Device and method for treating KEGs

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for treating kegs (3) comprising several treatment stations (1a - 1n) for treating the kegs (3) and at least one conveying device (5) extending along a longitudinal direction (LR) for conveying the kegs (3) and for feeding and removing the kegs (3) to and from the treatment stations (1a - 1n). According to the invention, the conveying device (5) has several conveying elements (6) arranged adjacent to one another and together defining a conveying plane (E), the conveying direction (FR) of which corresponds to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveying device (5). The adjacent conveying elements (6) are spaced apart from one another, and several guide elements (7) are provided between the respective conveying elements (6), which can be moved in a controlled manner between a rest position (P1) and a guided position (P2).The guide elements (7) are in their rest position (P1) out of contact with the transported KEGs (3) and in their guiding position (P2) form a guide for the transported KEGs (3) in order to guide the KEGs (3) flexibly and as required along movement path sections (9, 10) running obliquely to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveying device (5) for the supply and removal to and from the treatment stations (1a - 1n).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for treating KEGs, in particular to a device and a method for cleaning and filling KEGs.

[0002] Kegs, also known as keg barrels or keg containers, are well known in the beverage industry. Such containers are primarily used when beverages or other liquid products are handled and dispensed in larger quantities, especially in quantities larger than 5 liters.

[0003] For the treatment of KEGs, especially for internal cleaning and filling, various automated handling devices are used. For this purpose, fully automated machines or systems with one or more stations for cleaning and / or filling the KEGs are known. Such machines or systems can also be referred to as treatment devices or treatment systems.

[0004] Treatment devices or treatment systems of this type typically comprise several treatment stations in which the required treatment steps, such as residual emptying, pre-rinsing, water rinsing, alkali and / or acid treatment, superheated steam treatment, sterilization, and the like, are carried out in the desired or required sequence. The respective treatment stations can be designed to carry out specific, individual treatment steps, but it is also known that several treatment steps can be combined in a single treatment station.

[0005] For complete treatment, the KEGs must generally pass through several treatment stations and be transferred and forwarded from one treatment station to the next in a predetermined manner. The multiple treatment stations can, for example, be arranged one behind the other in a linear arrangement, or follow one another. Such treatment devices or treatment systems are often referred to as linear machines or linear systems. Two principles are known for linear systems: longitudinal machines and transverse machines.

[0006] In longitudinal machines, the KEGs pass through the successive treatment stations in a so-called longitudinal pass and are moved from one treatment station to the next, behind it, treatment station in a mandatory or fixed sequence.

[0007] In transversal machines, the KEGs pass through the individual treatment stations in a so-called transversal pass. For example, DE 20 2007 015 871 U1 discloses a transversal machine in which several KEGs are conveyed longitudinally to the machine via an infeed conveyor and are initially positioned in a row using several stops on the infeed conveyor so that they are aligned with the treatment stations arranged next to the infeed conveyor. From this position, the KEGs are then transferred together synchronously in the transversal direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, to the treatment stations using transfer devices.

[0008] Transversal machines are also known, in which, for example, similar or identical treatment stations can be present multiple times. Transport devices are arranged between the treatment stations in such a way that, after completion of a current treatment step in one treatment station, a KEG can be transported to one of several similar treatment stations for the next treatment step, namely to a "free" or recently "free" treatment station. As a result, the performance of such a system is significantly higher than that of a system with a longitudinal throughput. For example, EP 1 762 540 A1 discloses a transversal machine in which KEGs can be introduced into free treatment stations independently of one another.

[0009] Furthermore, WO 2017 / 157551 A1 also discloses a transversal machine in which the KEGs can be treated as needed and individually, for example by individually selecting the transport path depending on their degree of contamination.

[0010] However, the disadvantage of the known transversal machines is that they are structurally complex due to the required transport and conveyor systems as well as the necessary transfer devices and are therefore costly to manufacture and maintain. In addition, their complex design requires a lot of space.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for treating KEGs which is structurally simplified and cost-effective to manufacture and at the same time allows flexible treatment of the KEGs.

[0012] The present invention solves this problem by a device having the features of claim 1. To solve the problem, a method for treating KEGs according to claim 14 is further specified. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] The present invention provides a device for treating KEGs. The device comprises a plurality of treatment stations for treating the KEGs and at least one conveyor device extending along a longitudinal direction for conveying the KEGs and for feeding and discharging the KEGs to and from the treatment stations. According to the invention, the conveyor device has a plurality of conveyor elements arranged adjacent to one another and jointly defining a conveying plane, the conveying direction of which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device. The adjacent conveyor elements are arranged at a distance from one another, and a plurality of guide elements are provided between the respective conveyor elements, which can be moved in a controlled manner between a rest position and a guide position.In their rest position, the guide elements are disengaged from the transported KEGs and, in their guide position, form a guide for the transported KEGs in order to guide the KEGs flexibly and as required for feeding and discharging to and from the treatment stations along movement path sections running diagonally to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor.

[0014] The device according to the invention offers advantages through the provided conveying device, which is formed by a plurality of conveying elements, in particular arranged parallel to one another, in conjunction with the further provided guide elements. Since the plurality of individual, effectively combined or interacting conveying elements defines the conveying plane, i.e., since the plurality of conveying elements together define the conveying plane over which the KEGs are guided, and since the guide elements can be variably moved into their respective guide positions, the KEGs can be transported along flexible paths across the conveying plane.

[0015] This enables a variably selectable and flexible, application-dependent supply and removal to and from the treatment modules. Furthermore, a targeted and / or desired or customized allocation or assignment of individual KEGs to the various treatment stations can be carried out. For example, depending on a selected treatment program to be implemented or depending on the current condition of a KEG, for example, depending on the degree of contamination of the KEG, the treatment of the respective KEG can be carried out individually by assigning or allocating the KEG to the appropriate treatment stations in the required manner.

[0016] Within the meaning of the invention, the conveyor device is thus also to be understood as a transport table or conveyor table, over which the KEGs can be conveyed and guided along variable paths, flexibly and, for example, adaptably depending on the situation. The conveyor device is preferably arranged at least partially overlapping the treatment stations in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0017] The guide elements in the control position form a guide for the KEGs moving on or in the conveying level, namely on the conveyor table, in order to supply the KEGs to the various treatment stations and to remove them again from them flexibly and as required, in particular in a desired, adapted or predetermined sequence.

[0018] The device according to the invention offers particularly particular advantages in that the guide for the KEGs—formed by the guide elements in their guide position—can be designed and modified in a controlled, variable, and flexible manner, even during ongoing operation, particularly depending on treatment programs or parameters, or depending on the operating states of the device or the status parameters of a KEG to be treated. Control is preferably provided via a control and / or regulating device.

[0019] Using this variably selectable and manufacturable guide, it is possible to flexibly and variably feed a respective KEG to a selected number and sequence of treatment stations performing the individual treatment steps by individually selecting the transport or movement path. In particular, the guide formed by the guide elements determines at least one transverse or essentially transverse movement path section for the KEGs with respect to the longitudinal direction. The transport or movement path selected for a KEG can also be understood as a synonym for a movement pattern, which in turn results in a movement path of the KEGs through the device, so that the movement path can also be understood as a transport or movement path or movement trajectory.

[0020] The control position of the respective guide elements can also be understood in this case as an active position or as an activated position or activated position, namely in particular as a guiding or steering position. A guide element in the control position intervenes in a steering or guiding manner in the movement or trajectory of the KEGs and essentially represents an obstacle or chicane that specifically influences the trajectory, deflecting or redirecting a KEG moving on the conveying plane. In its control position, a guide element thus influences or changes the direction of movement or the moment of movement or the momentum of movement of a moving KEG.

[0021] The rest position of the respective guide elements can also be understood as a passive position, specifically as a passive position, zero position, or neutral position. In the rest position, a guide element has no influence on the movement or trajectory of a KEG moving on the conveying plane.

[0022] The movement of the guide elements between their respective rest and control positions is also understood, within the meaning of the invention, as switching or toggling the guide elements. The guidance for the KEGs formed by the switchable guide elements can thus also be understood as a switchable guidance. By appropriately selecting the guide elements, which are "switched" to their respective control positions, a wide variety of guidance options can be provided very quickly and easily, depending on the situation and requirements – particularly during the ongoing treatment process – which specify different movement paths for the KEGs.

[0023] The guide elements are stationary or fixed, in particular with respect to the longitudinal direction of the device and in particular also with respect to a transverse direction of the device oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and do not move with the conveying elements, in particular not in their conveying direction. Furthermore, the guide elements are also stationary with respect to the movement or direction of movement of the KEGs and do not move with the KEGs, namely in particular not when the KEGs move in the longitudinal direction and in particular also not when the KEGs move obliquely or transversely to the longitudinal direction. For the purposes of the present invention, this means that the guide elements are designed as non-moving elements with respect to the KEGs and thus do not form sliders or transfer elements, but rather non-moving, stationary or fixed guide elements.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gap with a predetermined width is formed between each adjacent conveyor element. Most preferably, the guide elements are arranged in the gaps. This ensures, on the one hand, that the individual, adjacent conveyor elements do not interfere with each other, and, on the other hand, a secure arrangement or accommodation of the guide elements is ensured in a particularly simple manner. It goes without saying that the gap width of the gaps and the geometric dimensions of the guide elements are coordinated or adapted to one another.

[0025] Furthermore, a plurality of guide elements arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device are preferably provided between respective adjacent conveyor elements. In particular, the plurality of guide elements arranged along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device are distributed at equal distances from one another. This particularly advantageously ensures that the plurality of guide elements are arranged essentially in a matrix-like manner or in a matrix-like arrangement with respect to the conveyor plane, and that a particularly large number of variable, "switchable" guides can be provided thereby, wherein the guides can be implemented particularly advantageously over the entire surface of the conveyor device.

[0026] Preferably, each of the plurality of guide elements can be moved individually and individually controlled between its rest position and its guide position, which advantageously increases the flexibility, variability and / or adaptability.

[0027] Particular advantages arise from the fact that the guide elements are designed as control bolts that can be lifted and lowered. The preferably elongated, rod-shaped, or finger-shaped control bolts extend essentially perpendicular to the conveying plane along their length and can be moved between their rest and control positions by means of a lifting and lowering movement in a vertical direction, i.e. perpendicular to the conveying plane. Due to the bolt-, rod-, or finger-shaped design and the arrangement perpendicular to the conveying plane, the guide elements are limited in terms of their spatial extent in the conveying plane, so that finely adjustable or finely subdivided guidance can be provided. In particular, this can also prevent the KEGs from being subjected to undesirable or excessive deflection or deviation during guidance, which can occur, for example, due to protruding geometric dimensions.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the control pins are lowered in their respective rest positions and arranged vertically below the conveying plane. This advantageously allows the guide elements to be mounted in a space-saving manner without impeding the function of other device components. This also offers advantages from a drive and control technology perspective, as lifting and lowering movements can be carried out optimally.

[0029] In the preferred embodiments with the lifting and lowering control pins as guide elements, the control pins are preferably raised in their respective guide positions. Preferably, at least one free upper end of the control pins is arranged vertically above the conveying plane and protrudes upwards above the conveying plane to guide the KEGs into engagement.

[0030] Alternatively, the guide elements can be designed as rotatable or pivotable control pins. It is also possible to use control pins as guide elements that perform a combination of a lifting and lowering movement as well as a rotating or pivoting movement.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the guide elements simultaneously form stop and / or fixing elements in order to securely position a respective KEG at the respective treatment stations.

[0032] Each of the conveying elements may preferably be a circulating endless conveyor, in particular an endlessly circulating belt, belt or chain conveyor.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a drive device is provided for synchronously driving the plurality of conveyor elements. The drive of the conveyor elements, in particular a synchronous drive, can be implemented in a conventional manner, as is known in the technical field.

[0034] To drive the movement of the guide elements between their rest and guide positions, respective controllable drive units are preferably provided. Furthermore, a control and / or regulating device is provided, which is communicatively connected to the drive units.

[0035] Preferably, the treatment stations each have a treatment head for treating the KEGs, wherein the treatment head of at least one of the treatment stations is designed as a lifting and lowering treatment head. In the embodiment with a lifting and lowering treatment head, this is preferably arranged between two conveyor elements such that the treatment head is positioned in a lowered position below the conveyor plane. By lifting, the treatment head can be moved into a raised position to protrude upwards above the conveyor plane, whereby the treatment head can be effectively connected to a respective KEG to be treated.

[0036] The device is preferably designed as a linear machine or linear system and can optionally be a longitudinal machine. The present device is particularly preferably designed as a transverse machine. In this case, at least one of the several treatment stations provided is a cleaning station for cleaning the inside of the KEGs. Furthermore, at least one of the treatment stations is a filling station for filling the KEGs with a liquid filling material. The at least one filling station is arranged downstream of the at least one cleaning station in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor system.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a method for treating KEGs. In the method, the KEGs to be treated are treated in a plurality of treatment stations and, for this purpose, conveyed to and from the treatment stations via at least one conveyor device extending along a longitudinal direction. According to the invention, the conveyor device has a plurality of conveyor elements arranged adjacent to one another at respective intervals, by means of which the KEGs are conveyed on a conveying plane jointly defined by the conveyor elements in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device. Between the respective conveyor elements, a plurality of guide elements are provided which are switched in a controlled manner and thereby moved between a rest position and a guide position.The KEGs are guided flexibly and as needed by the guide elements, which are moved into their respective positions, along movement paths that run diagonally to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor. This transports the KEGs to and from the treatment stations.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the KEGs are transported in total in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device by means of the several conveying elements of the conveyor device in cooperation with the guide elements and are transported along several successive movement path sections each running obliquely to the main transport direction.

[0039] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a roughly schematic and highly simplified plan view of an embodiment of the present device; Fig. 2 shows a roughly schematic and highly simplified plan view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 with guide elements in control position and with a guided KEG shown; Fig. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present device with KEGs in treatment position in a roughly schematic and highly simplified manner; Fig. 4 shows a schematic and highly simplified view of the device according to Fig. 3 with KEGs in transport position and Fig. 5 shows, using highly simplified, sketchy diagrams, three examples (A, B, C) of possible, realizable movement paths of the KEGs through the device.

[0040] The device, generally designated by reference numeral 1 in the figures, is used for treating KEGs 3, in particular for treating reusable, multi-way KEGs 3. The KEGs 3 to be treated by means of the device 1 are designed in a known and conventional manner and are essentially designed as barrel-like containers for holding liquids, in particular beverages such as beer. The KEGs 3 have a closed KEG interior and are provided on their upper side with a so-called KEG fitting 2 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4), which can also be understood as a KEG fitting. The KEG fitting 2 is used to treat the kegs 3, namely both the cleaning of the keg interior with one or more cleaning agents and the filling with the contents, in particular a beverage such as beer.

[0041] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. Furthermore, the invention is shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the basic principle of the invention. For reasons of clarity, all components of the device have been omitted.

[0042] The device 1 comprises a plurality of treatment stations 1a - 1n, which are designed in particular for cleaning the interior of the KEGs 3 and / or for filling the KEGs 3 with the liquid filling product, in particular with a beverage. Each of the treatment stations 1a - 1n comprises a treatment head 4 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4), to which a respective KEG 3 can be connected via the KEG fitting 2 for the corresponding treatment in a known manner. During treatment, the KEG fitting 2 is brought into a sealed position with the treatment head 4, so that treatment medium can be supplied and discharged or filling material can be added via appropriate valve controls.

[0043] Of the several treatment stations 1a - 1n provided in the present device 1, three treatment stations 1a, 1b, 1n are shown as examples in the figures, which in the representation of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 are only sketchily indicated by dashed outlines. In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 also shows the respective treatment heads 4 with which the treatment stations 1a, 1b, 1n are equipped. The KEGs 3 to be treated are shown in the Fig. 1 not shown.

[0044] The multiple treatment stations 1a-1n of the exemplary device 1 for treating the KEGs 3 are arranged one behind the other in a linear arrangement along a longitudinal direction LR of the device 1. The present device 1 of the illustrated examples can therefore also be referred to as a linear machine or linear system for treating the KEGs 3 and is designed in particular as a transversal machine.

[0045] In the present device 1, i.e., in the transversal machine shown, the KEGs 3 are transported through the multiple treatment stations 1a-1n in a main transport direction or throughput direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction LR of the device 1. In other words, to carry out the treatment process, which is a sequence of several consecutive treatment steps, the KEGs 3 pass through the treatment stations 1a-1n in the main transport direction or throughput direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction LR of the device 1.

[0046] During this passage through the device 1, the KEGs 3 are transported flexibly and as required to and from the treatment stations 1a - 1n not only in the longitudinal direction, but also diagonally to the longitudinal direction LR, namely in particular in several movement path sections 9, 10 running diagonally to the longitudinal direction LR, as described further below in connection with the Fig. 5 is explained in more detail.

[0047] For conveying the KEGs 3 in the main transport direction and for feeding and removing the KEGs 3 to and from the treatment stations 1a - 1n, the device 1 comprises a conveying device 5 extending along the longitudinal direction LR, which thus itself has a longitudinal direction LR that corresponds to the longitudinal direction LR of the device 1.

[0048] As this is particularly evident from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be clearly seen from the plan view of the device 1 shown in Figure 2, the conveyor device 5 comprises a plurality of individual conveyor elements 6 which are arranged adjacent to one another and together define a conveyor plane E on which the KEGs 3 are conveyed or transported. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 thus essentially also represent a plan view of the conveying plane E of the conveying device 5. Each conveying element 6 itself has a longitudinal extension that runs in the longitudinal direction LR of the conveying device 5 or of the device 1. The individual conveying elements 6 are arranged next to one another, in particular parallel to one another, along a width of the conveying device 5 that runs essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR.

[0049] In the example shown, each of the conveyor elements 6 is formed by a circulating endless conveyor, namely in particular by an endlessly circulating chain conveyor, wherein the endlessly circulating chain conveyors are jointly driven via a drive device not shown in the figures, in particular driven synchronously, for example controlled via a control and / or regulating device not shown in the figures.

[0050] Each of the conveying elements 6 that jointly form the conveying device 5 has a conveying direction FR, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction LR of the conveying device 5 or the device 1. The adjacent conveying elements 6 are arranged at a distance from one another, specifically at a predetermined distance from one another, so that a gap 8 with a predetermined gap width d is formed between the respective adjacent conveying elements 6.

[0051] The KEGs 3 are conveyed or transported in the longitudinal direction LR by means of the conveying elements 6 driven in the conveying direction FR. In order to guide the KEGs 3 on their path of movement toward and / or away from the corresponding treatment stations 1a - 1n, the KEGs 3 are deflected or redirected from the longitudinal direction LR, namely into a movement along the movement path sections 9, 10 running obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR. For this purpose, in the present device 1, corresponding guide elements 7, preferably in a predetermined number and with a predetermined distribution pattern, are arranged between the respective conveying elements 6, namely in the columns 8.

[0052] Each of the multiple guide elements 7 is controlled, for example, via the control and / or regulating device, and can be switched between a rest position P1 and a guide position P2. Each guide element 7 in its respective rest position P1 is disengaged from the transported KEGs 3, whereas each guide element 7 in its guide position P2 can form or does form a guide for the transported KEGs 3.

[0053] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the respective guide elements 7 in the rest position P1 are marked by unfilled symbols and the respective guide elements 7 in the guide position P2 are marked by black filled symbols. Thus, the Fig. 1 all the guide elements 7 shown are in their respective rest position P1, whereas in the Fig. 2 In addition to guide elements 7 in their respective rest position P1, guide elements 7 guide position P2 are also shown.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a plurality of guide elements 7 are provided in each gap 8, which are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5 and are distributed at equal intervals from one another. Relative to the conveying plane E, the plurality of guide elements 7 is thus arranged essentially in a matrix-like manner or distributed in a matrix-like arrangement.

[0055] The guide elements 7 shown as examples in the figures are each designed as lifting and lowering, essentially finger-shaped, control pins 7, which extend perpendicular to the conveying plane E along their respective lengths and are lifting and lowering in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane E. In their respective rest position P1, the control pins 7 are lowered and arranged vertically below the conveying plane E, so that they are disengaged from the KEGs 3 transported on the conveying plane E.

[0056] In order to move one or more of the control pins 7 into the respective control position P2, the control pins 7 can be raised in a controlled manner by means of a lifting / lowering movement. By lifting a control pin 7 into its respective control position P2, at least one upper free end 7.1 (cf. Fig. 4) of the control pin 7 is moved upwards relative to the conveying plane E to such an extent that the upper free end 7.1 of the control pin 7 is arranged vertically above the conveying plane E and projects upwards beyond the conveying plane E. In this position, the control pin 7 can engage a KEG 3 transported on the conveying plane E via its upper free end 7.1.

[0057] This is shown in even more detail in the roughly schematic side views of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrates where the treatment stations 1a - 1n are shown in a side view, as well as - also in a side view - a conveyor element 6 of the conveyor device 5 with the associated gap 8 and guide elements 7 arranged therein. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 clearly shows that the lowered control pins 7, which are in their respective rest position P1, are arranged completely below the conveying plane E and that the guide elements 7 or control pins 7, which are raised into their respective control position P2, project with their free upper end 7.1 beyond the conveying plane E so far that a guide for the KEGs 3 is provided.

[0058] In the representations of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are the KEGs 3 in Fig. 3 in a respective treatment position or in the treatment state in which each KEG 3 is centered in a treatment station 1a - 1n and coupled there to the treatment head 4, i.e., is connected in a sealed position to the respective treatment head 4. In this coupled state, namely in the position tightly connected to the treatment head 4, a respective main or vertical axis of the KEG 3 and a respective central axis MA of the corresponding treatment station 1a - 1n are essentially congruent or coaxial with one another and thus coincide to form a common axis which is also coaxial with a treatment head axis of the treatment head 4.

[0059] In the example of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, each treatment head 4 of the treatment stations 1a - 1n is designed to be movable in lifting and lowering and can be moved from a lowered position below the conveying plane E by lifting into a raised position in order to protrude upwards out of the conveying plane E and thus be able to be effectively connected to a respective KEG 3 to be treated.

[0060] The respective lifting and lowering treatment heads 4 are arranged in the gap 8 between two conveyor elements 6 in such a way that the lifting and lowering movement is possible without hindrance. It is understood that the gap width d of the gap 8, in which the treatment heads 4 are arranged, is matched to the geometric dimensions of the treatment heads, thus providing or keeping sufficient space in the conveyor device 5 for the lifting and lowering treatment heads 4.

[0061] When coupling the respective treatment head 4 to a KEG 3 to be treated, namely to create the sealing position, the treatment head 4 is moved upwards in the gap 8 in the direction of the central axis MA of the treatment station 1a - 1n and brought into contact with the KEG fitting 2 of the KEG 3 positioned centrally in the treatment station 1a - 1n. The KEG 3 is thereby brought into its treatment position.

[0062] In the examples shown, the KEG 3 is also lifted for this purpose, whereby the KEG 3 coupled to the treatment head 4 is lifted from the conveying plane E and positioned at a predetermined distance vertically above the conveying plane E, as shown in Fig. 3 is evident.

[0063] The Fig. 4 shows the KEGs 3 in their respective transport position or in the transport state in order to be able to be transported from one treatment station 1a - 1n to the next. In this transport position or in the transport state, the respective KEGs 3 are uncoupled from the corresponding treatment heads 4 and stand on the conveyor device 5, in particular on the conveyor elements 6, at the level of the conveyor level E. The treatment heads 4 are moved downwards in the gap 8 between the conveyor elements 6 by lowering in the direction of the central axis MA of the treatment stations 1a - 1n until they are positioned completely below the conveyor level E and do not form an obstacle on the conveyor level E, i.e. they do not impair the transport of the KEGs 3 on the conveyor level E.

[0064] Referring again to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will also be discussed in further context with the Fig. 5 the functional principle of the transport of the KEGs 3 is explained in more detail.

[0065] In Fig. 1, all guide elements 7 or control pins 7 shown are shown in their respective rest position P1, namely arranged below the conveying level E. In this operating state, the KEGs 3 to be transported (in Fig. 1 not shown), which stand on the conveyor device 5, are conveyed in the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5 or the device 1 due to the conveyor elements 6 driven synchronously in their conveying direction FR. The guide elements 7 positioned in the rest position P1 and therefore out of engagement with the KEGs 3 to be transported do not provide any guidance or deflection for the KEGs 3, so that the KEGs 3 in this, in Fig. 1, would continuously pass the conveyor device 5 on a linear movement path, essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction LR, in particular continuously parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the device 1.

[0066] In the Fig. 2, selected guide elements 7 are raised to their respective guide position P2 (black filled symbols) to provide appropriate guidance for the KEGs 3 in order to guide the KEGs 3 flexibly and as needed along movement path sections 9, 10 extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5 for feeding and discharging to and from the treatment stations 1a - 1n.

[0067] For the sake of clarity, the Fig. 2 distinguishes between a first KEG 3 and a second KEG 3*, additionally marked with an asterisk. The first KEG 3 is located in the representation of the Fig. 2 at the level of the treatment station 1a on the conveyor 5—specifically, in the position on the conveyor 5 symbolized by the solid line of the KEG 3. Starting from this position, namely the initial position shown as an example, the first KEG 3 is fed to the treatment station 1b and, for this purpose, is guided by the guide elements 7 raised to the guide position P2 along the movement path section 9 running obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR. The movement path of the first KEG 3 on the movement path section 9 is indicated by the dotted KEGs 3.

[0068] In the example shown, the second KEG 3* is removed from the treatment station 1b and is guided along the movement path section 10, which runs diagonally to the longitudinal direction LR, by means of the guide elements 7 raised to the guide position P2. The movement path for the second KEG 3* is shown in Fig. 2 only partially represented by the dotted KEGs 3*, starting after treatment station 1b.

[0069] In Fig. 5, based on highly simplified diagrams, three different examples A, B, and C are outlined for flexible and demand-dependent selectable movement paths of the KEGs 3 through the device 1. In each diagram of examples A, B, and C, three treatment stations 1a, 1b, 1n and the conveyor device 5 are indicated by dashed outlines, and relative to these, the respective movement paths BB, BB', BB'' of corresponding, individual KEGs 3 through the device 1 are shown.

[0070] In example A the Fig. 5, a corresponding KEG 3 is fed to all three treatment stations 1a, 1b, 1n and is guided on a substantially zigzag-shaped movement path BB, namely along several movement path sections 9, 10, 9', 10', 9", 10", each extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5 and adjoining one another.

[0071] In example B the Fig. 5, a corresponding KEG 3 is fed to the treatment stations 1a, 1n and, for this purpose, guided along a movement path BB' through the device 1. On the movement path BB', the KEG 3 is first guided along the movement path sections 9, 10 running obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5 for feeding and discharging to and from the treatment station 1a. On a section 11 running in the longitudinal direction LR, the KEG 3 passes the treatment station 1b and, for feeding and discharging to and from the treatment station 1n, is again guided along movement path sections 9", 10" running obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5.

[0072] In example C of the Fig. 5, a corresponding KEG 3 is fed only to the treatment station 1a and, for this purpose, guided along a movement path BB'' through the device 1. On the movement path BB'', the KEG 3 is first guided along the movement path sections 9, 10 running obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR of the conveyor device 5 for feeding and discharging to and from the treatment station 1a. The KEG 3 then passes the treatment stations 1b, 1n on a section 11 running in the longitudinal direction LR.

[0073] It is understood that the Fig. 5, the movement paths BB, BB', BB'' shown as examples are realized by the above, corresponding, controlled individual "switching" of the existing guide elements 7, whereby variable and flexible guides for the KEGs 3 are formed above in order to guide the KEGs 3 over the conveying level E. List of reference symbols 1 device 1a - 1n treatment stations 2 KEG fittings 3, 3* KEG 4 treatment heads 5 Conveyor system 6 Conveyor element 7 Guide element 8 gap 9, 9', 9" movement path section 10, 10', 10" movement path section 11 Longitudinal section of the movement path BB, BB', BB'' movement path d gap width E conveyor level FR conveying direction LR longitudinal direction MA central axis P1 rest position P2 control position QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2007 015 871 U1

[0007] EP 1 762 540 A1

[0008] WO 2017 / 157551 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for treating KEGs (3) comprising a plurality of treatment stations (1a - 1n) for treating the KEGs (3) and at least one conveyor device (5) extending along a longitudinal direction (LR) for conveying the KEGs (3) and for feeding and removing the KEGs (3) to and from the treatment stations (1a - 1n), characterized byin that the conveyor device (5) has a plurality of conveyor elements (6) which are arranged adjacent to one another and together define a conveyor plane (E) and whose conveying direction (FR) corresponds to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveyor device (5), wherein the adjacent conveyor elements (6) are arranged at a distance from one another and wherein a plurality of guide elements (7) are provided between the respective conveyor elements (6), which guide elements can be moved in a controlled manner between a rest position (P1) and a guide position (P2), wherein the guide elements (7) are disengaged from the transported KEGs (3) in their rest position (P1) and form a guide for the transported KEGs (3) in their guide position (P2) in order to guide the KEGs (3) for feeding and removing to and from the treatment stations (1a - 1n) flexibly and as required along movement path sections running obliquely to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveyor device (5). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that a gap (8) with a predetermined gap width (d) is formed between the respective adjacent conveying elements (6) and the guide elements (7) are each arranged in the gaps (8). [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that between respective adjacent conveyor elements (6) there are provided a plurality of guide elements (7) arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveyor device (5), in particular a plurality of guide elements (7) arranged at equal distances from one another along the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveyor device (5). [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each of the plurality of guide elements (7) can be moved individually and individually controlled between its rest position (P1) and its control position (P2). [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the guide elements (7) are designed as lifting and lowering control bolts. [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the control pins are lowered in their respective rest position (P1) and are arranged vertically below the conveying plane (E). [7] Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the control bolts are raised in their respective control position (P2) and at least one upper free end (7.1) of the control bolts is arranged in the vertical direction above the conveying plane (E) and projects upwards beyond the conveying plane (E) in order to engage the KEGs (3) in a guiding manner. [8] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least some of the guide elements (7) simultaneously form stop and / or fixing elements in order to securely position a respective KEG (3) in the respective treatment stations (1a - 1n). [9] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each of the conveyor elements (6) is a circulating endless conveyor, in particular an endlessly circulating belt, belt or chain conveyor. [10] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a drive device is provided for synchronously driving the plurality of conveying elements (6). [11] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that respective controllable drive units are provided for driving the movement of the guide elements (7) between their rest and guide positions (P1, P2) and that furthermore a control and / or regulating device is provided which is communicatively connected to the drive units. [12] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the treatment stations (1a - 1n) each have a treatment head (4) for treating the KEGs (3), wherein the treatment head (4) of at least one of the treatment stations (1a - 1n) is designed as a lifting and lowering treatment head (4). [13] Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized by in that the lifting and lowering treatment head (4) is arranged between two conveying elements (6) in such a way that the treatment head (4) is positioned in a lowered position below the conveying plane (E) and can be moved by lifting into a raised position in order to protrude upwards out of the conveying plane (E), wherein the treatment head (4) can thereby be effectively connected to a respective KEG (3) to be treated. [14] Method for treating KEGs (3), in particular by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the KEGs (3) to be treated are treated in several treatment stations (1a - 1n) and for this purpose are conveyed via at least one conveyor device (5) extending along a longitudinal direction (LR) and are fed to and removed from the treatment stations (1a - 1n), characterized byin that the conveying device (5) has a plurality of conveying elements (6) arranged adjacent to one another at respective distances (d), by means of which the KEGs (3) are conveyed in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveying device (5) on a conveying plane (E) jointly defined by the conveying elements (6), wherein a plurality of guide elements (7) are provided between the respective conveying elements (6), which guide elements are switched in a controlled manner and are thereby moved between a rest position (P1) and a guide position (P2), and wherein the KEGs (3) are guided flexibly and as required along movement path sections (9, 10) running obliquely to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveying device (5) by the guide elements (7) moved into their respective guide position (P2) and are thereby fed to and removed from the treatment stations (1a - 1n). [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized bythat the KEGs (3) are transported in total in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the conveyor device (5) by means of the plurality of conveyor elements (6) of the conveyor device (5) in cooperation with the guide elements (7) and are transported along a plurality of successive movement path sections (9, 10) each running obliquely to the longitudinal direction (LR).

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