Machine for treating containers, such as bottles

Abstract

Container treatment machine (100) for treating containers (110), such as bottles, in a treatment process, the container treatment machine (100) comprising at least two treatment zones (120, 130) with associated treatment parameters for treating the containers (110) and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to set the treatment parameters based on a treatment performance to be achieved and at least one physical and / or chemical optimization condition using a model (310) indicative of the treatment performance.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment machine for treating containers, such as bottles, according to claim 1, and to a method for treating containers, such as bottles, with a container treatment machine according to claim 9. State of the art

[0002] Container treatment machines for treating containers are known from the prior art. It is particularly known to also adjust treatment parameters of the container treatment machine, such as current consumption, media temperatures, or similar parameters.

[0003] For example, in the field of container cleaning machines, CN 116899970 A discloses an intelligent cleaning control system for a fully automatic ultrasonic bottle cleaning machine based on various monitoring, analysis, and control modules as well as a database. Here, cleaning equipment is controlled container-dependently according to the degree of soiling in order to guarantee the desired cleaning quality, while reducing energy consumption and resource waste.

[0004] However, the latter is only possible to a limited extent. In particular, it is not possible to meaningfully adjust an immersion bath to individual containers, and changes, for example to the temperature of the immersion bath, are very time-consuming.

[0005] Container cleaning machines, but also container treatment machines in general, typically have a high energy consumption or can only be adapted to changing treatment requirements with difficulty, especially with a large time delay. Technical task

[0006] Starting from the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for treating containers that reliably and efficiently achieves the desired treatment performance. Solution

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the container treatment machine according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The container treatment machine according to the invention for treating containers, such as bottles, comprises at least two treatment zones with associated treatment parameters for treating the containers and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to set the treatment parameters based on a treatment performance to be achieved and at least one physical and / or chemical optimization condition using a model indicative of the treatment performance.

[0009] A treatment zone describes a spatial region or area within the container treatment machine in which treatment devices for treating the containers are arranged and uniquely assigned to the treatment zone. Within the treatment zone, the containers are preferably treated by identical treatment devices in exactly one manner. A treatment zone can, for example, be an immersion bath, a group of ultrasonic emitters, or an arrangement of printheads, laser emitters, or spray nozzles. Optionally, at least two of the treatment zones can spatially overlap, so that a container within the same spatial region can be treated in several ways, each corresponding to one of the overlapping treatment zones.

[0010] Possible treatment methods include immersion in a bath, sonication with ultrasound, spraying, splashing or rinsing with a treatment fluid, flowing around the containers or suctioning the containers.

[0011] Spraying the containers refers to the diffuse application of a treatment fluid onto the container surface, for example, atomizing the treatment fluid into a mist.

[0012] Spraying containers refers to the directed application of a treatment fluid onto the container surface. It is possible to spray the inside and / or outside of a container.

[0013] Rinsing the containers can be achieved, for example, by submerging or pouring a treatment fluid over them.

[0014] The flow around the containers is achieved, for example, by means of a suction opening, such as a suction slot, or by pushing off through underswells.

[0015] Suction is achieved, for example, using a suction opening, such as a suction slot.

[0016] Treatment parameters refer to those operating parameters of the container treatment machine that characterize the treatment performance of the treatment zones. In particular, the treatment performance can be represented as a function of the treatment parameters, which is optionally continuous and / or at least piecewise differentiable.

[0017] Examples of treatment parameters include the treatment duration in a treatment zone, the temperature of an immersion bath, the temperature of a treatment medium, the concentration of chemical additives in an immersion bath, the number of ultrasonic emitters switched on in a treatment zone and / or their power and / or frequency, the chemical composition of a treatment fluid, the quality or degree of contamination of a treatment medium (such as a treatment fluid), the quantity and / or pressure of the applied treatment fluid or the number of sprays, the volume flow and / or the type of nozzle and spray jet when spraying or splashing or rinsing the containers, the strength of flows at suction openings and / or of additional flows due to underswells and / or the suction force of a suction opening.

[0018] The treatment performance of the container treatment machine refers to the sum of all zone performances, i.e., the treatment performances of the individual treatment zones, and depends on the values ​​of the treatment parameters. Preferably, the container treatment machine is designed so that the treatment performance can be varied within a certain range by adjusting the treatment parameters.

[0019] The treatment performance can, for example, be a cleaning performance that quantitatively indicates the degree to which the container treatment machine removes contaminants. Conversely, the cleaning performance indicates the maximum degree of soiling the containers can tolerate before they are completely cleaned using the selected treatment parameters.

[0020] The target treatment performance is the treatment performance that the container treatment machine should deliver after setting suitable treatment parameters. The target treatment performance can depend, for example, on the type of container and / or its intended use and / or its condition and / or the location of the container treatment machine and / or external factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, and / or the UV index. Optionally, the target treatment performance can differ for the inside and outside of the containers. It is conceivable that the target treatment performance is selected to exceed the expected maximum required treatment performance in order to guarantee reliable treatment even if the treatment performance required for individual containers varies more than anticipated.

[0021] The model indicative of treatment performance specifies the treatment performance of the container treatment machine as a function of the treatment parameters. It can, for example, be represented as the sum of all zone performances as a function of the treatment parameters.

[0022] The optimization condition is a criterion that must be met when setting the treatment parameters. The optimization condition can be a physical and / or chemical criterion, where a physical criterion, for example, includes one or more thermal and / or mechanical state variables (such as energy, temperature, etc., as will be explained later). The optimization condition can, for example, include the highest possible energy efficiency and / or the lowest possible consumption of energy and / or treatment media and / or the shortest possible treatment time and / or the least possible damage to the container (especially when treating glass or plastic containers) and / or the lowest possible fresh water consumption and / or the lowest possible CO2 equivalent.

[0023] Setting the treatment parameters involves an optimization procedure. The optimal parameters are found by equating the desired treatment performance with the treatment performance expressed by the corresponding indicative model, while also fulfilling the optimization condition. This might involve minimizing a function of treatment parameters. For example, if the optimization condition is energy consumption, the optimization procedure might involve minimizing a function indicative of energy consumption, taking the desired treatment performance as a constraint. The resulting treatment parameter values ​​can then be used to control / operate the tank treatment machine.

[0024] The container treatment machine according to the invention thus makes it possible to optimize the container treatment process for a given optimization condition and a given treatment performance to be achieved (optionally separately for the treatment of the inside and outside), whereby the optimization is carried out simultaneously for any number of containers that, for example, require at least approximately the same treatment performance. This makes it possible to exploit a global optimum for the total number of containers and to deliver a reliable treatment result.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control system can be configured to vary the treatment parameters within predefined limits. This gives the operator of the container treatment machine greater control over the treatment process, allowing for more nuanced adjustments. For example, when cleaning containers with strongly adhesive labels, the focus can be placed on external cleaning, perhaps by increasing the mechanical action applied to the exterior. In particular, it is conceivable that the control system could be configured so that certain treatment types cannot be completely omitted. Overall, limiting the permissible values ​​for treatment parameters can thus ensure a more reliable treatment result.

[0026] It can also be provided that the control system is designed to adjust the treatment parameters based on a target treatment performance independent of the specific container. Thus, the target treatment performance does not depend on individual containers. This allows similarities between containers to be exploited to find a global optimum that ensures a reliable treatment outcome.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, it can be stipulated that at least one container is inspected after treatment and the control system is further configured to adjust the treatment parameters based on the inspection result. This allows for adjustment of the treatment parameters if the treatment result is unsatisfactory with the originally determined parameters. This makes it possible to find optimal treatment parameters with which a reliable treatment result is achieved.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that at least one container is inspected before treatment and that the control system is further configured to determine the desired treatment performance based on the inspection results and to adjust the treatment parameters accordingly. Furthermore, it may be optionally provided that the inspection results from inspections before and after treatment can be compared.

[0029] The treatment zones can each be configured to treat containers chemically, mechanically, and / or thermally, with the treatment zones optionally differing in one type of container treatment. This enables effective treatment.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least two of the treatment zones may overlap spatially. This allows for the exploitation of synergistic effects between treatment types and / or the minimization of container transport between treatment zones, thus enabling a more reliable treatment result and / or a better optimum, for example, if the optimization condition includes the shortest possible total treatment time.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the container treatment machine can be designed to achieve at least partially independent treatment performance on the inside and outside of the containers, with the control system being configured to independently adjust at least one treatment parameter for the treatment of the inside and outside of the containers. By considering the inside and outside of the containers separately or at least partially independently, it is possible to address differences between them by defining different treatment performance targets and / or using different treatment methods. This also improves the treatment optimum while ensuring reliable treatment.

[0032] The container treatment machine can be a container cleaning machine or include a container cleaning machine, where the treatment performance is a cleaning performance or includes a cleaning performance. This enables an optimized cleaning process for containers.

[0033] In a further development of this embodiment, a treatment zone comprises an immersion bath through which the containers are passed, at least one ultrasonic emitter, at least one spray device and / or a spraying device, at least one cleaning element for rinsing the containers, and at least one suction opening. These devices can also be generally referred to as cleaning devices. Other cleaning devices are also conceivable.

[0034] Treatment zones may differ in the type of cleaning equipment used.

[0035] Each of the above-mentioned cleaning devices enables effective cleaning of the containers, especially when treatment zones with different types of cleaning devices are combined.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the container cleaning machine may include at least one cleaning device for cleaning a container in at least two treatment zones, wherein the control system is configured to set a zone performance of the cleaning device for each treatment zone by adjusting the treatment parameters. This allows the container cleaning machine to operate with optimal treatment parameters, thereby achieving the desired treatment performance.

[0037] According to the invention, a method for treating containers, such as bottles, with a container treatment machine is further provided. The container treatment machine comprises at least two treatment zones with associated treatment parameters for treating the containers and a control system. The control system sets the treatment parameters based on a desired treatment performance and at least one physical and / or chemical optimization condition using a model indicative of the treatment performance. Thus, the method is optimized for a given optimization condition and a given desired treatment performance, with the optimization being performed simultaneously for any number of containers that, for example, require at least approximately the same treatment performance. This allows for the exploitation of a global optimum for the total number of containers and ensures a reliable treatment result.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control system can vary the treatment parameters within predefined limits. This gives the operator of the container treatment machine more control over the treatment process, allowing for more nuanced adjustments. In particular, it is conceivable that the control system could be configured so that certain treatment types cannot be completely omitted. Overall, limiting the permissible values ​​for treatment parameters can thus ensure a more reliable treatment result.

[0039] In one embodiment, the control system can adjust the treatment parameters based on a target treatment performance independent of the specific container. This allows the system to exploit similarities between containers to find a global optimum that ensures a reliable treatment result.

[0040] It can be provided that at least one container is inspected before and / or after treatment, and the control system adjusts the treatment parameters based on the inspection results. Optionally, it can be provided that the inspection results from before and after treatment are compared. This allows, for example, the treatment parameters to be adjusted if the treatment result is unsatisfactory with the originally determined parameters. In this way, optimal treatment parameters are found to achieve a reliable treatment result.

[0041] In one embodiment, the containers are chemically and / or mechanically and / or thermally treated in the treatment zones, with the type of container treatment optionally differing for each treatment zone. This ensures effective container treatment.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, it can be stipulated that at least two of the treatment zones overlap spatially. This allows for the exploitation of synergistic effects between treatment types and / or minimizes the transport of containers between treatment zones, leading to a more reliable treatment outcome and / or a better optimum, for example, if the optimization condition includes the shortest possible overall treatment time.

[0043] It can be provided that at least partially independent treatment performance is achieved on the inside and outside of the containers, with the control system independently setting at least one treatment parameter for the treatment of the inside and outside of the containers. By considering the inside and outside of the containers at least partially independently, differences between them are addressed, for example, by defining different treatment performance targets and / or using different treatment methods. This improves the treatment optimum while ensuring reliable treatment.

[0044] In one embodiment, the container treatment machine is or includes a container cleaning machine, wherein the method comprises cleaning containers with the container cleaning machine. Thus, containers are cleaned optimally.

[0045] In a further development of this embodiment, containers in a treatment zone can be cleaned by immersion in a bath, and / or by ultrasonic cleaning, and / or by spraying and / or splashing, and / or by rinsing, and / or by flowing around them, for example by suction or scraping. The treatment zones can differ in the type of cleaning equipment used. Each of the above-mentioned cleaning methods leads to effective cleaning of the containers, especially when treatment zones with different cleaning methods are combined.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the container cleaning machine can be configured to clean a container with at least one cleaning unit in at least two treatment zones, with the control system setting the cleaning unit's zone performance for each treatment zone by adjusting the treatment parameters. This ensures the container cleaning machine operates at optimal treatment parameters, thereby achieving the desired treatment performance.

[0047] All of the described embodiments can also be provided in combination with each other. Brief description of the characters

[0048] Fig. 1 Schematic representation of an embodiment of a container treatment machine according to the invention. Fig. 2 Schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment as a container cleaning machine. Fig. 3 Flowchart of the method according to the invention. Detailed description

[0049] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a container treatment machine 100 according to the invention. This machine comprises a transport device 101 with which containers 110, such as bottles, are transported along a transport path through the container treatment machine. The invention is not limited to the treatment of bottles and can, for example, also be applied to the treatment of cans, tubes, or medical components such as syringes.

[0050] The transport route is shown here as an example of a linear conveyor belt, but in principle it can be of any shape. In particular, the transport route does not have to be uniform throughout and can, for example, include several types of container transport, such as suspended along a transfer star, over a sliding area, or similar.

[0051] Along the transport route, there are at least two treatment zones 120, 130, each with at least one treatment unit 121, 131, with which the containers 110 can be treated. The treatment units are not limited in their design or number. However, they are preferably the treatment units that perform the treatment of the container in the respective container treatment machine. The treatment units in the individual treatment zones can be different in pairs. This means that treatment units in a first treatment zone are not provided in any of the other treatment zones. However, it is also possible that at least two treatment zones contain at least partially or completely identical treatment units.

[0052] The treatment of the containers 110 with the container treatment machine 100 is quantified by a treatment output, which results from the sum of the treatment outputs performed in the individual treatment zones 120 and 130, i.e., the zone outputs. A zone output depends on at least one treatment parameter assigned to the treatment zone. This allows the total treatment output of the container treatment machine 100 to be expressed as a function of the treatment parameters or to be modeled with a model indicative of the treatment output.

[0053] In Fig. 1 Two treatment zones 120 and 130 are shown as examples; however, in principle, any number of additional treatment zones can be provided.

[0054] The container treatment machine 100 further comprises a control system (for example, a computer with an associated processor and memory, not shown separately here) which is configured to set the treatment parameters of the treatment zones 120, 130 based on a desired treatment performance and at least one optimization condition, and using a model indicative of the treatment performance. This will be described in more detail in connection with the Figure 3 discussed. All embodiments described therein can be compared with the embodiments of the Figure 1 can be combined.

[0055] The optimization condition can include, for example, the highest possible energy efficiency and / or the lowest possible consumption of treatment media and / or the shortest possible treatment time and / or the least possible damage to containers (especially when treating glass or plastic containers) and / or the lowest possible fresh water consumption and / or the lowest possible CO2 equivalent. However, other optimization criteria or combinations of criteria may also be specified.

[0056] The control system may be configured to vary treatment parameters within predefined limits. For example, the temperature of an immersion bath may be set only to values ​​within certain limits, such as between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius. Additionally or alternatively, the control system may be configured to vary the concentration of chemical additives, such as sodium hydroxide, in a treatment fluid within certain percentage ranges, such as between 0 and 5%. This can, for example, ensure that the pH value of the treatment fluid remains within certain limits. Furthermore, the system may be configured to vary the power output of a group of treatment devices, such as ultrasonic emitters, and / or the number of emitters activated within predefined limits.It would also be conceivable, for example, to vary the pressure with which a spraying device applies a container with a treatment fluid, within specified limits.

[0057] Furthermore, the control system can be configured to adjust the treatment parameters based on a target treatment performance independent of the container. This target treatment performance may depend, for example, on the type of container and / or its intended use and / or its condition and / or the location of the container treatment machine and / or external factors such as ambient temperature and / or humidity. The target treatment performance can also be determined based on the aforementioned known influencing factors and / or the results of an inspection of the containers to be treated, for example, by a camera.It is conceivable that the target treatment performance is chosen to exceed the expected maximum required treatment performance, for example by 10% or 20%, in order to guarantee reliable treatment even if the treatment performance required for individual containers varies more than expected. In one embodiment, the target treatment performance could be the target cleaning performance of a container cleaning machine. Here, the target cleaning performance could be specified, for example, as a predetermined number of cleaning units (CU). The necessary number of cleaning units, which defines the target cleaning performance, can be determined, for example, by prior automatic or manual inspection of a small number of containers to be cleaned, such as bottles.Depending on the degree of soiling of the containers, the cleaning performance can be set to a value that enables the most thorough cleaning possible. For example, in a version where containers are printed, this could refer to the thickness of the printed layer. If the treatment process includes the application of labels, the desired treatment performance could, for instance, refer to the adhesive strength of the applied labels. Other treatment performances are also conceivable.

[0058] It can be provided that at least one container 110 can be inspected after treatment by an inspection device 140, and that the control system is further configured to adjust the treatment parameters based on the inspection result. The inspection device 140 can, for example, be a camera. The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether, and to what extent, the container treatment achieves a desired treatment result. The inspection device 140 is shown here as an example downstream (in the transport direction of the containers) of the last treatment zone and inspects containers that have already been fully treated. However, it can also be provided that the inspection device is arranged between two adjacent treatment zones.This inspection device can then be used to compare the condition of the containers after they have passed through a treatment zone and undergone the associated treatment process with a target condition. This allows for the determination of whether not only the overall treatment performance, but also any zone performance (i.e., treatment performance achieved by a single treatment zone) corresponds to the desired zone performance.

[0059] If containers are to be cleaned through the treatment process, for example, the inspection device 140 can verify whether the containers have been sufficiently cleaned and, if necessary, determine the degree and type of remaining contamination, such as the presence of label residue. The inspection result can then be used as an additional constraint in the optimization process. This can be done, for example, by adjusting the limits within which treatment parameters may lie. For instance, the minimum power of ultrasonic emitters or the pressure at which containers are sprayed can be increased. It is also possible to adjust the originally defined target treatment performance based on the inspection result.

[0060] Fig. 2shows a version in which the container treatment machine is designed as a container cleaning machine 200. All related to the Figure 1 The embodiments described above can be combined with the embodiments described below.

[0061] The exemplary container cleaning machine 200 of the Fig. 2 The system comprises a transport device 201 with which containers 210, such as bottles, are transported along a transport path through the container cleaning machine 200. The transport device 201 is shown here by way of example as transporting the containers suspended from the ground; however, other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0062] Along the transport route there are at least two, and here by way of example three, treatment zones 220, 230, 240 with respective treatment facilities 221, 231, 241, with which the containers 210 are treated. The treatment facilities 221, 231, 241 are, by way of example, three cleaning facilities for cleaning the containers 210.

[0063] Two or more treatment zones 220, 230 can overlap spatially, as shown here as an example, but this is not absolutely necessary.

[0064] This shows Fig. 2 For example, two spatially overlapping treatment zones 220, 230, wherein the containers 210 are passed through the immersion bath 221 of the treatment zone 220 and are simultaneously sonicated and thus cleaned by one or more ultrasonic emitters 231 of the treatment zone 230.

[0065] The immersion bath 221 contains, for example, a treatment fluid, such as water or an acidic or basic solution, and preferably includes an adjustable heating device so that the temperature of the treatment fluid can be set. Containers 210, which are passed through the immersion bath 221, can thus be cleaned by soaking. The treatment fluid may contain chemical additives. In particular, basic additives, such as sodium hydroxide, may be provided to effectively remove organic residues. However, acidic additives are also conceivable, which may be used, in particular, to remove mineral residues and / or neutralize alkaline residues. The temperature and the chemical composition of the treatment solution may be specified as treatment parameters for a treatment zone 220, which includes an immersion bath 221.

[0066] Following treatment zones 220, 230, shows Fig. 2For example, a further treatment zone 240 comprising treatment unit 241 for treating the containers 210 is shown. Treatment unit 241 is shown here as an example cleaning unit for cleaning the containers 210. Cleaning unit 241 can, for example, be at least one spray unit and / or spray device, but other cleaning units are also conceivable. Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one of the cleaning units 221, 231, 241 provides different treatment services for the inside and outside of the containers 210. For example, it can be provided that a cleaning unit 241 is designed as an internal spray, i.e., that it specifically applies cleaning fluid to the inside of the containers 210. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, that the ultrasonic emitters 231 achieve different cleaning services for the inside and outside of the containers.

[0067] Analogous to the description of the Figure 1 The container cleaning machine 200 also includes a control system, which is not shown separately here, designed to set the treatment parameters of the treatment zones 220, 230, 240 based on a treatment performance to be achieved and at least one optimization condition, and using a model indicative of the treatment performance.

[0068] The optimization condition can include, for example, energy efficiency and / or consumption of treatment media and / or treatment time and / or a CO2 equivalent. However, other optimization criteria or combinations of criteria may also be specified.

[0069] It may be intended that the control system varies treatment parameters within predetermined limits.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the control system may be designed to set a zone performance of the cleaning device 221, 231, 241 for each treatment zone 220, 230, 240 by adjusting the treatment parameters.

[0071] Fig. 3 Figure 300 shows a flowchart of the inventive method 300 for treating containers. First, in step 301, the treatment performance to be achieved by the container treatment machine as a whole is determined. As already mentioned above in connection with Figure 1As described, the treatment performance to be achieved can be specified in different ways. The invention is not limited in this respect. For the following discussion, it can be assumed by way of example that the treatment performance to be achieved (in particular a cleaning performance) is achieved by an automatic or manual inspection of the containers carried out before the treatment (cleaning) or by a customer specification.

[0072] Furthermore, in step 302 the optimization condition is defined, such as the highest possible energy efficiency. However, other optimization conditions are also conceivable.

[0073] The treatment performance to be achieved and the optimization condition are subsequently used together with a model 310 indicative of the treatment performance in the optimization procedure 320, wherein the model 310 indicative of the treatment performance specifies the treatment performance as a function of treatment parameters.

[0074] The various treatment parameters can be assigned different weightings with regard to cleaning performance and optimization conditions.

[0075] This will be explained in more detail using the following example. The example container treatment machine comprises two treatment zones, A and B, each treating containers in a way that depends only on one treatment parameter, a, b. For example, the zone performance of treatment zone A depends linearly on treatment parameter a, such that the zone performance of treatment zone A is, for example, determined by... a / 2 is given. The zone performance of treatment zone B is described here by way of example in 12b. The treatment performance L of the container treatment machine as a whole is then a function of the treatment parameters a and b: L ( away ) = a / 2 + 12 b. This is the model that is indicative for treatment performance.

[0076] Furthermore, the energy consumption of the exemplary container treatment machine is to be minimized. For this purpose, the energy consumption is also expressed as a function of the treatment parameters a and b. For treatment zone A, the energy consumption is now divided by 2 a Given, but for the treatment zone, the square is divided by 3. b 2< . This allows the energy consumption of the entire container treatment machine to be determined by E ( away ) = 2 a + 3 b 2< describe. Minimizing this function thus represents the optimization condition.

[0077] For the exemplary optimization procedure, the desired treatment performance and the permissible value ranges of the treatment parameters a and b are now defined. Values ​​of 10 and 100 are allowed for a, and values ​​between 0 and 10 for b. The desired treatment performance is given by L ( away ) = a / 2 + 12 b ≡ 120. Thus, a = 240 - 24b. Substituting this into the energy consumption function, this corresponds to E ( b ) = 480 - 48b + 3 b 2< .

[0078] The exemplary minimum energy consumption (in this case a global minimum) can now be found by simply differentiating with respect to b and then setting it equal to zero: dE db = -48 + 6 b ≡ 0 or b = 8. Substituting this into the formula for treatment performance means L ( a ) = a / 2 + 12 · 8 = a / 2 + 96 ≡ 120 ora = 48. The control system would thus set the treatment parameters of the exemplary container treatment machine to a = 48 and b = 8 and carry out the container treatment (e.g. cleaning) with these treatment parameters, achieving both the desired treatment result and optimized (in the sense of minimal) energy consumption.

[0079] This calculation is for illustrative purposes only. As an example, let's assume that treatment zone A is an immersion bath and treatment zone B comprises a series of ultrasonic emitters. Parameter a could, for instance, specify or be indicative of the temperature of the medium (such as water) in the immersion bath. Treatment parameter b could be the number of ultrasonic emitters operating at a specific power or be indicative of the ultrasonic emitters' power consumption. While this example optimizes the tank treatment based on energy consumption, other optimization conditions, such as the CO2 equivalent emitted per tank during treatment, the consumption of treatment media (e.g., sodium hydroxide in a cleaning bath), or the treatment time, are also used. This does not change the fundamental process.

[0080] While the example above only yielded a global minimum as the solution to the optimization problem, it is also conceivable that, depending on the functional relationship of the treatment parameters or the dimensionality of the problem, a multitude of minima / maxima could exist that lead to the desired optimization of the container treatment in principle. In such a case, it might be possible to first determine all minima / maxima numerically and then select the maximum / minimum that is most optimal (for example, one that consumes the least energy or has the shortest treatment time).

[0081] Depending on the complexity of the model indicative of the treatment performance and / or the optimization condition, it is also conceivable that the control system performs the optimization procedure numerically and / or iteratively, for example using the gradient descent method or other methods for numerically solving multidimensional optimization problems. Such methods are generally known to those skilled in the art and require no further explanation here.

[0082] The optimal values ​​321 of the treatment parameters found in the optimization procedure 320 are then applied by the control system in step 322 to control the treatment process of the containers in the container treatment machine. Since the specified treatment performance is carried out with treatment parameters optimized with respect to the optimization condition, a reliable treatment result is obtained in the most economically and / or ecologically efficient way possible.

[0083] Overall, the setting of the treatment parameters by the control system comprises steps 320 to 322, i.e. the optimization procedure, obtaining the optimal treatment parameters and applying them.

[0084] In the next step 330, the containers to be treated are fed into the container treatment machine. These are then treated in steps 340 and 341 in at least a first and a second treatment zone with the obtained treatment parameters. Fig. 3 Figure 340 shows an example of treatment in two treatment zones 340, 341; however, in principle, any number of additional treatment zones for the treatment of the containers are conceivable.

[0085] Finally, in step 350, the treated containers are discharged. These containers can then be fed into other container treatment machines, for example.

[0086] Additionally, optional step 360 may include the inspection of at least one container after treatment by an inspection device, such as a camera. Inspection 360 can be performed continuously or on a sample basis (for example, every 50 containers, every 100 containers, or every 1000 containers). The purpose of inspection 360 is to determine whether, and to what extent, the container treatment has achieved the desired result. The resulting inspection result 361 is then used by the control system in optimization procedure 320 to readjust the treatment parameters when steps 320 to 322 are repeated. This feedback can be implemented, for example, by adjusting the target treatment performance and / or by restricting the permissible parameter ranges.

[0087] For example, in a procedure 300 for cleaning containers, it can be checked whether the containers have been cleaned sufficiently and, if necessary, the degree and type of remaining contamination, such as the presence of label residue, can be determined. The inspection result 361 can then be used, if necessary, as an additional constraint in the optimization procedure 320. This can be done, for example, by adjusting the limits within which treatment parameters may vary. For instance, the minimum power of ultrasonic emitters or the pressure at which containers are sprayed can be increased. It is also possible to adjust the treatment performance to be achieved, originally defined in step 301, based on the inspection result 361.The optimization procedure 320 is then carried out again with this additional constraint, new optimal treatment parameters 321 are found and applied by the control in step 322.

[0088] Although the above discussion was conducted using a method for cleaning containers as an example, it is immediately apparent to the person skilled in the art that the method can also be applied to other types of container treatment.

Claims

1. Container treatment machine for treating containers, such as bottles, in a treatment process, the container treatment machine comprising at least two treatment zones with associated treatment parameters for treating the containers and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to set the treatment parameters based on a treatment performance to be achieved and at least one physical and / or chemical optimization condition using a model indicative of the treatment performance.

2. Container treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the control is configured to vary the treatment parameters within predetermined limits; and / or wherein the control is configured to set the treatment parameters based on a treatment performance to be achieved that is independent of the container; and / or wherein at least one container can be inspected after the treatment and the control is further configured to set the treatment parameters based on the inspection result.

3. Container treatment machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment zones are each configured to chemically and / or mechanically treat containers, wherein the treatment zones may optionally differ in a type of container treatment; and / or wherein at least two of the treatment zones spatially overlap.

4. Container treatment machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optimization condition comprises the highest possible energy efficiency and / or the lowest possible consumption of energy and / or treatment media and / or the shortest possible treatment time and / or the lowest possible container damage and / or the lowest possible use of fresh water and / or the lowest possible CO2 equivalent.

5. Container treatment machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, configured to achieve at least partially independent treatment performance on the inside and outside of the containers, wherein the control is configured to independently set at least one treatment parameter for the container treatment of the inside and outside.

6. Container treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container treatment machine is a container cleaning machine or comprises a container cleaning machine and wherein the treatment performance is a cleaning performance or comprises a cleaning performance.

7. Container treatment machine according to claim 6, wherein a treatment zone comprises an immersion bath through which the containers can be passed; and / or wherein a treatment zone comprises at least one ultrasonic emitter; and / or wherein a treatment zone comprises at least one spray device and / or a spraying device; and / or wherein a treatment zone comprises at least one cleaning element for rinsing the containers; and / or wherein a treatment zone comprises laser emitters for treating the containers with lasers; and / or wherein a treatment zone comprises at least one suction opening and / or a subsurge device for flowing around or suctioning the containers.

8. Container treatment machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the container cleaning machine comprises at least one cleaning device for cleaning a container in at least two treatment zones, wherein the control is configured to set a zone performance of the cleaning device for each treatment zone by setting the treatment parameters.

9. Method for treating containers, such as bottles, with a container treatment machine, the container treatment machine comprising at least two treatment zones with associated treatment parameters for treating the containers and a control system, wherein the control system sets the treatment parameters based on a treatment performance to be achieved and at least one physical and / or chemical optimization condition using a model indicative of the treatment performance.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the control system varies the treatment parameters within predetermined limits; and / or wherein the control system sets the treatment parameters based on a treatment performance to be achieved that is independent of the container; and / or wherein at least one container is inspected after the treatment and the control system sets the treatment parameters based on the inspection result.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the containers in the treatment zones are chemically and / or mechanically treated, wherein optionally the type of container treatment differs for each treatment zone; and / or wherein at least two of the treatment zones spatially overlap; and / or wherein the optimization condition comprises energy efficiency and / or consumption of treatment media and / or treatment time and / or CO2 equivalent.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least partially independent treatment performance is achieved on the inside and outside of the containers, wherein the control system independently sets at least one treatment parameter for the treatment of the inside and outside of the containers.

13. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the container treatment machine is a container cleaning machine or comprises a container cleaning machine and wherein the method comprises cleaning containers with the container cleaning machine.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein containers in a treatment zone are cleaned by immersion in a bath; and / or wherein containers in a treatment zone are cleaned by laser treatment; and / or wherein containers in a treatment zone are cleaned by sonication with ultrasound; and / or wherein containers in a treatment zone are cleaned by spraying and / or splashing; and / or wherein containers in a treatment zone are cleaned by rinsing; and / or wherein containers in a treatment zone are cleaned by flow, suction or by means of subsurface flow using a suction opening and / or a subsurface flow device.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the container cleaning machine cleans a container with at least one cleaning device in at least two treatment zones, wherein the control system sets a zone performance of the cleaning device for each treatment zone by adjusting the treatment parameters.

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