Apparatus and method for sterilizing containers

An apparatus for sterilizing containers, comprising:

• transfer stars which transport the containers along a predefined transport path;
• at least one sterilization device which comprises an electron-generating device for generating charge carriers and which bombards the containers with charge carriers for sterilization of the containers during a transport of the containers along the transport path;
• and
• a screening device for screening radiation, the screening device surrounding the transport path of the containers at least in portions, wherein the screening device comprises:
• a first wall adjacent the transport path of the containers;
• and
• a second wall below the transport path of the containers, wherein the second wall is movable relative to the transport path of the containers, wherein the transfer stars have a movable carrier, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of holding elements on the movable carrier that hold the containers.

An apparatus for sterilizing containers, comprising:

• transfer stars which transport the containers along a predefined transport path;
• at least one sterilization device which comprises an electron-generating device for generating charge carriers and which bombards the containers with charge carriers for sterilization of the containers during a transport of the containers along the transport path;
• and
• a screening device for screening radiation, the screening device surrounding the transport path of the containers at least in portions, wherein the screening device comprises:
• a first wall adjacent the transport path of the containers;
• and
• a second wall below the transport path of the containers, wherein the second wall is movable relative to the transport path of the containers, and wherein the screening device at least in portions has a third wall which extends at the side adjacent the transport path of the containers, wherein the transport path at least in portions extends between the first wall and the third wall, and wherein the third wall is movable relative to the first wall.