Method for operating a container treatment assembly and container treatment assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a container treatment assembly, comprising a container feed (2), at least one container transport device (4), which has a plurality of transport elements (5) that are arranged to rotate in a revolving manner, and a transfer assembly (3) for transferring containers (1) from the container feed (2) into the transport elements (5) of the container transport device (4), which transfer assembly has at least one transfer unit (9) designed to move in a revolving manner. At the start of operation, a first container (1) is fed to the transfer assembly (3) and transferred into the container transport device (4) in a movement along a transfer path (T) formed on the transfer assembly (3), and, during the start of operation, at least the first container (1) is accelerated along the transfer path (T) to an operational transport speed. According to the invention, the transfer path (T) is at least 1500 mm and / or the transfer assembly (3) is formed from at least two rotatably movable transfer units (9), the transfer path (T) extending along a total angle of rotation of the transfer assembly (3) of at least 300°.

Description

[0001] andrejewski • honke

[0002] Patent and legal attorneys

[0003] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0004] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0005] Method for operating a tank treatment arrangement and tank treatment arrangement

[0006] Description:

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for operating a container handling arrangement with a container feed, at least one container transport device having a plurality of circumferentially rotatable transport elements, and a transfer arrangement for transferring containers from the container feed into the transport elements of the container transport device, which has at least one circumferentially movable transfer unit, wherein at the start of operation a first container is fed to the container transfer arrangement and transferred in a movement along a transfer path formed on the transfer arrangement into the container transport device, wherein during the start of operation at least the first container is accelerated along the transfer path to an operational transport speed.

[0008] The process relates in particular to the commissioning of container processing plants in the beverage industry. In this context, the containers are primarily beverage containers, such as beverage bottles made of plastic or glass. Alternatively, they can also be cans made of sheet metal. A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the containers are formed as so-called preforms. These preforms are a preliminary stage of beverage containers that can be formed into beverage bottles, for example, by forming. The preforms are made of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and can be formed into beverage containers by plastic deformation in a suitable forming device.

[0009] Patent and legal attorneys

[0010] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0011] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0012] 2. Against this background, the container treatment arrangement can, for example, include a corresponding forming device, which preferably connects to the container transport device.

[0013] In the beverage industry, it is well known that numerous containers must be individually fed into a container transport device for various purposes. This container transport device can be designed in various ways and, in addition to transport, can also handle the treatment of the containers. For example, the container transport device can be designed as a heating device to successively heat the aforementioned preforms during transport, thereby thermally conditioning them so that they can be plastically deformed in a downstream forming device. Heating softens the thermoplastic material of the preforms, thus enabling their simple plastic forming into beverage bottles.

[0014] The forming device is, in particular, a blow molding machine for blow forming or a stretch blow molding machine for stretch blow molding the preforms into a beverage bottle. The preforms have a pre-formed external thread at the bottle opening for receiving a cap, so that only the bottle body is then formed by introducing a treatment fluid, in particular a gaseous treatment fluid (e.g., compressed air). This treatment fluid pressurizes the preforms internally, thereby forcing the bottle body against a blow mold cavity. This blow mold cavity is formed in a blow mold and has the shape of the beverage bottle to be produced. In a stretch blow molding machine, an additional andrejewski • honke

[0015] Patent and legal attorneys

[0016] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0017] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0018] Three so-called pull-up bars are provided, which are successively inserted along the container axis and cause an axial elongation of the container body.

[0019] During blow molding or stretch blow molding, a liquid treatment fluid can also be introduced into the containers. This is primarily a filler material that is already intended for filling the containers. Accordingly, the containers are not only reshaped by introducing the treatment fluid but also filled simultaneously. Such a process is commonly referred to as a form-fill process.

[0020] At the start of operation of such a container handling system, it is known that the container transport device and the transfer device are accelerated to an operational transport speed. Furthermore, these two system components must also be synchronized with each other so that the containers can be transferred without a speed difference. Accordingly, the speed of the transfer device at the outlet matches the speed of the container transport device at the inlet.

[0021] Once the transfer mechanism and the container transport device have accelerated to their operating speed, the first container(s) can be fed in. The first container is essentially stationary at this point. However, this results in the first container and the transfer mechanism having a high relative speed to each other, which can lead to damage or even destruction of the container. The first container is therefore the one that, after the transfer mechanism has come to a standstill, is fed in.

[0022] Patent and legal attorneys

[0023] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0024] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0025] The container handling arrangement is the first to be supplied with the transfer arrangement.

[0026] Against this background, DE 10 2020 122 470 A1 teaches a method in which the container transport device is first accelerated to the transport speed, and only then may the transfer arrangement, together with the first container, be accelerated to the transport speed. However, it must be ensured that the first container has the operating transport speed when transferred into the container transport device. At the same time, it must also be ensured that, in addition to matching the speeds, the transfer of the containers into the container transport device is guaranteed by suitable positioning of the transport elements. The control and synchronization are therefore comparatively complex, since the transfer arrangement usually consists solely of a sawtooth star wheel, which receives the containers and conveys them towards the container transport device by rotation.The entire transfer section is therefore formed at the sawtooth star, whereby, due to its design, this forms a relatively short transfer section or only a small rotation angle of the sawtooth star can be used to accelerate the first container in a suitable manner.

[0027] Against this background, the invention aims to provide a method that enables better and simpler synchronization at the start of operation between the transfer arrangement and the container transport device, while simultaneously allowing the containers to be fed in non-destructively during the start of operation. andrejewski • honke

[0028] Patent and legal attorneys

[0029] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0030] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0031] 5

[0032] The subject and solution of this problem is a method according to claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that the transfer distance is at least 1500 mm and / or the transfer arrangement is formed from at least two rotatably movable transfer units, wherein the transfer distance extends along a total rotation angle of the transfer arrangement of at least 300°.

[0033] In principle, within the scope of the invention, it is sufficient if at least one transfer unit is provided, which, due to its large diameter, enables a sufficiently long transfer path. Such transfer units are unusual, particularly in the field of container handling systems, especially blow molding systems, because they require a large amount of space, thus significantly increasing the footprint of the entire container handling arrangement. However, this is accepted within the scope of the invention in order to enable the smoothest possible start-up, for example, at the start of production or after an interruption.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that at least two rotatably movable transfer units are connected to each other, which then together form the transfer path, with a total rotation angle of more than 300°. The total rotation angle is composed of the rotation angle of all transfer units in the transfer arrangement. Here, the rotation angle defines the circumferential section of a transfer unit that is used to transport the containers. Thus, if, for example, two transfer units are provided, in which the containers are each transported along half the circumference of the transfer units, this results in a total rotation angle of 360°. andrejewski • honke

[0035] Patent and legal attorneys

[0036] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0037] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0038] 6

[0039] In prior art solutions using only a single sawtooth star, only a relatively small rotation angle can be used to enable transfer between the container feed and the container transport device. This angle is typically between 180° and 210°. Larger angles are generally not achievable due to space constraints, which also reduces the overall length of the transfer path.

[0040] The inventive design of the method now makes it possible to extend the acceleration time, so that the acceleration of the first container(s) can be significantly lower than in previously known solutions. This simplifies and improves the control of synchronization, while at the same time minimizing the likelihood of damage to the first container due to the smoother start-up.

[0041] A further development of the invention provides that the transfer distance is at least 2000 mm, preferably at least 2500 mm. In particular, it is provided that the transfer distance is between 1500 mm and 5000 mm, preferably between 2000 and 4500 mm, and most preferably between 2500 and 4000 mm. These parameter ranges have proven to be particularly effective in enabling gentle acceleration of the containers and in not excessively increasing the space requirement of the entire container handling system, or its footprint. Especially in transfer arrangements with a transfer distance of up to 5000 mm, the transfer unit(s) provided for this purpose can be easily integrated into the overall container handling system. andrejewski • honke

[0042] Patent and legal attorneys

[0043] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0044] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0045] 7

[0046] Furthermore, the overall rotation angle of the transfer arrangement can be at least 360°, and in particular at least 540°. A particularly preferred overall rotation angle is between 300° and 1080°, more preferably between 360° and 900°, and most preferably between 540° and 720°. It should also be noted in this context that an increase in the overall rotation angle is usually associated with an increase in the number of transfer units, whereby an overall rotation angle of 1080° is achievable with four or five units arranged in series. While a greater number of transfer units is conceivable in principle, this would unnecessarily increase the required space.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one transfer unit directly adjacent to the container feed is designed as a sawtooth star. If several transfer units are provided, the sawtooth star then forms the first transfer unit, which takes the first container from the container feed and then transfers it either to further transfer units, in particular to a second transfer unit, or to the container transport device. In this context, a sawtooth star is understood to be a transport system that has a plurality of circumferentially formed receiving pockets into which the containers can be inserted. For example, the sawtooth star can have between 40 and 90 receiving pockets. Along the transfer path, a guide wall is then provided on the opposite side, which prevents containers from falling out of the receiving pockets.Accordingly, it is a passive transport element. Furthermore, the receiving pockets are separated from each other circumferentially by sawtooth-like walls, which make it possible to andrejewski • honk e.

[0048] Patent and legal attorneys

[0049] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0050] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0051] 8. This allows the container to be gripped and guided particularly well by the container guide. This makes it possible to use the sawtooth star to bring containers arranged directly one behind the other to a predetermined spacing, which corresponds to the spacing of the downstream devices, in particular the container transport device. In this context, a spacing means that the containers have a predetermined distance from each other. With the sawtooth star, the spacing results from the diameter of the sawtooth star and the number of provided receiving pockets. Enlarging the sawtooth star to achieve the transfer distance can then involve not only an increase in diameter but also an increase in the number of receiving pockets.

[0052] A further development of the invention provides that at least one transfer unit is designed as a dust removal star, wherein the dust removal star is preferably arranged between the sawtooth star and the container transport device. In particular, the dust removal star can be directly adjacent to the container transport device and form the last section of the transfer path. The dust removal star has a plurality of container receptacles, each of which is associated with a lance that, during the rotation of the dust removal star, extends into the containers, in particular into the preforms. Compressed air is then blown into the containers at the lowest point. During the blowing process, dust and any contaminants are removed from the container. For this purpose, the lance is successively extended out of the container during the compressed air operation.Therefore, the transfer section can be used not only to enable a smooth start-up and transfer of the first containers during operation. Rather, the transfer section, and thus the space it occupies, can also be used productively during production to dedust the containers. andrejewski • honk e.

[0053] Patent and legal attorneys

[0054] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0055] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0056] 9

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer arrangement is formed from at least three rotatably movable transfer units. In this embodiment, the first transfer unit, directly adjacent to the container feed, is preferably designed as a sawtooth star, while either a transport star or a dust removal star connects to the sawtooth star. If the dust removal star connects to the sawtooth star, the third transfer unit, directly adjacent to the container transport device, is designed exclusively as a transport unit. However, a transport unit can also initially connect to the sawtooth star and transfer the containers to the third transfer unit, designed as a dust removal star, which then connects directly to the container transport device. Of course, it is also possible to integrate further transfer units.

[0058] The container transport device can also be a rotatable transport system. However, within the scope of the invention, a container transport device preferably refers to an embodiment in which the containers are transported along a substantially oval-shaped device. The transport elements are arranged, for example, on a transport chain or a transport belt. The speed of the container transport device is therefore determined by the speed of the transport elements. Based on this consideration, it is preferably provided that the container transport device and / or the transfer arrangement have a starting speed before the first container is fed in. This starting speed, however, is lower than the operating transport speed. andrejewski • honke

[0059] Patent and legal attorneys

[0060] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0061] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0062] 10

[0063] Therefore, the first container is introduced into a transfer unit that is already rotating slightly, particularly a sawtooth star wheel. This initial speed is designed so that the rotation does not damage the container. At the same time, however, improved singulation is possible if there is already a slight initial speed, further reducing the risk of container damage. From this initial speed, the container is then accelerated to the operating transport speed at the start of operation.

[0064] If only the transfer mechanism or the container transport device is designed with a starting speed, both system components must be synchronized before the actual start of operation. This ensures that both components accelerate to an operational transport speed at least shortly before the start of operation or immediately before the transfer of the first container. Accordingly, the starting speed of the two system components can differ. Of course, it is also possible for both system components to have an identical starting speed.

[0065] Preferably, however, the first container is accelerated from a standstill along the transfer path. It should be noted that, according to a typical design, the containers are arranged within the container feed before operation begins. For example, this container feed can be designed as a feed chute, in which case the containers are accelerated solely by gravity and slide into the singulation star at a certain speed. During the standstill, a holding element, in particular a stop finger, holds the container in place by blocking the andrejewski • honke

[0066] Patent and legal attorneys

[0067] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0068] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0069] 11

[0070] The transport route places the containers within the singulation device so that they cannot be accelerated by their own gravity.

[0071] To start operation, the holding element is released and the first container slides into the first transfer unit of the transfer system, with the containers then being transferred to the transfer unit essentially while stationary. Due to the longer path within the container feeder, the subsequent containers then have a higher speed, allowing the transfer system to also operate at a higher speed.

[0072] A further development of the invention provides that the container transport device and the transfer arrangement synchronize with each other during start-up, accelerating the first container along the transfer path to the operating transport speed. Synchronized acceleration in this context means that both system components have identical speeds during start-up. This can be achieved, for example, by forcibly coupled drives for both system components. In the context of the invention, forced coupling means that both system components can be operated using only one drive unit, so that automatic synchronization of the moving transfer arrangement and the container transport device occurs.In this context, even when multiple transfer units are arranged, all transfer units are operated with only one drive unit, which also drives the container transport device. Such a forced coupling can, for example, be a mechanical gearbox that transmits the movement of the drive unit to both system components. This mechanical andrejewski • honk e.

[0073] Patent and legal attorneys

[0074] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0075] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0076] 12

[0077] The gearbox is designed so that the movement of the transfer mechanism and the movement of the container transport device are synchronized. Because only one drive unit is used, it is particularly important that this unit be sufficiently large and powerful.

[0078] Of course, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the transfer arrangement on the one hand and the container transport device on the other to have separate drive units, which are operated synchronously with each other via a corresponding control device. With regard to synchronization, it is sufficient if this occurs at least during the transfer of the first container to the container transport device. The transfer arrangement can again have only one drive unit, in which case, if several transfer units are provided, they are positively coupled to each other. Naturally, it is also possible for the transfer arrangement to have a plurality of drive units, with each drive unit being assigned to a transfer unit. The drive units are preferably electric motors, in particular servo motors.

[0079] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the container transport device is designed as a heating device with at least one heating element for thermally conditioning the containers. Accordingly, the containers are preconditioned to a predetermined temperature during transport within the container transport device.

[0080] The invention further relates to a container handling arrangement according to claim 12 with a container feed, at least one having a plurality of transport elements arranged to rotate around the circumference.

[0081] Patent and legal attorneys

[0082] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0083] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0084] 13

[0085] Container transport device and a transfer arrangement for transferring containers along a transfer path from the container feed into the transport elements of the container transport device, wherein the transfer arrangement has at least one transfer unit designed to be movable in all directions, which can be driven by at least one drive device, and wherein a control unit for carrying out the method according to the invention is assigned to the drive device, and wherein the transfer path is at least 1500 mm and / or wherein the transfer arrangement is formed from at least two rotatably movable transfer units, wherein the transfer path extends along a total rotation angle of the transfer arrangement of at least 300°.

[0086] In this context, it should be noted that the container treatment arrangement mentioned here can be structurally identical to the container treatment arrangement previously presented in connection with the method, so that consequently all features mentioned in connection with the method can be adopted for the container treatment arrangement. This also applies equally to process features that are subsequently mentioned in connection with the container treatment arrangement.

[0087] In principle, the transfer arrangement and the container transport device can have a common drive unit, in which case the individual system components are positively coupled. Alternatively, separate drive elements can be provided for the container transport device and the transfer arrangement, in which case the transfer arrangement again has a common drive unit for all transfer units, or each transfer unit has its own separate drive unit. In any case, all andrejewski • honke

[0088] Patent and legal attorneys

[0089] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0090] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0091] 14

[0092] Drive units are operatively connected to the control unit to enable the method according to the invention to be carried out. Separate drive units offer the advantage that the container treatment arrangement can be used and operated very flexibly, although at the same time the synchronization effort is increased compared to positively coupled drive units. The drive units are in particular electric motors, preferably servo motors.

[0093] According to a further development of the invention, the container transport device is designed as a heating device with at least one heating element for heating the containers.

[0094] Furthermore, a blow molding device may be provided, which connects to an outlet of the container transport device via a transfer unit. Particularly if the container transport device is designed as a heating device, the material of the containers, especially the preforms, can be softened, allowing the preforms to be transformed into beverage containers, particularly beverage bottles, in a subsequent blow molding process. The blow molding device may also be a stretch blow molding device.

[0095] A further development of the invention provides that the container feed is designed as a feed chute or as an airflow-assisted feed. In the case of a feed chute, the containers are moved solely by gravity, with the feed chute being arranged at an angle relative to the transfer arrangement. This angle is particularly between 20° and 30°. In the case of an airflow-assisted feed, the container feed is arranged essentially parallel to the transfer arrangement, with the transport of the containers being effected by an airflow.

[0096] Patent and legal attorneys

[0097] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0098] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0099] 15

[0100] Airflow occurs. Naturally, it is also possible to use a shallow angle of attack, thus combining both designs. Alternatively, the container feed can also be designed as a conveyor belt, link chain, clamping belt, or clamping chain.

[0101] Further training stipulates that the container feeder has an adjustable holding element designed to block the entry of containers into the transfer unit when in a holding position. This holding element is, for example, a so-called stop finger, which enters the transport path of the container feeder and thereby blocks it. By releasing the stop finger, the transport path can then be opened, allowing the container to be introduced into the transfer unit.

[0102] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0103] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a container treatment arrangement according to the prior art,

[0104] Fig. 2 shows an opening-type container treatment arrangement according to a first embodiment variant,

[0105] Fig. 3 shows a container treatment arrangement according to the invention in a second embodiment variant.

[0106] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a container handling arrangement with a blowing device 8 and a container transport device 4 upstream of the blowing device 8. The container transport device 4 is located at the andrejewski • honke site.

[0107] Patent and legal attorneys

[0108] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0109] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0110] 16

[0111] Device 4 has a plurality of circumferentially arranged transport elements 5. In addition, heating elements 6 are provided, which heat the containers 1 transported in the container transport device 4 during transport. The containers 1 are preforms made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are formed into beverage bottles in the blow molding device 8. This is done by stretch blow molding. The heating elements 6 heat the containers 1, softening the material so that it can be more easily plastically shaped within the blow molding device 8 by introducing compressed air.

[0112] The transport elements 5 are spaced at a predefined distance from each other, at which they are transported within the container transport device 4. At an outlet, the containers 1 are transferred within a transfer device 7 to the blowing device 8.

[0113] The containers 1 are typically unsorted within a collection container, which is not shown in Fig. 1. From this collection container, the containers 1 are conveyed via an inclined conveyor and fed into a sorting device, in particular a roller sorter. Within this sorting device, the containers 1 are aligned and arranged one behind the other, and from there they enter the container feed 1, which is designed either as a feed chute or as an airflow-assisted feed. Figure 1 clearly shows that the containers 1 are typically arranged one behind the other and must therefore be brought to a division that corresponds to the division or spacing of the transport elements 5. This takes place within a transfer arrangement 3, which, according to the example shown in Figure 1, is formed from a single transfer unit 9.This transfer unit 9 is a sawtooth star, which houses a large number of andrejewski • honk e.

[0114] Patent and legal attorneys

[0115] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0116] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0117] 17

[0118] The receiving pockets have a spacing between them that corresponds to the distance between the transport elements 5 in the container transport device 4.

[0119] The container feed 2 also features a holding element 10 in the form of a stop finger, which interrupts or releases the flow of containers. Accordingly, the holding element 10 is engaged in the event of an operational stop, thereby blocking the feed of containers 1 into the transfer unit 3. To restart operation, the holding element 10 is then removed, and the first container 1 enters the transfer unit 9.

[0120] Several methods have proven suitable for starting operations based on the prior art. Typically, both the container transport device 4 and the transfer unit 3 are first brought up to a predetermined operating speed, and then the holding element 10 is released. However, this results in comparatively large speed differences between the first container 1 and the sawtooth star or transfer unit 9, particularly in the case of the first container 1. This can lead to damage to the container 1. Damage to individual system components is also conceivable.

[0121] It is also known from the prior art to accelerate the transfer arrangement 9 or the sawtooth star wheel during start-up, although, according to the usual design, this results in comparatively short transfer distances T. Accordingly, a relatively high acceleration rate is required to accelerate the first container from a standstill at the end of the transfer distance T to an operational transport speed. andrejewski • honke

[0122] Patent and legal attorneys

[0123] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0124] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0125] 18

[0126] Figure 2 shows an embodiment according to the invention in which the transfer arrangement 3 is again formed from only one transfer unit 9, which is similarly designed as a sawtooth star. In contrast to the solutions known from the prior art, however, this transfer unit 9 has a relatively large diameter, resulting in a transfer distance T of at least 1500 mm, preferably at least 2000 mm, and particularly preferably at least 2500 mm. Such an embodiment has proven to be particularly advantageous, as it now enables a smoother acceleration of the first container 1.

[0127] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment in which the transfer arrangement 3 is formed from a total of three transfer units 9a, 9b, 9c, which together form the transfer section T. The first transfer unit 9a is again designed as a sawtooth star, while the last transfer unit 9c is solely a transport unit that transfers the containers from the second transfer unit 9b to the container transport device 4. The second transfer unit 9b is designed as a dust removal star, in which dust and other residues can be blown out of the containers 1 by blowing in compressed air. Accordingly, the now comparatively long transfer section T is not only used for acceleration. Rather, the additional space required can also be used to a particular advantage, especially during production operations.

[0128] The transfer units 9a, 9b, 9c are rotatable, with all transfer units 9a having a rotation angle ai, 02, 03 over which the containers 1 are moved. It has been found that a total rotation angle of at least 300°, preferably at least 360°, and particularly preferably at least up to 450° is especially advantageous, according to andrejewski • honke

[0129] Patent and legal attorneys

[0130] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0131] KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e)

[0132] 19 in the example shown in Fig. 3 the total rotation angle is approximately 600°.

[0133] In order to control the transfer arrangement 9 according to Figures 1 to 3 during start-up, it is connected to at least one drive unit (not shown), which in turn is connected to a control unit (not shown). This control unit is configured to operate the transfer arrangement 3 at an accelerated speed during start-up according to the method shown.

[0134] In principle, it is sufficient for the transfer arrangement 3 to have only one drive unit. However, based on an embodiment according to Figure 3, a separate drive unit can also be provided for each transfer unit 9a, 9b, 9c, in which case all drive units must be operated synchronously. The container transport device 4 also has a corresponding drive unit, which connects to the control unit. It is also conceivable that the transfer arrangement 3 and the container transport device 4 have a common drive unit.

[0135] Andre Jewski • Honke

[0136] Patent and lawyers

[0137] Patent application filed September 5, 2025

[0138] KHS GmbH (X 27844 / Ri / Ve)

[0139] 20

[0140] Reference symbol list

[0141] 1 container

[0142] 2 Container feed 3 Transfer arrangement

[0143] 4 Container transport device

[0144] 5 Transport element

[0145] 6 heating element

[0146] 7 Transfer device 8 Blowing device

[0147] 9 Transfer unit

[0148] 10 stop fingers

[0149] T transfer section

Claims

andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed September 5, 2025 KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e) Patent claims:

1. Method for operating a container handling arrangement with a container feed (2), at least one container transport device (4) having a plurality of circumferentially rotatable transport elements (5), and a transfer arrangement (3) for transferring containers (1) from the container feed (2) into the transport elements (5) of the container transport device (4), which has at least one circumferentially movable transfer unit (9), wherein, at the start of operation, a first container (1) is fed to the transfer arrangement (3) and transferred in a movement along a transfer path (T) formed at the transfer arrangement (3) into the container transport device (4), wherein, during the start of operation, at least the first container (1) is accelerated along the transfer path (T) to an operational transport speed, characterized in thatthat the transfer distance (T) is at least 1500 mm and / or the transfer arrangement (3) is formed from at least two rotatably movable transfer units (9), wherein the transfer distance (T) extends along a total rotation angle of the transfer arrangement (3) of at least 300°.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer distance (T) is at least 2000 mm, in particular at least 2500 mm. andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed September 5, 2025 KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e) 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the total rotation angle of the transfer arrangement (3) is at least 360°, in particular at least 540°.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transfer unit (9) directly adjacent to the container feed (2) is designed as a sawtooth star.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transfer unit (9) is designed as a dust removal star, wherein the dust removal star is preferably arranged between the sawtooth star and the container transport device (4).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer arrangement (3) is formed from at least three rotatably movable transfer units (9a, 9b, 9c).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container transport device (4) and / or the transfer arrangement (3) have a starting velocity before the first container (1) is fed in.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first container (1) is accelerated from standstill along the transfer section (T). andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed September 5, 2025 KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e) 9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container transport device (4) and the transfer arrangement (3) synchronize with each other during the start of operation to accelerate the first container (1) along the transfer route (T) to the operational transport speed.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the start of operation the container transport device (4) is first accelerated, wherein the transfer arrangement (3) then accelerates the first container (1 ) along the transfer route (T) to the operational transport speed.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container transport device (4) is designed as a heating device with at least one heating element (6) for thermal conditioning of the containers (1).

12. Container handling arrangement comprising a container feed (2), at least one container transport device (4) having a plurality of circumferentially rotatable transport elements (5), and a transfer arrangement (3) for transferring containers (1) along a transfer path (T) from the container feed (2) into the transport elements (5) of the container transport device (4), wherein the transfer arrangement (3) has at least one circumferentially movable transfer unit (9) which can be driven by at least one drive unit (12), and wherein the drive unit is connected to a control unit for carrying out the method according to one of the andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed September 5, 2025 KHS GmbH (X 27 844 / RiA / e) is assigned to claims 1 to 7 and wherein the transfer distance (T) is at least 1500 mm and / or wherein the transfer arrangement (3) is formed from at least two rotatably movable transfer units (9), wherein the transfer distance (T) extends along a total rotation angle of the transfer arrangement (3) of at least 300°.

13. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the container transport device (4) is designed as a heating device with at least one heating element (6) for heating the containers (1 ).

14. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a blowing device (8) is provided which connects to an outlet of the container transport device (4) via a transfer device (7).

15. Container treatment arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the container feed (2) is designed as a feed chute or as an airflow-assisted feed.

16. Container transport arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the container feed (2) has an adjustable holding element which is configured to block the entry of containers (1) into the transfer arrangement (3) in a holding position. Andre Jewski • Honke Patent and lawyers Patent application filed September 5, 2025 KHS GmbH (X 27844 / RiA / e) 5 17. Container transport arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the drive device or drive devices are designed as an electric motor, in particular as a servo motor.

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