Container processing device and method for processing containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a container processing device for the beverage industry, comprising at least first and second rotatably driven processing starwheels (1, 2), each of which has, arranged along its periphery, a number of container receptacles (12) for conveying containers (4) and a processing unit for processing the containers (4), wherein at least the processing units of the first processing starwheel (1) have a number of fluid supplies (6), each assigned to one container receptacle (12). According to the invention, the first and second processing starwheels (1, 2) are directly connected to one another in the conveying direction (T) within the transport section (11).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container processing device for the beverage industry having at least first and second rotatably driven processing starwheels, each of which has a plurality of container receptacles for transporting containers and one processing unit for processing the containers arranged along its periphery, and at least the processing unit of the first processing starwheel has a plurality of fluid supplies, each of which is assigned to one container receptacle. [Background technology]

[0002] Such container treatment devices are basically known from the prior art and are used to treat containers in a defined manner, and within the scope of the present invention, any process that brings about a change in the container can be understood as a treatment. In particular, it is contemplated that the treatment is carried out in such a way that, in at least the first treatment starwheel, a fluid is introduced into the container via a fluid supply.

[0003] This can be done, for example, during sterilization, in which a sterilization medium, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is first introduced into the container and then blown out again. Typically, this is done by multiple process starwheels arranged in series, with the sterilization medium being supplied to a first process starwheel and another process starwheel being provided to remove the sterilization medium from the container again, for example by introducing compressed air. In this case, such a container processing device requires up to five or more process starwheels arranged in series, with a transfer starwheel always arranged between two adjacent process starwheels, allowing transfer between the adjacent process starwheels.

[0004] Containers within the scope of the present invention are, in particular, bottles made of, for example, plastic, in particular PET, or glass. In the case of plastic bottles, these are preferably produced from plastic preforms, in particular by stretch-blow molding. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the present invention that cans, in particular aluminum cans, are used as containers.

[0005] Sterilization of containers can be an important aspect of the aforementioned container processing devices, but other types of processing are also possible. Within the scope of the present invention, processing is understood to also include filling of containers. This can also be performed by multiple processing starwheels arranged one after the other. Flushing of containers also falls within the scope of the present invention, in which case the containers are typically placed upside down on the conveying element, so that the introduced sterilizing medium, flushing medium, or cooling medium can immediately flow out of the container again. Furthermore, the containers can also be closed with caps within the processing station.

[0006] Regardless of the specific design, a large number of processing starwheels in combination with transfer starwheels arranged between them results in a very large spatial expansion of the container processing device. Accordingly, a relatively large installation space must be provided. Furthermore, to enable a smooth transfer from one processing starwheel to the subsequent transfer starwheel, or vice versa, the movements of the individual processing starwheels as well as the transfer starwheels connected to them must be synchronized with one another. This requires either complex gear unit designs that couple the individual starwheels together, or the individual starwheels are each driven by a drive motor, e.g., an electric motor, in particular a servomotor, in which case synchronization must be ensured by appropriate control means. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem underlying the present invention is to simplify the design of a container processing device and in particular to reduce the required installation space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The object and solution of this problem is a container treatment device according to claim 1.

[0009] According to the present invention, the first and second processing starwheels are directly connected to each other in the transport direction. In this context, the transport direction is understood to be the direction in which the individual containers are transported by the processing starwheels. Thus, as the individual processing starwheels rotate, the containers are transported along the circumferential angle of the individual container transport device and directly transferred from one processing starwheel to the subsequent processing starwheel. The transport and processing then take place along the circumferential angle of the next processing starwheel. It should be noted in this context that the first and second processing starwheels do not provide a direct derivation of the transport direction. The first processing starwheel can be positioned either before or after the second processing starwheel in the transport direction, thereby enabling direct transfer of containers from the first processing starwheel to the second processing starwheel and vice versa. Furthermore, additional processing starwheels can be provided before and / or after the first and second processing starwheels in the transport direction.

[0010] According to the present invention, by arranging the processing starwheels directly one after the other, an additional transfer starwheel between the processing starwheels is omitted. Thus, a direct transfer of the container from the container receptacle of the first processing starwheel to the container receptacle of the second processing starwheel is achieved. Therefore, only the movement of the two processing starwheels connected to each other needs to be synchronized with each other. At the same time, the installation space can be significantly reduced by omitting the transfer starwheel. Overall, a very compact container processing device is obtained, the functionality of which is not limited compared to conventional container processing devices, and the reduced number of components simultaneously reduces the possibility of malfunctions due to missynchronization.

[0011] In principle, it is sufficient within the scope of the present invention if only the first processing starwheel has a fluid supply. However, it is also preferable that the processing unit of the second processing starwheel also has several fluid supplies, each assigned to one container receptacle. Thus, processing with one fluid can be performed in both processing starwheels. As already explained above, it is then possible, for example, to introduce a sterilizing medium in the first processing starwheel and then remove the remaining sterilizing medium with compressed air in the second processing starwheel. Alternatively, the containers can be filled with a filling medium, in particular a beverage. In this case, it is possible, for example, to introduce a first filling medium (e.g., a first component of a beverage) in the first processing starwheel and a second filling medium (e.g., a second component of a beverage) in the second processing starwheel. Naturally, other configurations are also possible.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the container receiving portions of the first and / or second processing starwheel can be configured as or at least equipped with active or passive grippers, which are preferably configured to grip the container in the neck region. Optionally, instead of grippers, neck ring holders can also be provided, which are configured so that containers with neck rings, in particular bottles, rest on them.

[0013] According to a preferred development, the fluid supply of the processing unit of at least the first processing starwheel is arranged at a processing position along the processing section and at a transfer position within the transfer section which is different from the processing position, and the fluid supply is moved accordingly between the transfer position, at which the container is transferred to another system component, and the processing position, at which the container is processed.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the fluid supply of the first and / or second processing starwheel is configured to be movable. In particular, this means that the fluid supply is configured to be movable in a vertical direction parallel to the container axis, so that the processing position and the transfer position are vertically spaced apart. This allows, for example, the fluid supply to be introduced into the container for processing at least at its end, and the end can be positioned in the container at the processing position. This is particularly useful when the fluid to be introduced is a gas that must be introduced into the corresponding container with as little loss as possible. Since the fluid supply is each assigned to a container receptacle, it is preferably intended that the fluid supply in the processing position passes through the container receptacle during movement, and that the end opening of the fluid supply is positioned below the container receptacle.

[0015] The fluid supply units of the first and / or second processing starwheels are preferably assigned drives so that they can be moved between the transfer position and the processing position. The drives can cause pivotal or stroke-type adjustment of the fluid supply units of the first and / or second processing starwheels. In this context, stroke-type adjustment devices are understood to mean linear adjustment devices, preferably at least partially vertically arranged, so that the fluid supply units can be positioned, for example, in a container. In the case of pivotal adjustment, the fluid supply units are adjusted along an arcuate, especially circular, path; at least partial vertical movement is also preferred. Naturally, it is also within the scope of the present invention for the fluid supply units of the first and second processing starwheels to be driven by different drives or adjusted in different ways. If a stroke-type drive device is provided, the stroke of the fluid supply units configured to be capable of stroke movement is at least 40 mm, particularly preferably at least 60 mm.

[0016] The drives can be, for example, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drives that act directly on the individual fluid supply units, and are preferably cam-controlled drives that generate movement solely due to the rotation of the processing starwheel. For this purpose, rollers supported on each fluid supply unit typically slide along guide cams, which cause the rollers to move within the transport section, thereby also inducing movement of the fluid supply units. Alternatively, each fluid supply unit can be supported on a swivel, in which case the fluid supply units rotate under cam control.

[0017] Optionally, the cam control device can be configured such that the guide cam is formed by a pipe cam, in which case the fluid supply of the first and / or second processing starwheel is respectively coupled with a fork element that at least partially grips the pipe cam, in which case the shape of the pipe cam can control the movement of the fluid supply.

[0018] In this connection, a particularly preferred embodiment provides for both an axial stroke and a radial stroke of the container in the transport section to be initiated by a respective cam-controlled drive. It may be advantageous to decouple the two movements so that they occur one after the other, but not simultaneously. An operating element, for example an operating magnet, can be provided to couple or uncouple the fluid supply and the stroke drive.

[0019] In principle, the fluid supply parts of both processing starwheels can be moved via a separate drive in each case. However, one development provides that the movable fluid supply part of the first or second processing starwheel is reliably and forcibly guided within the transport section. According to such an embodiment, only the fluid supply part of one processing starwheel has a drive, and the movement of the fluid supply part of the other processing starwheel results from the movement of the fluid supply part of the driven fluid supply part. For this purpose, for example, drivers can be provided that are brought into contact with each other within the transport section, so that the movement of the fluid supply part that is not directly driven by the movably driven supply line also occurs.

[0020] Since the fluid supply unit is designed to rotate with respect to the container receptacle, there is no relative change in the circumferential angle between the container receptacle and the fluid supply unit, at least along the processing section. This allows the appropriate fluid to be introduced into the container via the fluid supply unit along the entire processing section. However, the direct transport of containers between the processing starwheels ensures that the processing units do not collide with each other within the transport section. This can be achieved, on the one hand, by configuring and / or arranging the fluid supply unit so that collisions within the transport section are avoided. However, optionally, preferred embodiments contemplate that at least one of the processing starwheels has a collision avoidance device. This collision avoidance device can be configured, for example, so that the fluid supply unit of a processing starwheel at least within the transport section is moved so that it cannot collide with the opposing fluid supply unit.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, collision avoidance of the fluid supplies can be achieved by arranging some of the processing units vertically one above the other and / or radially adjacent to one another, at least in the transfer section. Such an embodiment is particularly useful when both the processing units of the first processing starwheel and the second processing starwheel are configured to have fluid supplies. In this case, the fluid supplies are typically parts of the processing units that protrude outward and thus, if not properly configured, could collide with one another due to direct container transfer between the processing starwheels. Here, it is basically sufficient for the fluid supplies to be configured immovably, in which case the fluid supply of one processing starwheel is arranged above or next to the fluid supply of the other processing starwheel in the transfer section.

[0022] It should be noted that if the fluid supply sections are arranged adjacent to one another in the transport section, the fluid supply sections of both processing units must be designed so that, when immobile, they are able to introduce fluid into the container. Against this background, it may be expedient for at least the fluid supply section of the processing starwheel to have a non-circular end section. This allows the end sections to be designed so that they can be guided adjacent to one another without colliding with one another. Nevertheless, at the same time, a relatively large supply opening for the fluid supply can be made possible, thereby providing a relatively large flow cross section. According to one development of the invention, the fluid supply sections of both processing starwheels can have a non-circular cross section.

[0023] As already explained above, the fluid supply units are preferably configured to be movable, for example, by a stroke or pivoting motion. In this case, collision avoidance can be achieved by the movement of the fluid supply units. For example, the fluid supply unit of the first processing starwheel can be moved between the processing position and the transfer position by a first stroke motion, and the fluid supply unit of the second processing starwheel can be moved by a second stroke motion, with these stroke motions being of different magnitudes, resulting in the fluid supply units being arranged one above the other in the transfer section. This ensures that collisions between the fluid supply units of both processing starwheels are avoided in the transfer section. Here, the ratio between the first and second stroke motions is preferably 1.5 to 3. Therefore, on the one hand, the difference in stroke motions can prevent collisions in the transfer section. On the other hand, the fluid supply units of both processing starwheels can be introduced into a container. In this case, outside the transfer section, the fluid supply units can be returned in the direction of the container receiving unit. Preferably, the fluid supply of the processing unit of at least the first processing starwheel is configured to be radially displaceable or circumferentially pivotable. Therefore, the fluid supply is configured to be able to perform a radial stroke. This configuration is essentially an alternative or supplementary feature to the collision avoidance provided by a vertical stroke. However, it is also possible to provide such a configuration for a fluid supply that can be stroked. In this case, the stroke only results in the introduction and removal of the fluid supply from the container, but the collision avoidance is achieved due to the radial displacement or pivoting.

[0024] Furthermore, one development provides that the fluid supply of at least the first processing starwheel, but preferably both processing starwheels, is inclined. Furthermore, the ends of the fluid supply of both processing starwheels are preferably arranged in a vertical processing position, preferably in a common vertical processing position. In that case, the fluid supply of at least the first processing starwheel can be moved from the processing position to the transfer position within the transfer section. Here again, this is preferably done by a stroke movement, preferably in the direction of the inclined fluid supply.

[0025] Furthermore, one development of the invention provides that at least a third processing starwheel is arranged immediately before the first processing starwheel or immediately after the second processing starwheel in the conveying direction. Basically, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide more than three processing starwheels, for example, four, five or more, directly adjacent to each other. Further processing starwheels can be configured according to the above-described embodiment, thus each having a container receptacle and a processing unit, the processing unit further preferably having a fluid supply assigned to the container receptacle. The directly adjacent arrangement allows for the complete omission of additional transfer starwheels, so that direct container transfer always takes place between two adjacent processing starwheels.

[0026] Although the container processing device according to the present invention can be used for various purposes, the processing units of the first and / or second processing starwheel and / or at least the third processing starwheel are preferably configured for sterilizing, filling, or flushing containers, in which case the container is placed upside down in the container receiving section. In particular, for sterilization, the end section is preferably provided with a shielding element, such as a shielding bell, that reduces or prevents uncontrolled leakage of sterilizing gas. Preferably, such a shielding element is provided on a fluid supply section that can be moved, so that the shielding element can also cover the head area or the closed area of ​​the container. In this case, the escaping sterilizing gas passes through the closed area, thereby enabling sterilization there as well.

[0027] Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate that at least two of the processing starwheels are configured for processing containers in different ways. Thus, the processing units of successive processing starwheels are configured for different processing of containers. For example, the processing units of one processing starwheel can be configured for sterilization, while the processing units of the other processing starwheel can be configured for filling containers.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit of at least one processing starwheel is configured for closing a container. Here, the container can be closed, for example, via a cap, which is screwed onto the container by turning it onto an external thread in the head area. Naturally, the processing starwheel provided for closing the container can be connected directly or via a transfer star to another processing starwheel, in particular a second or third processing starwheel.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention preferably provides that at least one of the processing starwheels has a fixed processing unit. In this context, a fixed processing unit means that the processing unit does not rotate together with the fluid supply. This can be, for example, a labeling unit, an inspection unit, a printing unit, etc.

[0030] The present invention also provides a method for treating a container in a container treatment device according to the above description. It is envisaged that in the method according to the invention, the container is fed to a first treatment starwheel, in which the container is subjected to the action of a first fluid for treatment, and then the container is transferred directly from the first treatment starwheel to a second treatment starwheel. Action, within the scope of the present invention, means that the fluid is introduced onto, into or into the container in any form, with the introduction of the fluid into the interior space of the container being preferred.

[0031] According to one development, the container is subjected to the action of a second fluid for processing in a second processing starwheel, where the second fluid may be the same as the first fluid. However, preferably, they are different fluids. An alternative embodiment provides that the container is closed with a cap for processing in the second processing starwheel.

[0032] Basically, the embodiments described above in connection with the container treatment device can also be used in connection with the method, and it is not explicitly stated that which of the at least two treatment starwheels is arranged in front of the other treatment starwheel in the conveying direction in connection with the container treatment device. Accordingly, the embodiments can be selectively transferred to the first treatment starwheel or the second treatment starwheel. This is particularly true for movable configurations. For example, the first and / or second treatment starwheel can have a movable fluid supply. However, it is particularly preferred that both the first and second treatment starwheel have a movable fluid supply.

[0033] In a preferred development, at least a third processing starwheel is arranged after the second processing starwheel, and the container can also be subjected to the action of a third fluid for processing in the third processing starwheel. The container can then be transferred to another processing starwheel as needed. Thus, at least three processing starwheels are provided, between which the container is transferred without an additional transfer wheel. The third processing starwheel is preferably arranged after the second processing starwheel. Thus, the container can be processed with one fluid in three consecutive processing starwheels, and the first, second, and / or third fluids may be the same. Furthermore, more processing starwheels, for example five processing starwheels, may be provided.

[0034] Preferably, the container can also be closed on one of the processing starwheels, in particular this is the processing starwheel on which the filling of the container no longer takes place.

[0035] According to one development of the invention, a swivelable fluid supply is arranged with its end in a container during processing, in particular a beverage container, for example a beverage bottle, which is preferably made of plastic, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0036] The method according to the present invention further contemplates that the container may be flushed, sterilized and / or filled with the first and / or second and / or third fluid.

[0037] In the case of sterilization, the first fluid is preferably a sterilizing gas. Preferably, this is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The second fluid is preferably air or compressed air. This air can be used to exhaust the first fluid or sterilizing gas introduced in the first treatment starwheel in the second treatment starwheel. According to such an embodiment, preferably, at least a third treatment starwheel is provided, which is connected after the second treatment starwheel, and the third fluid is also air or compressed air.

[0038] In the case of flushing, the first and preferably the second and / or third fluids are liquid flushing media, the container is typically placed upside down in the container receptacle, and the liquid flushing media is preferably introduced into the container within all processing starwheels.

[0039] In the case of filling, the first fluid is a filling medium. Within the scope of the present invention, a filling medium is understood to be a liquid food product that is introduced into a container in a container processing device and remains there. The second and / or third fluids may also be such filling media, and depending on the process, the fluids may form different filling media that are then mixed in the container. Alternatively, the filling media may be the same.

[0040] In such an embodiment, the third processing starwheel is preferably configured to close the container, whereby the processing unit of the third processing starwheel screws a cap onto the container.

[0041] The filling medium is in particular a non-carbonated drink, such as water or juice. Furthermore, the filling medium may be a cleaning agent and / or a detergent or a medicine. The flushing medium is preferably water. However, it is of course also possible to add a cleaning agent to the water.

[0042] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] Schematic container processing device according to the prior art [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of a container processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of a container processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of a container processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Container processing device according to the present invention in which fluid supply units are arranged above and below [Figure 6] Container processing device each having a fluid supply capable of stroke movement [Figure 7] Container handling device according to FIG. 6 having an active drive and a passive drive [Figure 8] Alternative embodiments of a container processing system having a stroking fluid supply [Figure 9A] Alternative embodiments of the container processing device according to the present invention having a pivotable fluid supply [Figure 9B] Alternative embodiments of the container processing device according to the present invention having a pivotable fluid supply [Figure 9C] Alternative embodiments of the container processing device according to the present invention having a pivotable fluid supply [Figure 10] Another alternative embodiment of the container treatment device according to the present invention having a pivotable fluid supply [Figure 11A] Container processing device according to the present invention in which fluid supplies are arranged adjacent to each other [Figure 11B] Container processing device according to the present invention in which fluid supplies are arranged adjacent to each other [Figure 12] Container processing device according to the present invention having an inclined fluid supply [Figure 13] Container treatment device according to the invention having a treatment device for closing containers [Figure 14] Container treatment device according to the invention having a treatment device for closing containers [Figure 15] Container treatment device according to the invention having a treatment device for closing containers [Figure 16] Container treatment device according to the invention having a treatment device for closing containers [Figure 17] Container processing device according to the present invention having a fluid supply unit capable of stroke movement in both the vertical and radial directions [Figure 18] Container processing device according to the present invention having a fluid supply unit capable of stroke movement in both the vertical and radial directions [Figure 19] Container processing device according to the present invention having a fluid supply unit capable of stroke movement in both the vertical and radial directions DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] 1 shows a prior art container treatment device having a total of three rotatably driven treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3, in which a container 4 is first fed to the first treatment starwheel 1 and then moved along a transport section in a transport direction T past the second and third treatment starwheels 2, 3. In the treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3, the container is treated, and each treatment starwheel 1, 2, 3 has a fluid supply 6, 7 (not shown in detail) via which a fluid can be introduced into the container 4. The exact configuration of the treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3 is shown in more detail, especially in FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0045] It is further known from the prior art that between each two treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3 one transfer starwheel 8 is arranged, which transfers the containers 4 between the treatment starwheels 1, 2, 3.

[0046] Based on this, the present invention teaches that, according to Fig. 2, such a transfer starwheel 8 can essentially be omitted, so that the processing starwheels 1, 2, 3 are directly connected to one another in the conveying direction T. This makes it possible, in particular, to significantly reduce the installation space required for the container processing device. While Fig. 2 shows an arrangement with three processing starwheels 1, 2, 3, Fig. 3 shows an arrangement with fourth and fifth processing starwheels 9, 10, in which the processing starwheels 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 are directly connected to one another, respectively.

[0047] However, such a configuration has the problem that direct transport of containers 4 between the processing star wheels 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 can cause the fluid supply sections 6, 7 provided to collide with each other, so that appropriate collision prevention means are required at least in the transition area 11.

[0048] This can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, which shows the container treatment device according to FIG. 2, in which the second treatment starwheel 2 has means for avoiding collisions of fluid supplies 6, 7 in the transfer section 11. This can be seen from FIG. 5. In this connection, FIG. 5 shows a container 4 in the form of a beverage bottle arranged in a container receptacle 12 of the first treatment starwheel 1. A fluid supply 6 is assigned to the container receptacle 12, via which a fluid can be filled into the container 4. The container 4 is in the transfer section 11, so that it is about to be transferred to the second treatment starwheel 2. The second treatment starwheel also has a fluid supply 7 that is configured so as to be capable of a stroke movement with a vertical stroke H2. In the transition region 11, the fluid supply 7 is raised with the stroke H2 and moves upwards for the transfer of the container 4 from the first treatment starwheel 1 to the second treatment starwheel 2, in order to avoid collisions of the fluid supplies 6, 7.

[0049] The fluid supply 6 is configured to be stationary and therefore cannot be moved. After passing through the transfer section 11, the fluid supply 7 can be lowered again by a stroke H2 into a processing position that corresponds to the processing position of the fluid supply 6. Figure 5 shows the fluid supply 7 in the transfer position, with the fluid supplies 6, 7 arranged one above the other.

[0050] An alternative configuration is shown in Figure 6. Here again the transfer section 11 between the first processing starwheel 1 and the second processing starwheel 2 is shown, and here again the fluid supplies 6, 7 are located one above the other within the transfer section 11.

[0051] In contrast to the arrangement according to Figure 5, both fluid supplies 6, 7 are formed so as to be capable of a stroke movement, with the fluid supply 6 of the first processing starwheel 1 being movable from the processing position to the transfer position by a vertical stroke movement H1, and the fluid supply 7 of the second processing starwheel 2 being moved to the transfer position by a stroke movement H2. In the arrangement according to Figure 6, the processing positions of both fluid supplies 6, 7 lie in a common vertical plane.

[0052] It can further be seen from FIG. 6 that the stroke movement H2 is greater than the stroke movement H1, which allows the fluid supply part 7 of the second processing starwheel 2 to move above the fluid supply part 6 of the first processing starwheel 1 within the transfer section 11.

[0053] At the same time, it is possible to move the fluid supplies 6, 7 into the vessel 4 with their end portions 6A, 7A during processing. Such an arrangement is particularly useful when gaseous fluids, for example sterilizing gas, are involved. Thus, Figure 6 shows that the fluid supplies 6, 7 each have a shielding bell 13 which is placed over the head region 14 of the vessel 4 in the processing position. This allows the sterilizing gas, preferably hydrogen peroxide, to be introduced through the head region 14, thereby sterilizing the head region 14 from the outside.

[0054] The fluid supply units 6, 7 further comprise a respective drive 15, 16 configured to be cam-controlled. To this end, the drive units 15, 16 comprise a respective roller 15A, 16A rolling along a respective cam 15B, 16B. Rotation of the processing star wheels 1, 2 causes the rollers 15A, 16A to roll along the surfaces of the guide cams 15B, 16B, thereby causing a stroke of the fluid supply units 6, 7.

[0055] 7 shows an alternative configuration of the container processing device according to FIG. 6, in which only the processing starwheel 2 is configured with a cam-controlled drive 16. The processing starwheel 1 does not have its own drive 15, 16. Rather, the fluid supplies 6, 7 have a driver 17, via which the movement of the container supply 7 is transmitted directly to the fluid supply 6. This allows the fluid supplies 6, 7 to be arranged one above the other within the transport section 11.

[0056] Figure 8 shows a detailed and optional configuration of the processing starwheel 2. While according to Figures 6 and 7 the fluid supplies 6, 7 are connected to a hose 18, the configuration according to Figure 8 provides for the fluid supply 7 to be moved in a sealed and strokeable manner in a guide pipe 20 by means of a vertical pipe section 19. In this guide pipe 20 a stroke movement H2 can be made, with the right side showing the fluid supply 7 in the processing position and the left side showing the fluid supply 7 in the transfer position. Furthermore, the processing starwheel 2 is rotatably driven, and on the left side a drive device 16 is shown which is driven via a cam control device.

[0057] 9A-9C show a further alternative embodiment in which the movement of the fluid supply 6, 7 is caused by a pivot. According to FIG. 9A, the fluid supply 7 of the second processing starwheel 2 is shown in a processing position on the one hand and in a transport position on the other hand, in which the fluid supply 7 is pivoted via a swivel 21. Here too, the drive 16 is controlled via a cam. Pivoting back to the processing position outside the transport section can be effected via a spring element 22. FIGS. 9B and 9C show a slightly different embodiment in which the pivoting of the fluid supply 7 is made possible via a fork element 30 which partially grips a pipe cam 29 connected to the fluid supply.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which both fluid supply units 6, 7 are swivelable via a swivel 21. The fluid supply units 6, 7 are shown in the processing position, with their ends 6A, 7A pivoted away from the container 4, so that the fluid supply units 6, 7 are positioned adjacent to each other in the transfer section 11. The fluid supply unit 6 further includes a shielding bell 13. The movement has a vertical component, which corresponds to stroke movements H1, H2, which are identical for both fluid supply units 6, 7. Therefore, adjustment is achieved solely by rotating the processing starwheels 1, 2. For this purpose, the fluid supply unit 7 includes a ball head 23, and the fluid supply unit 6 includes a ball socket 24. As soon as the fluid supply units 6, 7 of the processing starwheels 1, 2 move into the transfer section 11, the ball head 23 is inserted into the ball socket 24, pivoting the fluid supply units 6, 7 into the transfer position. This in turn triggers stroke movements H1, H2, so that the fluid supply units 6, 7 can no longer collide with each other. To ensure sufficient flexibility, the fluid supplies 6, 7 further comprise bellows 25.

[0059] 11A and 11B also show an embodiment in which the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged adjacent to each other in the transfer section 11. In the example shown, both fluid supplies 6, 7 are made movable with stroke movements H1, H2, and in the example shown, the stroke movements H1 and H2 are of the same magnitude.

[0060] 11A shows the fluid supplies 6, 7 in the processing position, and it is clear that essentially both fluid supplies 6, 7 can be arranged with their terminal ends 6A, 7A in the vessel 4. This is made possible by the adapted geometry shown in the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 11B. The terminal ends 6A, 7A each have a non-circular cross section, which reduces the width in the direction of the respective opposite fluid supplies 6, 7, while at the same time providing a sufficiently large cross section to allow the introduction of fluids.

[0061] 12 shows an embodiment in which the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged obliquely, so that the stroke movements H1, H2 are also performed obliquely relative to the container 4. In the transfer position shown in FIG. 12, the fluid supplies 6, 7 are accordingly also arranged adjacent to one another. The strokes are performed via a drive 16.

[0062] 13-16 show a different embodiment with a second processing starwheel 2 having a processing unit configured as a capper 26. This capper 26 allows the container 4 to be closed by rotating it and screwing a cap onto the container 4. The capper 26 is movable over a vertical stroke H3, which is intended solely for screwing the cap onto the container 4. On the other hand, the processing starwheel 1 has a fluid supply 6 configured to be movable over a radial stroke H4, allowing the capper 26 and the fluid supply 6 to be positioned adjacent to each other in the transport section 11 without collision. For this purpose, a cam-controlled drive 15 is provided. Here, a roller 15A arranged on the fluid supply 6 rolls along a guide cam 15B, and the roller 15A and the guide cam 16A are configured for radial movement. A spring element 22 then allows the fluid supply 6 to return to the processing position. FIG. 14 shows a similar embodiment in which the cam 15B is directly arranged on the capper 26.

[0063] 15, the fluid supply 6 of the first treatment starwheel 6 is arranged so as to be movable vertically over a stroke H1 and radially over a stroke H4. For adjustment purposes, a swivel mechanism 27 is provided, which is driven via a pneumatic drive 15.

[0064] The embodiment according to FIG. 16 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14, but instead of a purely radial displacement a radial pivot is performed.

[0065] 17-19 show an embodiment in which the fluid supply 6, 7 of at least one of the processing starwheels 1, 2 is configured to be strokeable both vertically and radially, although for better visualization only the first processing starwheel 1 is shown.

[0066] FIG. 17 shows the container 2 immediately before entering the transfer section 11, with the fluid supply 6 partially positioned within the container 2 for the filling process. The processing starwheel 1 further comprises a first drive 15 with rollers 15A and guide cams 15B, via which a vertical stroke H can be performed. A second drive 16 is also provided, which generates a radial stroke by means of rollers 16B and guide cams 16B. According to FIG. 17, the first drive 16 and the fluid supply 6 are connected to each other by a magnetically formed operating element 28, by which the first drive 15 can act on the fluid supply 6.

[0067] Within the transfer section 11, the first drive 15 according to Fig. 18 can deliver the fluid supply 6 from the container 2. At the same time, the roller 16A of the second drive 16 is brought into contact with the assigned guide cam 16B.

[0068] 19, the operating element 28 then decouples the first drive 15 from the fluid supply 6, allowing the second drive 16 to perform a radial stroke, which makes it possible to avoid a collision with the opposing fluid supply 7. After the transfer section 11, the introduction of the fluid supply 6 into the other container 2 takes place in the reverse order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. First Processing Star Wheel 2 Second Processing Star Wheel 3. Third Processing Star Wheel 4 containers 6. Fluid supply section of first processing star wheel 7. Fluid supply section of second processing star wheel 8 Transfer star wheels 9. Fourth Processing Star Wheel 10. 5th Processing Star Wheel 11 Transfer Section 12 Container storage section 13 Shielding Bell 14 Head Area 15 First drive unit 15A First driving device roller 15B Guide cam of first drive unit 16 Second drive unit 16A Second driving device roller 16B Guide cam of second drive unit 17 Drivers 18 Horse 20 Guide pipe 21 Swivel 22 Spring elements 23 Ball Head 24 ball socket 25 Bellows 26 Capper 27 Swivel mechanism 28 Operational Elements 29 Pipe Cam 30 Fork Elements H stroke T Transport direction

Claims

1. A container treatment device for the beverage industry, comprising at least first and second rotatably driven treatment starwheels (1, 2), each of which has a plurality of container receptacles (12) arranged along its periphery for conveying containers (4) and a respective treatment unit for treating the containers (4), wherein the treatment unit of at least the first treatment starwheel (1) has a plurality of fluid supplies (6), each of which is assigned to one container receptacle (12), Container processing device, characterized in that the first and second processing starwheels (1, 2) are directly connected to each other in the conveying direction (T) within the transfer section (11).

2. 2. The container treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment unit of the second treatment starwheel (2) also has a plurality of fluid supplies (7), each of which is assigned to one container receptacle (12).

3. 3. The container treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid supply (6) of the treatment unit of at least the first treatment starwheel (1) is arranged at a treatment position along the treatment section and at a transfer position within the transfer section (11) that is different from the treatment position.

4. 4. The container treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fluid supply parts (6, 7) of the treatment units of the first and / or second treatment starwheel (1, 2) are movable within the transfer section (11) by movement from a treatment position to a transfer position.

5. 5. The container processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processing position and the transfer position are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

6. 6. The container treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the fluid supply sections (6, 7) of the first and / or second treatment starwheel (1, 2) are configured such that their end sections are located within the container (3) at the treatment position.

7. 7. The container treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid supply (6) of at least the first treatment star wheel (1) is adjustable in stroke motion via an assigned drive (15).

8. 7. The container treatment device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the fluid supply (6) of at least the first treatment star wheel (1) is adjustable in a pivoting manner via an assigned drive (15).

9. 9. A container processing device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the drive (15) is cam-controlled.

10. 10. The container treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that the fluid supply (6) of at least the first treatment star wheel (1) is connected to a fork element (30) which at least partially grips the pipe cam (29).

11. 11. The container processing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the processing star wheels (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a collision avoidance device for avoiding collisions of the fluid supply part (6) within the transfer section (11).

12. 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that some of the processing units are arranged one above the other and / or radially adjacent to one another at least in the transfer section (11).

13. 13. The container treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid supply (6) of the treatment unit of at least the first treatment star wheel (1) is configured so as to be radially displaceable or circumferentially rotatable.

14. 14. Apparatus for treating containers according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fluid supply (6) of at least the first treating starwheel (1) is inclined.

15. 15. The container treatment device according to claim 1, wherein at least a third treatment starwheel (3) is arranged immediately before the first treatment starwheel (1) or immediately after the second treatment starwheel (2) in the conveying direction (T).

16. 16. The container treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first and / or second treatment starwheel (1, 2) is configured for sterilizing the container (4), for filling the container (4) or for flushing the container (4).

17. 17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for treating a container, characterized in that at least two of the treatment starwheels (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) are configured for treating the containers (4) in different ways.

18. 18. Apparatus for treating a container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment starwheels (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) comprises a treatment unit configured for closing the container (4).

19. 19. Apparatus for treating containers according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment star wheels (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) comprises a stationary treatment unit.

20. A method for treating containers, in particular beverage bottles, in a container treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, 1. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a container (4) is fed to a first treatment starwheel (1), in which the container (4) is subjected to the action of a first fluid for treatment, and the container (4) is then transferred directly from the first treatment starwheel (1) to a second treatment starwheel (2).

21. 21. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the vessel (4) is subjected to the action of a second fluid for treatment in a second treatment starwheel (2).

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first and second fluids are different from each other.

23. 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the container is closed with a cap for processing in one of the processing starwheels (1, 2, 3, 9, 10).

24. Method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the fluid supplies (6, 7) are arranged with their terminal ends in the container (4) during the treatment.

25. 25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the containers (4) are flushed, sterilized and / or filled by a container processing unit of the first and / or second processing starwheel (1, 2).

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