EP2139795A2

EP2139795A2 - Method for conveying objects

Info

Publication number: EP2139795A2
Application number: EP07846800A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Franz Klaiber; Peter Novak
Original assignee: Nov Hau AG Engineering
Current assignee: Nov Hau AG Engineering
Priority date: 2006-11-30
Filing date: 2007-11-23
Publication date: 2010-01-06
Also published as: US20100034631A1; JP2010510943A; WO2008064834A2; WO2008064834A3

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for conveying especially light objects (23, 23.1), particularly empty or full PET bottles. In said method, the object (23, 23.1) is accepted between two claws (5, 6) of claw arms (3.1, 3.2) of a gripping vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) which moves along a rail (1, 1.1, 1.2).

Description

Method of transporting objects

The invention relates to a method for transporting in particular light objects, in particular empty or full PET bottles, and a device therefor.

PRIOR ART In many branches of industry, it is necessary to transport an object from one processing station to the next or to a packaging station or the like. The present invention relates to all objects, in particular those having an opening, of whatever kind, and a neck ring, of whatever configuration. It mainly refers to PET containers. The PET industry is a high technology manufacturing area of the packaging industry and is experiencing tremendous growth as the benefits of PET containers are evident. In elaborate steps arise PET bottles in all shapes, sizes and colors. As a rule, only preforms are produced for this purpose, which are then optionally supplied by cooling and / or heating sections of a stretch blow molding machine. In this stretch blow molding machine, the preforms are then given the shape of the PET bottle. Thereafter, this PET bottle must be transported on for labeling, filling and sealing and for packaging or palletizing. The transport of empty bottles takes place predominantly by means of air flow. In this type of transport, the bottles are placed with the neck ring on slides and transported with the help of accelerated air. This process is very energy intensive and causes high operating costs. Furthermore, a large consumption of filtered air is necessary. Another disadvantage is the flexibility of the system, since the change from one bottle type to another (format change due to different head diameter) can only be completed with a great deal of time or automation effort. Often, for this reason, two parallel transport routes must be installed several hundred meters long.

In the known systems usually the objects, namely PET bottles are gripped by a gripping device on her neck and transported in most horizontal position. The gripping devices are located on a chain consisting of firmly connected members. Enormous forces act on the system, which is also subject to great wear. The speed of the system is limited, there is no storage space.

task

Object of the present invention is to substantially simplify the transport of empty and full objects with an opening and a neck ring, in particular the transport of PET bottles, cheaper, traceable and secure design and to develop a device with which a handling of to be transported objects is made very flexible. Solution of the task

To achieve the object results in that the object between two grippers of gripping arms of a gripper vehicle is taken, which moves along a rail.

With this invention, a two-part gripping device, wherein a gripper, namely the inner gripper, lowers at the bottle transfer into the bottle opening, while a second gripper, namely the outer gripper, from below attacks below the neck ring the object and thus the article after closing the gripping device is secured against vertical slipping.

For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the gripper vehicle is constructed substantially zweischklig as a pair of scissors.

Both gripping arms are connected to each other in a scissor-like manner via an axis of rotation, wherein a closing spring fastened to a gripping arm can still optionally be provided, which supports the object against the other

Gripper arm or gripper presses. As a result, the article is additionally stabilized during transport. Even with a sudden sudden

Stop of the gripper vehicle is thereby and by the later described

Transport lock ensures that the gripping device does not open.

The object to be transported is kept secure. Furthermore, the

Object in any position in space, d. H. can also be transported horizontally or overhead. This means considerable flexibility in guiding the article from one processing station to another.

Preferably, both gripping arms are substantially designed as leg-like flat pieces, so that the one gripping arm which forms the entire rear wall of the gripper vehicle can also be referred to as a base leg and the other gripping arm as a scissor leg. For example, the outer gripper is located on the base leg and the inner gripper on Scissor legs. However, other arrangements are possible here, which are encompassed by the invention. For example, an externally actuable gripper can be arranged on a rigid gripper vehicle.

A special focus of the invention is dedicated to the automation of taking over the objects. For this purpose, elements on the gripper vehicle interact with the rail. The rail preferably consists of a simple, flat strip of material having a certain height. If this height is changed, then it should come to an opening movement of the two gripping arms. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this is done by three rollers are arranged on the gripper vehicle. A roller, which runs off the upper edge of the rail, essentially sits on the axis of rotation of the base leg and scissor leg. Another roller, which is connected to the base leg, runs off a lower edge of the rail, a third roller, which also runs off the lower edge of the rail, is connected to the scissor leg. In this sense, the axes of rotation of the three rollers form a triangle with each other. Now, if the height of the rail is changed, then there is an opening movement of the gripping arms, since the distance between the rollers, which run off the lower edge of the rail changed. If the height of the rail is then reduced again, the distance of the axes of rotation of the two rollers, which run off the lower edge of the rail and it comes, possibly with the assistance of the above-mentioned closing spring, to a closure of the gripping device, i. to a clamping interaction between the outer gripper and the inner gripper.

Important in this movement is that the actual running rail is also at the same time the contour for the actuation / movement of the two gripping arms. Thus, no further cam track (shift gate) is required to generate the gripper motion sequence.

In a preferred embodiment, the gripper vehicle should still be assigned a transport safety device, ie, a safety device that ensures that the gripping arms do not allow any unwanted opening movement during normal transport of the object. The above-mentioned closing spring already ensures very well that the objects are held between the grippers. However, accelerations caused by speed changes or centrifugal forces, it is especially for long items, such as PET bottles, possible that the gripping device can open, that is, that the force of the closing spring is not sufficient to absorb the moments occurring. But if the two movable legs, namely base legs and scissor legs, fixed while driving, this fixation (locking) takes over the moments that occur, and the object can not detach from the gripping device. In a simple embodiment, the fixation of the base leg and the scissor limb is effected by a ball. The ball is pressed on one side by a leaf spring through an opening in the base leg against a seat in the scissor leg. The seat circumscribes a diameter that is less than the diameter of the ball. The opening in the base leg, however, has a slightly larger diameter than that of the ball. Thus, the ball is now kept clean in position on the seat and locks the two legs against each other.

In order to open the gripper now, the gripping arms must be released. This means that the ball has to be moved out of its locked position. This is done by, for example, provided on the rail shift gate, which presses the ball against the spring force of the leaf spring to the outside. Since the opening of the scissor leg is occupied by a tangential edge by forming a chamfer, which also forms the above-mentioned seat, now slides at an opening movement of the gripping arms against each other this tangential edge along the ball and presses the ball entirely out of the opening of the scissor leg. So both legs are released and can perform the necessary opening and closing movements. This type of locking is very efficient and causes virtually no friction forces during unlocking.

Preferably, each gripper vehicle should still be assigned an identification feature. This may be, for example, a barcode attached or attached to the vehicle, or possibly a data matrix code. Read stations installed in the system allow conclusions about the position of each vehicle or object. Since, according to the present invention, each article is transported individually with its own gripper vehicle, it is also possible to identify each individual article over the coded carriage. With this identification, it is possible, for example, to remove faulty items from the market somewhere in the system. But it could also, for example, different bottle types are transported or stored on the same system and then, thanks to the vehicle identification, at a suitable location again separated from each other. This vehicle identification also makes it possible to carry out the individual travel time-term identification of each individual car, which in turn allows conclusions about the wear. This is a prerequisite for preventative maintenance. The use of a single identification is completely new in the PET packaging industry.

Another feature of the present invention, which is preferably used, refers to the fact that multiple gripper vehicles can be coupled together. Especially in curves, in which, for example, no drive through a belt od. For cost reasons. Like., It is of great benefit to couple individual vehicles together, and thus the vehicles to push through the curves or pull, not the belt drive be recorded. In an unpowered corner, the still driven rearmost vehicles of a composition push the front vehicles through the curve until the foremost vehicles pass through again The drive is detected and driven so that they pull the rear vehicles by itself through the curve.

In a simple embodiment, the coupling is effected by means of a magnet, which cooperates with a spring of the front vehicle. The use of a spring also has the advantage that when driving on a vehicle to the next shocks and bumps are substantially cushioned.

Especially PET bottles should remain clean during transport or storage and before filling, i.e., no foreign particles should settle inside the bottle. Therefore, a lid is provided on the gripper vehicle, which takes over the cover of the opening of the object to be transported and absorbs the accumulating dirt. For special items in the so-called aseptic area, it may even be necessary to seal an item (bottle) absolutely tight during transport. This can be done with a plug which is assigned to the inner hook. When receiving the bottle, this plug is lowered into the opening, so that the opening is completely closed and the inside of the bottle is protected from external influences.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advisable to design the lid so that it can give in to a pressure of, for example, a PET container when receiving this PET container. Therefore, the lid is preferably supported against a coil spring.

It is now again come back especially on the rails. As mentioned above, the rail is a conventional rectangular profile. This profile offers many advantages. The production of the profile is very simple and inexpensive, which is very worthwhile for distances of several hundred meters. The rectangular profile can be bent with little effort into the desired shape, so that bows or spirals easy to realize. Thanks to the shape of the profile, the position of the vehicles is clearly defined, even torques that occur through the system or the vehicles can be recorded on the profile.

In order to really make use of the advantages that arise from the individual transport and the individual vehicle identification, switches are preferably required in the system, which allow separations. If there are points in a system, this opens up the possibility of opening the system, that is, it does not necessarily have to be a closed circuit.

A particular advantage of the present invention is the simple design of a switch, which is possible thanks to the above-mentioned profile. Of great importance are fast switching times of the switches to achieve the most efficient, highly dynamic and energy-saving system. Switching times are directly linked to the switching path to be overcome, so small switching distances are particularly important. The vehicle according to the present invention is built as lean as possible in the area where interaction with the switch can take place in order to minimize the necessary shift travel.

Preferably, the switch only consists of a rail strip, which is connected to the actual rail. Depending on which rail guide the gripper vehicle is to be deflected, the switch is moved from one to the other rail guide. This can be done by a simple pneumatic drive or with a solenoid. In order not to use rails or switches of different thicknesses for the gripper vehicle, it may prove advisable to dilute rails and rail guides as well as points in the connection area so that the addition of the thicknesses of the connection areas does not exceed the actual thickness of the rail. Instead of the thinned areas, only one stop can be provided. In a first variant according to the present invention, the switch does not consist of one piece, but of a plurality of leaf springs, which are stacked on each other. Since the individual leaf springs rub against each other and can also move in the longitudinal direction when bent, the flexible rail strip, which makes up the switch, softens in the desired direction of movement, which allows faster switching times. The switching forces are thereby considerably smaller. Thanks to this structure in layers, it is also possible to layer different materials on each other, which allows a lot of flexibility in terms of stiffness, forces, minimal friction, etc. Possible materials besides spring steel and plastics, fiberglass, composites and carbon fiber materials in question.

In a second variant, the rail strip is constructed in one piece. For example, it may consist of composite materials, carbon fiber materials or fiberglass.

In a third variant, it is fundamentally assumed that a core is wrapped with wire. As a result, the rail strip is much more elastic. But it is also possible to produce the rail strip only from wound spring wire without core. The coiled wire can then be ground as needed, creating clean surfaces and edges.

If an empty bottle is transported, it has proven to be advisable to occupy the inner gripper with a pressure piece, wherein the two side edges of the pressure piece lie linearly against the opening area of the bottle. Such a pressure piece can be used for a variety of different diameters of opening areas.

The pressure piece is preferably assigned to the outer gripper a counter-holding spring, which the opening area of the bottle against the pressure piece suppressed. This ensures a secure mounting of the object on the gripper vehicle.

If, on the other hand, a full bottle is to be transported, the inner gripper must be replaced by another outer gripper. Otherwise, the same principle of operation can be used.

As a drive for the gripper vehicles many possibilities are conceivable and should be encompassed by the invention. Only, for example, is thought of a positive drive. In this case, each vehicle has a drive pin which can be received in slots of a drive wheel. In this way, on the one hand the vehicles eintakten or singulate, on the other hand, but they can also be moved. With the help of the rotating drive wheel, which has the slots at fixed intervals, can be a variety of vehicles poke.

Another possibility is the design of the drive with a friction wheel. Thanks to the intentionally flat rear wall and head portion of the inventive gripper vehicles, it is possible to use such friction wheels as a drive, which can move the vehicles along the rails. Especially in places where the friction is greater than normal, for example, where the transport lock is unlocked, this can be of great importance. The use of the friction wheel also opens the possibility to push many vehicles and thus bridge sections without their own drive. Furthermore, there is some storage space available.

In a further embodiment of the invention, for which separate protection is desired, protrude from the guide means protrusions, which at least partially rest against the object. When moving the guide means, the objects are attacked by the projections and moved with. In a preferred embodiment, the guide means is a round belt, wherein this has an inner, fixed tensile strand, which is surrounded for example by a plastic jacket. On and / or in this plastic casing are then the projections. For example, this may be a coil spring made of steel.

This round belt has the outstanding advantage that it can follow any course of the rail in the room. He can follow every spatial curve. In addition, the entire system is stowable, i.e., vehicles may stall while the round belt is moving. The belt simply slides along the object, i.e., the entire drive section need not be shut off when the vehicles need to be stowed. This is energy-related and of overall time management ago of great importance, since only the jammed objects must be accelerated again, but not the entire drive section. The possibility of jamming also offers great advantages in the places where the articles have to be clocked in, as this allows the necessary dynamic pressure to be generated without additional devices. The same is true when stopping, for example, in front of a switch, also here does not have to be shut down the entire drive section.

This round belt with or without low-expansion core has a very hard, but also highly flexible outer skin, which allows a three-dimensional belt guide in the room with tight bending radii and minimal bending work. This results in a very good efficiency. If, for example, an object is clamped between two round belts, it can be moved. The coil spring prevents excessive abrasion and thus increases the life of the entire transport unit, since the abrasion can be reduced to a minimum thanks to the coil spring, the associated pollution is smaller, which is crucial especially for transport goods in the packaging industry of food. In a further embodiment of the invention, a magnetic connection is made between the article and the guide means. In this case, the object can be connected directly to the guide means, or it can also be a transport vehicle od. Like. Switched for the object in between.

This means that the guide means is not coupled directly to the vehicle, but preferably via a force generated by magnetism. Thus, the transport of vehicles is designed very flexible, in particular, the vehicles can also jam, which is urgently required for larger facilities. If, for example, a processing station fails at short notice, the objects must be stopped in front of this processing station. In the systems known hitherto, only the entire system can be shut down here, so that the objects which are still in intact processing stations are not treated further. This is undesirable.

With the guide means, which consist of ferromagnetic material or can be covered with ferromagnetic elements or a corresponding material, a permanent magnet cooperates, which is arranged in or on the vehicle or vice versa.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a flat toothed belt is provided instead of a round belt. Although this has the advantage that a higher level ferromagnetic density than the round belt is generated and thus, for example, the transport of the vehicles is improved vertically upwards and the braking behavior is more favorable, but the belt has the disadvantage that he a rail only in one Level can follow, but not by spatial curves. Thus, the transport is not possible in three dimensions. The same applies to a steel belt as a drive option.

The inventive variations of the devices can move any objects. More preferably, they are provided for moving preforms between an injection molding machine and a blow molding machine. Furthermore, they are preferably used to transport PET bottles, which may be full or empty.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in

Figure 1 shows a detail of an inventive device for

Transport of items not shown in detail;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the section of the device according to Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a larger section of the inventive

Device for transporting PET bottles when taking over these bottles;

Figure 4 shows a detail of an inventive device for

Transport of objects not shown with mutually coupled gripper vehicles;

Figure 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of a gripper vehicle;

Figures 6 and 7 a partial section of a cross section of the device according to Figure 5 taken along line Vl / Vll - Vl / Vll in Figure 5;

Figures 8 and 8a are sections of the device according to Figure 1 with a further embodiment of a gripper vehicle and partially shown, to be transported filled bottle (only Figure 8);

Figure 9 is a plan view of the inventive device according to Figure 1 in the region of a switch; FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of a rail strip;

Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of another embodiment of a rail strip;

FIG. 12 a perspective view of a section of a device according to the invention for transporting objects in the region of a drive;

13 shows a perspective view of a further detail of an inventive device for the transport of objects in the range of a further embodiment of a drive.

Figure 14 is a side view of a device for moving objects on a rail with a vehicle associated with a drive according to the invention;

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a section of a drive element;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a partial section of a device for transporting PET bottles;

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a gripper vehicle on a rail according to FIG. 1 but with a further embodiment of a drive according to the invention;

FIG. 18 shows a side view of a gripper vehicle on a rail according to FIG. 1 but with a further embodiment of a drive according to the invention; FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving preforms;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for moving transport carriages.

FIG. 1 shows a rail 1 along which two gripper vehicles 2.1 and 2.2 run. Since both gripper vehicles 2.1 and 2.2 are identical, only one of them will be described below.

Each gripper vehicle 2.1, 2.2 has two gripping arms 3.1 and 3.2, which are connected to each other via a rotation axis 4. When rotating about the axis of rotation 4, the gripping arms 3.1 and 3.2 can open like a scissor, with an outer gripper 5 separates from an inner gripper 6, as can be seen in the gripper vehicle 2.2.

The outer gripper 5 is preferably connected together with a rear wall 7 in one piece to the gripping arm 3.1, which is also referred to as a base leg, since it consists essentially of flat material, as can be seen especially in Figure 2.

Also, the inner hook 6 is at least partially connected in one piece with the gripping arm 3.2, wherein both are also made substantially from a flat material, which is why this gripping arm is also referred to as a scissor leg. On the inner hook 6 is still a pressure piece 8, which cooperates with a counter-holding spring 9 on the outer gripper 5. Furthermore, the inner gripper 6 is assigned a cover 10.

Between base leg 3.1 and scissor legs 3.2 a closing spring 11 is inserted into corresponding recesses, the merging of

Inner gripper 6 and outer gripper 5 supported. Furthermore, the leadership of

Base leg 3.1 and scissor legs 3.2 still by a bolt head 12th secured, which is connected to the base leg 3.1 via a bolt, not shown, which passes through a curved slot 13 in the scissor leg 3.2, wherein the bolt head 12 engages over the slot.

On the axis of rotation 4 sits a profiled roller 14, which runs off an upper edge 15 of the rail 1. This roller 14 cooperates with two further profiled rollers 16 and 17, each of which runs down a lower edge 18 of the rail 1. In this case, a rotational axis 19 of the roller 16 is seated in the base leg 3.1, while a rotation axis 20 of the roller 17 is connected to the scissor leg 3.2. The axes of rotation 19 and 20 together with the axis of rotation 4 form a triangle, so that the axes of rotation 19 and 29, as will be described later, are variable in their distance.

Above the rail 1 are still on the base leg 3.1 a coupling magnet 21 and a coupling spring 22nd

The rail 1 usually has a height h which is increased to a height H in areas in which the gripper arms 3.1 and 3.2 are to be opened.

The mode of operation of the present invention will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 3 in particular:

The gripper vehicles 2 run with the rollers 14, 16 and 17 from the rail 1, wherein normally the gripping arms 3.1 and 3.2 are closed. As soon as the rail reaches the vicinity of a transfer station shown in FIG. 3, the usual height h of the rail 1 to the height H is increased. This causes the distance between the two axes of rotation 19 and 20 of the rollers 16 and 17 to be reduced. This leads to an opening of the gripping arms 3.1 and 3.2 or to a removal of the outer gripper 5 of the inner hook 6 and against the pressure of the closing spring 11th In the transfer station shown in FIG. 3, the articles 23, eg PET bottles, are clocked by blast machine grippers and guided to slip planes 24, the slip planes 24 consisting, for example, of two mutually parallel rails which engage under a neck ring 25 on the article 23.

The gripper vehicle 2 is guided on the rail 1 immediately after the blow molding machine from above against the sliding plane 24, so that the inner hook 6 can dip into an opening 26 of the still clocked by the Blasmaschinengreifer object 23. Thereafter, the height of the rail 1 decreases again to the height h, which means that the distance between the two axes of rotation 19 and 20 of the rollers 16 and 17 can expand again, so that the gripping arms 3.1 and 3.2 close, the outer gripper 5 on the one hand with a tooth 27, the neck ring 25 engages under, on the other hand, the counter-holding spring 9 presses an opening portion of the article against the pressure piece 8. This pressure piece 8 is designed to be approximately level with the retaining spring 9, so that it rests against an inner opening region of the object 23 only with its two edge edges. That is, there is a two-line system, so that this pressure piece a wide variety of opening widths of the objects 23 can take into account.

In the last illustration of a gripper vehicle 2 with an object 23 in FIG. 3, it is shown that the gripper vehicle 2 has grasped the object 23 and removed it from the glide plane 24. A transfer to other, not shown slip planes or gripper takes place in the same way.

FIG. 4 shows that a plurality of gripper vehicles 2 can run the rail 1 in the convoy as well. This can cause vehicle compositions. For coupling the coupling magnet 21 and the coupling spring 22 act together, the latter still has the task to absorb the shock when driving two gripper vehicles 2. This is especially true when creating a traffic jam. Another essential element of the present invention relates to a transport lock, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The transport lock must be designed in such a way that, without loosening it, the basic leg 3.1 and the scissor leg 3.2 can not perform any opening movements. On the other hand, the transport lock must be automatic and easily detachable. For this purpose, a round opening 28 is formed in the rear wall 7 of the base leg 3.1, which congruates in securing position, as shown in Figure 6, with an opening 29 in the scissor leg 3.1. This opening 29 has a diameter di which is smaller than a diameter d of a ball 30, while the opening 28 has a diameter 0 ₂ , which is slightly larger than the diameter d of the ball 30. Otherwise, the opening 29 has a chamfer 41, which enlarges the opening 29 towards the rear wall 7. This creates a tangential edge 31 in the opening 29 towards the ball 30.

Incidentally, the ball 30 is held by a leaf spring 32 at least in the opening 28 of the rear wall 7, wherein the leaf spring 32 has a receiving opening 33 for the ball 30 with a smaller diameter than that of the ball 30.

The operation of the invention is as follows:

In the backup position, the ball 30 is seated in the openings 28 and 29 under the pressure of the leaf spring 32. It can not fall out of the opening 29, since this opening in the region of the tangential edge 31 has a smaller diameter di than the diameter d of the ball 30th

If now the transport securing be repealed, in particular in the transfer area of objects according to Figure 3, a rising shift gate 34 is provided on the rail 1, which causes the ball 30, as shown in Figure 7, from the opening 29 and also partially the opening 28 is pushed out. This is done against the back pressure of the leaf spring 32nd

If now the gripping arms are opened 3.1 and 3.2, so there is a relative movement of these two gripping arms to each other, so that the tangential edge 31 of the opening 29 impinges on the ball 30. However, due to the design as a tangential edge, it presses the ball 30 even further against the leaf spring 32 and finally out of the opening 29, so that then a vertex 35 of the ball 30 rests on an inner surface 36 of the scissor leg 3.2. As a result, the transport lock is released and the two gripping arms 3.1 and 3.2 can open and close. To close the opening 29 again comes into line with the opening 28, whereby the ball 30 is first pressed onto the shift gate 34 and then it expires up to the end, in which case the ball 30 rests again richly on the tangential edge 31.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a gripper vehicle 2.3. This serves to transport a filled article 23.1, the opening of which is closed by a cap 37. Here it is provided that the inner gripper is replaced by a second outer gripper 5.1, which cooperates with the first outer gripper 5, wherein the outer gripper 5.1 with a tooth 27.1 engages under the neck ring 25.

FIG. 8a further shows a gripper vehicle 2.4, in which a cover 10.1 is connected to the inner gripper 6 via a spring loop 50. This cover 10.1 is supported by a coil spring 51 against the gripper arm 3.2. As a result, the cover 10.1 is resiliently mounted and can yield, for example, a pressure of an opening edge of a bottle.

The inventive leadership of the gripper vehicles 2 on the rail 1 also allows a particularly favorable embodiment of a switch, as shown in Figure 9. The appropriate vehicles can be there after the Rail 1 are transferred to another rail section 1.1 or 1.2. For this purpose, a rail strip 38 is connected to the rail 1, which is attacked by a simple pneumatic cylinder 39 or electric solenoid. Of course, other drive means for the rail strip 38 are conceivable here. This pneumatic cylinder 39 moves the rail strip 38 and its free end 40 either in contact with the rail guide 1.1 or 1.2, as desired.

In order for the transition to be as uniform as possible, rail 1, rail guide 1.1 and 1.2 are designed to be thinned in the transfer area, while a thickness e of the rail strip 38 corresponds to the thickness of the thinned area.

For the construction of the rail strip 38, there are various possibilities. In Figure 10 it is shown that the rail strip does not consist of one piece, but of several layered leaf springs. Thanks to this structure in layers, it is also possible to layer different materials on each other, which allows a lot of flexibility in terms of stiffness, forces, minimal friction, etc. Possible materials come next to spring steel and plastic, fiberglass, composite materials and

Carbon fiber materials in question.

In a second variant, which, however, is not shown, the rail strips 38 may also be constructed in one piece. Possible materials here are fiberglass, composites and carbon fiber materials conceivable.

In a third variant according to FIG. 11, a rail strip 38. 2 consists of a core 42, which is wound around by a wire 43. This rail strip 38.2 is extremely elastic. It is also possible not to use a core, but to produce the rail strip only from wound spring wire. Incidentally, the wound wire can be ground as needed, so that clean surfaces and edges are created. Also for a drive of the gripper vehicles 2 many possibilities are conceivable. For example only, two possibilities are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the drive 44 according to FIG. 12, a drive wheel 45 is in positive engagement with drive pins 46 on the gripper vehicle 2. These drive pins 46 are carried along by slots 47 in the periphery of the drive wheel 45. In another embodiment of a drive 44.1 according to FIG. 13, the vehicles 2 are assigned a friction wheel 48. This friction wheel 48 is occupied by a ring 49 of frictional material.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 14, a rail 52 is illustrated, along which a gripper vehicle 53 runs. This gripper vehicle 53 has two gripper arms 54.1 and 54.2, which are connected to each other via a rotation axis 55. When rotating about the axis of rotation 55, the gripper arms 54.1 and 54.2 open like a scissor, with an outer gripper 56 separates from an inner gripper 57.

On the axis of rotation 55 sits a roller 58, which runs off an upper edge 59 of the rail 52. This roller 58 cooperates with two further rollers 16 and 17, each of which runs a lower edge 62 of the rail 52. In this case, an axis of rotation 63 of the roller 60 sits in the gripping arm 3.1, while a rotation axis 64 of the roller 61 is connected to the gripping arm 3.2. The axes of rotation 19 and 20 together with the axis of rotation 55 form a triangle, wherein the distance between the axis of rotation 63 and 20 hypotenuse in their length is variable. As a result, the gripper arms 54.1 and 54.2 can be opened or closed.

On the gripper vehicle 53 is a permanent magnet 66 which cooperates with a round belt 67 for driving the gripper vehicle 2. A section of this round belt 51 is shown enlarged in FIG. The round belt 67 is constructed in three parts. Inside there is a string of tension 68 as a soul, for example made of metal or kevlar. To this pull string 68 around a plastic sheath 69 is provided, which is looped by a coil spring 70 made of a ferromagnetic material. This coil spring can either be slipped over the plastic sheath or poured into it.

The operation is also clearly visible in FIG. There, a plurality of gripper drivers 53 are arranged on a rail 52, which leads upwards. They transport objects 23, namely PET bottles.

The course of the rail 52 is also followed by the round belt 67, wherein it can be seen that the PET bottles 23 can accumulate on the rail 52 before and after the curvature. Through the round belt 67, the entrainment of gripper vehicles 2 in any spatial arrangement of the rail 52 is possible.

In another embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 17, the round belt 67 is replaced by a toothed belt 71. In this toothed belt are not shown in detail, ferromagnetic elements through which a higher ferromagnetic density than the round belt can be generated. This has advantages when transporting gripper vehicles vertically upwards or when braking, but with a toothed belt 71 no spatial curves can be driven. The same applies to a steel strip 72, as indicated in FIG.

According to FIG. 19, by means of two round belts 67.1 and 67.2, as described with reference to FIG. 15, preforms 65.1 are moved along guide rails 73.1 and 73.2. In this case, the round belt 67.1 or 67.2 does not act magnetically, but positively. Both round belts 67.1 and 67.2 attack the preforms 65.1 in their neck area. Through the helix of the spiral spring 70, a force-fit entrainment of the preforms 65.1 takes place along the guide rails 73.1 and 73.2. According to FIG. 20, a plurality of carriages 75 are to be moved on a base 74. This is also done by the round belts 67.1 and 67.2, which are guided in corresponding grooves 76 in the base 74. Furthermore, 75 corresponding insertion grooves 77 are formed in the bottom of the carriage. If the round belts 67.1 and 67.2 are moved along the double arrows, they take the carriages 75 with them. In this case, this happens rather form-fitting.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Claims

claims

1. Method for transporting in particular light objects (23, 23.1), in particular empty or full PET bottles,

characterized,

in that the object (23, 23.1) is received between two grippers (5, 6) by gripper arms (3.1, 3.2) of a gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) which extends along a rail (1, 1.1, 1.2 ) emotional.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a scissor-like opening movement of the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) through the

Rail (1) is effected.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that a height (h, H) of the rail (1) for the opening movement of the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) is changed.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an inner gripper (6) of a gripping arm (3.2) in an opening (26) of the article (23) is used, while an outer gripper (5) of the other gripper arm ( 3.1) engages under a neck ring (25).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the neck ring (25) engages under outer gripper (5) presses the object (23) against the inner hook (6).

6. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an opening movement of the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) is prevented during transport of the article (23, 23.1) by a transport lock.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein each gripper vehicle is identifiable.

8. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of gripper vehicles (2) can be coupled together.

9. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the opening (26) of the article (23) is covered during transport.

10. Device for transporting in particular light objects (23, 23.1), in particular empty or full PET bottles, characterized in that a gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4), which holds the object (23, 23.1 ), a rail (1, 1.1, 1.2) expires.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) comprises two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2), wherein a gripper (5.6) is arranged on each gripping arm (3.1, 3.2) is and the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) via a rotation axis (4) are scissor-like connected together.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) via a closing spring (11) are supported against each other.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the two gripping arms formed substantially as a leg-like flat pieces are, with one gripping arm as a base leg (3.1) and the other gripping arm as a scissor leg (3.2).

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that on the base leg (3.1) an outer gripper (5) and the scissor leg (3.2) a

Inner gripper (6) is located.

15. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) at least three rollers (14, 16, 17) are assigned, with which it is the rail (1, 1.1, 1.2) expires.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a roller (14) on an upper edge (15) of the rail (1) runs, while the other two rollers (16, 17) has a lower edge (18) of the rail (1) or run in reverse.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the roller, which runs off the upper edge (15) of the rail (1), on the axis of rotation (4) of the base leg (3.1) and scissor legs (3.2) sits.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that one of the rollers (16), which run off the lower edge (18) on the base leg (3.1) and the other (17) on the scissor leg (3.2) is arranged.

19. The device according to at least one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the axes of rotation (4, 19, 20) of the three rollers (14, 16, 17) form a triangle with each other.

20. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the rail (1) has regions of different heights (h, H).

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the rail (1) in areas in which the gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) objects (23, 23.1) takes over or gives off, a greater height (H) than in other areas.

22. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the inner gripper (6) to the opening wall of the article (23) towards a pressure piece (8) and the outer gripper (5) has a counter-holding spring (9).

23. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that on the inner hook (6) a possibly sprung lid (10, 10.1) or a plug for at least partially closing an opening (26) is arranged.

24. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 23, characterized in that the gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) has coupling elements (21, 22) for connection to other gripper vehicles.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) on the one hand a coupling magnet (21), on the other hand associated with a coupling spring or a ferromagnetic element (22).

26. The device according to at least one of claims 11 to 25, characterized in that the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) is associated with a transport safety device.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that the transport lock comprises a ball (30) which in backup position in two coaxial or congruent openings (28, 29) of the two gripping arms (3.1, 3.2) sits and is held there by a securing spring (32).

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that for canceling the securing of the ball (30) on the rail (1) a shift gate

(34) is assigned.

29. Device according to claim 27 and 28, characterized in that at least one opening (29) of the gripping arms in which the ball (30) sits has a chamfer (41) widening the opening and the opening has a tangential edge (31), wherein a diameter (di) of the opening (29) in the region of the tangential edge (31) is smaller than a diameter (d) of the ball (30).

30. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 29, characterized in that the gripper vehicle (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) a

Identification features is assigned.

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that for identification on the gripper vehicle, a bar code and / or a data matrix code and / or an electrical chip is provided.

32. The device according to at least one of claims 11 to 31, characterized in that in particular for the transport of filled articles (23.1), the opening is closed, on each of the two gripping arms, an outer gripper (5, 5.1) is provided, the a neck ring ( 25).

33. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 32, characterized in that between the rail (1) and two rail guides (1.1, 1.2), a rail strip (38, 38.1, 38.2) is turned on as a switch.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the rail strip (38, 38.1, 38.2) has a thickness (e) which approximately in the taper of the thickness of the rail (1) or the rail guides (1.1, 1.2) in the transition region to Soft point corresponds and / or has a stop.

35. Apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the rail strip (38.1) consists of a layering of different leaf springs.

36. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the leaf springs consist of carbon, spring steel, fiberglass, composite materials or carbon fiber materials.

37. Apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the rail strip (38.2) consists of a wound spring wire (43).

38. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the spring wire (43) surrounds a core (42).

39. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the gripper vehicles (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) is associated with a drive (44, 44.1).

40. Apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that the drive (44) is a positive drive.

41. Apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that a drive wheel (45) has slots (47) which cooperate with driving pins (46).

42. Apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that the drive comprises a friction wheel (48).

43. Device for moving an object (53, 65, 65.1) by means of a moving guide means (67, 67.1, 67.2, 71, 72), which the object

(53, 65, 65.1) entails, characterized in that protrude from the guide means (67, 67.1, 67.2) projections (70) which at least partially abut the object (53, 65, 65.1).

44. Device for moving an object (53, 65, 65.1) by means of a moving guide means (67, 67.1, 67.2, 71, 72), which carries the object (53, 65, 65.1), characterized in that between object (53, 65, 65.1) and guide means (67, 67.1, 67.2, 71, 72) a magnetic connection is made.

45. Apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that at least one permanent magnet is arranged on and / or in the article (53, 65, 65.1) or on and / or in the guide means (67, 71, 72), which is provided with a ferromagnetic material or Element on and / or in the article (53, 65, 65.1) or guide means (67, 71, 72) cooperates.

46. The device according to at least one of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that the guide means (67, 67.1, 67.2, 71, 72) extends linearly and is preferably movable in all directions.

47. Apparatus according to claim 46, characterized in that the guide means is a round belt (67, 67.1, 67.2).

48. Apparatus according to claim 47, characterized in that the spiral spring (70) is partially cast in the sheath (69).

49. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that pull cord (68) is formed from a low-expansion plastic, in particular metal or Kevlar.

50. Apparatus according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the spiral spring (70) is made of steel.

51. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that the guide means is a toothed belt (71).

52. Apparatus according to claim 51, characterized in that ferromagnetic elements are arranged in the interior of the toothed belt.

53. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that the traction means is a steel strip (72).

54. Device according to at least one of claims 43 to 53, characterized in that it is a preform (65.1) or a PET bottle (65) to be moved object, wherein the guide means (67.1, 67.2) the preform or the PET Bottle attacks from both sides in the neck area.

55. The device according to at least one of claims 43 to 53, characterized in that the object (65, 65.1) on a carriage or other vehicle (53) is arranged, which of the guide means (67, 67.1, 67.2, 71, 72 ) is moved.