DE102017101745A1 - Apparatus and method for sterilizing plastic preforms with prior testing of the plastic preforms - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for treating containers (10) and in particular plastic preforms (10), having a heating device (2) which is suitable and intended for heating the containers (10), this heating device (2) comprising a transport device (22). comprising, which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path and at least one heating element (26), which heats the containers (10), and with a treatment device (6), which of the heating device (2) in the transport direction of the containers (10 ), wherein this treatment device (6) has a second transport device (62), which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path and at least one treatment element (64), which at least partially by an opening of the containers (10) in this Containers (10) is insertable, wherein the treatment device (6) in particular a Steri According to the invention, the device (1) in the transport direction of the containers (10) in front of the treatment device (6) arranged detection device (4), which is suitable for this purpose and it is determined to determine at least one characteristic of a geometrical property of the containers (10).

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for treating and in particular sterilizing containers and in particular plastic preforms. In the field of the beverage-producing industry, it has long been known that plastic preforms are heated and then blown into plastic containers in a forming device, such as a blow molding machine. In some applications, it is necessary to sterilize these plastic preforms or plastic containers.

For the sterilization of the plastic preforms different approaches are known. Thus, it has long been known from the prior art that plastic containers for sterilization with a flowable sterilization medium, such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, are applied. Recently, methods have also become known in which the walls of the containers are exposed to radiation, for example to electron radiation or to ultraviolet radiation.

In particular, it has recently become known that for the purpose of sterilization, electron beam fingers are immersed in plastic containers and sterilized. In this inner treatment, the filigree electron beam fingers dip into them almost to the respective tip of the plastic preforms. If faulty or even incorrect sizes of the plastic preforms are now driven through a corresponding machine or module, there is the risk that the said emitter fingers will be damaged. Since these electron beam fingers are very expensive, in case of failure, a high economic damage can occur.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method which provides increased protection for said sterilization devices, but also for other devices which handle plastic containers (and in particular those elements which are introduced into the plastic preforms ) to reach.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subject matters of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for treating containers and in particular plastic preforms has a heating device which is suitable and intended for heating the containers. In this case, this heating device has a transport device, which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path, and at least one heating element which heats the containers.

Furthermore, the device has a treatment device, which is arranged downstream of the heating device in the transport direction of the containers, said treatment device having a second transport device, which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path, and at least one treatment element, which at least partially through an opening of the containers these containers is insertable.

According to the invention, the device has a detection device arranged in the transport device of the containers in front of the treatment device, which is suitable and intended to determine at least one variable that is characteristic for a geometric and / or physical property of the containers.

As mentioned above, the containers are in particular plastic containers and in particular so-called plastic preforms, which in a further operation preferably expands to plastic bottles, in particular blow-molded.

Advantageously, the inclusion of the physical and in particular geometric variables for collision prevention, that is to prevent that the subsequent treatment element collides with the plastic preform serves.

For example, it is possible for the shot finger to be inserted into the plastic preform to a certain depth. If it is now determined that a particular plastic preform is shorter or has a shorter length than the desired length, then this special plastic preform can be discharged or else the movement of the treatment element (or preferably of the plastic preform) can be adapted accordingly. Preferably, the plastic preforms are moved in their longitudinal direction in order to immerse the rod-shaped treatment elements in this.

Preferably, said detection device outputs values that are characteristic of the respective plastic preform (and in particular for its physical and in particular geometric properties). For example, a detection device could laterally next to a transport path of the plastic preforms be arranged and thus make, for example, a lateral inspection of the plastic preforms.

The treatment device is advantageously arranged downstream of a forming device, in particular a so-called blow molding machine.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a further transport device, which conveys the plastic preforms from the heating device to the treatment device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second transport device, that is to say the transport device of the treatment device, has a rotatable carrier. A multiplicity of treatment elements which can be inserted into the plastic preforms are preferably arranged on this support. These treatment elements are preferably designed as so-called radiator fingers, which can be immersed in the plastic preforms and act on them from the inside with radiation, as explained in greater detail below.

The device preferably has a movement device, which causes the treatment elements to dip into the plastic preforms. For example, lifting devices can be provided which lift the plastic preforms (and in particular move them in their longitudinal direction) and thus cause the treatment elements to dip into the plastic preforms.

This drive device is preferably a so-called guide curve, which cooperates with a cam roller in order to achieve the respective movement of the plastic preforms and / or the treatment elements.

However, other types of drives would also be conceivable which bring about the introduction of the treatment element into the plastic preforms, such as, for example, electric drives, in particular with position-controlled linear motor, pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives and the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the detection device is arranged in a region of the heating device, in particular in a region laterally of the transport path of the plastic preforms.

Advantageously, the first transport means comprises a circulating transport means such as in particular, but not exclusively a circulating transport chain with a plurality of holding devices. These holding devices may be, for example, retaining clips which hold the plastic preforms during their heating. In addition, however, the holding devices may also preferably be so-called mandrels, which can be introduced into the mouths of the plastic preforms and hold these plastic preforms from the inside. In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device also has rotating devices which rotate the plastic preforms during their heating about their own axis.

Advantageously, the first transport means transports the plastic preforms sporadically.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the heating device is an infrared oven. Advantageously, an inspection or a detection of said characteristic variables during heating of the plastic preforms takes place.

Advantageously, this inspection takes place in a section of the transport path which lies beyond half of the transport path. For example, the plastic preforms can be conveyed along an oval elongated transport path. Furthermore, it would be possible and preferred that the plastic preforms are conveyed by means of a transport chain or a conveyor belt, this transport chain being guided around two deflection rollers. In a region of one of these deflection rollers, the detection device can be arranged. In addition, several detection devices could be provided, in particular to determine several properties of the plastic preforms. Particularly preferably, the detection device or inspection device is as close as possible to the sterilization device, ie in the transfer unit 34, but still in front of the diversion unit 42.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment device is a sterilization device which is suitable and intended for at least partial sterilization of an inner wall of the containers. As mentioned above, the sterilization device is in particular an electron beam sterilization device. In this case, as mentioned above, emitter fingers are introduced into the containers and act on these with electrons

In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment device has a beam finger which can be inserted into the containers, which in turn has an exit window through which charge carriers and in particular electrons can exit from the treatment device and in particular the treatment element. In this case, this beam finger is preferred suitable and also determines to sterilize an inner wall of the peripheral wall of the plastic preforms. Preferably, the electrons emerge in the manner of an electron cloud from an exit window of the beam finger and thus preferably also impinge on the said peripheral wall of the plastic preforms. Preferably, this radiation finger is suitable and determined to emit radiation during the insertion process in the plastic preforms.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a shielding device, which is suitable and intended to prevent leakage of radiation from the device, in particular leakage of electron radiation and / or X-radiation. It is possible that the entire treatment device is housed in a radiation-shielding housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a clean room, which surrounds the plastic preforms at least during their transport through the treatment device. This clean room is preferably closed by means of at least one wall with respect to an environment. This makes it possible that the sterilization of the plastic preforms can already be done under sterile conditions. A downstream forming device preferably also has such a clean space, which surrounds at least the transport path of the plastic preforms during their forming.

Advantageously, this exit window is arranged on the treatment element or the beam finger end. Furthermore, the treatment device preferably has an accelerating device for accelerating electrons. Furthermore, the treatment element may have in its interior a vacuum-settable area within which the electrons reach the exit window. In a further advantageous embodiment, the exit window is made of titanium.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a cooling device for cooling the exit window. In particular, the cooling device has an application device, which acts on the exit window with a flowable medium and in particular with cooling air.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the characteristic size is selected from a group of sizes which include a length of the containers, a diameter of the containers, a diameter of the mouths of the containers, a possible ovality of the cross sections of the containers, a wall thickness of the containers, an inner cross section of Containers, contamination of the containers, the presence of cracks in the containers, the quality of an injection point of the containers, symmetries of the containers, positioning of the containers with respect to their holding devices, bends of the containers and the like.

In addition, several of the sizes mentioned can be determined. In particular, the variable to be determined is a variable which is characteristic in the subsequent treatment device for a position and in particular for a relative position of the treatment element relative to the plastic preform.

In particular, the determination of these characteristic variables serves the purpose of protecting the subsequent sterilization module from damage. Thus, for example, a container viewing side wall can be installed in the heating device. This can, as mentioned above, detect different errors, such as dirt, turbidity or air pockets and cracks in the material, Aufsteckfehler (wrong Aufsteckhöhe or crooked plugging), crooked plastic preforms (so-called banana plastic preforms), or a length of the plastic preforms, which for example a variety change is relevant.

If, for example, a reprogramming takes place in response to the detected values, the following treatment elements or emitter fingers can be protected from the problem that too short plastic preforms were introduced into the system. This problem occurs relatively frequently with a variety change.

There is also the risk of too small inner diameters of the plastic preforms that the respective treatment elements or emitter fingers are damaged. In addition, a risk can also occur in the context of a change in the variety of plastic preforms, although they have the same mouth, but a tapered body or a tapered inner diameter.

In order to prevent such dangers, it is further proposed that the detection device also receives characteristic variables, in particular the side walls of the plastic preforms.

For example, it is possible that with transparent or semi-transparent Plastic preforms is closed by a shadow of the wall of the plastic preforms on the inner diameter and this is inspected. If the inside diameter is undershot, that is, if there is no longer a gap between the inside diameter of the plastic preform and a radiator finger, it is concluded that the plastic preform is faulty or incorrectly arranged. This can be removed, for example, before the treatment device from the flow of plastic preforms.

In this way, a total protection of the treatment elements from damage can take place. Also, the machine safety can be increased. In addition, downtimes can be prevented or reduced.

In addition, previously known inspection systems can also be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a control device for controlling the treatment device, and this control device preferably also controls the treatment device on the basis of the at least one value measured by the detection device. Thus, for example, upon occurrence or detection of a defective in any way plastic preform a discharge of this plastic preform. Also, a corresponding stroke movement of the subsequent treatment element can be adjusted. In addition, a machine stop can be triggered.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a discharge device arranged between the heating device and the treatment device, which device is suitable and intended to dislodge at least individual containers from the transport of the containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the detection device has a radiation device, which acts on the containers with radiation. In addition, a receiving device is provided, which receives the radiation influenced by the containers. In this way, it is possible, for example, to measure the containers in a reflected light or a transmitted light method. Advantageously, the detection device measures the plastic preforms without contact.

In the broadest sense, the detection device can thus be an optical detection device. For example, it is possible for the detection device to have an image recording device which records an image of the container to be detected. In this case, this image recording device can detect, for example, radiation passing through the plastic preform. In addition, however, a reflected light measurement can also take place.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the detection device is suitable and intended to perform a measurement on the containers, which is selected from a group of measurements, interferometric measurements, measurements by infrared light, confocal measurements, measurements with spatially resolved image acquisition, telecentric measurements, wall thickness measurements, and combinations of these measurement variants.

In an interferometric measurement, in particular a wall thickness of the containers can be determined. Thus, it is possible that light from a light source is directed substantially perpendicular to a transparent wall of the container. In this case, this light beam can have a continuous spectrum. A part of the beam is reflected on the outer surface of the wall, a part on the inner wall surface. By means of an interferometric sensor, the interferences that result from the superimposition of the first and second reflected beams can be measured. Namely, this interference leads to a periodic change in the intensity of the light as a function of the frequency. The variation may have a period which is proportional to the thickness of the wall of the container.

In another possible method, a centering test of an injection point of the hollow bodies or plastic preforms can also be carried out. For this purpose, for example, the plastic preforms can be illuminated from below and, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the containers above the containers, an image recording device, such as a camera, can be arranged, which records corresponding images.

In addition, telecentric measurements can also be carried out. In this case, a light source may be provided, as well as a refractive element, which in particular bundles the light of the light source. In addition, a camera is provided, which receives an image of a transparent body and in particular of the container. In particular, the transparent container to be observed is transilluminated. A lenticular can be used in the beam path between the light source and the detection device, for example a camera. In this way, for example, a lenticular image can be recorded, that is, an image which is recorded by means of tiny optical lenses.

Although the use of such a lenticular makes a punctiform light source somewhat widened, the beam path does not become diffuse but retains its strongly directed character. In this way, "hard light" can still be used for the measurement and in particular for a wall thickness measurement. As a result, it is also possible to obtain a homogeneously illuminated object area in which a contrast arises essentially as a result of the shadowing by the object to be examined, and furthermore it is also possible to retain the advantages of a telecentric beam path. In addition, in addition to the first lenticular also a second lenticular can be used, in particular one in which the arrangement of cylindrical lenses is perpendicular to those of the first lenticular.

In a further preferred embodiment, confocal measurements can also be carried out. For example, measurements can be made using chromatically uncorrected lenses. It is possible to determine a wall thickness of the containers by evaluating differences of frequencies of reflection signals. In this case, radiation of a first frequency could be reflected by an outer surface and radiation by a second frequency could be reflected by an inner surface of the container. The respective frequency differences can be assigned to different defined wall thicknesses.

In this method, therefore, the wall thickness of the containers is determined by evaluating differences in the frequencies of reflection signals. It is possible that such wall thickness measurements of the containers are carried out at several different height levels and thus it can be determined whether the wall thickness of the plastic container and in particular of the plastic preform changes.

In addition, it is also possible to measure in particular the wall thickness by means of infrared measurements or thermal measurements. In these measurements, infrared light is first applied to the plastic preforms and then detects the proportion of infrared light that passes through the containers. This proportion can in turn be converted into corresponding electrical signals. A microprocessor can compare these electrical signals with stored information and in this way output a measure of a wall thickness of the containers.

In a further preferred method, as mentioned above, the data mentioned are used to control the subsequent modules, in particular the treatment device, but optionally also a downstream blow-molding device. Thus, the determined parameters or the detected values are preferably transmitted for control. It is also possible to transmit further coordinates, such as an ovality of the arranged on thorns plastic preforms, or contours, such as constrictions or cross-sectional changes. It can also be determined to what depth such changes occur.

In a further particularly preferred method it is determined which preform geometry is associated with which transport mandrel. In other words, certain defects are preferably associated not only with certain plastic preforms but also with the holding devices which hold these plastic preforms. Thus, on the one hand, a repetitive fault can be detected in one and the same heating mandrel and, on the other hand, a correlation to a downstream inspection unit take place. This creates a feedback option to compare finished container to starting material (heated preform). In operation, an elegant solution is thus created to determine which starting material just leads to correctly manufactured containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a further detection device and in particular inspection unit, which is advantageously arranged in a transport direction of the plastic preforms after the treatment device. Such a further detection device can be provided, for example, at the outlet of a forming device, which transforms the plastic preforms into plastic containers.

It is particularly advantageous that a possibility is thus created to distinguish whether faults in the furnace (Heizdorn) is generated, or in the Blaskavität.

Furthermore, it would also be possible for a length of the plastic preforms to be determined by means of measuring devices, such as ultrasound probes or measuring devices, for determining the orifice diameter. In the simplest case, for example, in the treatment device could be a spring-loaded finger with a switch, which causes a shutdown of the system in too short plastic preforms. Likewise, a plastic preform that does not fit the recipe can be detected via a light barrier or switch with rocker switch.

The other data to be acquired may also be geometrical properties, such as a height of the Plastic preform to the support ring, a height below the support ring, a wall thickness at a cone end, a wall thickness in the region of the top of the plastic preform, the cross section of a neck beginning, an outer cross section of the dome, an inner cross section and the like. In addition, data of the mouthpiece of the plastic preform may also be measured, such as a cross section of the support ring, a depth of a groove on the mouthpiece, a height of the mouthpiece, an inner cross section of the mouthpiece, a groove height of the mouthpiece, a support ring height, a support ring land height, and the like.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating containers, and in particular plastic preforms. The containers are heated with a heating device and at least temporarily transported during this heating by means of a first transport device and then treated with a treatment device which is arranged downstream of the heating device in the transport direction of the containers, said treatment device having a second transport device, which the containers along a transported at predetermined transport path and at least one treatment element which is at least partially introduced through an opening of the containers in these containers, wherein preferably the treatment device sterilizes at least one wall of the containers.

According to the invention, at least one variable which is characteristic for a physical and in particular for a geometric property of the containers is determined by means of a detection device arranged in front of the treatment device in the transport direction of the containers.

In a preferred method, the treatment device acts on at least one wall of the containers and in particular an inner wall of the containers with charge carriers to sterilize them.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältnissen; und
• 2a, 2b zwei Ansichten von Kunststoffvorformlingen.

Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an apparatus for treating containers according to the invention; and
• 2a . 2 B two views of plastic preforms.

1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention 1 for treating containers. This device has a feeding device 32 like a feed star on, the plastic preforms 10 a heating device designated in its entirety by 2 feeds. This heating device 2 has a transport device 22 on, at the a variety of holding devices 24 are arranged for holding the plastic preforms. As mentioned above, these holding devices can be designed as holding mandrels, which can be inserted into mouths of the containers.

The transport device 22 has a here in an oval circulating transport chain. This transport chain is placed around two deflecting wheels (not shown). In the region of the right deflecting wheel is the detection device 4 provided, which is suitable and intended, geometric properties of the plastic preforms 10 to determine.

The reference numerals 26 refer to heaters or heating elements, which are suitable and intended for heating the plastic preforms (for reasons of clarity, only two heating elements are shown, but it is preferably a plurality of such heating elements along the transport path of the plastic preforms provided). The of the heating device 2 heated plastic preforms are then via a discharge device 34 , which is another transport star, to a treatment facility 6 to hand over. This treatment facility 6 serves, as mentioned above, to sterilize the plastic preforms.

Plastic preforms that are classified as faulty, can by means of a diverter 42 be discharged from the transport stream of plastic preforms.

The treatment facility 6 also has a rotatable support 62 on, on its outer periphery a variety of treatment facilities 64 are arranged. These treatment devices can each treatment elements 66 have, which are inserted through the mouth of the preforms in the interior thereof.

As mentioned above, these treatment elements are radiation emitters, which in the interior of the plastic preforms act on their inner walls with electrons.

The reference number 38 indicates a further transport device, the now sterilized plastic preforms from the sterilization device 6 dissipates.

The reference number 8th indicates a forming device, which the heated and sterilized plastic preforms into plastic bottles. This forming device may have a plurality of forming stations, which also on a rotatable support 82 are arranged and therefore also transported by this along a circular transport path. The reference number 39 indicates a further transport device, in particular but not exclusively another transport star, which discharges the molded containers from the forming device.

The reference number 84 denotes a further detection device, which is particularly suitable and intended to detect characteristic values of the manufactured plastic containers. It would also be possible that these data determined by this further detection device are also used to control the preceding units. This further detection device can be approximately at an outlet of the forming device 8th be arranged. However, it would also be conceivable that this further detection device 84 is arranged on a subsequent unit, such as a subsequent transport device.

The reference number 50 indicates a central control device which serves to control the entire system. This central control device 50 receives, for example, from the detection device 4 Data or coordinates that are characteristic of the individual plastic preforms. These data are determined for each individual plastic preform.

Furthermore, this control device also controls via a control unit 56 the blowing machine 8th , via a control unit 52 the heating device 2 and a control unit 54 the treatment facility 6 , Thus, for example, if a particular faulty plastic preform is detected, this can be either discharged, or at the treatment facility 6 can the movement of the rod-like body 66 (which is the above-mentioned treatment element) are modified into the interior of the plastic preforms.

The 2a and 2 B show two representations of plastic preforms. It can be seen that geometrically a variety of parameters can be measured, such as a mouth _diameter D _i1 in the region of the thread, a mouth _diameter D _i2 below the mouth, a mouth diameter D _i3 in the region of the bottom tip, a mouth diameter D _i4 below the supporting ring or a diameter D _M im at the mouth edge. In addition, wall thicknesses, such as the wall thickness of the peripheral wall W _U or the wall thickness in the bottom area W _B can be measured. In addition, the height H _{K of} the dome can be measured or the height H _E , up to the plastic preform, for example, the rod-like element receives or to what point the rod-like element in the plastic preform 10 dips.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. It is further pointed out that features have also been described in the individual figures, which in themselves can be advantageous. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a particular feature described in one figure can also be advantageous without taking over further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

heater

4

detector

6

sterilization device

8th

Forming device, blowing machine

10

The plastic preforms

22

transport means

24

holder

26

Heating devices or heating elements

32

feeding

34

removal device

38. 39

transport means

42

diversion

50

central control device

52

Control unit for the heating device 2

54

Control unit for the treatment device 6

56

Control unit for the blowing machine 8

62

rotatable carrier

64

treatment facility

66

treatment member

82

rotatable carrier

84

further detection device

DI1

Orifice diameter in the mouth

DI2

Orifice diameter below the mouth

DI3

Muzzle diameter in the area of the dome

DI4

Muzzle diameter below the support ring

HE

Height up to which the plastic preform receives the rod-like element

HK

Height of the soil dome

WB

Wall thickness in the floor area

WU

Wall thickness of the peripheral wall

Claims (9)

Device (1) for treating containers (10) and in particular plastic preforms (10), having a heating device (2) which is suitable and intended for heating the containers (10), this heating device (2) comprising a transport device (22). comprising, which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path and at least one heating element (26), which heats the containers (10), and with a treatment device (6), which of the heating device (2) in the transport direction of the containers (10 ), wherein this treatment device (6) has a second transport device (62), which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path and at least one treatment element (64), which at least partially by an opening of the containers (10) in this Containers (10) is insertable, wherein the treatment device (6) in particular a Steri Is lisationseinrichtung which is suitable and intended for at least partial sterilization of an inner wall of the containers. characterized in that the device (1) in the transport direction of the containers (10) arranged in front of the treatment device (6) detection means (4) which is suitable and intended, at least one characteristic of a geometric property of the containers (10) To determine size. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the treatment device (6) as a treatment element in the containers (10) insertable beam finger (66) which has an exit window through which charge carriers and in particular electrons can escape from this beam finger (66). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic variable is selected from a group of sizes which have a length of the containers (10), a diameter of the containers (10), a diameter of the mouths of the containers ( 10), an ovality of the cross sections, a wall thickness of the containers (10), contamination of the containers (10), the presence of cracks in the containers (10), the quality of an injection point of the containers (10), symmetries of the containers (10), positioning the containers (10) with respect to their holding devices, curvatures of the containers (10) and the like. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a control device (54) for controlling the treatment device (6) and this control device (54) the treatment device (6) based on the at least one of the detection device (4) controls the measured value. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) between the heating device (2) and the treatment device (6) arranged Ausschleuseeinrichtung (42) which is suitable and intended, at least individual containers (10) auszuschleusen. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (4) comprises a radiation device which acts on the containers with radiation, and a receiving device which receives the radiation influenced by the containers (10). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (4) is suitable and intended to perform a measurement on the containers selected from a group of measurements, which interferometric measurements, measurements by means of infrared light , confocal measurements, spatially resolved image acquisition, telecentric measurements, wall thickness measurements, combinations, and the like. Method for treating containers (10) and in particular plastic preforms (10), the containers (10) being heated by a heating device (2) and transported at least temporarily during this heating by means of a first transport device (22) and then with a treatment device (6), which is the heating device (2) downstream in the transport direction of the containers (10), said treatment device comprises a second transport device (62) which transports the containers (4) along a predetermined transport path and at least one treatment element (66), which is at least partially introduced through an opening of the containers (10) in these containers (10), wherein the treatment device (6) at least one wall of the containers (10) sterilized, characterized in that by means of a in the Transport direction of the containers (10) arranged in front of the treatment device (6) detecting means (4) at least one characteristic of a physical and in particular for a geometric property of the container size is determined. Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the treatment device (6) at least one wall of the containers charged with charge carriers to sterilize them.

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