Detection of a container break in a container handling device

Abstract

Device (1) for treating containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, and method for detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, in such a device (1).The device (1) comprises: an electrically actuatable clamping device (50) for holding a container, wherein the clamping device (50) has at least one electrical drive unit (53) configured to actuate the clamping device (50), including gripping and releasing the container; and a processing device (100) that is in communication with the clamping device (50) and configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electrical drive unit (53); wherein the processing device (100) is further configured to generate a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter, which indicates whether or not the clamping device (50) is holding a container, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for treating containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, and a method for detecting a container anomaly, in particular a container breakage or a container loss, in such a device. State of the art

[0002] When filling containers with liquid products, for example, when bottling beverages in glass bottles, containers can occasionally break, for instance, if a pre-damaged container is subjected to pressure during filling. A prerequisite for handling such a scenario during regular operation is the detection of container breakage.

[0003] It is known to detect container ruptures by monitoring the operating condition of filling or closing devices, for example via the position of lifting cylinders, filling probes, bell linkages, etc., whereby in the case of deviations from normal behavior, a container rupture can be inferred. For example, DE 10 2019 135 223 A1 describes a method for detecting the structural integrity of a container to be closed by determining the longitudinally acting force through the detection of a control current from an electric drive that provides the longitudinal displacement of the closing device.

[0004] It is also known to detect container ruptures using external sensors. Optical sensors, such as cameras, are particularly suitable for this purpose. The use of ultrasonic sensors or light barriers to monitor the container flow is also known. DE 10 2021 108 790 A1 describes a method for evaluating defective containers based on spatially resolved sensor data.

[0005] Contamination, water droplets, incorrect settings, and similar factors can lead to errors in the detection of tank ruptures. In addition to the general detection of tank ruptures, it is not always easy to pinpoint such defects precisely, i.e., to determine the exact location within the system where a tank rupture occurred. Description of the invention

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

[0007] The problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of the dependent method claim. Advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims, the following description of the invention, and the description of preferred embodiments.

[0008] The device according to the invention is used for treating containers, in particular filling the containers with a product. The device is especially preferred for use in a beverage bottling plant, for example for bottling water (still or carbonated), beer, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, mixed drinks and the like.

[0009] The containers to be treated can be glass bottles, PET bottles, cans or suitable containers of other materials.

[0010] The device comprises an electrically actuated clamping device for holding a container, the clamping device including at least one electric drive unit configured to actuate the clamping device, encompassing gripping and releasing the container. For this purpose, the clamping device may have pivotably and / or slidably mounted clamping arms that are capable of gripping and / or releasing a container via actuation by means of the drive unit.

[0011] The device further comprises a processing unit that communicates with the clamping device and is configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power output, of the electrical drive unit. In this way, the clamping device provides a diagnostic capability. Alternatively or additionally, a resistance value, a closing speed of the clamping device, or another suitable parameter can be used.

[0012] The processing device is further equipped to generate a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter, indicating whether the clamping device is holding a container or not, and to detect a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal.

[0013] The described diagnostic function for detecting container anomalies, such as container breakage or loss, operates without external sensors, i.e., without ultrasonic sensors, cameras, light barriers, and the like. Consequently, environmental conditions and fine-tuning have no impact on the quality of the container signal for detection. Furthermore, the response time is very short. Container handling via the clamping device and the diagnostic function are synergistically combined.

[0014] Preferably, the device comprises at least one transport carousel, on the outer circumference of which several electrically actuated clamping devices are installed for holding and transporting a container each, wherein the clamping devices each have at least one electric drive unit configured to actuate the corresponding clamping device, including gripping and releasing the container. In this case, the processing device communicates with each of the clamping devices of the transport carousel and is configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the corresponding electric drive unit.The processing device is further configured to generate a container signal for each clamping device of the transport carousel, indicating whether the corresponding clamping device is holding a container or not, and to determine a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal.

[0015] In this way, any container anomaly, such as container breakage or loss, can be precisely attributed to a specific section in the transport carousel. Container handling by the transport carousel and the diagnostic function are combined synergistically.

[0016] Preferably, the device further comprises: a treatment carousel, on the outer circumference of which several treatment elements are installed for treating the containers; several transport carousels, comprising an infeed star wheel configured to transport and transfer the containers to be treated to the treatment carousel, and an outfeed star wheel configured to take the treated containers from the treatment carousel and transport them away.In this case, the processing device is preferably configured to generate a container signal for each clamping device of the infeed star, indicating whether the corresponding clamping device is holding a container or not, to generate a container signal for each clamping device of the outfeed star, indicating whether the corresponding clamping device is holding a container or not, and to determine from an evaluation of the container signals thus generated whether a container anomaly, comprising a container breakage or container loss, has occurred during treatment in the treatment carousel.

[0017] The container diagnostics are thus performed independently of the treatment carousel, meaning that querying lifting cylinders, bell linkages, filling probes, pressures, etc., is no longer necessary. This improves detection quality by eliminating false container breakage reports caused by wear or defects in the aforementioned components. Furthermore, the mechanical engineering and maintenance requirements of the system are reduced.

[0018] The processing device is particularly preferably configured to determine, in the event of a container anomaly, at which filling element the container anomaly occurred, from an evaluation of the generated container signals.

[0019] By precisely attributing a container anomaly, such as a container breakage or loss, to a specific section within the treatment carousel—that is, a particular treatment element—handling the container breakage scenario is significantly simplified. This allows the treatment carousel to be moved directly to the empty section, inspected, and cleaned if necessary. This can be accomplished within a single cycle or rotation of the treatment carousel, ensuring that the regular operation of the system is not disrupted, or only minimally so, in the event of a container anomaly.

[0020] The treatment carousel can also selectively perform a predefined cleaning action on only the specific treatment component, such as skipping the intake of a container to be filled in the cycle or rotation following the detected container breakage or loss, rinsing the specific treatment component with filling product or cleaning medium, and then flushing the specific treatment component with an external spray device. In this way, it is possible to restore the specific treatment component to a receptive state in just one cycle or rotation and then use it again normally in the subsequent cycle.

[0021] In other words, a cleaning operation is carried out on the exact treatment organ where the container anomaly occurred, while all other treatment organs treat the containers normally and, in particular, fill them with product.

[0022] By precisely identifying the specific treatment component where the container breakage or loss is detected, the cleaning process can then be performed only on that one component. All other treatment components can continue to be used normally for treating the containers.

[0023] Of course, multiple container anomalies can be detected in one pass, so the above description then refers to all these anomalies, which are then present at multiple treatment organs.

[0024] Integrating the clamping devices into the container diagnostics also allows the processing unit to adjust the treatment process in real time. For example, containers can be diverted from the infeed star wheel at full system capacity if the outfeed star wheel detects a container breakage. Alternatively or additionally, the affected processing element can be omitted from the next treatment cycle, for instance, to protect the machine itself and / or to ensure product quality. This significantly reduces the likelihood of a container breakage by keeping the affected processing element clear. In this way, overall system efficiency is increased.

[0025] Preferably, the treatment elements of the treatment carousel are filling elements for filling a product, preferably a beverage, into the containers. The application of this container diagnostic system is particularly useful for product filling, especially beverage filling, to ensure hygienic and efficient filling of the containers, even in the event of container breakage.

[0026] The aforementioned problem is further solved by a method for detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, in a device for treating containers, preferably for filling the containers with a filling product in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the method comprises: actuating a clamping device by means of an electric drive unit to hold a container; monitoring an electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electric drive unit, preferably during actuation, by means of a processing device; generating a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter, which indicates whether the clamping device is holding a container or not; and detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal.

[0027] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described in relation to the device apply analogously to the method.

[0028] For the reasons stated above, preferably at least one transport carousel is provided, on the outer circumference of which several electrically actuated clamping devices are installed for holding and transporting a container each. Each clamping device has at least one electric drive unit for actuating the corresponding clamping device, including gripping and releasing the container. The processing device monitors at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably current consumption and / or electrical power, of the electric drive unit of each clamping device of the transport carousel, generates a container signal for each clamping device of the transport carousel indicating whether the corresponding clamping device is holding a container or not, and, depending on the container signal, detects a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss.

[0029] Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, a treatment carousel is also provided, on the outer circumference of which several treatment elements for treating the containers are installed, and several transport carousels are provided, comprising an inlet star that transports and transfers the containers to be treated to the treatment carousel, and an outlet star that takes the treated containers from the treatment carousel and transports them away.In this case, the processing unit generates a container signal for each clamping device of the infeed star, indicating whether the corresponding clamping device is holding a container or not, and a container signal for each clamping device of the outfeed star, indicating whether the corresponding clamping device is holding a container or not. From an evaluation of the container signals thus generated, the unit determines whether a container anomaly, including a container breakage or container loss, has occurred during treatment in the treatment carousel.

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

[0031] Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the treatment elements of the treatment carousel are filling elements for filling a filling product, preferably a beverage, into the containers, wherein the treatment of the containers in the treatment carousel includes filling the containers with the filling product.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the characters

[0033] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a top view of a device for filling containers with a filling product according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a transport carousel according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 3 a perspective view of a clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0034] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the figures are designated with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a device 1 for treating containers. The containers are not shown in the figures. The device 1 is particularly preferably used for filling containers with a product. The device 1 is particularly preferably used in beverage bottling, for example, for bottling water (still or carbonated), beer, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, mixed drinks, and the like. The containers to be filled can be glass bottles, PET bottles, cans, or suitable containers of other materials that can be filled with a liquid product, in particular a beverage.

[0036] The device 1 is designed as a rotary unit, comprising a treatment carousel 10 and an infeed star wheel 20 as well as an outfeed star wheel 30. The treatment carousel 10 is preferably a filler carousel.

[0037] First, the containers to be treated are transferred to the treatment carousel 10 via the inlet star 20, which is also a rotary transport device for containers.

[0038] The treatment carousel 10 is rotatable about a rotary axis and has a plurality of treatment elements around its circumference, which are designed to treat the containers. The treatment elements are shown in the top view of the Fig. 1. The positions of the treatment units along the outer circumference of the treatment carousel 10 are concealed, but visible and numbered F1, F2 ... Fn, where n is the number of treatment units. The treatment carousel 10 thus has n stations, at each of which one container can be received and treated.

[0039] The treatment preferably includes filling the containers with the filling product, whereby additional or alternative processes can also be carried out on the containers, for example one or more of the following treatment processes: manufacturing (stretch blow molding) the containers, rinsing the containers, cleaning the containers, pre-tensioning the containers, evacuating the containers, sealing the containers, testing the containers, labeling the containers, printing on the containers, packaging the containers.

[0040] The treatment elements F1, F2 ... Fn are installed at regular intervals along the entire circumference of the treatment carousel 10. The treatment of the containers can utilize essentially the entire circumference of the treatment carousel 10, except for a small angular segment between the two transport stars 20, 30, which is also referred to as the "dead zone", before the treated containers are transferred to the discharge star 30 for removal.

[0041] The device 1 and its components, comprising the treatment carousel 10, the infeed star wheel 20, and the outfeed star wheel 30, are controlled by a processing unit 100, which communicates with the corresponding components. The processing unit 100 is connected to the components or assemblies to be controlled, regulated, and / or read via signal transmission.

[0042] Communication between the processing unit 100 and the components to be controlled, regulated, and / or read can be wired or wireless, digital or analog. The processing unit 100 can accordingly receive and / or send signals (control signals, data, etc.), whereby both unidirectional and bidirectional signal transmission fall under the term "communication" in this context. The processing unit 100 does not necessarily have to be implemented as a central computer or electronic control system; rather, it includes decentralized and / or multi-level systems, control networks, cloud systems, AI systems, and the like. The processing unit 100 can also be an integral part of a higher-level plant control system or communicate with one. The processing unit 100 can also communicate with lower-level plant control systems, i.e.,communicate with the controllers assigned to the corresponding facilities.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a transport carousel 40, also referred to herein as a "clamp star", according to an exemplary embodiment. The transport carousel 40 functions here as an infeed star 20 and / or an outfeed star 30.

[0044] The transport carousel 40 transports the containers along a circular trajectory, usually without further treatment of the containers, and hands the containers over to the treatment carousel 10 or transports the containers treated by the treatment carousel 10 accordingly.

[0045] The transport carousel 40 is rotatable about a pivot axis and comprises several clamping devices 50 arranged on an outer circumference of the transport carousel 40, preferably at uniform intervals. The clamping devices 50 can each be designed as multi-level clamps to grip the container at several positions along its axial direction. However, it is also possible for the clamping devices 50 to be designed as single-level clamps, i.e., each having only one clamping plane.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the transport carousel 40 is designed as an electric clamping star, comprising an electric clamping star drive unit 41 and a slip ring transmitter 42. The clamping star drive unit 41 moves the clamping devices 50 along a circular trajectory. Depending on the configuration, the clamping star drive unit 41 can be arranged, for example, on the top or bottom of the transport carousel 40.

[0047] The slip ring transmitter 42 is connected to the electric clamp star drive unit 41 and the clamping devices 50. The slip ring transmitter 42 can, for example, have an electrical interface that enables an electrical connection between a rotating part of the slip ring transmitter 42 and a stationary part of the slip ring transmitter 42.

[0048] The transport carousel 40 communicates with the processing unit 100 to operate the clamping star drive unit 41 and the clamping devices 50. Alternatively or additionally, a local processing unit can be installed internally on the transport carousel 40 and communicate with the processing unit 100.

[0049] The processing unit 100 monitors one or more electrical operating parameters of the electric drive unit 41 and the clamping devices 50. The operating parameters may include an electrical current consumption of the electric clamping star drive unit 41 and / or the clamping devices 50 and / or an electrical power consumption of the electric clamping star drive unit 41 and / or the clamping devices 50.

[0050] Depending on the monitored operating parameters, the processing unit 100 determines, for example, the status of the clamping devices 50, in particular their container holders 51, 52 described below. The operating parameters include at least one status indicating whether the clamping device 50 in question is actually holding a container or has successfully engaged it, or whether the clamping device 50 merely performed an idle movement without engaging the container when actuated. The processing unit 100 can also determine further status variables from the operating parameters, such as a wear condition and / or a defect of the clamping devices 50.

[0051] The condition determination can be carried out, for example, by comparing the monitored electrical operating parameter with at least one predefined limit value and / or at least one predefined value range for the electrical operating parameter. The at least one limit value and / or the at least one value range can be stored in the processing unit 100. The at least one limit value and / or the at least one value range can be determined, for example, empirically, through tests, in the field, and / or through simulation, and be characteristic of certain states of the clamping devices 50.

[0052] The detection of whether a container has been picked up and is being held by a clamping device 50 or whether the clamping device 50 has only performed an empty movement without picking up a container can be detected, for example, by characteristic current consumption patterns of the clamping device 50.

[0053] It is also possible for the processing unit 100 to determine a characteristic of the container based on the monitored electrical operating parameters. For example, the current draw can be used to determine when the clamping device 50 came into contact with the container. From this, a dimension of the container, such as its diameter or width, can be derived. Similarly, the current draw required to hold the container with the clamping device 50 can be used to infer its weight or the force exerted by its weight, thus revealing, for example, whether the container is correctly filled or empty.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a clamping device 50 for holding and transporting the containers.

[0055] The clamping device 50 includes the aforementioned container holder 51 for holding the container. The clamping device 50 also includes an electric drive unit 53 for actuating the container holder 51. Optionally, the clamping device 50 can include the aforementioned additional container holder 52 with an associated additional electric drive unit 54 for actuating the additional container holder 52.

[0056] The container holders 51, 52 are each designed as clamp pairs. However, it is possible that the container holders 51, 52 have a different design, as long as they can hold and / or release the container by means of actuation by the electric drive units 53, 54.

[0057] The electric drive unit 51 and optionally 52 can be designed, for example, as an electric, electromagnetic, electromechanical, or piezoelectric (e.g., linear) drive unit. It is possible that, for example, a holding force, an opening time, a closing time, and / or an adjustment path of the container supports 51, 52 can be variably adjusted by means of the electric drive units 53, 54.

[0058] The container holder 51 can have two clamping arms 51a, 51b. Similarly, the further container holder 52 can have two further clamping arms 52a, 52b. Preferably, the further container holder 52 is essentially identical in construction and / or function to the container holder 51. Preferably, the container holder 51 and the further container holder 52 are essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the clamping device 50 or with respect to a horizontal plane (in the assembled state). The central longitudinal plane divides the clamping device 50 at mid-height and can, for example, run parallel to longitudinal axes or alignment planes of the container holders 51, 52.

[0059] The clamping arms 51a, 51b and 52a, 52b are pivotally and / or slidably mounted to grip or release a container accordingly. The two container holders 51, 52 are preferably independently or decoupled from each other and movable, in particular pivotally and / or slidably.

[0060] The container supports 51, 52 are mounted on opposite sides of a common support 55. The electric drive unit 53 and optionally 54 may be directly connected to, or operatively connected to, the container supports 51 and optionally 52. ​​Alternatively, the electric drive unit 53 and optionally 54 may be connected to, or operatively connected to, the container supports 51 and optionally 52, for example, by means of a connecting device 56 and optionally a further connecting device 57. The connecting devices 56, 57 can drive the electric drive units 53, 54 to the container supports 51, 52.

[0061] The connecting devices 56, 57 are supported by the carrier 55. The connecting devices 56, 57 can extend at least partially through the carrier 55, preferably in a through-hole that extends from a rear side or a side of the carrier 55 facing away from the container to a front side or a side of the carrier 55 facing the container.

[0062] The connecting device 56 can be connected to the clamping arms 51a, 52a in a section between the free ends and the (e.g., pivot) bearing of the clamping arms 51a, 51b, preferably in central sections of the clamping arms 51a, 51b with respect to their respective longitudinal axes. This applies analogously to any further connecting device 57.

[0063] The connecting device 56 preferably comprises a transmission element 56a and a knee joint 56b. The further connecting device 57 preferably comprises a further transmission element 57a and a further knee joint 57b. The knee joints 56b, 57b are connected to the respective transmission elements 56a, 56b and the respective clamping arms 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, so that a shear movement of the transmission elements 56a, 57a, effected by the drive units 53, 54, is converted into a pivoting or spreading movement of the clamping arms 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b.

[0064] Preferably, the container supports 51, 52, the electric drive units 53, 54, and the connecting devices 56, 57 do not have elastic spring elements. However, it is possible in principle to provide one or more elastic spring elements and / or magnets to pre-tension the container supports 51, 52 in the direction of an open or closed position.

[0065] The clamping device 50 further comprises a fastening device 58, which serves to fasten the clamping device 50 to the transport carousel 40, preferably by means of a screw connection.

[0066] With the aid of the electric clamping devices 50, it is possible to detect or diagnose whether a container is being held or not by monitoring a corresponding operating parameter with the processing device 100 and generating a signal, referred to herein as the "container signal", which indicates the state of the clamping device in this respect.

[0067] Such diagnostic capability of each individual division on the transport star 40 allows the container signal to be queried at the drive units 53, 54 of each clamping device 50, for example via the current consumption and / or voltage consumption. Alternatively or additionally, the container signal can be derived or generated from a resistance value, the closing speed of the clamping device 50, or another suitable parameter that is capable of detecting whether the clamping device 50 has gripped a container or not. Thus, it can be determined whether a container has been gripped and transferred by a particular clamping device 50.

[0068] Both the inlet star 20 and the outlet star 30 of the device 1 according to Fig.1 is equipped with a transport star 40, each with a diagnostic function. The infeed star 20 detects whether a container has been gripped and transferred to the treatment carousel 10. Each division or clamping device 50 in the infeed star 20 thus acts as a sensor, reporting whether a container has been detected or not. If a container breaks or is otherwise lost during processing by the treatment carousel 10, no container arrives at the corresponding transfer position on the outfeed star 30. The outfeed star 30 then detects, analogously via the diagnostic capability of the electrical clamping devices, whether a container has been transferred from the treatment carousel 10 to the outfeed star 30. The processing unit 100 can determine, by means of the container signal that the respective electrical clamping device 50 outputs at the outfeed star 30, a) whether a container has broken (or been lost, etc.).) in treatment carousel 10 and b) at which position, i.e. at which treatment organ F1, F2 ... Fn, such a container breakage (container loss etc.) occurred.

[0069] The detection of a container breakage or loss is achieved, for example, by comparing the container signal of a clamping device 50 of the infeed star wheel 20 with the container signal of the corresponding clamping device 50 of the outfeed star wheel 30. The container signal from a shift register can thus be used to determine whether the infeed star wheel 20 has transferred a container to the processing carousel 10. When a container is fed into the processing carousel 10, it must arrive at the corresponding position or division at the outfeed star wheel 30; otherwise, something has happened to the container in the processing carousel 10, in particular a container breakage or loss. The outfeed star wheel 30 thus triggers any container breakage scenario.

[0070] By precisely assigning a container breakage or loss to a specific section in the treatment carousel 10, i.e., a specific treatment element F1, F2 ... Fn, the handling of the container breakage scenario is significantly simplified. This allows the treatment carousel 10 to be moved directly to the empty section and cleaned. This can be done within a single cycle or rotation of the treatment carousel 10, so that the regular operation of the system is not disrupted, or only minimally so, in such a scenario.

[0071] The treatment carousel 10 can also selectively perform a predefined cleaning action on only the specific treatment element F1, F2, ... Fn, such as omitting the intake of a container to be filled in the cycle or rotation following the detected container breakage or loss, rinsing the specific treatment element F1, F2, ... Fn with filling product or cleaning medium, and then flushing the specific treatment element F1, F2, ... Fn with an external flushing device. In this way, it is possible to restore the specific treatment element F1, F2, ... Fn to a receptive state in just one cycle or rotation and to use it again normally in the subsequent cycle.

[0072] By precisely identifying the specific treatment unit F1, F2, ... Fn where the container breakage or loss is detected, the cleaning process can then be performed only on that one unit. All other treatment units can continue to be used normally for treating the containers.

[0073] The diagnostic function described herein for detecting and locating a container breakage or loss operates without external sensors, i.e., without ultrasonic sensors, cameras, light barriers, and the like. Consequently, environmental conditions and fine-tuning have no influence on the quality of the container signal for breakage detection. Furthermore, the response time is minimal, particularly better than with alternative sensor types.

[0074] For the diagnostic function, the electric clamping devices 50 in the infeed star wheel 20 and outfeed star wheel 30 are integrated into the container breakage scenario. In other words, container handling and diagnostics are combined synergistically.

[0075] The integration of the clamping devices 50 into the container breakage diagnostics also allows the processing unit 100 to adjust the treatment process in real time. For example, containers can be diverted from the infeed star wheel 20 at full system capacity if a container breakage is detected by the outfeed star wheel 30. Alternatively or additionally, the affected processing element F1, F2 ... Fn can be omitted from the next treatment cycle, for example, to protect the machine itself and / or to ensure product quality. This significantly shortens the duration of the container breakage scenario by keeping the affected processing element F1, F2 ... Fn clear. In this way, the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is increased.

[0076] In other words, a cleaning action is carried out on the exact treatment organ F1, F2, ... Fn where the container anomaly occurred, while all other treatment organs F1, F2, ... Fn treat the containers normally and, in particular, fill them with product.

[0077] Container diagnostics are performed independently of the treatment carousel 10, meaning that monitoring of lifting cylinders, bell linkages, filling probes, pressures, etc., is unnecessary. This improves detection quality by eliminating false container breakage reports caused by wear or defects in the aforementioned components. Furthermore, it reduces mechanical engineering and maintenance requirements.

[0078] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list 1 Device for treating containers 10 treatment carousels 20 Inlet star 30 outlet star 40 transport carousel 41 Clamp star drive unit 42 slip ring transmitters 50 clamping device 51 Container holder 51a Clamp arm 51b Clamp arm 52 Additional container holders 52a Further clamping arm 52b Further clamping arm 53 Drive unit 54 Additional drive unit 55 carriers 56 Connection device 56a Transmission element 56b Knee joint 57 Additional connection device 57a Further transmission element 57b Other knee joint 58 Fastening device 100 processing units F1 ... Fn Position of treatment organs QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2019 135 223 A1

[0003] DE 10 2021 108 790 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for treating containers, preferably for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, wherein the device (1) comprises: an electrically actuated clamping device (50) for holding a container, wherein the clamping device (50) has at least one electric drive unit (53) which is configured to actuate the clamping device (50), comprising gripping and releasing the container; and a processing device (100) which communicates with the clamping device (50) and is configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electrical drive unit (53); wherein the processing device (100) is further equipped to generate a container signal from the monitoring of the operating parameter, indicating whether the clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, and to detect a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the device (1) has at least one transport carousel (40) on the outer circumference of which several electrically actuated clamping devices (50) are installed for holding and transporting a container each, wherein the clamping devices (50) each have at least one electric drive unit (53) which is configured to actuate the corresponding clamping device (50), comprising gripping and releasing the container; wherein the processing device (100) is in communication with each of the clamping devices (50) of the transport carousel (40) and is configured to monitor at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the corresponding electrical drive unit (53); wherein the processing device (100) is further configured to generate a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the transport carousel (40) indicating whether the corresponding clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, and to detect a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal. [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the device (1) further comprises: a treatment carousel (10) on the outer circumference of which several treatment organs (F1, F2 ... Fn) are installed for treating the containers; several transport carousels (40), comprising an infeed star (20) configured to transport and transfer the containers to be treated to the treatment carousel (10), and an outfeed star (30) configured to receive and transport the treated containers from the treatment carousel (10); wherein the processing facility (100) is set up to to generate a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the inlet star (20) indicating whether the corresponding clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, to generate a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the discharge star (30) indicating whether the corresponding clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, and to determine from an evaluation of the container signals generated in this way whether a container anomaly, including a container breakage or container loss, has occurred during treatment in the treatment carousel (10). [4] Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the processing unit (100) is set up to determine, in the event of a container anomaly, from an evaluation of the generated container signals, at which treatment unit (F1, F2 ... Fn) the container anomaly occurred. [5] Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the treatment organs (F1, F2 ... Fn) of the treatment carousel (10) are filling organs for filling a filling product, preferably a beverage, into the containers. [6] Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by, that the processing unit (100) is set up to perform a cleaning action on precisely the treatment unit (F1, F2, ... Fn) where the container anomaly occurred, with all other treatment units (F1, F2, ... Fn) treating the containers normally. [7] Method for detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, in a device (1) for treating containers, preferably for filling the containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant, wherein the method comprises: Actuating a clamping device (50) by means of an electric drive unit (53) to hold a container; Monitoring an electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electrical drive unit (53), preferably during actuation, by means of a processing device (100); Generating a container signal from monitoring the operating parameter indicating whether the clamping device (50) is holding a container or not; and Detecting a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or container loss, depending on the container signal. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that at least one transport carousel (40) is provided, on the outer circumference of which several electrically actuated clamping devices (50) are installed for holding and transporting a container each, wherein the clamping devices (50) each have at least one electric drive unit (53) for actuating the corresponding clamping device (50), comprising gripping and releasing the container; the processing unit (100) monitors at least one electrical operating parameter, preferably a current consumption and / or an electrical power, of the electrical drive unit (53) of each clamping device (50) of the transport carousel (40); and The processing device (100) generates a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the transport carousel (40), indicating whether the corresponding clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, and determines a container anomaly, preferably a container breakage or a container loss, depending on the container signal. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by, furthermore a treatment carousel (10) on the outer circumference of which several treatment organs (F1, F2 ...Fn) are installed for treating the containers, and several transport carousels (40) are provided, comprising an infeed star (20) that transports and transfers the containers to be treated to the treatment carousel (10), and an outfeed star (30) that takes the treated containers from the treatment carousel (10) and transports them away; wherein the processing device (100) generates a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the infeed star (20) indicating whether the corresponding clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, and generates a container signal for each clamping device (50) of the outfeed star (30) indicating whether the corresponding clamping device (50) is holding a container or not, and determines from an evaluation of the container signals thus generated whether a container anomaly, comprising a container breakage or container loss, has occurred during treatment in the treatment carousel (10). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that in the event of a container anomaly, the processing unit (100) determines from an evaluation of the generated container signals at which filling device (F1, F2 ... Fn) the container anomaly occurred. [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the treatment organs (F1, F2 ... Fn) of the treatment carousel (10) are filling organs for filling a filling product, preferably a beverage, into the containers and the treatment of the containers in the treatment carousel (10) includes filling the containers with the filling product. [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that a cleaning action is carried out on the exact treatment organ (F1, F2, ... Fn) where the container anomaly occurred, while all other treatment organs (F1, F2, ... Fn) treat the containers normally.

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