DE102019132058A1 - Container treatment machine for the treatment of plastic containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Container treatment machine for treating plastic containers, such as bottles or cans in the beverage processing industry or the cosmetics industry or the medical industry, the container treatment system comprising an application device for applying a secondary element to an area of a container, the application device being designed with one that changes the barrier properties of the container Component equipped secondary element to apply to the container.

Description

The present invention relates to a container treatment machine for treating plastic containers such as bottles or cans in the beverage processing industry, the medical industry or the cosmetics industry according to claim 1, as well as a method for treating plastic containers such as bottles or cans in the beverage processing industry or the cosmetics industry or the Medical industry, according to the independent process claim.

State of the art

Container treatment machines and methods for treating containers are sufficiently known from the prior art. The present invention relates in particular to such container treatment machines in which plastic containers, for example made of PET or comparable materials, are treated.

In recent years, these containers have been made from less and less material while maintaining the same capacity. This inevitably means that the average material thickness is thinner. On the one hand, this can endanger the stability of the container itself. On the other hand, it always causes a change in the barrier properties of the container. These barrier properties include in particular the ability of the container material to prevent the passage of certain substances, in particular gases such as carbon dioxide, from the container or into the container (here primarily oxygen). The thinner the material, the less well the container can suppress these processes. This can adversely affect the product filled into the container.

It is known to provide corresponding containers with a coating which improves the barrier properties of the container.

Advantageous results are achieved in this way, but this also involves a considerable consumption of material for the coating, which can make this treatment sometimes expensive and therefore uninteresting, especially in the field of mass production of containers.

task

Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved consists in specifying a container treatment machine and a method for treating plastic containers with which the barrier properties of a plastic container can advantageously be improved and at the same time the costs can be kept as low as possible.

solution

This object is achieved by the container treatment machine according to the invention according to claim 1 and the method according to the invention for treating containers according to independent method claim 9. Advantageous further developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

The container treatment machine according to the invention for treating plastic containers, such as bottles or cans in the beverage processing industry or the cosmetics industry, comprises an application device for applying a secondary element to an area of a container, the application device being designed as a secondary element equipped with a component that changes the barrier properties of the container to apply to the container.

With this invention, the improvement in the barrier properties of the container is transferred to the applied secondary elements. Covering or damaging the barrier layer when the secondary element is applied can be prevented according to the invention by providing the secondary element with the component. At the same time, the double coating of the container is avoided, at least in some partial areas, which can save material of the coating.

We are talking about plastic containers and containers. In the context of the invention, however, an improvement in the barrier properties of plastic containers is envisaged. Therefore, the term “container” should always be understood expressly to include the plastic container.

It can be provided that the component is silicon oxide or comprises silicon oxide.

Silicon oxide is particularly advantageous in terms of changing the barrier properties of plastic containers and is therefore particularly suitable for improving these.

In one embodiment, the container treatment machine comprises a coating device arranged downstream of the application device, wherein the application device is designed to apply the secondary element to the outer surface of the plastic container (on a first area) and wherein the coating device is designed to apply a coating that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container to apply the second area of the container, which is different from the (first) area to which the secondary element is applied. It can be provided that the coating device applies the coating exclusively to the second area and the first area and / or the second area are completely different from one another.

With this additional coating device, for example, the area of the container (also the second area) that is not covered by the secondary element can also be provided with a coating, so that the entire surface of the container is preferably coated. It can be provided that this additional coating is applied to the outer surface of the container or to the inner surface of the container or a combination thereof.

In particular, it can be provided that a part of the first area in which the secondary element is arranged is also coated by the coating device, but not the entire first area. It can thereby be achieved that there is a certain overlap of the coating and the secondary element (viewed in a direction perpendicular to the container surface). Since an exact transfer of a secondary element to the container cannot always be guaranteed at very high treatment and transport speeds, this embodiment can ensure that the (entire) surface of the container nevertheless benefits from the improved barrier properties achieved by the component.

In a further development of this embodiment it is provided that the second area is a bottom area and / or a neck area and / or a side area of the plastic container.

This development is particularly advantageous because the secondary elements such as labels are usually applied in the “body area” (which usually does not have any significant curvature in the longitudinal direction of the container), so that the base area and / or the mouth area (including the neck area) in particular are not exposed to the secondary element are. If an additional coating is applied here, this can advantageously improve the barrier properties of the entire container.

It can further be provided that the secondary element comprises at least one of a label, a shrink label, a printed image, a closure, an adhesive.

The adhesive can be an adhesive that develops an adhesive effect between the label and the surface of the container so that the label adheres to the container. This embodiment is particularly preferred since these elements are applied as secondary elements to practically all common containers, so that the barrier properties can be improved here. For example, it is possible that a coating agent (i.e. component), e.g. a silicon compound or silicon, is added to the adhesive as a constituent, the coating agent improving the barrier properties of the container against the ingress of oxygen and / or the escape of carbon dioxide.

In addition, the coating device can comprise an immersion bath in which the container can at least partially immerse and wherein the immersion bath comprises a solution containing the material of the coating and wherein the immersion bath is arranged such that the coating is applied to the second region of the container by immersion in the immersion bath is applied.

With such an immersion bath, a complete coating of the intended surface of the container can be realized in a reliable manner.

In a further development of this embodiment it is provided that the container treatment machine comprises a transport device for the hanging transport of the container through the immersion bath, and the transport device for rotating the container about an axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hanging container, so that by immersing the container in the immersion bath In a first orientation of the container, a bottom area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath and, by immersing the container in the immersion bath, an opening area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath in a second orientation.

This embodiment can be used particularly advantageously in connection with a secondary element in the form of a label in order to ensure the coating of the mouth area and the bottom area of the container.

Furthermore, the coating device can comprise a nozzle for applying the coating to a third area of the container, the third area being different from the area to which the secondary element is applied.

With such a nozzle, the coating can also be applied specifically to small areas, which is particularly the case when there are small distances between different areas Secondary elements can be advantageous in order to realize a complete coating of the surface here.

In particular, it can be provided that part of the first area in which the secondary element is arranged is also coated by the nozzle, but not the entire first area. It can thereby be achieved that there is a certain overlap of the coating and the secondary element (viewed in a direction perpendicular to the container surface).

The secondary element can be, for example, a sleeve label which completely encloses the container at least along its lateral circumference. It is also possible that the sleeve is also closed at its upper or lower end in order to enclose the container both in the lateral direction and upwards or downwards. In other words, the sleeve has only one opening.

The method according to the invention for treating a plastic container, such as a bottle or a can in the beverage processing industry or in the cosmetics industry, is carried out by means of a container treatment machine, the method comprising applying a secondary element to an area of the surface of the container by means of an application device of the container treatment machine, wherein the secondary element is equipped with a component that changes the barrier properties of the container.

With this method, the advantages of the invention can be implemented on plastic containers.

The component can comprise silicon oxide.

Silicon oxide advantageously improves the barrier properties of the container and can thus be used in connection with the method in order, for example, to avoid the diffusion of gases through the container wall.

It can also be provided that the container treatment machine comprises a coating device arranged downstream of the application device, wherein the application device applies the secondary element to the outer surface of the plastic container and wherein the coating device applies a coating that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container to a second area of the container, which from the area to which the secondary element is applied is different.

In addition to improving the barrier properties with the aid of the secondary elements, it is also possible to improve the barrier properties in other areas of the container.

In particular, it can be provided that the coating device coats a maximum of 80%, in particular a maximum of 70%, of the outer surface of the container.

In particular, it can be provided that the coating device coats a maximum of 80%, in particular a maximum of 70%, of the inner surface of the container.

In particular, it can be provided that all secondary elements in total cover a maximum of 95%, in particular a maximum of 70% of the outer surface of the container.

In particular, it can be provided that all secondary elements in total cover at least 2% (in particular in the case of closures), in particular at least 20% of the container outer surface (including the area of the opening of the container).

In a further development of this embodiment it is provided that the second area is a bottom area and / or a neck area and / or a side area of the plastic container. A coating of the container that is as complete as possible or an improvement in the barrier properties over the entire surface of the container is thus achieved.

It can also be provided that the secondary element comprises at least one of a label, a shrink label, a printed image, a closure, an adhesive.

These elements are usually applied to containers, which makes them particularly advantageous when used in the method according to the invention.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one secondary element has a coating which contains silicon atoms.

In particular, the secondary element has a material (in particular the component) which, if it were to be applied over the entire surface to a spherical 1 liter PET container with the same wall thickness, an oxygen entry of 0 to 0.01 cm ³ into this PET container, would preferably allow less than 0.007 cm ³ (under normal conditions) per day.

Furthermore, the coating device can comprise an immersion bath into which the container is at least partially immersed and wherein the immersion bath comprises a solution containing material of the coating, and wherein the immersion bath is arranged such that the coating is applied to the second region of the container by immersion in the immersion bath.

This ensures that the area of the container immersed in the immersion bath is coated as completely as possible.

In a further development of this embodiment, the container treatment machine comprises a transport device which transports the containers through the immersion bath while hanging, and wherein the transport device transports the container through the immersion bath at least temporarily in a first orientation and sometimes in an orientation that is rotated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container, so that by immersing the container in the immersion bath in the first orientation of the container a bottom area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath and by immersing the container in the immersion bath in the second orientation an opening area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath.

It is also possible that only a container base (possibly up to the height of a label) is coated in the immersion bath and accordingly only the container base (possibly up to the height of the label) is immersed in the immersion bath.

In this way, different areas of the container can also be equipped with the advantageous coating.

In one embodiment, the coating device comprises a nozzle which applies the coating to a third area of the container, the third area being different from the area to which the secondary element is applied.

In this way, the coating can also be applied to comparatively small areas.

Figure list

• 1 shows a schematic representation of a container treatment plant with a container treatment machine according to the invention
• 2 shows a special embodiment of the coating of a container
• 3rd shows a further embodiment for the coating of a container
• 4th shows a schematic representation of the application of sleeve labels according to one embodiment
• 5 shows a schematic representation of a container treatment system with a container treatment machine according to an embodiment with sleeve labels

Detailed description

1 Figure 11 shows generally a container treatment plant 100 in which a container treatment machine according to the invention is arranged.

The container treatment plant 100 includes a manufacturing part shown as an example 101 . This part is only an example and does not have to be present according to the invention. The manufacturing part of the container treatment plant 100 For example, one or more machines, such as a blow molding machine, are used to produce plastic containers. As is known, preforms are formed into containers in the blow molding machine. This can be done, for example, by a stretch blow molding process. Instead of the blow molding machine, a form filling machine can also be provided which shapes the containers by introducing the product to be filled into them. Other embodiments are also conceivable here.

While the exact design of the manufacturing part 101 (and also all other machines described) is in principle arbitrary, the invention provides that plastic containers are positively changed with regard to their barrier properties. All machines described here are therefore preferably designed at least for the treatment / manufacture / processing of plastic containers.

A heating device in the form of an oven can be provided upstream of the blow molding machine, which heats the preforms either in regions or as a whole to a desired temperature.

The manufacturing part 101 the container treatment plant 100 This is followed by a number of optionally available container handling machines. One or more of these machines are understood as a container treatment machine within the meaning of the invention and are explained in more detail below.

First of all, the area 107 the container treatment plant 100 to be discribed. In this area, the containers have already gone through all the necessary treatment steps and this area is only optional and serves for better understanding. The area 107 may include devices such as drying applied printing inks, checking relate to the container or to packing or assembling the containers into bundles. This area 107 can therefore also be understood as a packaging area. As already mentioned above, this is only an example and is only used for better understanding.

The machines 102 to 106 are used for container treatment. At least one of these machines 102 to 106 it is provided that a secondary element is applied to a plastic container at least in some areas on the plastic container (in particular on its outer surface). For this purpose, this specific container treatment machine comprises an application device which applies the secondary element to at least one area of the container. The secondary element is equipped in such a way that it includes a component that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container. This secondary element equipped in this way is then applied to the container.

The secondary elements can be a wide variety of elements that are applied to the plastic container. Accordingly, according to the invention, a number of container treatment machines that can take on this task also come into consideration.

The container handling machines 102 to 106 are provided as follows, for example. In the in 1 The illustrated embodiment is the container treatment machine 102 a labeling machine. This labeling machine applies labels to containers. These can either be labels applied in the usual way, such as adhesive labels or self-adhesive labels. However, it is also possible to consider shrink labels that are produced by the labeling machine 102 be applied to the container. These shrink labels are pulled over the container and then subjected to heat so that they shrink and lie against the outer surface of the container. These labels can already have a corresponding component, for example a coating or a material layer, which change the barrier properties of the container at least in the area in which the label is applied. This coating can be, for example, a water-repellent coating that prevents liquids from wetting or penetrating the surface of the container. As an alternative or in addition, other components or materials can also be provided which change the barrier properties of the container, in particular with regard to its permeability with respect to gases such as carbon dioxide or oxygen. Components which consist of silicon oxide or which comprise this are particularly preferred, since silicon oxide can advantageously change these barrier properties of containers.

The label (regardless of which type of label is present) can already be equipped with the component (that is, it can be produced in this way) or the component can, for example, directly before the label is applied to the container in the labeling machine 102 can be applied to the label. For this purpose, for example, nozzles can be arranged in the label feed, which act on the label with the component, and then a drying device (not shown here) can be provided which dries the component applied to the label.

Regardless of how the label is equipped with the component, it can be provided that the component is arranged on the side of the label that points in the direction of the container, or the component can be arranged on the side of the label facing away from the container, so that it faces outwards after the label has been applied to the container. Combinations of these are also conceivable. For example, a first component, which can change the barrier properties of the container, can be arranged on the side of the label facing the surface of the container, and a second component, which can change the barrier properties of the plastic container, can be on the opposite side the side of the label facing away from the container. Multi-layer systems on one or more sides of the label are also conceivable here.

Alternatively, the container handling machine 102 can also be designed as a (direct) printing machine that applies a print motif to the surface of the container. If this is generally viewed as an alternative to applying a label, then container treatment systems are also used 100 conceivable where in addition to the labeling machine 102 In addition, a direct printing machine is provided which applies a print image either to the surface of the container or to the label. Combinations of these are also conceivable.

In this case, the secondary element is the printing ink or the printed image applied to the surface of the plastic container. In this embodiment, too, it is provided that this secondary component comprises a corresponding component for changing the barrier properties of the plastic container. This can, for example, be integrated into the printing ink or applied to the surface of the container in a separate step within the direct printing machine as a layer of the printing on the container become. If the direct printing machine is used to print a label, it can be provided that the label itself does not yet have any component that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container and that this is only applied when the label is being printed.

Particularly with the combination of labels and print images produced with direct printing on the surface of the container, it can be provided that these are applied to different areas so that the barrier properties of the plastic container on the one hand by the corresponding component in the label (see description above) and on the other hand a corresponding component in the printing ink used for direct printing can be influenced.

In particular, silicon oxide can also be provided in the printing ink, which as a component influences the barrier properties of the container.

In a further embodiment, a closer can downstream 105 be arranged. The closure of a container is also a “secondary component” within the meaning of the invention and can therefore be equipped with a corresponding component that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container at least in the mouth area to which the closure is applied. This can also be silicon oxide, for example.

It can be provided that the component is applied to the closure itself immediately before the closure is applied to the container, for example by dipping the closure in a corresponding solution and then drying and / or by spraying the closure.

Embodiments are particularly preferred in which both the inner and the outer surface of the closure are equipped with the relevant component. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that only the outer surface or only the inner surface of the closure is equipped with the component that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container. The machine for coating the lid is here schematically with the machine 106 shown.

As with the in 1 can be seen, in particular the labeling and / or printing and / or closing can be provided together, so that according to the invention, several secondary elements can be applied to the plastic container, each of which, taken individually, the barrier properties of the plastic container in the area on which they are attached to the container, advantageously change. It can also be provided that different components for changing the barrier properties of the plastic container are provided for the respective secondary elements.

At least with regard to the application of the component to the closure, the machine can 106 be provided, which acts as a lid coating device and the lid either after applying the closure to the plastic container, during the application of the closure to the plastic container or before applying the closure to the plastic container. Combinations of these are also conceivable, so that, for example, part of the component is applied to the closure before the closure is applied and another part or another component is applied to the closure after the closure has been applied to the container.

Alternatively or additionally, one of the container treatment machines can also apply adhesive to the surface of the container in order, for example, to then arrange a non-self-adhesive label thereon and to connect it to the surface of the container with the aid of the adhesive. In such a case, in which the labels are not self-adhesive, it can also be provided that the adhesive contains a corresponding component that changes the barrier properties of the container.

In the embodiments described so far, it was only provided that a corresponding component that changes the barrier properties of the container is arranged on a secondary element that is applied to the container or is contained therein (for example in the example of printing inks).

While this is advantageous because at least the areas of the container that are covered with the secondary element have correspondingly modified barrier properties, it may be necessary or advantageous to provide other areas of the container with corresponding barrier properties.

For this purpose it can be provided that a coating device 103 is arranged within the container treatment system, which can apply a coating that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container to another area (which is different from the area on which the secondary element is applied) to the plastic container. The same material (for example silicon oxide) can be applied to the Surface of the container are applied, which is otherwise provided as part of the secondary element to be applied to the plastic container - that is, a component or a material that can change the barrier properties of the container.

The second area can, for example, comprise the entire area of the surface of the container that is not covered by the secondary element. If the secondary element, for example a label, is applied to an area of the outer surface of the container, it can be provided that the coating device provides the remaining outer surface of the container with the coating. The same applies to the application of a secondary element in the form of a printed image and / or a closure.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the coating device is designed to completely equip the inside of the container, i.e. its inner surface that comes into contact with the product to be filled into the container, with the coating and to additionally apply one or more secondary elements to the surface .

This can be advantageous in particular in cases in which the coating has a different material than the component in the secondary element, for example in order to achieve certain properties in the area equipped with the secondary element (e.g. the mouth area in the case of a closure as a secondary element) either complement or different from the properties of the coating. For example, a component that is applied to the inside of the closure can develop an antibacterial effect in order to minimize the risk of contamination when the mouth area of the container comes into contact with the customer's saliva.

The coating device is in the 1 as a coating device 103 and thus downstream of the container treatment machine 102 shown, which, as described above, applies a secondary element to the container in which a component that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container is contained. On the other hand, it can also be provided that the coating device is upstream of the corresponding container treatment machine (cf. for example with the closer 105 , the downstream of the coating device 103 is arranged) be provided. This results from reasons of expediency in the configuration of the system and can, for example, also depend on the accessibility of the area on the surface of the container for the coating device at different times of the container treatment.

The 2 shows an embodiment of such a coating device with which a coating can be applied to at least part of the container.

In the in 2 The illustrated embodiment are the containers 130 along a transport device 220 preferably with holding elements 221 transported. These holding elements can, for example, transport the containers using the neck-handling method, in which a clamp grips around the container underneath the support ring usually provided for plastic containers and transports it while hanging.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the holding elements 221 encompasses the container in the body area (different from the mouth and shoulder area as well as from the bottom area). This opens up the possibility of equipping both the mouth and shoulder area and the bottom area of the container with the coating within the coating device in the process described below.

In the in 2 The illustrated embodiment comprises the coating device 200 at least one immersion bath 201 containing a solution containing the material of the coating. The solution can be, for example, an aqueous solution in which the material of the coating is dissolved. The coating device 200 can additionally also comprise a drying device which, as soon as the container has been provided with the coating, dry it on the container.

In the in 2 illustrated embodiment is now provided that the container 130 during their transport along the transport device into the immersion bath 201 and accordingly in the solution 210 be immersed. It can be provided, for example, that the bottom area of the container 231 in the immersion bath 201 Immerse so that the bottom area (for example from the lower end of the container to 4 cm in the direction of the mouth area of the container) with the solution 210 comes into contact and a corresponding coating is applied to the container. Then, as described above, a drying device can be provided which dries the applied coating. The area in which the bottom area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath can be selected as appropriate. It can be larger (for example, it extends 5 cm in the longitudinal direction of the container), but it can also be smaller. For example, the depth to which the container is in the immersion bath 201 immersed, depend on how a wrap-around label is arranged on the plastic container. For example, does this extend in the direction of the So far that the lower edge of the label is still 4.5 cm from the bottom of the container, it is particularly advantageous if the container is exactly this distance, i.e. 4.5 cm, into the immersion bath 201 is immersed. This ensures that the area of the container lying outside the label is also provided with the coating. This also applies to any other distance between the lower edge of the label and the bottom of the container, such as 3cm, 4cm, 5cm, 6cm and so on.

In principle, the coating device according to 2 be designed so that only the bottom area is coated. As an alternative to this, it can also be provided that the mouth area of the container enters the immersion bath 201 be immersed and transported upside down or hanging. The procedure is analogous here, however, and it can be provided, for example, that the container with its mouth area is so far into the immersion bath 201 immersed so that the area of the container not covered with the label is provided with the coating. Thus, the mouth area and / or the shoulder area of the plastic container can be provided with the corresponding coating and there are no gaps between the label and the other areas of the container in which no coating is applied.

This embodiment can be preferred when the container is already closed, since in this way penetration of the coating into the interior of the container and possible contamination of the product to be filled therein can be avoided. At the same time, the closure of the container would also be coated in this way.

While basically the coating device 200 can be designed in such a way that either the top area or the bottom area of the container is equipped with the coating, it can also be envisaged that the container is first the immersion bath 201 hanging upright (i.e. with the bottom area down) and then in the area 240 the container is rotated by the transport device. This can be especially true when using holding elements 221 that grip the container, advantageously and safely. The container rotated in this way, which is preferably rotated about an axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (this extends from the bottom to the mouth), can then be rotated with the mouth area 232 again in the immersion bath 201 immerse so that both the bottom area 231 as well as the mouth area 232 be provided with the coating. Either only afterwards or after each sub-step (in each case after coating the bottom area and after coating the mouth area), drying can optionally take place with the aid of a drying device not shown here.

It goes without saying that the sequence of the coating processes can also be interchanged, so that first of all the container with its mouth area 232 in the immersion bath 201 immersed, then rotated and then the bottom area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath in order to apply the coating in each case.

3rd shows an alternative or additional embodiment with which a coating is applied to a region of the container in which preferably no secondary element is applied to the container. In the embodiment shown here, the container 130 already with a label 342 equipped, which has a component that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container, such as silicon oxide. In the embodiment shown here, the container is standing on a stand plate or turntable 350 transported. It is preferably a turntable 350 , since the container can then also be rotated around its longitudinal axis.

The container is in the coating device shown here 300 on a nozzle 340 moved past. The coating device 300 can for example be designed as a rotary machine, in the container on the turntable 350 (in connection with a centering device, not shown here) and revolve around the periphery of the carousel of the rotary machine. The nozzles 340 can either be arranged in a fixed manner, that is, they do not run around with the carousel, or they can be arranged so that they run around with the carousel, so that each container station comprises a standing plate or turntable 350 and a nozzle 340 circulate along the periphery of the carousel. In this case, the container is moved along or relative to the nozzle 340 then preferably by the rotation of the container relative to the nozzle 340 .

The nozzle 340 is designed to have a coating 341 on one not with the secondary element 342 provided area of the container. The nozzle 340 can be designed, for example, as a direct printing module that applies drops of liquid containing the coating or the material of the coating to the surface of the container with pinpoint accuracy. The container can be coated in a targeted manner pixel by pixel using direct printing technology. This is particularly advantageous if the other applied secondary elements (such as printed images or labels) have an irregular shape and / or do not completely enclose the container at a certain height. For example, if it is glued on Labels that extend along the circumference only over a partial area of the plastic container, the use of the in 2 The immersion bath described could be disadvantageous, since then the area of the container would also have to be immersed in the immersion bath along which the label extends, so that the label would be “double” coated. In such cases you can use a nozzle 340 be advantageous because then only the area of the container with the coating 341 is provided that is not already covered by a secondary element. It is not necessary that the entire remaining area of the container with the coating 341 is provided. It is sufficient if specific areas that are to be equipped with the changed barrier properties, through the nozzle 340 with the coating 341 be applied.

As already with reference to 2 described, a drying device can be provided which dries the coating applied in this way. This can, for example, together with the nozzle in the container station of the coating device 300 be arranged so that when the container is rotated further, the coating that has already been applied is dried and (parallel to this) coating material is applied to another partial area of the container. Alternatively, the drying device can also be downstream of the coating device 300 be arranged and subject the container as a whole, for example by exposure to infrared light or UV light, a drying.

When sleeve labels are used as secondary elements, it can be provided that these sleeve labels also have a base area, so that they are applied to the container and not only cover a side area of the container, but also the base. If these sleeve labels are already coated, there is the possibility, in principle, of providing the entire surface of the container (with the exception of the mouth area) with the component that changes the barrier properties of the container by means of the sleeve label applied in this way.

A corresponding embodiment is shown schematically in FIG 4th shown. The sleeve label usually has to be shrunk after it has been applied to the container in order to fit correctly. For this reason it can be provided that the container for applying the sleeve label is transported hanging upside down (that is, with the mouth area down and with the bottom area up) and the sleeve label is applied from above. The sleeve label can thus be prevented from slipping down until it has been shrunk, for example by being exposed to warm air, and has come to rest on the surface of the container.

The shows a corresponding process 4th .

In the 4th the treatment of the container for applying the sleeve label is shown schematically from left to right with individual process steps.

In a first step, for example, the container 430 transported hanging on the support ring, for example with a suitable gripping device for the neck handling process. In the next step, the container is then preferably rotated so that it is kept hanging "upside down". This situation is with 431 shown. As the sleeve label 440 is preferably guided along the direction of the arrow in the direction of the bottom over the container, it is particularly advantageous if also in the direction of the bottom 431 The situation shown, the container is only held on its support ring, so that the bottom of the container and the body of the container is freely accessible. This can be achieved, for example, by suitable grippers that not only rest the container with its support ring on the gripper, but also completely encompass the support ring from above and below (i.e. from the side of the support ring facing the bottom and that facing the opening of the container Side of the support ring). This means that the container can also be held upside down by the same clamp.

In the with 432 the situation shown, the sleeve label has now been applied to the container. If the sleeve label is a shrink label, it is usually necessary to heat the label in order to shrink it. If the sleeve label is a stretch label (which has to be stretched in order to be guided over the container, but is applied to the container when the tension is released), this step is usually omitted.

In order to adapt the sleeve label in the form of a shrink label to the contour of the container, heating devices are used 450 provided, which can apply hot air, for example, in order to heat the sleeve label and thus cause this material to shrink, so that the material of the sleeve label is preferably applied completely and without air inclusions to the contour of the container and the with 433 The situation shown results in which the now shrunk sleeve label 441 essentially covers the entire surface of the container (here with the exception of the mouth area comprising the support ring and the opening and part of the neck area of the container).

Then according to the with 434 The situation shown, the container can be rotated again so that it can be transported on hanging upright.

As already described in the previous embodiments, the sleeve label is preferably equipped with a corresponding component that changes the barrier properties of the container, which component can for example comprise silicon oxide or consists of silicon oxide. This coating can in particular already be applied to the sleeve label, which in the situation 431 is passed over the container. The coating can be applied to the inside of the sleeve label and / or to the outside surface of the sleeve label. The inner surface is the surface of the sleeve label that faces the container when the sleeve label is connected to the container. The outer surface is accordingly the surface facing away from the container.

As an alternative (or also in addition, for example in order to apply several layers, possibly also of different materials influencing the barrier properties), the sleeve label can also be coated in the situation 432 parallel to the heating of the sleeve label and / or in the situation 433 and / or the situation 434 to be provided. This can be implemented depending on the expediency and can also depend, for example, on what material the component is made of.

Since hot air is applied to the sleeve label, a disadvantageous chemical reaction or other damage or change to the component can occur with some of the components used, which can influence the barrier properties of the container, which can reduce the otherwise positive effect on the barrier properties. To prevent this, you can apply the component accordingly in the situations 433 or 434 take place after the sleeve label has been heated.

If the component is a component to be activated by hot air, it may be preferred to use it in the situation 432 to be applied simultaneously with the application of the hot air in the direction of the sleeve label.

5 shows an embodiment of a container treatment plant 500 which is designed for the application of sleeve labels (either for shrink labels or for stretch labels).

The container treatment plant 500 corresponds essentially to the container treatment plant according to 1 . In particular are the facilities 501 to 506 with the appropriate facilities 101 to 106 identical or can at least be designed accordingly. For example, the area 101 be designed as a machine for producing preforms and containers, such as a blow molding machine with an oven for heating the preforms.

This can be followed by one or more machines that already apply secondary elements (labels or printed images or the like) to the surface of the plastic container. A device for coating can also be provided here, for example to coat the secondary element that has already been applied or to coat the surface of the container. The component 505 can be designed as a closer and for example with a machine 506 be connected, which has a coating of the lid analogous to the machine 106 undertakes. The coating of the cover can consist of a direct print, for example.

This will be followed by as well as in the 1 the area 507 . While further components, such as drying of applied printing inks, checking of the containers or packaging of the composition of the containers and bundles can be provided here, the machines are also used 571 and 572 a device for applying sleeve labels (shrink labels or stretch sleeves) is provided. You can do this in the facility 571 the procedural steps 430 and 431 be carried out so that either the shrink sleeve or the stretch sleeve are applied to the container, while it is transported, for example, preferably hanging upside down.

In the machine 572 can then (depending on whether a shrink sleeve has been applied to the container) one or more shrink tunnels with appropriate devices such as hot air nozzles (according to the elements 450 out 4th ) be provided in order to ensure that the shrink label is shrunk onto the container. If a stretch sleeve has been applied to the container, such a shrink tunnel is not necessary.

Then the process steps 430 and 434 from the 4th carried out and the container returned to its upright position and, if necessary, a coating of the as yet uncoated applied label can be carried out.

The now completed container can then be combined with other containers to form a bundle in a packer, for example, or further treatment steps can be carried out.

Claims (16)

Container treatment machine for treating plastic containers, such as bottles or cans in the beverage processing industry, the medical industry or the cosmetics industry, the container treatment system comprising an application device for applying a secondary element to an area of a container, the application device being designed with a one that changes the barrier properties of the container Component equipped secondary element to apply to the container. Container treatment machine according to Claim 1 , wherein the component is or comprises silicon oxide. Container treatment machine according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the container treatment machine comprises a coating device arranged downstream of the application device, wherein the application device is designed to apply the secondary element to the outer surface of the plastic container and wherein the coating device is designed to apply a coating that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container to a second region of the container, which is different from the area to which the secondary element is applied. Container treatment machine according to Claim 3 , wherein the second area is a bottom area and / or a neck area and / or a side area of the plastic container. Container treatment machine according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the secondary element comprises at least one of a label, a shrink label, a printed image, a closure, an adhesive. Container treatment machine according to Claim 3 or 4th , wherein the coating device comprises an immersion bath in which the container can at least partially immerse, and wherein the immersion bath comprises a solution containing the material of the coating, and wherein the immersion bath is arranged in such a way that the coating is applied to the second region of the container by immersion in the immersion bath is applied. Container treatment machine according to Claim 6 , wherein the container treatment machine comprises a transport device for the hanging transport of the container through the immersion bath and wherein the transport device comprises for rotating the container about an axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hanging container, so that by immersing the container in the immersion bath in a first orientation of the container The bottom area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath and, by immersing the container in the immersion bath in a second orientation, a mouth area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath. Container treatment machine according to one of the Claims 3 , 4th , 6th or 7th wherein the coating device comprises a nozzle for applying the coating to a third area of the container, the third area being different from the area to which the secondary element is applied. A method for treating a plastic container, such as a bottle or a can in the beverage processing industry, the medical industry or in the cosmetics industry, by means of a container treatment machine, the method comprising applying a secondary element to an area of the surface of the container by means of an application device of the container treatment machine, wherein the secondary element is equipped with a component that changes the barrier properties of the container. Procedure according to Claim 9 wherein the component comprises silicon oxide. Procedure according to Claim 9 or 10 , wherein the container treatment machine comprises a coating device arranged downstream of the application device, wherein the application device applies the secondary element to the outer surface of the plastic container, and wherein the coating device applies a coating that changes the barrier properties of the plastic container to a second area of the container, that of the area on which the secondary element is applied is different. Procedure according to Claim 11 , wherein the second area is a bottom area and / or a neck area and / or a side area of the plastic container. Method according to one of the Claims 9 to 12th wherein the secondary element comprises at least one of a label, a shrink label, a printed image, a closure, an adhesive. Method according to one of the Claims 10 or 11 , wherein the coating device comprises an immersion bath in which the container is at least partially immersed, and wherein the immersion bath comprises a solution containing the material of the coating, and wherein the immersion bath is arranged in such a way that the coating is applied to the second region of the container by immersion in the immersion bath is applied. Procedure according to Claim 14 , wherein the container treatment machine comprises a transport device that transports the containers suspended through the immersion bath, and wherein the transport device transports the container through the immersion bath at least temporarily in a first orientation and temporarily in an orientation rotated around the longitudinal axis of the container, so that by immersion of the container in the immersion bath in the first orientation of the container, a bottom area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath and, by immersing the container in the immersion bath in the second orientation, an opening area of the container is immersed in the immersion bath. Method according to one of the Claims 11 , 12th , 14th or 15th wherein the coating device comprises a nozzle which applies the coating to a third area of the container, the third area being different from the area to which the secondary element is applied.

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