DE102022122530A1 - Container cleaning machine for cleaning containers and method for cleaning a container - Google Patents

Abstract

Container cleaning machine for cleaning containers, such as bottles, with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, the dispensing device being designed to dispense the cleaning fluid during an dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic.

Description

The present invention relates to a container cleaning machine for cleaning containers, such as bottles, according to claim 1 and a method for cleaning a container according to claim 9.

State of the art

Container cleaning machines and methods for cleaning containers are basically known from the prior art. In the beverage processing industry, container cleaning machines are used which, for example, have a large number of cleaning baths and/or nozzles in order to apply cleaning fluids to the containers to be cleaned, such as glass bottles, in order, for example, to remove contamination or to disinfect the containers.

It is also known to specifically clean the containers from the inside, whereby a nozzle can be provided which introduces cleaning fluid into the interior of the container. While this can fundamentally improve the cleaning result, there are certain limits to the introduction of the cleaning fluid due to the cleaning fluid remaining in the interior, since the cleaning fluid remaining in the interior creates a counter pressure to further cleaning fluid to be introduced into the interior. Depending on the process, this can have a negative impact on the cleaning result.

Task

Based on the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved is to provide a container cleaning machine and a method for cleaning containers with which improved cleaning can be achieved.

Solution

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

The container cleaning machine according to the invention for cleaning containers, such as bottles, comprises a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, the dispensing device being designed to dispense the cleaning fluid during an dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic .

In the following, a “dispensing phase” is to be understood as a period of time in which the dispensing device applies the cleaning fluid to the container. This should not include periods before or after this application phase, during which, for example, the flow rate of cleaning fluid through the application device is increased or decreased as necessary in terms of process technology in order to begin or end the application of cleaning fluid. In this sense, an application process can be understood as a period between two periods in which the application device does not deliver any cleaning fluid. The application process includes a first period of time, which can be referred to as the switch-on phase, during which, for example, the application of cleaning fluid begins until the amount of cleaning fluid reaches a desired value. It is not necessary to pressurize the container during this phase. This is followed by the dispensing phase, during which a specific amount of cleaning fluid is specifically dispensed from the dispensing device and the container is supplied with this cleaning fluid. The dispensing phase is followed by a switch-off phase, which includes a period of time during which the amount of cleaning fluid can be reduced until finally no more cleaning fluid is dispensed and the dispensing device thus ends the dispensing of cleaning fluid. Even during the switch-off phase, it is not necessary to apply the applied cleaning fluid to the container.

According to the invention, the time-varying characteristic includes all properties or parameters of the cleaning fluid to be dispensed, including parameters that characterize the manner in which the cleaning fluid is dispensed. The term “time-varying characteristic” therefore refers to a change in the characteristic that depends on the time t that elapses during the application phase. The concept of a time-varying characteristic should not be understood as a trivial dependence on time, i.e. characteristics that do not functionally depend on the elapsed time t during the application phase. From the set of time-varying characteristics in the form of functions f(t), only those functions f should be understood for which f(t) ≠ c, where c is an arbitrary constant.

The cleaning result can be improved by changing the characteristics of the application of the cleaning fluid and/or the cleaning fluid over time, for example the composition of the cleaning fluid is changed or the application direction of the cleaning fluid is varied depending on the time during the application phase in order to reduce a counterpressure due to the cleaning fluid that has already been applied.

It can be provided that the characteristic includes an application pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and/or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid.

According to this embodiment, the characteristic includes at least one of the parameters mentioned, but can also include several of the parameters mentioned. By varying these characteristics, the goal of the cleaning or the effect caused by the cleaning can be changed, for example by using different chemical compositions of the cleaning fluid during the application phase, for example to disinfect with a chemical component or with another chemical component To remove biological films or dirt. By changing physical parameters (such as direction, pressure or temperature or flow rate) of the application, the cleaning effect can also be changed, for example by using a higher temperature of the cleaning fluid to disinfect the container or to remove heavy contamination by changing the pressure.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the dispensing element is arranged to be movable towards a container and away from a container and the characteristic includes a distance from an opening of a container.

The distance can be a positive value that characterizes a distance from the opening to an external dispensing element (located outside the container). The distance can also be negative, which is to be understood below as an introduction of the dispensing element or at least a part of the dispensing element (for example the dispensing opening) into the container. In this way, the application of the cleaning fluid to certain parts of the container can be advantageously achieved.

In one embodiment, the dispensing element is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid with a variable jet geometry and the characteristic includes the jet geometry.

The jet geometry includes both the direction and the shape of the applied jet of cleaning fluid. In this sense, the cleaning fluid jet does not necessarily have to have a one-dimensional shape in the sense of a liquid jet, but can, for example, comprise the cleaning fluid in the form of a cone or a triangular surface. The jet geometry does not have to be symmetrical, so that, for example, a cone with an elliptical or irregular cross section perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cleaning fluid starting from a discharge opening of the discharge element is also included. The cleaning result can be influenced by changing the jet geometry.

In a further development of this embodiment it is provided that the jet geometry comprises at least one of a delivery direction of a cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a jet surface of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet.

By changing the direction of application of the cleaning fluid, a specific area of a container can be specifically supplied with cleaning fluid. By changing the cross-sectional area, the cleaning agent pressure that hits a specific area of the container to be cleaned can be varied in a targeted manner. The same can be achieved by changing a jet area, in which case the cleaning fluid jet is not limited to a two-dimensional cleaning fluid jet.

durch eine zeitabhängige Funktion der Form $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\\ \left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{ cos }f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{ sin }f\left(t\right)\\ h\left(t\right)\end{array}\right)\end{array}$

$$

beschrieben wird, wobei f(t) und h(t) zeitabhängige Funktionen sind und α und β Konstanten sind.In particular, it can be provided that the jet geometry includes an application direction and wherein the application direction $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}$

by a time-dependent function of the shape $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\\ \left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{cos}f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{sin}f\left(t\right)\\ H\left(t\right)\end{array}\right)\end{array}$

$$

is described, where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and α and β are constants.

The cleaning fluid jet is thus applied along a cone shell, with the cleaning fluid jet precessing around the central axis of the cone. This can be particularly advantageous when introducing the dispensing element into an opening of the container to act on the interior of the container, since the counter-pressure caused by the cleaning fluid already in the interior is reduced to the cleaning fluid to be introduced further into the container, which increases the amount that can be introduced into the container Cleaning fluid has a positive effect per unit of time and thus improves the cleaning result.

In one embodiment it is provided that the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along the transport device with the container during the dispensing phase in the transport direction of a container, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container during the dispensing phase remains essentially constant.

The fact that the distance of the dispensing element to the container in the transport direction of the container remains essentially constant during the dispensing phase is to be understood here as meaning a distance between a specific point of the container (for example the center of the opening of the container) measured to a specific point of the dispensing element in the transport direction of the container changes during the dispensing phase by a maximum of a value that is small compared to the dimensions of the container in the transport direction of the container. For example, the maximum change in distance can be less than 50% or less than 25% or less than 10% of the expansion of the container in the transport direction. However, the distance between the container and the dispensing element in the transport direction preferably does not change or the deviation of the relative position during the dispensing phase is less than 2 mm. This configuration ensures that the cleaning fluid is applied to the container throughout the entire application phase, if possible.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the transport device comprises a receptacle for holding a container and wherein the receptacle comprises a fixation for fixing a container during the dispensing phase.

With this configuration it can be ensured that the container does not slip or become damaged in the receptacle despite the variable characteristics of the cleaning fluid being dispensed.

The method according to the invention for cleaning a container, such as a bottle, by means of a container cleaning machine with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, the dispensing device being designed to supply the cleaning fluid during an dispensing phase with a Dispensing a time-varying characteristic includes transporting the container to the dispensing device and applying the cleaning fluid to the container during the dispensing phase, the characteristic being changed depending on the time during the dispensing phase. This process improves the cleaning result.

It can further be provided that the characteristic includes an application pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and/or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. Adjusting these characteristics allows a further improvement in the cleaning result.

In one embodiment, the dispensing element is moved towards and/or away from the container during the dispensing phase and the characteristic includes a distance from an opening of the container. In this way, the interior of a container can be specifically supplied with cleaning fluid, which improves the cleaning result of the interior.

It can further be provided that the dispensing element dispenses the cleaning fluid during the dispensing phase with a variable jet geometry and the characteristic includes the jet geometry. By changing the jet geometry, the pressure with which the cleaning fluid hits the surface of the container can be varied, which can improve the cleaning result.

In a further development of this embodiment it is provided that the jet geometry comprises at least one of a delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a jet surface of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet. This embodiment allows even more precise control of the medium hitting the container.

durch eine zeitabhängige Funktion der Form $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\\ \left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{ cos }f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{ sin }f\left(t\right)\\ h\left(t\right)\end{array}\right)\end{array}$

$$

beschrieben wird, wobei f(t) und h(t) zeitabhängige Funktionen sind und α und βIn particular, it can be provided that the jet geometry includes an application direction and wherein the application direction $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}$

by a time-dependent function of the shape $\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\\ \left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{cos}f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{sin}f\left(t\right)\\ H\left(t\right)\end{array}\right)\end{array}$

$$

is described, where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and α and β

are constants. This embodiment can in particular reduce the build-up of a counterpressure of cleaning fluid already introduced into the container, so that the amount of cleaning fluid introduced into the interior of a container luids can be enlarged and the cleaning result can be improved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along the transport device with the container during the dispensing phase in the transport direction of a container, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container during the dispensing phase is in Essentially remains constant.

The time during which the cleaning fluid hits the intended location of the container can thus be increased.

Short description of the characters

• 1 shows an embodiment of a container treatment machine
• 2a -d show different embodiments of a time-varying characteristic
• 3a and b show various embodiments of movably arranged dispensing elements

Detailed description

1 shows a container cleaning machine 100 according to one embodiment. The container cleaning machine 100 can be constructed in a manner generally known from the prior art. In particular, the container cleaning machine can be assigned a container feed 150, in which containers 130, such as bottles, are fed, for example, in a disordered mass flow to the container cleaning machine 100, into which they can then be taken over by means of a transport device 102. For this purpose, the transport device 102 can include a plurality of container carriers 131, each of which can accommodate a container 130.

The container carriers 131 can have a plurality of container receiving locations which are arranged transversely to the transport direction of the container carriers 131. As a result, a large number of containers 130 can be guided past or through a respective cleaning station at the same time, which can have a corresponding extension transversely to the transport direction of the container carriers 131. This makes it possible to achieve a high output capacity of the container cleaning machine 100.

The containers 130 are then transported along the transport device 102, optionally in the container carriers 131, through the bottle cleaning machine 100 to a removal device 160, into which they can be transferred after passing through the container cleaning machine. Analogous to the feed device 150, the discharge device 160 can be designed as a disordered mass transporter for transporting the containers. Other embodiments are also conceivable here.

Within the bottle cleaning machine, the transport device can guide the containers past a large number of cleaning stations. For example, a cleaning bath 170 can be provided through which the containers can be passed and into which they can be completely or partially immersed. The cleaning bath 170 can be filled with a cleaning fluid, for example water or an acidic solution or a basic solution, to remove dirt or contamination.

According to the invention, it is provided that the containers 130 are guided past at least one dispensing element 111 to 113, wherein the dispensing element 111 can dispense a cleaning fluid 114 in the direction of the containers in order to apply the cleaning fluid 114 to them. The dispensing element 111 is preferably arranged outside a cleaning bath 170 and, as shown here, for example, can be arranged on a frame 101, which can be designed to be stationary with respect to the transport device 102. According to the related to the 3b However, in the embodiment described, it can also be provided that the frame 101 is arranged to be movable in order to carry the dispensing element 111 to 113 with the containers along the transport device.

The dispensing elements 111 to 113 can basically be of any design. However, an embodiment as a nozzle for discharging a cleaning fluid jet or a cleaning fluid mist, which will also be understood below under the term cleaning fluid jet, is preferred.

According to the invention, it is provided that at least one characteristic of the can be changed over time during a dispensing phase in which a dispensing element 111 to 113 specifically dispenses cleaning fluid onto a container. This can advantageously influence the cleaning result.

The term characteristic of the application of the cleaning fluid includes both a property of the cleaning fluid itself, such as an application pressure, the cleaning fluid used per se, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid and/or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. In addition, this includes characteristics of the delivery of the cleaning fluid, such as the delivery direction or the jet geometry with which the cleaning fluid is delivered from the delivery element. A variable position of the dispensing element during the dispensing phase and during the dispensing of the cleaning fluid should also be understood as a time-varying characteristic.

For example, it can be provided that the temperature of the applied cleaning fluid is changed during the application phase and the containers are first rinsed, for example, with cold water and then the containers are charged with a heated basic or acidic solution. With this, desired cleaning effects, such as first soaking contaminants with water and then dissolving contaminants by applying basic or acidic solutions, can be reliably achieved, while the use of components remains low. A change in the application pressure of the cleaning fluid can be used to, on the one hand, wet the surface with the cleaning fluid and, on the other hand (at higher pressure), to remove contaminants.

It can be provided that a change in the pressure to be applied over time includes a change in the application pressure from 0.5 bar to 20 bar, or from 0.5 bar to 10 bar, or from 0.5 bar to 7 bar, the maximum pressure depending can be selected according to the pressure resistance of the container in order to avoid damage.

Changing the flow rate of cleaning fluid that is applied to the container by the dispensing element per unit of time can also improve the cleaning result, in that even coarse contaminants can be reliably washed away from the container by increasing the flow rate. The flow rate can be varied as a characteristic during the application phase depending on time and can be varied, for example, between 0.1 l/min to 50 l/min or 1 l/min to 40 l/min or preferably 5 l/min to 30 l/min .

In particular, electrically chemically activated water (ECA water) can be used as a cleaning fluid. This is obtained from a sodium chloride solution using a generator through membrane cell electrolysis. In this process, the sodium ions are separated from the chlorine ions so that an alkaline solution and a hypochlorous acid are present on both sides of the membrane cell. The former can be used advantageously for cleaning, while the latter can be used for disinfection due to the high oxidation reduction potential. By appropriately supplying both solutions to a dispensing element (for example through insulated lines that converge in the dispensing element), cleaning and then disinfection can be carried out over time by changing the composition of the cleaning fluid over time. It can be provided that the time period during the application phase, while the alkaline catolyte is used for cleaning, is longer than the time period during which the disinfection takes place, since disinfection can be achieved quickly due to the high oxidation reduction potential of the hypochlorous acid.

The 2a to 2d show different configurations in which a characteristic of the application direction and/or the jet profile of the applied cleaning fluid jet is changed depending on time.

In the 2a An application element 210 emits a cleaning fluid jet 211, which is shown in the top view (left illustration of the 2a) is one-dimensional and essentially has the shape of a triangle in the side view (right-hand representation of Fig. a). This can be achieved by the outlet opening of the dispensing element 210 being slot-shaped. In this embodiment it is provided that the cleaning fluid jet is rotated, for example, by rotating the outlet opening of the dispensing element about the rotation axis R, which runs parallel to a dispensing direction of the cleaning fluid jet 211 or perpendicular to an opening plane of the dispensing element 210. The cleaning fluid jet 211 therefore moves over the rotation angle α(t) into a position 211'. The angle of rotation α(t) is a function of time and can be, for example, α(t) = β·t. The rotation speed is therefore constant over time. Other rotation angle functions α(t) are also conceivable, with the function α(t) preferably being chosen such that at least half a revolution of the cleaning fluid jet 211 around the axis of rotation R is effected during the application phase. This means at a start time t = 0 and an end time t = T that α(0)=0 and α(T) = π. This ensures that every point of the container is supplied with cleaning fluid at least once by the cleaning fluid jet 211. It can also be provided that at least one complete revolution of the cleaning fluid jet around the axis of rotation r is achieved, so that α(T) ≥ 2π.

In 2 B It is provided that the cleaning fluid jet 221 is directed relative to a reference direction, for example a direction that is perpendicular to the discharge opening of the discharge element stands, can be tilted into position 221 'by the angle β (t). This changes the angle of impact of the cleaning fluid jet on the container surface, which can lead to improved removal of contaminants.

In particular, in this embodiment it can be provided that the tilt angle β(t) runs as a function of time between an initial position (in which the cleaning fluid jet 221 is shown here) and a maximum deflection (shown here with the cleaning fluid jet 221 '). It can be provided that the cleaning fluid jet performs a pendulum movement around the starting position, so that over time t the cleaning fluid jet experiences both a deflection in the direction of the maximum deflection corresponding to the position 221 'and a deflection in the opposite direction. The maximum deflection angles can be identical in both directions, so that β _max = β _-max applies.

By varying the function β(t), the course of the movement of the cleaning fluid jet 221 can be changed.

In 2c An embodiment is shown in which the opening angle of the fluid jet d γ (t) varies over time. The opening angle is the angle that is included between the discharge opening of the discharge element 230 and the outer boundaries of the cleaning fluid jet 231 or 231 '.

The opening angle can be varied, for example, in an angular range of a few degrees, for example 2°, up to 45°, whereby the period of time during which the opening angle lies in a certain value range can be varied depending on the cleaning requirements.

der die Ausbringrichtung des Reinigungsfluidstrahls definiert, hängt dabei ab von dem Präzessionswinkel δ(t) und einem „Höhenwert“ h(t). Wird der Präzessionswinkel δ(t) als Funktion f(t) bezeichnet, so lässt sich der Richtungsvektor darstellen in der Form $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{ cos }f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{ sin }f\left(t\right)\\ h\left(t\right)\end{array}\right).$

In 2d An embodiment is shown in which the cleaning fluid jet 241 is designed as a cleaning fluid jet precessing about an axis of rotation R. This can be realized, for example, by a dispensing opening of the dispensing element 240 which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation R, the dispensing opening preferably being designed as a dispensing nozzle which can dispense a cleaning fluid jet with the smallest possible opening angle (for example smaller than 10° or smaller than 5°). The direction vector $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)},$

which defines the application direction of the cleaning fluid jet depends on the precession angle δ(t) and a “height value” h(t). If the precession angle δ(t) is referred to as a function f(t), the direction vector can be represented in the form $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{cos}f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{sin}f\left(t\right)\\ H\left(t\right)\end{array}\right).$

als Ausbringrichtung des Reinigungsfluidstrahls eine Bewegung entlang eines Kegelmantels eines Kegels mit kreisförmiger Grundfläche. Sind α und β verschieden, so beschreibt der Vektor der Ausbringrichtung eine Bewegung entlang eines Kegels mit elliptischer Grundfläche. Ist die Höhenfunktion h(t) nicht trivial zeitabhängig (also gilt nicht h(t) = c mit c als Konstante), so ändert sich in dieser Ausführungsform auch der Öffnungswinkel des Kegels.Here, the values α and β are basically any real-valued constants, where α and β can be different or the same. They are identical to α and β, which is what the vector describes $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}$

as the direction of application of the cleaning fluid jet, a movement along a cone shell of a cone with a circular base. If α and β are different, the vector of the application direction describes a movement along a cone with an elliptical base. If the height function h(t) is not trivially time-dependent (i.e. h(t) = c with c as a constant does not apply), then the opening angle of the cone also changes in this embodiment.

With this embodiment, the interior of a container can be supplied with cleaning fluid particularly advantageously, for example in the case of non-rotationally symmetrical containers the constants α and β can be chosen differently from one another in order to take into account the deviation of the shape of the container from a rotationally symmetrical shape. Overall, this embodiment is particularly advantageous in order to minimize the build-up of pressure from cleaning fluid that has already been introduced into the container and thus increase the amount of cleaning fluid that can be introduced into the container during the application phase.

3a shows an embodiment in which the dispensing element 310 is movably arranged in a receptacle 331 relative to a container 130. In particular, the distance d between a point of the dispensing element 310 and a point of the container (here, for example, between the dispensing opening of the dispensing element 310 and the opening of the container 130) can be changed as a time-dependent function d(t), so that during the dispensing phase the dispensing element 310 can be moved, for example, in the direction of the opening of the container. The distance d does not have to be positive. If the distance d is positive, the dispensing element is located outside the container. If the distance d is negative, the dispensing element is located inside the container (shown here with the dashed position 312). This embodiment is particularly advantageous for introducing cleaning fluid 311 into the interior of the container.

In the 3a It is also shown that the container carrier 331 can be designed as a receptacle that holds a container and further includes a fixation 335 to hold the container in the to fix the recording. The container can be held in the receptacle 331 by the fixation (which is shown here as one or more clamps, but can also be designed in a different way) in such a way that its position is relative to the opening 333 of the receptacle and/or relative to a bottom 334 of the receptacle 331 is fixed while the container 130 is moved in the receptacle 331 along the transport device 321.

Such a configuration is particularly advantageous for a dispensing element 310 to be introduced into the container 130 in order to avoid damage. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous in connection with the 2a to 2d described embodiments, since the forces acting on the container are changed by changing the jet geometry and / or changing the application direction of the cleaning fluid. By using fixations 335, unwanted movements of the container can be avoided

In the 3b A further embodiment is shown in which the dispensing element(s) 310 can be moved in the transport direction T of the container (optionally in the receptacles 331) along the transport device 321, so that the distance between the dispensing element 310 and that of the dispensing element with cleaning fluid increases 311 loaded container in the transport direction T preferably does not change.

This can be realized, for example, by arranging the dispensing element or elements 310 on or on a frame 351, the frame being firmly mounted, for example, on rotatably mounted elements 352 and 353 and by rotating the rotatably mounted elements 352 and 353 of the frame 351 in the transport direction T can be moved with the recordings 331. In this embodiment, the frame together with the dispensing elements can be understood as an application device 350.

With this embodiment, the introduction of the dispensing elements 310 into the containers in the container receptacles 331 can also be effected, since the frame follows the movement of the rotatable elements 352 and 353 and thus not only a movement in the transport direction T, but also perpendicular thereto towards the containers and caused away from these.

This embodiment is therefore particularly advantageous in combination with 3a feasible.

As an alternative to the design as a linearly movable frame 351 according to 3b The frame 351 can also be designed as a drum, with the dispensing elements being arranged along its periphery. The drum can be rotated relative to a curved transport device 321 and thus cause dispensing elements 310 to move during the transport of the receptacles 331 with containers arranged thereon. In a frame 351 designed as a drum, the dispensing elements 310 can be arranged in accordance with 3a be designed and thus moved towards or away from a container.

Those related to the 3a and 3b The embodiments described can be combined with all other embodiments described.

Claims (15)

Container cleaning machine for cleaning containers, such as bottles, with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, the dispensing device being designed to dispense the cleaning fluid during an dispensing phase with a time-varying characteristic. Container cleaning machine Claim 1 , wherein the characteristic includes an application pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. Container cleaning machine Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the dispensing element is arranged movably towards and away from a container and wherein the characteristic includes a distance from an opening of a container. Container cleaning machine according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the dispensing element is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid with a variable jet geometry and wherein the characteristic includes the jet geometry. Container cleaning machine Claim 4 , wherein the jet geometry comprises at least one of a delivery direction of a cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a jet surface of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet. Container cleaning machine Claim 5 , wherein the jet geometry includes an application direction and wherein the application direction $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}$

by a time-dependent function of the shape $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{cos}f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{sin}f\left(t\right)\\ H\left(t\right)\end{array}\right)$

is described, where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and α and β are constants. Container cleaning machine according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along the transport device with the container during the dispensing phase in the transport direction of a container, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container remains essentially constant during the dispensing phase. Container cleaning machine according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the transport device comprises a receptacle for holding a container and wherein the receptacle comprises a fixation for fixing a container during the dispensing phase. Method for cleaning a container, such as a bottle, by means of a container cleaning machine with a transport device for transporting containers and a dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container transported in the transport device, the dispensing device being designed to supply the cleaning fluid during an dispensing phase with a time-varying Characteristic, wherein the method includes transporting the container to the dispensing device and applying the cleaning fluid to the container during the dispensing phase, the characteristic being changed depending on the time during the dispensing phase. Procedure according to Claim 9 , wherein the characteristic includes an application pressure, a cleaning fluid, a concentration of a chemical component of the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, and / or a flow rate of the cleaning fluid. Procedure according to Claim 9 or 10 , wherein the dispensing element is moved towards and/or away from the container during the dispensing phase and wherein the characteristic includes a distance to an opening of the container. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 until 11 , wherein the dispensing element dispenses the cleaning fluid during the dispensing phase with a variable jet geometry and wherein the characteristic includes the jet geometry. Procedure according to Claim 12 , wherein the jet geometry comprises at least one of a delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a cross-sectional area of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane perpendicular to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet, a jet surface of the cleaning fluid jet in a plane parallel to the delivery direction of the cleaning fluid jet. Procedure according to Claim 13 , wherein the jet geometry includes an application direction and wherein the application direction $\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}$

by a time-dependent function of the shape $$

$\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{r\left(t\right)}=\\ \left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha \text{cos}f\left(t\right)\\ \beta \text{sin}f\left(t\right)\\ H\left(t\right)\end{array}\right)\end{array}$

is described, where f(t) and h(t) are time-dependent functions and α and β are constants. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 until 14 , wherein the dispensing element is arranged on a movable frame and wherein the frame can be moved along the transport device with the container during the dispensing phase in the transport direction of a container, so that a distance of the dispensing element from the container in the transport direction of the container remains essentially constant during the dispensing phase.

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