CONTAINER CLEANING MACHINE WITH LOCKING ELEMENTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container cleaning machine for cleaning containers, such as bottles, according to claim 1, and to a method for cleaning containers, such as bottles, with a container cleaning machine according to claim 8. State of the art

[0002] Container cleaning machines are known from the prior art. These machines typically include an infeed in which containers are first transported by means of a bulk conveyor and then distributed into a multitude of lanes. Each lane usually contains a removal device that can take a container from the lane and feed it to a passing container holder. This container holder, with the container it contains, is then transported through a cleaning section of the container cleaning machine and cleaned in the process.

[0003] Problems can arise when operating such container cleaning machines if, for example, damaged containers are placed in the container holders or a container is not properly removed from a container holder at the end of the cleaning machine. For instance, a container may be damaged in the process, which could prevent its removal from the container holder.

[0004] Contamination or remnants of damaged containers in a container receptacle can prevent a new container from being inserted into the receptacle by the dispensing device during the next cycle, potentially leading to further problems. For example, if remnants of a damaged container remain in the receptacle, inserting a new container may result in the new container being damaged or destroyed due to at least partial blockage of the receptacle by the remnants of the damaged container.

[0005] In such cases, the current procedure is for an operator to completely block an aisle at the inlet of the container cleaning machine, thus rendering the entire machine inoperable. This leads to significant reductions in the throughput of the container cleaning machine, even though only a relatively small number of container intakes are out of service.

[0006] EP3401027A1 discloses a feeding system for loading a washing unit for processing empty items, comprising: a conveyor for advancing empty items; a sensor configured to detect the presence and / or correct position of empty items on the conveyor, and configured to generate a signal in the event of the absence of empty items and / or incorrect position of empty items; a stopper operatively connected to the sensor, which is movable into a stop position in which it prevents empty items from being transported further on the conveyor when the sensor generates a signal.

[0007] DE3815441A1 discloses: In a cleaning machine for heat-sensitive plastic bottles, etc., the bottles are guided through the treatment stations and past the loading and unloading station in a closed circuit to interrupt production when the bottle loading and unloading stations are switched off. This reliably prevents damage or undesirable deformation of the bottles due to excessive heat or cleaning agent exposure, without requiring the cleaning machine to be run empty beforehand. Task

[0008] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a container cleaning machine with which the transfer of containers to defective container holders can be reliably avoided and at the same time a high throughput of containers in the container cleaning machine can be ensured. Solution

[0009] This problem is solved by the container cleaning machine according to the invention for cleaning containers, such as bottles, according to claim 1, and by the method for cleaning containers, such as bottles, according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The container cleaning machine according to the invention for cleaning containers, such as bottles, comprises a plurality of lanes in which containers can be transported in a single row in a transport plane, and a plurality of removal devices assigned to each lane, which can remove a container from the lane and feed it to a container receiving unit of the container cleaning machine, which can transport a container through a cleaning area of ​​the container cleaning machine, wherein at least one lane comprises an independently actuable locking element that can be moved from above the transport plane towards the transport plane in order to block the removal of a container from the lane by the removal device.In this context, the fact that the locking element can be operated independently means that the locking element of one lane can be operated independently of the locking elements of other lanes, so that only one lane of the container cleaning machine can be selectively blocked.

[0011] The container cleaning machine is preferably designed for cleaning containers in the beverage processing industry and accordingly includes the necessary equipment, such as one or more alkaline baths and / or one or more acid baths, into which the containers can be immersed and treated with a cleaning medium. Alternatively or additionally, spray devices can be provided that spray a cleaning medium onto or into the containers.

[0012] Preferably, the containers are designed as bottles, especially as glass bottles.

[0013] By using individual locking elements for the lanes, it is possible to block only exactly one lane if a fault occurs in at least one container intake. The remaining lanes can then continue to operate. This allows the throughput of the container cleaning machine to be limited only as much as absolutely necessary to prevent problems.

[0014] It may be provided that the container cleaning machine continues to include a drive element for each locking element, wherein the drive element can be controlled by a control unit of the container cleaning machine to actuate the locking element.

[0015] The drive element can be, for example, a pneumatic element or an electric motor such as a servo motor. In particular, this drive element can be controlled and operated independently of other drive elements or locking elements assigned to other lanes. This allows for rapid actuation of the locking element, enabling not only the blocking but also the re-unlocking of a lane. This allows for the locking and unlocking of a lane within short time intervals.

[0016] The control unit can be configured to actuate the locking element via the drive element in such a way that it can block the removal of a container from at least one container holder. Blocking the removal of a container by means of the locking element for at least one container holder is preferably understood here to mean that the blocking by the locking element lasts for a duration corresponding to the removal process of the removal device (comprising the removal of the container from the aisle and the feeding of the container to the container holder). This allows the aisle, or the removal of containers from this aisle, to be blocked for precisely the number of container holders that are defective. This ensures that the throughput of the containers in the container cleaning machine is reduced only by the exact number of container holders that are not functioning at any given time.

[0017] According to the invention, the locking element can be moved between a release position, in which the removal of a container is not blocked, and a locking position, in which the removal of a container is blocked. The position of the locking element in the release position and / or the locking position can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane. By adjusting the position of the locking element in this way, it is possible to operate the container cleaning machine with containers of different sizes and still ensure reliable locking of the container holders in the event of any problems that may occur.

[0018] In one embodiment, the container cleaning machine further comprises a mass conveyor upstream of the multitude of lanes, and the mass conveyor can feed containers into the lanes. This achieves the highest possible throughput of the container cleaning machine.

[0019] It can further be provided that an aisle includes a detection device in the area of ​​the locking element, wherein the detection device is designed to recognize a container in that area. This embodiment makes it possible to control the actuation of the locking element so that it is actuated precisely between two containers, in order to allow one container to be removed by the dispensing device and to block the removal of the next container by actuating the locking element.

[0020] According to the invention, the angle of attack of the locking element relative to the transport plane is adjustable. This allows, for example, adaptation to differently shaped containers that are to be cleaned with the container cleaning machine.

[0021] Furthermore, at least one lane can include a force-absorbing element that can absorb and dissipate forces acting on the lane's locking element in the transport direction of the containers. This prevents damage to the locking element. Simultaneously, the pressure exerted on the containers blocked in their movement by the locking element by the following containers can be compensated.

[0022] In particular, each lane can include a locking element. This allows for increased flexibility when locking individual or multiple lanes of the tank cleaning machine.

[0023] The inventive method for cleaning containers, such as bottles, is implemented by means of a container cleaning machine, wherein the container cleaning machine comprises a plurality of lanes in which containers are transported in a single row in a transport plane, and a plurality of removal devices assigned to each lane, which remove a container from the lane and feed it to a container receiving unit of the container cleaning machine, which transports a received container through a cleaning area of ​​the container cleaning machine, wherein at least one lane comprises an independently actuable locking element, which is moved from above the transport plane towards the transport plane, so that the removal of a container from the lane by the removal device is blocked.

[0024] This method allows the container cleaning machine to operate at high throughput, even if a lane has to be blocked due to, for example, a malfunction of a container intake.

[0025] In one embodiment, the container cleaning machine further includes a drive element for each locking element, wherein the drive element is controlled by a control unit of the container cleaning machine to actuate the locking element. This embodiment enables flexible and reliable actuation of the locking element.

[0026] It can also be provided that the control unit controls the actuation of the locking element by means of the drive element in such a way that the removal of a container is blocked for a duration corresponding to at least one removal operation. The removal of a container is thus blocked only for the duration during which the removal and transfer of such a container to a potentially defective or blocked container holder would take place. In one embodiment, this can also be extended to a number of immediately successive container holders. The removal of the containers or the aisle are then blocked for the duration of the successive removal operations corresponding to the successive number of defective / blocked container holders. This further reduces the reduction in the throughput of the container cleaning machine due to a defective or blocked container holder.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the drive element depending on information that is indicative of the capacity of a container receptacle, such that if the information indicates that the container receptacle cannot accept a container, the removal of a container is blocked, and the removal of a container is released again if the information for another container receptacle indicates that the container receptacle can accept a container.

[0028] The information can be provided, for example, by a sensor at the output of the container cleaning machine, which checks the container holders for their capacity. The sensor can determine, for instance, whether a container or remnants thereof are still present in the respective container holder after it has been transferred from the cleaning machine to a subsequent transport system. If the sensor detects this, it can send a corresponding message to the control unit, which then controls the drive element to block the transfer of a container to that container holder. This ensures reliable control of the locking mechanism.

[0029] According to the invention, the locking element is moved between a release position, in which the removal of a container is not blocked, and a locking position, in which the removal of a container is blocked. The position of the locking element in the release position and / or the locking position is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane. This design accommodates different container sizes. It can be provided that the position of the locking element is also adjusted during operation of the container cleaning machine, for example, depending on a determination of the size of a container in the aisle. This allows the container cleaning machine to be selectively blocked by means of the locking elements even when simultaneously processing containers of different sizes or shapes. According to the invention, the angle of attack of the locking element relative to the transport plane is adjustable.

[0030] In another embodiment, the position of the locking element is adjusted depending on the size of the container. This can either be set once for an operating cycle of the container cleaning machine, during which only containers of one shape and / or size are treated, or it can (alternatively or additionally) be performed during the operation of the container cleaning machine depending on the containers fed into a lane and their shape or size. Brief description of the characters

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a single lane with a locking element according to one embodiment. Figs. 3a-c show various settings of the release position, the locking position, and the angle setting. Figs. 4a-d show different embodiments of the locking element. Detailed description

[0032] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a container cleaning machine 100 according to one embodiment. More detailed illustrations of the embodiments can be found starting with Fig. 2 .

[0033] In Fig. 1 The top view shows the container cleaning machine 100. This machine typically includes an inlet 110 in which the containers are transported. The inlet 110 comprises at least a series of lanes 101 to 106 in which the containers 130 are transported in a single row. The lanes 101 to 106 are typically separated from each other by barriers 112 and 113, so that unimpeded single-row transport of the containers is possible in the respective lanes, regardless of whether a corresponding transport also functions properly in the other lanes.

[0034] While six lanes are shown here, the invention is not limited to exactly six lanes. More lanes, such as 10, 20, or 30 lanes, or even more or fewer, can also be provided. The number of lanes in the design of the container cleaning machine can be determined based on the required throughput of containers.

[0035] The inlet 110 can further comprise a transport device 190 upstream of lanes 101 to 106, which can be designed, for example, as a bulk conveyor and transports the containers in a random order. The containers arriving in a random order are then separated into the lanes, which can be ensured, for example, by the outer contour of the boundaries 112 and 113, which can separate the containers from the random container stream. For further transport of the containers in the individual lanes, the bulk conveyor can either extend into the lanes themselves, in which case the separation is achieved by barriers arranged above the bulk conveyor, allowing the bulk conveyor to pass underneath them unhindered. Alternatively, one or more conveyor belts can be arranged in each lane, enabling independent movement of the containers in each lane.

[0036] However, the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0037] Each of these lanes has a withdrawal device 111 to 161 which can withdraw a container from the lane and feed it to a container receiving point 181 or 182, as shown in the Fig. 1 The schematic side view of aisle 106 is shown. The removal devices 111 to 161 can comprise one or more removal mandrels or similar devices attached to the bottom of a container, which convey the container, for example, along a guide 165 arranged in the aisle into a container receptacle 181 or 182. The container can be guided from its upright position in the aisle into the container receptacle 181 or 182 in a horizontal position.

[0038] The container holders are movably arranged within the container cleaning machine and can be transported through the machine with a container held within them. The container holders, with the containers arranged within them, can then pass through a cleaning area of ​​the container cleaning machine. This cleaning area 170 is shown here only schematically, but typically comprises one or more cleaning baths or spray devices that apply a cleaning medium to the containers to be cleaned within the container holders. These are, for example, slightly acidic or alkaline solutions that remove contaminants such as labels and, in particular, bacterial contamination, preferably both outside and inside the container, so that a cleaned container exiting the container cleaning machine can be refilled with a product.

[0039] Further devices, not shown here, such as a filler, a capper, and a labeling device, can be connected to the container cleaning machine 100 in the transport direction of the containers in order to further process the cleaned containers. However, this is not mandatory, and the invention is not limited to the use or provision of further devices downstream of the container cleaning machine.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a more detailed view of lane 200 with container images 280 and 281 assigned to it or moving past it.

[0041] As already mentioned in reference to Fig. 1As described, the containers 130 are removed sequentially from the aisle by the removal device 261 and fed to the respective container receiving hoppers 280, 281, in order to then be transported further by the container cleaning machine approximately in the direction of the vertical arrow shown. The removal device 261 can be used for this purpose, as already described above. Fig. 1As described, the container interacts with a guide 265 of the lane to effect a guided movement of the container into the container receptacle. It is known to control the timing of the movement of the removal device 261 and the resulting movement of the container such that the container is inserted into the passing container receptacle 280, 281 while the latter continues to move. Alternatively, a timed movement of the container receptacles is also possible, so that they are each brought to a standstill in a position in which a container can be inserted into a container receptacle and then moved on.

[0042] In the Fig. 2In the illustrated embodiment, the container receptacle 280 is empty, so that the container 231 can be fed into it. However, the subsequent container receptacle 281 is not empty. It contains fragments 282 of a previously damaged or destroyed bottle, so that this container receptacle is not ready to receive a new container, such as the container 130.

[0043] To ensure that at least part of the operation of the container cleaning machine can continue, a locking device 210 is provided in the area of ​​the aisle 200. This locking device includes at least one locking element 212, which can be actuated to block the removal of a container 130 from the aisle by the removal device 261. For this purpose, the locking element is moved from above the transport level 201, in which the container 130 is transported, towards the transport level 201 and brought to a standstill in a locking position in which a container 130 cannot pass the locking element in the direction of the removal device 261, thus preventing the container 130 from moving beyond the locking element 212 towards the removal device 261. The locking element 212 is therefore arranged upstream of the removal device.If the extraction device is operated further, it engages without anything and does not transfer any container into the container receptacle 281.

[0044] Preferably, a locking device 210, comprising the locking element 212 and a drive element 211 with which the locking element 212 can be actuated, is provided separately for each aisle. Preferably, the locking element 212 can be switched between a release position, in which the transport of containers through the aisle to the removal device 261 is permitted, and a locking position, in which further movement of the containers in the aisle to the removal device is blocked, by means of the drive element 211.

[0045] The locking element 212 and / or the drive element 211 can be controlled for this purpose by a control unit 290 of the container handling machine connected to the drive element 211 and / or the locking element. For example, the control unit can actuate the drive element 211 to change the position of the locking element from the release position to the locked position or to move the locking element back from the locked position to the release position.

[0046] The drive element can be designed, for example, as a pneumatic element (such as a pneumatic cylinder connected to the locking element in such a way that the latter can be moved in the direction of the double arrow shown here) or as an electric drive, such as a servo drive. Alternatively or additionally, a reset element can be assigned to the drive element and / or the locking element 212, which allows the locking element to be reset to the release position without the drive element 211 actively moving the locking element from the locked position to the release position. In the event of a malfunction of the drive element 211, the locking element 212 is thus reset to the release position.

[0047] The control unit 290 can initiate the targeted movement of the aisle's locking element based on information provided to it. For example, the control unit can be connected to one or more sensors of the container cleaning machine for data exchange. This connection can be wireless (via WLAN, Bluetooth, or similar connections) or via physical connections such as data cables.

[0048] The sensors can, for example, collect information about whether a container receptacle, such as container receptacle 281, contains remnants of a container that impair its capacity or prevent a container from being inserted into that receptacle. This information can then be provided to the control unit, which can block or lock the aisle assigned to that container receptacle by actuating the locking element or its associated drive element, thus preventing the removal device from transferring any further containers from that aisle into container receptacles.

[0049] Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the control unit can actuate the locking element in such a way that only no container is inserted into a non-receiving container receptacle 281, as in Fig. 2As shown, it can be transported. All other container receptacles capable of receiving a container can then be equipped with containers via the aisle and the unloading device, which they then move through the container cleaning machine.

[0050] For this purpose, the control unit can be configured, depending on the information it receives and / or other information, such as the transport speed of the container holders by the container cleaning machine, to actuate the locking element so that it remains in the locked position for a duration during which a container would be removed and fed into the container holder. The control unit can then actuate the drive element of the locking element again to move the locking element 212 back into the release position, so that a container can be fed into a subsequent container holder once that holder is functioning. This makes it possible to lock only individual container holders without interrupting the movement of the removal device.At the same time, if only one container receptacle is damaged, it is not necessary to close the aisle for the entire container receptacle until the faulty container receptacle has been replaced and / or repaired and / or restored to working order.

[0051] Furthermore, the system allows the locking element of one lane to be actuated independently of the locking elements of other lanes. This ensures that only the lanes with a faulty container holder, or those to which a faulty container holder is assigned, are selectively locked. This minimizes any reduction in the throughput of the container cleaning machine due to faulty container holders.

[0052] Conventional container cleaning machines are typically equipped with a variety of differently shaped and / or sized containers for cleaning. Since the locking element should ideally be used to prevent the removal of any container shape by the removal device, thus avoiding further damage to the container cleaning machine and / or the container holders, it may be necessary to vary the positions the locking element can assume.

[0053] This shows the Figs. 3a to 3c A series of adjustment options for the positions of the locking element 312, as provided in some embodiments. The locking element 312 is shown here in connection with the drive element 311.

[0054] In the Fig. 3aThe locking element 312 is shown in its release position. In the embodiment shown here, the distance between the lower end of the locking element in the direction of the transport plane and the transport plane (which may coincide with a conveyor belt) is h1. According to one embodiment, the distance of the lower end of the locking element 312 in this release position to the transport plane is adjustable. This can be used to allow the passage of containers of different sizes. A container 330, which is in the Fig. 3a As shown in the view shown here, the container can pass under the locking element 312 in its release position, so that transport of the containers to the removal device (not shown here) can take place without being hindered by the locking element in its release position.

[0055] The height h1 of the locking element in its release position can be adjusted, for example, by a flexible suspension or fastening in the drive element. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the drive element with the locking element arranged therein can be varied, for example, by allowing the drive element to be moved at least vertically away from or towards the transport plane, thereby simultaneously moving the locking element.

[0056] The position of the locking element in its release position, and thus the height h1, can be adjusted for different treatment cycles of the container cleaning machine, for example, if the machine only processes containers of one type, and therefore one shape and / or size, during a single cycle. When changing treatment cycles, the position of the locking element in its release position can then be changed if necessary.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, a sensor 340, designed as a camera, light barrier, or similar device, can be arranged upstream of the locking element 312 to determine the height of a container. Based on the container's height, the height h1 of the lower end of the locking element, measured from the transport plane, can then be adjusted to ensure that every container, regardless of its size, can pass the locking element when it is in the release position. This embodiment is particularly preferred when the drive element is designed as a servo motor and the movement amplitude of this locking element is, in principle, arbitrarily adjustable.

[0058] If sensor 340 is configured as a light barrier, several light barriers can be arranged vertically, spaced apart from one another. When a container passes this series of light barriers, one or more light barriers will detect the presence of a container, while other light barriers will detect that no container is present. The light barrier signaling the absence of a container, and the one closest to the transport plane (i.e., the one with the lowest height measured from the transport plane), can then be used as an indicator to determine the height h1 for the locking element and adjust it accordingly, if necessary. The number of light barriers can be selected based on the number of different container formats that can be processed by the container cleaning machine.The number and position of the light barriers can be selected to correspond to the number of different container heights that can be processed by the container cleaning machine. The height of each light barrier can be chosen so that each is positioned slightly higher than the height of its corresponding container size. For example, if two container sizes with heights of 20 cm and 30 cm can be processed by the container cleaning machine, the first light barrier can be positioned at a height of 22 cm and the second at a height of 32 cm. The height h1 of the locking element can then be set to the height of the light barriers or slightly above, for example, 22.5 cm and 32.5 cm.

[0059] The light barrier, positioned 22 cm above the transport surface, detects all containers taller than 20 cm. A second light barrier can be used as a safety device to ensure that a container not conforming to either of the two example formats is not accidentally transferred into a container holder.

[0060] Fig. 3b Figure 1 shows a further embodiment in which the height h2 of the lower end of the locking element 312 is set, measured from the transport plane of the containers 330. The height h2 corresponds to the position of the locking element in the locked position. This can be advantageous, for example, if, due to the shape of the containers, it is not practical for the locking element to engage the lower end of the containers and / or if the containers are small.

[0061] If this embodiment is combined with the embodiment according Fig. 3aThis allows the necessary movement amplitude of the locking element from the release position to the locking position to be kept as small as possible, enabling rapid release and locking. This also prevents unintentional contact with containers and any resulting unintentional tipping of the containers. Analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 3aThe height h2 can be determined, for example, using a sensor (camera and / or light barrier(s) or similar). Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the position and / or, in particular, the height h2 of the locking element in the locked position is adjusted, for example, when changing treatment cycles of the container cleaning machine. When changing from a first treatment cycle to a second treatment cycle, for example, the size and / or shape of the containers to be cleaned, the height h2 can be adjusted. This position can be set, for example, by adjusting the position of the locking element itself (e.g., by appropriately controlling the drive element 311), as described with reference to Fig. 3a as described. Alternatively or additionally, the drive element 311 can also be moved together with the locking element.

[0062] Fig. 3cFigure 1 shows a further embodiment in which the movements of the locking element not only include a vertical movement, but can also include a tilting of the locking element from the release position to the locking position. This tilting can occur by an angle α (angle of attack), and the tilting can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to a vertical movement.

[0063] This embodiment may be particularly advantageous if the containers have significantly different dimensions in the vertical direction and are, for example, not essentially cylindrical but conical. By setting a maximum angle of attack for the locking element, the locking element can then be adapted to the outer contour of the containers. The necessity of this adjustment and the specific setting of the angle of attack can be determined analogously to the Figs. 3a and 3bThis is done based on information from sensor 340, which, for example, measures the angle of attack of the outer surface of the container and outputs a signal based on this to the control unit, which then controls the movement of the locking element by the angle α. If the angle of attack of the outer surface of the container is, for example, β (measured between the longitudinal axis of the container and the outer surface), then the angle of attack α can be set so that it corresponds to the angle of attack β of the outer surface.

[0064] While the locking element in the Fig. 3cIf the locking element 312 is angled at an angle α, such that it is tilted in its locking position in the direction of the container's movement, this is not necessary. Alternatively or additionally, the locking element can also be tilted against the container's direction of transport. This ensures that, for example, in the case of a substantially cylindrical container, the locking element only engages the container's surface at one point to block the lane for that container. This can be advantageous to achieve contact with the container at a point closer to the container's transport plane compared to its center of gravity, thus preventing the container from tipping over in the lane. Alternatively, the locking element 312 can also be angled so that it contacts the container at the level of its center of gravity.

[0065] The Fig. 4a to d further embodiments of the locking element are shown, which can be used individually and in combination with each other and in combination with all the above embodiments.

[0066] In Fig. 4aThe locking element 412 is shown together with the drive element 411. In the embodiment shown here, a force-absorbing element 413 is also associated with the drive element and / or the locking element 412. This can, for example, be designed as a stop with a spring element that supports the locking element 412 against the stop. The stop is preferably located downstream of the locking element 412 in the transport direction. This ensures that the pressure acting on the locking element 412 from a container transported in the direction of the locking element (see arrow direction) and the resulting force F on the locking element 412 are absorbed and dissipated by the force-absorbing element 413. This stabilizes the locking element even under high back pressure from the containers, thus preventing damage to the locking element.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, according to the Fig. 4aIt is provided that a sensor 420 or other detection devices are provided downstream of the locking element to detect a container or the presence of a container in the area of ​​the locking element 412 and / or, in particular, downstream of the locking element. This allows it to be checked before actuating the locking element whether a container is located in the area of ​​the locking element, and especially in the movement range of the locking element, which must first be transferred into a container receptacle before the locking element is actuated. This ensures that actuations of the locking element do not unintentionally lead to containers falling over or being damaged in the area of ​​the aisle.

[0068] The sensor 420 can, for example, be comprehensively designed as a light barrier and / or a camera and, for example, be used in connection with the Fig. 2described control unit, so that the control unit can also actuate the control element based on information from this sensor 420 regarding the presence and / or absence of a container.

[0069] Fig. 4b Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the locking element in the form of a flat L-shaped piece 412, which can be moved upwards and downwards in the direction of the double arrow. Instead of an L-shaped piece, a flat T-shaped piece or another suitable flat structure can also be used. A substantially rectangular contour of the locking element is also possible. Preferably, the surface of the locking element 412 shown here rests flat against the container or at least against a portion of the container surface.

[0070] Fig. 4cFigure 1 shows a further embodiment of the locking element 412. In this embodiment, the locking element comprises a connecting element 451, which may be connected to a drive element, and a contact element 452. This contact element 452 may preferably be shaped to come into contact with the outer contour of containers to be cleaned by the container inlet machine. In particular, the radius of curvature of this contact element 452 may correspond to the outer radius of curvature of a container 430.

[0071] Fig. 4dFigure 1 shows a further embodiment of a locking element 412. In this embodiment, the locking element comprises a first connecting element 463, which may be connected to the drive element. A first contact surface 461 is connected to the first connecting element 463. This first contact surface can be designed and arranged to establish contact with a bottle neck or an area of ​​a container that otherwise has a comparatively small radius of curvature when the locking element is in the locked position, and to support the container in this area. In this embodiment, a second connecting element 464 is attached to the first contact element 461, establishing a connection between the first contact element 461 and a second contact element 462. The second contact element can be configured analogously to the Fig. 4cbe formed and comprise a curved surface whose radius of curvature is larger than that of the first contact element 461. This contact element 462 can then bear against an area of ​​the container (in the locking position of the locking element) that has a larger radius of curvature than the part of the container that comes into contact with the first contact element.

[0072] Through the Fig. 4c and d In corresponding embodiments, a secure hold of a container in a locking position of the locking element is achieved, so that it is neither damaged nor can it fall over. It is understood that the locking element 412 of the Fig. 4c or 4d It can be subdivided into one or more connecting elements and one or more contact elements. However, this subdivision need not be reflected in the actual structure of the locking element 412. The locking elements 412 of the embodiments of Fig. 4c and 4dThey can also be manufactured in one piece, or the contact elements 461 and 462 can be detachably connected to an otherwise continuous connecting element, so that they can be exchanged, for example, when changing the container cleaning machine from a first treatment cycle in which containers of a first size and / or shape are treated to a second treatment cycle in which containers of a different container size and / or shape are treated.

[0073] While the preceding embodiments essentially referred to a single locking element of a single lane, it is understood that a locking element can be provided for each lane in accordance with the embodiments and combinations thereof mentioned above.

[0074] In some embodiments, it can be particularly advantageous to provide a support element extending across all lanes, on which each individual locking element and / or the drive elements are arranged. This eliminates the need to fix the locking elements to the lane boundaries and creates a stable construction capable of absorbing the forces acting on the locking elements. Simultaneously, the locking elements and / or drive elements can be arranged on the common suspension or support element in a way that allows for quick and easy replacement (i.e., without the need for tools), for example, by means of clamping fasteners or similar devices. This enables simple replacement of locking elements, possibly together with their drive elements.

Claims

1. A container cleaning machine (100) for cleaning containers, e.g. bottles, comprising a plurality of passages (101-106) wherein the containers can be transported in a single row within a transport plane, and a plurality of removal devices (161) each allocated to one passage for removing a container from the passage and supplying the same to a container receptacle (181, 182) of the container cleaning machine (100) which is able to transport a container through a cleaning area (170) of the container cleaning machine, wherein at least one passage (101-106) comprises an independently actuatable blocking element (212) which can be moved from above the transport plane towards the same for blocking a removal of a container from the passage (101-106) by the removal device (161), wherein the blocking element (212) can be moved between a release position in which the removal of a container is not blocked and a blocking position in which the removal of a container is blocked, wherein an orientation of the blocking element (212) can be adjusted in the release position and / or the blocking position in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane, characterized in that an angle of orientation of the blocking element (212) relative to the transport plane is adjustable.

2. The container cleaning machine according to claim 1, further comprising a drive element (211) for each blocking element (212), wherein the drive element can be driven by a controller (290) of the container cleaning machine (100) for actuating the blocking element (212).

3. The container cleaning machine according to claim 2, wherein the controller (290) is configured for controlling the actuation of the blocking element (212) by means of the drive element (211) so that the same can block the removal of a container for at least one container receptacle (280, 281).

4. The container cleaning machine according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container cleaning machine further comprises a bulk conveyor (190) upstream of the plurality of passages (101-106) and wherein the bulk conveyor is able to feed containers to the passages.

5. The container cleaning machine according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein a passage (101-106) comprises a detection device in the area of the blocking element, wherein the detection device (420) is configured to detect a container within said area.

6. The container cleaning machine according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one passage (101-106) comprises a force receiving element (413) which is able to receive a force acting on the blocking element (212) of said passage in the transport direction of the container and to dissipate the same.

7. The container cleaning machine according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein each passage (101-106) comprises a blocking element (212).

8. A method for cleaning containers, e.g. bottles, by means of a container cleaning machine (100), the container cleaning machine comprising a plurality of passages (101-106) wherein the containers can be transported in a single row within a transport plane, and a plurality of removal devices (161) each allocated to one passage for removing a container from the passage (101-106) and supplying the same to a container receptacle (181, 182) of the container cleaning machine which is able to transport a container through a cleaning area (170) of the container cleaning machine, wherein at least one passage (101-106) comprises an independently actuatable blocking element (212) which can be moved from above the transport plane towards the same for blocking a removal of a container from the passage (101-106) by the removal device (161), wherein the blocking element (212) can be moved between a release position in which the removal of a container is not blocked and a blocking position in which the removal of a container is blocked, wherein an orientation of the blocking element (212) can be adjusted in the release position and / or the blocking position in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane, characterized in that an angle of orientation of the blocking element (212) relative to the transport plane is adjustable.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the container cleaning machine (100) comprises a drive element (211) for each blocking element (212), wherein the drive element is driven by a controller (290) of the container cleaning machine for actuating the blocking element (212).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the controller (290) controls the actuation of the blocking element (212) by means of the drive element (211) so that the removal of a container is blocked for a period corresponding to at least one removal operation.

11. The method according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the controller (290) controls the drive element (211) as a function of information indicating the capacity of a container receptacle (181, 182) so that in case the information indicates that the container receptacle is not able to receive a container the removal of a container is blocked and the removal of a container is enabled again in case the information indicates for another container receptacle the capacity to receive a container of the other container receptacle.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the position of the blocking element (212) can be adjusted according to a size of a container.