Container-processing arrangement and method for processing containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a container-processing arrangement for the beverage industry, the container-processing arrangement comprising at least one first and one second rotatably driven processing star wheel (1, 2), each of which comprises a plurality of container receptacles (12), which are arranged along the periphery, for transporting containers (4) and each of which comprises a processing device for processing the containers (4), wherein at least the processing device of the first processing star wheel (1) comprises a plurality of fluid supply lines (6), wherein the fluid supply lines (6) are each associated with a container receptacle (12). According to the invention, the first and the second processing star wheels (1, 2) are directly adjacent to one another in a transport direction (T) in a transfer portion (11).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Container treatment arrangement and method for treating containers

[0003] The present invention relates to a container treatment arrangement for the beverage industry with at least a first and a second rotatably driven treatment star, each having a plurality of container receptacles arranged along the circumference for transporting containers and each having a treatment device for treating the containers, wherein at least the treatment device of the first treatment star has a plurality of fluid supplies, wherein the fluid supplies are each assigned to a container receptacle.

[0004] Such container treatment systems are generally known from the prior art and serve to treat the containers in a predetermined manner. Within the scope of the invention, all processes that result in a change to the containers can be understood as treatment. In particular, it is provided that, at least in the first treatment star, treatment takes place in such a way that a fluid is introduced into the containers via the fluid inlets.

[0005] This can be done, for example, during a sterilization process in which a sterilization medium, e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is first introduced into the containers and then blown out of the containers. This is usually done using several treatment stars arranged one behind the other, with the sterilization medium being supplied to the first treatment star and the other treatment stars being designed to remove the sterilization medium from the containers, e.g., by introducing compressed air. Such container treatment arrangements then require up to five or more treatment stars arranged one behind the other, with a transfer star always arranged between two adjacent treatment stars to enable the transfer between the adjacent treatment stars.

[0006] The containers within the scope of the invention are, in particular, bottles made of plastic, especially PET, or glass. In the case of plastic bottles, these are preferably made from plastic preforms, in particular by stretch blow molding. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the invention for cans, especially aluminum cans, to be used as containers.

[0007] Although the sterilization of the containers can be an essential aspect within the framework of the container treatment arrangements mentioned, other types of treatment are also possible. For example, within the framework of the invention, treatment also includes filling the containers. This can also be carried out using several treatment stars arranged one behind the other. Rinsing the containers is also within the scope of the invention, in which case the containers are usually arranged upside down in the transport elements so that the introduced sterilization, rinsing, or cooling medium can flow directly out of the containers again. Furthermore, the containers can also be closed with a cap in a treatment station.

[0008] Regardless of the specific design, the high number of treatment stars in combination with the transfer stars arranged between the treatment stars results in a very large spatial extent of the container treatment arrangement. Accordingly, a relatively large installation space must be available. In addition, the problem arises that the movement of the individual treatment stars and the adjoining transport stars must be synchronized with one another in order to enable smooth transfer from one treatment star to the subsequent transfer star, or vice versa from one transfer star to the subsequent treatment star. This requires either a complex gear design that couples the individual stars to one another, or the individual stars are each driven by a drive motor, e.g.an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, although synchronization must then be ensured by means of a suitable control system.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of simplifying the design of container treatment arrangements and in particular of reducing the necessary installation space.

[0010] The subject matter and solution of this problem is a container treatment arrangement according to patent claim 1.

[0011] According to the invention, the first and second treatment starwheels are directly connected to one another in a transport direction. In this context, the transport direction is understood to be the direction along which the individual containers are transported by the treatment starwheels. Due to the rotation of the individual treatment starwheels, the containers are thus transported along a circumferential angle of the individual container transport devices and transferred directly from one treatment starwheel to the next treatment starwheel. The transport and treatment then take place along a circumferential angle of the next treatment starwheel. In this context, it should be noted that the presence of a first and a second treatment starwheel does not directly determine the transport direction.The first treatment starwheel can be arranged either before or after the second treatment starwheel in the transport direction, so that a direct transfer of the containers from the first to the second treatment starwheel and vice versa is possible. In addition, further treatment starwheels can be provided which are arranged before and / or after the first and second treatment starwheel in the transport direction. According to the invention, the direct arrangement of the treatment starwheels one behind the other eliminates the need for an additional transfer starwheel between the treatment starwheels. The containers are therefore transferred directly from the container receptacles of a first treatment starwheel to the container receptacles of a second treatment starwheel. This means that only the movements of the two adjacent treatment starwheels need to be synchronized with one another. At the same time, the installation space can be significantly reduced by omitting a transfer starwheel.The overall result is a very compact container treatment arrangement whose functionality is not restricted compared to the generic container treatment arrangements and the smaller number of components also reduces the susceptibility to failure due to incorrect synchronization.

[0012] In principle, it is sufficient within the scope of the invention if only the first treatment star has fluid supplies. However, it is preferably provided that the treatment device of the second treatment star also has a plurality of fluid supplies, wherein the fluid supplies are each assigned to a container receptacle. Thus, treatment with a fluid can take place at both treatment stars. As already explained above, it is then possible, for example, to introduce a sterilization medium into the first treatment star and to expel residues of the sterilization medium in the second treatment star using compressed air. Alternatively, the containers can be filled with a filling medium, in particular a beverage. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that a first filling medium (e.g. a first component of a beverage) is stored in the first treatment star and a second filling medium (e.g.a second component of a beverage). Of course, other configurations are also possible.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the container receptacles of the first and / or second treatment starwheel can be designed as active or passive grippers, or at least comprise active or passive grippers. These grippers are then preferably designed such that they can grip the containers at a neck or neck area. Alternatively, instead of grippers, neck ring holders can also be provided, which are designed so that containers equipped with a neck ring, in particular bottles, rest on this neck ring holder.

[0014] According to a preferred development, the fluid supplies of the treatment device of at least the first treatment star are arranged along a treatment path in one treatment position and in a transfer section in a different transfer position. Accordingly, the fluid supplies move between the transfer position, in which the containers are transferred to another system component, and a treatment position, in which the containers are treated.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the fluid feeds of the first and / or second treatment starwheel are designed to be movable. In particular, this means that the fluid feeds are designed to be movable with respect to a vertical direction parallel to the container axis, so that the treatment position and the transfer position are correspondingly spaced from one another in the vertical direction. This makes it possible, for example, for the fluid feeds to be introduced into the containers with at least one end section for treatment and to be arranged in the treatment position with the end section in the containers. This is particularly useful if the fluid to be introduced is a gas, which is to be introduced into the corresponding containers with as little loss as possible.Since the fluid feeds are each assigned to a container receptacle, it is preferably provided that the fluid feeds in the treatment position pass through the container receptacles during the movement and the end openings of the fluid feeds are arranged below the container receptacles.

[0016] In order to enable the fluid supplies of the first and / or second treatment starwheel to be moved between the transfer position and the treatment position, a drive is preferably assigned to them. This drive can effect a pivoting or a lifting adjustment of the fluid supplies of the first and / or second treatment starwheel. In this context, a lifting adjustment is understood to mean a linear adjustment, which is preferably arranged at least partially in the vertical direction so that, for example, the fluid supplies can be arranged in the containers. With a pivoting adjustment, the fluid supplies are adjusted along an arc-shaped, in particular a circular arc-shaped, path, whereby at least partial movement in the vertical direction is also preferred.Of course, it is also within the scope of the invention for the fluid feeds of the first and second treatment star to be driven by a different drive or adjusted in a different manner. If a stroke drive is provided, the stroke of the fluid feeds designed for stroke movement is at least 40 mm, particularly preferably at least 60 mm.

[0017] The drive can be, for example, an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive that acts directly on the individual fluid feeds. Preferably, it is a cam-controlled drive that causes movement solely due to the rotation of the treatment starwheels. For this purpose, a roller mounted on the respective fluid feed usually slides along a guide curve, with the guide curve causing the roller to move in the area of ​​the transfer section. As a result, the fluid feed also moves. Alternatively, the fluid feeds can each be mounted on a swivel joint, in which case the fluid feed pivots in a cam-controlled manner.

[0018] Alternatively, the cam control can also be designed such that the guide cam is formed by a tubular cam, in which case the fluid supplies of the first and / or the second treatment star are each connected to a fork element which at least partially encompasses the tubular cam. The movement of the fluid supplies can then be controlled by the shape of the tubular cam. A particularly preferred embodiment provides in this context that a cam-controlled drive is used to effect both a lifting movement in the axial direction and a lifting movement in the radial direction of the containers in the transfer section. It can be advantageous to decouple the two movements from one another so that the movements occur one after the other but not simultaneously. An actuating element, e.g. a control magnet, can be provided to couple or decouple the lifting drives to the fluid supply.

[0019] In principle, the fluid supplies of both treatment starwheels can each be moved via a separate drive. However, a further development provides that the movable fluid supplies of the first or second treatment starwheel are positively guided in the transfer section. According to such an embodiment, only the fluid supplies of one treatment starwheel have a drive, wherein the movement of the fluid supplies of the other treatment starwheel results from the movement of the fluid supplies of the driven fluid supplies. For this purpose, for example, drivers can be provided which are brought into contact with one another in the transfer section, so that the movably driven supply lines also cause the fluid supplies that are not directly movably driven to move.

[0020] Since the fluid supplies are designed to rotate with respect to the container receptacles, there is no relative change in circumferential angle between the container receptacles and the fluid supplies, at least along the treatment section. This means that an appropriate fluid can be introduced into the container via the fluid supply along the entire treatment section. However, the direct transfer of the containers between the treatment stars ensures that the treatment devices do not collide with one another in the transfer section. This can be achieved, on the one hand, by designing and / or arranging the fluid supplies in such a way that a collision in the transfer section is avoided anyway. Alternatively, however, a preferred embodiment provides that at least one of the treatment stars has a collision avoidance device.This collision avoidance device can, for example, be designed such that at least the fluid supply of a treatment star is moved in the transfer section in such a way that it cannot collide with the opposite fluid supply.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, collisions between the fluid feeds can be avoided by arranging sections of the treatment devices vertically one above the other and / or radially next to each other, at least in the transfer section. Such an embodiment is particularly useful when both the treatment device of the first and the treatment device of the second treatment star are equipped with fluid feeds. The fluid feeds then typically represent the sections of the treatment devices that protrude outward and, if improperly designed, can collide with each other due to the direct container transfer between the treatment stars.In principle, it is sufficient if the fluid feeds are designed to be immobile, in which case the fluid feeds of one treatment star are arranged in the transfer section above or next to the fluid feeds of the other treatment star.

[0022] If the fluid supplies are arranged next to one another in the transfer section, it should be noted that in the case of a stationary design, the fluid supplies of both treatment devices must generally be designed in such a way that the introduction of a fluid into the containers is possible. Against this background, it can be expedient for at least the fluid supplies of one treatment star to have a non-circular end section. This allows the end sections to be designed in such a way that both can be guided next to one another without colliding with one another. At the same time, a comparatively large supply opening for the fluid supplies can still be enabled, so that a comparatively large flow cross-section is available. According to a further development of the invention, the fluid supplies of both treatment star units can have a non-circular cross-section.

[0023] As already explained above, the fluid supplies are preferably designed to be movable and can, for example, be adjusted by lifting or pivoting. In this case, collisions can be avoided by the movement of the fluid supplies. For example, the fluid supplies of the first treatment starwheel can be moved between the treatment position and the transfer position with a first lifting movement and the fluid supplies of the second treatment starwheel with a second lifting movement, wherein the lifting movements are of different sizes, so that consequently the fluid supplies are arranged one above the other in the transfer section. This can ensure that a collision between the fluid supplies of the two treatment starwheels is avoided in the transfer section. The ratio between the first and second lifting movements is preferably between 1.5 and 3.The different lifting movements thus make it possible, on the one hand, to avoid collisions in the transfer area. On the other hand, it is possible for the fluid supplies of both treatment starwheels to be introduced into the containers. Outside the transfer section, the fluid supplies can then be moved back towards the container receptacles. Preferably, at least the fluid supplies of the treatment device of the first treatment starwheel are designed to be displaceable in a radial direction or pivotable in a circumferential direction. The fluid supplies are thus configured such that a radial lifting movement can be effected. Such a configuration fundamentally represents an alternative or supplement to collision avoidance resulting from a vertical lifting movement. However, it is also fundamentally possible to provide such a configuration for fluid supplies that can be moved in a lifting manner.In such a case, the lifting movement solely effects the insertion and removal of the fluid supplies into and out of the containers, while collision avoidance is achieved through radial displacement or pivoting. A further development provides that the fluid supplies of at least the first treatment star, but preferably both treatment stars, are inclined. The end sections of the fluid supplies of both treatment stars are furthermore preferably arranged in a vertical treatment position, preferably a common vertical treatment position. The fluid supplies of at least the first treatment star can then be moved in the transfer section from one treatment position to a transfer position. Here, too, this is preferably achieved by a lifting movement, wherein the lifting movement preferably occurs in the direction of the inclined fluid supplies.

[0024] A further development of the invention further provides that at least a third treatment star is arranged in the transport direction immediately in front of the first or behind the second treatment star. In principle, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide more than three treatment stars, for example four, five or more treatment stars directly one behind the other. The further treatment stars can be designed according to the previous embodiments and accordingly each have container receptacles and a treatment device, which in turn preferably have fluid supplies assigned to the container receptacles. Due to the directly adjacent arrangement, additional transfer stars can be completely dispensed with, so that the containers are always transferred directly between two adjacent treatment stars.

[0025] Although the container treatment arrangement according to the invention can be used for various purposes, the treatment devices of the first and / or second treatment star and / or at least the third treatment star are preferably designed to sterilize the containers, fill the containers, or rinse the containers, wherein, in the case of rinsing, the containers are arranged upside down in the container receptacles. Particularly in the case of sterilization, shielding elements, e.g., shielding bells, are preferably provided at the end sections to reduce or prevent the uncontrolled escape of a sterilization gas. Such shielding elements are preferably provided on liftable fluid feeds, since this allows the shielding elements to also cover the head region or the closure region of the containers.The escaping sterilization gas is then passed past the closure area and enables sterilization here as well.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the invention further provides that at least two of the treatment starwheels are configured to treat the containers in different ways. Accordingly, the treatment devices in successive treatment starwheels are designed for different treatment of the containers. For example, the treatment device of one treatment starwheel can be designed for sterilization, while the treatment device of another treatment starwheel can be designed for filling the containers.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the treatment device of at least one treatment star is configured to close the containers. The containers can be closed, for example, using a closure cap, which is screwed onto the containers by rotation onto an external thread in the head area. Of course, the treatment star intended for closing the containers can be connected to the other treatment stars, in particular to the second or third treatment star, either directly or via a transfer star.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention preferably provides that at least one of the treatment starwheels has a stationary treatment device. In this context, a stationary treatment device means that the treatment device, unlike the fluid supplies, does not rotate. This can be, for example, a labeling device, an inspection device, a printing device or the like. The invention further relates to a method for treating containers in a container treatment arrangement according to the above description. In the method according to the invention, it is provided that the containers are fed to the first treatment starwheel and the containers are subjected to a first fluid for treatment in the first treatment starwheel, wherein the containers are then transferred directly from the first treatment starwheel to the second treatment starwheel.In the context of the invention, exposure means that a fluid is directed onto, at or into the container in any form, whereby the introduction of the fluid into the interior of the container is preferred.

[0029] According to a further development, the containers in the second treatment star are exposed to a second fluid for treatment. The second fluid can be identical to the first fluid. However, they are preferably different fluids. An alternative embodiment provides for the containers in the second treatment star to be closed with a closure cap for treatment.

[0030] In principle, the embodiments previously mentioned in connection with the container treatment arrangement can also be adopted for the method, whereby with regard to the container treatment arrangement, it is not explicitly specified which of the at least two treatment star wheels is arranged in front of the other treatment star wheel in the transport direction. Accordingly, the embodiments can be transferred optionally to the first or to the second treatment star wheel. This applies in particular with regard to the movable configuration. For example, the first and / or the second treatment star wheel can have movable fluid supplies. However, particularly preferably, both the first and second treatment star wheels have movable fluid supplies.

[0031] A preferred development provides that at least a third treatment star is arranged behind the second treatment star, wherein the containers in the third treatment star can also be treated with a third fluid. The containers can then be transferred to a further treatment star if necessary. Accordingly, at least three treatment star are provided, between which the containers are transferred without an additional transfer wheel. The third treatment star is preferably arranged behind the second treatment star. Thus, the containers in three consecutive treatment stars can be treated with one fluid, wherein the first, second and / or third fluid can also be identical. In addition, further treatment stars can also be provided, for example five treatment stars.

[0032] Preferably, the containers can also be sealed in one of the treatment star units. This is particularly the treatment star unit in which the containers are no longer being filled.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, the liftable fluid feeds are arranged with an end section in the containers during treatment. The containers are, in particular, beverage containers, e.g., beverage bottles, which are preferably made of a plastic, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0034] The method according to the invention further provides that the containers can be rinsed, sterilized and / or filled by the first and / or second and / or third fluid.

[0035] In the case of sterilization, the first fluid is preferably a sterilization gas. This is preferably hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The second fluid is preferably air or compressed air. This air can be used to expel the first fluid or sterilization gas introduced into the first treatment star in the second treatment star. According to such an embodiment, at least one third treatment star is preferably provided, which is connected behind the second treatment star and wherein the third fluid is also air or compressed air. In the case of rinsing, the first and preferably also the second and / or third fluid is a liquid rinsing medium, wherein the containers are usually arranged upside down in the container receptacles and wherein the liquid rinsing medium is preferably introduced into the containers of all treatment stars.

[0036] In the case of filling, the first fluid is a filling medium. Within the scope of the invention, a filling medium is understood to be a liquid foodstuff that is introduced into the container during the container treatment arrangement and remains there. The second and / or third fluid can also be such a filling medium, whereby, depending on the process, the fluids form different filling media, which are then mixed in the container. Alternatively, the filling media can be identical.

[0037] In such an embodiment, the third treatment star is preferably designed to close the containers, so that the treatment device of the third treatment star screws closure caps onto the containers.

[0038] The filling media are, in particular, non-carbonated beverages, such as water or juices. Furthermore, the filling media can also be cleaning and / or washing agents or pharmaceutical products. The rinsing medium is preferably water. However, a cleaning agent can, of course, also be added to the water.

[0039] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic container treatment arrangement according to the prior art, Fig. 2, 3, 4 show schematic representations of container treatment arrangements according to the invention,

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with fluid feeds arranged one above the other,

[0042] Fig. 6 a container treatment arrangement each with liftable fluid feeds,

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a container treatment arrangement according to Fig. 6 with an active and a passive drive,

[0044] Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the container treatment arrangement with lifting fluid feeds,

[0045] Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C alternative embodiments of the container treatment arrangements according to the invention with pivotable fluid feeds,

[0046] Fig. 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of the container treatment arrangements according to the invention with pivotable fluid feeds,

[0047] Fig. 11 A, 11 B a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with fluid feeds arranged side by side,

[0048] Fig. 12 shows a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with inclined fluid feeds,

[0049] Fig. 13 - 16 a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with a treatment device for closing the containers, and Fig. 17 - 19 a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with fluid supplies that can be lifted both in the lifting direction and in a radial direction.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a container treatment arrangement according to the prior art with a total of three rotatably driven treatment stars 1, 2, 3, wherein containers 4 are first fed to the first treatment star 1 and then moved along a transport path in the transport direction T and in the process pass through the second and third treatment stars 2, 3. The containers are treated in the treatment stars 1, 2, 3, wherein the treatment stars 1, 2, 3 each have fluid feeds 6, 7 (not shown in detail) via which a fluid can be introduced into the containers 4. The exact design of the treatment stars 1, 2, 3 can be seen in more detail in particular from Figs. 5 to 11.

[0051] It is also known from the prior art that a transfer stem 8 is arranged between each two treatment stars 1, 2, 3, which transfers the containers 4 between the treatment stars 1, 2, 3.

[0052] Based on this, the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2, teaches that such transfer starwheels 8 can fundamentally be dispensed with, so that the treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3 are directly adjacent to one another in the transport direction T. This allows, in particular, the required installation space for the container treatment arrangement to be significantly reduced. While Fig. 2 shows an embodiment with three treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3, Fig. 3 shows an embodiment with a fourth and a fifth treatment starwheel 9, 10, wherein the treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 are each directly adjacent to one another.

[0053] However, such a design has the problem that due to the direct transfer of the containers 4 between the treatment stars 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, the intended fluid feeds 6, 7 can collide with each other, so that appropriate collision avoidance is required at least in a transition area 11.

[0054] This is particularly evident from Fig. 4, which shows a container treatment arrangement according to Fig. 2, wherein the second treatment star 2 has means to avoid a collision of the fluid supplies 6, 7 in the transfer section 11. This is then apparent from Fig. 5. In this context, Fig. 5 shows a container 4 in the form of a beverage bottle, which is arranged in a container receptacle 12 of the first treatment star 1. The container receptacle 12 is assigned a fluid supply 6, via which a fluid can be filled into the container 4. The container 4 is located in the transfer section 11, so that a transfer to the second treatment star 2 is imminent. The second treatment star likewise has a fluid supply 7, which is designed to be movable with a vertical stroke H2.In the transition area 11, the fluid supply 7 is raised via the stroke H2 and moves upwards for the transfer of the container 4 from the first to the second treatment star 1, 2 in order to avoid a collision of the fluid supplies 6, 7.

[0055] The fluid supply 6 is designed to be immobile and therefore cannot be moved. After passing through the transfer section 11, the fluid supply 7 can be moved down again by the stroke H2 into a treatment position corresponding to that of the fluid supply 6. According to Fig. 5, the fluid supply 7 is shown in a transfer position in which the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged one above the other.

[0056] An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 6. Here, too, the transfer section 11 is shown between the first and second treatment star wheels 1, 2, and here, too, the fluid feeds 6, 7 are located one above the other in the transfer section 11.

[0057] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 5, both fluid feeds 6, 7 are now designed to be liftable, with the fluid feed 6 of the first treatment star 1 being movable from a treatment position to a transfer position by a vertical lifting movement H1, and the fluid feed 7 of the second treatment star 2 being moved to the transfer position by a lifting movement H2. In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the treatment position for both fluid feeds 6, 7 is in a common vertical plane.

[0058] From Fig. 6 it can also be seen that the lifting movement H2 is larger than the lifting movement H1, which makes it possible for the fluid supply 7 of the second treatment star 2 to be moved in the transfer section 11 over the fluid supply 6 of the first treatment star 1.

[0059] At the same time, it is possible to extend the fluid inlets 6, 7 into the containers 4 with an end section 6A, 7A during treatment. Such a configuration is particularly useful when a gaseous fluid, e.g., a sterilizing gas, is involved. Thus, Fig. 6 shows that the fluid inlets 6, 7 each have a shielding bell 13, which is placed over the head region 14 of the containers 4 in a treatment position. This allows the sterilizing gas, which is preferably hydrogen peroxide, to be guided over the head region 14, thereby sterilizing the head region 14 from the outside.

[0060] The fluid feeds 6, 7 each further comprise a cam-controlled drive 15, 16. For this purpose, the drives 15, 16 each comprise a roller 15A, 16A that rolls along a curve 15B, 16B. Upon rotation of the treatment star wheels 1, 2, the rollers 15A, 16A then roll along the surface of the guide curves 15B, 16B, thereby causing a stroke of the fluid feeds 6, 7.

[0061] Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the container treatment arrangement according to Fig. 6, wherein only the treatment starwheel 2 is designed with a cam-controlled drive 16. The treatment starwheel 1 does not have an independent drive 15, 16. Rather, the fluid feeds 6, 7 have a driver 17, via which the movement of the fluid feed 7 is directly transmitted to the fluid feed 6. This makes it possible for the fluid feeds 6, 7 to be arranged one above the other in the transfer section 11.

[0062] Fig. 8 shows the treatment star 2 in a detailed and alternative embodiment. While according to Figs. 6, 7 the fluid supplies 6, 7 are connected to a hose 18, the embodiment according to Fig. 8 provides that the fluid supply 7 is moved with a vertical pipe section 19 in a lifting and sealed manner in a guide tube 20. The lifting movement H2 can then be effected in this guide tube 20, with the right side showing the fluid supply 7 in a treatment position and the left side showing the fluid supply 7 in a transfer position. The treatment star 2 is also rotatably driven, with the left side showing the drive 16, which is driven via a cam control.

[0063] An alternative embodiment is further shown in Figs. 9A to 9C, wherein movement of the fluid feeds 6, 7 is effected by pivoting. According to Fig. 9A, the fluid feed 7 of the second treatment starwheel 2 is shown once in a treatment position and once in a transfer position, wherein in the transfer position the fluid feed 7 is wasted via a rotary joint 21. Here, too, the drive 16 is provided via a cam control. A pivoting back into the treatment position outside the transfer section can be effected via the spring element 22. Figs. 9B and 9C show a slightly different embodiment, in which the pivoting of the fluid feed 7 is enabled by a fork element 30 connected to the fluid feed, which fork element partially encompasses a tubular curve 29.

[0064] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment in which both fluid supplies 6, 7 are each designed to be pivotable via a rotary joint 21. The fluid supplies 6, 7 are shown in a treatment position in which the end sections 6A, 7A are pivoted out of the container 4, so that the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged next to one another in the transfer section 11. The fluid supply 6 also has a shielding bell 13. The movement has a component in the vertical direction, which corresponds to a lifting movement H1, H2 and is identical for both fluid supplies 6, 7. Adjustment is thus effected solely due to the rotation of the treatment stars 1, 2. For this purpose, the fluid supply 7 has a spherical head 23 and the fluid supply 6 has a spherical socket 24.As soon as the fluid inlets 6, 7 of the treatment stars 1, 2 are moved into the transfer section 11, the ball head 23 is inserted into the ball socket 24 and causes the fluid inlets 6, 7 to pivot into the transfer position. This, in turn, causes a lifting movement H1, H2, so that the fluid inlets 6, 7 can no longer collide with each other. To ensure sufficient flexibility, the fluid inlets 6, 7 also have a bellows 25.

[0065] Figs. 11A, 11B also show an embodiment in which the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged side by side in the transfer section 11. In the example shown, the fluid supplies 6, 7 are both designed to be movable by a stroke movement H1, H2, wherein in the example shown, the stroke movements H1 and H2 are of equal size.

[0066] Fig. 11A shows the fluid inlets 6, 7 in a treatment position, whereby it is clear that, in principle, both fluid inlets 6, 7 can be arranged with their end sections 6A, 7A in the container 4. This is made possible by an adapted geometry, which is illustrated in the sectional view according to Fig. 11B. Accordingly, the end sections 6A, 7A each have a non-circular cross-section. This reduces the width in the direction of the respective opposite fluid inlets 6, 7 and simultaneously creates a sufficiently large cross-section that allows the introduction of the fluid.

[0067] Fig. 12 shows a configuration in which the fluid feeds 6, 7 are arranged obliquely, so that the lifting movements H1, H2 also occur obliquely with respect to the container 4. Accordingly, in the transfer position shown in Fig. 12, the fluid feeds 6, 7 are also arranged side by side. The stroke is effected by a drive 16.

[0068] 13 to 16 show various embodiments with a second treatment starwheel 2, which has a treatment device designed as a closer 26. By means of this closer 26, the containers 4 can be closed by screwing a closure cap onto the containers 4 by rotation. The closer 26 can be moved in a stroke H3 running in the vertical direction, wherein the stroke H3 is intended exclusively for screwing the closure cap onto the container 4. The treatment starwheel 1, on the other hand, has a fluid supply 6, which is designed to be movable over a stroke H4 running in the radial direction, so that the closer 26 and the fluid supply 6 can be arranged next to one another in the transfer section 11 without colliding. A cam-controlled drive 15 is provided for this purpose.A roller 15A arranged on the fluid supply 6 rolls along a guide curve 15B, with the roller 15A and the guide curve 15A being configured for radial movement. The fluid supply 6 can then be returned to the treatment position by means of a spring element 22. Fig. 14 shows a similar configuration, with the curve 15B arranged directly on the sealer 26.

[0069] According to Fig. 15, the fluid supply 6 of the first treatment starwheel 6 is arranged to be movable both vertically over the stroke H1 and radially over the stroke H4. A pivoting mechanism 27 is provided for adjustment, which is driven by a pneumatic drive 15.

[0070] The design according to Fig. 16 is similar to that of Fig. 14, but instead of a purely radial offset, pivoting in the radial direction takes place. Figs. 17 to 19 show a design in which the fluid feeds 6, 7 of at least one of the treatment stars 1, 2 are designed to be movable in both a vertical direction and a radial direction. For better clarity, however, only the first treatment star

[0071] 1 shown.

[0072] Fig. 17 shows the container 2 shortly before entering the transfer section 11, wherein the fluid supply 6 is partially closed for the filling process in the container

[0073] 2. The treatment star 1 further comprises a first drive 15 with a roller 15A and a guide curve 15B, via which a stroke H can be effected in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a second drive 16 is also provided, which effects a stroke in the radial direction by means of a roller 16B and a guide curve 16B. According to Fig. 17, the first drive 16 and the fluid supply 6 are coupled to one another by means of a magnetically designed actuating element 28, so that the first drive 15 can act on the fluid supply 6.

[0074] In the transfer section 11, the first drive 15, as shown in Fig. 18, causes the fluid supply 6 to be guided out of the container 2. At the same time, the roller 16A of the second drive 16 is brought into contact with the associated guide curve 16B.

[0075] According to Fig. 19, the actuating element 28 then decouples the first drive 15 from the fluid supply 6, so that the second drive 16 can effect a stroke in the radial direction. By means of the radial stroke, a collision with the opposite fluid supply 7 can be avoided. Behind the transfer section 11, the fluid supply 6 is then introduced into another container 2 in the reverse order. List of reference symbols second treatment star second treatment star third treatment star

[0076] container

[0077] Fluid supplies of the first treatment star

[0078] Fluid supply of the second treatment star

[0079] Transfer star fourth treatment star fifth treatment star

[0080] handover section

[0081] Container holder

[0082] Shielding bell

[0083] Head area of ​​first drive A Roller of the first drive B Guide curve of the first drive Second drive A Roller of the second drive B Guide curve of the second drive

[0084] Driver

[0085] Hose

[0086] guide tube

[0087] swivel joint

[0088] spring element

[0089] ball head

[0090] ball socket

[0091] bellows

[0092] Closer pivoting mechanism

[0093] Control element 29 pipe curve

[0094] 30 fork element

[0095] H Hub

[0096] T Transport direction

Claims

Container treatment arrangement for the beverage industry with at least a first and a second rotatably driven treatment star (1, 2), which each have a plurality of container receptacles (12) arranged along the circumference for transporting containers (4) and each have a treatment device for treating the containers (4), wherein at least the treatment device of the first treatment star (1) has a plurality of fluid feeds (6), wherein the fluid feeds (6) are each assigned to a container receptacle (12), characterized in that the first and the second treatment star (1, 2) are directly connected to one another in a transport direction (T) in a transfer section (11).Container treatment arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment device of the second treatment star (2) also has a plurality of fluid supplies (7), wherein the fluid supplies (7) are each assigned to a container receptacle (12). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid supplies (6) of the treatment device of at least the first treatment star (1) are arranged along a treatment section in a treatment position and in a transfer section (11) in a different transfer position. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the fluid supplies (6, 7) of the treatment devices of the first and / or the second treatment star (1, 2) can each be moved in the transfer section (11) by a movement from the treatment position to the transfer position. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the treatment position and the transfer position are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. Container treatment arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fluid supplies (6, 7) of the first and / or second treatment starwheel (1, 2) are designed to be arranged with an end section in the containers (3) in the treatment position. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least the fluid supplies (6) of the first treatment starwheel (1) are adjustable for lifting movement via an associated drive (15). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least the fluid supplies (6) of the first treatment starwheel (1) are adjustable for pivoting movement via an associated drive (15).Container treatment arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the drive (15) is cam-controlled. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that at least the fluid feeds (6) of the first treatment star (1) are connected to a fork element (30) which at least partially surrounds a pipe curve (29). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a collision avoidance device for preventing a collision of the fluid feeds (6) in the transfer section (11). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that sections of the treatment devices are arranged one above the other and / or next to one another in the radial direction, at least in the transfer section (11). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the fluid supplies (6) of the treatment device of the first treatment starwheel (1) are designed to be displaceable in a radial direction or pivotable in a circumferential direction. Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid supplies (6) of at least the first treatment starwheel (1) are inclined. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a third treatment starwheel (3) is arranged directly in front of the first or behind the second treatment starwheel (1, 2) in the transport direction (T).Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second treatment star (1, 2) are configured to sterilize the containers (4), fill the containers (4), or rinse the containers (4). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) are configured to treat the containers (4) in different ways. Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a treatment device which is designed to close the containers (4). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a stationary treatment device. Method for treating containers, in particular beverage bottles, in a container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the containers (4) are fed to the first treatment star (1) and the containers (4) are subjected to a first fluid for treatment in the first treatment star (1), wherein the containers (4) are then transferred directly from the first treatment star (1) to the second treatment star (2).Method according to claim 20, wherein the containers (4) in the second treatment star (2) are supplied with a second fluid for treatment. Method according to claim 21, wherein the first and second fluids differ from one another. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the containers in one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) are closed with a closure cap for treatment. Method according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the fluid supplies (6, 7) are arranged with an end section in the containers (4) during treatment. Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the containers (4) are rinsed, sterilized and / or filled by means of the container treatment device of the first and / or the second treatment star (1, 2).

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