EP2930118A1 - Container handling device and method for holding, gripping and/or turning containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container handling device (10) for holding, gripping and / or rotating resting on a container containers (12) at its upper mouth (14) and / or at its neck region. The device (10) has at least two vertically adjustable and / or a vertical holding force transmitting holding and / or centering elements (18) which are alternately adjustable between an operating position and a rest position, so that each located in the operating position holding and / or centering element (18) into engagement with a container (12) can be brought. The at least two holding and / or centering elements (18) are arranged on a common holding device (22), by the rotation about a defined pivot angle each holding and / or centering element (18) is pivotable between its operating and rest position. The invention also relates to a method for holding, gripping and / or rotating containers (12) standing on a support of such a container handling device (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a container handling device for holding, gripping and / or rotating containers on a support at its upper mouth and / or at its neck region with the features of independent claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for holding, gripping and / or or rotating containers standing on a support of such a container handling device with the features of independent method claim 14.

With the present invention, a so-called. Centering head is provided which engages on the upper side of a vessel or a container, which stands on a support such as a turntable. The centering head is normally part of a more complex container treatment machine and serves for axially clamping one of a plurality of containers located in the machine and each on a separate turntable. The centering head according to the invention has a replaceable turret with different centering bells and / or inserts.

Similar devices of this type are commonly used in container or vessel treatment machines such as. In labeling, inspection or printing machines for fixing the upright on turntables bottles, cans or the like. Containers. By an axial reduction in distance vessels or containers between the turntable and the axially aligned centering head can be rotatably clamped. The centering heads used so far are usually made in one piece, as for example. The DE 85 08 399 U disclosed.

In known container treatment devices are arranged in rotary machines with therein or associated therewith labeling, filling or Behälterinspektionsvorrichtungen the container to be treated usually on a carousel and placed each on a bottle plate and held rotatably there by means of the container from above fixing gripping devices. The gripping devices are usually formed by spring-biased elements such as. Centering, which hold the container when moving through the machine and fix it on the turntable.

Such holding devices are, for example, from the DE 40 35 998 or DE 10 2009 025 907 known. In addition, multi-part centering devices have already been developed for special tasks, as for example. In the DE 41 14 025 and DE 20 006 237 are disclosed.

Disadvantages prove to be the devices known from the prior art, if different containers or containers are used with different and / or divergent mouths or should be fixed on the turntables, since in this case the centering by hand against each other to the different mouth shape and / or size matching essays or centering must be replaced.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a universally usable centering head which has high flexibility in operation through suitability for different container shapes and / or sizes, and allows setup times to be changed to other container shapes and / or sizes. or to reduce container sizes.

The object of the invention is achieved with the subject matter of independent claim 1. Features of advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the further description.

To achieve the stated object, the invention proposes a device for handling and / or treating containers with the features of independent claim 1. The device is prepared and equipped for holding, gripping and / or rotating containers standing on a support at its upper mouth and / or at its neck region and comprises at least two holding and / or centering elements which can be vertically adjusted and / or transmit a vertical holding force, which are alternately adjustable between an operating position and a rest position, so that each holding in the operating position holding and / or centering element can be brought into engagement with a container. It is further provided that the at least two holding and / or centering elements are arranged on a common holding device, by its rotation about a defined pivot angle each holding and / or centering element is pivotable between its operating and rest position. The holding device can be lowered for fixing a standing on the support or a turntable container variable in the vertical direction, preferably in different height levels, so that different sized containers alike can be kept. The edition is usually turntable, which serve the rotatable receiving a respective container. Several such turntables with associated holding and / or fixing devices or centering elements may be arranged on the outer circumference of a rotatable machine part, which may be part of a more complex container handling and / or handling machine.

To release the container again, the holding device can be raised again in the vertical direction, whereby the neck or mouth region of the container is released and the container can be removed from the support. The at least two holding and / or centering elements are mounted on the common holding device, so that each holding in the operating position holding and / or centering element are brought from above by vertical lowering with the neck or mouth region of the container standing on the support can, while the respectively pivoted from the engagement area with the container or rotated and thus in rest position holding and / or centering is oriented in the lateral direction where it does not collide with the container nor collide with an adjacent container or holding element of an immediately adjacent container position or come into contact.

In an advantageous variant of the container handling device according to the invention, the holding device is rotatably mounted on a machine holder, which in turn is preferably rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation, so that it can interact in particular with rotatably mounted supports or turntables on which the containers are with their underside, so that a corresponding positioning of the container or vessel is made possible by a controlled motor rotation of the machine holder to a predeterminable angle of rotation. The holder rotatably mounted on the machine holder may in particular have a pivot or pivot axis which is inclined by approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical, whereby the respective holding and / or centering devices can be brought into the operating position or in the rest position, without requiring large Pivoting or travel paths are required. Due to the tilted by 45 degrees pivot axis a kind of revolving magazine is formed, which can provide several differently shaped and dimensioned holding or centering available, of which there is only one in each operating position, in which they have a vertically extending longitudinal extension and effective direction to the respective container which stands on the support or on the turntable, while the other respective holding or Centering devices are brought into a rest position, in which their longitudinal direction, for example, can be horizontal or at a different angle.

In a further preferred embodiment of the container handling device according to the invention, the respective longitudinal axes of the at least two holding and / or centering elements, which are fixed to the common holding device, respectively cut the rotary or pivot axis of the rotatable holding device at an angle of about 45 degrees, respectively the above-mentioned revolver-like adjustment mechanism is formed, which allows a very fast conversion, without the need for manual intervention or replacement of parts would be required. In addition, if the holding device is rotatable about its longitudinal axis in several latching steps, a fast manual switch between rest and operating position can be achieved by corresponding pivoting of the holding device to the inclined, in particular inclined by 45 degrees rotational or pivot axis. The latching steps can advantageously each have graduations of, for example, about 60 degrees or even about 90 degrees or about 120 degrees. Other graduations are conceivable, possibly also with divergent angular divisions.

The inventive design of the container handling device also allows further equipment features, so that the holding and / or centering elements, for example, each may be equipped with a central air line or air duct, which can be performed in integrated design in each case by the holding devices to the machine holder. Also, air ducts to the holding device, bypassing the central machine holder are conceivable, which can be attached to the holding device suitable line connections for flexible air ducts. These air lines can be used particularly advantageously for supplying sterilized air into the container, which is advantageous, for example, in arrangements in a sterile environment or in a clean room. Thus, the air lines can optionally be used to supply the container sterile air.

Another advantage of the arrangement is the particularly compact design, which has an advantageous effect in a sterile environment. Thus, such a compact design is particularly advantageous when a container treatment device operates in the so-called. Clean room.

Optionally, it may be provided in the container handling device that the at least two holding and / or centering elements arranged on the common holding device can each be adjusted manually between their operating position and their rest position. Likewise, it can be provided in an alternative embodiment that the at least two holding and / or centering elements arranged on the common holding device can be adjusted by motor, in particular by an electric motor, between their operating position and their rest position. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the machine holder is raised and lowered by a motor and optionally provided with an additional torque support to ensure an exact spatial positioning of the holding and / or centering. These can in turn be equipped with various attachments such as, for example, holding bells, suction elements, stamps, etc.

The present invention can also be characterized in that it proposes a holding device that is extremely variable in adaptable to different container shapes, contours and sizes, which can, for example, have a rotatable turret with preferably up to six receptacles for different centering bells. In the simplest case, the revolver is rotatably mounted by hand and can be fixed, for example, via a locking element in a desired position. Instead of hand, the turret can also be rotated via a suitable actuator and, for example, be fixed via a pneumatically operated plunger in the selected rotational position or operating position. It is also conceivable to query the currently selected plunger position via an initiator or other sensor unit in order to ensure the desired position and to facilitate actuation by an actuator, such as an electromotive adjustment drive.

Conventional machines in standard design can process containers, bottles or containers at typical heights of approx. 50 to 280 mm, approx. 150 to 380 mm or approx. 250 to 480 mm. Depending on the respective height of the containers, bottles or containers, the so-called. Medium wave and the height adjustment of the machines are designed. Also conceivable is a different interpretation of Zentrierkopflänge "L", so as to be able to process, for example, containers, bottles or glasses whose height is less than 150 mm. Furthermore, in particular plastic containers or containers that are labeled empty, subjected to a previous inflation. In this case, a centering bell could be provided with an air connection, whereas a subsequent or further bell need not have such an air connection. Furthermore, it makes sense plastic bottles, especially empty bottles with inflation with a To apply lower spring force from the centering. For glass bottles, compression springs are preferably used with a spring rate of about 18 kg, while plastic bottles typically springs with a spring rate of about 6 kg can be used. In addition, it is conceivable to use a centering head for plastic bottles with a spring rate of 6 kg and to switch to a bell with additional springs when using glass bottles in order to achieve a total spring rate of 18 kg. Advantageously, the turret has a torque support and a sprung pressure piece to obtain a Vorarretierung during the changeover.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a universally applicable container treatment method which, by being applicable to different container shapes and / or sizes, has a high flexibility in operation and which enables set-up times to be converted to others To reduce container shapes and / or container sizes.

This further object of the invention is achieved with the subject matter of independent method claim 14. Thus, to achieve the above further object, the invention proposes a method for holding, gripping and / or rotating containers standing on a support of a container handling apparatus at their respective upper mouth and / or at their neck region, which has the following features. In the method according to the invention, at least two holding and / or centering elements which are vertically adjustable and / or transmit a vertical holding force are alternately adjusted between an operating position and a rest position or are alternately brought into an operating position or a rest position, so that the respective holding position is in the operating position. and / or centering element is brought into engagement with a container which stands on the support. The at least two holding and / or centering elements are arranged on a common holding device, that each holding and / or centering element can be pivoted between its operating and rest position by its rotation about a defined pivoting angle.

Further variants and advantages of the method according to the invention emerge from the aspects already described above relating to the different embodiments of the container treatment system according to the invention. All these also refer to the mentioned method.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsvariante einer mehrteiligen verstellbaren Halteeinrichtung für mehrere Zentrierelemente, die zur oberen Abstützung von Behältern vorgesehen sind, die auf unteren Aufnahmen oder Drehtellern stehen.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsvariante der Halteeinrichtung für mehrere Zentrierelemente.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a multi-part adjustable holding device for a plurality of centering elements, which are provided for upper support of containers that are on lower receptacles or turntables.
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the holding device for a plurality of centering elements.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

The schematic detail view of Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a portion of a device 10 according to the invention for handling and / or treatment of containers 12, the representation thereof in its entirety is omitted here for the sake of clarity. The partially identifiable device 10 is prepared and equipped for holding, gripping, and / or rotating cushioned containers 12 at its upper mouth 14 and / or at its neck area, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 is indicated schematically. The device 10 shown there by way of example is vertically adjustable as a whole, ie lowered in the direction of arrow 16 to first set up with a vertically downwardly facing centering element 18 on the mouth 14 of the container 12 and this with a defined pressing force on the turntable or the support (not shown ). The entire device 10 is vertically raised and lowered not only in the direction of arrow 16, but also rotatable about the vertical longitudinal axis 20, whereby the container 12 together with the turntable on which it stands to rotate and position in the desired manner, which, for example. a labeling, a printing of the container outside, its inspection, etc. easier or can make meaningful.

Like the Fig. 1 can recognize the device 10 comprises a total of two such centering elements 18, which are each configured differently and which are each intended to transmit a vertical holding force to the mouth 14 of the container 12 in its vertical downwardly facing operating position. The two centering elements 18 are attached to a common holding device 22, by means of which each of the two centering elements 18 can be pivoted between an operating position and a rest position. That in the presentation of the Fig. 1 pointing vertically downwards and just above the mouth 14 of the container 12 located centering element 18 is in the operating position and thus in an active standby position so that it can be placed by vertical adjustment in the direction of arrow 16 down to the container 12 and thus activated. In contrast, the horizontal pointing to the left second centering element 18, the contour of which differs slightly from the other centering element 18, in a non-active rest position, since it can not be placed on the container 12 in this horizontal rest position.

The two centering elements 18 are each formed as Zentrierglocken 24, the wider lower umbrella-like centering engage around the mouth 14 of the container 12 and thus can hold securely when it is placed on it. Above the centering 24 is followed by a respective hollow cylindrical shaft portion 26, which are pushed for releasable attachment of the centering 18 on a correspondingly sized mounting pin 28 largely free of play on this and can be clamped and fixed by a clamping lever 30.

The two cylindrical mounting pins 28, the outer diameter of which corresponds in each case to the inner diameter of the central bores of the two hollow cylindrical shaft sections 26 of the respective centering elements 18, are anchored to the rotatable holding device 22, which is formed in two parts. An axle 32 is fixedly connected to the vertical (arrow 16) adjustable and rotatable about the vertical longitudinal axis 20 device holder 34 so that it is both lifted and lowered together with this and rotated about the axis 20. The arranged on the underside of the device holder 34 axle bearing 32 carries and supports a tilted by about 45 degrees to the vertical longitudinal axis 20 and this intersecting in the 45 ° angle pivot axis 36 with obliquely downwardly facing mushroom-like widening 38 with conical outer surface, which the two Fastening pin 28 carries and centrally to the axis 36 also has an obliquely downward pointing and easily accessible for manual adjustment rotary knob 40.

On the back of the mushroom-like widening 38, the axle receptacle 32 carries an axially adjustable locking bolt 42, which engages in the locked state in the rear end face of the mushroom-like widening 38 and thus blocks a rotation of the pivot axis 36 within the axle receptacle 32. If the locking bolt 42, however, unlocked by twisting or manual axial train obliquely upwards, the entire broadening 38 together with the held on the broadening 38 centering elements 18 can be rotated about the pivot axis 36 by manually turning the central rotary knob 40, thereby simultaneously the centering elements 18 between an operating position and a rest position can be pivoted. Thus, after manual actuation of the locking bolt 42 and manual rotation of the rotary knob 40, the holding device 22, for example, be rotated by 180 degrees, which causes an exchange of the positions of the two centering elements 18, since these at respectively opposite and thus offset by 180 degrees positions on the conical outer surface of the mushroom-like widening 38 of the holding device 22 are arranged and fixed.

The Fig. 1 However, allows a plurality of threaded holes 44 on the conical outer surface of the mushroom-like widening 38 of rotatable about the pivot axis 36 holding device 22, in each of which a separate mounting pin 28 can be screwed, which in turn can each hold a separate centering element 18 in the manner shown. For the desired function and exact alignment of each vertical downward and with its longitudinal axis with the longitudinal axis 20 of the device holder 34 aligned centering element 18, it is important that the taper of the threaded holes 44 bearing outer surface of the holding device coincides with the inclination of the pivot axis 36. Both the mentioned taper and the inclination of the pivot axis 36 are in the illustrated embodiment 45 degrees, whereby the exact vertical position of the downwardly pointing, rotated in operating position centering element 18 is ensured.

As is the case in Fig. 1 shown variant are provided at the widening 38 of the holding device 22 a plurality of threaded holes 44 at regular intervals from each other, which are each located at 60-degree intervals. If in each of these threaded holes 44, a mounting pin 28 is arranged to receive a centering element 18, and also if the rear end face of the widening 38 has a corresponding number of regularly spaced mounting holes for locking with the locking pin 42, then by twist angle of 60 degrees around the pivot axis 36 in total to be carried to six different centering elements 18 with the device 10 and brought by appropriate rotation about the axis 36 in the operating position. With such a large number of centering elements 18 fastened to the holding device 22, however, it must be ensured that the centering elements 18 of adjacent devices 10, which are in each case in the rest position, do not touch each other. If the distance between a plurality of adjacent devices 10 is insufficient for this purpose, a restriction to only two or three centering elements 18 per holding device 22 may be required.

As mentioned, the holding device 22 for fixing a standing on the support or the turntable container 12 can be variably lowered in the vertical direction 16, preferably in different height levels, so that different sized container 12 can be equally held. The edition is usually turntable, which serve the rotatable receiving a respective container 12. Several such turntables with associated holding and / or fixing means or centering elements 18 may be arranged on the outer circumference of a rotatable machine part, which may be part of a more complex container handling and / or container handling machine (not shown). To release the container 12 again, the holding device 22 can be raised again along the vertical longitudinal axis 20 in the vertical direction, whereby the neck or mouth region 14 of the container 12 is released and the container 12 can be removed from the support. The at least two holding and / or centering elements 18 are mounted and fixed on the common holding device 22, so that each holding in the operating position holding and / or centering element 18 from above by vertical lowering with the neck or mouth region 14 of the support standing container 12 can be brought into engagement while the respectively pivoted from the engagement area with the container 12 or rotated and thus in rest position holding and / or centering element 18 is oriented in the lateral direction, where it neither collide with the container 12 nor with an adjacent container 12 or holding element of an immediately adjacent container position may collide or come into contact.

Optionally, in the container handling apparatus 10 according to Fig. 1 be provided that the two or more arranged on the common holding device 22 holding and / or centering elements 18 each between their operating position (vertically aligned with the longitudinal axis 20) and its rest position (horizontal position in Fig. 1 ) can be adjusted manually, by actuation of the locking bolt 42 and by manual rotation by means of the arranged on the axle 32 rotary knob 40. Likewise, it may be provided in an alternative embodiment, that the at least two arranged on the common holding device 22 holding and / or centering or centering 18 each between their operating position and its rest position motor, especially electric motor can adjust, which, for example. By means of in the axle mount 32 integrated servomotor can be made possible. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the machine holder 34 is raised and lowered by motor and possibly provided with an additional torque support (see also Fig. 2 ) to ensure an exact spatial positioning of the holding and / or centering elements 18. These can in turn be equipped with various attachments such as, for example, holding bells, suction elements, stamps, etc. In the presentation of the Fig. 1 The two centering elements 18 shown each have differently sized centering bells 24, which are arranged on a largely identically designed and dimensioned shaft portion 26. The centering bell 24 located in the current operating position is slightly conically elongated, while the centering bell 24, which is in the rest position, has a flatter design and is dish-shaped.

The in the schematic sectional view of Fig. 2 shown further embodiment of the inventive device 10 for handling and / or treatment of containers 12 differs in some details from the in Fig. 1 shown first variant. These essential differences are explained in detail below, while other equipment details that match the first variant, are not or only briefly explained, as in this context to the above description of Fig. 1 can be referenced.

This is how the in Fig. 2 shown and aligned in the vertical direction with the longitudinal axis 20 centering 18 no centering bell, but a conical countersunk 46, which may optionally have an elastic surface to the seal against the container mouth 14, in which it can be sunk (see the in Fig. 2 to ensure and / or improve the state shown). The conical countersunk head 46 of the centering element 18 also has a central air bore 48, the mouth 50 is centrally located in the tip of the countersunk head 46, so that the interior of the container 12 can be set under pressure or optionally negative pressure. Normally, a slight overpressure is introduced into flexible plastic containers 12 via the air bore 48, while these are labeled and / or printed, in order in this way to stabilize the outer jacket surface and to optimize the printed image or the labeling process.

Like the Fig. 2 Furthermore, let the central air bore 48 is guided not only by the shaft portion 26 and the mounting pin 28, but also in the interior of the holding device 22 via the corresponding threaded bore 44. The air bore 48 initially runs vertically along the longitudinal axis 20 until it reaches the pivot axis 36 of the holding device 22, which hits the central vertical longitudinal axis of the device holder 34 at an angle of 45 degrees. There follows the central air line 48 of the pivot axis 36 of the axle 32 to the obliquely upwardly facing rear end 52 of the axle 32. There is centrally a line connection 54 for a compressed air line 56, with the centering element 18 with compressed air to pressurize the container 12 with can be supplied with light overpressure. A further lateral line connection 58 may optionally serve to supply another, not shown, centering element 18, for which purpose a separate air line to one of the other threaded holes 44 is required, which is guided through the interior of the holding device 22.

Furthermore, the variant of the Fig. 2 an optional motorized adjustment of the holding device. For this purpose, the locking pin 42 is provided for unlocking and locking the holding device 22 in its various angular positions with a pneumatic actuator 60, which may be connected via two control lines with a controllable compressed air supply (not shown). By the pneumatic actuation of the actuator 60 and the cooperating locking bolt 42, the rotation of the lower mushroom-like widening 38 can be initiated by the 45 degrees inclined pivot axis 36, which either manually - by operating the rotary knob 40 - or by motor activation - eg. By Electric motor or air motor o. The like. - Can be done. Such a servomotor can be integrated in the axle receptacle 32.

Furthermore, the variant of the Fig. 2 an upper torque support 62, which prevents rotation of the entire device holder 34, as soon as the holding device 22 and / or the servomotor is actuated for their adjustment. The torque support 62 includes at least one lateral lever 64 supported by an axle anchor 66 on an upper bracket 68, the axle anchor 66 being disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 and the additional lateral lever 64 having a horizontal longitudinal extension direction.

Like the FIGS. 1 and 2 show, on the holding device, which, for example. Includes a rotatable turret, up to six shots for different Centering be arranged. In the simplest case, the revolver is rotatably mounted by hand and can be fixed, for example, via a locking element in a desired position (see Fig. 1 ). Instead of hand, the turret can also be rotated via a suitable actuator and, for example, be fixed in the selected rotational position or operating position via a pneumatically operated plunger (see Fig. 2 ). It is also conceivable to query the currently selected plunger position via an initiator or other sensor unit in order to ensure the desired position and to facilitate actuation by an actuator, such as an electromotive adjustment drive. However, this embodiment is not shown here in detail.

As a precaution should be mentioned again at this point that all with reference to the FIGS. 1 and 2 described aspects of an embodiment of the container treatment apparatus 10 also relate to the inventive method for holding, gripping and / or rotating standing on a support of the container handling device 10 containers 12.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Device, device for handling and / or treating containers

12

container

14

Mouth, container mouth

16

Vertical direction, vertical adjustability

18

centering

20

Longitudinal axis, axis of rotation

22

holder

24

centering

26

shank portion

28

fastening pins

30

clamping lever

32

axle mount

34

device holder

36

Swivel axis, inclined swivel axis

38

Widening, mushroom-like widening

40

rotary knob

42

locking bolt

44

threaded hole

46

countersunk

48

Air hole, central air line

50

muzzle

52

End face (the axle mount)

54

line connection

56

Compressed air line

58

further line connection

60

pneumatic actuator

62

torque support

64

Support lever, side lever

66

Achsverankerung

68

upper bracket, upper suspension

Claims (15)

A container handling device (10) for holding, gripping and / or rotating resting containers (12) at their upper mouth (14) and / or at their neck region, with at least two vertically and / or vertically retaining retaining and retaining handles / or centering elements (18) which are alternately adjustable between an operating position and a rest position, so that each holding in operating position holding and / or centering element (18) into engagement with a container (12) can be brought, wherein the at least two holding - And / or centering elements (18) on a common holding device (22) are arranged, by its rotation about a defined pivoting angle of each holding thereon holding and / or centering element (18) between its operating and rest position is pivotable. Container handling device according to claim 1, wherein the holding device (22) is rotatably mounted on a machine holder (34). Container handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the holding means (22) mounted rotatably on the machine holder (34) has a pivot axis (36) which is inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the vertical (20). Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the respective longitudinal axes of the at least two holding and / or centering elements (18) which are fixed to the common holding device (22), the rotational or pivot axis (36) of the rotatable holding device ( 22) each at an angle of about 45 degrees. Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding device (22) in several latching steps about its longitudinal axis (36) is rotatable. Container handling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the latching steps each have graduations of about 60, 90 degrees or about 120 degrees. Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holding and / or centering elements (18) are each equipped with a central air line (48) or air duct, each through the holding device (22) and / or to the machine holder (34 ) are guided. Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least two on the common holding device (22) arranged holding and / or centering elements (18) are each manually adjustable between their operating position and its rest position. Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least two holding and / or centering elements (18) arranged on the common holding device (22) are each adjustable between their operating position and their rest position by a motor, in particular an electric motor. A container handler according to claim 9, wherein the machine holder (34) with the motorized retainer (22) has an additional torque support (62) against a fixed suspension or anchoring (68). Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the machine holder (34) together with the holding device (22) arranged thereon in the vertical direction with respect to a standing on the support container (12) is raised or lowered. Container handling device according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which on the holding device (22) different and / or replaceable or detachably fixable attachments such as holding bells, suction elements, stamp o. The like. Attached or attachable. Container treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 12, which is arranged in sterile machine environment, in particular in a largely closed clean room. Method for holding, gripping and / or rotating containers (12) standing on a support of a container handling device (10) at their respective upper mouth (14) and / or at their neck region, in which at least two vertically adjustable and / or one vertical holding force transferring holding and / or centering elements (18) are alternately adjusted between an operating position and a rest position, so that each holding in operating position holding and / or centering element (18) is brought into engagement with a container (12), wherein the at least two holding and / or centering elements (18) on a common holding device (22) are arranged by the rotation of a defined Swivel angle each holding and / or centering element (18) located thereon is pivoted between its operating and rest position. The method of claim 14 using a container treatment device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13.

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