A device for introducing containers into a treatment space and for removing the containers from said treatment space having at least one rotatable sluice wheel provided on the periphery with sluice chambers that are open toward the outside, the sluice wheel being provided with grippers that can be operated directly by the containers or indirectly by a control device, for securing the containers temporarily in the sluice chambers, preferably by suspending the containers without allowing them to come in contact with the chamber walls and without providing any bottom support. A trouble-free conveyance of the containers with a very high output is possible without damaging the containers, even when the containers are very susceptible to tilting.