Container treatment system with container cleaning device and container conveyor

Abstract

The container treatment system (10) comprises a container cleaning device (22) with a container inlet (24) and a container outlet (26). The container treatment system (10) further comprises an inlet container conveyor (34) which has inlet container supports (36) that are movable in several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) consisting of several inlet container supports (36) in succession towards the container inlet (24) for the purpose of transporting containers (12) in groups towards the container inlet (24). Alternatively or additionally, the container treatment plant (10) also has a discharge container conveyor (42) which has discharge container supports (44) that can be moved in several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) from several of the discharge container supports (44) successively away from the container discharge (26) for transporting containers (12) away from the container discharge (26) in groups.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment plant comprising a container cleaning device and at least one container conveyor. The invention further relates to a method for operating a container treatment plant with a container cleaning device and at least one container conveyor. Technical background

[0002] Containers for storing liquids, such as beverages or food, have been around for decades. They can be divided into single-use and reusable containers. Reusable containers are typically returned to the beverage producer / bottling plant after being emptied by the consumer. There, they are cleaned and then refilled. This cycle can be repeated many times.

[0003] The cleaning of reusable bottles (primarily made of glass and PET) has followed a similar principle for several decades. The soiled bottles are cleaned in a container cleaning system, mainly using a variety of spray nozzles and immersion baths with water and alkaline solutions to remove germs and dirt. Labels or decorations applied to the containers can also be removed during the cleaning process.

[0004] Container cleaning systems are designed to clean a large number of containers per unit of time. The containers to be cleaned can be moved through the cleaning system in cell carriers. Each cell carrier can hold multiple container cells, each capable of holding one container. Depending on the cleaning system's capacity, this can range from 8 to 74 container cells per cell carrier. At the cleaning system's infeed, an entire cell carrier can be fully loaded with soiled containers in a single step. Typical cycle times are usually in the range of 2 to 3.5 seconds. This means that the container cells of a new cell carrier are filled every 2 to 3.5 seconds.

[0005] It is possible to feed the containers to be cleaned to the container cleaning device via a bulk conveyor. From there, the containers are transferred to a so-called pusher table. On this table, the containers are evenly distributed across the entire width of the container cleaning device and placed into the individual lanes / aisles. At the end of each lane, the foremost container can be lifted by a pusher finger and inserted into the passing container cell.

[0006] A disadvantage of the technique described above is, among other things, that the containers being cleaned are subjected to very high mechanical stress on the pressure table (pressure, friction, etc.). This causes wear on the containers, which is primarily evident in the formation of so-called scuffing rings. This reduces the service life of the containers. Furthermore, the pressure can repeatedly lead to undesirable effects, such as individual containers tipping over or rising up. These malfunctions must be rectified manually by the operator. Similar problems can arise at the outlet of the container cleaning device, where the cleaned containers exit the device in the mass flow. It is also possible that individual container cells may not be loaded with a container (e.g., due to...).because a basket insert of the relevant container cell is damaged / defective or because a defective container or other object has become wedged in the container cell).

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for feeding containers to a container cleaning device and / or for removing containers from a container cleaning device, which preferably overcomes one or more of the disadvantages described above. Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] One aspect concerns a container treatment plant. The container treatment plant has a container cleaning device with a (e.g., multi-lane) container inlet and a (e.g., multi-lane) container outlet. The container treatment plant also has an inlet container conveyor, preferably a single-lane. The inlet container conveyor has inlet container holders that can be moved sequentially towards the container inlet in several (e.g., two, three, or four) groups, each consisting of several inlet container holders, for the purpose of transporting containers to the container inlet in groups. Alternatively or additionally, the container treatment plant also has an outlet container conveyor, preferably a single-lane. The outlet container conveyor has outlet container holders that can be moved sequentially towards the container inlet in several (e.g.,two or three or four) groups of several of the outlet container holders can be moved one after the other away from the container outlet for transporting containers away from the container outlet in groups.

[0010] Advantageously, the inlet and outlet container conveyors enable independent, group-based container transport, eliminating the need for a bulk feeder / discharge system (e.g., with a push table). The containers do not touch during feeding / discharge, thus largely preventing mechanical stress and significantly reducing wear. Pushing and shoving are eliminated, eliminating undefined situations. With conventional technology, container movement on the push table is often dependent on friction coefficients, which can vary considerably depending on the level of contamination of the reusable bottles. In contrast, the proposed technology allows for controlled container guidance at all times, resulting in increased process reliability compared to conventional technology.

[0011] For example, the inlet container conveyor may have a control device configured to operate the inlet container conveyor in such a way that the inlet container holders are moved in multiple groups of several inlet container holders towards the container inlet for group transport of the containers towards the container inlet.

[0012] For example, the discharge container conveyor may have a control device configured to operate the discharge container conveyor in such a way that the discharge container holders in the multiple groups of several discharge container holders are moved successively away from the container discharge to transport containers away from the container discharge in groups.

[0013] In one embodiment, the container cleaning device has several (e.g., parallel) tracks (e.g., inlet tracks, outlet tracks, or transport tracks), and the number of inlet container holders per group and / or the number of outlet container holders per group corresponds to the number of tracks. This advantageously enables fast and efficient feeding and removal of the containers, which can realize the aforementioned benefits such as reduced wear on the containers and increased process reliability.

[0014] In another embodiment, the multiple groups of inlet container supports are movable at intervals from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple groups of outlet container supports are movable at intervals from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple groups of inlet container supports are movable independently of one another. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple groups of outlet container supports are movable independently of one another. For example, the control unit of the inlet container conveyor and / or the outlet container conveyor can be configured accordingly to operate the inlet container conveyor / outlet container conveyor. Advantageously, the groups can thus be moved and accelerated independently of one another, creating gaps between the groups.The gaps can be used to advantage so that each group has enough time directly in front of the container inlet / outlet to come to a brief standstill and hand over / take over their containers before the next group approaches.

[0015] In one embodiment, the container inlet has several tracks arranged side by side in a row, preferably parallel to each other, and a transfer section of the inlet container conveyor, preferably single-track, extends, preferably parallel to each other, along the row. Alternatively or additionally, the container outlet has several tracks arranged side by side in a row, preferably parallel to each other, and a transfer section of the outlet container conveyor, preferably single-track, extends, preferably parallel to each other, along the row. Advantageously, this allows for the simultaneous filling of all container cells in the respective row or the simultaneous removal of containers from all container cells in the respective row, even though the inlet / outlet container conveyor can be single-track.

[0016] In another embodiment, the inlet container conveyor (e.g., by means of a control device) is configured to move the several groups sequentially to the container inlet and to temporarily stop each group before the inlet to simultaneously transfer the containers transported in each group. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet container conveyor (e.g., by means of a control device) is configured to temporarily stop each group before the container outlet to simultaneously receive the containers to be transported in each group from the outlet and to move them sequentially away from the outlet. This advantageously enables a reliable transfer / receipt of several containers simultaneously.

[0017] In one configuration, the inlet container conveyor and / or the outlet container conveyor is a long-stator linear motor conveyor, a short-stator linear motor conveyor, or a planar motor conveyor. A conveyor configured in this way can advantageously enable independent movement of the container supports in a simple manner. Furthermore, new functions can be easily implemented purely through control technology (via software). For example, individual lane or cell isolation can be implemented. If, for instance, a defective container cell is not to be loaded, it is simply not approached by a container support on the conveyor. In this particular cycle, a group would then consist of, for example, one fewer container support than the number of lanes of the container cleaning device.

[0018] In another embodiment, the inlet container conveyor has several moving devices (e.g., movers or shuttles) that are independently movable, individually driven (preferably magnetically or mechanically), and / or each carry at least one of the multiple inlet container supports. Optionally, the inlet container conveyor can also have a control unit configured to operate the conveyor such that the multiple moving devices move the inlet container supports, in multiple groups of several supports each, sequentially towards the container inlet. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet container conveyor has several moving devices (e.g.,The discharge container conveyor consists of movers or shuttles that are independently movable, individually driveable (preferably magnetically or mechanically), and / or each supporting at least one of the multiple discharge container holders. Optionally, the discharge container conveyor can also include a control device configured to operate the conveyor such that the multiple moving devices move the discharge container holders, in multiple groups of multiple holders, sequentially away from the container outlet.

[0019] In one embodiment, the container cleaning device is multi-lane, with several container cells per lane movable between the container inlet and outlet for (multi-lane) transport of the containers (e.g., one container per container cell) through the cleaning device. Preferably, the cleaning device includes a sensor device for monitoring the container cells for defects (e.g., damage or the presence of container fragments) on a (e.g., individual container cell) basis. Advantageously, this enables monitoring of the container cells for defects, allowing, for example, restricted operation of the cleaning device with selective blocking of defective container cells.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control unit of the inlet container conveyor can be configured to operate the inlet container conveyor depending on a signal output from the sensor device, e.g., such that the respective group size of the several groups of inlet container supports (e.g., dynamically and / or during operation) is adjusted depending on the signal output of the sensor device (e.g., to keep clear / omit a container cell indicated as defective). Alternatively or additionally, the control unit of the outlet container conveyor can, for example, be configured to operate the outlet container conveyor depending on a signal output from the sensor device and / or a signal output from the control unit of the inlet container conveyor, e.g., such that the respective group size of the several groups of outlet container supports (e.g.,The system dynamically and / or during operation is adjusted depending on the signal output of the sensor device and / or the signal output of the control unit of the inlet container conveyor (e.g., regarding the respective group size of the multiple groups of inlet container holders) (e.g., to prevent an empty run that would be caused by a defective container cell). Advantageously, this allows for only minimally restricted operation of the container cleaning system despite a defective container cell. The defective container cell can then be replaced, for example, during the next maintenance check, without significantly impairing the performance of the container cleaning system in the meantime.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inlet container conveyor has several circulating drive elements, preferably chains or belts, which can be driven individually, and each circulating drive element is connected to one of the several groups of inlet container supports for carrying the respective group, preferably mechanically. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the outlet container conveyor can have several circulating drive elements, preferably chains or belts, which can be driven individually, and each circulating drive element is connected to one of the several groups of outlet container supports for carrying the respective group, preferably mechanically. This advantageously allows for a comparatively simple design of the inlet / outlet container conveyor.

[0022] For example, a first rotating drive element of the inlet container conveyor can be connected to a first group of the several groups of inlet container supports for carrying the first group, preferably mechanically. For example, a second rotating drive element of the inlet container conveyor can be connected to a second group of the several groups of inlet container supports for carrying the second group, preferably mechanically; and optionally, etc.

[0023] For example, a first rotating drive element of the discharge container conveyor can be connected to a first group of several groups of discharge container supports for carrying the first group, preferably mechanically. For example, a second rotating drive element of the discharge container conveyor can be connected to a second group of several groups of discharge container supports for carrying the second group, preferably mechanically; and optionally, etc.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the container treatment system also includes at least one transfer device. This transfer device is configured to transfer the containers from the inlet container holders of the respective group transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the inlet container conveyor to the container inlet, preferably simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer device can be configured to transfer the containers from the container outlet transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the outlet container conveyor to the outlet container holders of the respective group, preferably simultaneously. This preferably enables a reliable transfer of the containers between the container holder and the container cleaning device.

[0025] For example, the at least one transfer device can be located in the area (e.g., in the receiving section) of the inlet container conveyor (e.g., opposite the container inlet), in the area of ​​the container cleaning device (e.g., at the container inlet and / or at the container outlet), and / or in the area (e.g., in the transfer section) of the outlet container conveyor (e.g., opposite the container outlet).

[0026] In one version, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The at least one transfer device is designed to pivot the inlet container holders of the respective group at the container inlet and / or on a path to the container inlet (e.g. downwards) (e.g., about a hinge of the respective inlet container holder); the at least one transfer device is designed to pivot the outlet container holders of the respective group at the container outlet and / or on a path to the container outlet (e.g., downwards) (e.g., about a hinge of the respective outlet container holder); the at least one transfer device has several (e.g., stationary or moving with the inlet container holders) push devices designed to push the containers from the inlet container holders of the respective group into the container inlet (e.g., into an insertion position); the at least one transfer device has several (e.g.,Stationary or moving (with the outlet container holders) push devices designed to push the containers from the container outlet into the outlet container holders of the respective group; the at least one transfer device has several pulling devices, preferably suction devices, designed to pull, preferably by suction, the containers from the inlet container holders of the respective group into the container inlet; and the at least one transfer device has several pulling devices, preferably suction devices, designed to pull, preferably by suction, the containers from the container outlet into the outlet container holders of the respective group.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the tank treatment plant also includes at least one buffer device for intermediate buffering of the tanks, wherein the buffer device is arranged upstream of the inlet tank conveyor and / or downstream of the outlet tank conveyor and optionally has a single-lane tank outlet and / or single-lane tank inlet. Alternatively or additionally, the tank treatment plant also includes an inspection device, preferably a single-lane, for inspecting the tanks (and, for example, the dependent discharge of tanks), wherein the inspection device is arranged upstream of the inlet tank conveyor. Advantageously, the buffer can enable an increase in the efficiency of the tank treatment plant. The inspection device can enable, for example,Damaged or excessively dirty containers can be diverted before reaching the inlet container conveyor and the container cleaning device, so that unnecessary energy etc. does not have to be expended for the transport and cleaning of these containers.

[0028] Preferably, the container handling system can be configured for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, decorating, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. The container handling system can, for example, be a beverage bottling plant.

[0029] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0030] Preferably, the term "control unit" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) and / or mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic controls, which, depending on their design, can perform control tasks, regulation tasks, and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass or refer to "regulation" or "feedback control" and / or "processing." The processing unit can, for example, be a central processing unit or comprise several decentralized or distributed processing units.

[0031] Another aspect relates to a method for operating a container treatment plant, preferably as disclosed herein. The method comprises: cleaning containers in a container cleaning device of the container treatment plant. The method further comprises at least one of: Transporting the containers in groups by means of several groups of inlet container holders of a, preferably single-track, inlet container conveyor of the container treatment plant to a (e.g. multi-track) container inlet of the container cleaning device; and transporting the containers in groups away from a (e.g. multi-track) container outlet of the container cleaning device by means of several groups of outlet container holders of a, preferably single-track, outlet container conveyor of the container treatment plant.

[0032] The same advantages can be achieved with this method as have already been described with reference to the tank treatment plant. The same applies to the preferred examples of the method explained below.

[0033] For example, the number of multiple inlet container holders per group and / or the number of multiple outlet container holders per group can correspond to a number of multiple (e.g., parallel) tracks (e.g., inlet tracks, outlet tracks, or transport tracks) of the container cleaning device.

[0034] It is possible that at least one of the following is fulfilled: The several groups of inlet container supports are moved at a distance from each other; the several groups of outlet container supports are moved at a distance from each other; the several groups of inlet container supports are moved independently of each other; the several groups of outlet container supports are moved independently of each other.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: Group transport involves: moving the several groups one after the other to the container inlet, temporarily stopping each group in front of the container inlet and simultaneously transferring the containers transported in each group from the temporarily stopped inlet container holders of the respective group to the container inlet; and group transport involves: temporarily stopping each group in front of the container outlet and simultaneously taking over the containers to be transported in each group from the container outlet to the temporarily stopped outlet container holders of the respective group and moving the several groups one after the other away from the container outlet.

[0036] In another embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of the following: (e.g., simultaneous) transfer (e.g., including pivoting, pushing, pulling, and / or suction) of the containers transported in groups from the inlet container holders of the respective group transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the inlet container conveyor to the container inlet by means of at least one transfer device of the container handling system; and (e.g., simultaneous) transfer (e.g., including pivoting, pushing, pulling, and / or suction) of containers from the container outlet transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the outlet container conveyor to the outlet container holders of the respective group by means of at least one transfer device of the container handling system.

[0037] In another embodiment, the container cleaning device is multi-lane, with several container cells per lane movable between the container inlet and the container outlet for transporting the containers through the container cleaning device. The method may preferably further comprise: (e.g., individual container cell) monitoring of the container cells for a fault (e.g., damage or the presence of container fragments) by means of a sensor device of the container cleaning device.

[0038] Preferably, at least one of the following may also be fulfilled: Group-based transport is dependent on monitoring, optionally such that the respective group size of the several groups of incoming container holders (e.g., dynamically and / or during operation) is adjusted depending on a monitoring error detection (e.g., to keep a container cell identified as defective clear); and group-based transport is dependent on monitoring and / or group-based transport, optionally such that the respective group size of the several groups of outgoing container holders (e.g., dynamically and / or during operation) is adjusted depending on a monitoring error detection and / or the respective group size of the several groups of incoming container holders (e.g., to prevent an empty run caused by a defective container cell).

[0039] It should be noted that the principle of group container transport to or from the container cleaning device can also be used in other container treatment devices where several containers are treated side by side in cycles or continuously, such as cycle filling machines.

[0040] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0041] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a section of a container treatment plant according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a container conveyor and a section of a container cleaning device of an exemplary container treatment plant; and Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a container conveyor and a section of a container cleaning device of an exemplary container treatment plant.

[0042] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0043] The Figure 1 shows a section of a container treatment plant 10 for treating containers 12.

[0044] The container treatment system 10 includes a container cleaning device 22 as well as an inlet container conveyor 34 and / or an outlet container conveyor 42. Optionally, the container treatment system 10 may also include, for example, a buffer device 14, an inspection device 18 and / or at least one transfer device 40, 50.

[0045] The buffer device 14 is preferably arranged upstream of the container conveyor 34 and the container cleaning device 22. It is also possible that the buffer device 14 or another buffer device is arranged, for example, downstream of the container cleaning device 22, i.e., for example, between the container cleaning device 22 and a filling device for filling the containers.

[0046] For example, the containers 12 can be fed to the buffer device 14 in a mass flow. The fed containers 12 can, for example, be unpacked by an unpacking device (not shown in Figure 1 ) are supplied. The supplied containers 12 may, for example, also include returned containers (containers sorted out before filling due to contamination) and / or (factory-)new containers.

[0047] The buffer device 14 can temporarily buffer the containers 12. The buffer area of ​​the buffer device 14 can, for example, consist of several conveyor belts arranged side by side to support the containers 12 from below. The conveyor belts can be individually driven by their own separate drives. The speeds of the individual conveyor belts can be adjusted so that the containers 12 are distributed across the entire buffer width with minimal back pressure. Preferably, the buffer device 14 can thus temporarily store the containers 12 with as little back pressure as possible.

[0048] The buffer device 14 preferably has a single-lane container outlet 16. The buffer device 14 can thus discharge the intermediately buffered containers 12 through the single-lane container outlet 16 as a single-lane container flow.

[0049] As an alternative to the buffer device 14, for example a merging device can be included which can combine the containers 12 from the mass flow into a single-lane container flow (not in Figure 1 (shown). It is also possible that the containers 12 leave the buffer device 14 in the mass flow and are combined by a merging device into a single-lane container flow (not shown). Figure 1 (shown).

[0050] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the containers 12 are provided by another device (e.g. an unpacking device) in a single lane and fed directly (without buffering) to the inspection device 18 or the container conveyor 34.

[0051] The inspection device 18 can be arranged at a position downstream of the buffer device 14 and / or upstream of the container conveyor 34.

[0052] The inspection device 18 can be configured to divert containers 12 that are not suitable for cleaning (e.g., defective or heavily soiled containers) from the container flow (e.g., into a waste container located next to the inspection device 18). Alternatively, the inspection device 18 can only detect containers 12 that cannot be cleaned. These containers 12 are then not diverted at or after the inspection device 18, but can be moved further to the right around the 180° curve by the container conveyor 20 without being gripped by, for example, a moving device (e.g., a linear motor shuttle).

[0053] The containers 12 to be discharged can then be located, for example, to the right of the container conveyor 34 (approximately where reference numeral 40 is located in Fig. 1 (is located) and transported to a waste container.

[0054] The inspection device 18 can be configured to inspect the containers 12. Preferably, the inspection device 18 can be single-lane or inspect the containers 12 of a single-lane container flow. For example, the inspection device 18 can inspect the containers 12 with respect to at least one predetermined criterion. Preferably, the inspection device 18 can check the containers 12 for damage, excessive soiling, desired color, and / or desired shape. Damaged, excessively soiled, incorrectly colored, and / or incorrectly shaped containers can be detected and, for example, electronically marked.

[0055] Containers 12 identified as impermissible by the inspection device 18 can be diverted from the container flow by the inspection device 18 or by a diverting device arranged downstream of it. For diversion, a diverting element, such as a pusher or pivoting element, can be included. The diverting element can divert a desired container 12 from the container flow, preferably at an angle, preferably transversely, to the container flow, e.g., by pushing, redirecting (guiding), and / or blowing on it.

[0056] For inspection purposes, the inspection device 18 preferably comprises at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is preferably a non-contact sensor, e.g., an optical sensor, an odor sensor (so-called electronic nose), and / or a mass spectrometer.

[0057] It is possible that upstream of the inspection device 18, for example, a closure removal device is arranged for removing any closures that may be present on the containers 12. For example, the closure removal device could be an unscrewing device for unscrewing screw caps from the containers 12 or an uncorker for removing corks (e.g., crown caps) from the containers 12.

[0058] The container conveyor 34, which will be explained in more detail later, can feed the containers 12 to the cleaning device 22. The container conveyor 34 can receive the containers 12 from a (further) container conveyor 20, preferably a single-lane conveyor. The container conveyor 20 can, for example, feed at least one container 12 from the buffer device 14 or the merging device (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 ), the inspection device 18 and the closure removal device (not shown in Figure 1) connect to the container conveyor 34.

[0059] The container cleaning device 22 is designed for cleaning the containers 12. For example, the containers 12 can be sprayed externally and / or internally with a liquid cleaning medium using nozzles of the container cleaning device 22 and / or moved through at least one immersion bath containing a cleaning medium.

[0060] The container cleaning device 22 has a container inlet 24 and a container outlet 26. The container cleaning device 22 can receive the containers 12 at the container inlet 24 and discharge them at the container outlet 26. The container inlet 24 can be designed as a slot into which the containers 12 are inserted. The container outlet 26 can be designed as a push-out mechanism from which the cleaned containers 12 are pushed out.

[0061] The container inlet 24 and the container outlet 26 can be arranged on opposite sides of the container cleaning device 22 (double-ended machine), as shown in Figure 1 as shown. Alternatively, the container inlet 24 and the container outlet 26 can be arranged at the same end, e.g. one above the other (single-end machine).

[0062] Preferably, the container cleaning device 22 can have several tracks (paths / lanes) 28. Similarly, the container inlet 24 and the container outlet 26 can also have several tracks 28. The tracks 28 can be arranged side by side, preferably parallel to each other. The tracks 28 can be circumferential. At the container inlet 24, the tracks 28 can be arranged side by side in a row. At the container inlet 26, the tracks 28 can be arranged side by side in a row. The row(s) can extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the container cleaning device 22 and / or transversely to a principal direction of extension of the tracks 28.

[0063] By means of the multiple tracks 28, several containers 12 can be received in parallel / next to each other at the container inlet 24, transported through the container cleaning device 22 and cleaned in the process, and discharged at the container outlet 26.

[0064] For example, the in Figure 1 The illustrated container cleaning device 22 has eleven tracks 28. Preferably, the container cleaning device 22 has between five and one hundred tracks 28.

[0065] Preferably, several container cells 30 can be movable along each track 28 (in Figure 1(For clarity, only the container inlet 24 and container outlet 26 are shown). Each container cell 30 can hold one container 12. The container 12 held within the cell can be moved from the container inlet 24 to the container outlet 26 by the container cleaning device 22 using the respective container cell 30. The container cells 30 can be supported, for example, by several cell carriers and moved by the container cleaning device 22. For instance, each cell carrier can support a row of container cells 30, with each row consisting of one container cell 30 per track 28. Container cells 30 lying side by side in a row from the tracks 28 can each be supported by one of the cell carriers.

[0066] Preferably, the container cleaning device 22 includes a sensor device 32. The sensor device 32 can monitor the container cells 30, preferably individually. For example, the sensor device 32 can detect faults in the container cells 30. These include, for example, damage to a container cell 30, container fragments in a container cell 30, and / or a blocked container 12 in a container cell 30.

[0067] The sensor device 32 can use any measuring principle to monitor the container cells 30. For example, the sensor device 32 can be a non-contact or optical sensor device 32.

[0068] Preferably, the sensor device 32 has several sensors. For example, the sensor device 32 can have at least one sensor per lane 28, which is arranged to monitor the respective lane 28.

[0069] It is advantageous if a separate sensor is not required for each lane 28. For example, it is possible to monitor several lanes 28 (e.g., three or five) with a single sensor, such as a camera. For a container cleaning device 22 with a width of twenty lanes 28, for example, only four sensors, such as cameras, would then be required.

[0070] The (inlet) container conveyor 34 can convey the containers 12 to the container inlet 24, preferably in a single lane or in a single-lane container flow. For example, the container conveyor 34 can take over the containers 12 from the container conveyor 20.

[0071] The container conveyor 34 has a plurality of (inlet) container supports 36. Preferably, the container conveyor 34 can also have a control device 38 for operating the container conveyor 34, e.g., as described herein.

[0072] A container holder 36 can preferably be used to transport one container 12 at a time.

[0073] Preferably, the container holder 36 can be designed for pushing (carrying) a container 12. For example, the container holder 36 can have a body with a (vertically) uniaxially concave curved receiving surface for a container body or a container neck of the container 12. The containers 12 can be pushed, for example, over a transfer plate or a conveyor belt, on which the containers 12 are supported at their base during pushing. When using the transfer plate, the containers 12 can be driven entirely by the container conveyor 34 via the container holders 36. When using a moving conveyor belt, only a portion of the propulsive force for the containers 12 needs to be applied via the container holders 36; the remainder comes from the moving conveyor belt. It is even possible for the moving conveyor belt to move faster than the desired transport speed of the containers 12.Then the container conveyor 34 would have to move the container supports 36 in such a way that they brake the containers 12 to be transported on the accompanying conveyor belt.

[0074] However, it is also possible, for example, that the container support 36 can carry a container 12, e.g., by its neck ring or its body. It is also possible that the container support 36 has a container base support plate, a container clamp, or a container gripper.

[0075] For example, a container holder 36 can engage in a positive fit with at least one container 12. This positive fit can be achieved, for example, by a passively or actively controlled container clamp. Alternatively, the container holder 36 can be designed as a rigid assembly, which, for example, is U-shaped, V-shaped, or W-shaped in plan view. In this case, an additional stationary external guide could preferably secure the respective container 12 in the container holder 36 during transport. As an alternative to positive fit, a frictional locking mechanism for securing the container 12 to the container holder 36 is also conceivable.

[0076] The numerous container brackets 36 form several groups G1 to G4, e.g. four groups as in Figure 1 This is shown as an example. Each group G1 to G4 is formed from several of the container holders 36.

[0077] Preferably, the number of container holders 36 per group G1 to G4 can correspond to the number of multiple tracks 28. Depending on the configuration of the container conveyor 34, the number of container holders 36 per group G1 to G4 can be fixed, e.g., by mechanical connection of the container holders 36 per group G1 to G4, or variable, e.g., by electronic assignment via the control device 38.

[0078] Particularly advantageous in the variable variant is the ability to adjust the number of container holders 36 in groups G1 to G4 during operation. The respective group size (number of container holders 36 in each group G1 to G4) can depend on the monitoring by the sensor device 32. If, for example, the sensor device 32 detects a fault in one of the container cells 30, the number of container holders 36 in the group G1 to G4 that would transport a container 12 to this faulty container cell 30 can be reduced by one for a single pass, so that no container 12 is transported to the faulty container cell 30. The remaining container holders 36 in this group G1 to G4 can leave the faulty container cell 30 empty and only transfer containers 12 to functioning container cells 30.

[0079] Groups G1 to G4 can be moved at intervals from each other. The distance between two consecutive groups G1 to G4 can then be greater than the distances between adjacent container supports 36 of a group G1 to G4.

[0080] By means of the container support groups G1 to G4 36, the containers 12 are transported in groups (bulks) to the container inlet 24. Specifically, groups G1 to G4 can successively take over containers 12 from the container conveyor 20 in a receiving section of the container conveyor 34 and transport the received containers 12 successively in their respective groups G1 to G4 to a transfer section of the container conveyor 34 for transfer to the container inlet 24. The transfer section preferably extends transversely to the tracks 28. Upon arrival at the container inlet 24 or the transfer section of the container conveyor 34, the respective group G1 to G4 can temporarily stop and transfer the transported containers 12, preferably simultaneously, to the container inlet 24, e.g., with the assistance of the transfer device 40.Preferably, each group G1 to G4 can come to a standstill in such a way that the containers 12 transported by the respective container holders 36 are positioned in front of the respective container cells 30 or tracks 28.

[0081] Preferably, groups G1 to G4 can be moved independently of each other. Different configurations of the container conveyor 34 are conceivable for this purpose.

[0082] For example, the container conveyor 34 can have several circulating drive elements. The drive elements can be, for example, chains or belts. The drive elements are preferably individually driven by their own drive unit (e.g., an electric motor). The circulating drive elements can each be connected to one of the several groups G1 to G4 for carrying the respective group G1 to G4, preferably mechanically. For example, the container supports 36 of a group G1 to G4 can be secured or supported on a respective circulating drive element. For example, the container supports 36 of a group G1 to G4 can be individually or jointly secured or supported on the respective circulating drive element via a connecting beam. Thus, each group G1 to G4 can be moved individually and independently of the other groups by the respective drive unit using the respective drive element.

[0083] A container conveyor 34 configured in this way can be operated, for example, as follows. The first group G1 can be moved by the respective drive element to a transfer section of the container conveyor 34. There, for example, an infeed screw or a long-stator linear motor transport star wheel can be arranged to bring the containers 12, which arrive at irregular intervals, to a desired spacing (container distance). After each container holder 36 of the first group G1 is loaded with a container 12, the first group G1 can be accelerated towards the container inlet 24. Immediately, the second group G2 can begin picking up the subsequently arriving containers 12. The first group G1 can be moved to the container inlet 24 and come to a standstill so that the containers 12 are positioned in front of the respective container cells 30 or tracks 38. Now the containers 12 can be transferred to the container cells 30 or tracks 38.The first group G1 can then be moved on, and the following group G2 can fill the next container cells 30 with containers 12.

[0084] However, it is preferred that the container conveyor 34 be a long-stator linear motor conveyor. Alternatively, a design as a short-stator linear motor conveyor or a planar motor conveyor is also conceivable.

[0085] The container conveyor 34 can have several motion devices. The motion devices can also be referred to as movers or shuttles. For example, each motion device can support at least one of the container supports 36. The motion devices can be moved from the receiving section of the container conveyor 34 to the discharge section of the container conveyor 34 and back, e.g., on a circulating track. The motion devices are preferably movable independently of one another. The motion devices are preferably individually magnetically driven.

[0086] The control device 38 can be configured to operate the container conveyor 34 in such a way that the motion devices move the container supports 36 in the several groups G1 to G4 successively towards the container inlet 24 / the transfer section and back to the container conveyor 20 / the receiving section.

[0087] Specifically, the moving devices can take over containers 12 arriving at irregular intervals from the container conveyor 20 in the transfer section of the container conveyor 34. Preferably, the moving devices can synchronize themselves with the containers 12. For example, the containers 12 can be detected on the container conveyor 20 by means of a sensor (e.g., light barrier, ultrasonic sensor, or camera) to determine the position of each container 12. Depending on the determined positions, the control unit 38 can operate the container conveyor 34 to synchronize the moving devices with the containers 12. Subsequently, the containers 12 can be transported by the moving devices in groups G1 to G4 to the container inlet 24 / transfer section of the container conveyor 34. It is understood that the moving devices can also move in groups (as a swarm).

[0088] The group of several moving devices can move, preferably at high speed, to the container inlet 24. Once there, each moving device of the respective group can come to a stop so that the transported containers 12 are positioned directly in front of the tracks 28 or the container cells 30. The containers 12 can then be transferred simultaneously to the container cells 30, e.g., with the assistance of the transfer device 40. During the container transfer or immediately afterward, the moving devices can be accelerated away again and moved to the receiving section of the container conveyor 34 to receive the next containers 12. This also allows the entry of a new group of moving devices with their transported containers 12.

[0089] Preferably, the motion devices can be driven by means of (e.g., electro-)magnetic interaction with a stator. For example, the motion devices can be driven by means of a long-stator linear motor drive system, a short-stator linear motor drive system, or a planar motor drive system of the container conveyor 34.

[0090] The container conveyor 34 is particularly preferably designed as a long-stator linear motor conveyor. The motion devices and the stator can together form a long-stator linear motor drive system. The stator can be designed as a stationary long stator with electromagnets for effecting movement or driving the motion devices equipped with permanent magnets. The long stator can be formed from several long stator segments arranged side by side. The motion devices can be guided and preferably supported on a circumferential guide track, for example, by guide elements such as rollers or sliding shoes.

[0091] As already mentioned, it is also possible, for example, that the container conveyor 34 is a short stator linear motor conveyor or a planar motor conveyor.

[0092] In a short-stator linear motor conveyor, the motion devices and stationary permanent magnets can together form a short-stator linear motor drive system. The motion devices can have a short stator formed by electromagnets, which can interact magnetically with stationary permanent magnets to drive the respective motion device. The motion devices can be guided and preferably supported on a circumferential guide track, for example, by guide elements such as rollers or sliding shoes.

[0093] The planar motor conveyor can move the motion devices with at least two degrees of freedom (x-direction and y-direction) via a preferably planar drive surface of a stator by means of magnetic interaction with the stator (not in Figure 1(as shown). The motion device and the stator can together form a planar motor drive system. The stator can also be referred to as a platform or base element. It is also possible that a lifting movement (z-direction) and / or a tilting movement of the motion device relative to the stator / base element can be controlled by means of magnetic interaction. The base element can preferably be segmented into tiles. Preferably, the drive surface can be oriented horizontally or vertically. The stator can be formed, for example, by movable, e.g., rotatable, permanent magnets or by stationary electromagnets. The motion devices 52 preferably have permanent magnets.

[0094] The transfer device 40 can transfer the containers 12 from the container holders 36 of the respective group G1 to G4 transversely to a transport direction of the transfer section of the container conveyor 34 towards the container inlet 24, preferably simultaneously. The transfer direction in question can preferably be parallel to the tracks 28 and / or transverse to the row of container cells 30.

[0095] During the transfer or even during its preparation, the transfer device 40 can, for example, pivot the containers 12 around a joint of the respective container holder 36, push them using a push device or pull them using a pull device (e.g. suction using a suction device, such as a vacuum gripper).

[0096] Preferably, the transfer device 40 is designed to move the containers 12 from the container holders 36 towards the container inlet 24 in such a way that the containers 12 reach positions at the container inlet 24 in which the containers 12 are inserted by insertion fingers (70 - see e.g. Figure 2 ) the container cleaning device 22 can be lifted and pushed into the respective container cell 30.

[0097] The above-described technique for transporting the containers 12 in groups by means of the container conveyor 34 to the container inlet 24 of the container cleaning device 22, etc., can alternatively or additionally be applied at the container outlet 26 of the container cleaning device 22 by means of the container conveyor 42.

[0098] Accordingly, the explanations and examples relating to the inlet container conveyor 34 apply analogously / in reverse to the outlet container conveyor 42 and its (outlet) container supports 44, which are movable in several groups G5 to G8. The containers 12 can be transported away from the container outlet 26 in groups, one after the other, by means of the several groups G5 to G8 of container supports 44. The container conveyor 42 can transport the containers 12 in groups, by means of the several groups G5 to G8, to a transfer section of the container conveyor 42 for transfer to another, preferably single-track, container conveyor 46.

[0099] The container conveyor 42 can have its own control unit 48 analogous to the control unit 38. It can also include a further transfer unit 50, which, analogous to the transfer unit 40, can support the transfer of the cleaned containers 12 from the container outlet 26 to the container holders 44 of the respective group G4 to G8 positioned in the transfer section of the container conveyor 42.

[0100] Regarding the configuration of the container conveyor 42, the container supports 44, the control unit 48 and / or the transfer unit 50, reference is made to the explanations concerning the configuration of the container conveyor 34, the container supports 36, the control unit 38 and the transfer unit 40 respectively, in order to avoid repetition.

[0101] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic cross-section through an exemplary container conveyor 34 and an exemplary container inlet 24 of the container cleaning device 22.

[0102] The container conveyor 34 can be designed as a long-stator linear motor conveyor (LLM conveyor) comprising several motion devices 52. The motion devices 52 can be driven by magnetic interaction with long-stator segments 54 for movement on a circulating guide track 56. Preferably, the motion devices 52 can be guided and preferably also supported on the guide track 56 by means of guide elements 58, such as rollers or sliding shoes. Each motion device 52 supports a container holder 36.

[0103] For example, the container holders 36 can slide the containers 12 over a sliding plate (or a conveyor belt) 60.

[0104] During transport, the containers 12 can preferably be guided laterally by means of a guide element 62, such as a guide wall or a guide rail, and secured in the respective container holder 36.

[0105] Preferably, the long stator segments 54 and optionally the motion devices 52, as well as, for example, the guide elements 58 and / or the guide track 56, can be protected from above by a cover 64. Preferably, the long stator segments 54 are supported by a frame 66, which can, for example, also support a cable duct 68 and / or the transfer device 40.

[0106] The transfer device 40 is shown here, by way of example, arranged in the area of ​​the container conveyor 34 opposite the container inlet 24. The transfer device 40 preferably has several push devices (e.g., pushers) that can push the containers 12 out of their respective container holders 36 in the direction of the container inlet 24 when the respective container holder 36 is temporarily stopped in front of the track 28 or container cell 30 to be filled. The containers 12 can preferably be advanced by means of the transfer device 40 to such an extent that a respective pivotable insertion finger 70 can engage with the respective container 12, lift it, and insert it into a respective container cell 30. Preferably, the insertion finger 70 can be moved in a circular path. Preferably, the movement of the insertion fingers 70 is a superposition of two rotational movements generated by two servo drives.

[0107] The Figure 3Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic cross-section through another exemplary container conveyor 34 and another exemplary container inlet 24 of the container cleaning device 22. The container conveyor 34 can again be designed as a long stator linear motor conveyor (LLM conveyor).

[0108] The container conveyor 34 is designed as a long-stator linear motor conveyor. However, instead of, as per the above, Figure 2As described, the container 12 is pushed out of the respective container holder 36 by means of a push device of the transfer device 40 and then moved into a container cell 30 by means of an insertion finger 70. Here, the transfer into the container cell 30 takes place directly from the container holder 36. For this purpose, the container holders 36 can be movably mounted on the respective movement device 52, preferably pivotably about a joint 72, or each can have such a joint 72. Preferably, a pivot axis of the joint 72 can be parallel to a horizontal axis. By means of the joint 72, the container holder 36 with the container 12 can be pivoted (e.g. downwards) so that, for example, one opening of the container 12 is directed towards the respective container cell 30. Subsequently, the container 12 can be pushed directly from the container holder 36 into the respective container cell 30 by means of a push device of the transfer device 40, e.g.via a drain rail 74.

[0109] The pivoting of the container holder 36 about the joint 72 can occur, for example, when the respective moving device 52 is on its way to the container inlet 24. Alternatively or additionally, the pivoting can occur when the respective moving device 52 has already reached its desired position in front of the container inlet 24 (the track 28 / the container cell 30). The generation of the pivoting movement can be achieved, for example, via a guide cam 76 (shown schematically at several positions in the diagram). Figure 3 shown) or a drive located, for example, on the motion device 52 (not in Figure 3 (as shown) will take place.

[0110] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the container cleaning device, the inlet container conveyor, the inlet container supports, the outlet container conveyor, and / or the outlet container supports of independent claim 1.All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way as to disclose all values ​​falling within the respective range individually, e.g. also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list

[0111] 10 Container treatment plant 48 Control unit 12 container 50 Transfer facility 14 Buffer device 52 Motion device 16 Container outlet 54 Long stator segment 18 Inspection device 56 Guide rail 20 Container conveyor 58 Guide element 22 Container cleaning device 60 Overlay plate / conveyor belt 24 Container inlet 62 Guide element 26 Container outlet 64 cover 28 track 66 frame 30 Container cell 68 cable duct 32 Sensor device 70 Insertion finger 34 (Inlet) container conveyor 72 joint 36 (Inlet) container holder 74 Drainage track 38 Control unit 76 Leadership curve 40 Transfer facility 42 (Outlet) container conveyor G1-G4 (Entrance) group 44 (Outlet) container holder G5-G8 (Outgoing) group 46 Container conveyor

Claims

1. Container treatment plant (10) comprising: a container cleaning device (22) with a container inlet (24) and a container outlet (26); and at least one of: a, preferably single-track, inlet container conveyor (34) comprising inlet container supports (36) which are movable in several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) consisting of several inlet container supports (36) successively towards the container inlet (24) for transporting containers (12) in groups towards the container inlet (24); and having a, preferably single-track, discharge container conveyor (42) and discharge container holders (44) which can be moved successively away from the container discharge (26) in several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) consisting of several of the discharge container holders (44) for transporting containers (12) away from the container discharge (26) in groups.

2. Container treatment system (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the container cleaning device (22) has multiple tracks (28), and a number of the multiple inlet container holders (36) per group (G1, G2, G3, G4) and / or a number of the multiple outlet container holders (44) per group (G5, G6, G7, G8) corresponds to a number of the multiple tracks (28); the multiple groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of the inlet container holders (36) are movable apart from one another; the multiple groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) of the outlet container holders (44) are movable apart from one another; the multiple groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of the inlet container holders (36) are movable independently of one another; and the several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) of the outlet container holders (44) are independently movable.

3. Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the container inlet (24) has several tracks (28) arranged in a row next to each other, preferably parallel to each other, and a transfer section of the inlet container conveyor (34), preferably single-track, extends, preferably parallel, along the row; and the container outlet (26) has several tracks (28) arranged in a row next to each other, preferably parallel to each other, and a transfer section of the outlet container conveyor (42), preferably single-track, extends, preferably parallel, along the row.

4. Container handling system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the inlet container conveyor (34) is configured to move the multiple groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) successively to the container inlet (24) and to temporarily stop each group before the container inlet (24) to simultaneously transfer the containers (12) transported in each group to the container inlet (24); and the outlet container conveyor (42) is configured to temporarily stop each group (G5, G6, G7, G8) before the container outlet (26) to simultaneously take over the containers (12) to be transported in each group from the container outlet (26) and to move each group successively away from the container outlet (26).

5. Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the inlet container conveyor (34) and / or the outlet container conveyor (42) is a long stator linear motor conveyor, a short stator linear motor conveyor or a planar motor conveyor.

6. Container treatment system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the inlet container conveyor (34) has several motion devices (52) that are independently movable, can be driven individually, preferably magnetically or mechanically, and each carry at least one of the several inlet container supports (36), and a control device (38) configured to operate the inlet container conveyor (34) such that the several motion devices (52) move the inlet container supports (36) in the several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of several inlet container supports (36) successively towards the container inlet (24);and the discharge container conveyor (42) has several motion devices (52) that are independently movable, can be driven individually, preferably magnetically or mechanically, and each carry at least one of the several discharge container supports (44), and a control device (48) configured to operate the discharge container conveyor (42) such that the several motion devices (52) move the discharge container supports (44) in the several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) from several of the discharge container supports (44) successively away from the container discharge (26).

7. Container treatment system (10) according to claim 6, wherein: the container cleaning device (22) is multi-lane, with several container cells (30) per lane (28) movable between the container inlet (24) and the container outlet (26) for transporting the containers (12) through the container cleaning device (22); and the container cleaning device (22) has a sensor device (32) for monitoring the container cells (30) for a fault, wherein preferably at least one of the following is fulfilled: the control device (38) of the inlet container conveyor (34) is configured to operate the inlet container conveyor (34) depending on a signal output of the sensor device (32), optionally such that a respective group size of the several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of the inlet container holders is adjusted depending on the signal output of the sensor device (32);and the control unit (48) of the discharge container conveyor (42) is configured to operate the discharge container conveyor (42) depending on a signal output from the sensor device (32) and / or a signal output from the control unit (38) of the inlet container conveyor (34), optionally such that a respective group size of the several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) of the discharge container holders (44) is adjusted depending on the signal output of the sensor device (32) and / or the control unit (38) of the inlet container conveyor (34).

8. Container treatment system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the inlet container conveyor (34) has several circulating drive elements, preferably chains or belts, which can be driven individually, and the circulating drive elements are each connected to one of the several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of the inlet container supports (36) for carrying the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4), preferably mechanically; and the outlet container conveyor (42) has several circulating drive elements, preferably chains or belts, which can be driven individually, and the circulating drive elements are each connected to one of the several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) of the outlet container supports (44) for carrying the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8), preferably mechanically.

9. Container handling system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one transfer device (40, 50) configured to: - transfer the containers (12) from the inlet container holders (36) of the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the inlet container conveyor (34) to the container inlet (24), preferably simultaneously; and - transfer the containers (12) from the container outlet (26) transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the outlet container conveyor (42) to the outlet container holders (44) of the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8), preferably simultaneously.

10. Container treatment system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the at least one transfer device (40, 50) is configured to pivot the inlet container holders (36) of the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) at the container inlet (24) and / or on a path to the container inlet; the at least one transfer device (40, 50) is configured to pivot the outlet container holders (44) of the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8) at the container outlet (26) and / or on a path to the container outlet (26); the at least one transfer device (40, 50) has several push devices configured to push the containers (12) from the inlet container holders (36) of the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) into the container inlet (24);The at least one transfer device (40, 50) has several push devices designed to push the containers (12) from the container outlet (26) into the outlet container holders (44) of the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8); the at least one transfer device (40, 50) has several pull devices, preferably suction devices, designed to pull, preferably by suction, the containers (12) from the inlet container holders (36) of the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) into the container inlet (24); and the at least one transfer device (40, 50) has several pull devices, preferably suction devices, designed to pull, preferably by suction, the containers (12) from the container outlet (26) into the outlet container holders (44) of the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8).

11. Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of: at least one buffer device (14) for intermediate buffering of the containers (2), wherein the buffer device (14) is arranged upstream of the inlet container conveyor (34) and / or downstream of the outlet container conveyor (42) and optionally has a single-lane container outlet (16) or single-lane container inlet; and an inspection device (18), preferably single-lane, for inspecting the containers (12), wherein the inspection device (18) is arranged upstream of the inlet container conveyor (34).

12. A method for operating a container treatment plant (10), preferably according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: cleaning containers (12) in a container cleaning device (22) of the container treatment plant (10); wherein the method further comprises at least one of: transporting the containers (12) in groups by means of several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of inlet container supports (36) of a, preferably single-track, inlet container conveyor (34) of the container treatment plant (10) successively to a container inlet (24) of the container cleaning device (22); and transporting the containers (12) in groups by means of several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) of outlet container supports (44) of a, preferably single-track, outlet container conveyor (42) of the container treatment plant (10) successively away from a container outlet (26) of the container cleaning device (22).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the group transport comprises: moving the several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) successively to the container inlet (24), temporarily stopping the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) in front of the container inlet (24) and simultaneously transferring the containers (12) transported in groups from the temporarily stopped inlet container holders (36) of the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) to the container inlet (24); and the group transport involves: temporarily stopping the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8) in front of the container outlet (26) and simultaneously taking over the containers (12) to be transported in groups from the container outlet (26) to the temporarily stopped outlet container holders (44) of the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8) and moving the several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) away from the container outlet (26) one after the other.

14. Method according to claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising at least one of: transferring the containers (12) transported in groups from the inlet container holders (36) of the respective group (G1, G2, G3, G4) transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the inlet container conveyor (34) to the container inlet (24) by means of at least one transfer device (40, 50) of the container handling system (10); and transferring containers (12) from the container outlet (26) transversely to a transport direction of a transfer section of the outlet container conveyor (42) to the outlet container holders (44) of the respective group (G5, G6, G7, G8) by means of at least one transfer device (40, 50) of the container handling system (10).

15. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: the container cleaning device (22) is multi-lane, with several container cells (30) per lane (28) movable between the container inlet (24) and the container outlet (26) for transporting the containers (12) through the container cleaning device (22), wherein the method further comprises: monitoring the container cells (30) for a fault by means of a sensor device (32) of the container cleaning device (22), wherein preferably at least one of the following is fulfilled: the group-wise transport is carried out depending on the monitoring, optionally such that a respective group size of the several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of the inlet container holders (36) is adjusted depending on a fault detection by the monitoring;and the group-by-group removal takes place depending on the monitoring and / or the group-by-group transport, optionally such that a respective group size of the several groups (G5, G6, G7, G8) of the discharge container holders (44) is adjusted depending on a fault detection of the monitoring and / or the respective group size of the several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) of the inlet container holders (36).

Images