DE102017113359A1 - Method and device for treating containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating barrel-like, in each case a container fitting having containers (2) in the container treatment device (1), wherein the container to be treated (2) by a container transport element (3) along a container transport path (TS) of a Container inlet (BE) to a container outlet (BA) to be moved, wherein along the container transport path (TS) a plurality of treatment stations (4) are provided and wherein the respective container (2) for container treatment through the container fitting (2.1) to the at the respective treatment station ( 4) provided treatment head (5) is coupled. In this case, at least a part of the treatment stations (4) errors or abnormalities are detected in the container treatment and the container (2), in which the error or abnormality was detected in the container treatment, we automatically returned to the container inlet (BE) returned to this move again along the container transport path (TS) and subject at least partial processing of the container treatment.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treating containers.

Devices and methods for treating containers are well known, particularly in the beverage industry. In particular, for example, from the document DE 10 2010 036 105 A1 a device for the treatment of barrel-like containers in the form of so-called. KEGs known by means of which these emptied while passing through the machine, cleaned and refilled. Such devices have, for example, a container transport element rotatably driven about a vertical machine axis, to which the containers to be treated are supplied and by means of which the containers are transported stepwise or intermittently to the treatment stations successive in the transport direction.

It may happen that occur during the treatment container at the treatment stations problems that lead to a sub-process of container treatment, such as a cleaning step, can not or only insufficiently completed. This often leads to machine downtime or manual intervention by operating personnel is required to remove the container from the machine or to re-supply the container treatment.

Based on this, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and an apparatus for treating containers, which are improved with respect to the handling of containers in which problems have occurred in the container treatment.

The object is achieved by a method according to the features of independent claim 1. A corresponding device is the subject of the independent patent claim 9.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating barrel-like containers, each having a container fitting, in a container treatment device in which the containers to be treated are moved through a container transport element along a container transport path from a container inlet to a container outlet, along the container transport path a plurality of treatment stations are provided, and wherein the respective container for container treatment is coupled via the container fitting thereof to a treatment head provided at the respective treatment station. At least a part of the treatment stations errors or abnormalities are detected in the container treatment. A container in which a fault or abnormality was detected in the container treatment is then automatically recycled to the container inlet or forwarded to move it again along the container transport path and subject at least partial processes of the container treatment. Ideally, the container for this purpose is passed from the container outlet in a short circuit directly to the container inlet by remaining in the device or on the container transport element and the respective container receptacle.

In other words, the container subject to the defect passes through the container treatment apparatus in a second pass in order to achieve an error-free container treatment in this second pass. The forwarding of the container is preferably carried out by the container transport element itself, for example, directly from the container outlet to the container inlet. Alternatively, the container return can take place via an intermediate conveyor or the container conveyor element can be supported by further transport means, for example a transfer star in the container return.

The main advantage of the method is that by automatically initiating a second container treatment run, manual intervention by operators is minimized and thus the quality and productivity of the container treatment can be increased.

According to one exemplary embodiment, process parameters are detected at the treatment stations and, based on the acquired process parameters, an error or a conspicuousness in the container treatment is deduced. Process parameters may be, for example, media pressure values, volume flow values of a medium supplied to or withdrawn from the container, position or position measurement values, information (brightness information, image information) detected by optical sensors, etc. Setpoint ranges can be defined for these process parameters, and in the case of leaving the setpoint range by a process parameter, it is possible to draw conclusions about an error or a conspicuousness in the container treatment. The monitoring of the setpoint ranges can be done, for example, by a control device to which the process parameters are supplied.

According to one embodiment, a categorization of the errors or abnormalities is made, and a container in which an error or a conspicuousness in the container treatment has been recognized is automatically sent to the user depending on the category of the error or abnormality Returned container inlet or discharged, for example, to a position for faulty containers. In particular, a categorization can be made as to whether it is an error of the container itself or a process error when treating this container. In other words, a categorization can be made as to whether the container itself was causative of the defect (eg defect in the container fitting) or if a sub-process of container treatment for other reasons (eg poor positioning of the container relative to the treatment head) did not proceed correctly. Based on this error categorization, it is possible, for example, to decide whether the container is returned to the container inlet again (eg in the case of a process error) or is removed from the process cycle without a second pass (eg in the case of a container defect).

According to one embodiment, the containers are moved by a container transport element designed as a rotor, wherein for returning the container to the container inlet, this container remains on the container transport element and is fed to the container inlet by further rotation of the container transport element. In other words, the container at the container outlet is not removed from the container transport member and conveyed away, but is left at the container receptacle of the container transport member to be transported by this to the container inlet. This allows a technically simple return of the container to the container inlet.

According to one exemplary embodiment, in the case of a return of the container to the container inlet, a further container provided for entry into the container conveyor line is retained and delayed. For example, a barrier for the containers is provided at a feed device, by means of which the container feed to the container transport element, against which the containers are accumulated, for example by means of a passing through the containers transport element. This barrier can be selectively opened to allow container delivery to the container transport member. This is preferably carried out intermittently based on a clock cycle corresponding to the machine cycle with which the container transport element is moved. In the case of a return of a container to the container inlet, the barrier remains closed in a clock cycle, so that no container from the feeder fed to the container transport element and thus a container collision is avoided.

According to one embodiment, the container treatment process consists of several sub-processes that are performed at the treatment stations, wherein at the recirculated to the container inlet container depending on the detected error or the detected conspicuousness all sub-processes of container treatment or only selectively individual sub-processes are completed. For example, the control device can store to which sub-process the container treatment has run properly and can control the container treatment process in the second pass of the container such that sub-processes of the container treatment are skipped or not performed and in particular the container treatment is started only with the sub-process the error occurred in the previous run. As a result, unnecessary multiple executions of sub-processes can be avoided.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the container treatment process consists of a plurality of subprocesses, wherein after the detection of an error or a conspicuousness in the container treatment, the container treatment process is interrupted and the container handling process is continued in the second process of the container transport path at the subprocess where the error or conspicuousness was detected. In particular sub-processes of the container treatment, which would be carried out after the occurrence of the error or conspicuousness, are omitted. This has the advantage that, for example, a filling of a not properly cleaned container is prevented.

According to one embodiment, a container returned to the container inlet passes at least once more, preferably exactly once more, the container conveyor line. Preferably, a limitation of the Wiederholenurchläufe a container, so that it is avoided that a container in which a constant error or conspicuousness occurs, is repeatedly returned to the container inlet.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a device for treating barrel-like containers, each having a container fitting. The device has a container transport element which is designed to move the containers to be treated along a container transport path from a container inlet to a container outlet. A plurality of treatment stations are provided along the container transport path, the treatment stations being designed to couple the container via the container fitting thereof to the treatment head provided at the treatment station. The apparatus also comprises means for detecting a defect or conspicuousness in the container treatment and the apparatus is adapted to selectively return a container to the container inlet by means of return means following the detection of a defect or abnormality are formed in the container treatment of a container instead of the discharge at the container outlet for the automatic return of this container to the container inlet.

According to one exemplary embodiment, sensors for detecting process parameters of a treatment process carried out at the respective treatment station are provided at least partially at the treatment stations. As a result, it can be detected by means of the sensors whether the treatment process carried out at the respective treatment station proceeds in the intended manner.

According to one embodiment, the sensors are coupled to a control device and the control device is designed to detect and process the measurement signals provided by the sensors or signals derived therefrom. For example, the control device may be designed to evaluate the information provided by or derived from the sensors in order to determine after this evaluation whether or not the process parameters have been adhered to in the respective subprocess.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control device is designed to detect a fault or an abnormality in the container treatment based on the measurement signals provided by the sensors or signals derived therefrom. For example, the control device can be designed to monitor setpoint ranges for the respective process parameters. In the event that process parameters are outside the respective setpoint range, an error or an abnormality in the container treatment can be deduced.

According to one embodiment, the control device is designed based on the measurement signals provided by the sensors or signals derived therefrom for categorizing an error or an abnormality into one of a plurality of error categories. In particular, a categorization can be made as to whether it is an error of the container itself or a process error when treating this container. Based on this error categorization, it may be decided whether the container is returned to the container inlet (e.g., in the event of a process error) or discharged from the process without a second cycle (e.g., a container defect).

According to one embodiment, the control device is coupled to at least one switch, wherein the at least one switch is controllable by the control device such that, depending on the detected error category, a return of the container to the container inlet or a discharge of the container is caused as defective. As a result, depending on the error that has occurred, either an attempt can be made to treat the container without errors in a second pass or to discharge the container directly as faulty.

According to one embodiment, the container transport element is designed as a rotor, as an oval container transport element or as a linearly conveying container transport element. In the case of a circular or oval container transport route, i. a self-contained or substantially closed transport path of the container, the container feed or the container removal are preferably immediately adjacent to each other, so that the return of the container to the container inlet can be done in a technically very simple manner by merely advancing the container transport element. In the case of a linear container transport path, separate return means may be provided.

Ideally, the container outlet and the container inlet in the usual transport direction of the container is spatially adjacent, ideally so immediately adjacent, that no treatment station is arranged in the transport direction between the container outlet and the container inlet.

However, for example, a contactless inspection of the container or the fitting between the container outlet and the container inlet could take place and a corresponding station could be provided for this purpose.

According to one embodiment, the device is designed in such a way that a container not discharged at the container outlet remains on the container transport element and, as the container conveyor element advances, the container is fed to the container inlet. This allows a technically simple return of the container to the container inlet. The container feed is preferably blocked by the feed device until the container returned to the container inlet has passed through this container inlet.

According to one embodiment, at least one switch is provided at the container outlet, by means of which the return to the container inlet or the forwarding to the container outlet is effected. Further, a further switch may be provided, by means of which the complete discharge of defective containers is effected, i. a discharge into an end position, which is provided for defective containers.

The term "container treatment" in the sense of the invention is understood in particular to mean the emptying, cleaning, sterilization or filling of a container.

For the purposes of the invention, "container" means any container, in particular barrel-type containers, for example so-called KEGs.

Under "KEG" in the context of the invention reusable drums are understood to be specially designed for industrial filling and germ-free storage of beverages.

By "container fitting" is meant a connection area provided on the container with a closing mechanism via which the container interior is accessible, i. can be cleaned, filled or emptied.

The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

• 1 beispielhaft und grob schematisch ein KEG in einer seitlichen Schnittdarstellung;
• 2 beispielhaft eine Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung rotierender Bauart in einer perspektivischen Darstellung; und
• 3 beispielhaft die Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung gemäß 2 in einer oberseitigen Darstellung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 by way of example and roughly schematically a KEG in a lateral sectional view;
• 2 exemplarily a container treatment device of rotating type in a perspective view; and
• 3 by way of example the container treatment device according to 2 in a top-side view.

In 1 is with the reference numeral 2 a barrel-like container 2 in the form of a KEG. Such containers are known for receiving liquid products, in particular drinks. They have a closed container interior 2.2 enclosing container body 2.3 on, at the top of a container fitting, as a container fitting 2.1 designated, is provided. About this tank fitting 2.1 the KEG can be filled or emptied.

2 and 3 show an embodiment of a container treatment machine 1 in different views. The container handling machine 1 has a rotating design and includes a container transport element 3 in the form of a rotor which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis and on the circumferentially distributed a plurality of container receptacles 3.1 are formed. Preferably, the container transport element 3 driven intermittently or clocked, so that the container 2 gradually along a container transport route TS to be moved. For feeding the containers 2 to a container inlet BE of the container transport element 3 is a feeder 7 , For example, provided in the form of a belt or conveyor chain-like conveyor. Through the feeder 7 each becomes a container 2 one on the container transport element 3 trained container pickup 3.1 fed.

The container handling machine 1 also has a plurality of treatment stations 4 up along the container transport route TS are provided, and distributed with the same machine division as the container receptacles 3.1 of the container transport element 3 , The treatment stations 4 each have a treatment head 5 on. The tank fittings 2.1 the container 2 are for coupling to the treatment heads 5 designed to handle these tank fittings 2.1 to open and perform a sub-process container treatment, as will be explained in more detail below. The treatment heads 5 are, for example, in a plane below the transport plane or the space in / the containers 2 be moved, arranged. This can be a container 2 by rotating the container transport element 3 positioned at the treatment station and by lowering with the respective treatment head 5 be coupled.

A via the feeder 7 supplied container 2 is at the container inlet BE on or at a container receptacle 3.1 positioned. Subsequently, the container transport element 3 rotated by an angle corresponding to the machine pitch, so that the previously supplied container 3 to the first treatment station 4 arrives. Thereafter, the container transport element 3 lowered while the container 2 to the at the treatment station 4 provided treatment head 5 coupled, so through the treatment head 5 a first sub-process of a container treatment can be completed.

After performing the subprocess, the container becomes 2 to the following, in the direction of transport, next treatment station 4 forwarded. This is done first by lifting the container 2 by means of the container transport element 3 , by further rotation of the container transport element 3 by an angle corresponding to the machine pitch and by lowering the container again 2 on the treatment head 5 the next treatment station 4 so that the container 2 on this treatment head 5 is coupled and another sub-process of container treatment can be completed.

Depending on the configuration of the container treatment machine 1 can have one or more treatment stations 4 also be designed as blind stations, ie no treatment head 5 exhibit. For example, one at a treatment station 4 in the container 2 introduced cleaning fluid cause a soaking of residues at this blind station, so that these residues can be easily detached from the container inner wall in a subsequent cleaning or rinsing step.

By the gradual advancement of a treatment station 4 to the next, a treatment process with several partial processes is carried out on the container, spatially distributed at the different treatment stations 4 , The sub-processes may be a residual emptying, a first cleaning process, a soaking process, a second cleaning process, a rinsing process, a damping process (ie a steaming of the container interior) or a filling process. These processes can be sent to treatment stations 4 containing a single container transport element 3 are assigned to be performed, but also at treatment stations 4 performed on several container transport elements 3 are distributed.

After the container has passed through the entire treatment process, it passes through the container transport element 3 the container outlet BA supplied and discharged by a discharge device, for example in the form of a belt or conveyor chain-like transporter.

In container treatment, errors or abnormalities may occur, which indicate that a sub-process of the container treatment process was not or only insufficiently completed. To avoid the container 2 is rejected as faulty and thus unusable, the container 2 According to the invention after detecting such an error or such conspicuousness of the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE forwarded so that the container 2 again the transport route TS to undergo at least once again sub-processes of the entire container treatment process.

To be able to decide if a container 2 have undergone the container treatment process regular or errors or abnormalities have occurred in the container treatment are those at the respective treatment stations 4 supervised sub-processes monitored. This can be done by means of specially provided for the monitoring task sensors or even on the treatment heads 5 already provided testing facilities. The sensors or testing devices are provided with a control device 6 coupled. This control device 6 may be the central machine control or else be formed by a separate control device. By the information provided by the sensors or test equipment or from this information derived (eg by further processing, filtering, digital signal processing, etc.), the control device 6 Determine if a subprocess has expired in certain process limits or if these process limits have been exceeded, indicating an error or conspicuity in container treatment.

In the case of exceeding of process barriers, the container becomes 2 not over the container outlet BA from the container treatment machine 1 but is, as in 3 schematically indicated by the arrow, from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE further promoted to undergo at least partial processes of the container treatment process again. In the event that no error or conspicuous container handling was detected, the container becomes 2 through the discharge device 8th removed.

To the container 2 either from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE forward (after detecting an error / abnormality) or the container 2 regular to the discharge device 8th to hand over, may be a turnout 9 be provided. This switch 9 can by the control device 6 be controlled and depending on the situation, the forwarding to the container inlet BE or the discharge device 8th cause. The soft 9 In particular, it may be a mechanical switch which, depending on the control, allows the forwarding in one of the two directions and blocks the other one. When forwarding the container 2 from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE becomes the feeder of a new container 2 via the feeder 7 blocked to a container collision at the container inlet BE to avoid.

At the in 2 and 3 shown embodiment of a container transport element 3 in the form of a rotor, the forwarding of the container takes place 2 from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE such that the container 2 not from the container receptacle 3.1 is removed, but remains on this and by rotation of the container transport element 3 to a machine division to the container inlet BE is transported further. However, the invention is not limited to rotary container handling machines 1 limited but can also in container treatment machines 1 with a linear or oval trained transport route TS Find application.

Preferably, a container passes through 2 that from the tank exit BA again to the container entrance BE is forwarded, at least once, especially just once the transport route TS , If an error occurs again in this second attempt, this container will be used 2 after leaving the container treatment machine 1 rejected as faulty.

1. a) Behandlungskopf 5 dichtet nicht gegenüber Behälterfitting 2.1 ab;
2. b) das Ankoppeln des Behälterfittings 2.1 an den Behandlungskopf 5 erfolgt unzureichend;
3. c) es wird kein Restdruck in dem zu behandelnden Behälter 2 (vorzugsweise gemessen vor dem Restentleeren des Behälters) detektiert;
4. d) das Ausblasen des Behälterinnenraums 2.2 erfolgt unzureichend;
5. e) das Spülen des Behälterinnenraums 2.2 erfolgt unzureichend;
6. f) die maximal erlaubte Füllzeit reicht nicht aus, den Behälter 2 zu vollständig zu füllen;
7. g) es wird kein Restdruck an dem Füllkopf ermittelt;
8. h) der Druck des Füllmediums liegt nicht im Sollbereich.

As stated previously, process parameters of the container treatment process can be recorded via suitable sensors and / or test devices. For example, the following errors or abnormalities can be detected:

1. a) treatment head 5 does not seal against tank fitting 2.1 from;
2. b) the coupling of the tank fitting 2.1 to the treatment head 5 is insufficient;
3. c) there is no residual pressure in the container to be treated 2 (preferably measured before the container is emptied completely);
4. d) the blowing out of the container interior 2.2 is insufficient;
5. e) rinsing the container interior 2.2 is insufficient;
6. f) the maximum allowed filling time is insufficient, the container 2 to completely fill;
7. g) no residual pressure at the filling head is determined;
8. h) the pressure of the filling medium is not within the target range.

It is understood that the above list is by no means exhaustive and dependent on the configuration of the container handling machine 1 can be supplemented or shortened.

Depending on the particular occurring error or abnormality, the control device 6 either directly the discharge of the container 2 cause, ie without this again the container treatment by a second pass through the transport path TS to undergo, or this from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE forward and at least once more to subject this container treatment.

In particular, the detected error or the recognized conspicuousness of an error category can be assigned. Thus, for example, the errors / abnormalities can be subdivided according to whether a KEG error (eg defect in the KEG itself) or a process error (incorrect container positioning, poor pressing of the container 2 to the treatment head, etc.). Depending on this subdivision / categorization can then be decided whether the container 2 without a second pass through the container handling machine 1 is discharged directly as faulty or again by forwarding the same from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE the container treatment process is subjected. The first (direct rejection) is advantageously carried out when a KEG error occurs, the latter when a process error occurs.

Preferably, when a fault or conspicuousness occurs at a treatment station 4 the further sub-processes on this container 2 no longer completed, ie the faulty on this treatment station 4 in the transport direction following treatment stations are run through without any treatment of the container 2 done there. This can avoid that, for example, a not completely cleaned container is still filled with filling material.

In addition, the container treatment machine 1 be formed such that after the forwarding of the container 2 from the container outlet BA to the container inlet BE at least one of a treatment station 4 gefirkter sub-process is skipped and the container treatment only later at a following in the transport direction treatment station 4 is started. In other words, the second pass depends on the treatment station 4 in which an error has been detected, the container handling process has started at the sub-process where the error or abnormality has previously occurred. As a result, an unnecessary repetition of process steps that have expired without error in the first pass can be effectively avoided.

Advantageously, the container treatment machine 1 the treatment stations 4 associated container pressing means, by means of which the container 2 when lowering the container transport element 3 on the respective treatment head 5 be pressed. To an unwanted treatment of the container 2 at the respective treatment station 4 to avoid (eg after the occurrence of a fault in the first pass or in the second pass until reaching the treatment station 4 at which the treatment process is to be resumed), the Behälteranpressmittel can be deactivated so that pressing the container 2 to the treatment head 5 is avoided. The said deactivation can in particular take place such that the container pressing means are not lowered onto the container bottom.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that a plurality of changes or modifications are possible without thereby leaving the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Container handling machine

2

container

2.1

container fitting

2.2

Container interior

2.3

container body

3

Container transport element

3.1

container receptacle

4

treatment station

5

treatment head

6

control device

7

feeding

8th

removal device

9

switch

BA

container outlet

BE

container inlet

TS

transport distance

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010036105 A1 [0002]

Claims (18)

Method for treating barrel-like containers (2), each having a container fitting, in a container treatment device (1) in which the containers (2) to be treated are conveyed through a container transport element (3) along a container transport path (TS) from one container inlet (BE) to one container Container outlet (BA) are moved, wherein along the container transport path (TS) a plurality of treatment stations (4) are provided and wherein the respective container (2) for container treatment via the container fitting (2.1) to a respective treatment station (4) provided treatment head (5 ) is coupled, characterized in that at least a portion of the treatment stations (4) errors or abnormalities in the container treatment are detected and that a container (2), in which a mistake or an abnormality was detected in the container treatment, automated to the container inlet (BE) is forwarded or returned, to move it again along the container transport path (TS) and to subject at least partial processing of the container treatment. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at the treatment stations (4) process parameters are detected and that based on the detected process parameters, an error or a conspicuousness in the container treatment is inferred. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a categorization of the errors or abnormalities is made and that a container (2), in which an error or an abnormality was detected in the container treatment, depending on the category of the error or abnormality automatically to the container inlet (BE) recycled or discharged. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers (2) are moved by a container transport element (3) designed as a rotor and that for returning the container (2) to the container inlet (BE) of this container (2) on the container transport element (3) remains and is supplied to the container inlet (BE) by further rotation of the container transport element (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the event of a return of the container (2) to the container inlet (BE), a further container (2) provided for entry into the container transport path (TS) is retained and delayed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container treatment process consists of several sub-processes, which are performed at the treatment stations (4) that at the container inlet (BE) recirculated container (2) depending on the detected error or the detected conspicuousness all sub-processes of container treatment or only selectively individual sub-processes are completed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container treatment process consists of a plurality of sub-processes, and that after the detection of an error or an abnormality in the container treatment, the container treatment process interrupted and in the second pass of the container transport path of the container treatment process to the sub-process in which the error or the abnormality was detected, continues. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a container (2) fed back to the container inlet (BE) at least once, preferably passes through the container conveyor line (TS) exactly once more. Device for treating barrel-like containers (2), each having a container fitting (2.1), with a container transport element (3) for moving the containers (2) to be treated along a container transport path (TS) from a container inlet (BE) to a container outlet ( BA), wherein along the container transport path (TS) a plurality of treatment stations (4) are provided, wherein the treatment stations (5) are adapted to the container (2) via the container fitting (2.1) provided at the at the treatment station (5) Coupling treatment head (5), characterized in that the device comprises means for detecting a defect or abnormality in the container treatment and that the device for selectively recycling a container (2) to the container inlet (BE) is formed, by return means, after detecting a mistake or an abnormality in the Behälterbeha tion of a container (2) instead of the discharge at the container outlet (BA) for the automatic return of this container (2) to the container inlet (BE) are formed. Device after Claim 9 , characterized in that at least partially at the treatment stations (4) sensors and / or testing devices for detecting process parameters of a process performed at the respective treatment station (4) treatment process are provided. Device after Claim 10 , characterized in that the sensors and / or test devices are coupled to a control device (6) and that the control device (6) is designed to detect and process the signals provided by the sensors and / or test devices or signals derived therefrom. Device after Claim 11 , characterized in that the control device (6) is designed to detect an error or an abnormality in the container treatment based on the measurement signals provided by the sensors and / or test devices or signals derived therefrom. Device after Claim 11 or 12 Characterized in that the control device (6) is formed based on the information provided by the sensors and / or test equipment measuring signals or signals derived therefrom for categorizing a fault or abnormality in one of several categories of errors. Device after Claim 13 characterized by their design such that the control device (6) is coupled to at least one switch, wherein the at least one switch is controllable by the control device (6) such that, depending on the recognized error category, a return of the container (2) to the Container inlet (BE) or a discharge of the container (2) is effected. Device according to one of the preceding Claims 9 to 14 , characterized in that the container transport element (3) is designed as a rotor, as an oval container transport element, or as a linear conveying container transport element, and wherein in particular the container outlet (BA) and the container inlet (BE) arranged spatially adjacent in the transport direction. Device according to one of the preceding Claims 9 to 15 characterized by their design such that a container not discharged from the container outlet (BA) remains on the container transport element (3) and by advancing the container transport element (3) the container (2) is fed to the container inlet (BE). Device according to one of the preceding Claims 9 to 16 , characterized in that at least one switch is provided at the container outlet (BA), by means of which the return to the container inlet (BE) or the forwarding to the container outlet (BA) is effected. Device according to one of the preceding Claims 9 to 17 , characterized in that in the transport direction between the container outlet (BA) and the container inlet (BE) no treatment station (4) is arranged.

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