CN209739563U

CN209739563U - Container treating machine

Info

Publication number: CN209739563U
Application number: CN201690001419.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 罗兰·艾德雷尔
Original assignee: Crowns Stock Co
Current assignee: Crowns Stock Co; Krones AG
Priority date: 2015-12-11
Filing date: 2016-10-10
Publication date: 2019-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-10
Also published as: EP3386870B1; DE102015224973A1; WO2017097459A1; EP3386870A1

Abstract

In a container treatment machine, a neck gripper (2) for holding a container neck is provided, which can be adjusted out of a transfer level (N) parallel to the centering element (3), and which has at least one assembly (B) for neck-actuated manipulation of the container (1), which has a centering head (5) with a centering element (3) that can be adjusted linearly between a passive position and a gripping position, the neck gripper being moved along by the centering element (3) at least until in the gripping position and being able to be returned to the transfer level (N) together with the container (1) as the centering element (3) is adjusted into the passive position.

Description

Container treating machine

Technical Field

The invention relates to a container treatment machine with at least one assembly for handling containers in the container treatment machine after transfer from an input transport section to an output transport section in a treatment process according to the neck operating principle, wherein the assembly has a centering head with a centering element which can be adjusted linearly on an adjustment path between a passive position and a clamping position, and is provided with a container plate in an orientation facing the centering head.

Background

In known container treatment machines of this type, for example, empty container labeling labels for empty PET containers are transferred to the labeling carousel via a neck-actuated infeed star. In the labeling carousel, the containers are axially clamped between the centering elements of the centering head and the vial plate and are shape-stabilized, for example, by means of introduced compressed air. After the labeling with the optional additional rotation of the containers, the containers are transferred to a neck-actuated output star wheel. In order to achieve a problem-free transfer of the containers at the output, the container necks of the containers and the optionally provided carrier rings must be at a predetermined transfer level with respect to the output star wheel, since otherwise the transfer to the output star wheel would not work properly. With the trend toward ever lighter and unstable containers, it is not excluded, despite the presence of the compressed air load, that the containers are deformed, for example by clamping, between the centering element and the container plate in the region below the container neck or carrier ring, so that the container neck or carrier ring is no longer at the transfer level after labeling and cannot be transferred normally. Furthermore, in order to transfer the containers cleanly from the infeed star wheel to the labeling carousel, a container plate is required that can be moved along the height by a problem-free mechanical lifting unit. Furthermore, a full set of input devices matching the container diameter is often provided.

In the container processing machine known from EP 2218648A, the containers are centered in the region of the container neck by centering elements on an optionally provided centering disk and are shape-stabilized for labeling by compressed air application. The centering element and centering disk are replaceable replacement parts. The centering head carries an ejection sleeve, which is manipulated so that the clamped container is loosened after labeling for transfer to the output. The container treatment machine is contained in a block in which a stretch blow molding machine is arranged upstream and a filling machine is arranged downstream. The input and input transport sections are star wheels or linear conveyors. No additional devices for holding and/or centering the containers or for receiving or transferring them are provided in the labeling carousel.

Other prior art is available in EP 1264771 a and EP 1251074 a and EP 2258623B 1.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The invention is based on the object of improving a container treatment machine of the type mentioned at the outset in terms of the handling of the container neck, independently of any height changes that may occur during handling. Part of this task is also the structural simplification of the container handling machine.

The object is achieved by a container treatment machine according to the invention with at least one assembly for handling containers in the container treatment machine after a transfer from an input transport section into an output transport section in a treatment process according to a neck operating principle, wherein the assembly has a centering head with a centering element which is linearly adjustable on an adjustment path between a passive position and a clamping position, and a container pan is arranged in an orientation towards the centering head, wherein a neck clamp which is adjustable parallel to the adjustment path of the centering element relative to a defined transfer level and can be actively opened and closed is provided at least for temporarily holding a container in the region of a container neck, wherein the neck clamp can be moved synchronously with the centering element in the adjustment path of the centering element towards the clamping position and at least up to the clamping position, and wherein, when the centering element is adjusted into the passive position, the neck clamp and container can be returned to the transfer level.

The active neck clamp not only additionally protects the container during the handling of the container between the input and output transport section, but also actively brings the container again to a predetermined transfer level before the transfer to the output transport section, irrespective of any deformation of the container that may occur, so that the transfer to the output transport section can take place normally. The container is oriented with its central axis exactly vertically by means of a centering element acting on the container opening. Due to the centering element and due to the entrainment of the neck clamp, the container is brought directly onto the container plate or into the container plate drop. Therefore, lifting the receptacle tray is no longer necessary, so that costly mechanical lifting units for the receptacle tray are dispensed with. Because the neck clip is already assisted in the receiving process, a complex input device set can be eliminated. For example, the neck gripper mounted on the star wheel normally receives the containers from an input transport path, for example an input star wheel with active neck handling grippers. After receiving the container and lowering it, for example by means of a centering lifting curve loading the centering element, the neck clamp is temporarily opened if necessary in order to release the clamped container for a subsequent rotation. If, during the handling of the containers, for example during the labeling process, the containers are compressed by the clamping and their height changes, the neck clamps, which are carried along by the centering elements, are lowered accordingly together. Before the container is transferred to the output transport section, the neck clamp is closed again in order to hold the container before the centering element is removed from the container. By means of the movement control, the neck clamp is then lifted again together with the gripped container before being transferred to the previously described transfer level. By active adjustment of the neck clamp in the assembly, no lifting movement of the container tray is required. In order not to have to open the neck clamp during container handling with rotation of the container, the neck clamp may be equipped with a roller. As a result, the container processing machine operates with consistent reliability regardless of the condition and/or stability of the processed containers.

The neck clamp is expediently arranged by means of the movement guide in a holder of the assembly, which holder defines the transfer level, if appropriate directly or indirectly, and can be adjusted relative to the holder. The neck clamp then moves strictly only in the direction of movement of the centering element, which is also guided in the holder.

In order to move the neck clamp at least at an end section of the adjustment path of the centering element toward the clamping position, the centering element or the movement guide of the neck clamp has at least one moving part which extends transversely to the adjustment direction of the centering element and the neck clamp and is oriented toward a stop of the movement guide of the neck clamp or of the centering element. The driver therefore transmits at least a part of the adjustment path of the centering element, preferably synchronously in the direction of the clamping position, to the neck clamp holding the container. A separate adjustment drive for the adjustment movement of the neck brace is therefore dispensed with. Alternatively, however, an own drive can be used for the neck clamp, which works synchronously with the movement of the centering element.

In a preferred embodiment, in the passive position of the centering element and with the neck clamp placed on the transfer level, the idle stroke is adjusted between the catch and the stop. The idle stroke is advantageously dimensioned, for example, in such a way that the centering element only drives the neck clamp when the centering element comes into contact with the opening of the container substantially in a force-transmitting manner. Furthermore, it is ensured by the idle stroke that the centering element is sufficiently far outside the path of movement of the container access opening in the passive position when the container is received or transferred by the neck clamp.

The centering element is expediently designed as an inflation device for pressurizing the container which is in the clamped position and is held by the neck clamp. By applying a pressure, for example compressed air or sterile air, the dimensional stability of the container during its handling is greatly increased.

In one embodiment, the movement control of the neck brace has at least one, preferably pretensioned, spring element which acts on the neck brace in the adjustment direction of the transfer level. Alternatively, a motion drive may be provided for this purpose. The spring element brings the neck clamp together with the container held by it back to the normal transfer level, to be precise independently of a parallel or advanced return movement of the centering element to the passive position.

In a structurally simple and functionally reliable embodiment, the spring element for adjusting the neck clamp is arranged on a pin of a transverse yoke which can be adjusted by the neck clamp and which passes through the movement guide. In order to limit the level of transfer, and preferably to adjust the idle travel, the pin has a stop that interacts with the transverse yoke. The stop ensures that the neck clip is not clamped on the holder. In order to be able to adapt the transfer level to the container type, at least one exchangeable spacer element can additionally be provided.

In order to ensure a reliable return of the neck clamp together with the held container to the transfer level even in the event of damage to the spring element or breakage of the spring, the motion control has, in addition to the spring element, a catch curve which preferably also defines the transfer level and interacts with a key connected to the neck clamp of the assembly, for example a roller running on the catch curve, at least when the centering element is adjusted towards the passive position.

In a suitable embodiment, the centering head is arranged in the guide and is preferably arranged on the holder in a linearly movable manner against relative rotation and is adjusted relative to the holder together with the centering element by means of a linear drive. In an alternative embodiment, the centering element can even be driven in rotation in order to set the container in rotation. In the case of a rotation of the container, which is effected, for example, via a container plate, the centering element can be arranged so as to be freely rotatable relative to the centering head. Ball bearings are provided for this purpose. Alternatively, only the centering element can be adjusted relative to the centering head by means of a linear drive.

In one expedient embodiment, the linear drive has a stationary downward curve for a key (e.g. a roller) arranged on the centering head, and at least one restoring spring acting in the direction of the passive position, which is preferably formed between a stop of the guide and the centering head. The return spring holds the key on the downcurve so that the centering head or the centering element is normally brought back into the passive position.

The centering element is advantageously longer relative to the adjusting path of the holder for actively transporting the containers to the container plate and for centering the containers on the container plate than the spacing between the holder and the container plate, which is fixed in position at least during the handling of the containers between the input and output transport paths. This measure also determines the clamping force of the container while the treatment is taking place. Suitably, the container tray has a centring drop-off for centring.

In one embodiment, the neck clamp has two gripping arms that are pivotable away from each other in a controlled manner against spring force or magnetic force in opposite directions. In the case of neck clamps equipped with rollers, these act on the inside of the gripping arms in order to allow the container to rotate despite the closing of the neck clamp. The pivoting apart of the gripping arms from each other is effected, for example, by means of cams.

Advantageously, further components of the same type are arranged in the turntable of the labeling machine or printing press. The input and output transport paths can be, in particular, either star wheels fitted with clips or air conveyors.

The carousel here belongs to its own independent labeling machine and/or printing machine, which operates between the input and output transport paths.

However, it is particularly advantageous for the labeling machine or printing press to be contained in a block comprising an upstream container stretch blow molding machine and a downstream filling machine, wherein, expediently, a star wheel equipped with a gripper is respectively arranged therebetween.

In a suitable embodiment, the linear drive of the centering element or centering head is dual-acting and comprises at least one force and/or travel sensor for detecting the adjusting and/or holding force of the linear drive and/or the current position of the centering element and/or the neck brace and for reporting this to a superordinate control. This principle is known from EP 2258623B 1, which should be incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. By means of this concept, particularly light and/or thin-walled containers can be handled and handled reliably. Furthermore, the container treatment machine can be used in all bottle stations which are common to the market segment, such as servo bottle stations, belt bottle stations, turnstile bottle stations and bottle stations with mechanical station curves. In this case, the active lowering and centering of the containers on the container plate is an important point of view, since the otherwise customary complete guide device can be at least partially simplified or completely dispensed with.

Suitably, the container to be treated, preferably a PET bottle, has a carrier ring at the container neck. The neck is clamped on the container neck, for example, on the side of the carrier ring facing the container access opening and directly adjacent to the carrier ring. As a result, the thread normally provided on the container neck is not damaged, nor does it interfere with the interaction between the centering element and the container access opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the neck gripper is provided on the gripping arm with a roller which holds the container neck and rolls on the container neck when the container is rotated. Here, two small plastic rollers are sufficient. The neck clamp therefore no longer needs to be opened when the container is rotated, but rather when necessary when receiving and/or transferring.

The invention also relates to a method for handling containers in a process in a container handling machine, in which method each container is temporarily clamped in the process along its longitudinal axis and, due to the clamping, deformation of the container in the direction of the longitudinal axis cannot be avoided, which can lead to difficulties during the transfer during the delivery of the containers due to height deviations. In the method according to the invention, the dispensing condition is compensated despite possible container deformations by the neck gripper holding the container neck moving in the gripping direction together with the container neck, the neck gripper actively returning to the predetermined transfer level before the container is dispensed and thus taking care of the correct transfer and the correct dispensing condition. The method is therefore independent of the dimensional stability of the container to be treated and makes use of the fact that, in particular in the case of PET containers, the resistance of the preformed container neck region against deformation which may result from clamping is sufficient and deformation may occur in other regions of the container than in the container neck region on which the neck clamp acts.

drawings

Embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are illustrated with the aid of the figures. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly of a container handling machine in a container gripping position;

FIG. 2 shows a portion of another embodiment of an assembly having the same function as in FIG. 1, and in a container clamping position but with the neck clamp open;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of FIG. 2; and is

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of fig. 3 in a passive position with the neck clamp closed.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 4 depict at least part of an assembly B which is part of a container handling machine, for example as a non-limiting field of application of a labelling machine and/or a rotary table of a printing machine for applying labels, prints, icons or the like onto containers 1, in particular empty PET bottles. The container treatment machine containing at least one such assembly can be operated as a stand-alone machine or can be integrated into a block, for example comprising an upstream stretch blow molding machine and a downstream filling machine, if necessary even a capper. The containers 1 are continuously processed in the process and are conveyed in accordance with the neck operating principle. A container treatment machine with, for example, a series of identical assemblies B in a carousel can comprise an input and output transport section E, A, which has, for example, at least one transport star wheel with passive (container-operated) neck clamps or active (open-and/or closed-controlled (auf-odd/oder zugesteuerten) neck clamps, which transport the containers 1 individually into or out of the assemblies. Alternatively, the input and output transport sections may be linear conveyors or air conveyors. Adjacent to the path of movement of each module B or on the periphery, the turntable can be assigned at least one labeling unit, for example a control module for the wraparound labels (or a printing unit with an inkjet printer, for example) and, if appropriate, a module for rolling the applied labels.

In the assembly embodiment shown in fig. 1, the received container 1 is clamped for processing in the direction of its longitudinal axis and in this case is held in the region of the container neck by a neck clamp 2. The clamping is performed by a driven centering element 3 that can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the container, which acts on the container access opening and presses the container, if necessary, against a container plate (fig. 2 to 4, referenced 20 by the chinese character) that is not shown in fig. 1. The clamped container 1 is optionally subjected to compressed air via the centering element 3 in order to increase its dimensional stability for the treatment.

The neck clamp 2, which is mounted movably parallel to the centering element 3 on the guide rod 12, is acted upon in the upward direction in fig. 1 by at least one spring element 4. On a top part 14 fixed on a holder 18, a centering head 5 connected to the centering element 3 by a guide rod 17 is guided displaceably, which centering head is brought into the clamping position shown in fig. 1, for example, by a linear drive L against the force of a return spring 9. The linear drive comprises, for example, a key 6 arranged on the centering head 5, which is typically a roller cooperating with a stationary descending curve 15 during the revolving movement of the turntable.

Alternatively, the assembly B for the centering element 3 has its own independent linear drive, which works double-acting if necessary.

For the neck clamp 2, a linear drive can also be provided for reliability reasons, so that with the centering head 5 in its uppermost position, the neck clamp 2 guided in motion by the guide rod 12 can be lifted, for example, even if the spring element 4 breaks, to be precise, the key 7 (for example a roller) arranged on the bow connecting the guide rod 12 interacts with the stationary catch curve 16. The catching curve 16 does not require intervention when the spring element 4 is operating normally.

For the centering head 5, a guide rod 11 is arranged on the top piece 14. Furthermore, a pin 10 provided in the top part 14 for the purpose of resisting relative rotation is integrated into the assembly B.

The driver 13 is connected to the guide rod 17 of the centering element 3 or to the centering element 3, which in this embodiment extends transversely to the direction of movement of the neck clamp 2 and the centering element 3 above the top part 14 and interacts with the bow connected to the guide rod 12, so that the neck clamp 2 must follow the adjustment of the centering element 3 at least in the final phase of the adjustment path up to the illustrated clamping position against the force of the spring element 4.

The neck clamp 2 is opened, for example by means of a switching rocker 8, by means of a not shown cam or rotary drive, and is brought into the shown gripping position by means of a spring force or a magnetic force (not shown in fig. 1).

Fig. 2 to 4 show a detail variant of the assembly B, which has substantially the same function as the embodiment of fig. 1. In fig. 2 and 3, the neck clamp 2 (which in the embodiment shown has two jaws 2a, 2b which can pivot in opposite directions on a bracket 25 mounted on the guide rod 12) is opened by a cam 23 above the switching rocker 8 against the force of a spring 22, for example, in order to enable the container 1 to be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the clamped state. Alternatively (drawn in dashed lines), the gripping arms 2a, 2b are equipped with rollers 30, for example plastic rollers, which allow the container 1 to be rotated when the neck clamp 2 is closed and then to be rolled over the container neck region in the gripping position.

The container neck region may be equipped with a carrier ring 19 below the external thread. The neck clamp 2 is positioned in such a way that it is on the side of the carrier ring 19 facing the container access opening and directly adjacent to the carrier ring.

The centering element 3, which may have a conical bottom part 3a, for example a ball bearing and is thus freely rotatable, is in fig. 3 recessed into the container access opening 1 and presses the neck clamp 2 via the catch 13 and the container 1 in the direction of the container plate 20, which is preferably configured with a container plate drop 21 defined by the centering element, and finally presses against it. This produces the grip required for the treatment, wherein compressed air can optionally be blown into the container 1 by means of the centering element 3 in order to stabilize the container in its shape for the treatment. The centered clamping of the container enables this process and, if necessary, a rotation in a predetermined position.

If the containers 1 can be rotated about their longitudinal axis during processing, the rotational movement is applied either via the container plate 20 or alternatively via the centering element 3, the base part 3a of which in this case need not be arranged rotatably. For this purpose, a rotary drive, not shown, can act, for example, on the guide rod 17.

The two guide rods 12 of the neck clamp 2 are guided in fig. 2 to 4 in a movement guide 24 fitted to the holder 18, which has a top transverse yoke 28. The guide rod 12 is thereby connected to a yoke 25 above a transverse yoke 28, on which the spring element 4 acts with pretension in the embodiment shown in fig. 2 to 4. The spring element 4 is threaded onto a pin 26 which is anchored to the yoke 25 and which can run through a transverse yoke 28. A head 27 mounted on the lower end of the pin 26 forms a stop for co-operation with the transverse yoke 28. The stops 27 define a transfer level N which is coordinated with the respective clip of the output transport section a which receives the containers 1 after processing by the neck clips 2. In the clamping position of fig. 2, the neck clamp 2 is positioned below the transfer level N. In order to be able to adjust or change the transfer level N as required, the stop 27 can be assigned a spacer element 27 a.

The driver 13 mounted on the upper end of the centering element 3 cooperates with the top side of the yoke 25 on the guide rod 12 in order to drive the neck clamp 12 when the centering element 3 is adjusted against the force of the spring element 4, so that the neck clamp 12 remains under the carrier ring 19 due to the clamping despite possible deformation of the container and remains positioned at the carrier ring 19 at all times.

In the side view of fig. 3, the neck brace 2 is lowered via the driver 13 until the stop 27 is below the transverse yoke 28.

Fig. 4 shows the passive position of the centering element 3, which is moved upward relative to the holder 18 via the linear drive L explained with reference to fig. 1, releases the container access opening via a cone 29 arranged on the bottom part 2a and is located at a distance above the container access opening. The neck clamp 2 is raised by the spring element 4, wherein the driver 13 maintains an idle stroke X relative to the top side of the yoke 25. The stop 27 or the spacer element 27a rests on the bottom side of the transverse yoke 28 and defines a transfer level N for the neck clamp 2 or the retaining ring 19 for switching to the output conveyor section (or for receiving a container coming out of the input conveyor section by means of the neck clamp 2).

The spacing a between the top side of the yoke 25 and the retaining ring 19 or the bottom side of the neck clamp 2, as seen in the direction of movement of the neck clamp 2, is constant and is defined by a stop 27 or a spacer element 27 a. The distance b between the lower end of the container 1 and the retaining ring 19 is variable due to possible deformations of the container 1 during handling or clamping. By raising the neck clamp 2, the container 1 is lifted from the container plate 20, so that it can be transferred onto the transfer level N or received without hindrance and with precision.

Claims

1. Container treatment machine with at least one assembly (B) for handling containers (1) in the container treatment machine after transfer from an input transport section (E) to an output transport section (A) in a treatment process according to a neck operating principle, wherein the assembly (B) has a centering head (5) with a centering element (3) which can be adjusted linearly on an adjustment path between a passive position and a clamping position, and a container disk (20) is arranged in an orientation towards the centering head (5), characterized in that a neck clamp (2) which can be adjusted parallel to the adjustment path of the centering element (3) relative to a defined transfer level (N) and which can be opened and closed actively is provided at least for temporarily holding a container (1) in the region of the container neck, in the adjustment path of the centering element (3) towards the clamping position and at least up to the clamping position, the neck clamp (2) can be moved synchronously with the centering element (3), and the neck clamp (2) and the container (1) can be returned to the transfer level (N) when the centering element (3) is set in the passive position.

2. The container processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the neck clamp (2) is arranged in a holder (18) of an assembly (B) with a movement guide (24) and is adjustable relative to the holder (18).

3. The container treatment machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the centering element (3) or the movement guide (24) has at least one catch (13) which extends transversely to the adjustment direction of the centering element (3) and the neck clamp (2) and is oriented towards the stop of the movement guide (24) of the neck clamp (2) or of the centering element (3).

4. The container processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that in the passive position of the centering element (3) and with the neck clamp (2) placed at the transfer level (N), the emptying stroke (X) is adjusted between the catch (13) and the stop.

5. The container processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the centering element (3) is configured as an inflation device for pressurizing the containers (1) centered by the centering element (3) and held by the neck clamp (2) in the clamped position.

6. The container processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement guide (24) of the neck clamp (2) has at least one spring element (4) which loads the neck clamp (2) in an adjustment direction towards the transfer level (N).

7. The container processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement guide (24) of the neck clamp (2) has at least one spring element (4) which acts on the neck clamp (2) in an adjustment direction towards the transfer level (N), the spring element (4) being arranged on a pin (26) which can be adjusted by means of the neck clamp (2) and which passes through a transverse yoke (28) of the movement guide (24) and has a stop (27) which interacts with the transverse yoke (28) in order to define the transfer level (N).

8. The container processing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that a catch curve (16) is provided in addition to the spring element (4), which cooperates with a key (7) connected with the neck clamp (2) of the assembly at least when the centering element (3) is adjusted towards the passive position.

9. The container processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the centering head (5) is movably arranged on a guide (11) of the holder (18, 14) and is adjustable together with the centering element (3) by means of a linear drive (L).

10. the container processing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the linear drive (L) has a stationary lowering curve (15) for a key (6) arranged on the centering head (5) and at least one return spring (9) acting in the direction of a passive position.

11. The container processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment path of the centering element (3) relative to the holder (18) for actively transporting containers (1) to the container plate (20) and for centering onto the container plate (20) is longer than the spacing between the holder (18) of the assembly (B) and the container plate (20) that is azimuthally fixed in height position at least when handling containers between the input and output transport paths (E, A).

12. The container processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the neck clamp (2) has two gripping arms (2a, 2b) which are pivotable apart from each other in a controlled manner against a spring force or a magnetic force (22) in opposite directions.

13. The container treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12, characterized in that the assembly (B) is also arranged in a carousel of a labeling machine or printing machine and the input and output transport path (E, A) is either a star wheel fitted with clips or an air conveyor.

14. The container processing machine according to claim 13, wherein the carousel belongs to a standalone labeling machine or printing machine.

15. The container processing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the labeling machine or printing machine is contained in a block comprising a container stretch blow molding machine upstream of the labeling machine and/or printing machine and a filling machine downstream.

16. The container processing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the linear drive (L) is dual-acting and comprises at least one force sensor and/or stroke sensor for detecting an adjusting force and/or a holding force of the linear drive (L) and/or a current position of the centering element (3) and/or the neck clamp (2) and for reporting this to a superior controller.

17. The container treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 12 and 16, characterized in that the container (1) has a carrier ring (19) at the container neck, and in that the neck clamp (2) acts on the side of the carrier ring (19) facing the container access opening adjacent to the carrier ring at the container neck.

18. The container processing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the neck gripper (2) is equipped at the gripping arms (2a, 2b) with rollers (30) holding the container neck, rolling on the container neck when the container (1) is rotated and in the gripping position of the container gripper (2 c).

19. The container processing machine of claim 1 wherein the container processing machine is an empty container labeling machine.

20. The container processing machine according to claim 2, wherein the cage defines a transfer level.

21. The container processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement guide (24) of the neck clamp (2) has at least one spring element (4) which pretensions the neck clamp (2) in an adjustment direction towards the transfer level (N).

22. the container processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement guide (24) of the neck clamp (2) has at least one spring element (4) which acts on the neck clamp (2) in an adjustment direction toward the transfer level (N), the spring element (4) being arranged on a pin (26) which can be adjusted by means of the neck clamp (2) and which passes through a transverse yoke (28) of the movement guide (24) and has a stop (27) which interacts with the transverse yoke (28) for defining the transfer level (N) and for adjusting the emptying stroke (X).

23. The container processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement guide (24) of the neck clamp (2) has at least one spring element (4) which acts on the neck clamp (2) in an adjustment direction towards the transfer level (N), the spring element (4) being arranged on a pin (26) which can be adjusted by means of the neck clamp (2) and which passes through a transverse yoke (28) of the movement guide (24) and has, for defining the transfer level (N), a stop (27) which interacts with the transverse yoke (28) and at least one exchangeable spacer element (27 a).

24. The container processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the centering head (5) is movably arranged on a guide (11) of the holder (18, 14) and is adjustable by means of a linear drive (L) together with a centering element (3) which is rotationally drivable or freely rotatable relative to the centering head (5).

25. The container processing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the return spring is built between a stop of the guide (11) and the centering head (5).

26. The container handling machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the container tray (20) has a centering drop (21).

27. The container processing machine according to claim 17, wherein the containers are PET bottles.

28. The container processing machine according to claim 18, wherein the rollers are plastic rollers.