0100] 55 Carrier

[0101] 56 Connection device

[0102] 56a Transmission element

[0103] 56b Wrist

[0104] 57 Further connection device

[0105] 57a Further transmission element

[0106] 57b additional toggle

[0107] 58 fastening means

[0108] 100 processing device

[0109] F1...Fn position of processing mechanism

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for handling containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, wherein the apparatus (1) has: an electrically operable gripping device (50) for holding a container, wherein the gripping device (50) has at least one electric drive unit (53) configured for operating the gripping device (50), including gripping and releasing the container; and a processing device (100) in communication with the gripping device (50) and configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably current consumption and / or electrical power, of the electric drive unit (53); wherein the processing device (100) is further configured to generate a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter, indicating whether the gripping device (50) holds a container, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signal.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus (1) has at least one transport carousel (40) having a plurality of electrically operable gripping devices (50) for holding and transporting one container each mounted at an outer circumference of the transport carousel, wherein the gripping devices (50) have at least one electric drive unit (53) each configured for operating the corresponding gripping device (50), including gripping and releasing the container; wherein the processing device (100) is in communication with each of the gripping devices (50) of the transport carousel (40) and configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably current consumption and / or electrical power, of the corresponding electric drive unit (53) each; wherein the processing device (100) is further configured to generate a container signal for each gripping device (50) of the transport carousel (40), indicating whether the corresponding gripping device (50) holds a container, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signal.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the apparatus (1) further has: a processing carousel (10) having a plurality of processing means (Fl, F2,... Fn) for processing the containers mounted at an outer circumference of the processing carousel; a plurality of transport carousels (40) including an entry starwheel (20) configured to transport and deliver containers to be processed to the processing carousel (10) and an exit starwheel (30) configured to receive and transport away processed containers from the processing carousel (10); wherein the processing device (100) is configured to generate a container signal for each gripping device (50) of the entry starwheel (20), indicating whether the corresponding gripping device (50) holds a container, generate a container signal for each gripping device (50) of the exit starwheel (30), indicating whether the corresponding gripping device (50) holds a container, and From the evaluation of the thus generated container signal it is determined whether a container anomaly, including a container breakage or a container loss, occurred when the container was processed in the treatment carousel (10).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the treatment device (100) is configured to determine from the evaluation of the generated container signal at which treatment mechanism (Fl, F2,... Fn) the container anomaly occurred in the event of a container anomaly.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the treatment mechanisms (Fl, F2,... Fn) of the treatment carousel (10) are filling mechanisms for filling the containers with a filling product, preferably a beverage.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the treatment device (100) is configured to implement a cleaning action at the treatment mechanism (Fl, F2,... Fn) at which the container anomaly occurred, wherein all other treatment mechanisms (Fl, F2,... Fn) conventionally process the containers.

7. A method for detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, in an apparatus (1) for processing containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, wherein the method has: - operating a clamping device (50) for holding a container by means of an electric drive unit (53); - monitoring an electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electric drive unit (53) by means of a treatment device (100), preferably during operation; - generating a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter, which indicates whether the clamping device (50) holds a container; and - identifying a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one transport carousel (40) is provided, at the outer circumference of which a plurality of electrically operable clamping devices (50) for holding and transporting one container each are mounted, wherein the clamping devices (50) each have at least one electric drive unit (53) to operate the corresponding clamping device (50), including grasping and releasing the container; the treatment device (100) monitors at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electric drive unit (53) of each clamping device (50) of the transport carousel (40); and the treatment device (100) generates a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the transport carousel (40), which indicates whether the corresponding clamping device (50) holds a container, and determines a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, from the container signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that There are also provided a handling carousel (10) having a plurality of handling mechanisms (F1, F2,... Fn) for handling the containers mounted at the outer periphery of the handling carousel, and a plurality of transport carousels (40) comprising an entry starwheel (20) and an exit starwheel (30), the entry starwheel transporting and delivering the containers to be handled to the handling carousel (10), the exit starwheel receiving and transporting away the handled containers from the handling carousel (10); wherein the handling device (100) generates a container signal for each gripping device (50) of the entry starwheel (20) indicating whether the corresponding gripping device (50) holds a container, generates a container signal for each gripping device (50) of the exit starwheel (30) indicating whether the corresponding gripping device (50) holds a container, and determines from the evaluation of the container signals thus generated whether a container anomaly, including a container breakage or a container loss, occurred during the handling in the handling carousel (10).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the handling device (100) determines from the evaluation of the generated container signals in the event of a container anomaly at which filling mechanism (F1, F2,... Fn) the container anomaly occurred.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the handling mechanisms (F1, F2,... Fn) of the handling carousel (10) are filling mechanisms for filling a filling product, preferably a beverage, into the containers, and the handling of the containers in the handling carousel (10) comprises filling the containers with the filling product.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a cleaning action is performed at the handling mechanism (F1, F2,... Fn) at which the container anomaly occurred, wherein all other handling mechanisms (F1, F2,... Fn) handle the containers conventionally.

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