EP3027518B1 - Device for transporting separating elements and inserting separating elements into packaging units - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for transporting and inserting separating elements in containers which are each formed from a plurality of containers, wherein adjacent containers are at least partially separated from each other by means of separating elements to be used, and wherein a transport device removes the separating element from a magazine, and transported to an insertion station, with which the respective separating element is inserted in the container.

The containers have containers. Containers according to the invention are, for example, bottles, cans, tubes, pouches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, so for example PET bottles, but also other packaging, especially those for filling liquid or viscous products but are also suitable for receiving food, but also already to groups (multiple pack, container) combined containers. Container treatment plants are, for example, rinsers, fillers, cappers but also labeling machines. These can be circumferential design or linear design. Continuous-design container treatment systems have a transport star on which the containers are guided past a circular path, for example past labeling devices. Prior to labeling, the containers can be aligned with recognition features, so that each label can be applied to the container in the same orientation.

After the containers have been treated in the container treatment plant, they can be fed to a packaging machine. In detail, the production of the container is carried out, for example, in a so-called packaging machine in such a way that the containers on a transport plane of a conveyor rising and fed with their container axis in the vertical direction or substantially vertical direction in a mass transport or in a wide container flow in which the containers are in view of distinctive containers and / or features may have an arbitrary orientation, since the former orientation, so alignment is lost. This wide container stream is then converted by lane division into several single-lane container streams. In further process steps, the compartments of the later containers or their container groups forming the single-track container streams, the merging of the necessary number of containers in each case to a compacted container group, in which the container with multiple shell or peripheral surfaces, ie with the contact Or contact surfaces abut against each other, and that connecting the container of each group of containers to the compact and solid or stable container.

It is possible to connect the individual containers of the container together, e.g. a wrap around e.g. with a tether or other comprehensive element is conceivable. Such a comprehensive element may be, for example, a carton blank or a foil section, which is placed around the relevant container and fastened accordingly. The cardboard ends can be glued together. The initially applied films can be shrunk in a shrink tunnel. It is also conceivable that the containers receive a stabilizing base, which is e.g. designed as a carton blank on which the containers stand up. Such a base is useful if the later container, e.g. should be formed from several layers of sub-packages. It can be attacked on the base, so that one sub-package is set to the other. Subsequently, a comprehensive element can be provided to include the stacked containers.

As such, the carton blanks are preferably removed from a magazine in the unfolded state and can be folded before or after being fed to the subsequent bundle, with a correspondingly executed folding station being used. To form the film sections, a film roll is unrolled to form a film web, the relevant film sections being cut off from the film web. For this purpose, a film cutting station is useful, so that the respective film section the required dimensions of each pack to be packaged Has. In a further embodiment, a spacer element, that is, the separating element can be arranged between the containers of the subsequent container, which is designed for example as a web or for example as a compartment. This compartment is usually formed from a cardboard or cardboard, and is unfolded before insertion into the subsequent container, wherein an insertion station, which can be exemplified as a bridge inserter or compartment inserter, is used. But it is also possible to use a plurality of containers in receiving boxes, wherein the separating elements, so the webs or compartments quasi form honeycomb within the carton, in which the containers are arranged.

It is known to summarize or formulate several articles each into an article group and from the article groups using shrink films (eg US 7,726,464 A1 ) to produce fixed or transportable storage and transport units or containers. The disadvantage here is, inter alia, that the films used in this case and in particular the shrinking of the films caused by heat or energy input not inconsiderable costs.

It has also been proposed to produce transportable containers by virtue of the fact that the containers formed in each case into a group of containers are surrounded by a strapping around the container group (FIG. DE 10 2009 025 824 A1 . DE 10 2009 044 271 A1 . DE 41 26 212 A1 ), ie connected to each other to form a container, which is a particularly cost-effective and easy way to produce containers or transport and storage units. The strapping can also be glued to the containers. A disadvantage of the strapping is, however, that the first removal of a container from such a container remaining in the container containers are no longer held together by the strapping. This applies not only when the strapping is separated or cut, but also when it is possible to remove a container from the container without severing the strapping.

Furthermore, when transporting such containers on a belt conveyor there is always the danger that cylindrical or largely cylindrical articles, such as Cans, bottles or containers can take a nesting position due to vibration, impact, etc., ie slip into the gap of the neighboring row. In order to prevent this, a very high tension must be applied to the strapping in known containers.

The DE 10 2006 037 105 A1 on the other hand deals with a method for assembling bottle packs, in which on both sides of a web a rotary star is provided which pushes bottle necks in brackets on flat carriers. The bottle package is still covered with a tape or wrapping (foil).

According to the DE 23 31 193 An adhesive is applied to containers in narrow areas or rows, each adjacent surfaces, which are not provided with adhesive, to allow gripping the package for the purpose of carrying. At the splice the containers stick together. The EP 2 096 039 A1 also discloses to provide container with an adhesive, but in addition also a shrink film is placed around the bottle package. Other devices for producing adhesive packaging are known from DE 10 2011 119968 A1 and the DE 10 2012 005925 B3 known.

From the EP 2 500 296 A1 a device and a method for grouping piece goods along a conveyor line is known. By means of one-piece elements engaging in the flow, gaps between successive piece goods are formed. The one-piece elements are individually controllable in their feed movement and / or speed because of the gearless direct drives used along the movement path. The divider elements emerge from below the trajectory, divert a number of containers from the container stream, initially stop the container flow, creating a gap to the separated containers: the divider elements then accelerate and submerge again below the level of trajectory. In that sense, the combined EP 2 500 296 A1 actually only known before their registration or priority date with one part One-piece fingers, which are arranged on encircling beams, with a drive system, which is formed by gearless direct drives.

The DE 10 2011 081 705 A1 also deals with a method and apparatus for grouping containers. In this case, the device has two conveyors at different speeds. The second conveyor is faster than the first conveyor. Thus, the containers reaching the second conveyor are moved faster than the containers on the first conveyor. This creates a gap between the containers on the second conveyor. By means of a sliding or retaining device, the containers are accelerated on the second conveyor, delayed and / or shifted from each other, so that the original gap is changed. In this case, for example, the lagging container is pushed onto the leading container. The corresponding acceleration is achieved by means of linear motor drives, with the individual elements of the sliding or retaining device being individually controllable.

In the DE 10 2007 062 844 A1 and the DE 10 2005 0466246 A1 Gefach transport devices and devices for introducing compartments are disclosed. Compartments are, as in the DE 10 2007 062 844 A1 described, structures which have at least one longitudinal web, and at least one transverse web. A separating element in the sense of the invention is therefore a compartment, wherein a separating element in the context of the invention may also be only a single web, which is supplied to the container, of course, a plurality of isolated webs may be provided, but not as the individual elements of Compartments are interconnected. According to the DE 10 2007 062 844 A1 drivers are arranged on a transport chain. The drivers push the unfolded compartments upright on a sliding plate. The fact that a group of drivers is provided, a rotation of the compartments is prevented, so can be dispensed with lateral guides. The transport chain is circumferential, with the drivers are arranged at a fixed pitch thereon. Conversion measures are necessary if other compartments are to be transported with a different design. From the transport device, the insertion station is separated, so separated. The ones in the DIE 10 2007 062 844 A1 have disclosed apparatus and method also disclosed proven in practice. However, transporting and inserting trim elements in containers still has room for improvement.

The DE 103 53 103 A1 also discloses a tray transport apparatus and a tray insertion apparatus in which the compartments have a foldable flap for stabilizing the compartments during transport on a chute. Also the US 2005/235607 A1 shows a device for arranging compartments, in which the compartments are cyclically removed by means of a suction device from a magazine and introduced into a container group.

The object of the invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned input, in which the transporting and inserting of separating elements is simplified.

The solution of this problem is achieved with a device having the features of patent claim 1.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments. In this case, all the features described in principle or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

• Figur 1 eine erste Übersichtsdarstellung der Vorrichtung zum Transportieren und Einsetzen von Trennelementen mit einer vertikalen Bewegungsbahn.
• Figur 2 das Grundprinzip der Auffaltung eines Trennelementes,
• Figur 3 ein detailliertes Ablaufschema der Auffaltung mittels Sauggreifer,
• Figur 4 eine Draufsicht des Magazins und der Einsatzstation,
• Figur 5a und 5b schematische Darstellungen des Bewegungselementes und des mechanischen Greifers,
• Figur 6a und Figur 6b alternative mechanische Greifer des Bewegungselementes und Figur 7 eine zweite, alternative Übersichtsdarstellung der Vorrichtung zum Transportieren und Einsetzen von Trennelementen mit einer horizontalen Bewegungsbahn.

The invention will be described below with reference to the figures and exemplified. This show in

• FIG. 1 a first overview of the device for transporting and inserting separating elements with a vertical trajectory.
• FIG. 2 the basic principle of the unfolding of a separating element,
• FIG. 3 a detailed flow chart of unfolding using a suction gripper,
• FIG. 4 a top view of the magazine and the deployment station,
• FIGS. 5a and 5b schematic representations of the moving element and the mechanical gripper,
• Figure 6a and Figure 6b alternative mechanical grippers of the movement element and FIG. 7 a second, alternative overview of the device for transporting and inserting separating elements with a horizontal trajectory.

As in FIG. 1 and 7 illustrated, the device for transporting and inserting of separating elements 10, hereinafter referred to as transport device 1, as a central element a linear conveyor 2.1 with a closed trajectory 2.2, on which movement elements 3 rotate in a common direction A, wherein at the respective moving element 3 at least a gripping element is arranged. At the movement elements 3 more grippers can be arranged, which can be controlled independently of each other.

The fact that the moving elements 3 essentially revolve in a common direction A means that the moving elements 3 may be moved occasionally and in a direction other than the common, actually predetermined direction of rotation A, if, for example, to change a distance to the given circumstances the following or leading movement element 3 makes sense. However, this is also another advantage of the invention in that the movement elements 3 can be controlled independently of one another on the movement path 2.2 in their respective movement, which will be discussed later.

The movement elements 3 can also be referred to as movers or carriages because they are designed in this way. The trajectory 2.2 has linearly oriented trajectory sections 5.1, 5.2 and arranged therebetween deflecting 6.1, 6.2, so that a closed path of movement 2.2 is formed. The linearly oriented trajectory sections, which are also referred to as the rear (5.1) and as the return run (5.2), may have curved or obliquely oriented sections, in order, for example. compensate for a height difference, or to form, for example, a change in direction in the horizontal direction.

The movement elements 3 are individually controllable, so that each movement element can have a respective speed. Thus, the movement elements 3 are independently controllable so that the respective movement element at the respective movement path section in its speed equal to other movement elements located on the respective movement path section 3, but this relevant movement element can also be accelerated, decelerated or even briefly reversed in its direction of movement relative to other movement elements 3 located on the same movement path 2.2 respectively on the same movement path section. This is advantageous since a very small number of movement elements 3 can be provided, since the movement elements 3 moving along the return strand can overtake the movement elements 3 moving along the rearward path. The trajectory 2.2 can of course have a lock for discharging unneeded or to be checked moving elements 3. Of course, the lock can also be used for sluicing. The respective movement elements 3 can be controlled, for example, so that they are moved at a takeover of the separating elements with adapted speed, or even braked and subsequently experience a speed build-up, so that virtually a gentle takeover of the separating elements takes place, which along eg an acceleration section of the trajectory 2.2 be spaced to the following.

The linear transporter is designed in the manner of an electromagnetic path, wherein the movement elements 3 rotate gearless at this directly controllable. For this purpose, an interface of the movement path 2.2 can be connected to a control and regulation unit. The linear transporter can therefore be an electromagnetic direct drive. The actual drive is effected by a dynamically controllable electromagnetic field along the rail or track, whereby the on the moving element, which can also be referred to as a mover arranged permanent magnet / -packung is moved by the magnetic force or the magnetic field controlled.

The grippers arranged on the movement elements 3 can carry out any movement relative to the linear transporter but also based on the movement element itself, ie they can be controlled correspondingly in their degrees of freedom. An activation takes place in an ideal embodiment via a central unit, which can also cause the control of the movement elements 3.

It is expedient if the movement path 2.2 of the linear transporter is guided to the magazine 7, so that the grippers arranged on the movement elements 3 can remove the relevant separating element 10, also called webs or compartments, from the magazine 7. The movement elements 3 can be temporarily stopped or very slow to take over the separating elements, so that a secure acquisition is guaranteed. In an alternative embodiment, the flat-folded separating elements are gripped by a removal element, such as, for example, a circumferential suction gripper 8 and handed over to the grippers arranged on the movement elements 3, for which purpose the speed in the transfer region of the two elements is synchronized.

The separating elements can then be transported by means of the grippers held on the moving elements 3 in the direction of the insertion station II, where they are optionally decelerated again, or even stopped at short notice. The advantage is that the movement elements 3 are individually controllable, wherein a predetermined pitch of attached to a rotating chain driver is obsolete.

The containers 20 are conveyed in the pulp or in alleys on the transport plane 21 in the transport direction B and divided into container groups 23 by means of a dividing unit 22 or their dividing tools 24. The insertion station II for the separating elements 10 is gem. the embodiment of the FIG. 1 above the transport plane 21 of the container 20th

• einer Vereinzelung der flachen Trennelemente 10.1 mittels bspw. der Sauggreifer 8 in der Übernahmestation I,
• Aufnahme durch die Greifer des Bewegungselementes 3, und
• Transport der aufgefalteten Trennelemente 10.2,
• Abgabe bzw. Absetzen des aufgefalteten Trennelementes 10.3 in die Behältergruppe 23 und
• anschließender Rücklauf der Bewegungselemente 3 in Richtung des Magazins 7 bzw. die Ausgangsposition.

According to the embodiment of the FIG. 1 , the closed trajectory 2.2 is aligned perpendicular to the transport plane 21. In the transfer station I, the separating elements 10 are removed from the magazine 7 and transferred to the moving element 3 or taken over by its grippers 4. As in FIG. 1 and schematically in FIG. 2 shown, this movement is functional:

• a separation of the flat separating elements 10.1 by means of, for example, the suction gripper 8 in the transfer station I,
• Recording by the gripper of the moving element 3, and
• Transport of the unfolded separating elements 10.2,
• Delivery or discontinuation of the unfolded separating element 10.3 in the container group 23 and
• subsequent return of the moving elements 3 in the direction of the magazine 7 and the starting position.

In this case, held on the grippers 4 held separating element 10 in the area of the transfer station I temporarily deposited on a waiting, movable pads 50, or dropped onto this. A gripper 4 attached to a moving element 3 is in the approach or is already in a parking position in order to take over the separating element 10 or moves into the area of the supports in order to take over the compartment with the grippers open.

In a not-shown embodiment, the moving element 3 and its gripper 4 form the support 50, are provided in the support fingers or webs on which the unfolded separating elements 10 can be placed up to the closure of the gripper 4. In this case, the support fingers or webs ideally be part of the gripper 4.

Alternatively, the grippers 4 can also take over the separating elements 10 directly from the suction grippers 8, for which purpose ideally a slow movement and / or a short stop of the movement elements 3 is expedient.

After the grippers have been closed, the displaceable supports are displaced so that the separating element 10 held by the grippers 4 can be moved to the transfer position via the previously divided container 23. By opening the gripper 4 of the separator 10 falls into the divided container. In this case (as is known, the group of containers of the container in this area can be pushed over a bottom curvature or projection in order to achieve larger gaps between the individual products in the running direction can be reached in this transfer area by guide rails between the individual rows of products.

By means of the grippers 4 arranged on the moving elements 3, the separating elements 10 designed as compartments can be removed from the magazine 7 and along a trajectory section 5.1, 6.1 unfold. It is therefore useful if a plurality of grippers 4 are arranged on the movement element 3, wherein the grippers 4 are movable relative to each other, so that unfolding due to the relative movement of the gripper 4 is possible ( Fig. 5 . 6 ). For removal from the magazine 7 can also be provided that the relevant flat separator 10 is first sucked, which is why on the moving elements 3 and elements with a suction function can be arranged, of course, the gripper 4 itself may have a suction function. In addition, the grippers can perform mechanical holding functions.

Ideally, the complete erection of the separating element is completed (not shown) only shortly before insertion by a pivoting or rotary movement of the gripper. For this purpose, the separating element 10 is largely transported in a flat orientation to the transport direction and / or in the fully or partially folded state. For this purpose, the gripper 4 of the movement elements 3, esp., Suction pads on the movement elements 3, pivotally mounted or rotatably, wherein the pivoting or rotating movement for unfolding the separating elements 10 by suitable control means on the route to the transfer station I, esp the insertion station II, takes place.

The respective vacuum and / or medium supply is not a problem. For one, the supply can be arranged on the movement path 2.2, wherein the vacuum and / or medium is tapped, or the moving element carries a corresponding supply as a memory in itself. Of course, the storage tank would have to be refilled soon enough, which is why the optional lock is planned can be. The memory can be embodied as an energy store or the like, so that the functional units arranged on the movement elements 3 can be supplied with the necessary energy. The particular advantage is therefore that the dividing elements 10 need not be completely unfolded immediately, but remain flat or partially unfolded until shortly before insertion. Thus, the feed path can be made shorter than is the case with known Trennelementeinsetzern.

By means of the movement elements, which run around the path of movement 2.2, which as already mentioned above is embodied as a trajectory or rail, the separating elements 10 can now be transported held on the grippers 4, without the dividing elements 10 having to get up on a slideway. The hitherto customary slideway can even be dispensed with if the separating elements 10 are kept suspended on the grippers 4 and transported in a quasi-floating manner. In this case, the separating elements 10 may be held suspended or upstanding on the moving elements 3. It is obvious that the advantage of the invention is that the separating elements 10 can be transported in a stable position without them twisting, shifting or aligning in another, undesired position. It is also ideal that the respective separating element 10 can be aligned by the free mobility of the holding gripper or 4 at any point of the trajectory 2.2 preferably along the rear 5.1 in the desired position. For this purpose, the gripping element 4 or the receiving device of the gripping element is mounted on the moving element 3, so that a rotational or pivoting movement can be performed in order to orient the gripping element relative to the moving element or the trajectory 2.2 differently.

The separating elements 10 are then transferred in the necessary position to the insertion station II. If the separating element 10 is transferred to the insertion station II, the moving element, ideally along the return run 5.2, and optionally along the deflection 6.2 accelerated so as to take over a further separating element 10 can.

It is within the meaning of the invention, when the insertion station II is also designed as a linear transporter, ie as an electromagnetic direct drive. In this respect, movement elements 3 can also be arranged circumferentially on a movement path 2.2. In this respect, all statements regarding the transport device 1 described above apply analogously to the insertion station II.

By means of the inserting station II, the separating elements 10, ie isolated webs or compartments, are fed to the container groups 23 of the later containers, with feeding being carried out expediently from above the containers. In this respect, it makes sense if the insertion station II is arranged above the continuous container groups 23. In this case, either the movement path 2.2 of the transport device 1 cause a height compensation, or the trajectory 2.2 of the insertion, if this is necessary.

The movement elements 3 of the insertion station II can have grippers 4, which introduce the separating elements 10 in a targeted manner into the respective container or the container group 23. This means that the dividing elements 10 are not simply released and fall into the container due to gravity, e.g. Still suitable measures would be provided to spend the separator 10 in the intended position. The grippers 4 according to the invention may ideally have such a configuration that they insert the separating elements 10 under force in the container or press with light pressure, so that the required position of the separating element in the container or the container group 23 is reached.

In a further ideal embodiment, it is possible to provide the linear transporters 2.1 on the one hand of the transport device 1 and on the other hand of the insertion station II to form a common linear transporter. This is possible due to the individually configurable trajectory 2.2, wherein the individual controllability of each movement element 3 and the gripper 4 disposed thereon benefits this purpose.

In this case, the trajectory 2.2 may in turn have a rear 5.1, at which the separating elements 10 are removed from the Trennelementmagazin 7, optionally unfolded, accelerated along their transport path and / or delayed and aligned. At the same time, the separating elements 10 are inserted by means of the same movement elements 3 in the container. For this purpose, the grippers 4 each have the above-mentioned functions, so that a combination gripping element is formed, which not only takes over, transports, aligns and holds the relevant separating elements, but also introduces them in a targeted manner.

In FIG. 3 is the unfolding process of a separating element 10 by means of suction pads 8.1, 8.2 shown in detail. In this case, a suction pad 8.1 engage the first web 10b1 of the flat separating element 10.1 and the second suction pad 8.2 at the second web 10b2. The total unit of the suction gripper 8.1, 8.2 each comprises a pivot point 8a1, 8a2, which is moved along the movement path 33.1, 33.2. By means of a suitable drive and control element, the guide element 8b1, 8b2 is driven such that a defined rotation of the suction gripper 8.1, 8.2 takes place. The suction pads 8.1, 8.2 are arranged relative to one another such that the webs 10b1, 10b2 of the separating element 10 held by the suckers after the complete unfolding are approximately perpendicular to the transverse webs 10a pivotally connected thereto.

In a plan view shows the FIG. 4 the transfer station I and the insertion station II with the electromagnetic linear actuator 2.1, wherein the left movement element 3 has already taken over a separating element 10.1 and folded up and the right moving element 3 can be seen immediately after discontinuation of the partition formed as a partition 10.2 in the container group 23.

Mechanical gripper 4 and their adjustability of a moving element 3 are in the Figures 5 and 6 shown. FIG. 5.1 shows the base support 25, which has a central support section 26 and two outer support sections 27, 28. The outer support portions 27, 28 are connected via a rotatably mounted on the central support portion 26 actuator 29 and corresponding coupling elements 30, in a cross, closed position acc. Fig. 5.2 or an open position acc. Fig. 5.1 linearly displaceable. For this purpose, the outer support portions are, for example. On or on guide rods 31 relative to the central support portion 26 slidably mounted. Since a gripping arm 4. 1 each has a gripping arm 4. 1 arranged on the central and one (4. 2) on an outer carrier section, the separating element can be gripped on the webs 10 b 1 and 10 b 2 in the functional mode of a parallel gripper, for example. Furthermore, in FIG. 5 indicated by dashed lines, if necessary, a further gripper 4b can be provided, which is additionally provided on the central support portion 26. While the gripper 4a can be controlled via the actuator, the gripper 4b is designed as a passive element, which can record, for example, a further web of the separating element 10 between the outer webs 10b1 and 10b2 in purely leading function.

In the FIG. 6a a central adjustment unit for the gripper 4a is shown. The grippers 4.1 and 4.2 or their base 4.3 are connected via one or more spindles or threaded rods 32 and slidably mounted in a manner not shown. The threaded rod 32 has opposing threads on both sides, so that a rotation or angular adjustment about the axis GA of the threaded rod 32 to a symmetrical, parallel variation of the distance between the two grippers 4a to each other and symmetrically relative to the center M of the moving element. 3 FIG. 6a shows in the lower illustration the tighter position of the gripper 4a to each other. Thus, a slight adaptation to different container and / or Trennelementformate is possible.

An alternative gripper 4 is in the FIG. 6b shown. This includes gripping arms 4.1. and drive ends 4.2, wherein gripping arms 4.1 and drive ends 4.2 are pivotally mounted on axes 36. To initiate the pivoting or gripping movement, the drive end 4.2 has a curve-shaped contour which is provided with a toothed surface 37. These toothed surfaces 37 are in operative connection with a linearly displaceable tooth or threaded rod 35.

If the toothed or threaded rod 35 is displaced, an opposite angular direction of the pivoting movement of the two gripping arms 4.1 in response to the feed direction of the threaded rod 35 is caused, due to the outer position of the axes 36 and the inner, toothed contour 37 of the drive ends 4.2.

By way of example gem. FIG. 6b the opening movement of the gripping arms 4.1 via the threaded or rack 35 and a plunger 38 which moves along a guide track 39, wherein a provision and the holding is generated by a spring 40.

An alternative embodiment to that of FIG. 1 , shows FIG. 7 , In this case, it is different that the movement path 2.2 is clamped parallel to the transport plane 21, wherein this functionally in an analogous manner sets together, as described above, and wherein the gripper and other functions and method steps are provided in an analogous manner.

Of course, the design of the respective linear transporter, so their subsections, if a single linear transporter is provided, freely selectable. Thus, a section below the transport plane of the container lie, wherein the insertion station can ideally be located above the container, so far above the transport plane of the container. Of course, both linear transporters can also be arranged on one level.

Of course, the invention can be used in containers, which have a carton, or other closable transport containers as wrapping, but the respective separating element can also be used in containers, which are then wrapped with a film.

Claims (8)

1. Device for transporting separating elements and inserting separating elements (10) into containers, which containers are each formed from a container group (23) from a plurality of receptacles, wherein adjacent receptacles (20) are separated from each other at least in some areas by means of the separating elements (10) to be inserted, and wherein an insertion station (II) is comprised, characterised in that a separating element (10) can be removed from a magazine (7) by means of a transport device (1), and can be transported to the insertion station (II), wherein the respective separating element (10) can be inserted into the container, and at least the transport device (1) is configured as a linear transporter (2.1) with a closed motion path (2.2), on which motion elements (3) circulate in a common direction (A), wherein at least one gripping element (4) is arranged on the respective motion element (3), and wherein the linear transporter (2.1) is configured as an electromagnetic direct drive.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the linear transporter exhibits a closed motion path (2.2), which comprises a feed strand (5.1) and a return strand (5.2), arranged between which are deflection regions (6.1, 6.2).
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gripping elements (4) arranged on the motion elements (3) are freely movable in relation to the linear transporter (2.1), but also in relation to the motion element (3).
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plurality of gripping elements (4) are arranged on the respective motion element (3), which can be controlled independently of one another.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the motion elements (3) can be individually actuated along the motion path (2.2).
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the separating elements (10) are configured as panels, which can be removed from a magazine (7) and unfolded by the gripping elements (4) arranged on the motion elements (3).
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the insertion station (II) is configured as a linear transporter with a closed motion path (2.2), on which motion elements (3) circulate in a common direction (A), wherein at least one gripping element (4) is arranged at the respective motion element.
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport devices (1), as well as the transfer station (I) and the insertion station (II), comprise a common linear transporter (2.1), which has a closed motion path (2.2) on which motion elements (3) circulate in a common direction (A), wherein at least one gripping element is arranged on the respective motion element.

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