WO2021063645A1

WO2021063645A1 - Device and method for filling containers

Info

Publication number: WO2021063645A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/075252
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias RAITH; Michael Neubauer
Original assignee: Krones Ag
Priority date: 2019-09-30
Filing date: 2020-09-09
Publication date: 2021-04-08
Also published as: DE102019126402A1; CN114585584A; EP4038011A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for processing containers (10) comprising at least one transport unit (2) for transporting the containers (10), comprising a handling device (4a) for transferring the containers (10) from the transport unit (2) into a transfer region (Xa) and for discharging said containers (10) onto the transport unit (2) in a discharge region (Ya), comprising at least one additional handling device (4b) for transferring the containers (10) from the transport unit (2) into an additional transfer region (Xb) and for discharging said containers (10) onto the transport unit (2) in an additional discharge region (Yb), wherein the handling devices (4a, 4b) each have at least one moving carrier (6a, 6b) with which the removed containers (10) can be moved on a transport path (Pa, Pb), and wherein at least one processing station (8a, 8b) is assigned to each of the handling devices (4a, 4b). According to the invention, the processing stations (8a, 8b) are filling units (8a, 8b) which at least partially fill the containers with a fluid and wherein said filling units (8a, 8b) are arranged stationarily in relation to the transport path (Pa, Pb).

Description

Device and method for filling containers

description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating containers. In the prior art, such handling machines for containers are predominantly constructed as rotary machines. This structure has several advantages. So are z. B. high machine performance possible with rotary machines.

However, rotary machines also have some disadvantages. On the one hand, they have large moving masses. Another disadvantage is that the treatment stations are located on the rotating part of the rotary machines. Both the treatment stations themselves and the process media (eg filling medium in filling machines, ink in printing machines, etc.) are therefore exposed to high centrifugal forces. In addition, an elaborate rotary feedthrough is required for the energy and media supply. In addition, rotary machines are relatively inflexible. It is difficult to expand the system. The entire system also has to be at a standstill if only a single treatment station is to be serviced.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device and a method that do not have these disadvantages mentioned.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the subjects of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the subclaims. A device according to the invention for treating containers has at least one transport device for transporting the containers. The device according to the invention has a handling device for transferring a predefined number of containers from the transport device in a transfer area and for delivering these containers to the transport device or another transport device in a transfer area. The device according to the invention also has at least one other handling device for transferring a predefined number of containers from the transport device in a further transfer area and for delivering these containers to the transport device or another transport device in a wider delivery area. The handling devices each have a movable carrier with which the removed containers can be moved on a transport path. The handling devices are each assigned at least one treatment station.

According to the invention, the transport speed of the handling devices can be controlled in such a way that the transport speed of the handling devices during the transfer and / or delivery of the containers can be synchronized with the transport speed of the transport device and / or the further transport device. According to the invention, the transport speed of the handling device can be reduced after the transfer of the loading.

The term “transport speed” is to be understood as the speed at which the containers are moved along a transport path.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport speed can be reduced to zero. The speed of the containers in the area of the treatment stations can preferably be reduced until the containers come to a standstill.

The movable carrier is advantageously a rotatable carrier. However, it can also be a pivotable carrier, for example. All handling devices advantageously have the same direction of rotation. A handling device preferably has at least one handling unit for receiving a container. A handling device particularly preferably has several handling units, each of which is suitable for receiving a container. In the handling Exercise units can preferably be holding devices or the like that accommodate the containers. These are preferably grippers, such as, for example, neck handling clamps, which grip the containers.

However, other designs of the handling devices are also conceivable. The handling devices could e.g. B. instead of the rotary (lifting) mechanism also have a portal system, a tripod robot or a robot arm to nisaufnahme and delivery to the continuously running transport device aufzusynchro nise the containers and then to the treatment stations bring.

In an advantageous embodiment, the containers are transported by the transport device along a feed path. The transfer areas to the handling devices are preferably located along this inlet section. Each handling device is advantageously assigned its own transfer area. The number of transfer areas is preferably identical to the number of handling devices. The device advantageously has a large number of handling devices. There are preferably several transfer areas along the feed path of the transport device.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more containers are thus transferred to a handling device, while the other containers are transported onward by the transport device. The transported containers are advantageously transferred to a further handling device.

The transfer area is advantageously an exactly defined spatial area. This means in particular that each container that is transferred to a specific handling device is transferred within this transfer area. Before geous, the transfer area is smaller than 10 cm, preferably smaller than 5 cm and particularly preferably smaller than 1 cm.

In an advantageous embodiment, each handling device removes one or more containers from the inlet in its transfer area. The handling device preferably removes the containers with a rotational movement. If several containers are transferred to the handling device, these containers are preferably transferred one after the other in the transfer area, that is to say essentially at the same transfer point. Alternatively, the containers are removed from the inlet using a removal device, for example a robot, and transferred to the treatment stations. In this embodiment, the containers are not transferred at the same transfer point.

The delivery area is advantageously an exactly defined spatial area. This means in particular that each container that is dispensed by a specific handling device is dispensed within this dispensing area. The delivery area is advantageously smaller than 10 cm, preferably smaller than 5 cm and particularly preferably smaller than 1 cm.

In an advantageous embodiment, each handling device delivers one or more containers to the outlet in its delivery area. The handling device preferably delivers the containers with a rotational movement. If the handling device dispenses several containers, these containers are preferably dispensed one after the other in the dispensing area, that is to say essentially at the same dispensing point. Alternatively, whoever removes the containers from the treatment stations with a dispensing device, for example a robot, and transfers them to the outlet. In this embodiment, the containers are not transferred at the same transfer point.

Several treatment stations are preferably assigned to each handling device. Each handling device advantageously has at least the number of treatment stations that corresponds to the predefined number of containers that are transferred to the handling device in a cycle at the transfer point. The handling device preferably has exactly this number of treatment stations. If, for example, four containers are transferred to the handling device in one cycle, this handling device preferably also has at least four treatment stations.

It would also be conceivable that four containers are transferred to the handling device in one cycle, but the handling device only has two treatment stations (the handling device thus has fewer treatment stations than its containers are transferred in one cycle). In this case, for example, two containers would be processed first and then the other two.

The invention now described describes the application of the present invention to filling devices for filling containers. It should be noted that the features described above can be combined with the features described below. Various container treatment machines and in particular also filling machines are known from the prior art. These usually work as rotary machines or as cycle machines. In rotary machines, the treatment organs, here for example filling valves, sit on a rotating carousel. The containers are filled during one cycle on this carousel.

Relatively high machine outputs can be achieved with this type of machine. However, the technical outlay for rotary machines is relatively high, as almost all of the important components sit on the rotating carousel. Complex rotary feedthroughs are required for energy or media supply to the rotating part. In cycle machines, filling valves are mounted in a stationary or essentially stationary manner. The containers move forward in cycles. This means that during the treatment, that is, for example, during the filling or closing, the filling valves are at a standstill and then the containers are clocked on to the next process station. The effort is less here because the majority of the important components are stationary.

However, only lower machine outputs can be achieved with cycle machines than with rotary machines. The above machine types are mainly suitable for producing large quantities of identically filled containers. If you want to fill each container individually, new machine concepts are required.

The invention described here is therefore based on the object of providing a device and a method which, on the one hand, enable a high degree of variability in the filling of containers and, on the other hand, also high machine performance and which possibly also avoids the disadvantages that arise in rotary machines.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A device according to the invention for treating containers has at least one transport device for transporting the containers and a handling device Direction for the transfer of containers from the transport device in a transfer area and for the delivery of these containers (in particular after a treatment) to the transport device in a delivery area.

Furthermore, the device has at least one further handling device for transferring containers from the transport device to a further transfer area and for delivering these containers to the transport device in a further delivery area, the handling devices each having at least one movable carrier with which the removed containers can be moved on a transport path and wherein the handling devices are each assigned at least one treatment station.

According to the invention, the treatment stations are filling devices which at least partially fill the containers with a filling level, and these filling devices are arranged essentially stationary with respect to the transport paths.

At least partial filling is understood to mean that the containers are not completely filled, but are filled up to a certain level, that is to say partially filled. It is possible, for example, that the containers are first filled with a first component up to a certain level, then with a further component and, if necessary, with additional further components.

In order to be able to manage the entire process of transferring and taking over containers from the transport device to the handling devices and vice versa, it is also conceivable that containers remain at filling stations and are not filled at all and only at one of the next filling points of the subsequent handling device (part) to be filled.

Essentially stationary is understood to mean that the filling devices are either arranged in a completely stationary manner, that is to say they do not move along the transport path of the containers, or the filling devices only move in a certain limited area. It would thus be possible for the filling device to be carried along with the containers over a predetermined part of the transport path in order to be able to fill them more quickly. For example, it would be possible for the filling devices to be carried along over an angle of, for example, a maximum of 10 ° or a maximum of 20 °. However, the filling devices are preferably arranged in a stationary manner.

In a further preferred embodiment, the two handling devices or filling devices are arranged in series and the containers can be transported from the first to the second handling device and are thus preferably treated and filled in succession. It is thus possible that the containers are first filled by the first filling device, then transported to the second handling device and filled there by a second filling device. A sequence of the containers to be filled is preferably retained.

In this way, individual filling of different containers is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport speed of the handling devices can be controlled in such a way that the transport speed of the handling device can be synchronized with the transport speed of the transport device during transfer and delivery of the containers, and the transport speed of the handling device can be reduced and preferably even reduced after the containers have been transferred can be set to 0. This means that the transport of the containers can preferably be stopped and the containers are treated in a non-moving state and in particular are (partially) filled here.

The procedure described here achieves a relatively high output rate per hour, although larger or smaller outputs are also possible and, in addition, the device has the ability to fill each container differently.

The containers are therefore advantageously at least partially filled with different media compositions. It is possible, for example, to set a different degree of carbonation for the containers.

This is possible by adjusting the C02 content of the drink, which is essentially done through a mixing ratio of still and carbonated water, i.e. with different mixing ratios.

In addition, a selection of several syrups and a corresponding amount is also possible for the production of the drinks in order to be able to determine the type of drink in this way. In addition, different flavors can also be selected in different amounts for the containers, which are to be dosed into the containers. First of all, it would also be possible for further substances such as pieces of fruit or pulp or the like to be metered into the containers.

The procedures described above, which were also described in particular with reference to coating systems, can also be transferred to filling devices in a corresponding manner. As with the above concepts, cyclically operating treatment devices (also referred to as satellites) are provided within the scope of the invention, which are placed on a transfer system.

These satellites preferably rotate in order to pick up and dispense containers. The rotation can then stop so that the containers to be treated are located under a treatment element, that is to say here a filling valve. When the treatment is over, the cycle starts over with a rotation.

Specific designs or details are possible that are helpful for the design of a flexible filling device. For example, it is possible for several different media to be available on a satellite or a handling device. For example, several reservoirs can be available for different media.

It is possible, for example, for the empty containers to be transported past the handling devices on a transfer system, which can be, for example, a transport chain, a carousel or a long stator linear motor (LLM). The handling device can for example have a transport means such as a transfer arm that rotates in a predetermined direction of rotation (for example clockwise or counterclockwise). By means of this transfer arm, which preferably also has a gripping element for gripping the containers, one or more containers are gripped by a transfer system, that is to say the transport device, and transferred to the Flandhabungsvor direction.

There the container is placed under a filling valve, the medium of which is to be filled into this special container. After completion of the filling process, the element sets such as the transfer arm continues its rotation and puts the filled containers back into the transport device, for example in an empty position of the transport device. (This can be, for example, an empty neck handling clamp on a carousel or in a long-stator linear motor that does not yet have a container.

Thus, containers with the transport device could be transferred to a large number of satellites, these satellites preferably being arranged on the outer circumference of the transport device.

The cycle can then start again. In order to obtain the desired machine performance, several handling devices or satellites are required in most cases. A predetermined number (as shown below, for example 27) handling devices or satellites can be placed on a transfer carousel. The containers to be filled run through this carousel.

Each container is removed from the transfer circuit by a handling device, filled and then put back into the transfer circuit.

The advantage of this arrangement is that with the same dwell time of the containers in the handling device or the satellites, the sequence of the containers on the transfer carousel at the outlet is the same as the sequence at the inlet. This means that the container order of all containers is again the same as before the filling. This is particularly helpful for the downstream machine, because all containers that belong together, for example all containers of a customer order (for example four pieces) run out of the filling machine one after the other and can simply be packed in a cardboard box.

In addition, it is also possible to have a modular machine structure. Several transfer units including the handling devices or satellites arranged therein can be placed one behind the other in order to increase the machine performance. Modified transport paths for the containers can also be provided, depending on the desired product, for example. It would also be possible to combine handling devices with rotary machines. Transfer stars and carousels preferably rotate at a constant speed and the corresponding treatment stars or handling devices work in a clocked manner.

A substantially or completely stationary position of the filling valves can be achieved by the invention. For this reason, no rotary feedthrough is required for a media supply.

The stationary arrangement of the filling valves also makes it possible to clean or maintain individual valves during production. These are simply not equipped with containers for the time of their maintenance.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first filling device is suitable and intended to fill the containers with a first liquid and the second filling device is suitable and intended to fill the containers with a second liquid that differs from the first liquid .

A distinguishing feature here can be, for example, whether the liquid is a carbonated and a non-carbonated drink, such as water, for example. A first liquid can also be a syrup, for example, and the second liquid can be a flavoring substance. The first and the second liquid can also differ in terms of their filling quantity.

The first liquid and the second liquid are preferably also filled in different amounts. For example, it would be possible to add a syrup in an amount of between 50 and 200 ml and then add a flavoring substance in an amount of, for example, 1 to 5 ml.

The transport device preferably subsequently conveys the containers to both filling devices.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one handling device has several treatment stations in the form of filling devices. For example, several filling valves can be provided on a handling device. This filling valves can fill the same type of liquid or different liquids. For example, it is possible to provide several filling valves for individual filling that are suitable and intended to fill different syrups.

These several filling devices are preferably suitable and intended for filling different liquids, such as for filling different syrups or different flavors.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one flap handling device has at least two movable folding elements for folding the containers, these folding elements being movable independently of one another. In particular, the containers can move along a predetermined transport path. This makes it possible for a handling device to transport a container in a targeted manner under a specific filling valve.

Instead of swivel arms, however, movable shuttles could also be provided, which are movable with respect to a long stator.

This also enables different containers to be filled individually.

For example, a first container could be gripped from the first folding element and moved into a first filling valve and a second container from the second handling element or the folding device under a second filling valve.

In addition, it is also possible for a round long stator or linear motor to be present.

The filling station described here can also be a filling-forming station in which a container preform is formed into a container by hydraulic pressure application. The handling device has a container shape in which a preform is formed into a final container by hydraulic deformation. The hydraulic medium is preferably that which also remains in the container. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the preform is formed into a container using (carbonized) water and the container thus formed and (partially) filled with water is then filled with the desired supplementary components (syrup / flavoring). This further filling can be carried out both in the first handling device and in a further handling device following the first handling device.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment stations are stationary angeord net.

A treatment station is advantageously suitable for treating at least one container. The treatment stations can be, for example, stations for a filling and / or closing process, a stretch blow molding process, a decoration process or a coating process. The advantage of a stationary arrangement of treatment stations for a stretch blow molding process is that the heavy blow molding station with its many media supplies no longer has to sit on a rotating blow wheel, but can simply be placed stationary in the machine. This brings a considerable cost advantage. In treatment stations for a decoration process, it can be, for. B. be stations for labeling and / or printing. A treatment station for a coating process can be stations for coating the inside and / or outside of the container. In particular, these can be stations for plasma coating. Each treatment station advantageously has a vacuum chamber. The device preferably also has at least one vacuum pump.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment station is arranged downstream of the transfer area and / or upstream of the delivery area in relation to the transport path of the containers. This arrangement preferably applies to each of the treatment stations. This means that first containers are transferred to a handling device in a transfer area, are fed to a treatment station arranged downstream and, after treatment, are released by the handling device in a delivery area.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transfer area and the delivery area of a handling device are arranged spatially separated from one another. The delivery area is preferably arranged after a 180 ° rotation of the handling device starting from the transfer area. With a clockwise direction of rotation, an exemplary cycle of the handling device can look like this: The handling device rotates at “12 o'clock” synchronously with the transport device and removes one or more containers. After leaving the collision area with the following containers, the handling device decelerates its rotation until it comes to a standstill at the "3 o'clock" position. Well he follows the treatment. The handling device then accelerates in order to be in the “6 o'clock” position synchronously with the discharge part of the transport device and to be able to deliver the container or containers. The rotation of the handling device is now continued without containers up to the "12 o'clock" position. A new cycle can start here.

In this embodiment, the handling devices can preferably be arranged along a transfer oval, that is to say on a transport device in which the containers are moved along an oval transport path. Here, the handling devices can, for example, preferably be arranged inside the transfer oval, that is to say on the side of the transport device facing the center of curvature.

In this case, the containers can advantageously be transferred to the handling devices in the first linear area of the transfer oval. The containers are then transported by the handling devices to treatment stations that are located inside the transfer oval. After the treatment, the containers are transported onward by the handling device and the containers are returned to the transport device in the second, opposite, linear region of the transfer oval. In this embodiment, only a single transport device is required because the containers are transferred from the same transport device and are returned to it after treatment.

Alternatively, however, two transport devices can also be used. In this case, for example, the handling devices can be arranged between two linear areas of two different transfer ovals. In this case, the handling devices can take over containers from the one transport device, transport the containers to treatment stations between the transport devices and, after treatment, transfer the containers to the second transport device. In such an embodiment, the linear sections of the two transport devices from which the containers are transferred or to which the containers are discharged are advantageously arranged parallel to one another. In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the transfer area and the delivery area of a handling device are not spatially separated from one another, but the delivery area of a handling device coincides spatially with the transfer area of a handling device. The handling device is therefore advantageously suitable for receiving or dispensing containers in the same area. Particularly preferably, the handling device is suitable for picking up and dispensing containers alternately.

While in the embodiment described above, the handling device has two contact points (transfer or delivery area) with the transport device, only one contact point is required in this embodiment. In the embodiment described first, more mechanical adjustment work is required, since setting a point leads to an adjustment of the other point. In the alternative embodiment described, there is only one contact point, which significantly simplifies the assembly and adjustment of the machine.

In this embodiment, instead of a separate inlet and outlet star, only a star or some other suitable transport device, such as a transfer chain, is advantageously required, via which the containers can be fed to and removed from the transport device.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device is designed in such a way that it transports the plastic preforms in a predetermined and, in particular, also uniform, direction relative to their longitudinal axis. The transport device advantageously has a large number of transport units for transporting one container each. The transport units can advantageously be holding devices or the like which hold the containers to be transported. These are preferably grippers, such as neck handling clamps, which grip the containers.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport device and / or a further transport device is a linear transport device. The term linear transport device is to be understood as meaning that the transport takes place linearly at least in sections. It is not ruled out that the transport also takes place in sections on a curved path. The transport device can, for example, be designed as a transfer oval be educated. A purely linear transfer is also conceivable. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to design the transport device as a transport carousel. A transport device in the form of star columns is also conceivable.

For example, a linear transport device, in particular a transport belt, a transport chain or individual transport by means of a linear motor, can be used. In the case of the transport device, it can be, for. B. be a chain or belt-based system. Alternatively, the use of a long-stator linear motor system would also be conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, the handling devices are arranged laterally on the transport device. The handling devices are advantageously positioned in relation to the transport device in such a way that they can appropriately remove the objects to be treated from the transport device or, after treatment, can deliver the objects to the transport device.

In the case of a transport path that is curved at least in sections, the handling devices are preferably arranged on the side of the transport device facing away from the center of curvature. In the case of a transport carousel, the handling devices are preferably arranged outside the transport carousel - like satellites. In the case of a transport oval, too, the handling devices are preferably arranged on the “outside” outside the area enclosed by the transport oval.

The treatment stations are also advantageously arranged on the side of the transport device facing away from the center of curvature. In this way, better accessibility of the handling devices and the treatment stations can advantageously be ensured, since these are not located inside the transport carousel / transport oval, but outside it.

This arrangement of the handling devices is particularly preferably selected in the preferred embodiment in which the delivery area of the handling device coincides spatially with the transfer area of the handling device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the axes of rotation of the handling devices are arranged in such a way that the axis of rotation of one handling device is arranged in the pivoting circle of the axis of rotation of a further handling device. The handling devices are advantageously arranged essentially equidistantly. The term “essentially” relates on the one hand to the fact that the distance between the individual handling devices does not differ from one another by more than 30%, preferably by no more than 20% and particularly preferably by no more than 10%.

On the other hand, however, the term “essentially” also refers to the fact that it should not be ruled out that the distance between individual handling devices may differ significantly from this. For example, the term “essentially equidistant” should also include an arrangement with a transport oval, in which the distances between the handling devices are the same in the area of one or the other linear section, but different in the area of curvature of the transport device There are gaps, or that no handling device at all is arranged in this transport area. Accordingly, an exemplary embodiment should also fall under the term “essentially equidistant”, in which the handling devices a to e are arranged in a linear section of a transport oval, after the handling device e a curved transport section of the transport oval without handling devices follows and the handling devices f to j are arranged in a wide Ren linear section.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has at least one additional handling device and / or treatment station that would not be required to achieve a desired machine output.

The device advantageously has an additional handling device and / or treatment station that is not used in normal operation. I. E. In one possible embodiment, one or more replacement or reserve stations are provided in addition to the stations required to achieve machine performance. This replacement or reserve station preferably contains a handling device and at least one treatment station.

This reserve station is advantageously not activated in normal operation. The reserve station is preferably activated only in the event of a failure / defect or the need for maintenance of a station, while the station in question is deactivated. The advantage is that the production can be maintained with 100% performance, since the number of the producing stations remains the same. In addition, the stationary station can advantageously be serviced while the remaining stations continue to produce, which means a considerable increase in machine performance compared to a complete standstill of the machine (as would be necessary, for example, with carousel machines).

In order to maintain uniform wear across all stations, the reserve station can preferably also be moved dynamically. For example, station a pauses for one hour, station b pauses for the next hour, etc.). This means that all stations have approximately the same running time over a longer period of time.

In an alternative embodiment, the device also has one or more stations more than would actually be necessary to achieve the desired machine performance. I. E. In this embodiment too, the device is oversized to a certain extent. For example, in an embodiment in which each station can process 2000 containers per hour (bph) and the desired machine output is 40,000 bph, the machine can not be equipped with 20 stations, but with 21. In normal operation, all 21 stations then run with a reduced output of approx. 1905 bph. If one station fails, the output of the remaining 20 stations is increased to 2000 bph. Thus, the machine output can still be at 40000 bph.

The containers can in particular be beverage containers, plastic containers, preforms, glass containers, cans and the like.

In an advantageous embodiment, a movement of the containers in a direction perpendicular to the transport path P of the containers is carried out with the aid of carrier elements. A movement can preferably be carried out vertically downwards or vertically upwards. The terms “bottom” and “top” are preferably to be understood in the direction of gravity. This direction advantageously coincides with a longitudinal direction of the transported containers. This preferably also includes the fact that the containers are transported with an opening downwards (based on the force of gravity). With such an alignment, a downward movement (based on the force of gravity) would mean a movement in the direction of the opening of the containers, i.e. in the direction that is usually referred to as “up” in relation to the container geometry.

In a preferred embodiment, a closure element is arranged on the carrier element. This closure element is advantageously suitable for the treatment station to close airtight. In particular, the closure element is preferably suitable for hermetically sealing a vacuum chamber of the treatment station.

A preferred embodiment is a device for coating containers with at least one vacuum device for generating a vacuum, with at least one treatment station for coating containers with a plasma, the treatment station being in fluid connection with the vacuum device and the Treatment station has at least one treatment device which can be introduced into a container, with a conveyor device for transporting Be containers on a transport path P and with at least one carrier element for receiving at least one container.

The carrier element is preferably movable in a direction different from zero to the transport path P of the containers and is suitable for introducing the container into the treatment station, a closure element being arranged on the carrier element and the closure element being suitable for closing the treatment station in a substantially airtight manner close.

The term “essentially airtight” means that only a small amount of gas can be exchanged. The gas exchange should preferably be so small that it is negligibly small when the treatment station is evacuated.

The terms “insertable” and “introducing” are always to be understood as the relative movement of the respective elements. This includes both the fact that the elements (e.g. the treatment device and a container) both move towards one another, but also that one of the elements is at rest while only the other is moving. With regard to the movement of only one element, both variants are particularly included, i.e. both the movement of the 1st element (e.g. the treatment device) and that of the 2nd element (e.g. the container), while the other Element rests.

The carrier element is suitable for receiving at least one container and comprises devices designed for this purpose (hereinafter also referred to as receptacles), for example clips or other container receiving devices. Typically, these container receiving devices or clamps are arranged in such a way that they can be used for container treatment in the treatment station, that is to say that they do not hinder container treatment. The brackets can in particular be passive, that is, without any external influence in their rem respective state, ie open or closed, remain, so that only to switch between open and closed state has to be switched. In particular, such passive clips can then hold the containers by themselves. In other embodiments, actively controlled clamps can also be used, which have to be kept actively closed and open without any action, or vice versa, that is, clamps that have to be kept actively open and are closed without action. The holders can optionally be height-adjustable so that they can be used for containers of various sizes. The receptacles can optionally be designed so that they can accommodate containers of different (mouth) diameters.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device is suitable for moving the containers along a circumferential transport path. The loading conditions are advantageously moved by the conveying device on a transport path that is curved at least in sections. The conveying device preferably has a rotatable carrier. The conveying device advantageously comprises a rotatable carousel with foldings for the containers arranged along a partial circle at (preferably) uniform distances from one another. The conveying device is preferably a rotary machine.

The conveying device can preferably be the handling device described. The device for coating containers described here is therefore particularly preferably used with the device described above for treating containers with at least two handling devices.

Advantageously, more than one handling station can be assigned to a conveyor or handling device.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment station is arranged below or above the transport path P of the containers. It is also possible that the treatment stations are not arranged directly below or above the transport path, but laterally offset to it. For example, it would be possible for the treatment stations to be offset radially outwards or inwards in the case of a transport path that is at least partially circular. For example, the treatment stations could be located below the transport path, offset radially outwards. The carrier element is preferably movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport path P of the containers. The movement of the carrier element for introducing the container into the treatment station is preferably carried out downwards or upwards. The treatment stations are particularly preferably arranged below the transport path of the containers and the movement of the carrier element for introducing the container into the treatment station takes place downwards. The carrier element is advantageously designed to transport the containers with their opening downwards. The movement of the carrier element for introducing the container into the treatment station is preferably carried out in the longitudinal direction of the container. Particularly preferably, the movement takes place downwards in relation to gravity, but upwards in relation to the container geometry, that is to say in the direction of the opening of the container.

It is also possible that there is a movement downwards or upwards as well as a movement in a lateral direction to the transport path. This is necessary, for example, when the treatment stations are offset radially outwards below the transport path. For this purpose, the device advantageously has a lifting-rotating device. This lifting-rotating device is advantageously suitable for removing containers from the conveying device. The lifting and rotating device preferably removes a container from the conveying device and swings it over or under the treatment station. The container is advantageously lowered into or lifted into the treatment station by the lifting-rotating device. The lifting-rotating device can advantageously also carry out this sequence of movements in the opposite direction. The lifting-rotating device is thus advantageously suitable for lifting a container from the treatment station or lowering it therefrom and pivoting it to the conveying device. The lifting movement can advantageously be carried out with the aid of a linear motor.

In an advantageous embodiment, the closure element is rigidly arranged on the carrier element. The closure element is advantageously arranged immovably on the carrier element in a longitudinal direction of a container. A fixed arrangement of the closure element on the carrier element advantageously ensures that a movement of the carrier element leads to the same movement of the closure element. In particular, this ensures that when the carrier element moves up or down, the closure element is moved up or down over the same distance. In this way, a movement of the carrier element in the direction of the treatment station can lead to the closure element, which is at the same time moved along, being applied to the treatment station in a sealing manner. In a preferred embodiment, the device has at least one sealing element. This sealing element is advantageously arranged between the treatment station and the locking element. Each treatment station or each closure element preferably has at least one sealing element. The sealing elements can advantageously have any profile and have an elastic material on their sealing surfaces. The elastic material can in particular be rubber, silicone or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum device is suitable for generating a negative pressure of less than 100 mbar in the treatment station, preferably less than 10 mbar and particularly preferably less than 1 mbar. A pressure range of 0.1-1 mbar is particularly preferably set by the vacuum device.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment device is arranged immovably in the treatment station. Advantageously, only the container moves during the insertion movement of the treatment device into the container, while the treatment device advantageously rests.

The treatment device is advantageously an elongated, rod-shaped element, in particular a lance. The treatment device preferably has openings. A flowable medium can preferably be passed into the containers through these openings. This flowable medium is preferably a gas suitable for the plasma process. This gas can advantageously be a mixture of a silicon-containing precursor and oxygen, in particular for PECVD (= plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition) with silicon oxide. However, other gases are also conceivable, for example acetylene for the deposition of so-called DLC layers. For example, argon and steam can be introduced into the container for plasma sterilization.

This gas is advantageously distributed homogeneously inside the bottle.

The treatment device advantageously serves as an electrode for generating the plasma. The energy that is to ignite the plasma can then be coupled into the system in the form of high frequency via this treatment device. The treatment station preferably has a second electrode. This electrode can advantageously be located outside the container, but advantageously also inside the container. This second electrode can advantageously be grounded or advantageously connected to the first electrode in a floating manner.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the treatment device can be dispensed with as an electrode for generating the plasma. Such an embodiment advantageously has a device for generating an electromagnetic field. The device is advantageously suitable for generating an electromagnetic field which is suitable for igniting a plasma in the introduced gas. This generated electromagnetic field can be, for example, a high-frequency field, but also z. B. be a microwave. This device is advantageously located outside the container. The electromagnetic field is thus preferably radiated into the container from outside the container.

In an advantageous embodiment, the treatment station has a valve with which the treatment station can be ventilated, in particular after the plasma process has ended.

The present invention is further directed to a system for treating containers with a device of the type described above and at least one further filling device for filling containers. In this case, this further filling device can be placed after the device described here or also placed in front of it. For example, it is possible for containers to be filled first with a certain amount of still water, then with the device described here with a syrup and a flavor and then with a carbonated drink, in particular carbonated water.

In this way, both the tastes and the basic types of the containers as well as the degree of carbonation can be set individually.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a device to equip the containers. This can be, for example, a labeling device that provides the containers with a label or a printing device that applies pressure to the containers or their peripheral wall brings up. It is possible here for this equipment device to be arranged in front of the device described here or also after it. In a preferred embodiment, a combination of several of the above-described devices is also conceivable in one unit or as separate devices, so that labels with a basic design are used on which additional information or design elements are then applied, for example, by direct printing (such as ink or Laser). Combinations are conceivable here in which the basic label is also provided with the additional elements before it is applied to the container. It is also conceivable that the additional elements are applied in the area where the label is transferred to the container or even only when the label has already been applied.

In addition, the system described here can also have a container production system, such as a blow molding machine, which expands plastic preforms to form plastic containers. An expansion in the direction of preform production is also conceivable, so that - if the system is used with PET containers - preform injection molding or compression molding of the preforms will precede blow molding.

The present invention is also directed to a method for filling containers ge, in which a transport device transports the containers and in which a handling device in a transfer area takes over containers (and in particular some of the transported containers) from the transport device, moves them on a transport path and in a delivery area to the transport device, where in at least one further handling device in a further transfer area takes over a predefined number of containers or receptacles from the transport device, moves them on a transport path and delivers them to the transport device in a further delivery area, the handling devices the containers transported on the transport path in each case to at least one handling station assigned to the handling device.

According to the invention, the treatment stations are filling devices which at least partially fill the containers with a liquid, and these filling devices are preferably arranged essentially stationary with respect to the transport paths. In a further preferred method, some containers and preferably all containers are filled by both filling devices. In particular, the containers are filled with different media. The containers are preferably filled with these media one behind the other, that is to say first with the first medium and then with the second medium.

In a further preferred method, the containers are at least temporarily transported clocked and are in particular transported clocked to the filling devices described.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating containers in which a transport device transports the containers and in which a handling device in a transfer area takes over a predefined number of containers from the transport device, moves them on a transport path and in a delivery area to the Transport device or a further transport device, with at least one further Flandhandlungsvorrichtung in a further transfer area takes over a predefined number of containers from the transport device, moved on a transport path and in a further discharge area to the Transporteinrich device or another transport device, wherein the Flandhandungsvorrichtungen, each of the containers is transported on the transport path to at least one treatment station assigned to the Flandhabungsvorrich device.

According to the invention, the transport speed of the handling devices is controlled in such a way that the transport speed of the handling devices is synchronized with the transport speed of the transport device and / or the further transport device during the transfer and / or delivery of the containers and the transport speed of the handling device is reduced after the containers have been handed over.

The device described above is particularly set up and seen to perform this described method, d. That is to say, that all features carried out for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here, and vice versa.

A preferred sequence looks, for example, as follows: The Flandhabungsvorrich device is at the beginning in a rest position. As soon as the one to be treated by her Approach containers on the transport device, the movement of the handling device starts. This is advantageously a rotational movement. The handling device takes a defined number of containers from the Transporteinrich device and stops the rotation at the treatment stations. The containers are advantageously moved exactly so far that each container is assigned to a treatment station. The term “assigned” is to be understood as meaning that the container is in the immediate spatial proximity of a treatment station, that is to say, for example, directly above, below or next to it. The handling device advantageously introduces the containers into the treatment stations and / or the treatment stations take over the containers from the handling device.

After completion of the treatment, a movement can take place in order to bring the containers out of the treatment station. However, such a movement does not have to be absolutely necessary. For example, such a movement is not necessary in the case of a filling valve if the container only has to be held under an outlet opening. The rotary movement then starts in order to deliver the treated containers to the transport device and to pick up new untreated containers from the transport device. The cycle starts all over again.

For this system to work, it is very important to set the timing of the handling devices appropriately. Otherwise it can happen that a handling device would like to transfer a finished container to the outlet, but this is not possible because the appropriate space is already occupied by another container that was previously dispensed. This is associated with a loss of time and thus a reduction in machine performance.

To avoid this, a suitable pattern must be selected according to which the handling devices are switched. The advantageous requirement for a suitable sample is as follows: all the containers must be removed from the transport device at the end of the feed path - that is, at the latest from the last handling device.

The switching sequence of the individual handling devices is preferably selected so that they are used as evenly as possible. Ideally, there is always the same time interval between the clocks. In a preferred method, the containers are moved on the transport device and / or a further transport device at a constant speed. Before geous runs a continuously running container flow in the device and out of it, while only the treatment takes place clocked / stationary. This has the advantage that although a clocked treatment of containers is made possible, it is nevertheless possible to integrate them into a (continuously running) production line without any problems.

The containers are advantageously transferred to the handling devices from the feed, which is preferably running at constant speed, or are discharged into the drain, which is preferably running at constant speed.

However, it is also conceivable that the speed of the transport device varies, e.g. B. to compensate for gaps in the container flow or to bring the containers in a certain Tei distribution pattern. A possible graduation pattern can preferably be generated either in front of the device, in an infeed star or in the transport device.

Preferably, however, the transport speed is constant from the first transfer area, ie from the transfer area which is located furthest upstream, since the handling devices begin to remove the container from here. However, it is also conceivable that the speed is also varied on this route. In particular, acceleration phases can be inserted to save time. These acceleration phases are advantageously located between the transfer areas in such a way that the containers in the transfer area are not exposed to any accelerations. The speed of the containers in each of the transfer areas is preferably identical.

In an advantageous method, the speed of the handling devices is reduced to a standstill. The treatment stations advantageously treat the containers when they are at a standstill. The movement, in particular a rotation, of the handling device is preferably stopped when the container or containers have been removed from the container flow of the transport device (inlet) and brought out of the collision area with the subsequent containers. The term collision area is understood to mean the area in which subsequent containers that are transported onward by the transport device can at least come into contact with containers that are located in the handling device. In special cases, it can also make sense not to delay the (rotational) movement of the handling device completely to a standstill, but instead to drive past the treatment station at a reduced speed.

After completion of the treatment process, the handling device is set in motion again and synchronized with the discharge part of the transport device. This can either be the outlet part of the original or a further transport device. At the delivery point, the container or containers are then delivered to the transport device. The treated containers leave the device via the transport device.

In an advantageous method, not every transport unit of the transport device transports a container. Preferably, only every nth transport unit is equipped on the transport device. It is particularly preferred that every second transport unit is involved. There is thus one (or possibly several) empty transport units between each equipped transport unit. The transport units can in particular be neck handling clamps. It would also be conceivable that two transport units are alternately equipped and two are not equipped, or three are equipped and three are not equipped.

The fact that only every nth transport unit is equipped, on the one hand, increases the web speed, which enables faster transfer and, on the other hand, permits container transfer and delivery at just one point.

If, for example, only every second clip is loaded in the transport device, this results in double the path speed with the same machine output. Therefore, the handling devices can take up and dispense the container more quickly. As the rotation speed is increased, therefore, the time required for one rotation decreases. In this way, a higher machine performance is possible.

This method is preferably carried out in an embodiment in which the delivery area of a handling device corresponds spatially to the transfer area of a handling device. Advantageously, the transport units that transport the containers before handing over the containers to the handling devices are transport units that are different from the transport units that transport the containers after the containers have been released from the handling devices.

At the transfer or delivery points between the handling devices and the transport device, a container is thus always alternately picked up and released during the transfer of the container. Therefore, each handling device only needs to rotate once in order to dispense its treated containers and to pick up new containers.

Alternatively, accepting a longer transport time, it would also be conceivable for each handling device to perform a rotation, during which it releases the treated containers, and then another rotation in order to pick up the new containers. However, this reduces the efficiency of the handling device, since the transport time is lengthened compared to the treatment time.

By equipping only every nth transport unit and the simultaneous transfer and delivery of containers at the transfer point to the handling devices, the handling devices must preferably have more handling units such as treatment stations. The handling devices advantageously have n times as many handling units as treatment stations, preferably twice as many.

The containers are preferably alternately taken over by other handling units of a handling device in each cycle. If the handling units of a handling device were to be numbered consecutively, the even-numbered handling units would, for example, be equipped with containers in a first cycle, the odd-numbered handling units in a second cycle, the even-numbered handling units again in a third cycle, etc.

However, since the treatment stations are stationary in the device, the handling device can preferably assume several, preferably two, rest positions. The rest positions are preferably approached alternately with the cycles. The rotary movement of the handling devices advantageously comes to a standstill with each cycle so that the containers are in the immediate spatial vicinity of the treatment stations. In the specific application in which every second transport unit and every second handling unit is occupied, the handling devices have two Positions that are alternately approached with each cycle in order to be able to bring the containers into the treatment stations.

In this case, one of the handling devices preferably has a handling unit less than the remaining handling devices. This is advantageous so that there is also a continuous flow of containers with alternating, fully empty equipment in the outlet of the transport device. The treated containers are advantageously used by the handling devices in each cycle alternately before and after the untreated containers in the transport device. In order to advantageously compensate for this change, a handling device with a reduced handling unit is required.

In an advantageous method, after the treatment process has been completed, the containers are immediately transported from the handling device assigned to this treatment station to the delivery area. The circuits of the handling devices and the transport device are preferably coordinated with one another so that each handling device can immediately transfer its treated containers to the transport device and pick up new containers after the end of the treatment process, so that there are no unnecessary waiting times.

Advantageously, after the treatment has been completed, the containers are returned to the transport device without a time delay, so that a seamless flow of containers runs out of the device at the outlet of the device. Advantageously, the container flow le diglich then has gaps in the outlet of the device when the inlet is already incomplete. Even if the inlet is already incomplete, it is conceivable that these gaps in the container flow are compensated to a certain extent. For example, a long stator linear motor can be used as a transport device.

It would also be possible to integrate a discharge of "bad containers". Before given, in the case of containers to be discharged, these are not taken over by a handling device, but rather transported to the end of the feed line. The containers can then be discharged at this point.

In a preferred method, the containers are fed to the device in the same order in which they leave it. The distance between the individual containers and / or between batches consisting of several containers can preferably be changed. With a low output, the interval between the batches can advantageously be increased.

In an advantageous method, the handling device can perform a lifting movement of the containers in addition to the trans port movement. A handling device preferably includes a star / carousel that can perform a rotary and lifting movement. Both movements take place in a timed manner.

Such a lifting movement is advantageous, for example, in a container coating machine or a sterilization device. In the case of a container coating machine, empty (plastic) containers are preferably provided with a coating on the inside in order to reduce gas permeability.

A container is advantageously immersed by a lifting movement in a vacuum chamber of the treatment station in which the coating process is carried out.

A preferred method is as follows in the case of a container interior coating: When the container or containers have been removed from the container flow (inlet) and brought out of the collision area with the subsequent containers, the rotation of the handling device is stopped. Then a lifting movement (optionally lifting or lowering, depending on whether the treatment station is below or above the handling device) is carried out in order to enter the containers to be coated into the treatment chamber. The coating process is now carried out. The coated containers are then lifted out of the chamber or lowered out of it. It is also conceivable that the lifting or lowering movement does not begin following the rotational movement, but rather begins slightly superimposed on it.

In the case of a container interior coating, the handling device preferably removes the untreated containers from the transport device and brings them into one or more vacuum chambers in which the actual coating process takes place, since this has to take place under certain ambient conditions, for example in a vacuum. Before geous, the vacuum chamber is evacuated after introducing the container. An exemplary sequence of process steps could look like this:

0.5 seconds: Bringing the container into the chamber (e.g. by lowering it) 2 seconds: evacuation of the chamber 5 seconds: coating process 1 second: ventilation

1.5 seconds: moving the container out of the chamber and dispensing the coated container and loading the station with new containers.

In this example, the duration of a cycle is approx. 10 seconds. It is easy to see that the vacuum pump is only needed 20% of the time (2 out of 10 seconds). The rest of the time it is inactive.

This can advantageously be avoided in that several handling devices share a vacuum pump. However, this requires a correspondingly favorable cycle sequence of the handling devices. For example, it would be bad if handling device a starts the cycle at time 0 s and handling device b, which shares a vacuum pump with handling device a, starts the cycle at time 1 s, because handling device a is not yet complete at time 1 s evacuated. If handling device b is now switched to the vacuum pump at 1 s, the vacuum in handling device a is worsened again, ie. H. the pressure increases. Process-safe evacuation cannot take place in this way.

The switching sequence of the handling devices is therefore advantageously chosen so that the stations do not need the vacuum at the same time / overlapping, but rather at a suitable time interval. The switching sequence and the switching times should therefore preferably be selected so that the vacuum pump (s) are loaded as evenly as possible.

The most uniform possible utilization of the vacuum pump (s) is advantageous through an appropriate selection of the geometric relationships and switching sequence of the handling devices depending on the machine output (container throughput per hour), the container division (distance between the containers on the transport device), the number of handling devices in the machine and the number of different cycles it is enough.

This is preferably a method for coating containers in which the container is transported with the aid of a conveyor device along a transport path P, with the aid of a carrier element in a direction other than zero to the transport path P is introduced into a treatment station and a treatment device is introduced into the container, the treatment station being evacuated in a next step and the container being coated with a plasma.

A closure element arranged on the carrier element is preferably moved towards the treatment station and the closure element closes the treatment station in a substantially airtight manner.

It should be noted that this method can also be used independently of the method described above. The applicant therefore reserves the right to claim protection for this process as well.

The above-described device for coating containers is in particular set up and provided to carry out this described method, ie. This means that all of the features implemented for the device for handling containers described above are also disclosed for the method described here, and vice versa.

The closure element is advantageously moved towards the treatment station due to the movement of the carrier element.

The container is advantageously coated with plasma, in particular on an inside. For this purpose, a gas is advantageously introduced into the interior of the container via a treatment device. A gas suitable for the plasma process is preferably introduced into the bottle and distributed as homogeneously as possible inside the bottle. The gas introduced into the interior of the container is preferably ignited so that a plasma is produced. For this purpose, for example, an electrode can be introduced into the container. The energy that is supposed to ignite the plasma can then be coupled into the system in the form of high frequency via this electrode.

While the container is being subjected to the plasma treatment, the resulting exhaust gas is advantageously pumped out permanently. The treatment station is advantageously ventilated via a valve after the end of the plasma process.

In a preferred method, after the end of the coating process, the container is removed from the treatment station with the aid of the carrier element. Becomes beneficial the container for treatment in the treatment station with the aid of the carrier element is lowered and lifted after the treatment from the treatment station.

In an advantageous method, two vacuum pumps are used for evacuation. The first pump advantageously evacuates the vacuum chamber to a first pressure level. The second vacuum pump evacuates the vacuum chamber preferably to a second Druckni level, which is below the first pressure level. The second pressure level advantageously corresponds to the pressure level at which the actual coating process takes place. In this way, the required evacuation time is advantageously divided between two pumps one after the other. In the example shown, each pump therefore preferably only evacuates for about 1 second.

Further advantages and embodiments emerge from the attached drawings:

Show in it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the Invention;

2 shows an enlarged illustration of the transfer area;

3 shows a schematic representation of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention;

4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention while the method according to the invention is being carried out;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fiction, contemporary device with reserve station;

6 shows a schematic representation of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which the transfer and delivery areas coincide spatially; 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a linear transport device;

8 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a transport carousel;

9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention with star columns;

10a is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the Invention, in which every second transport unit is occupied;

10b shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which every second transport unit is occupied, during a second cycle;

11 shows an enlarged illustration of the transfer area from an infeed star to a transport device;

Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fiction, contemporary device with a separate inlet and outlet star;

13a shows an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention with exemplary size information;

13b a table with a favorable switching sequence for the example shown in FIG. 13a;

14a shows a further illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention with exemplary size information;

14b a table with a favorable switching sequence for the example shown in FIG. 14a;

15a shows a further illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention with exemplary size information; FIG. 15b is a table with a favorable switching sequence for the example shown in FIG. 15a; FIG.

16 shows a representation of a treatment chamber for coating containers;

17 shows a roughly schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

18 shows an illustration with three different filling points;

19 shows an illustration with a plurality of treatment stations on a carrier;

20 shows a representation to illustrate the possibilities of a container transfer;

21 shows an illustration of several transfer wheels connected in series;

22 shows a further illustration with a plurality of transfer wheels;

23 shows an illustration of an overall system for treating containers;

24 shows a detailed representation of a container transfer;

25 shows a further partial illustration of a container transfer;

26 shows an illustration of a filling element; and

27 shows a further illustration of a filling element.

Identical reference characters are used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numbers are used in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The embodiments shown in the drawing are only examples of how the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation of the invention or the inventive concept.

1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. A transport device 2 can be seen therein, which can transport containers 10 (not shown). The containers are delivered from the infeed star 30 to the transport device 2. The device 1 has several handling devices 4. The handling devices are provided with the additional reference symbols a-d to make them easier to distinguish. Thus, the reference numeral 4a relates to the handling device that is closest to the inlet star, that is, is located furthest upstream. 4b identifies the subsequent handling device, 4c the third handling device and 4d the fourth and last handling device. While the reference number 4 with the addition of letters thus designates a specific handling device, the reference number 4 generally refers to the handling device without differentiating between the specific handling devices. The same applies to other reference symbols, some of which are used with and some without the addition of letters.

Each handling device has a rotatable carrier 6. For the sake of clarity, only the carrier of the handling device 4a has been given the reference numeral 6a. Each handling device 4 also has several, in this case four, handling units 40, each of which is suitable for receiving a container 10. Here, too, for reasons of clarity, only the handling units 40a of the handling device 4a have been provided with a reference number.

In FIG. 1, the handling devices 4 are in a position in which the handling units 40 are each in the immediate vicinity (for example above) the stationary treatment stations 8 of the respective handling devices. For example, the handling device 4a has four treatment stations 8a, which are located directly below the handling units 40a and are not shown separately.

Each handling device 4 also has a transfer area X and a transfer area Y on. In the transfer area X, containers 10 can be transferred from the transport unit 2 to the handling devices 4. In the delivery area Y, loading containers 10 can be delivered to the transport device 2 by the handling devices. In a method according to the invention, four containers 10 are thus preferably transferred to the handling device 4a in the transfer area Xa. Containers following these containers 10 are transported further by the transport device 2 - preferably at a continuous speed. Containers are also transferred to the handling devices 4b, 4c and 4d in the transfer areas Xb, Xc and Xd. It is possible, but not mandatory, for the containers to be transferred to the handling devices in ascending order. It is also conceivable that, for example, containers are first transferred to the handling device 4b, then to 4d, then to 4c and only at the end to 4a. It is also possible, please include several handling devices 4 to hand over containers at the same time. However, the cycle sequence is advantageously always the same, ie the sequence in which containers are transferred to the handling devices preferably remains the same. In order to ensure that all containers are handled, the cycle sequence must be selected in such a way that the containers are transferred to the last handling device (here 4d) at the latest. Accordingly, the transport device 2 should preferably not contain any containers with the curvature on the right-hand side of FIG. 1.

After the containers 10 have been transferred to a handling device 4, they are transported to the treatment stations 8 with the aid of the clockwise rotatable carrier 6 and treated there. After the treatment, the containers 10 are transported on by the handling device 4 to the delivery point Y and delivered there to the transport device 2. The treatment in the treatment stations 8a-d advantageously lasts the same length in each case. Accordingly, the containers 10 that were transferred to a handling device 4 at an earlier point in time are also delivered at an earlier point in time than the containers that were transferred at a later point in time.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged section of the inlet star 30 and the transfer areas Xa and Xb. A section of the transport device 2 can also be seen. Containers 10 are transferred from a star wheel 30 to the transport device 2. The containers 10 are each combined into groups (batch) of four containers 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the container flow has a gap after four containers. The handling devices 4a and 4b can partially be seen at the lower edge of the figure. In the case of the handling devices 4a and 4b, the transfer area Xa and Xb can also be seen in each case. The first container batch is shown in Fig. 2 just about the Transfer area Xa moved away. These containers are not taken over by the handling device 4a, but transported onward by the transport device 2. Instead, these containers (not shown) are transferred to one of the following handling devices at a later point in time. In the lower area of FIG. 2, a handling unit 40a can also be seen at the position of a treatment station 8a.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an alternative Vorrich device according to the invention. In contrast to the device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this alternative device has transport devices 2 and 20, respectively. The transport devices 2 and 20 are designed as a transport oval and are arranged parallel to one another. The handling devices 4 are arranged between the transport devices 2 and 20. The untreated containers (not shown) are moved on the transport device 2 from left to right (counterclockwise). As described in Fig. 1, the containers are nisse (also in this example in groups of four containers) to the devices 4 handheld. Containers that are not taken over by a specific handling device 4a-c are transported past this handling device with the transport device 2. In order to ensure that all containers are handled, the cycle sequence must be selected in such a way that the containers are transferred to the last handling device (here 4d) at the latest. No containers should therefore be transported past the handling device 4d over the curvature of the transport device 2 on the right side and back to the left side. (Exception: It would be conceivable to integrate a rejection for "bad containers" at this point. Containers that do not meet the quality requirements would in this case not be taken over by any handling device from the transport device 2, but would be transported on the transport device 2 and to a suitable one Place (for example in the upper part of the transfer system running from right to left) out of the transport device 2, 20.

Also in the example shown in Fig. 3, the handling devices 4 rotate clockwise on the transport path P. For the sake of clarity, the transport path Pa, the transfer area Xa and the transfer area Ya have only been given a reference symbol for the handling device 4a. Each handling device 4 again has a movable carrier 6, several handling units 40 and treatment stations 8. In Fig. 3, too, all handling devices are in a resting position. Position in which the handling units 40 are placed at the treatment stations 8 (not shown in detail). For reasons of clarity, not all reference symbols have been drawn in here either.

After the treatment, the containers 10 are delivered to a further transport device 20 at the delivery points Y. This preferably also moves counterclockwise. The containers delivered to the upper parallel area of the transport device 20 are thus transported from right to left.

4 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention while a method according to the invention is being carried out. The device corresponds essentially to the device as already described in FIG. 1. In contrast to FIG. 1, however, it can be seen that not all of the handling devices 4 are in the rest position at the treatment stations 8.

In the handling device 4a, the handling units 40a are located directly at the treatment stations 8a. The containers 10 assigned to the handling device 4a (transported by the handling units 40a, but not shown separately) are treated by the treatment stations 8 at the time shown in FIG. The speed of the handling device 4a is advantageously completely braked at this point in time.

In contrast, in the case of the handling device 4b, the first handling unit 40b is located at the delivery point Yb. The handling device 4b thus delivers the containers 10 that have already been handled to the transport device 2. The speed of the handling device 4b is advantageously synchronized with the speed of the transport device 2 at this point in time. At the point in time shown in FIG. 4, the first handling unit 40b releases a container into a free transport unit 22. The handling device 4b and the transport device 2 preferably move at such a speed that the next treated container in the second handling unit 40b can be delivered to the next free transport unit 22.

The handling device 4d continues to rotate clockwise at the point in time shown in FIG. 4. At this point in time, the handling device 4d has already delivered all the containers that have been treated, so that the handling units 40d are empty and do not carry any containers. The speed of the handling device 4d can be adjusted on this Place can be chosen relatively arbitrarily. It is thus possible, for example, for the speed to be constant, for the speed of handling device 4d and transport device 2 to remain synchronized in this area. This simplifies the control required. However, it is also conceivable that the handling device 4d is accelerated in this area. This can be useful, for example, to save time. It is also conceivable that the speed is reduced in this area, for example in order to be able to maintain a desired clock sequence.

In the handling device 4c, however, the handling units 40c are located in the transfer area Xc. The first handling unit 40c has already moved past the transfer area Xc and picked up an untreated container. The second handling unit 40c is located directly in front of the transfer area Xc and is about to receive an untreated container. The speeds of the transport device 2 and the handling device 4c are preferably synchronized at this point in time. In each case, the container is preferably transferred to the next handling unit 40c in the next transport unit 22.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a reser vestation. The figure essentially corresponds to the illustration in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, too, the handling devices 4a-4d are in positions similar to those in FIG. 4. In addition, however, the device 1 in FIG. 5 also has a reserve station. This reserve station consists in particular of a handling device 4e with handling units 40e. The handling device 4e is also assigned treatment stations 8e, which are stationary below the handling units 40e and are not shown separately in FIG. 5. In this exemplary embodiment, containers are only transferred to the handling device 4e when one of the handling devices 4a-d cannot be used, for example because there is a defect or maintenance is required.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the transfer and delivery areas coincide spatially. Here the device 1 has an inlet star 30, which can simultaneously take on the role of an outlet star 32. In this example, the star rotates clockwise. Untreated containers 10 are fed to the transport device 2 via the inlet 34 (upper area of the star). Both on the infeed and outfeed star as well as on the transport device 2, only every second transport unit 22 is occupied. Empty transport units 22 are symbolically marked in the transfer area with a small line, while occupied transport units are marked with a circle. This The occupation pattern continues, although the marking has not been continued for reasons of clarity.

The containers 10 are trans ported counterclockwise by the transport device 2. Containers can be transferred to handling devices 4 at the transfer areas X. In this case, the handling devices 4 are arranged around the outside of the transport device 2. Containers that are not taken over by the handling device 4a are transported further by the transport device 2, etc. Containers that have been transferred to a handling device 4 are transported by the handling device 4 to stationary treatment stations 8 (not shown). After the containers have been treated, they are transported further benefits from the handling device 4 to the delivery area Y (coinciding with the transfer area X). In the delivery area Y, the (now treated) containers 10 are delivered to the transport device 2 again. The treated containers 10 (shown hatched) leave the transport device 2 and are transferred to the outlet star 30/32 (outlet 36).

Fig. 7 shows an alternative arrangement. Here, the transport unit 2 is not oval, but designed li near. The inlet 34 is located on the left-hand side of the figure and the outlet 36 on the right-hand side. Here, too, only every second transport unit 22 is equipped with a container 10. The handling devices 4 are arranged laterally on the linear transport unit 2.

It is shown by way of example that the handling device 4a has a rotatable carrier 6a and the transfer area Xa corresponds to the transfer area Ya. The handling device 4a has several handling units 40a (radial lines). Every second handling unit 40a is equipped with a container 10 (large circle). The handling units 40a thereof are empty in FIG. 7. In the handling device 4b, which is also described by way of example, there are also several handling units 40b. All handling units 40b are shown unoccupied here. However, the treatment stations 8b (for example located below) (indicated by a small circle) can be recognized. It can be seen here that the stationary stations are only arranged below every second handling unit 40b. The position of the containers 10 in the handling device 4a matches the position of the containers management stations. I. E. the handling devices 4 rotate after the acquisition of containers 4 exactly so far that the containers 10 can be taken over from the associated handling stations.

In FIG. 8, the transport device 2 is designed as a transport carousel. The handling devices 4 are arranged around the transport device 2 like satellites. The containers are fed to the transport device via an inlet 34 and an inlet star 30 and removed via an outlet star 32 and an outlet 36. The trans port device rotates clockwise in this embodiment.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment. Here the transport device 2 is designed in the form of star columns. The containers can again be fed to the transport device 2 via both an inlet and an outlet star 30/32. The containers are taken over by a first transfer star that rotates clockwise, passed on to a second transfer star that rotates counterclockwise, etc. In this way, the containers cover a meandering path. The handling devices 4 are arranged to the side of the row of transfer stars.

10a and 10b show the same embodiment of a device according to the invention at two different times. In both figures it can be seen that the transport device 2 has a plurality of transport units 22. To distinguish them, the transport units are alternately marked with a circle (22A) or a cross (22B). Hatched circles identify a container 10.

Several handling devices 4 are arranged around the transport device 2. For example, it is shown that the handling device 4a has a carrier 6a and several handling units 40a (circles on radial lines). These handling units 40a are alternately occupied by a container 10 (hatched circle) or unoccupied (unfilled circle). The treatment stations 8a (not shown separately) are located below the handling devices 40a occupied by a container 10.

In the case of the handling device 4b, too, it is shown by way of example that it consists of a plurality of handling units 40b, each second of which is occupied by a container 10. The transfer area Xb and the delivery area Yb match. During a method according to the invention, for example, the handling device 4b rotates clockwise from this position. At the delivery point Yb it first gives a treated container 10 from the first handling unit 40b to an unbe set transport unit. After both the handling device 4b and the transport device 2 have moved on in a synchronized manner, the transport device 2 transfers an untreated container 10 from the following, occupied transport unit 22 to the second (unoccupied) handling unit 40b. The transport device 2 and the handling device 4b continue to rotate again in a synchronized manner. The handling device 4b transfers the next treated container from the third handling unit 40b to the next, unoccupied transport unit 22, etc. As can be seen, the transport units 22A (marked with a circle) are therefore equipped with a container at the inlet 34, while at the outlet 36 the transport units 22B (marked with a cross) are occupied by a container. It can thus be seen that the treated containers are transported by the transport units 22B, while the untreated containers are transported by the transport units 22A.

After all handling units 40b have dispensed the treated containers or have picked up new, untreated containers, the handling device 4b continues to rotate up to the position in which the handling units 40b equipped with containers are positioned above the treatment stations 8b so that the containers 10 can be treated in these. As a comparison of FIGS. 10a and 10b shows, the handling devices 4 therefore assume two different rest positions. For example, the handling device 4b in FIG. 10b is rotated further by one rotational position: In FIG. 10a, the last handling unit 40b is occupied with a container and is in the “9 o'clock position” directly above a treatment station 8b. In Fig.

10b, however, the last handling unit 40b is unoccupied and the penultimate handling unit 40b is occupied. So that the container is also here directly above the treatment station 8b, the handling device 4b must be rotated further accordingly.

In addition, a special feature can be seen: one of the handling devices (in this case handling device 4a) has one handling unit 40a less than the remaining handling devices 4b-4f. This is necessary so that there is also a continuous flow of containers with alternating full-empty equipment in the outlet of the transport device 2. The treated containers are handled by the handling devices each cycle alternately before and after the untreated containers in the transport device 2 used. In order to compensate for this change, the one handling device 4a with a reduced number of handling units 40a is required.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of the inlet from the inlet star 30 to the Transportein direction 2 or the outlet from the transport device. On both sides of the transfer point, only every second transport unit 22 is equipped with a container 10. The unequipped transport units 22 are marked with a line. The untreated containers 10 are shown with an unfilled circle, the treated containers with a circle with hatched filling. At the transfer point there is currently a treated container 10 which is transferred from the transport device 2 to the inlet or outlet star 30/32. If the inlet or outlet star 30/32 and the transport device 2 continue to rotate, an unoccupied transport unit 22 of the transport device 2 and an untreated container (currently both above the transfer point) meet next. The inlet or outlet star 30/32 can thus deliver an untreated container to an unoccupied transport unit 22. When turning further, a treated container 10 of the transport device 2 and an unoccupied transport unit 22 of the inlet or outlet star 30/32 meet next. The transport device 2 can thus deliver the treated container to the inlet or outlet star 30/32.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which the inlet star 30 and the outlet star 32 are designed as separate stars.

FIG. 13a shows a preferred embodiment with exemplary dimensions as they are particularly advantageous in a container coating machine. The most important here are the dimensions 936 mm (distance between the transfer / delivery points X / Y),

373.68 mm (distance between the last transfer / delivery point and the beginning of the curvature of the transfer oval) and R400 mm (radius of the curvature of the transfer oval), i.e. the distances between the handling stations along the transport device 2. With this arrangement and a conveyor speed of 0.8 m / s (division of the transport units on that of the transport device: 120 mm), the cycle spacing is 1.185 s. With 10 stations, the cycle time is 10 x 1 , 185 s = 11.85 s.

In an exemplary coating process, it takes around 2 seconds to evacuate the vacuum chamber. But since the next handling device switches after just 1.185 s, two vacuum pumps are used for the evacuation for use. Each pump therefore only evacuates for about 1 second. This is less than the 1. 185 s available from the timing, so there is no overlapping of the evacuation processes, as desired.

A favorable switching sequence of the 10 handling devices is shown in FIG. 13b. Here, the abbreviation "S1" relates to the handling device 4a, "S2" to the handling device 4b, etc.

Another preferred size is shown in FIG. 14a and the associated switching sequence in FIG. 14b. A special feature here is the double vacuum supply. This is necessary because, due to the geometric conditions, it is not possible to cycle two handling devices at the same time. This is why stations 10-18 are clocked at a 0.6 s offset from stations 1-9.

Another preferred size is shown in FIG. 15a and the associated switching sequence in FIG. 15b.

16 shows a representation of a treatment station 8. A container 10 is inserted into the treatment station 8. This is held by a carrier element 402 with the aid of a gripper 406. The carrier element 402 can be moved vertically upwards, so that the container 10 held by the gripper 406 is also moved vertically upwards and out of the treatment station 8.

The treatment station 8 comprises a stationary base part 804 and stationary walls 806. A closure element 404 is arranged on the carrier element 402. This is movable in common with the carrier element 402. If the carrier element 402 is moved upwards, the closure element 404 is thus also lifted from the walls 806 of the treatment station 8. If, on the other hand, the carrier element 402 is - as shown - in its lowest position, the closure element 404, together with the walls 806, closes the treatment station 8 in an airtight manner.

A treatment device 800 is also located in the treatment station 8.

This is advantageously also arranged in a stationary manner, so that the container 10 is pushed over the treatment device 800 when it is introduced into the treatment station 8. The treatment device 800 has a plurality of openings 802 through which plasma can advantageously be brought into the interior of the container 10. FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of a device for treating containers 1. A transport device 2 is provided, which can be, for example, a circulating chain or a long stator linear motor. A total of 8 handling devices 4 a, 4 b,

4 c, ... arranged. These handling devices are Füllin directions that fill the containers.

Each of these handling devices has a movable carrier 6 a, 6 b, ..., which in turn can load individual treatment stations 8 a, 8 b, ... with containers. The reference symbols P _a , P _b show the transport paths on which the containers are transported through the handling devices. This configuration involves circular transport paths.

The reference symbol X _a denotes a transfer area for the transfer of containers from the transport device 2 to the handling device A. The reference symbol Y _a denotes a delivery area in which the containers are returned to the transport device 2 by the handling device 4 a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the transfer area and the delivery area coincide, that is, the containers are taken over from the transport device at the same point at which they are also transferred back to it. For this purpose, it is possible for the transport device to specifically transport gaps or unoccupied gripping elements or for gaps to arrive which are filled with containers.

The handling device 4 b also has corresponding transfer areas X _b and Abga be areas Y _b .

In terms of the method, it would be possible, for example, for the system to be controlled in such a way that a certain number of consecutive containers is removed from the handling device and the resulting gaps are filled by a subsequent treatment device.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention. Here, too, a handling device 4 a is shown, which here has a transfer arm 122, which here can be rotated counter-clockwise and can accommodate a container 10. This ses container can optionally be three taping stations 8 a; 108 a or 208 a funded become. In this embodiment, the banding stations 108 a and 208 a are each filling points which can fill the containers with a medium, for example egg nem syrup. These three filling points can also fill the containers with different syrups, so that the container can optionally be filled with one of three different syrups. Correspondingly, the device has a reservoir which holds at least one liquid and preferably several different media or liquids.

FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. Flier is like turn a transfer carousel 2 is provided, on the outer periphery of a plurality of loading treatment stations 8 a is provided. These can work in the same way or in different ways. The transport device 2 also transports the containers to the individual treatment stations in a clocked manner.

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a total of 6 treatment stations 8a, 108a, 208a, ... are provided here. Furthermore, three transport arms 122, 124 and 126 are provided here, which can be pivoted or rotated independently of one another in order to be able to transport containers optionally to each of the treatment stations 8a, 108a, 208a, ... mentioned. Instead of the embodiment shown here, a circular long stator could also be provided on which individual shuttles can move, each of which is also suitable and intended for folding the containers.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment in which three transport devices 2, 2 a and 2 b are connected in series and are each connected to one another via transfer wheels 136, 138. In this way, the capacity of the system can be expanded. At each of these Transportein directions 2, 2 a and 2 b satellites or Flandhabungseinrichtungen vorgese hen. By means of a corresponding control, incoming containers can be divided into the individual treatment or handling devices which are arranged on the individual trans port devices 2, 2 a and 2 b.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment in which containers are first transferred to a first transport device 2 via an inlet, and there can optionally be treated or filled by different treatment devices or handling devices. Thus, the reference numeral 152 denotes a rinsing device, which the container nits cleaned or rinsed with water. Reference numeral 154 denotes one or more filling devices which partially fill / fill the containers with styled water.

The containers are then transferred to a second transport device 2 a, where they can in turn be supplied to individual stations 156 via intermittent transport. This handling device can, for example, be a filling device which fills syrup into the partially filled containers. The partially filled containers are then transferred back to the transport device 2 via the transfer star.

The individual stations 156 can optionally fill different syrups into the containers. On the second transport device 2, for example, different flavorings can be supplied via the handling devices or the stations 158.

The containers thus filled with syrup and flavorings and still water can then be further filled with a filling device 160, for example filled with carbonated water. Following the filling device 160, a closer 200 closes the containers before they finally reach the outlet.

FIG. 23 shows an overall system 300 which, in addition to the device 1 described here, also has a large number of other components. In this system, a heating device 302 is first to be used, which is used to heat plastic preforms. This heating device 302 is followed by a shaping device 304, such as a blow molding machine, for example, which reshapes plastic preforms into plastic containers.

The finished containers are then passed to a labeling device 306, 307 and provided there with labels. With a further filling device 310, a liquid, such as still water, is filled into the now labeled containers. On the device 1, the containers are initially filled with a syrup A and then with a flavor B. The reference numeral 315 denotes a transport device which can feed the individual devices 1 the containers

The containers treated or partially filled in this way are passed to a further filling device 312, at which the containers can be filled with carbonated water. By the ratio between still water and carbonated water can be adjusted overall for the drink.

Numeral 316 denotes a bottle warming unit. The reference character 324 denotes a discharge station which is arranged after the bottle warming unit 316. This is suitable for rejecting incorrectly produced containers (bad label fit, faulty closure, etc.). It would also be conceivable to design the diversion station 324 in such a way that a certain bundle formation is temporarily stored there which is not complete, for example due to a faulty container. So after a production shift, the containers could be manufactured again to complete the container. When the previously defective container then passes the bottle heating unit 316, the remaining temporarily parked container is returned to the container flow via the reject station 324. For this purpose, the diversion station 324 is preferably adapted accordingly.

The reference numeral 320 denotes a packing device which compiles the closer containers to form packs. The reference symbol 322 denotes a palletizing device which palletizes a large number of packages.

FIG. 24 shows an illustration of a syrup module. Two transfer arms 122 are provided here, which can transport the containers either to a first handling device 8 a or to a second handling device 108 a. These two handling devices are filling devices that can fill the containers with different syrups. It is also possible again for each of these filling devices to have the option of dispensing one, two or three or even more different syrups to the containers. For this purpose, these elements can have a rotatable filling head that fills the containers with a different syrup depending on the customer's requirements.

FIG. 25 shows a further module which is used to fill the containers with a flavoring substance. Two handling devices or filling valves are provided here, each of which allows a certain number, for example the supply of eight different flavors to the containers.

Here, too, two transfer arms 122 are again provided, which can each transport containers to the two filling valves 8 a and 108 a. Fig. 26 shows a filling head 8a, which here has three filling valves 182, 184, 186, which can be filled with different syrups in the containers.

27 shows a filling head 8a, which here has a total of eight filling valves 192, 194, which in this way can fill eight different flavorings into the containers.

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

List of reference symbols

contraption

2/20 transport device

Mobile carrier handling device

Treatment stations 10 container

22 (A, B) transport unit

30 inlet star

32 outlet star

34 inlet

36 outlet

40 (a, b, c, ...) handling unit 108a treatment station

122, 124, 126 transfer arm 136, 138 transfer star 152, 154, 156 filling device 158 filling device

160 cappers 182, 184, 186 filling valves

192, 194 filling valves 200 closing devices 208a treatment station 302 heating device 304 forming device

306, 307 labeling device

310 filling device

312 locking device

315 transport device

316 Heating unit 320 Packing device 322 Palletizing device 324 Rejection station 402 Carrier element 404 Closing element 406 Gripper 800 Treatment device 802 Openings 804 Bottom part of the treatment station 806 Wall of the treatment station

P (a, b, c, ...) Transport path X (a, b, c, ...) Transfer area Y (a, b, c, ...) Transfer area

Claims

Device and method for filling containers Patent claims

1. Device (1) for treating containers (10) with at least one transport device (2) for transporting the containers (10), with a handling device (4a) for transferring containers (10) from the transport device (2) in a transfer area (Xa) and for the delivery of these containers (10) to the transport device (2) in a delivery area (Ya), with at least one further handling device (4b) for transferring containers (10) from the transport device (2) in a further transfer area (Xb) and for the delivery of these containers (10) to the transport device (2) in a further delivery area (Yb), the handling devices (4a, 4b) each having at least one movable carrier (6a, 6b) with which the removed containers (10) can be moved on a transport path (Pa, Pb), and wherein at least one treatment station (8a, 8b) is assigned to each of the handling devices (4a, 8b), marked thereby et that the treatment stations (8a, 8b) are filling devices (8a, 8b) which at least partially fill the containers with a liquid and these filling devices (8a, 8b) are arranged stationary with respect to the transport paths (Pa, Pb).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport speed of the handling devices (4a, 4b) is controllable in such a way that the transport speed of the handling devices (4a, 4b) at the time of transfer and / or delivery of the containers (10) with the transport speed the transport device (2) can be synchronized and the transport speed of the handling device (4a, 4b) can be reduced after the containers have been transferred.

3. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first filling device (8a) is suitable and intended to fill the containers with a first liquid and the second filling device is suitable and intended to fill the containers (10) with a second liquid that differs from the first liquid .

4. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one Flandhandungsvorrichtung has several treatment stations in the form of filling devices (8a, 108a).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that these several filling devices (8a, 108a) are suitable and intended for filling different liquids.

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one Flandhandungsvorrichtung has at least two movable holding elements for folding the containers, these folding elements being movable independently of each other.

7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the delivery area (Y) of a Flandhandungsvorrichtung (4) with the transfer area (X) of a Flandhandungsvorrichtung (4) corresponds spatially.

8. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (2) has a plurality of transport units (22) for transporting animals of one container (10) each.

9. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (2) and / or a further transport device (20) is a linear transport device.

10. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling devices (4a, 4b) are arranged laterally on the transport device (2).

11. Plant for treating containers with a device according to at least one of the preceding claims and at least one further filling device for filling containers.

12. A method for filling containers (10) in which a transport device (2) transports the containers (10) and in which a handling device (4a) takes over containers (10) from the transport device (2) in a transfer area (Xa), moves on a transport path (Pa) and delivers in a delivery area (Ya) to the transport device (2), with at least one further handling device (4b) in a further transfer area (Xb) a predefined number of containers (10) from the transport device ( 2) takes over, moves on a transport path (Pb) and delivers in a further delivery area (Yb) to the transport device (2), the handling devices (4a, 4b), the containers (10) on the transport path (Pa, Pb ) each transported to at least one of the handling device (4a, 4b) associated treatment station (8a, 8b), characterized in that the treatment stations (8a, 8b) are filling devices (8a, 8b), which the Filling containers at least partially with a liquid and these filling devices (8a, 8b) are arranged essentially stationary with respect to the transport paths (Pa, Pb).

13. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the containers (10) are moved on the transport device (2) at a constant speed.

14. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that not every transport unit (22) transports a container (10).