WO2024074348A1

WO2024074348A1 - Container-processing arrangement and method for processing containers

Info

Publication number: WO2024074348A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/076538
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath; Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch; Klaus Baumgartner
Original assignee: Khs Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-10-05
Filing date: 2023-09-26
Publication date: 2024-04-11
Also published as: DE102022125599A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container-processing arrangement for the beverage industry, the container-processing arrangement comprising at least one first and one second rotatably driven processing star wheel (1, 2), each of which comprises a plurality of container receptacles (12), which are arranged along the periphery, for transporting containers (4) and each of which comprises a processing device for processing the containers (4), wherein at least the processing device of the first processing star wheel (1) comprises a plurality of fluid supply lines (6), wherein the fluid supply lines (6) are each associated with a container receptacle (12). According to the invention, the first and the second processing star wheels (1, 2) are directly adjacent to one another in a transport direction (T) in a transfer portion (11).

Description

Container treatment arrangement and method for treating containers

The present invention relates to a container treatment arrangement for the beverage industry with at least a first and a second rotatably driven treatment star, each of which has a plurality of container receptacles arranged along the circumference for transporting containers and a treatment device for treating the containers, wherein at least the treatment device of the first treatment star has a plurality of fluid supplies, wherein the fluid supplies are each assigned to a container receptacle.

Such container treatment arrangements are basically known from the prior art and serve to treat the containers in a predetermined manner, whereby within the scope of the invention all processes that bring about a change in the containers can be understood as treatment. In particular, it is provided that at least in the first treatment star, treatment takes place in such a way that a fluid is introduced into the containers via the fluid feeds.

This can be done, for example, as part of a sterilization process, in which a sterilization medium, e.g. hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is first introduced into the containers and this sterilization medium is then blown out of the containers again. This is usually done using several treatment stars arranged one behind the other, with the sterilization medium being fed into the first treatment star and the other treatment stars being designed to remove the sterilization medium from the containers again, e.g. by introducing compressed air. Such container treatment arrangements then require up to five or more treatment stars arranged one behind the other. ordered treatment stars, whereby a transfer stem is always arranged between two adjacent treatment stars, which enables the transfer between the adjacent treatment stars.

The containers within the scope of the invention are in particular bottles which are made of plastic, in particular PET, or glass, for example. In the case of plastic bottles, these are preferably made from plastic preforms, in particular by stretch blow molding. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the invention that cans, in particular cans made of aluminum, are used as containers.

Although the sterilization of the containers can be an essential aspect of the container treatment arrangements mentioned, other types of treatment are also possible. For the purposes of the invention, treatment also includes filling the containers. This can also be done with several treatment stars arranged one behind the other. Rinsing the containers is also within the scope of the invention, with the containers usually being arranged upside down in the transport elements so that the sterilization, rinsing or cooling medium introduced can immediately flow out of the containers again. In addition, the containers can also be closed with a closure cap in a treatment station.

Regardless of the specific design, the high number of treatment stars in combination with the transfer stars arranged between the treatment stars leads to a very large spatial extension of the container treatment arrangement. Accordingly, a relatively large installation space must be available. In addition, there is the problem that the movement of the individual treatment stars and the transport stars connected to them must be synchronized with each other in order to ensure a trouble-free transfer from one treatment star to the subsequent transfer star or vice versa from one transfer star to the subsequent the treatment star. This requires either a complex gear design that couples the individual stars together, or the individual stars are each driven by a drive motor, e.g. an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, in which case synchronization must be ensured by means of a suitable control system.

The invention is based on the object of simplifying the design of container treatment arrangements and in particular of reducing the necessary installation space.

The subject matter and solution of this problem is a container treatment arrangement according to patent claim 1.

According to the invention, the first and second treatment stars are directly connected to one another in a transport direction. In this context, the transport direction is to be understood as the direction along which the individual containers are transported by the treatment stars. As a result of the rotation of the individual treatment stars, the containers are thus transported along a circumferential angle of the individual container transport devices and transferred directly from one treatment star to the subsequent treatment star. The transport and treatment then take place along a circumferential angle of the next treatment star. In this context, it should be noted that a first and a second treatment star do not directly determine the transport direction. The first treatment star can be arranged both before and after the second treatment star in the transport direction, so that a direct transfer of the containers from the first to the second treatment star and vice versa is possible. In addition, further treatment stars can also be provided, which are arranged before and/or after the first and second treatment stars in the transport direction. According to the invention, the direct arrangement of the treatment stars one behind the other means that an additional transfer system between the treatment stars is not required. This means that the containers are transferred directly from the container receptacles of a first treatment star to the container receptacles of a second treatment star. This means that only the movements of the two treatment stars that are connected to one another need to be synchronized with one another. At the same time, the installation space can be significantly reduced by dispensing with a transfer system. Overall, this results in a very compact container treatment arrangement, the functionality of which is not restricted compared to the generic container treatment arrangements, and the lower number of components also reduces the susceptibility to faults due to incorrect synchronization.

In principle, it is sufficient within the scope of the invention if only the first treatment star has fluid feeds. However, it is preferably provided that the treatment device of the second treatment star also has a plurality of fluid feeds, wherein the fluid feeds are each assigned to a container receptacle. Treatment with a fluid can thus take place on both treatment stars. As already explained above, it is then possible, for example, to introduce a sterilization medium into the first treatment star and to expel residues of the sterilization medium in the second treatment star using compressed air. Alternatively, the containers can be filled with a filling medium, in particular a beverage. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that a first filling medium (e.g. a first component of a beverage) is introduced into the first treatment star and a second filling medium (e.g. a second component of a beverage) is introduced into the second treatment star. Of course, other embodiments are also possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, the container receptacles of the first and/or the second treatment star can be designed as active or passive grippers or at least comprise active or passive grippers. These grippers are then preferably designed in such a way that they can hold the containers on a neck area. Alternatively, instead of grippers, neck ring holders can be provided which are designed so that containers provided with a neck ring, in particular bottles, rest on this neck ring holder.

According to a preferred development, the fluid supplies of the treatment device of at least the first treatment star are arranged along a treatment section in a treatment position and in a transfer section in a different transfer position. Accordingly, the fluid supplies move between the transfer position, in which the containers are transferred to another system component, and a treatment position, in which the containers are treated.

The fluid feeds of the first and/or the second treatment star are particularly preferably designed to be movable. In particular, this means that the fluid feeds are designed to be movable in a vertical direction parallel to the container axis, so that the treatment position and the transfer position are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. This makes it possible, for example, for the fluid feeds to be introduced into the containers with at least one end section for treatment and to be arranged in the treatment position with the end section in the containers. This is particularly useful if the fluid to be introduced is a gas which is to be introduced into the corresponding containers with as little loss as possible. Since the fluid feeds are each assigned to a container receptacle, it is preferably provided that the fluid feeds in the treatment position reach through the container receptacles during the movement and the end openings of the fluid feeds are arranged below the container receptacles.

In order to be able to move the fluid feeds of the first and/or the second treatment star between the transfer position and the treatment position, they are preferably assigned a drive. This drive can bring about a pivoting or a lifting adjustment of the fluid feeds of the first and/or the second treatment star. In this context, a lifting adjustment is understood to mean a linear adjustment, which is preferably arranged at least partially in the vertical direction, so that, for example, the fluid feeds can be arranged in the containers. In a pivoting adjustment, the fluid feeds are adjusted along an arcuate, in particular a circular arc-shaped, path, with at least partial movement in the vertical direction also being preferred. It is of course also within the scope of the invention for the fluid feeds of the first and second treatment stars to be driven by a different drive or to be adjusted in a different way. If a lifting drive is provided, the stroke of the lifting fluid feeds is at least 40 mm, particularly preferably at least 60 mm.

The drive can be, for example, an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive that acts directly on the individual fluid feeds. Preferably, it is a cam-controlled drive that causes a movement solely due to the rotation of the treatment stars. For this purpose, a roller mounted on the respective fluid feed usually slides along a guide curve, with the guide curve causing the roller to move in the area of the transfer section. As a result, the fluid feed also moves. Alternatively, the fluid feeds can also be mounted on a swivel joint, with the fluid feed then pivoting in a cam-controlled manner.

Alternatively, the curve control can also be designed in such a way that the guide curve is formed by a pipe curve, in which case the fluid feeds of the first and/or the second treatment star are each connected to a fork element which at least partially surrounds the pipe curve. The movement of the fluid feeds can then be controlled by the shape of the pipe curve. In this context, a particularly preferred embodiment provides that both a lifting movement in the axial direction and a lifting movement in the radial direction of the containers in the transfer section are effected by means of a cam-controlled drive. It can be advantageous to decouple the two movements from one another so that the movements occur one after the other but not simultaneously. An actuating element, e.g. a control magnet, can be provided for coupling or decoupling the lifting drives with the fluid supply.

In principle, the fluid feeds of both treatment stars can each be moved via a separate drive. However, a further development provides that the movable fluid feeds of the first or second treatment star are positively guided in the transfer section. According to such an embodiment, only the fluid feeds of one treatment star have a drive, with the movement of the fluid feeds of the other treatment star resulting from the movement of the fluid feeds of the driven fluid feeds. For example, drivers can be provided for this purpose, which are brought into contact with one another in the transfer section, so that the movably driven feed lines also cause the fluid feeds that are not directly movably driven to move.

Since the fluid feeds are designed to rotate with respect to the container receptacles, there is no relative change between the container receptacles and the fluid feeds, at least along the treatment section, with regard to a circumferential angle. This means that a corresponding fluid can be introduced into the container via the fluid feed along the entire treatment section. However, the direct transfer of the containers between the treatment stars ensures that the treatment devices do not collide with one another in the transfer section. This can be achieved on the one hand by designing and/or arranging the fluid feeds in such a way that a collision in the transfer section is avoided anyway. Alternatively, however, a preferred embodiment provides that at least one the treatment star has a collision avoidance device. This collision avoidance device can be designed, for example, such that at least the fluid supply of a treatment star is moved in the transfer section in such a way that it cannot collide with the opposite fluid supply.

According to a preferred embodiment, collision avoidance of the fluid feeds can be achieved by arranging sections of the treatment devices vertically one above the other and/or next to each other in the radial direction, at least in the transfer section. Such an embodiment is particularly useful when both the treatment device of the first and the treatment device of the second treatment star are designed with fluid feeds. The fluid feeds then usually represent the sections of the treatment devices that protrude outwards and can therefore collide with each other if not designed correctly due to the direct container transfer between the treatment stars. In this case, it is basically sufficient if the fluid feeds are designed to be immobile, with the fluid feeds of one treatment star then being arranged in the transfer section above or next to the fluid feeds of the other treatment star.

If the fluid feeds are arranged next to each other in the transfer section, it should be noted that in the case of a stationary design, the fluid feeds of both treatment devices must be designed in such a way that the introduction of a fluid into the containers is possible. Against this background, it can be expedient for at least the fluid feeds of a treatment star to have a non-circular end section. This allows the end sections to be designed in such a way that both can be guided next to each other without colliding with each other. At the same time, a comparatively large feed opening of the fluid feeds can still be made possible, so that a comparatively large flow cross-section for According to a further development of the invention, the fluid supplies of both treatment stars can have a non-circular cross-section.

As already explained above, the fluid feeds are preferably designed to be movable and can, for example, be adjusted by lifting or pivoting. In this case, collisions can be avoided by moving the fluid feeds. For example, the fluid feeds of the first treatment star can be moved with a first lifting movement and the fluid feeds of the second treatment star with a second lifting movement between the treatment position and the transfer position, with the lifting movements being of different sizes, so that the fluid feeds are arranged one above the other in the transfer section. This can ensure that a collision of the fluid feeds of the two treatment stars is avoided in the transfer section. The ratio between the first and the second lifting movement is preferably between 1.5 and 3. The different lifting movements can thus, on the one hand, prevent collisions in the transfer area. On the other hand, it is possible for the fluid feeds of both treatment stars to be introduced into the containers. Outside the transfer section, the fluid feeds can then be moved back in the direction of the container receptacles. Preferably, at least the fluid feeds of the treatment device of the first treatment star are designed to be displaceable in a radial direction or pivotable in a circumferential direction. The fluid feeds are thus designed in such a way that a radial lifting movement can be effected. Such a design basically represents an alternative or supplement to collision avoidance as a result of a vertical lifting movement. However, it is also basically possible to provide such a design for fluid feeds that can be lifted. In such a case, the lifting movement only causes the fluid feeds to be fed in and out of the containers, while collision avoidance is effected as a result of a radial displacement or pivoting. A further development also provides that the fluid feeds of at least the first treatment star, but preferably both treatment stars, are inclined. The end sections of the fluid feeds of both treatment stars are also preferably arranged in a vertical treatment position, preferably a common vertical treatment position. The fluid feeds of at least the first treatment star can then be moved in the transfer section from a treatment position to a transfer position. Here, too, this is preferably done by a lifting movement, with the lifting movement preferably taking place in the direction of the inclined fluid feeds.

A further development of the invention further provides that at least a third treatment star is arranged in the transport direction directly in front of the first or behind the second treatment star. In principle, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide more than three treatment stars, e.g. four, five or more treatment stars directly one behind the other. The other treatment stars can be designed according to the previous embodiments and accordingly each have container receptacles and a treatment device, which in turn preferably have fluid supplies associated with the container receptacles. Due to the directly adjacent arrangement, additional transfer stars can be completely dispensed with, so that the containers are always transferred directly between two adjacent treatment stars.

Although the container treatment arrangement according to the invention can be used for various purposes, the treatment devices of the first and/or the second treatment star and/or at least the third treatment star are preferably designed to sterilize the containers, fill the containers or rinse the containers, wherein in the case of rinsing the containers are arranged upside down in the container receptacles. In particular in the case of sterilization, shielding elements, e.g. shielding bells, are preferably provided on the end sections, which reduce or prevent an uncontrolled escape of a sterilization gas. Preferably, such shielding elements are provided on fluid feeds that can be lifted, as this allows the shielding elements to also cover the head area or the closure area of the containers. The escaping sterilization gas is then guided past the closure area and enables sterilization here too.

A preferred embodiment of the invention further provides that at least two of the treatment stars are designed to treat the containers in different ways. Accordingly, the treatment devices in successive treatment stars are designed for different treatment of the containers. For example, the treatment device of one treatment star can be designed for sterilization and the treatment device of another treatment star can be designed for filling the containers.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the treatment device of at least one treatment star is designed to close the containers. The containers can be closed, for example, using a closure cap which is screwed onto the containers by rotation onto an external thread in the head area. Of course, the treatment star intended for closing the containers can be connected to the other treatment stars, in particular to the second or third treatment star, either directly or via a transfer star.

Furthermore, the invention preferably provides that at least one of the treatment stars has a stationary treatment device. In this context, a stationary treatment device means that the treatment device does not rotate, unlike the fluid supplies. This can be, for example, a labeling device, an inspection device, a printing device or the like. The invention further relates to a method for treating containers in a container treatment arrangement according to the above description. In the method according to the invention, it is provided that the containers are fed to the first treatment star and the containers in the first treatment star are subjected to a first fluid for treatment, with the containers then being transferred directly from the first treatment star to the second treatment star. In the context of the invention, exposure means that a fluid is directed onto, at or into the container in some form, with the introduction of the fluid into the interior of the container being preferred.

According to a further development, the containers in the second treatment star are supplied with a second fluid for treatment. The second fluid can be identical to the first fluid. Preferably, however, they are different fluids. An alternative embodiment provides that the containers in the second treatment star are closed with a closure cap for treatment.

In principle, the embodiments mentioned above in connection with the container treatment arrangement can also be adopted for the method, whereby with regard to the container treatment arrangement it is not explicitly specified which of the at least two treatment stars is arranged in front of the other treatment star in the transport direction. Accordingly, the embodiments can be transferred to either the first or the second treatment star. This applies in particular with regard to the movable design. For example, the first and/or the second treatment star can have movable fluid supplies. However, it is particularly preferred for both the first and the second treatment stars to have movable fluid supplies.

A preferred development provides that at least a third treatment star is arranged behind the second treatment star, wherein the treatment containers in the third treatment star can also be treated with a third fluid. The containers can then be transferred to another treatment star if necessary. Accordingly, at least three treatment stars are provided, between which the containers are transferred without an additional transfer wheel. The third treatment star is preferably arranged behind the second treatment star. The containers can thus be treated with a fluid in three consecutive treatment stars, whereby the first, second and/or third fluid can also be identical. In addition, further treatment stars can also be provided, for example five treatment stars.

Preferably, the containers can also be closed in one of the treatment stars. In particular, this is the treatment star in which the containers are no longer filled.

According to a further development of the invention, the lifting fluid feeds are arranged with an end section in the containers during the treatment. The containers are in particular beverage containers, e.g. beverage bottles, which are preferably made of a plastic, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The method according to the invention further provides that the containers can be rinsed, sterilized and/or filled by the first and/or second and/or third fluid.

In the case of sterilization, the first fluid is preferably a sterilization gas. This is preferably hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The second fluid is preferably air or compressed air. This air can be used to expel the first fluid or sterilization gas introduced into the first treatment star in the second treatment star. According to such an embodiment, at least one third treatment star is preferably also provided, which is connected behind the second treatment star and wherein the third fluid is also air or compressed air. In the case of rinsing, the first and preferably also the second and/or third fluid is a liquid rinsing medium, wherein the containers are usually arranged upside down in the container receptacles and wherein the liquid rinsing medium is preferably introduced into the containers at all treatment stars.

In the case of filling, the first fluid is a filling medium. In the context of the invention, a filling medium is understood to be a liquid foodstuff which is introduced into the container as part of the container treatment arrangement and remains there. The second and/or third fluid can also be such a filling medium, whereby depending on the process, the fluids form different filling media which are then mixed in the container. Alternatively, the filling media can be identical.

In such an embodiment, the third treatment star is preferably designed to close the containers, so that the treatment device of the third treatment star screws closure caps onto the containers.

The filling media are in particular non-carbonated drinks, e.g. water or juices. The filling media can also be cleaning and/or washing agents or pharmaceutical products. The rinsing medium is preferably water. Of course, a cleaning agent can also be added to the water.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. They show:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic container treatment arrangement according to the prior art, Fig. 2, 3, 4 schematic representations of container treatment arrangements according to the invention,

Fig. 5 shows a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with fluid supplies arranged one above the other,

Fig. 6 a container treatment arrangement each with lifting fluid feeds,

Fig. 7 shows a container treatment arrangement according to Fig. 6 with an active and a passive drive,

Fig. 8 an alternative embodiment of the container treatment arrangement with lifting fluid feeds,

Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C alternative embodiments of the container treatment arrangements according to the invention with pivotable fluid feeds,

Fig. 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of the container treatment arrangements according to the invention with pivotable fluid feeds,

Fig. 11 A, 11 B a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with fluid supplies arranged next to each other,

Fig. 12 a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with inclined fluid feeds,

Fig. 13 - 16 a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with a treatment device for closing the containers, and Fig. 17 - 19 a container treatment arrangement according to the invention with fluid supplies that can be lifted both in the lifting direction and in a radial direction.

Fig. 1 shows a container treatment arrangement according to the prior art with a total of three rotatably driven treatment stars 1, 2, 3, wherein containers 4 are first fed to the first treatment star 1 and then moved along a transport path in the transport direction T and in the process pass through the second and third treatment stars 2, 3. The containers are treated in the treatment stars 1, 2, 3, wherein the treatment stars 1, 2, 3 each have fluid feeds 6, 7 (not shown in detail) via which a fluid can be introduced into the containers 4. The exact design of the treatment stars 1, 2, 3 can be seen in more detail in particular from Figs. 5 to 11.

It is also known from the prior art that a transfer star 8 is arranged between each two treatment stars 1, 2, 3, which transfers the containers 4 between the treatment stars 1, 2, 3.

Based on this, the present invention according to Fig. 2 teaches that such transfer stars 8 can be dispensed with in principle, so that the treatment stars 1, 2, 3 are directly connected to one another in the transport direction T. This allows the required installation space for the container treatment arrangement in particular to be significantly reduced. While Fig. 2 shows a design with three treatment stars 1, 2, 3, Fig. 3 shows a design with a fourth and a fifth treatment star 9, 10, wherein the treatment stars 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 are directly connected to one another.

However, such a design has the problem that due to the direct transfer of the containers 4 between the treatment stars 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, the intended fluid feeds 6, 7 can collide with each other, so that appropriate collision avoidance is required at least in a transition area 11.

This is particularly evident from Fig. 4, which shows a container treatment arrangement according to Fig. 2, wherein the second treatment star 2 has means for preventing a collision of the fluid supplies 6, 7 in the transfer section 11. This is then evident from Fig. 5. In this context, Fig. 5 shows a container 4 in the form of a drinks bottle, which is arranged in a container receptacle 12 of the first treatment star 1. The container receptacle 12 is assigned a fluid supply 6, via which a fluid can be filled into the container 4. The container 4 is located in the transfer section 11, so that a transfer to the second treatment star 2 is imminent. The second treatment star also has a fluid supply 7, which is designed to be movable with a vertical stroke H2. In the transition region 11, the fluid supply 7 is raised via the stroke H2 and moves upwards for the transfer of the container 4 from the first to the second treatment star 1, 2 in order to avoid a collision of the fluid supplies 6, 7.

The fluid supply 6 is designed to be immobile and therefore cannot be moved. After passing through the transfer section 11, the fluid supply 7 can be moved down again by the stroke H2 into a treatment position which corresponds to that of the fluid supply 6. According to Fig. 5, the fluid supply 7 is shown in a transfer position in which the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged one above the other.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 6. Here too, the transfer section 11 is shown between the first and the second treatment star 1, 2 and here too, the fluid supplies 6, 7 are located one above the other in the transfer section 11.

In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 5, both fluid feeds 6, 7 are now designed to be movable, with fluid feed 6 of the first Treatment star 1 can be moved from a treatment position into a transfer position by a vertical lifting movement H1 and fluid supply 7 of the second treatment star 2 is moved into the transfer position with a lifting movement H2. In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the treatment position for both fluid supplies 6, 7 is in a common vertical plane.

From Fig. 6 it can also be seen that the lifting movement H2 is larger than the lifting movement H1, which makes it possible for the fluid supply 7 of the second treatment star 2 to be moved over the fluid supply 6 of the first treatment star 1 in the transfer section 11.

At the same time, it is possible to move the fluid feeds 6, 7 into the containers 4 with an end section 6A, 7A during treatment. Such a design is particularly useful when a gaseous fluid is involved, e.g. a sterilization gas. Fig. 6 shows that the fluid feeds 6, 7 each have a shielding bell 13, which is placed over the head region 14 of the containers 4 in a treatment position. This allows the sterilization gas, which is preferably hydrogen peroxide, to be guided over the head region 14, whereby the head region 14 is sterilized from the outside.

The fluid feeds 6, 7 also each have a drive 15, 16 which is designed to be cam-controlled. For this purpose, the drives 15, 16 each have a roller 15A, 16A which rolls along a curve 15B, 16B. By rotating the treatment stars 1, 2, the rollers 15A, 16A then roll along the surface of the guide curves 15B, 16B and thereby cause a stroke of the fluid feeds 6, 7.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the container treatment arrangement according to Fig. 6, wherein only the treatment star 2 is designed with a cam-controlled drive 16. The treatment star 1 does not have an independent drive 15, 16. Rather, the fluid feeds 6, 7 has a driver 17, via which the movement of the fluid supply 7 is transferred directly to the fluid supply 6. This makes it possible for the fluid supplies 6, 7 to be arranged one above the other in the transfer section 11.

Fig. 8 shows the treatment star 2 in a detailed and alternative design. While according to Figs. 6, 7 the fluid feeds 6, 7 are connected to a hose 18, the design according to Fig. 8 provides that the fluid feed 7 is moved with a vertical pipe section 19 in a lifting and sealed manner in a guide tube 20. The lifting movement H2 can then be effected in this guide tube 20, with the right side showing the fluid feed 7 in a treatment position and the left side showing the fluid feed 7 in a transfer position. The treatment star 2 is also driven in a rotational manner, with the drive 16 shown on the left side, which is driven via a cam control.

An alternative embodiment is also shown in Figs. 9A to 9C, wherein a movement of the fluid feeds 6, 7 is brought about by pivoting. According to Fig. 9A, the fluid feed 7 of the second treatment star 2 is shown once in a treatment position and once in a transfer position, wherein in the transfer position the fluid feed 7 is wasted via a rotary joint 21. Here too, the drive 16 takes place via a cam control. A pivoting back into the treatment position outside the transfer section can be brought about via the spring element 22. Figs. 9B and 9C show a slightly different embodiment, in which the pivoting of the fluid feed 7 is made possible via a fork element 30 connected to the fluid feed, which partially surrounds a pipe curve 29.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment in which both fluid feeds 6, 7 are each designed to be pivotable via a swivel joint 21. The fluid feeds 6, 7 are shown in a treatment position in which the end sections 6A, 7A are pivoted out of the container 4 so that the fluid feeds 6, 7 are arranged next to one another in the transfer section 11. The fluid feed 6 also has a shielding bell 13. The movement has a component in the vertical direction which corresponds to a lifting movement H1, H2 and is identical for both fluid feeds 6, 7. An adjustment is thus brought about solely due to the rotation of the treatment stars 1, 2. For this purpose, the fluid feed 7 has a ball head 23 and the fluid feed 6 has a ball socket 24. As soon as the fluid feeds 6, 7 of the treatment stars 1, 2 are moved into the transfer section 11, the ball head 23 is inserted into the ball socket 24 and causes the fluid feeds 6, 7 to pivot into the transfer position. This in turn causes a lifting movement H1, H2 so that the fluid feeds 6, 7 can no longer collide with one another. In order to ensure sufficient flexibility, the fluid supplies 6, 7 also have a bellows 25.

Fig. 11 A, 11 B also show an embodiment in which the fluid feeds 6, 7 are arranged next to one another in the transfer section 11. In the example shown, the fluid feeds 6, 7 are both designed to be movable with a lifting movement H1, H2, wherein in the example shown the lifting movements H1 and H2 are of equal size.

Fig. 11 A shows the fluid feeds 6, 7 in a treatment position, whereby it is clear that in principle both fluid feeds 6, 7 can be arranged with their end section 6A, 7A in the container 4. This is made possible by an adapted geometry, which is shown in the sectional view according to Fig. 11 B. Accordingly, the end sections 6A, 7A each have a non-circular cross-section. This reduces the width in the direction of the respective opposite fluid feed 6, 7 and at the same time creates a sufficiently large cross-section that enables the introduction of the fluid.

Fig. 12 shows an embodiment in which the fluid feeds 6, 7 are arranged obliquely, so that the lifting movement H1, H2 also takes place obliquely with respect to the container 4. In the transfer position shown in Fig. 12, Accordingly, the fluid supplies 6, 7 are arranged next to each other. The stroke is effected by a drive 16.

13 to 16 show various embodiments with a second treatment star 2, which has a treatment device designed as a closer 26. The containers 4 can be closed by means of this closer 26 by screwing a closure cap onto the containers 4 by rotation. The closer 26 can be moved in a stroke H3 running in the vertical direction, whereby the stroke H3 is provided exclusively for screwing the closure cap onto the container 4. The treatment star 1, on the other hand, has a fluid supply 6, which is designed to be movable in a stroke H4 running in the radial direction, so that the closer 26 and the fluid supply 6 can be arranged next to one another in the transfer section 11 without colliding. A cam-controlled drive 15 is provided for this purpose. A roller 15A arranged on the fluid feed 6 rolls on a guide curve 15B, the roller 15A and the guide curve 16A being designed for movement in the radial direction. The fluid feed 6 can then be moved back into the treatment position by means of a spring element 22. Fig. 14 shows a similar design, the curve 15B being arranged directly on the sealer 26.

According to Fig. 15, the fluid supply 6 of the first treatment star 6 is arranged so that it can move both in a vertical direction via the stroke H1 and in a radial direction via the stroke H4. A pivoting mechanism 27 is provided for adjustment, which is driven by a pneumatic drive 15.

The design according to Fig. 16 is similar to that of Fig. 14, but instead of a purely radial offset, pivoting in the radial direction occurs. Fig. 17 to 19 show an embodiment in which the fluid feeds 6, 7 of at least one of the treatment stars 1, 2 are designed to be movable in both a vertical direction and a radial direction. For the sake of clarity, however, only the first treatment star is shown.

1 shown.

Fig. 17 shows the container 2 shortly before entering the transfer section 11, wherein the fluid supply 6 is partially closed for the filling process in the container

2 is arranged. The treatment star 1 also has a first drive 15 with a roller 15A and a guide curve 15B, via which a stroke H can be effected in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a second drive 16 is also provided, which effects a stroke in the radial direction by means of a roller 16B and a guide curve 16B. According to Fig. 17, the first drive 16 and the fluid supply 6 are coupled to one another by means of a magnetically designed actuating element 28, so that the first drive 15 can act on the fluid supply 6.

In the transfer section 11, the first drive 15 according to Fig. 18 causes the fluid supply 6 to be guided out of the container 2. At the same time, the roller 16A of the second drive 16 is brought into contact with the associated guide curve 16B.

According to Fig. 19, the actuating element 28 then decouples the first drive 15 from the fluid supply 6, so that the second drive 16 can effect a stroke in the radial direction. A collision with the opposite fluid supply 7 can be avoided by means of the radial stroke. Behind the transfer section 11, the fluid supply 6 is then introduced into another container 2 in the reverse order. List of reference symbols second treatment star second treatment star third treatment star

Container

Fluid supplies of the first treatment star

Fluid supply of the second treatment star

T ransfer star fourth treatment star fifth treatment star

Transfer section

Container holder

Shielding bell

Head area first drive A Roller of the first drive B Guide curve of the first drive second drive A Roller of the second drive B Guide curve of the second drive

Driver

Hose

Guide tube

Swivel joint

Spring element

Ball head

Ball socket

Bellows

Closing mechanism pivoting

Actuator 29 Pipe curve

30 Fork element

H Stroke

T Transport direction

Claims

Container treatment arrangement for the drinks industry with at least a first and a second rotatably driven treatment star (1, 2), each of which has a plurality of container receptacles (12) arranged along the circumference for transporting containers (4) and each has a treatment device for treating the containers (4), wherein at least the treatment device of the first treatment star (1) has a plurality of fluid feeds (6), wherein the fluid feeds (6) are each assigned to a container receptacle (12), characterized in that the first and the second treatment star (1, 2) are directly connected to one another in a transport direction (T) in a transfer section (11). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment device of the second treatment star (2) also has a plurality of fluid feeds (7), wherein the fluid feeds (7) are each assigned to a container receptacle (12). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid feeds (6) of the treatment device of at least the first treatment star (1) are arranged along a treatment path in a treatment position and in a transfer section (11) in a transfer position deviating therefrom. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the fluid feeds (6, 7) of the treatment devices of the first and/or the second treatment star (1, 2) in the transfer section (11) can each be moved by a movement from the treatment position to the transfer position. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the treatment position and the transfer position are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. Container treatment arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fluid feeds (6, 7) of the first and/or second treatment star (1, 2) are designed to be arranged in the treatment position with an end section in the containers (3). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least the fluid feeds (6) of the first treatment star (1) are adjustable in a lifting manner via an associated drive (15). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least the fluid feeds (6) of the first treatment star (1) are adjustable in a pivoting manner via an associated drive (15). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the drive (15) is cam-controlled. Container treatment arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that at least the fluid feeds (6) of the first treatment star (1) are connected to a fork element (30) which at least partially surrounds a pipe curve (29). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a collision avoidance device for avoiding a collision of the fluid feeds (6) in the transfer section (11). Container treatment arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that sections of the treatment devices are arranged one above the other and/or next to one another in the radial direction, at least in the transfer section (11). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the fluid feeds (6) of the treatment device of the first treatment star (1) are designed to be displaceable in a radial direction or pivotable in a circumferential direction. Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid feeds (6) of at least the first treatment star (1) are inclined. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a third treatment star (3) is arranged in the transport direction (T) immediately in front of the first or behind the second treatment star (1, 2). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or the second treatment star (1, 2) are set up to sterilize the containers (4), to fill the containers (4) or to rinse the containers (4). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) are set up to treat the containers (4) in different ways. Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a treatment device which is designed to close the containers (4). Container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) has a stationary treatment device. Method for treating containers, in particular drinks bottles, in a container treatment arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the containers (4) are fed to the first treatment star (1) and the containers (4) in the first treatment star (1) are subjected to a first fluid for treatment, wherein the containers (4) are then transferred directly from the first treatment star (1) to the second treatment star (2). Method according to claim 20, wherein the containers (4) in the second treatment star (2) are supplied with a second fluid for treatment. Method according to claim 21, wherein the first and second fluids differ from one another. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the containers in one of the treatment stars (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) are closed with a closure cap for treatment. Method according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the fluid feeds (6, 7) are arranged with an end section in the containers (4) during treatment. Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the containers (4) are rinsed, sterilized and/or filled by means of the container treatment device of the first and/or the second treatment star (1, 2).