Container cleaning machine for cleaning containers and method for cleaning a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a container cleaning machine (100) for cleaning containers (130), such as bottles, having a transport device (102) for transporting containers and a dispensing device (111, 112, 113) for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container (130) transported in the transport device (102), wherein the dispensing device (111, 112, 113) is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid with a time-varying characteristic during a dispensing phase.

Description

[0001] Container cleaning machine for cleaning containers and method for cleaning a container

[0002] 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 a container according to claim 9.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Container cleaning machines and methods for cleaning containers are generally known from the prior art. For example, container cleaning machines are used in the beverage processing industry. These machines have, for example, a large number of cleaning baths and / or nozzles to apply cleaning fluids to the containers to be cleaned, such as glass bottles, to remove dirt or disinfect the containers.

[0005] It is also known to specifically clean the containers from the inside, whereby a nozzle can be provided that introduces cleaning fluid into the interior of the container. While this can generally improve the cleaning result, there are certain limitations to the introduction of the cleaning fluid due to the cleaning fluid remaining in the interior, as this creates counterpressure for additional cleaning fluid to be introduced into the interior. Depending on the process, this can adversely affect the cleaning result.

[0006] Task

[0007] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is to provide a container cleaning machine and a method for cleaning containers with which improved cleaning can be achieved.

[0008] Solution

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the container cleaning machine for cleaning containers according to claim 1 and the method for cleaning containers according to claim 9. Advantageous developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims. The container cleaning machine according to the invention for cleaning containers, such as bottles, comprises a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, wherein the dispensing device is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid during a dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic.

[0010] In the following, a "dispensing phase" is understood to mean a period of time in which the dispensing device applies the cleaning fluid to the container. This does not include any periods before or after this dispensing phase during which, for example, the flow rate of cleaning fluid through the dispensing device is increased or decreased due to process technology reasons in order to start or stop the dispensing of cleaning fluid. In this sense, a dispensing process can be understood as a period of time between two periods in which the dispensing device does not dispense any cleaning fluid. The dispensing process comprises a first period of time, which can be referred to as the switch-on phase, during which, for example, the dispensing of cleaning fluid begins until the amount of cleaning fluid reaches a desired value. The container does not necessarily need to be pressurized during this phase.This is followed by the application phase, during which a specific amount of cleaning fluid is dispensed from the dispensing device and the container is filled with this cleaning fluid. The application phase is followed by a shutdown phase, which comprises a period during which the amount of cleaning fluid can be reduced until finally no more cleaning fluid is dispensed and the dispensing device thus stops dispensing cleaning fluid. Even during the shutdown phase, the container does not necessarily need to be filled with the dispensed cleaning fluid.

[0011] According to the invention, the time-varying characteristic comprises all properties or parameters of the cleaning fluid to be dispensed, including parameters that characterize the manner in which the cleaning fluid is dispensed. The term “time-varying characteristic” therefore refers to a change in the characteristic that depends on the time t that elapses during the dispensing phase. The term “time-varying characteristic” should not be understood as a trivial dependence on time, i.e., characteristics that are not functionally dependent on the time t that has elapsed during the dispensing phase. From the set of time-varying characteristics in the form of functions f(t), only those functions f should be understood for which f(t) c applies, where c is an arbitrary constant.The cleaning result can be improved by temporally changing the characteristics of the application of the cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning fluid, for example by changing the composition of the cleaning fluid or by varying the application direction of the cleaning fluid depending on the time during the application phase in order to reduce back pressure due to the cleaning fluid already applied.

[0012] It can be provided that the characteristic includes a discharge pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid.

[0013] According to this embodiment, the characteristic comprises at least one of the aforementioned parameters, but can also comprise several of the aforementioned parameters. By varying these characteristics, the objective of the cleaning or the effect achieved by the cleaning can be changed, for example by using different chemical compositions of the cleaning fluid during the dispensing phase, for example to disinfect with one chemical component or to remove biological films or dirt with another chemical component. By changing physical parameters (such as direction, pressure, temperature, or flow rate) of the dispensing phase, the cleaning effect can also be changed, for example by using a higher temperature of the cleaning fluid to disinfect the container or by changing the pressure to remove even heavy contamination.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that the dispensing element is arranged to be movable in the direction towards a container and away from a container, and wherein the characteristic includes a distance from an opening of a container.

[0015] The distance can be a positive value, which characterizes a distance from the opening to an external dispensing element (located outside the container). The distance can also be negative, which is understood below as an introduction of the dispensing element or at least a part of the dispensing element (e.g., the dispensing opening) into the container. This can advantageously achieve the dispensing of the cleaning fluid onto specific parts of the container. In one embodiment, the dispensing element is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid with a variable jet geometry, and the characteristic includes the jet geometry.

[0016] The jet geometry encompasses both the direction and shape of the discharged jet of cleaning fluid. In this sense, the cleaning fluid jet does not necessarily have to have a one-dimensional shape in the sense of a liquid jet, but can, for example, comprise the cleaning fluid in the shape of a cone or a triangular surface. The jet geometry does not have to be symmetrical, so that, for example, a cone with an elliptical or irregular cross-section perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cleaning fluid emanating from a discharge opening of the discharge element is also included. The cleaning result can be influenced by changing the jet geometry.

[0017] In a further development of this embodiment, it is provided that the jet geometry comprises at least one of a discharge direction of a cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a jet area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet.

[0018] By changing the direction of the cleaning fluid application, a specific area of ​​a container can be targeted with cleaning fluid. By changing the cross-sectional area, the cleaning agent pressure acting on a specific area of ​​the container to be cleaned can be varied. This can be achieved by changing the jet area, although in this case, the cleaning fluid jet is not limited to a two-dimensional jet.

[0019] In particular, it can be provided that the beam geometry comprises a discharge direction and wherein the discharge direction r(t) is described by a time-dependent function of the form r(t) = , where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and a and ß

[0020] are constants.

[0021] The cleaning fluid jet is thus dispensed along the surface of a cone, with the cleaning fluid jet precessing around the central axis of the cone. This can be particularly advantageous when inserting the dispensing element into an opening in the container to pressurize the interior of the container, as it reduces the counterpressure caused by the cleaning fluid already present in the interior on the cleaning fluid being further introduced into the container. This positively influences the amount of cleaning fluid that can be introduced into the container per unit of time and thus improves the cleaning result.

[0022] In one embodiment, it is provided that the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along with the container in the transport direction of a container along the transport device during the dispensing phase, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container remains substantially constant during the dispensing phase.

[0023] The fact that the distance of the dispensing element to the container in the transport direction of the container remains essentially constant during the dispensing phase is to be understood here to mean that a distance between a specific point on the container (for example the center point of the container opening) measured to a specific point on the dispensing element in the transport direction of the container changes during the dispensing phase by at most a value that is small compared to the dimensions of the container in the transport direction of the container. For example, the maximum change in the distance can be less than 50% or less than 25% or less than 10% of the extension of the container in the transport direction. Preferably, however, the distance between the container and the dispensing element in the transport direction does not change or the deviation in the relative position during the dispensing phase is less than 2 mm.This design ensures that the cleaning fluid is applied to the container during the entire application phase.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that the transport device comprises a receptacle for receiving a container and wherein the receptacle comprises a fixation for fixing a container during the dispensing phase.

[0025] This design ensures that the container does not slip or become damaged in the holder despite variable characteristics of the cleaning fluid discharge.

[0026] The method according to the invention for cleaning a container, such as a bottle, by means of a container cleaning machine with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, wherein the dispensing device is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid during a dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic, comprises transporting the container to the dispensing device and applying the cleaning fluid to the container during the dispensing phase, wherein the characteristic is changed depending on time during the dispensing phase. This method improves the cleaning result.

[0027] It can further be provided that the characteristic includes a discharge pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. Adjusting these characteristics allows for a further improvement of the cleaning result.

[0028] In one embodiment, the dispensing element is moved toward and / or away from the container during the dispensing phase, and the characteristic includes a distance from an opening of the container. This allows the interior of a container to be targeted with cleaning fluid, improving the cleaning result of the interior.

[0029] It can further be provided that the dispensing element dispenses the cleaning fluid with a variable jet geometry during the dispensing phase, wherein the characteristic includes the jet geometry. By changing the jet geometry, the pressure with which the cleaning fluid impinges on the surface of the container can be varied, which can improve the cleaning result.

[0030] In a further development of this embodiment, the jet geometry comprises at least one of a discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet, and a jet area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet. This embodiment allows for even more precise control of the medium impinging on the container.

[0031] In particular, it can be provided that the beam geometry comprises a discharge direction and wherein the discharge direction r(t) is described by a time-dependent function of the form r(t) = , where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and a and ß Constants are. This configuration can, in particular, reduce the buildup of counterpressure from cleaning fluid already introduced into the container, so that the amount of cleaning fluid introduced into the interior of a container can be increased and the cleaning result can thus be improved.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along with the container in the transport direction of a container along the transport device during the dispensing phase, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container remains substantially constant during the dispensing phase.

[0033] The time during which the cleaning fluid hits the intended spot on the container can thus be increased.

[0034] Short description of the characters

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a container treatment machine

[0036] Fig. 2a-d show different embodiments of a time-varying

[0037] Characteristics

[0038] Fig. 3a and b show different embodiments of movably arranged

[0039] Application elements

[0040] Detailed description

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a container cleaning machine 100 according to one embodiment. The container cleaning machine 100 can be constructed in a manner fundamentally known from the prior art. In particular, the container cleaning machine can be assigned a container feed 150, in which containers 130, such as bottles, are fed, for example, in a random mass flow to the container cleaning machine 100, into which they can then be transferred by means of a transport device 102. For this purpose, the transport device 102 can comprise a plurality of container carriers 131, each of which can accommodate a container 130. The container carriers 131 can have a plurality of container receiving locations arranged transversely to the transport direction of the container carriers 131.This allows a plurality of containers 130 to be simultaneously guided past or through a respective cleaning station, which can have a corresponding extension transverse to the transport direction of the container carriers 131. This allows a high output of the container cleaning machine 100 to be achieved.

[0042] The containers 130 are then transported along the transport device 102, optionally in the container carriers 131, through the bottle cleaning machine 100 to a discharge device 160, into which they can be transferred after passing through the container cleaning machine. Analogous to the feed device 150, the discharge device 160 can be configured as a random mass conveyor for transporting the containers. Other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0043] Within the bottle cleaning machine, the transport device can guide the containers past a plurality of cleaning stations. For example, a cleaning bath 170 can be provided through which the containers can be guided and into which they can be fully or partially immersed. The cleaning bath 170 can be filled with a cleaning fluid, for example, water or an acidic or alkaline solution, to remove soiling or contamination.

[0044] According to the invention, it is provided that the containers 130 are guided past at least one dispensing element 111 to 113, wherein the dispensing element 111 can dispense a cleaning fluid 114 in the direction of the containers in order to apply the cleaning fluid 114 to them. The dispensing element 111 is preferably arranged outside a cleaning bath 170 and can, as shown here, for example, be arranged on a frame 101, which can be designed to be stationary with respect to the transport device 102. According to the embodiment described in connection with Fig. 3b, however, it can also be provided that the frame 101 is arranged to be movable in order to carry the dispensing element 111 to 113 with the containers along the transport device.

[0045] The dispensing elements 111 to 113 can, in principle, be designed in any desired manner. However, an embodiment as a nozzle for dispensing a cleaning fluid jet or a cleaning fluid mist, which will also be referred to below as the cleaning fluid jet, is preferred. According to the invention, at least one characteristic of the jet can be temporally modified during a dispensing phase in which a dispensing element 111 to 113 dispenses cleaning fluid specifically onto a container. This can advantageously influence the cleaning result.

[0046] The term "characteristic of the cleaning fluid discharge" encompasses a property of the cleaning fluid itself, such as a discharge pressure, the cleaning fluid used, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. It also includes characteristics of the cleaning fluid discharge, such as the discharge direction or the jet geometry with which the cleaning fluid is discharged from the discharge element. A variable position of the discharge element during the discharge phase and during the discharge of the cleaning fluid is also considered a time-varying characteristic.

[0047] For example, the temperature of the applied cleaning fluid can be changed during the application phase, with the containers first being rinsed with cold water, for example, and then being exposed to a heated alkaline or acidic solution. This allows the desired cleaning effects, such as first soaking contaminants with water and then dissolving them by applying alkaline or acidic solutions, to be reliably achieved, while keeping component usage to a minimum. Changing the application pressure of the cleaning fluid can be used to, on the one hand, wet the surface with the cleaning fluid and, on the other hand (at higher pressure), remove contaminants.

[0048] It can be provided that a temporal change in the pressure to be applied includes a change in the application pressure from 0.5 bar to 20 bar, or from 0.5 bar to 10 bar, or from 0.5 bar to 7 bar, whereby the maximum pressure can be selected depending on the pressure resistance of the container in order to avoid damage.

[0049] Changing the flow rate of cleaning fluid delivered to the container by the dispensing element per unit of time can also improve the cleaning result, as increasing the flow rate allows even coarse contaminants to be reliably flushed away from the container. The flow rate can be varied as a characteristic during the dispensing phase, for example, between 0.1 l / min and 50 l / min, 1 l / min and 40 l / min, or preferably between 5 l / min and 30 l / min.

[0050] Electrically chemically activated water (ECA water) can be used as a cleaning fluid. This is obtained from a sodium chloride solution using a generator through membrane cell electrolysis. In this process, the sodium ions are separated from the chloride ions, resulting in an alkaline solution and a hypochlorous acid solution on both sides of the membrane cell. The former can be advantageously used for cleaning, while the latter can be used for disinfection due to its high oxidation-reduction potential. By appropriately supplying both solutions to a dispensing element (e.g., through insulated lines that converge in the dispensing element), cleaning and subsequent disinfection can be achieved over time by varying the composition of the cleaning fluid over time.It can be provided that the period of time during the application phase during which the alkaline catholyte is used for cleaning is longer than the period of time during which disinfection takes place, since disinfection can be achieved quickly due to the high oxidation reduction potential of hypochlorous acid.

[0051] Figs. 2a to 2d show different embodiments in which a characteristic of the discharge direction and / or the jet profile of the discharged cleaning fluid jet is changed as a function of time.

[0052] In Fig. 2a, a dispensing element 210 dispenses a cleaning fluid jet 211, which is one-dimensional in plan view (left illustration of Fig. 2a) and essentially triangular in side view (right illustration of Fig. a). This can be achieved by making the outlet opening of the dispensing element 210 slit-shaped. In this embodiment, it is provided that the cleaning fluid jet is rotated, for example, by rotating the outlet opening of the dispensing element about the rotation axis R, which runs parallel to a discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet 211 or perpendicular to an opening plane of the dispensing element 210. The cleaning fluid jet 211 thus migrates over the rotation angle a(t) into a position 211'. The rotation angle a(t) is a function of time and can, for example, be a(t) = ß-t. The rotation speed is thus constant over time.Other rotation angle functions a(t) are also conceivable, wherein the function a(t) is preferably selected such that at least half a revolution of the cleaning fluid jet 211 around the rotation axis R is effected during the dispensing phase. With a start time t = 0 and an end time t = T, this means that a(0) = 0 and a(T) = n are satisfied. This ensures that every point of the container is exposed to cleaning fluid at least once by the cleaning fluid jet 211. It can also be provided that at least one complete revolution of the cleaning fluid jet around the rotation axis r is achieved, so that a(T) > 2.

[0053] In Fig. 2b, it is provided that the cleaning fluid jet 221 can be tilted by the angle ß(t) into the position 221' relative to a reference direction, for example, a direction perpendicular to the discharge opening of the discharge element. This changes the angle of incidence of the cleaning fluid jet on the container surface, which can lead to improved removal of contaminants.

[0054] In particular, in this embodiment, it can be provided that the tilt angle ß(t) runs as a function of time between an initial position (in which the cleaning fluid jet 221 is shown here) and a maximum deflection (shown here with the cleaning fluid jet 221'). In this case, it can be provided that the cleaning fluid jet performs a pendulum movement around the initial position, so that the cleaning fluid jet experiences both a deflection in the direction of the maximum deflection corresponding to the position 221' and a deflection in the opposite direction over time t. The maximum deflection angles can be identical in both directions, so that ß max — ß-max applies.

[0055] By varying the function ß(t), the course of the movement of the cleaning fluid jet 221 can be changed.

[0056] Fig. 2c shows an embodiment in which the opening angle of the fluid jet d y(t) varies over time. The opening angle is the angle enclosed between the discharge opening of the discharge element 230 and the outer boundaries of the cleaning fluid jet 231 or 231'.

[0057] The opening angle can be varied, for example, within an angular range of a few degrees, for example 2°, up to 45°, whereby the period of time during which the opening angle lies in a certain value range can be varied depending on the cleaning requirements.

[0058] Fig. 2d shows an embodiment in which the cleaning fluid jet 241 is designed as a cleaning fluid jet precessing about a rotational axis R. This can be realized, for example, by a discharge opening of the discharge element 240 that is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis R, wherein the discharge opening is preferably designed as a discharge nozzle that can discharge a cleaning fluid jet with the smallest possible opening angle (for example, less than 10° or less than 5°). The direction vector r(t), which defines the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet, depends on the precession angle θ(t) and a "height value" h(t). If the precession angle θ(t) is referred to as a function f(t), the

[0059] Here, the values ​​a and ß are basically arbitrary real-valued constants, where a and ß can be different or equal. If a and ß are identical, the vector r(t) as the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid jet describes a movement along the surface of a cone with a circular base. If a and ß are different, the discharge direction vector describes a movement along a cone with an elliptical base. If the height function h(t) is not trivially time-dependent (i.e., h(t) = c with c as a constant does not hold), the opening angle of the cone also changes in this embodiment.

[0060] This embodiment allows for the interior of a container to be pressurized with cleaning fluid in a particularly advantageous manner. For example, in the case of non-rotationally symmetrical containers, the constants a and ß can be selected differently from one another to account for the deviation of the container's shape from a rotationally symmetrical shape. Overall, this embodiment is particularly advantageous for minimizing the buildup of pressure from cleaning fluid already introduced into the container and thus increasing the amount of cleaning fluid that can be introduced into the container during the dispensing phase.

[0061] Fig. 3a shows an embodiment in which the dispensing element 310 is arranged movably relative to a container 130 in a receptacle 331. In particular, the distance d between a point on the dispensing element 310 and a point on the container (here, for example, between the dispensing opening of the dispensing element 310 and the opening of the container 130) can be changed as a time-dependent function d(t), so that during the dispensing phase the dispensing element 310 can be moved, for example, in the direction of the opening of the container. The distance d does not have to be positive. If the distance d is positive, the dispensing element is located outside the container. If the distance d is negative, the dispensing element is located inside the container (shown here with the dashed position 312). This embodiment is particularly advantageous for introducing cleaning fluid 311 into the interior of the container. In Fig.3a also shows that the container carrier 331 can be configured as a receptacle that accommodates a container and further comprises a fixing device 335 for fixing the container in the receptacle. The container can be held in the receptacle 331 by the fixing device (which is shown here as one or more clamps, but can also be configured in a different way) such that its position is fixed relative to the opening 333 of the receptacle and / or relative to a base 334 of the receptacle 331, while the container 130 is moved in the receptacle 331 along the transport device 321.

[0062] Such a configuration is particularly advantageous for a dispensing element 310 to be inserted into the container 130, in order to avoid damage. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous in conjunction with the embodiments described in connection with Figs. 2a to 2d, since the forces acting on the container are changed by changing the jet geometry and / or changing the direction of dispensing of the cleaning fluid. By using fixations 335, unwanted movements of the container can be avoided.

[0063] Fig. 3b shows a further embodiment in which the dispensing element(s) 310 can be moved in the transport direction T of the containers (optionally in the receptacles 331) along the transport device 321, so that the distance between the dispensing element 310 and the container supplied with cleaning fluid 311 by the dispensing element preferably does not change in the transport direction T.

[0064] This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the dispensing element(s) 310 on or at a frame 351, wherein the frame is fixedly mounted, for example, on rotatably mounted elements 352 and 353, and by rotating the rotatably mounted elements 352 and 353, the frame 351 can be moved along with the receptacles 331 in the transport direction T. In this embodiment, the frame together with the dispensing elements can be understood as a loading device 350.

[0065] With this embodiment, the insertion of the dispensing elements 310 into the containers in the container receptacles 331 can also be effected, since the frame follows the movement of the rotatable elements 352 and 353 and thus not only effects a movement in the transport direction T, but also perpendicular thereto towards and away from the containers.

[0066] This embodiment can therefore be implemented particularly advantageously in combination with Fig. 3a. As an alternative to the design as a linearly movable frame 351 according to Fig. 3b, the frame 351 can also be designed as a drum, wherein the dispensing elements can be arranged along its periphery. The drum can be rotated relative to a curved transport device 321 and thus cause dispensing elements 310 to move along with it during the transport of the receptacles 331 with containers arranged thereon. In a frame 351 designed as a drum, the dispensing elements 310 can be designed according to Fig. 3a and thus moved towards a container or away from it. The embodiments described in connection with Figs. 3a and 3b can be combined with all other described embodiments.

Claims

Claims Container cleaning machine for cleaning containers, such as bottles, with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, wherein the dispensing device is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid during a dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic. Container cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic comprises a dispensing pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. Container cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispensing element is arranged to be movable towards a container and away from a container, and wherein the characteristic comprises a distance to an opening of a container.Container cleaning machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispensing element is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid with a variable jet geometry, and wherein the characteristic comprises the jet geometry. Container cleaning machine according to claim 4, wherein the jet geometry comprises at least one of a dispensing direction of a cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the dispensing direction of the cleaning fluid jet, and a jet area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the dispensing direction of the cleaning fluid jet. Container cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein the jet geometry comprises a dispensing direction, and wherein the dispensing direction r(t) is described by a time-dependent function, where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions. ons and a and ß are constants. Container cleaning machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along with the container during the dispensing phase in the transport direction of a container along the transport device, so that a distance of the dispensing element to Container remains substantially constant in the transport direction of the container during the discharge phase. Container cleaning machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transport device comprises a receptacle for receiving a container, and wherein the receptacle comprises a fixation for fixing a container during the discharge phase.A method for cleaning a container, such as a bottle, using a container cleaning machine with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, wherein the dispensing device is configured to dispense the cleaning fluid during a dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic. The method comprises transporting the container to the dispensing device and applying the cleaning fluid to the container during the dispensing phase, wherein the characteristic is changed over time during the dispensing phase. The method according to claim 9, wherein the characteristic comprises a dispensing pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid.Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the dispensing element is moved towards the container and / or away from the container during the dispensing phase, and wherein the characteristic comprises a distance from an opening of the container. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the dispensing element dispenses the cleaning fluid with a variable jet geometry during the dispensing phase, and wherein the characteristic comprises the jet geometry. Method according to claim 12, wherein the jet geometry comprises at least one of a dispensing direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the dispensing direction of the cleaning fluid jet, and a jet area of ​​the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the dispensing direction of the cleaning fluid jet.The method of claim 13, wherein the beam geometry comprises a discharge direction and wherein the discharge direction r(t) is defined by a time-dependent function of the form r(t) =. cos f(t)\ sinf(t), where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and a and ß are constants. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame, and wherein the frame can be moved along with the container in the transport direction of a container along the transport device during the dispensing phase, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container remains substantially constant during the dispensing phase.

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