EP4326627A2

EP4326627A2 - Container treatment system and container treatment method for treating containers

Info

Publication number: EP4326627A2
Application number: EP22710083.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank Winzinger
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2021-04-20
Filing date: 2022-03-03
Publication date: 2024-02-28
Also published as: US20240199401A1; DE102021110009A1; CN117279834A; WO2022223189A2

Description

CONTAINER HANDLING PLANT AND CONTAINER HANDLING PROCESS

FOR TREATMENT OF CONTAINERS

description

The present invention relates to a container treatment system and a container treatment method for treating containers.

Container treatment systems are used for the industrial manufacture of containers and/or for filling a product into containers and/or for labeling containers and/or for packaging containers. Containers are in particular cans, glass bottles, paper bottles, plastic bottles or the like. The product is, for example, a beverage, a cleaning agent, a cosmetic product, a piece of goods, etc. The container treatment system can be, for example, a molding device, a cleaning device, a filling device, a sealing device, an inspection device, a transport device, a furnishing device, a packaging device, etc. or include.

In such a container treatment plant, at least two of the devices mentioned are often arranged one after the other, so that the containers are forwarded from device to device for treatment. In the individual devices, the containers are usually supplied to the respective treatment in a row in which the containers are arranged one after the other. A treatment of a container is, for example, filling it with the product or labeling it with a label. Depending on the design, a container treatment system can achieve a throughput in the 5-digit range range per hour, particularly up to about 96,000 containers per hour or more. Errors in the treatment of the containers therefore usually lead to undesirable and often lengthy plant downtimes.

In order to reduce the risk of undesired system downtimes and, at best, to avoid them, buffer storage tanks are usually provided between the individual devices. In a buffer store, several containers are transported and/or temporarily stored next to each other and one after the other, e.g. in mass transport. As a result, more time is available to react to any errors in the treatment of the containers in the container treatment plant. In addition, the time can be used to refill material, such as labels, product to be filled, cleaning agent, etc., that is required for production in the system in the respective devices.

The elimination of errors, the refilling of material and the conversion of the system to another container type, in particular container size, or product type must usually be carried out by operating personnel. In the case of a larger container treatment plant, more than one person is required for this in order to be able to ensure the smoothest possible operation of the container treatment plant. Operating personnel is time-consuming to train in and is not always easily available. In addition, errors made by the operating personnel during operation of the container treatment system can lead to a system downtime. The result is high costs for the plant operator.

To make matters worse, the container treatment systems usually require a large amount of space. Sometimes individual devices of the container treatment plant are set up in more than one room. At least in such cases, the entire container treatment system is not completely visible to the operating personnel. As a result, operating personnel who have undergone extensive training cannot always foresee in good time or correctly which activities are to be carried out next and when.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a container treatment system and a container treatment method for treating containers, with which the aforementioned problems can be solved. In particular, a container treatment system and a container treatment method for treating containers are to be provided, with which the operation of the container treatment system can be implemented cost-effectively and with a low probability of system downtimes. This object is achieved by a container treatment system for treating containers according to the independent device claim. The container treatment plant has at least two container treatment devices for treating a container by at least one of the following types of treatment, namely transporting, buffering, sorting, distributing, unpacking, unlabelling, unscrewing, drying, grouping, inspecting, heating, forming, outfitting, coating, sterilizing, filling, Closing, cleaning, packaging, palletizing, depalletizing, a detection device for detecting at least one operating state of the at least two container treatment devices, and an evaluation device designed to evaluate the detection result of the detection device in relation to the type of operating condition detected.

A container treatment device can treat containers, for example, in two or three ways, in particular simultaneously, e.g. transporting with a labeling carousel while the container is being equipped or shaped with liquid product, i.e. shaping during filling.

The at least two container treatment devices can be at a distance from one another, preferably at least one meter, more preferably at least 5 m, even more preferably at least 20 m.

The two container treatment devices can be arranged in the same plant area. A plant area can, for example, be divided into a wet part (where the filler is located, among other things) or a dry part (where a packaging machine for packing filled containers into secondary packaging or a palletizer or a perfect pack making machine is located) or a return part (for sorting/unpacking and possibly . Cleaning returned empties) or a warehouse (for storing loaded pallets).

The two container treatment devices can alternatively be arranged in different plant areas.

Plant areas can be separated from each other by walls (except passage openings for containers / container conveyors / people). One of the two container treatment devices preferably performs a type of treatment of the containers that the other does not perform.

In particular, it may be the case that both container treatment devices each carry out a type of treatment with the containers that the other does not carry out.

In particular, it may be that three container treatment devices are provided, each of which carries out a type of treatment with the containers, while the other two do not.

With the container treatment system, the operating states of at least two devices of the container treatment system can be determined very reliably and in little time. As a result, measures can be determined more quickly and/or better that are to be initiated for the correct reaction to the operating state detected in each case or are to be carried out one after the other in a predetermined sequence.

In particular, it is possible with the container treatment system to inform the operating personnel or robots of the type of error in a reliable manner. Robots and/or refill units can then automatically carry out the activity to be carried out, such as refilling material etc. or changing sets of the devices.

In addition, it is possible more quickly and with great reliability, in particular to give the operating personnel specific instructions as to which activities are to be carried out. As a result, pending activities to rectify an error or to refill material in a container treatment device can be completed in such a way that an error does not occur or an error that has occurred has a negative effect on processing in at least one subsequent container treatment device. In addition, errors can be corrected quickly with the help of the instructions.

All of these measures have the advantageous result that the operating personnel can be guided in a targeted manner and without detours in order to carry out the pending activities in the correct sequence.

In doing so, it is possible to tell the operating personnel the optimal route in the container treatment system for the upcoming activities. As a result, the operating personnel can avoid unnecessary journeys and/or activities. In addition, safety-critical situations can be avoided. As a result, the operating personnel can work particularly efficiently and safely. In addition, production with the container treatment system can be optimized and run smoothly.

Overall, the induction and any repeated training(s) of the operating personnel are significantly less time-consuming and costly due to the described configuration of the container treatment system.

The container treatment plant is thus designed in such a way that the number and/or duration of undesired plant downtimes can be minimized. In addition, the container treatment plant can minimize rejects. All this contributes to an optimized and ultimately very cost-effective use of resources.

Advantageous further configurations of the container treatment system are specified in the dependent patent claims.

The evaluation device may be designed to evaluate which at least one activity is to be performed on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices as a result of the at least one operating state detected by the detection device.

According to one configuration, the evaluation device is designed to determine at least one indication of the at least one activity to be performed on the at least one container treatment device on the basis of the detected operating state and in particular to an operator and/or a refill unit of the at least one container treatment device and/or to a device output for storing the at least one piece of information for use in the future operation of the container treatment system.

According to another embodiment, the evaluation device is designed to evaluate which shortest route an operator has to travel to carry out the evaluated at least one activity, the evaluation device being designed in particular to output the evaluated shortest route for the operator. In this case, the evaluation device can be designed to determine the shortest route in relation to the container treatment system and/or the entire premises of a company in which the container treatment system is installed.

According to another embodiment, the evaluation device is designed to evaluate which material is to be reordered as a result of the at least one operating state detected by the detection device on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices. In this case, the evaluation device can be designed to output information about the material to be reordered to a display device for display.

It is conceivable that the type of operating state detected includes the type of error that occurs in the container treatment device. The type of error can include whether the error endangers the safety of an operator of the at least one container treatment device and/or how quickly the error can be rectified in order not to endanger the safety of the at least one container treatment device or the operator of the at least one container treatment device, wherein the evaluation device is designed in particular to evaluate the order in which activities are to be carried out or blocked as a result of the at least one operating state detected by the detection device on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices.

In one embodiment, the detection device can have at least one camera, which is arranged at a distance of at least 1 m, preferably at least 3 m, above (in the vertical direction further away from the center of the earth) the at least two container treatment devices of the container treatment plant, if possible the entire container treatment plant.

It may be that the detection device is arranged in a range between 1 m and 20 m, preferably between 3 m and 15 m, more preferably between 4 m and 10 m, above a floor on which one of the two container treatment devices stands.

The detection device can be designed to receive an optical signal (eg light) from the two container treatment devices. The optical signal includes the operating status. In particular, it can be the case that an optical signal is deflected via at least one mirror and reaches the detection device. A mirror can be arranged for deflecting optical signals at a level between the treatment device and the detection device.

Additionally or alternatively, the detection device can have the evaluation device. Additionally or alternatively, the container treatment system has a control device which is designed to control the at least one container treatment device and which has at least part of the evaluation device.

Optionally, the detection device has at least one mirror which is arranged to direct an optical signal from the container treatment system to the detection device.

Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation device can be configured to use data from a device for evaluating the detection result of the at least one detection device, which stores at least one indication that was determined and output during the previous operation of the container treatment system. Additionally or alternatively, the container treatment system can be designed to receive at least one indication from an external device, which at least one activity is to be carried out on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices.

For example, the following container treatment devices can be assigned to the types of container treatment mentioned:

Buffers: accumulation conveyors for containers or bundles containing containers or transporters for mass transport or dynamic buffers for buffering individual containers, FIFO buffers for containers, FILO buffers for containers, preform feed chute, preferably part of the wet end

Sorting: Gripping devices for reusable containers, for example for transferring containers from or into crates, switches for classification, preform sorters (preform hoppers), closure sorters, with already filled and closed containers preferably part of the wet part or with empty containers preferably part of the return part Grouping: Dividers for creating groups of containers for packaging, such as restraint dividers and/or push bars

Inspect: Inspection devices of all kinds, for example for inspecting the wall thickness of PET bottles, temperatures of preforms, fill level inspection, container type detection, lye detection inside the container, for checking the presence of containers or the number of containers passed, label position control device

Heating: oven for preforms to heat them (preferably part of the wet part or sometimes also part of a dry part, e.g. connected to the wet part by a long air transport), oven for shrinking shrink film onto bundles (part of the dry part)

Moulding: Stretch Blow Molding Machine, Extrusion Blow Molding Machine (each preferably part of the wet end or sometimes also part of a dry end, e.g. connected to the wet end by a long air transport), Injection Molding Machine (separate plant area, but can also be part of the wet end or part of the dry end), Mold Filling Machine (Part of the wet part), each preferably designed as a rotary machine, i.e. with a treatment carousel

Equip: Labeling machine, direct printing machine for direct printing on containers, preferably as a rotary machine, direct printing machine for direct printing on labels, banding machines for the top area (e.g. locking device for corks), each preferably part of the wet part, but can also be part of the dry part

Distribution: Picking machines, switches, turning and distribution machines, robots for sorting containers or bundles according to type, line distributors (preferably part of the dry part in each case)

Unpacking: Grippers for containers to remove containers from crates, robots (preferably part of the dry part or return part)

Sorting: picking machines, switches, turning and distribution machines, robots for sorting containers or bundles according to type, line distributors (preferably part of the dry part or return part) De-labeling: devices for detaching labels (preferably part of the return part)

Unscrewing: Devices for removing a closure from a container, unscrewing device, uncapping device (preferably part of the return part)

Coating: Internal coating devices to improve the

Barrier properties of containers, especially plasma coating devices (part of the wet or dry part)

Sterilization: continuous pasteurizers, devices for turning containers in hot-fill systems for sterilizing the lid, sterilization machines for applying sterilizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid to container interior and/or exterior surfaces (preferably part of the wet end)

Filling: Piston fillers, bag fillers, bottle fillers, form filling devices, pulp fillers, each preferably as a rotary machine (each part of the wet end)

Capping: container capper, crown cap capper, screw capper, each preferably as a rotary machine (each part of the wet part)

Cleaning: Rinsers, preferably as rotary machines, cleaning machines for removing labels and/or for alkaline and/or acid cleaning of reusable containers, cleaning devices for cleaning or sterilizing treatment devices (each part of the wet part)

Packaging: Shrink packers, cartoning machines for packing groups of containers in boxes, trays or the like, wrapping machines for wrapping groups of containers with packaging material, banding machines, stretch film packers, shrink tunnels, handle applicators for applying handles to container bundles, erectors for boxes or trays, inserters for inserting containers into Outer packaging (e.g. boxes), paper packaging machines for packaging containers with paper blanks, combinations thereof (each part of the dry part) Drying: Drying devices with nozzles for blowing off moisture on the outer surfaces of the container, mostly in front of labeling or direct printing machines or machines for manufacturing adhesive packs (preferably part of the wet or dry part in each case)

Gluing: Container manufacturing machine with nozzles for applying adhesive to containers and for merging these containers with other containers to produce a so-called adhesive container, devices for providing containers containing containers with adhesive to secure containers from one pallet layer to other containers in this layer or to secure a layer to the adjacent layer above or below (in each case preferably part of the dry part)

Palletizing: Stacking devices for stacking layers from bundles or individual containers, inserting devices for intermediate layers, robots (each part of the dry part)

Depalletizing: Destacking devices for unstacking layers, e.g. pushers for new glass bottles or cans, robots (each part of the dry or return part)

Transporting: Conveyor belts or transport chains for transporting containers standing or lying on them, transport stars, feed chutes for closures or preforms or can rinsers (can be part of all areas)

The object is also achieved by a container treatment method for treating containers according to the independent method claim. The method is carried out with a container treatment system which has at least two container treatment devices, a detection device and an evaluation device, the method having the steps: detecting, with the detection device, at least one operating state of the at least two container treatment devices, treating with the at least two container treatment devices, one Container by at least one of the following types of treatment, namely transporting, buffering, sorting, grouping, inspecting, heating, forming, forming, equipping, grouping, distributing, unpacking, sorting, de-labelling, unscrewing, drying, coating, sterilizing, filling, sealing, cleaning , packing, palletizing, depalletizing, and evaluating, with the Evaluation device, the detection result of the at least one detection device for determining the type of the detected operating state.

The container treatment method achieves the same advantages as previously mentioned in relation to the container treatment plant.

In the container treatment method described above, the treatment step can be carried out at least partially before the detection step.

Alternatively or additionally, the detection step and the treatment step can be carried out simultaneously at least temporarily.

It is possible for the detection step to be carried out intermittently at predetermined time intervals or continuously.

The object is also achieved by a container treatment system for treating containers according to the independent system claim.

The container treatment system has at least two container treatment systems, each with a container treatment device for treating containers by at least one of the following types of treatment, namely transporting, buffering, sorting, distributing, unpacking, de-labelling, unscrewing, drying, grouping, inspecting, heating, shaping, equipping, coating , sterilizing, filling, sealing, cleaning, packaging, palletizing, depalletizing. The system also has a detection device for detecting at least one operating state of at least one container treatment device of both container treatment systems and an evaluation device that is designed to evaluate the detection result of the detection device in relation to the type of operating condition detected.

The two treatment systems can partially or entirely have the same container treatment devices for treating containers, e.g. both each have a filler or both each have a packaging machine.

In particular, it can be the case that operating states of at least two container treatment devices which treat the containers in the same way can be detected by a detection device. Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing and using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 shows a block diagram of a container treatment system according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a mobile display device with a display for operating personnel of the container treatment system;

3 to 5 each show a different display relating to operating states of the container treatment system according to the first exemplary embodiment;

6 shows an example of a display of an evaluation that can be carried out with the container treatment system according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 7 shows another example for a display of an evaluation with the

Container treatment system according to the first embodiment is executable;

8 shows a block diagram of a container treatment system according to a second embodiment;

9 shows a block diagram of a container treatment system according to a third

embodiment;

10 shows a block diagram of a container treatment system according to a fourth

embodiment;

11 shows a block diagram of a container treatment system according to a fifth

embodiment; and 12 shows a block diagram of a container treatment system according to a sixth embodiment.

In the figures, elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols unless otherwise stated.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a container treatment plant 1. In the

Container treatment plant 1 of FIG. 1, containers 2 are treated with a large number of devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 65, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140, which are of the series are arranged one after the other. The devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 are connected downstream and/or upstream of each other. The devices 10, 20 are part of the return part. The devices 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 65, 69, 70, first 80, 90 form a wet area or "wet part" of the container treatment system 1, the conveyors, e.g. 63 up to position 90, are also included. The second devices 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 form a dry area or "dry part" of the container treatment system 1.

The containers 2 (a preform should also be a container) should be in the

Container treatment plant 1 are treated, so that the container 2 is filled with a product 42 and packed in a predetermined packaging unit 3. The predetermined packaging unit 3 is a container (or an adhesive connection among the containers 2) in which the containers 2 are arranged. The packaging unit 3 is grouped into tiers 3A so that the containers 2 can be delivered to a customer for wholesale or retail sale. Depending on the design, the container treatment system 1 can treat a large number of containers 2, so that up to around 10,000 containers 2 per hour or up to around 96,000 containers 2 per hour or more containers 2 per hour from the container treatment system 2 are completely filled, equipped (e.g. printed or labelled) and packaged.

In FIG. 1, the system 1 for the treatment of cans is designed as a container 2. Alternatively, the system 1 of FIG. 1 can be configured as container 2 for the treatment of glass containers, such as a yoghurt jar or jam jar, or glass bottles. For the sake of clarity, only one container 2 is shown in FIG. 1, even if the container treatment system 1 treats a large number of containers 2 in succession and/or at least at times simultaneously. The container treatment system 1 has at least one detection device 4, 5, which is designed to detect at least one operating state of the system 1. The at least one detection device 4, 5 is arranged to record the operating status of at least two of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 65, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 capture. The container treatment system 1, in particular its devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140, can be operated by at least one operator 7.

In the example of FIG. 1, the detection device 4 is arranged to detect the current operating status of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and at least partially of the devices 60, 69, 70. Additionally or alternatively, the device 4 can detect gaps between the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 69, 70.

The detection device 4 thus detects the operating states of the wet area of the container treatment system 1. The detection device 4 carries out an intermittent detection with predetermined time intervals or a continuous detection.

With each type of detection, the detection device 4 can record either a photo or a video.

Depending on the result of the detection of the operating states, the detection device 4 can carry out one of the types of detection, namely intermittent detection or continuous detection.

The detection device 5 of FIG. 1 is arranged to detect the current operating status of the devices 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 and at least partially of the devices 60, 69, 70. Additionally or alternatively, the device 5 can detect gaps between the devices 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140. The detection device 5 thus detects the operating states of the dry area of the container treatment system 1.

The detector 5 performs intermittent detection at predetermined time intervals or continuous detection. With each type of detection, the detection device 4 can record either a photo or a video. Depending on the result of the detection of the operating states, the detection device 5 can carry out one of the types of detection, namely intermittent detection or continuous detection.

The detection of specific devices is only shown here as an example; alternatively, a labeling machine 90 and a pasteurizer 70 could also only be detected by the detection device 4 . It is also conceivable to detect all or only two, three, four . . . of the devices shown with just one detection device 4 or with three detection devices (not shown).

In order to determine the type of detection, the detection device 4 has an evaluation device 4A. The detection device 5 has an evaluation device 5A in order to determine the type of detection.

The at least one detection device 4, 5 is arranged at a distance of at least 3 m, preferably at least 5 m, above the container treatment system 1.

The at least one detection device 4, 5 can be arranged statically. Alternatively, the at least one detection device 4, 5 is arranged such that it can be rotated or displaced about or along at least one axis.

For this purpose, the at least one detection device 4, 5 can be mounted on a vehicle that can be moved in space in the at least one axis. Alternatively, the at least one detection device 4, 5 is designed as a drone. Irrespective of the statements mentioned, the detection field of at least two detection devices 4, 5 can at least partially and/or at least temporarily overlap.

It is alternatively or additionally possible certain areas of the

Container treatment plant 1 not to be recorded.

Each detection device 4, 5 preferably has at least one camera. At least two cameras can be designed to be movable, in particular rotatable or displaceable, relative to one another. At least two cameras can have a field of view that at least partially and/or at least temporarily overlaps. The field of detection at least one detection device 4, 5 is directed in the direction of the respective devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 of the system 1, whose operating status corresponds to the detection device 4 , 5 is to be detected as previously described.

Each of the detection devices 4, 5 can additionally or alternatively have an infrared camera. As a result, the corresponding detection device 4, 5 is designed to detect temperatures. The detection device 4, 5 can, for example, detect and use the temperature to regulate devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 of the system 1. In particular, the temperature can be used to control a drying device 80 upstream of the device 90 .

During the detection, in the room or in the building in which the container treatment plant 1, or at least parts 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 thereof, stands or stand, be dark.

The respective evaluation devices 4A, 5A can select the need for continuous detection or detection at predetermined time intervals depending on a speed or temperature that occurs when the containers 2 are treated with one of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 is present. For this purpose, the respective evaluation devices 4A, 5A optionally evaluate at least one detection result from at least one additional detection device or sensor, which is designed to detect temperature and/or speed. The at least one detection device 4, 5 is designed for receiving and sending data according to the detection result for wireless and/or wired data transmission.

Each of the evaluation devices 4A, 5A evaluates the respective detection result. In this case, the evaluation device 4A, 5A can compare the respective detection result with desired states. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation device 4A, 5A can compare the respective detection result with a detection result that was previously recorded, in particular before a predetermined period of time.

Instead of the two evaluation devices 4A, 5A, only one evaluation device 4A can alternatively be provided for two or a large number of detection devices. In addition, the respective evaluation device 4A, 5A creates a message for the operator 7, which the evaluation device 4A, 5A outputs to a display device 8 for the operator 7.

In the example in FIG. 1, the display device 8 is a mobile, preferably portable, display device. Alternatively or additionally, the display device 8 can be a static display device, at least temporarily. This is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 .

Each evaluation device 4A, 5A can, in particular, have software. The software is designed to carry out the function of the evaluation device 4A, 5A and thus to evaluate the detection results of the at least one detection device 4, 5.

At least one of the evaluation devices 4A, 5A can carry out its evaluation at least partially together with the other of the evaluation devices 4A, 5A. In this case, one of the evaluation devices 4A, 5A acts as a master. The at least one other evaluation device 4A, 5A acts as a slave that is subordinate to the master in terms of control.

At least one of the evaluation devices 4A, 5A can carry out its evaluation at least partially together with a control device 150 of the container treatment system 1 or a control device of at least one of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, Run 120, 130, 140.

Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation device 4A, 5A is optionally designed to use the evaluation of the detection result of the associated detection device 4, 5 based on data from the display device 8 and/or the external device 160, which stores at least one indication that was used in the previous operation of the Container treatment plant 1 was determined and issued.

The control device 150 of the container treatment system 1 can be designed in particular as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The control devices of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 are not shown in the figures. The control device 150 can have at least part of the evaluation device 4A, 5A. At least one, preferably all, control devices of devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 can be a programmable logic controller (PLC).

The control device 150 of the container treatment system 1 is connected to an external device 160 . As a result, the system 1 can be integrated into remote maintenance. In particular, employees in another room can access at least one of the detection devices 4, 5 in order to observe the operator(s) 7 in order to correct errors.

In this way it is also possible to guide the operator(s) 7 to the points in the system 1 where activities are to be carried out. Alternatively, the external device 160 belongs to an external company whose employees should have access to the control device 150 of the container treatment system 1 and/or who should have at least one detection device 4, 5.

The connection or the data exchange between the control device 150 and the external device 160 can be implemented at least partially via the Internet.

According to FIG. 1, the container treatment system 1 has a container magazine 10 which, in the example of FIG. 1, is designed as a can magazine. Empty containers 2 are held in the container magazine 10, in particular on pallets 12. The containers 2, which are therefore unfilled, are to be treated in the container treatment system 1, in particular after removal from a pallet 12, which is also referred to as depalletizing, are filled with a product and finally packed as a filled and appropriately labeled or equipped container 2 in a predetermined packaging unit 3 are put together in such a way that the containers 2 can be delivered to a customer. For this purpose, the containers 2 are each transported through the container treatment system 1 in a transport direction TR. This is described in more detail below.

The container treatment system 1 has a depalletizing device 20 for depalletizing. The depalletizing device 20 removes the empty containers 2 individually from a pallet 12 and feeds the containers 2 to a rinsing device 30 .

The rinsing device 30 has a tank 31 in which the rinsing liquid 32 is stored. The containers 2 are rinsed with the rinsing liquid 32 in the rinsing device 30 . Thereby the empty containers 2 are cleaned in such a way that the containers 2 can be fed to a filling device 40 for filling. Contrary to what is shown, the rinsing device 30 can be designed as a chute, along which nozzles for dispensing rinsing liquid into the cans are arranged.

The filling device 40 has at least one tank 41 for receiving a product 42 to be filled into the containers 2 . The product 42 can have different consistencies, in particular it can be liquid and/or solid and/or at least partially gaseous or a powder. For example, the product 42 is a foodstuff, in particular a carbonated or non-carbonated drink, yoghurt, jam, porridge, vegetables, nuts, etc., or a cleaning agent or a cosmetic product, or paint or tablets, etc. The filling device 40 has two filling units for filling 45, 46, by which the containers 2 are respectively held and transported, so that the containers 2 can be filled with the product 42. The filling device 40 forwards the filled containers 2 individually, one after the other, to a sealing device 50 with a transport star wheel 54 . Alternatively, the reference sign 45 can also be a rinser and the position sign 30 can only be conveyors.

The closing device 50 has at least one magazine 51 for receiving container closures 52 with which the filled containers 2 are to be closed. The container closures 52 are can lids when cans are to be treated as containers 2. The container closures 52 are crown caps or screw caps, for example, if the containers 2 are made of glass, in particular as glass bottles or glass containers. The closures 52 are transported along a closure chute (not shown) from the closure magazine 51 to the closure device 50 where they are applied to the containers 50 . The closing device 50 transfers the filled containers 2 individually, one after the other, to a transport device 60 with a transport star wheel 56 .

As can be seen, the devices 30, 45, 46, 50 can be treatment carousels, also called rotary machines.

In particular, filler 46 and capper 50 can each have a plurality of container treatment stations (filling valves and capping heads) along their circumference, which are arranged at equidistant distances from one another and which rotate in circles during the treatment (filling and capping), especially continuously.

The transport device 60 has at least one tank 61 for holding lubricant 62. In addition, the transport device 60 has a large number of transporters 63, optionally switches 64 and buffers 65.

Each transport dog 63 and a switch 64 has at least one belt which is arranged transversely to the transport direction TR or the respective transport dog 63 or the switch 64 of the transport device 60 . The belts can be designed as chains with a large number of chain links, on which the filled containers 2 are transported in a standing position. The chains are designed as endless chains that revolve around deflection rollers of the respective conveyor 63 or switch 64 . The chains of the conveyors 63 can circulate at different speeds. The lubricant 62 is provided for lubricating the chains to help the containers 2 slide. The lubricant 62 can be used in particular during the lateral transfer from transport dog 63 to transport dog 63 .

The diverter 64 and the buffer 65 are used to regulate the container flow between the closing device 50 and the downstream devices 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140. The switch 64 can be used to transport the containers 2 to a pasteurizer 70 more quickly, ie without intermediate buffering. Depending on the product 42, the containers 2 can be treated in the pasteurizer 70 (sterilized by heat) or can be guided past the pasteurizer 70 with conveyors 63.

If more time is needed, for example because the pasteurizer 70 and/or the downstream devices 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 are/is not yet ready for the treatment of the containers 2 or temporarily run slower than the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, the switch 64 is set in such a way that the containers 2 are not transported via the switch 64 but up to the buffer 65. The buffer 65 deflects the previous transport direction TR of the containers 2 in the opposite direction. As a result, the containers 2 are routed from the buffer 65 via the downstream conveyors 63 to the pasteurizer 70 . The buffer 65 could alternatively or additionally be arranged between the pasteurizer 70 and the labeling machine 90 and/or between the labeling machine 90 and the packer.

The buffer 65 is adjustable on the conveyors 63 from the position shown in FIG. 1 such that the buffer 65 is arranged closer towards the adjacent conveyors 63 . As a result, the transporters 63 can accommodate fewer containers 2. Alternatively, the buffer 65 can be adjusted from the position shown in FIG. 1 in such a way that the buffer 65 is arranged at the free end of the transporters 63, for example. As a result, the conveyors 63 on which the buffer 65 is arranged can accommodate the maximum number of containers 2.

The transport device 60 can thus be used to regulate the number of containers 2 that are currently in the transport device 60 in front of the subsequent devices 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140. In addition, the transport device 60 can regulate the speed at which the containers 2 are fed to the downstream devices 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140. The wider a conveyor 63 is, the more containers 2 can be transported side by side in the so-called mass transport. In particular, wider conveyors 63 can be used to reduce the transport speed of the containers 2. The width of the individual conveyors 63 can also be regulated by displaceable railings, which set the width of the conveyors 63 between a maximum width and a minimum width. In addition or as an alternative to this, the speed of the individual conveyors 63 can be regulated in order to accelerate or decelerate the containers 2 from one conveyor 63 to a downstream conveyor 63 .

In particular, at least one chain of a conveyor 63 can rotate at a different speed than at least one other chain of a conveyor 63.

At least one inspection device 69 which inspects the containers 2 can be provided on the transport device 60 . If a container 2 does not meet the required quality and is therefore classified as defective, the container 2 is sorted out by the inspection device 69 . The pasteurizer 70 is designed to pasteurize foods such as beer, etc. in the containers 2 . After pasteurization, the containers 2 are forwarded to a drying device 80 with at least one conveyor 63 .

The drying device 80 is designed to dry the containers 2 . The containers 2 are dried in such a way that the containers 2 are suitably dried for the subsequent treatments with the downstream devices 90 , 100 , 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 . Thereafter, the containers 2 are forwarded to an equipment device 90 .

The outfitting device 90 has at least one tank 91 for holding glue 92 and at least one outfitting unit 95, 96

Equipment unit 95 a labeling unit that uses the glue 92 to equip the containers 2 with labels 97 . For example, the equipment unit 96 is a printing unit that prints the containers 2 directly and/or the labels 97 at least partially with a print 98 . The print 98 can be written, such as a best before date or production date, or a predetermined image as a label or at least a part of the label. In addition, the outfitting device 90 can have a unit for coating the containers 2 with a predetermined coating, in particular as a pretreatment of containers to be printed by a further unit.

In the outfitting device 90, the containers 2 are held and transported in such a way that the containers 2 are moved past the at least one outfitting unit 95, 96 for the intended outfitting. The outfitting device 90 forwards the filled containers 2 individually, one after the other, to a downstream drying device 80 .

Like the filler 46, the equipping device can be designed as a rotary machine, although treatment is carried out at least partially (the containers can be rotated on the carousel) by a stationary unit.

The second drying device 80 dries condensate that has formed in the meantime on the container surface (in particular when cold product is filled in the filler 46 and no pasteurizer 70 or pasteurization is provided and when the transport between the labeling machine 90 and the packer is longer) and/or the print (color) 98 on the containers 2. The drying device 80 carries out the drying in such a way that the equipped container 2 are suitably dried for the subsequent treatments with the downstream devices 100, 110, 120, 130, 140. The second drying device 80, possibly all of them, can also be dispensed with in some cases.

Thereafter, the containers 2 are forwarded to a distribution device 100 .

The distribution device 100 distributes the containers 2 to two or more transport lanes. Each transport track can be formed by a transporter 63. Thereafter, the containers 2 are forwarded to a packaging device 110 (also called a “packer”).

The packaging device 110 has a magazine 111 for a packaging material 112. The packaging material 112 is in particular foil or another suitable material, possibly also adhesive. In the packaging device 110 the containers 2 are packed with the packaging material 112 into a predetermined packaging unit 3 . For this purpose, the containers 2 are grouped into groups of at least two containers 2, for example. The containers 2 are then bound to form a bundle with the packaging material 112, in particular foil. A mirror 6 is provided for the detection device 5 on the packaging device 110 of FIG. 1 . The mirror 6 is arranged in such a way that the detection device 5 can see the development of the film. The mirror 6 can direct an optical signal from the container treatment system 1, in particular from the magazine 111, to the detection device 5. In addition, the packaging device 100 has a shrink tunnel 115, with which the film (packaging material 112) is shrunk onto the grouped containers 2 in order to form the container bundle as a packaging unit 3.

Alternatively, the packaging device 110 can be an adhesive bundle production device, by means of which containers 2 are connected to one another via adhesive applications to form bundles 3 of two or more containers. The adhesive pack manufacturing device can have nozzles which apply dots of adhesive to the outer surfaces of the container. Furthermore, it can have a merging device which brings the containers provided with adhesive together for gluing them together.

The packaging device 110 outputs the predetermined packaging units 3 to a conveyor 63 which forwards the packaging unit 3 to an optional handle assembly device 120 . The handle assembly device 120 attaches a handle 122 to each packaging unit 3 . A magazine (not shown) can also be provided for the handle 122 . The handle 122 facilitates the transport of the packaging unit in stores. The packaging unit 3 is forwarded to a sorting device 130 by a conveyor 63 .

The sorting device 130 can, for example, have a robot 133 in the form of a tripod above the transport level in order to arrange the packaging units 3 in a position pattern by rotating and/or moving them. Alternatively or additionally, robots 135, 136 can be provided, which arrange the packaging units 3 in layers 3A, in which the packaging units 3 (also called bundles) are arranged, for example, in rows next to one another and one after the other. Thereafter, the layers 3A are forwarded to a palletizing device 140 .

The palletizing device 140 is designed to arrange the layers 3A output by the sorting device 130 on pallets 142 . The loaded pallets 142 can thus be delivered for sale of the containers 2 in stores.

Depending on the spatial conditions, the container treatment system 1 can have a different arrangement of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 than shown in FIG previously described. In particular, the container treatment system 1 can be arranged in at least two separate rooms.

Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that all devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 are arranged in a long row one after the other without deflections in the transport direction TR between the individual devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 are required.

FIG. 2 shows a display 8A, which the operator 7 can display with the display device 8 when the detection devices 4, 5 for the container treatment system 1 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 2 , the display device 8 is a mobile display device, for example a mobile telephone with a display device, in particular a smartphone, or a tablet PC (PC=personal computer) or the like. The display device 8 has a housing 83, a Screen 84 and at least one manually operated control element 85. The screen 84 can be a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen).

The display 8A contains information 8B which a detection device 4 or, in the case of several, the detection devices 4, 5 have output to the display device 8.

The information 8B can, for example, include a filling status of magazines or tanks.

The information 8B can alternatively or additionally indicate to the operator 7 which activities are pending next in the container treatment system 1 and are therefore to be carried out by the operator. For the sake of clarity, not all references 8B are provided with a reference number in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 3 shows the display 8A of FIG. 2 in an enlarged view. The display 8A can show an indication 8B of the fill level of the magazine 10, an indication 8B of the fill level of the tank 31 for the rinsing liquid 32 of the rinsing device 30, an indication 8B of the fill level of the tank 41 for the product 42 that is poured from the filling device 40 into the containers 2 is to be filled, an indication 8B regarding the filling level of the magazine 51 for container closures 52 of the closing device 50, an indication 8B regarding the filling level of a magazine for labels 92 of the unit 95 of the equipment device 90, an indication 8B regarding the filling level of a magazine for labels 92 and/or Print color of the unit 96 of the equipment device 90 and/or an indication 8B of the filling level of the magazine/tank 111 for film 112 or adhesive of the packaging device 110.

In addition, an optical identification TD can be used to indicate which device elements of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 of Annex 1 activities are to be carried out.

The display 8A can be designed to be configurable with regard to the number and type of information 8B. For example, a machine operator can set the display 8A in such a way that only information 8B about fill levels is displayed if these fall below a certain value. According to the display 8A of FIG. 3, the magazine 10, the unit 95 and the magazine 111 are marked with an optical identification TD in the form of hatching. Alternatively or additionally, a different pattern or image can be used for the identification TD. Optionally, the optical identification TD can be made with at least one color that differs from other colors of the display 8A. Additionally or alternatively, the identification TD can be made visually recognizable by flashing.

The display 8A of FIG. 3 thus conveys to the operator 7 in a visually perceptible manner that the filling levels of the magazine 10, the unit 95 and the magazine 111 are no longer sufficient and the material in them will soon run out. Thus, the display 8A indicates what kind of work and where in the plant 1 is to be performed in the near future. In the near future means that the particular activity is to be carried out next.

The display 8A can prioritize the activities so that it can be seen which activities are to be carried out particularly urgently, in particular first.

The operator 7 can therefore use the display 8A to take the right measures in good time so that the operation of the container treatment system 1 does not have to be interrupted, but can continue as intended.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the tanks 31, 41, 61 or magazine 51 etc. can be provided with a glass pane, in particular with a calibration, so that the associated device 4, 5 can measure the fill level of the tank 31, 41, 61 or magazine 51 etc. can capture directly.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one evaluation device 4A, 5A can output a signal to magazine 10 and/or unit 95 and/or magazine 111, so that magazine 10 and/or unit 95 and/or magazine 111 sends the required Material fills up automatically.

Alternatively or additionally, the detection device 5 can also forward the detection result to a database. For example, the database can reflect the inventory of a warehouse. The detection result can thus be used to automatically process materials such as labels 92, printing ink, foil 112, rinsing liquid 32, Product 42, Lubricant 61, etc. to be reordered when the level in the corresponding magazine or tank is getting low.

FIG. 4 shows another example of a display 8A on the display device 8 of FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 4, the operator 7 is also shown where the operator 7 is located in the system 1.

Optionally, the display 8A can additionally or alternatively show where a mobile robot 7A that may be present is located in the system 1 . The robot 7A can be used in particular for changing device elements when the system 1 is to be switched over from the production of a first predetermined type of container to a second predetermined type of container. The first predetermined type of container is, for example, a glass bottle 2 with a capacity for 200 ml of cola. The second predetermined type of container is, for example, a glass bottle 2 with a capacity for 500 ml of lemonade.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one evaluation device 4A, 5A can output a signal to the robot 7A, so that the robot 7A fills up the magazine 10 and/or the unit 95 and/or the magazine 111 as required.

In addition, the operator 7 is shown with information 8C which path the operator 7 and, if necessary, a robot in the system 1 should cover in order to be able to carry out the pending activities particularly efficiently and/or according to their urgency.

If all work is done exclusively by robot 7A, a display is not absolutely necessary - the data with the routes/activities can be transmitted to the robot in this case, in particular wirelessly, without a display.

The display of the route cannot only contain a room in which the system 1 is installed. If required, a display for more than one room, in particular for the entire company premises, is possible. For example, bearings can also be displayed.

The notes 8C are also read by the at least one detection device 4, 5, in particular the evaluation device(s) 4A, 5A, from at least one Capture result created. For this purpose, the at least one detection device 4, 5 can also use detection data from at least one position sensor. The at least one detection device 4, 5 outputs signals to the display device 8 of FIG. 2 in order to display the indications 8C, as shown in FIG. 4 as an example.

The operator 7 is therefore better supported with the aid of the display 8A of FIG. 4 in order to be able to take the correct measures in good time so that the operation of the container treatment system 1 does not have to be interrupted but can continue as intended.

When creating the sequence of activities to be carried out next, the display 8A can take into account route optimization and/or time optimization, in particular taking into account predetermined or historical data or data about the current output of the container treatment system. For example, refilling a more distant magazine or tank may be more urgent than that of a closer magazine or tank, but it is known that refilling the nearer magazine or tank is still feasible before the more distant magazine or tank is empty, so the display shows 8A specified by a hint 8C that the nearer magazine should be filled first. In another example, it may be known that a system stop (for other reasons) is pending or is currently occurring - in this case, the activities can also be reprioritized in a way-optimized or time-optimized manner.

5 shows yet another example of a display 8A on the display device 8 of FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 5, in addition to the operating states of FIG .

In the example shown, a container 2 has burst in the unit 46 of the filling device 40 so that broken pieces in the filling device 40 have to be removed. In addition, a container 2 has fallen over on the conveyor 63 at the outlet of the equipment device 90, causing a jam. The display 8A of the operator 7 shows these two error states optically with an optical identification TD1. The optical marking TD1 is designed differently than the optical marking TD. As a result, error states can be reliably distinguished from other operating states, such as filling states, etc. The optical identification TD1 can also contain text included, which indicates the nature of the error and/or the nature of the work to be performed.

In addition, visual identifiers TD2 are displayed to the operator 7 in the display 8A of FIG. 5 . A visual identification TD2 is displayed, for example, on the conveyor 63 with the buffer 65, namely that the bearing for a buffer carriage of the buffer 65 is to be relubricated.

These two maintenance statuses are displayed with a different optical identifier than the optical identifier TD1 and also differently than the optical identifier TD. As a result, maintenance states and error states can be reliably distinguished from the other operating states, such as filling states, etc. The optical marking TD2 can also contain text which indicates the type of maintenance required and/or the type of activity to be carried out.

The operator 7 is therefore even better supported with the aid of the display 8A of FIG. 5 in order to be able to take the correct measures in good time so that the operation of the container treatment system 1 does not have to be interrupted but can continue as intended.

Fig. 6 shows yet another example of a display 8A on the display device 8 of Fig. 2. The example of Fig. 6 shows where operators 7 are currently located relative to a device 14, 15 of the container treatment system 1 in the system 1 condition. A combination of molding device or stretch blow molding machine 15 and heating device or oven 14 is shown as an example. Of course, a comparable display 8A can appear for any other of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 of the container treatment system 1.

For this purpose, the at least one detection device 4, 5 can use data from light barriers or contact switch signals from the machine protection or combinations thereof.

Alternatively, the light barriers can send their own radiation to the at least one detection device 4, 5. The operator(s) 7 disrupt the optical transmission of the signals from the light barriers. Accordingly, an interruption a beam of light, can be used to block or not trigger an action in the system 1 when an operator(s) 7 is nearby.

In the example of FIG. 6, the at least one detection device 4, 5 has detected that a first operator 7 is currently in a housing 57 of the device 15. In the housing 57, the containers 2 are guided by an infeed star wheel 54 to a stretch blow molding machine carousel 55. The carousel 55 transfers the containers 2 to an outlet transport star wheel 56 which is arranged at an outlet from the device 15 . The star 56 forwards the containers 2 to a transporter 63, for example, which is not shown in FIG. The oven 14 has a first pulley 631, a second pulley 632 and at least one chain 633. The chain 633 is wrapped around the pulleys 631, 632 in such a way that the at least one chain 633 can run around the pulleys 631, 632, as before mentioned in relation to FIG. The furnace 14 is surrounded by an enclosure 67 . A second operator 7 is currently outside the housing 57. In addition, the two operators 7 are on two different sides of the device 15 and also of the furnace 14.

Blowing wheel and transfer stars on the left - the oven chain on the right

The at least one detection device 4, 5 thus detects the position in which the operators 7 are located relative to at least one device 14, 15 and uses the corresponding device 4A, 5A to evaluate whether there are safety risks and what action is to be taken as a result. Such an action could be that individual functions for operating the at least one device 14, 15 are to be enabled or blocked.

If, for example, the first operator 7 wants to rotate the stretch blow molding machine carousel 55 during maintenance or conversion (e.g. changing the blow mold) of the device 15, the at least one device 4, 5 determines that the second operator 7 on the other side of the device 15 is to be warned. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one device 4, 5 can determine from the current position of the operator 7 on the device 15 that rotation of the carousel 55 is to be blocked. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one device 4, 5 can determine whether a door of the enclosure 57 is to be locked. This is shown as an example with the white cross in FIG. The second operator 7 can be warned optically and/or acoustically with the display device 8 and/or an additional display device, in particular a flashing light with a warning tone, on the device 15 .

In contrast to the device 15, safety precautions must be taken with the equipment device 90, for example, if a unit 95 is changed at a working position and a label roll change is carried out by another operator 7 at the opposite position that cannot be seen.

If the at least one detection device 4, 5 detects such an operating state, the at least one detection device 4, 5 controls the equipment device 90 to block raising or lowering of the other unit 96, which is arranged at the opposite position.

Depending on the detected operating state, the at least one detection device 4, 5 controls an emergency stop of the at least one device 14, 15 and/or the

Container treatment plant 1. An emergency stop can also activate the at least one detection device 4, 5 in order to avoid a collision with driverless transport systems, e.g. the robot 7A shown, or non-driverless transport systems. For this purpose, the at least one detection device 4, 5 can also be connected to a controller of such transport systems.

Such activation is carried out by the at least one detection device 4, 5, in particular when it is recognized that an operator 7 could be injured.

According to FIG. 7, the at least one detection device 4, 5 is designed in such a way that protection by the housings 57, 67 is not required. Therefore, no enclosures 57, 67 are present.

Generally speaking, at least one of the at least two container treatment devices is designed essentially without machine protection.

In this case, the at least one detection device 4, 5 triggers all warnings relating to critical operating states in good time so that no safety risks for operator(s) 7 and/or other parts of the system 1 can occur. In addition, the at least one detection device 4, 5 controls the devices 14, 15 in such a way that parts of the devices 14, 15, in particular the housings 57, 67, are blocked in such a way that there are no safety risks for the operator(s) 7 and/or other parts of the system 1 can occur

In general, it is possible for the two states according to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 that the same device of the devices 10, 14; 15; 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140 of the container treatment system 1 can be operated simultaneously by two operators 7 on two different operating units (HMIs) without having to have safety concerns.

8 shows a container treatment system 1A according to a second exemplary embodiment. The container treatment system 1A according to the second exemplary embodiment is constructed identically to the container treatment system 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the differences described below. Therefore, essentially only the differences from the first exemplary embodiment are described below.

In addition or as an alternative to the depalletizing device 20 for containers 2, such as cans or glass containers, the container treatment system 1A has a heating device 14 for heating preforms 2A (preforms) and a molding device 15. The preforms 2A are made of plastic and are placed in the molding device 15 in Container 2, in particular bottles, shaped. The containers 2 are then fed to the rinsing device 30 . The molding device 15 blows or introduces gas, for example, into the heated preforms 2A to mold the containers 2 . Alternatively, the forming device 15 forms the preforms 2A by introducing a liquid into the containers 2.

The devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 treat the containers 2 as previously described with reference to FIG. The transport device 60 also has a flexibly adjustable buffer storage 66. The buffer storage 66 is provided instead of the pasteurizer 70. Thus, no pasteurizations can be carried out with the container treatment system 1A. With the buffer memory 66, the buffer 65 can be dispensed with. In addition, the packaging device 110 is designed to pack the containers 2 into a packaging unit 3 which is formed from cardboard as the packaging material 112 . Therefore, no shrink tunnel 115, but a carton packing station 117 is provided. The packaging device 110 packs the containers 2 into cartons having, for example, two or more containers 2 to form the predetermined packaging unit 3 . Alternatively, a holder, in particular made of cardboard or another suitable material, can be used, into which at least two containers 2 can be inserted in order to form the predetermined packaging unit 3 .

The buffer store 66 can be used as required to buffer or temporarily store container 2 . The containers 2 can then be routed out of the buffer store 66 again as required. For this purpose, the at least one detection device 4, 5 detects the operating state of the transport device 60.

The at least one detection device 4, 5 evaluates whether containers 2 are currently to be routed into the buffer store 66 and/or are to be routed out and/or are to be routed around the buffer store 66. For this purpose, the at least one detection device 4, 5 evaluates how many containers 2 are to be introduced into the buffer store 66 and/or are to be routed out and/or are to be routed around the buffer store 66. For the evaluation, the at least one detection device 4, 5 uses detection results from operating states on at least the two devices 50, 80. Empirical values stored in a memory of the at least one detection device 4, 5 can also be used.

Depending on whether the evaluation shows that a downstream device, e.g. the device 80 or 100, fewer or more containers 2 per unit of time are to be supplied, the buffer store 66 and, if necessary, the transporters 63 on the outside around the buffer store 66 can also be used.

In this way, the time that the container 2 needs on its way from the device 50 to the device 80 can be extended. Additionally or alternatively, the time that containers 2 require on their way from device 50 to device 80 can be shortened, at least temporarily. This allows the buffer storage 66 to be used to slow down or speed up the speed of the containers 2 on their way to the device 80 .

The arrangement of the devices 4, 5 is otherwise the same as previously described in relation to the devices 4, 5 according to the first embodiment. Besides, that is Operating principle of the devices 4, 5, 4A, 5A otherwise the same as previously described in relation to the devices 4, 5, 4A, 5A according to the first embodiment.

9 shows a container treatment system 1B according to a third exemplary embodiment. The container treatment system 1B according to the present exemplary embodiment is constructed identically to the container treatment system 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the differences described below. Therefore, essentially only the differences from the first exemplary embodiment are described below.

The container treatment system 1B is designed for the production and treatment of plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles. The container treatment system 1B has a preform store as a magazine 10 for storing preforms 2A (preforms). The preforms 2A are fed to the heating device 14 with a feed rail 13 . A mirror 6 is provided for the detection device 4 on the magazine 10 of FIG. The mirror 6 is arranged in such a way that the detection device 4 can see into the magazine 10 . As a result, the detection device 4 can detect the operation for feeding the preforms 2A from the magazine 10 to the heating device 14 . The detection results can be used in the evaluation with the evaluation device, as previously described.

Format carriages 19 for the forming device 15 are provided in the system 1 . Format carriages 49 are also provided for the filling device 40 . In addition, format carriages 99 are provided for the outfitting device 90 . Format carriages 119 are also provided for the packaging device 110 . Format carriages 149 are also provided for the palletizing device 140 . Formats of the associated devices 15, 40, 90, 110, 140 are provided on the format carriages 19, 49, 99, 119, 149, which for the type of container 2 to be produced in each case in the devices 15, 40, 90, 140 are needed. The container treatment system 1B can be switched between, for example, the type of container 2 for holding 0.5 l of liquid or the type of container 2 for holding 1.5 l of liquid.

The format carriages 19, 49, 99, 119, 149 can have an identification at at least one point, in particular at the top, which is interpreted by the at least one detection device 4, 5 as a format carriage. As a result, the format trolleys are independent of Size and appearance can be recorded particularly well and quickly and evaluated as a format trolley.

The at least one detection device 4, 5 is designed to detect where the format carriages 19, 49, 99, 119, 149 are arranged.

The at least one detection device 4, 5 can thus display the location of the format carriages 19, 49, 99, 119, 149 in at least one of the displays 8A according to FIGS. 2 to 7. The associated evaluation device 4A, 5A evaluates the detection result in order to issue instructions to the mobile robot 7A. An instruction could be that the robot 7A should move to a predetermined format carriage of the format carriages 19, 49, 99, 119, 149 and carry out a predetermined activity there.

The devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 treat the containers 2 as previously described with reference to FIG. 1 and/or FIG. The transport device 60 has two flexibly adjustable spiral buffer stores 68 instead of the flexibly adjustable buffer store 66. The spiral buffer stores 68 are provided instead of the pasteurizer 70. Thus, no pasteurizations can be carried out with the container treatment system 1B. In addition, the packaging device 110 is designed to pack the containers 2 into a packaging unit 3 that uses adhesive as the packaging material 112 . Therefore, no shrink tunnel 115 is provided, but rather a curing section 118, in which the adhesive packs cure with the supply of warm air. The packaging device 110 connects the containers 2 to form adhesive bundles with, for example, two or more containers 2 in order to form the predetermined packaging unit 3 .

At least one of the spiral buffers 68 can be used to buffer bins 2 as needed, as previously described with respect to the buffer 66 of FIG.

The arrangement of the devices 4, 5 is otherwise the same as previously described in relation to the devices 4, 5 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the principle of operation of the devices 4, 5, 4A, 5A is otherwise the same as previously described in relation to the devices 4, 5, 4A, 5A according to the first embodiment.

According to a modification of the devices 4, 5 described above, at least one of the devices 4, 5 a radio signal or infrared signal to at least one of Send devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140. The at least one of the devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 has a reflector, in particular mirror 6, the radio signal or infrared signal back to the Device 4, 5 sends. In this way too, for example, a format carriage 19, 49, 119, 149 or the robot 7A can be detected and recognized.

10 shows a detail of the equipment device 90 in a fourth exemplary embodiment. The detection device 5 is arranged above the device 90 . The detection device 5 is arranged at the predetermined distance of at least 3 m above the device 90 . The detection device 5 can be controlled with the control device 150 of the system 1 . The control device 150 can control the orientation of the detection device 5 to the device 90 . Additionally or alternatively, the control device 150 can control the type of detection, namely continuously or intermittently, with the detection device 5, as already explained above in relation to the other exemplary embodiments.

The outfitting device 90 has a container receiving device 93 which receives the containers 2 during treatment in the device 90 and moves them past the labeling unit 95 .

For this purpose, the container receiving device 93 has a frame 930 and turntable 931. The turntables 931 are driven with a turntable drive device 932 in a movement about their axis. Each container 2 can be accommodated between a turntable 931 and a centering head 933 . The centering head 933 is thereby moved towards the container 2 or away from the container 2, so that the container 2 can be picked up or released. The centering head 933 centers a container 2 on the turntable 931 in such a way that the axis of the container 2 and the turntable 931 coincide. The container 2 can then be treated with the unit 95.

The turntables 931 are spaced apart along the circumference of a carousel 934 . Permanent magnets 935 are present on the carousel 934 . The magnets

935 are mounted on the carousel 934 facing a first stator 936 . the stator

936 has coils that either attract or repel the permanent magnets 935 when actuated appropriately. This allows the carousel 934 (rotor) to start moving about the stator 936 or to stop. The movement is supported by ball swivel connector 938. The stator 936 is preferably present only in the area on the periphery of the container receiving device 93 in which units 95 are arranged on the periphery of the container receiving device 93 for treating containers 2 .

In addition, the container receiver 93 has a second stator 937 spaced apart from permanent magnets 935 by a gap. The stator 937 has coils which, when actuated appropriately, either attract or repel the permanent magnets 935 . As a result, the centering heads 933 on their holder (rotor) can be set in motion about the stator 937 or stopped. A cam roller 938 adjusts the distance between the centering head 933 and the turntables 931. The stator 937 is preferably present along the entire circumference of the container receiving device 93.

The unit 95 takes up a label roll 951 in a label magazine 91 . A buffer 952, a glue roller 953 and a vacuum cylinder 954 are also provided. In addition, a splicing device and a cutting roller, which are not shown in FIG. 10, can be provided. If the unit 95 is docked at a docking station 94, the unit 95 can equip container 2 with a label from the label roll 951.

The unit 95 has a line sensor 955 which is arranged on the label roll 951. The line sensor 955 is designed to detect the end of the label roll 951. The line sensor 955 outputs the detection result 956 to the detection device 5 as an optical signal. The detection result 956 is directed to the detection device 5 by mirrors 6 . The detection device 5, more precisely its evaluation device 5A, can use the detection result 956 in the evaluation described above. In particular, the detection result 956 can be displayed visually on the display of FIGS. 2-5 , as previously described.

In this way, the detection device 5 can detect the operating states in the device 90 . Additionally or alternatively, the detection device 5 uses the detection result 956 of the line sensor 955 in order to create the display of FIGS. 2 to 5, for example.

Additionally or alternatively, the detection device 5 can emit a signal in order to automatically initiate the refilling. The detection device 5 sends the alternating and/or refill signal preferably wirelessly to the label magazine 91. The signal can be sent to the magazine 91 via the mirror 6 instead of the detection result 956. For this purpose, the magazine 91 has a receptor that can receive information from an emitter of the detection device 5 . The signal can be used to turn on an error light of device 90 . Alternatively or additionally, the signal can be in the form of Morse code for transmitting information to the device 90, for example “trigger flashing to indicate that refilling must take place soon”.

The functional principle of the device 5 is otherwise the same as previously described in relation to the devices 4, 5 according to the first embodiment.

In a fifth exemplary embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a similar detail of the equipment device 90 as in the previous exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the device 90 has two units 95.

The detection device 5 and two mirrors 6 are arranged above the device 90 . The mirrors 6 are each aligned in order to direct the detection result of a sensor 957 of the respective unit 95 to the detection device 5 . The sensors of the units 95 do not have to be the same. Optionally, at least one unit 95 has a line sensor 955, as described in relation to the previous embodiment.

The sensor 957 is designed as an infrared source or laser diode, which detects the end of the label roll 951. The sensor 957 is mounted in such a way that the end of the label roll 951 is detected when light from the sensor 957 reaches the mirror 6 and thus the detection device 5 . A photodiode is mounted in the detection device 5 for this purpose.

Alternatively, an infrared source or laser diode is mounted in the detector 5 and the sensor has a photodiode.

In both configurations, the sensor 957 acts as a light barrier with the detection device 5 and the mirrors 6 . The light barrier is a one-way light barrier. In this way, too, the detection device 5 can detect operating states in the device 90 . Additionally or alternatively, the detection device 5 uses the detection result 956 in order to create the display of FIGS. 2 to 5, for example.

Additionally or alternatively, the detection device 5 can emit a signal in order to automatically initiate the refilling. The detection device 5 preferably sends the refill signal to the label magazine 91 wirelessly. The signal can be sent to the magazine 91 via the mirrors 6 instead of the detection result 956, as described in relation to the previous exemplary embodiment.

The functional principle of the device 5 and the sensor 957 is otherwise the same as previously described in relation to the previous embodiment.

12 shows a detail of the devices 110, 120 in a sixth exemplary embodiment. The detection device 5 is arranged above the devices 110, 120. FIG. The detection device 5 is arranged above the devices 110, 120 at the predetermined distance of at least 3 m. The detection device 5 can be controlled with the control device 150 of the system 1 .

The control device 150 can control the alignment of the detection device 5 with respect to the devices 110 , 120 . Additionally or alternatively, the control device 150 can control the type of detection, namely continuously or intermittently, with the detection device 5, as already explained above in relation to the other exemplary embodiments.

In addition to the magazine 111, in which rolls of film 112 are stored, and the shrink tunnel 115, the packaging device 110 has a cutter 113 and a film wrapping module 114. The cutter 113 cuts the film 112 from the roll into predetermined pieces, so that the film 112 can be struck in groups of at least two containers 2 respectively.

The device 120 can be used to mount or glue a handle to the bundle of foil containers. The foil 112 for the handle is available in a corresponding magazine 121 . The magazine 121 is arranged next to the packaging device 110 . After transport into the shrink tunnel 115 and shrinking of the film 112 onto the container 2, the packaging unit 3 is formed, which is also referred to as a bundle. The packaging unit 3 is transported further with the transporters 63 in the transport direction TR, as previously described.

The mirror 6 are directed to the magazines 111, 121 that the

Detection device 5 insight into the magazines 111, 121 can take. The detection device 5 can thus optically detect how much film 112 is still present on the rolls in the magazines 111, 121.

In this way, the detection device 5 can detect operating states in the devices 110, 120. Additionally or alternatively, the detection device 5 uses at least one of the detection results 116, 126 in order to create the display of FIGS. 2 to 5, for example.

In addition, the detection device 5 can output a signal to at least one of the robots 135, 136, 7A in order to initiate a change of the rolls with foils.

In this case, the detection device 5 outputs, for example, the change signal to the robot of the robots 135, 136, 7A, which is currently not being used and has to cover the shortest possible route for the change compared to the other robots 135, 136, 7A. The detection device 5 preferably sends the signal wirelessly to the at least one robot 135, 136, 7A. This makes it possible to control things via lasers instead of cables. For this purpose, the robots 135, 136, 7A have a receptor that can receive information from an emitter of the detection device 5.

In addition or as an alternative, it is possible for at least one robot 135, 136, 7A to be designed to verify again by means of an optical check whether the roll with the film really needs to be changed or not. The at least one robot 135, 136, 7A thus carries out a check of the detection device 5.

The rolls of film 112 can be transported using a format carriage 119 and can be refilled into one of the magazines 111, 121 using the robots 135, 136 or the robot 7A. In addition to the level monitoring of the magazines 111, 121, the

Detection device 5 movements of the container 2 detect. The detection takes place in particular when queuing to the aisles at the packaging device 110. The detection device 5 forwards the detection results to a database, which is used by artificial intelligence in the evaluation device 5A. The database thus stores recording results that were recorded at different points in time in the installation 1 or in another installation. The database is in particular a device for storing the detection results and/or at least one indication 8B, 8C, as described above, for use in the future operation of the container treatment system 1.

The artificial intelligence can search the database for the transport situations in which there is or no traffic jam at the entrance to the packaging device 110 . In addition, the artificial intelligence searches for vibration results from a vibrator. By comparing the results, the artificial intelligence can find out how the vibrator is to be moved or not to be moved in order to optimally introduce the containers 2 into the lanes without jamming.

The artificial intelligence can teach the vibrator accordingly. The vibrator could randomly perform different vibrations for learning the vibrations to be performed. The vibrator can then run the optimal program found during normal operation of the system 1 . In this case, it can also be an independent invention in which the state of only one device is recorded.

Overall, the detection devices 4, 5 of all exemplary embodiments and their modifications offer very helpful information that makes it easier to operate the system 1 and your devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 , 130, 140 and enable the systems 1, 1A, 1B to be operated in a manner that is less susceptible to faults.

In very general terms, the detection devices 4 , 5 are arranged and designed to detect various filling states of a number of individual devices 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , 69 , 70 , 80 , 90 , 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 of the system 1 and evaluate, namely preform store, preform hopper, feed rail 13 to the forming machine 15, container 2 Conveyors 63, in buffers 65, 66, 68, containers 2 in transport lanes in front of the packaging device 110, packs in front of the grouping system, packs in front of the palletizing device 140, cartons in magazine 111 of the packaging device 110, rolls of shrink film in front of the packaging device 110, unwinding radius of shrink film from the roll used, Label magazines 91, closure magazines 51 and/or closure feeds.

On the basis of such a detection, the next refill task can be evaluated, in particular calculated, as previously described. Following this, instructions 8B, 8C can be output to operators 7 or automatic refill systems as to which materials are to be refilled next.

All previously described configurations of the container treatment system 1, 1A, 1B, the facilities 4, 4A, 5, 5A, the devices 10, 14, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 69, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 , 120, 130, 140 and the method can be used individually or in all possible combinations. In particular, features can also be omitted as long as they are not described as essential to the invention. In addition, the features of all the exemplary embodiments described can be combined as desired. In addition, the following modifications in particular are conceivable.

The parts shown in the figures are shown diagrammatically and their precise configuration can deviate from the forms shown in the figures, as long as the functions described above are guaranteed.

The devices 4, 4A, 5, 5A and optionally the mirror 6 can be installed as a retrofit kit in a container treatment system 1, 1A, 1B.

The transport plane of the transport device 60 does not have to be arranged horizontally. The transport plane can therefore instead be arranged inclined to the horizontal.

It is possible that a mechanical jam switch, which is not absolutely necessary, can optionally be used, which is attached to the conveyors 63 and/or the buffer stores 66, 68. In this case, during operation of the transport device 60, a triggering of the jam switch can be used as a 100% degree of occupancy. This enables (additional) detection whenever there is a traffic jam on the road Transport device 60 comes, in which one of the transporters 63 is completely occupied with containers 2 or 3 packaging units.

reference list

1, 1A, 1B device 2 containers

1A preform (container)

3 packaging unit

3A location

4, 5 detection device, camera

6 mirrors

7 operator

8 display device

8A display

8B, 8C Note 2A Muzzle 10 Magazine 12 Pallet

13 feed rail

14 heater, oven

15 molding device, stretch blow molding machine

19 format trolleys

20 depalletizing device

30 rinsing devices or conveyors

31 Tank

32 rinsing liquid

40 filling device

41 Tank

42 Product to be filled

45 filling unit or rinser

46 filling unit

49 format trolleys

50 locking device

51 magazine 52 container closure

54 transport star (infeed)

55 stretch blow molder carousel

56 transport star (discontinuation)

57 housing 60 transport device 61 tank 62 lubricant

63 carrier

64 switch

65 buffers

66 buffer tanks

67 enclosure

68 spiral buffer tanks

69 inspection device

70 Pasteur 80 drying device

90 equipment device

91 Tank

92 glue

95, 96 equipment unit

97 label

98 pressure

99 format trolley

100 distribution device 110 packaging device 111 magazine or tank for glue 112 packaging material, film

113 header

114 film wrapping module

115 shrink tunnel

116 detection result

117 carton packing station

118 curing section

119 format trolley

120 handle assembly jig 121 magazine

122 handle

126 detection result

130 sorting device

133 guidance device

135, 136 robots

140 palletizer

142 pallet

149 format trolley

150 control device 160 external device

631, 632 deflection roller 633 chain, conveyor belt

930 frame

931 turntable

932 turntable drive mechanism

933 centering head

934 carousel

935 permanent magnet

936 First Stator

937 Second Stator

938 ball swivel connector

939 Cam Follower

951 label roll

952 buffers

953 glue roller

954 vacuum cylinder

955 line sensor

956 detection result

957 sensors

TD, TD1, TD2 optical identification TR transport direction

Claims

Expectations

1. Container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) for treating containers (2; 2A), with at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60;

69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) for treating a container (2; 2A) by at least one of the following types of treatment, namely transporting, buffering, sorting, grouping, inspecting, heating, forming, equipping, coating, sterilizing, filling, sealing, cleaning, grouping, distributing, unpacking , sorting, de-labelling, drying, pasting, unscrewing, packaging, palletizing, depalletizing, a detection device (4; 5) for detecting at least one

Operating status of the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140), and an evaluation device (4A; 5A) which Evaluation of the detection result of the detection device (4; 5) is configured in relation to the type of operating condition detected.

2. container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to claim 1, wherein the

evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to evaluate which at least one activity as a result of the at least one operating state detected by the detection device (4; 5) on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50 ; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140).

3. Container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to one of the preceding ones

Claims, wherein the evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to display at least one indication (8B; 8C) of the at least one container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80 ; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) to determine the at least one activity to be carried out on the basis of the detected operating state and to transmit it to an operator (7) and/or a refill unit of the at least one container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) and/or to a device for storing the at least one reference (8B; 8C) for use in the future operation of the container treatment system (1st ; 1A; 1B).

4. Container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to evaluate which shortest path an operator (7) has to cover to carry out the evaluated at least one activity, and wherein the evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to determine the evaluated shortest path for the operator ( 7) to spend.

5. container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to claim 4, wherein the

Evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to determine the shortest route in relation to the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) and/or the entire premises of a company in which the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) is installed.

6. Container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to one of the preceding ones

Claims, wherein the evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to evaluate which material as a result of the at least one operating state detected by the detection device (4; 5) on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40 ; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) must be reordered.

7. container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to claim 6, wherein the

Evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to output information about the material to be reordered to a display device (8) for display (8A).

8. Container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to one of the preceding ones

Claims, wherein the type of operating condition detected comprises the type of error occurring in the container treatment device (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140).

9. Container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) according to claim 8, wherein the type of error comprises whether the error affects the safety of an operator (7) of the at least one container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) at risk and/or how quickly the error can be rectified in order to ensure the safety of at least one

Container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) or the operator (7) of the at least one Container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) not to be endangered, and wherein the evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to evaluate , in which sequence activities as a result of the at least one operating state detected by the detection device (4; 5) on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) are to be executed or blocked.

10. Container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to one of the preceding ones

Claims, wherein the detection device (4; 5) has at least one camera which is arranged at a distance of at least 3 m above the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B), and/or wherein the detection device (4; 5) has the evaluation device ( 4A; 5A), and/or wherein the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) has a control device (150) which is used to control the at least one container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) and which has at least part of the evaluation device (4A; 5A).

11. Container treatment plant (1; 1A; 1B) according to one of the preceding ones

Claims, wherein the detection device (4; 5) has at least one mirror (6) which is arranged to direct an optical signal from the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) to the detection device (4; 5), and/or wherein the evaluation device (4A; 5A) is designed to use data from a device (4A; 5A; 8; 150; 160) which stores at least one indication (8B; 8C) for the evaluation of the detection result of the at least one detection device (4; 5), which was determined and output during the previous operation of the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B), and/or wherein the container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) is designed to receive at least one indication (8B; 8C) from an external device (8; 160) to receive at least one activity on at least one of the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140). is.

12. Container treatment method for treating containers (2; 2A), wherein the

Method is carried out with a container treatment system (1; 1A; 1B) which has at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140 ), a detection device (4; 5) and a

Evaluation device (4A; 5A), and wherein the method has the steps

Detection, with the detection device (4; 5), of at least one operating state of the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140 ),

Treat, with the at least two container treatment devices (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140), a container (2; 2A) by at least one of the following types of treatment, namely transporting, buffering, sorting, grouping, inspecting, heating, forming, shaping, outfitting, coating, sterilizing, filling, sealing, cleaning, grouping, distributing, unpacking, sorting, unlabeling, unscrewing, drying, pasting, Packing, palletizing, depalletizing, and

Evaluation, with the evaluation device (4A; 5A), of the detection result of the at least one detection device (4; 5) to determine the type of the detected operating state.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the treating step is performed at least in part prior to the detecting step.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the detecting step and the treating step are carried out at least temporarily simultaneously.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the detecting step is carried out intermittently at predetermined time intervals or continuously.

16. Container treatment system comprising at least two

Container treatment systems (1; 1A; 1B) each having at least one

Container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) for treating containers (2; 2A) by at least one of the following types of treatment, namely transporting, buffering, sorting, distributing, unpacking, unlabeling, unscrewing, drying, grouping, inspecting, heating, forming, outfitting, coating, sterilizing, filling, closing, cleaning, packaging, palletizing, depalletizing, further having a detection device (4; 5) to Detection of at least one operating state of at least one container treatment device (10; 14; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 69; 70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140) of the at least two container treatment systems and one

Evaluation device (4A; 5A) which is designed to evaluate the detection result of the detection device (4; 5) in relation to the type of operating status detected.