Apparatus for transporting containers and associated operating method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for transporting containers and a related operating method. The invention relates in particular to a device (10) for conveying containers (12). The apparatus (10) has a container conveyor (16) having an endless conveyor element (18) and a sensor device (24) configured to detect at least one of contamination of the endless conveyor element (18), contamination of the container (12), and a friction characteristic value of the endless conveyor element (18). The apparatus (10) further comprises a user interface (60) and / or a cleaning device (26) for cleaning the endless conveyor element (18). The apparatus (10) further comprises a processing device (62) configured to operate the user interface (60) to output a request to clean the endless conveyor element (18) and / or to operate the cleaning device (26) to clean the endless conveyor element (18) in dependence on the signal output of the sensor device (24).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for conveying containers. The invention further relates to a method for operating an apparatus for conveying containers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers and container groups can be transported through various facility components in a container handling facility and can, for example, be cleaned, filled, sealed, tested, labeled or printed. For example, a piece goods conveyor with circulating conveyor elements can be used to transport containers and container groups. The conveyor elements serve as endless support elements which carry the containers or container groups or objects to be conveyed in general. Typically, the conveyor elements can be bent upwards and downwards (and possibly also sideways) in order to conform to the required course of the belt deflection, for example at the transition between an upper branch and a lower branch or through a curve.

[0003] In order to set the required friction between the containers to be conveyed and the conveyor elements, the conveyor elements can be lubricated. Typical belt lubrication facilities with a preset periodic metering interval are a common practice for conveyor lubrication.

[0004] WO 2015 / 165858 A1 relates to an apparatus for determining the frictional resistance of a conveying belt surface configured for transporting containers. In order to provide an apparatus which can determine the frictional resistance of a conveying belt surface in particular easily and accurately, a sensor unit is provided which has a sensor body arranged in a protective housing. The sensor unit is configured to be arranged in a conveying flow of containers conveyed on a conveyor belt and serves for determining the frictional resistance during operation of the conveying belt.

[0005] Common belt lubrication facilities on the market do not react to external factors which can influence the friction coefficient. This can lead to an undesired deviation from the required friction coefficient.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved technology for ensuring that an apparatus for conveying containers is in an optimal state of operation. Preferably, the technology should be able to overcome in particular the disadvantages of known belt lubrication facilities. SUMMARY

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are indicated in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect relates to an apparatus for conveying containers of a container handling facility (e.g., a beverage filling facility). The apparatus comprises a container conveyor having a circulating conveyor element (e.g., a conveyor belt, a mat chain, a hinged belt, a conveyor chain, or a plate conveyor) for conveying containers. The apparatus further comprises a sensor device configured to detect at least one of a contamination of the circulating conveyor element, a contamination of the containers, and a friction characteristic value (e.g., a friction coefficient, a static friction coefficient, and / or a sliding friction coefficient) of the circulating conveyor element (e.g., relative to a reference body / friction body or relative to the containers). The apparatus further comprises at least one of a user interface and a (e.g., stationary) cleaning device for cleaning the circulating conveyor element. The apparatus further comprises a processing device configured to operate the user interface to output a request for cleaning the circulating conveyor element and / or to operate the cleaning device to clean the circulating conveyor element in dependence on a signal output of the sensor device with respect to the detected contamination (e.g., of the circulating conveyor element and / or of the containers) and / or the detected friction characteristic value.

[0009] Advantageously, upon detecting a contamination of the conveyor element or of the containers or upon detecting a friction characteristic value that is greater than a target friction characteristic value, the apparatus enables cleaning of the conveyor element. This can advantageously improve the operation of the container conveyor if, for example, the possibilities of a lubrication device for lubricating the circulating conveyor element have been exhausted and do not produce the desired results (friction characteristic value). This also advantageously prevents an over-lubrication (unsuccessful) of the conveyor element, thereby saving lubricant and allowing the container conveyor to work more consistently.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sensor device has at least one (e.g., non-contact or contact) sensor for detecting the contamination of the circulating conveyor element and / or the contamination of the containers and at least one further (e.g., non-contact or contact) sensor for detecting the friction characteristic value. Alternatively, the sensor device may, for example, comprise at least one (e.g., optical) sensor configured to detect both the contamination of the circulating conveyor element and / or the contamination of the containers and the friction characteristic value.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor device comprises a biofilm sensor for detecting the contamination of the circulating conveyor element and / or the contamination of the containers. This is advantageous because it allows a direct and particularly reliable detection of contamination.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensor device can comprise a rubbing body and a force transducer, which is connected with the rubbing body for detecting the friction characteristic value, wherein the rubbing body is applied against the container contact side of the endless conveyor element, preferably against the lower branch of the endless conveyor element or against the upper branch of the endless conveyor element, outside the conveying path of the containers (e.g. behind the transfer device). Advantageously, the friction characteristic value can be reliably measured in this way without the container flow being negatively affected by the rubbing body.

[0013] In another embodiment, the sensor device can comprise an optical sensor, preferably a camera or an infrared sensor, wherein the optical sensor is configured to detect at least one of the contamination of the endless conveyor element, the contamination of the containers and the friction characteristic value of the endless conveyor element (and is arranged e.g. above, inside or below the container conveyor). In this way, a sensor can advantageously be provided which can detect both the contamination and the friction characteristic value.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processing device is configured to operate the cleaning device to clean the endless conveyor element when the endless conveyor element is idle, depending on the signal output of the sensor device with regard to the detected contamination (e.g. of the endless conveyor element and / or of the containers) and / or the detected friction characteristic value. Alternatively or additionally, the processing device can be configured to operate the cleaning device for cleaning the endless conveyor element such that the endless conveyor element is cleaned continuously only in the part of the endless conveyor element which is free of containers. This can advantageously prevent the cleaning liquid for cleaning the conveyor element from accidentally contacting the containers.

[0015] In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a device for handling and / or conveying containers, which is arranged upstream of the container conveyor (of the containers).

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the processing device is further configured to operate the cleaning device to clean the endless conveyor element when the device reports a fault and / or stops, depending on the signal output of the sensor device with regard to the detected contamination (e.g. of the endless conveyor element and / or of the containers) and / or the detected friction characteristic value. This makes it possible to advantageously utilize the downtime of the installation or a stop related to maintenance, for example, which results in the containers being temporarily unable to reach the container conveyor, in order to clean the container conveyor using the cleaning device.

[0017] In another embodiment, the processing device is further configured to operate the device to stop or slow down (e.g. temporarily) for cleaning the endless conveyor element according to the signal output of the sensor device regarding the detected contamination (e.g. of the endless conveyor element and / or of the container) and / or the detected friction characteristic value while the cleaning device is working. Advantageously, this allows for a temporary cleaning of the container conveyor by the cleaning device even during production operation.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cleaning device is configured to successively rinse the endless conveyor element, preferably with water, then treat the endless conveyor element with cleaning foam, and thereafter preferably rinse the endless conveyor element again with water. This advantageously enables a particularly thorough cleaning, and in particular, removal of sticky lubricant residues.

[0019] In another embodiment, the cleaning device has at least one spray nozzle. Preferably, at least one spray nozzle can be arranged between the upper branch of the endless conveyor element and the lower branch of the endless conveyor element. Alternatively or additionally, at least one spray nozzle can be directed towards the upper side (container conveying side) of the endless conveyor element, and arranged e.g. below the lower branch of the endless conveyor element or above the upper branch of the endless conveyor element. Preferably, at least one spray nozzle can be directed only towards the lower branch of the endless conveyor element, and / or at least one spray nozzle can have a plurality of outlet openings, wherein at least one outlet opening is directed towards the upper branch of the endless conveyor element and at least one outlet opening is directed towards the lower branch of the endless conveyor element, and / or a plurality of spray nozzles can be combined to form a spray bar. This advantageously enables a thorough cleaning of the conveyor element from the inside and / or outside of the container conveyor.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cleaning device has a plurality of cleaning portions which can be selectively connected, preferably by a valve system of the cleaning device, for selectively cleaning different (e.g. longitudinal) portions of the circulating conveyor element. Preferably, the processing device can be configured to determine, from the signal output of the sensor device, the location of the contamination of the configured circulating conveyor element and to operate the cleaning device to clean the circulating conveyor element such that at least one of the plurality of selectively connectable cleaning portions is connected for cleaning the detected contamination in accordance with the determined location. Alternatively or additionally, the processing device may, for example, be configured to operate the cleaning device for cleaning the circulating conveyor element such that the selectively connectable cleaning portions are selectively connected such that the circulating conveyor element is cleaned only in portions of the circulating conveyor element which are free of containers. This advantageously allows cleaning only of portions of the conveyor element, for example, which increases flexibility in the cleaning process and saves cleaning fluid and cleaning time.

[0021] In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a lubricating device, preferably having at least one lubricant spray nozzle and / or lubricant spray rod and / or lubricant brush, for (e.g. metered) lubrication of the container contact side (e.g. top surface) of the circulating conveyor element. Preferably, the processing device can be further configured to operate the lubricating device for metered dispensing of lubricant, for example, if the detected friction characteristic value is greater than a predefined target friction characteristic value and / or is, for example, outside of a tolerance, in accordance with the signal output of the sensor device regarding the detected friction characteristic value. Advantageously, the operation of the container conveyor can thus be kept within an optimum range by both the lubricating device and the cleaning device. The lubricating device and the cleaning device can preferably interact in concert, for example, in that the cleaning device can be used when the lubricating device no longer produces the desired friction properties of the conveyor element despite lubricating the conveyor element. The cleaning device may, for example, then ensure that the conveyor element is returned to a base state (e.g. un-lubricated state), whereby the friction properties can be optimized again by the lubricating device.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the user interface is configured to receive a user input of at least one operating parameter of the lubricating device, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises: - a target friction characteristic value and optionally a tolerance around the target friction characteristic value (hysteresis); and / or - a pause time for continuous valve opening when metering lubricant by the lubricating device; and / or - a minimum valve opening time when metering lubricant by the lubricating device; and / or - a waiting time until the next detection of the friction characteristic value after lubrication using the lubricating device.

[0023] This advantageously makes it possible to optimize the lubrication of the conveyor element for the respective application.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the processing device is further configured to record the detected friction characteristic values and the (performed) operation of the lubricating device. Optionally, the processing device can be further configured to operate the user interface for outputting the recorded friction characteristic values and the operation of the lubricating device, preferably in a graphical manner, and / or to send the recorded friction characteristic values and the operation of the lubricating device to a plant controller and / or a remote server device (e.g. an internet server device). This can advantageously enable a subsequent evaluation of the lubrication in order to identify further improvement potentials.

[0025] In one embodiment, the processing device is further configured to, if the signal output of the sensor device shows that the detected friction characteristic value of the circulating conveyor element is essentially unchanged or has increased after a repeated operation of the lubricating device, operate the user interface to output the request to clean the circulating conveyor element and / or operate the cleaning device to clean the circulating conveyor element. This also makes it possible to advantageously identify cases in which the friction characteristic value of the conveyor element cannot be improved by lubrication by the lubricating device due to, for example, external influences. This can occur if, for example, due to an excessive lubrication of the conveyor element, a clumped lubricant residue is deposited on the conveyor element.

[0026] Another aspect of the application relates to a container handling plant (e.g. for temperature control, production, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurization, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and / or packaging of containers for liquid or paste-like media, preferably beverages, liquid food or products of the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry). The container handling plant can comprise a device as disclosed herein. The container handling plant can for example be a beverage filling plant. Advantageously, the container handling plant can achieve the same advantages as already described with reference to the device.

[0027] For example, the container can be implemented as a bottle, a can, a cartridge, a carton, a vial, a tube, etc.

[0028] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to an electronic system (e.g. embodied as a drive circuit or having a microprocessor and data memory) which, depending on the configuration, can perform control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used herein, this can also include or be understood as "closed-loop control" or "control with feedback" and / or appropriate "processing". The processing device can for example be a central processing device or have a plurality of decentralized or distributed processing units.

[0029] Another aspect relates to a method for operating an apparatus, preferably as disclosed herein, having a container conveyor with a circulating conveyor element (e.g. a conveyor belt, a mat chain, a hinged belt, a conveyor chain or a plate conveyor) for conveying containers (e.g. in a container handling facility). The method comprises the following steps: - detecting, by a sensor device of the apparatus, at least one of a contamination of the circulating conveyor element, a contamination of the container and a friction characteristic value (e.g. a friction coefficient, a static friction coefficient and / or a sliding friction coefficient) of the circulating conveyor element (e.g. relative to a reference body / friction body or relative to the container).

[0030] The method further comprises at least one of: - outputting, by a user interface of the apparatus, a request to clean the circulating conveyor element in dependence on the detection; and - cleaning, by a (e.g. stationary) cleaning device of the apparatus, (e.g. automatically) the circulating conveyor element in dependence on the detection, preferably continuously and / or when the circulating conveyor element is idle, preferably only in a container-free portion of the conveyor element.

[0031] Advantageously, the method can achieve the same advantages as already described herein with reference to the apparatus. The same applies to the preferred exemplary embodiments of the method explained hereinafter.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of: - (e.g. automatically) stopping or slowing down a device for handling and / or conveying containers, which is arranged upstream of the container conveyor (of the containers), while cleaning the circulating conveyor element by the cleaning device; - (e.g. automatically) starting the cleaning when a device for handling and / or conveying containers, which is arranged upstream of the container conveyor (of the containers), reports a fault and / or is stopped; - (automatically and / or metered) lubricating, by a lubricating device of the apparatus, a container-contacting side of the circulating conveyor element in dependence on the detection of the friction characteristic value; - specifying at least one operating parameter of the lubricating device by user input at the user interface, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises: a target friction characteristic value and optionally an allowable tolerance (hysteresis) around the target friction characteristic value; and / or a pause time for continuous valve opening when metering lubricant using the lubricating device; and / or a minimum valve opening time when metering lubricant using the lubricating device; and / or a waiting time after lubrication using the lubricating device until the next detection of the friction characteristic value; - recording the detected friction characteristic value and the (performed) operation of the lubricating device; - outputting, preferably in a graphical manner, the recorded friction characteristic value and the operation of the lubricating device by the user interface; - sending the recorded friction characteristic value and the operation of the lubricating device to a plant controller and / or a remote server device (e.g. an internet server device).

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the following conditions is met: - the cleaning comprises a successive rinsing, preferably with water, followed by a foam cleaning, and thereafter a rinsing, preferably with water, of the endless conveyor element; - the cleaning comprises a successive selective cleaning of different (e.g. longitudinal) sections of the endless conveyor element by selectively connectable cleaning sections of the cleaning device; - the cleaning comprises cleaning of a contamination of the endless conveyor element by a selectively connected cleaning section of a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning sections of the cleaning device, the location of the contamination being pre-detected by the sensor device; - the cleaning comprises selectively connecting a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning sections of the cleaning device such that the endless conveyor element is cleaned only in sections of the endless conveyor element which are free of containers; and - if the detected friction characteristic value of the endless conveyor element is essentially unchanged or has increased (e.g. due to lubricant sticking to the endless conveyor element) after repeated (e.g. automatic) lubrication of the container contacting side of the endless conveyor element, outputting the cleaning request and / or cleaning the endless conveyor element.

[0034] The above preferred embodiments and features of the present application can be combined with each other as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Further details and advantages of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An apparatus for conveying containers according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 An apparatus 10 for conveying containers 12 is shown. The apparatus 10 is preferably comprised in a container handling facility.

[0037] The apparatus 10 has a container conveyor 16 with circulating conveyor elements 18, a sensor device 24 and a handling device 62. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 has a user interface 60 and / or a cleaning device 26. Preferably, the apparatus 10 can also comprise a (further) device / machine 14 and / or a lubricating device 58.

[0038] The device / machine 14 is configured to handle and / or convey the containers 12. For example, the device 14 can be configured to temperature control, manufacture, clean, coat, test, fill, close, pasteurize, label, print, mark, package and / or transport the containers 12.

[0039] The device 14 can be arranged upstream of the container conveyor 16. For example, the device 14 can be located directly upstream of the container conveyor 16 or remotely upstream of the container conveyor 16.

[0040] The operation of the device 14 can be temporarily interrupted, for example, due to a container 12 tipping over or jamming, due to wear, due to improper use or due to a lack of media supply (e.g. raw materials, auxiliary materials, working materials, energy, etc.). Information about a malfunction in the device 14 can be received by the handling device 62, for example, from a facility controller or the device 14 itself.

[0041] The container conveyor 16 has circulating conveyor elements 18 for conveying the containers 12. Preferably, the conveyor elements 18 can support the containers 12 on the bottom side during conveying. The containers 12 can preferably stand upright on the conveyor elements 18 during conveying.

[0042] The container conveyor 16 can for example comprise a rack with a frame for supporting the conveyor elements 18 and support legs.

[0043] The container conveyor 16 can have a guiding device for laterally guiding the containers 12 transversely to the transport direction of the container conveyor 16. The guiding device can preferably be arranged on one or both longitudinal sides of the container conveyor 16. The guiding device can for example comprise guiding rails or guiding walls.

[0044] Preferably, the conveyor elements 18 can be liquid-permeable due to their configuration. Liquid can reach from the bottom side of the conveyor elements 18 to the upper side (container contact side) of the conveyor elements 18 and vice versa. For example, the circulating conveyor elements 18 can be a conveyor belt, a mat chain, a hinged belt, a conveyor chain or a plate conveyor.

[0045] The conveyor elements 18 can be rotated, for example, about drive rollers 20 and deflection rollers 22 of the container conveyor 16. The upper branch and the lower branch of the conveyor elements 18 can be supported, for example, by support surfaces, rollers or the like. The drive rollers 20 can be driven by a drive unit of the container conveyor 16 to move the circulating conveyor elements 18 to convey the containers 12. The drive unit can be, for example, an electric motor.

[0046] The sensor device 24 is configured to detect contamination of the circulating conveyor elements 18 and / or contamination of the containers 12 and / or a friction characteristic value of the circulating conveyor elements 18. To this end, the sensor device 24 can have one or more sensors.

[0047] The sensor device 24 can have sensors that are not only able to detect contamination but also able to detect a friction characteristic value.

[0048] The sensor device 24 can also have at least one sensor for detecting contamination (contamination sensor) and at least one further sensor for detecting a friction characteristic value (friction sensor).

[0049] The sensor device 24 can also have only one sensor for detecting contamination (contamination sensor) or only one sensor for detecting a friction characteristic value (friction sensor).

[0050] The sensor device 24 can have, for example, at least one optical sensor and / or at least one contact sensor (touch sensor) for detecting contamination and / or a friction characteristic value.

[0051] For example, the at least one optical sensor can be arranged above the container conveyor 16 and towards the circulating conveyor elements 18. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one optical sensor can be arranged in a protected manner within the container conveyor 16 or below the container conveyor 16 and towards the circulating conveyor elements 18.

[0052] The at least one optical sensor can comprise, for example, a camera (for example, with a CCD chip or a CMOS chip), an infrared sensor, a laser sensor or an LED sensor. The detection of contamination and / or a friction characteristic value can be carried out, for example, using an image recognition algorithm.

[0053] By means of the image recognition algorithm, for example, contamination of the conveyor elements 18 or of the containers 12 can be detected in the recordings of the at least one optical sensor. Using the image recognition algorithm, for example, the movement of the containers 12 on the circulating conveyor elements 18, for example, when the containers 12 are received or transferred, can be analysed and a friction characteristic value of the conveyor elements 18 on the containers 12 can be determined.

[0054] As an alternative or in addition to the optical sensor, at least one contact sensor can be arranged on the upper branch of the conveyor element 18, on the lower branch of the conveyor element 18 and / or on a guide of the container conveyor 16. For example, the conveyor element 18 can be run along the at least one contact sensor and / or the container 12 can be moved along the at least one contact sensor.

[0055] For example, the at least one contact sensor can comprise a biofilm sensor for detecting contamination. The biofilm sensor can be arranged, for example, such that it temporarily or permanently contacts the container contact side of the conveyor element 18 or the container 12 is guided past the biofilm sensor.

[0056] The at least one contact sensor can also have a rubbing body and a force transducer, which is connected to the rubbing body. The rubbing body can be applied to the container contact side of the circulating conveyor element 18. Preferably, the rubbing body is located on the lower branch of the container contact side of the circulating conveyor element 18. Alternatively, the rubbing body can be located, for example, on the upper branch of the circulating conveyor element 18, but outside the transport path of the container 12. For example, the rubbing body can be applied to the container contact side such that the circulating conveyor element 18 slides along the surface of the rubbing body and a force, for example a tension, acts on the rubbing body in the direction of travel of the conveyor element 18. This force can be measured and evaluated using the force transducer to determine a friction characteristic value. The detected friction characteristic value can have, for example, a friction number (friction coefficient), preferably a static friction coefficient and / or a sliding friction coefficient.

[0057] The cleaning device 26 is configured to clean the circulating conveyor element 18. For example, the cleaning device 26 can clean the circulating conveyor element 18 with water and / or foam. For example, the cleaning device 26 can rinse the circulating conveyor element 18 with water, preferably in succession, during the cleaning process, then treat the circulating conveyor element with cleaning foam, and thereafter rinse the circulating conveyor element again, preferably with water.

[0058] Preferably, the cleaning device 26 can clean the circulating conveyor element 18 from within the frame of the container conveyor 16.

[0059] For example, the cleaning device 26 can have at least one spray nozzle 28 and / or 29.

[0060] Preferably, the at least one spray nozzle 28 can be arranged between the upper branch of the conveyor element 18 and the lower branch of the conveyor element 18.

[0061] The at least one spray nozzle 28 can for example only be directed towards the lower branch. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one spray nozzle 28 can have a plurality of outlet openings, wherein at least one outlet opening is directed towards the upper branch of the conveyor element 18 and at least one outlet opening is directed towards the lower branch of the conveyor element.

[0062] Preferably, the at least one spray nozzle 29 can be directed towards the upper side or container conveyor side / container support side of the conveyor element 18. The at least one spray nozzle 29 can for example be arranged below the lower branch of the conveyor element 18, as shown by way of example in Figure 1 Alternatively, the at least one spray nozzle 29 can for example be arranged above the upper branch of the conveyor element 18 (not shown in Figure 1 ).

[0063] A number of spray nozzles 28 or a number of spray nozzles 29 can be combined to form a spray bar (spray rod / spray gun). For example, a pipe can have a number of spray nozzles spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the pipe / spray bar. The longitudinal axis of the pipe / spray bar can for example be parallel or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container conveyor 16. A spray bar consisting of a number of spray nozzles 28 can for example be arranged between the upper branch and the lower branch of the circulating conveyor element 18. A spray bar comprising a number of spray nozzles 29 can for example be arranged above the upper branch or below the lower branch of the conveyor element 18.

[0064] A number of spray bars can also be included, each having a number of spray nozzles 28. The spray bars can for example be arranged parallel to one another.

[0065] Preferably, the cleaning device 26 has a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning portions 30, 32, 34. Depending on the connected cleaning portion 30, 32, 34, different parts of the circulating conveyor element 18 can be cleaned. Preferably, the cleaning portions 30, 32, 34 can be selectively connected to the cleaning device 26 using a valve system 36.

[0066] For example, the cleaning device 26 can have a main line 38 and a number of branch lines 40, 42, 44.

[0067] The main line 38 can for example be connected to a cleaning fluid source 46. The cleaning fluid source 46 can preferably provide at least one cleaning fluid, for example water and / or a cleaning foam, or provide a cleaning fluid that forms a foam when sprayed.

[0068] The branch lines 40, 42, 44 can preferably each have at least one spray nozzle 28 or at least one spray bar, each having a plurality of spray nozzles 28.

[0069] The branch lines 40, 42, 44 can be arranged in different regions of the container conveyor 16, for example in an (upstream (container)) end region of the container conveyor 16, in a middle region of the container conveyor 16 and / or in a (downstream (container)) end region of the container conveyor 16. Thus, the branch lines 40, 42, 44 can define / specify several cleaning sections 30, 32, 34.

[0070] The branch lines 40, 42, 44 can each branch off from the main line 38. Preferably, a valve 48, 50 or 52 of the valve system 36 can be arranged on or in the corresponding branch or branch line 40, 42, 44. The valves 48, 50, 52 are preferably embodied in particular as shut-off valves. The branch lines 40, 42, 44 and thus the cleaning sections 30, 32, 34 can be selectively connected via the valves 48, 50, 52.

[0071] It is to be understood that, depending on the application, the cleaning device 26 can have for example a different number of spray nozzles 28, a different number of cleaning sections 30, 32, 34, a different number of branch lines 40, 42, 44 and / or a different number of valves 48, 50, 52.

[0072] The selective connectability of the cleaning sections 30, 32, 34 enables for example a continuous selective cleaning of different sections of the circulating conveyor element 18, for example under control of the processing device 62, using the selectively connectable cleaning sections 30, 32, 34. This can be advantageous in several scenarios.

[0073] For example, a limited flow of cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source 46 can thus be continuously distributed to the cleaning sections 30, 32, 34.

[0074] For example, the cleaning sections 30, 32, 34 can be selectively switched on and off while the apparatus 10 is in operation, so that the conveyor element 18 is cleaned only in sections of the conveyor element 18 that are free of containers 12.

[0075] For example, a contamination of the conveyor element 18 can be targeted. The location of the contamination can for example be pre-detected by the sensor device 24. The contamination can then be cleaned in particular using a selectively activated cleaning section of the plurality of cleaning sections 30, 32, 34, for example under control of the processing device 62, depending on a signal output of the sensor device 24 regarding the detected location.

[0076] The cleaning device 26 can for example also have a discharge line 54. The discharge line 54 can branch off from the main line 38. Preferably, a valve 56 can be arranged at the branch or in the discharge line 54. The valve 56 is preferably embodied in particular as a shut-off valve. Cleaning liquid can be discharged from the main line 38 via the discharge line 54 and the (open) valve 56.

[0077] The lubrication device 58 is configured to lubricate the container contact side of the conveyor element 18, for example, with a dry, paste, or liquid lubricant. For example, the lubrication device 58 may have at least one lubricant spray nozzle, lubricant spray bar, and / or lubricant brush for lubricating the container contact side of the conveyor element 18.

[0078] The lubrication device 58 preferably dispenses lubricant in a metering manner. For this purpose, for example, the supply valve of the lubrication device 58 can be opened and closed in a continuous cycle (= waiting time) for a predefined period of time (= valve opening time) until a predetermined amount of lubricant has been applied to the container contact side of the conveyor element 18.

[0079] Preferably, the processing device 62 can, for example, record the detected friction characteristic values ​​and the operation of the lubrication device 58 (e.g., regarding lubrication time and / or lubrication dosage). The recorded friction characteristic values ​​and the operation of the lubrication device 58 can then be output, for example, via a user interface 60. The recorded friction characteristic values ​​and the operation of the lubrication device 58 can also be sent to the facility controller and / or remote server device of the container handling facility.

[0080] User interface 60 may be configured to receive user input and / or output information to the user. For example, user interface 60 may be a visual, auditory, and / or tactile / haptic user interface. Preferably, user interface 60 may include a preferred touch-sensitive display, speaker, microphone, keyboard, buttons, and / or at least one indicator light.

[0081] The user interface 60 can be used by the user, for example, to input the operating parameters of the cleaning device 26 and / or the lubrication device 58.

[0082] Particularly preferably, the following operating parameters can be predefined for the lubrication device 58 individually or in any combination using the user interface 60: target friction characteristic value and permissible tolerance (hysteresis) around the target friction characteristic value; pause time for continuous valve opening when using the lubrication device 58 to meter the lubricant; minimum valve opening time when using the lubrication device 58 to meter the lubricant; and waiting time from lubrication by the lubrication device 58 until the next detection of the friction characteristic value.

[0083] Device 10 may be further operated by processing device 62, for example, as described below.

[0084] The sensor device 24 can be used to detect contamination of the circulating conveyor element 18, contamination of the container 12, and / or the frictional characteristic value of the circulating conveyor element 18. Depending on the configuration of the sensor device 24, it can detect only one, two, or all three of the contamination of the circulating conveyor element 18, contamination of the container 12, and frictional characteristic value.

[0085] According to the detection, a request for cleaning the conveyor elements 18 can then be output via the user interface 60. If, for example, a contamination of the conveyor elements 18 or of the containers 12 is detected, the user interface 60 is operated accordingly to output the request. Alternatively or additionally, for example, if the detected friction characteristic values do not essentially change or have increased after repeated lubrication of the container contact side of the conveyor elements 18, for example due to the lubricant adhering to the circulating conveyor elements, the user interface 60 can be operated to output the request according to the detected friction characteristic values. For example, the processing device 62 can be configured to operate the user interface 60 to output the request according to the signals of the sensor device 24, as explained.

[0086] It is particularly preferred, however, that the circulating conveyor elements are cleaned using the cleaning device 26 upon detection of a contamination or upon the detected friction characteristic values not essentially changing or having increased after repeated lubrication of the container contact side of the conveyor elements 18. For example, the processing device 62 can be configured to operate the cleaning device 26 to clean the conveyor elements 18, as explained.

[0087] Preferably, the cleaning device 26 can be operated during cleaning according to at least one operating parameter predefined using the user interface 60, for example using the processing device 62.

[0088] Preferably, the container conveyor 16 can be cleaned when it does not transport any containers 12, for example when the conveyor elements 18 are idle. This can be, for example, during a planned operating and maintenance interruption. However, cleaning using the cleaning device 26 can also be carried out during a temporary interruption of the production operation.

[0089] For example, cleaning can be started when the upstream device 14 reports a fault or a stop and, as a result, the container conveyor 16 does not transport containers 12. Preferably, the processing device 62 can be configured to operate the cleaning device 26 to clean the conveyor elements 18 when the device 14 reports a fault and / or a stop.

[0090] The device 14 can also be stopped or slowed down separately when the circulating conveyor elements 18 are cleaned using the cleaning device 26. For example, the processing device 62 can be configured to operate the device 14 to be stopped or slowed down when the cleaning device 26 is operated to clean the conveyor elements 18.

[0091] The application is not limited to the above-mentioned preferred embodiments. Rather, various variants and modifications of the inventive concept are likewise possible and thus fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the application also claims the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims they are cited in. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. Furthermore, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all the features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the container conveyor, the circulating conveyor element, the sensor device, the user interface, the cleaning device and / or the treatment device of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein are to be understood as being disclosed in such a way that all values falling within the relevant range are disclosed individually, for example also as the relevant preferred narrower outer limit values of the relevant range.

[0092] List of reference signs 10 device 12 container 14 device for treating and / or conveying containers 16 container conveyor 18 circulating conveyor element 20 drive roller 22 deflection roller 24 sensor device 26 cleaning device 28 spray nozzle 29 spray nozzle 30 cleaning portion 32 cleaning portion 34 cleaning portion 36 valve system 38 main line 40 branch line 42 branch line 44 branch line 46 source of cleaning liquid 48 valve 50 valve 52 valve 54 discharge line 56 valve 58 lubricating device 60 user interface 62 treatment device

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for conveying containers (12) of a container handling facility, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises: a container conveyor (16) having a loop conveyor element (18) for conveying the containers (12); a sensor device (24) configured to detect at least one of a contamination of the loop conveyor element (18), a contamination of the containers (12) and a friction characteristic value of the loop conveyor element (18); at least one of a user interface (60) and a cleaning device (26) for cleaning the loop conveyor element (18); and a processing device (62) configured to operate, depending on a signal output of the sensor device (24) with respect to a detected contamination and / or a detected friction characteristic value: - the user interface (60) to output a request to clean the loop conveyor element (18); and / or - the cleaning device (26) to clean the loop conveyor element (18).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the sensor device (24) has at least one sensor for detecting the contamination of the loop conveyor element (18) and / or the contamination of the containers (12) and at least one further sensor for detecting the friction characteristic value, or the sensor device (24) has at least one sensor configured to detect both the contamination of the loop conveyor element (18) and / or the contamination of the containers (12) and the friction characteristic value.

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sensor device (24) has at least one of: a biofilm sensor for detecting the contamination of the loop conveyor element (18) and / or the contamination of the containers (12); a friction body and a force transducer connected with the friction body for detecting the friction characteristic value, wherein the friction body abuts against a container contact side of the loop conveyor element (18), i.e. on a lower branch of the loop conveyor element (18) or on an upper branch of the loop conveyor element (18), outside a transport path of the containers (12); and an optical sensor, preferably a camera or an infrared sensor, wherein the optical sensor is configured to detect at least one of the contamination of the loop conveyor element (18), the contamination of the containers (12) and the friction characteristic value of the loop conveyor element (18).

4. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the processing device (62) is further configured to: - operating the cleaning device (26) to clean the endless conveyor element (18) in dependence on the signal output of the sensor device (24) with respect to the detected contamination and / or the detected friction characteristic value when the endless conveyor element (18) is idle; and / or - operating the cleaning device (26) for cleaning the endless conveyor element (18) such that the endless conveyor element (18) is cleaned continuously only in a portion of the endless conveyor element (18) that is free of containers (12).

5. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a device (14) for handling and / or conveying containers (12) and arranged upstream of the container conveyor (16), wherein: the handling device (62) is further configured to: - operate the cleaning device (26) to clean the endless conveyor element (18) in dependence on the signal output of the sensor device (24) with respect to the detected contamination and / or the detected friction characteristic value when the device (14) reports a fault and / or is stopped; and / or - operate the device (14) to be stopped or slowed down for cleaning the endless conveyor element (18) in dependence on the signal output of the sensor device (24) with respect to the detected contamination and / or the detected friction characteristic value when the cleaning device (26) is working.

6. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the cleaning device (26) is configured to continuously rinse the endless conveyor element (18), preferably with water, then to treat the endless conveyor element with a cleaning foam, and thereafter to rinse the endless conveyor element again, preferably with water.

7. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the cleaning device (26) has at least one spray nozzle (28, 29), wherein preferably at least one of the following is met: at least one spray nozzle (28) is arranged between an upper branch of the endless conveyor element (18) and a lower branch of the endless conveyor element (18); at least one spray nozzle (29) is directed towards an upper side of the endless conveyor element (18); at least one spray nozzle (28) is directed only towards the lower branch of the endless conveyor element (18); at least one spray nozzle (28) has a plurality of outlet openings, wherein at least one outlet opening is directed towards the upper branch of the endless conveyor element (18) and at least one outlet opening is directed towards the lower branch of the endless conveyor element (18); and several spray nozzles (28, 29) combine to form a spray bar.

8. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the cleaning device (26) has a plurality of cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) that can be selectively connected, preferably using a valve system (36) of the cleaning device (26), for selectively cleaning different portions of the endless conveyor element (18); and optionally ​ The processing device (62) is further configured to: - determine the location of the contamination of the circulating conveyor element (18) from the signal output of the sensor device (24); and to operate the cleaning device (26) to clean the circulating conveyor element (18) such that at least one of a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) is connected for cleaning the detected contamination according to the determined location; and / or - operate the cleaning device (26) for cleaning the circulating conveyor element (18) such that the selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) are selectively connected such that the circulating conveyor element (18) is cleaned only in portions of the circulating conveyor element (18) that are free of containers (12).

9. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a lubricating device (58), preferably having at least one lubricant spray nozzle and / or lubricant spray rod and / or lubricant brush, for lubricating a container contact side of the circulating conveyor element (18), wherein: the processing device (62) is further configured to operate the lubricating device (58) for metered dispensing of lubricant from the signal output of the sensor device (24) with respect to the detected friction characteristic value.

10. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein: the user interface (60) is configured to receive a user input of at least one operating parameter of the lubricating device (58), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises: - a target friction characteristic value and an allowed tolerance around the target friction characteristic value; and / or - a pause time for continuous valve opening when metering lubricant using the lubricating device (58); and / or - a minimum valve opening time when metering lubricant using the lubricating device (58); and / or - a waiting time until the next detection of the friction characteristic value after lubrication using the lubricating device (58).

11. The device (10) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: the processing device (62) is further configured to: - record the detected friction characteristic values and the operation of the lubricating device (58); and optionally - operate the user interface for outputting the recorded friction characteristic values and the operation of the lubricating device (58), preferably in a graphical manner; and / or - send the recorded friction characteristic values and the operation of the lubricating device (58) to a plant controller and / or a remote server device.

12. The device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: the processing device (62) is further configured to: - determine the location of the contamination of the circulating conveyor element (18) from the signal output of the sensor device (24); and to operate the cleaning device (26) to clean the circulating conveyor element (18) such that at least one of a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) is connected for cleaning the detected contamination according to the determined location; and / or - operate the cleaning device (26) for cleaning the circulating conveyor element (18) such that the selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) are selectively connected such that the circulating conveyor element (18) is cleaned only in portions of the circulating conveyor element (18) that are free of containers (12). - if the signal output of the sensor device (24) shows that the detected friction characteristic value of the circulating conveyor element (18) is essentially unchanged or has increased after a repeated operation of the lubricating device (58), operating the user interface (60) to output the request to clean the circulating conveyor element (18) and / or operating the cleaning device (26) to clean the circulating conveyor element (18).

13. A method for operating a device (10), preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a container conveyor (16) with a circulating conveyor element (18) for conveying containers (12), wherein the method comprises: detecting at least one of a contamination of the circulating conveyor element (18), a contamination of the containers (12) and a friction characteristic value of the circulating conveyor element (18) using a sensor device (24) of the device (10); wherein the method further has at least one of: outputting a request to clean the circulating conveyor element (18) using a user interface (60) of the device (10) depending on the detection; and cleaning the circulating conveyor element (18) using a cleaning device (26) of the device (10) depending on the detection, preferably continuously only in a container (12)-free portion of the conveyor element and / or when the circulating conveyor element (18) is idle.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising at least one of: stopping or slowing down a device (14) for processing and / or conveying containers (12) arranged upstream of the container conveyor (16) when cleaning the circulating conveyor element (18) using the cleaning device (26); starting the cleaning when a device (14) for processing and / or conveying containers (12) arranged upstream of the container conveyor (16) reports a fault and / or is stopped; lubricating a container-contacting side of the circulating conveyor element (18) using a lubricating device (58) of the device (10) depending on the detection of the friction characteristic value, wherein preferably the method further comprises at least one of: specifying at least one operating parameter of the lubricating device (58) using a user input at the user interface (60), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises: - a target friction characteristic value and a tolerance around the target friction characteristic value; and / or - a pause time for continuous valve opening when metering lubricant using the lubricating device (58); and / or - a minimum valve opening time when metering lubricant using the lubricating device (58); and / or - a waiting time after lubrication using the lubricating device (58) until the next detection of the friction characteristic value; recording the detected friction characteristic value and the operation of the lubricating device (58), and optionally outputting, preferably graphically outputting, the recorded friction characteristic value and the operation of the lubricating device (58) using the user interface (60); and / or The recorded friction characteristic values and the operation of the lubricating device (58) are transmitted to a plant controller and / or a remote server device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein at least one of the following is met: The cleaning comprises a successive rinsing, preferably with water, followed by a foam cleaning, and thereafter a rinsing, preferably with water, of the circulating conveyor element (18); The cleaning comprises a successive selective cleaning of different parts of the circulating conveyor element (18) using selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) of the cleaning device (26); The cleaning comprises a cleaning of a contamination of the circulating conveyor element (18) using a selectively connected cleaning portion (30, 32, 34) of a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) of the cleaning device (26), the location of the contamination being pre-detected by the sensor device (24); The cleaning comprises selectively connecting a plurality of selectively connectable cleaning portions (30, 32, 34) of the cleaning device (26) such that the circulating conveyor element (18) is cleaned only in parts of the circulating conveyor element (18) which are free of containers (12); and If the detected friction characteristic values of the circulating conveyor element (18) are essentially unchanged or have increased after repeated lubrication of the container contacting side of the circulating conveyor element (18), the cleaning request is output and / or the circulating conveyor element (18) is cleaned.

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