EP3898471A1

EP3898471A1 - Transporting installation for containers

Info

Publication number: EP3898471A1
Application number: EP19806129.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Xaver KARL; Martin Seger; Bernhard EICHENSEER
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-11-13
Publication date: 2021-10-27
Also published as: CN113454005B; US20220073285A1; WO2020126237A1; DE102018222776A1; CN113454005A; US11787644B2

Abstract

Transporting installation for containers, such as bottles, having a first transporting device, which can transport containers in the neck-handling region, and a second transporting device, which can transport containers in the base-handling region, wherein the first transporting device transports the containers at a different height from the second transporting device, wherein, in a transfer region in which the containers can be transferred from the first transporting device to the second transporting device, the second transporting device runs linearly and a linear guide device is provided, said guide device running parallel to the second transporting device and being designed such that it can guide a container as the latter is being lowered from the first transporting device to the second transporting device.

Description

Transport system for containers

The present invention relates to a transport system for containers, such as bottles, and a method for transferring containers from a first transport device to a second transport device in a transfer area.

State of the art

Transport systems are well known in the field of the production and processing of containers. Such transport systems are made up of PET reusable and disposable falsified individual container handling machines, which are then often operated as a complete block machine. The preforms are heated in a heating filing and then formed into the containers in a stretch blow molding machine. The containers can then be provided with a label in a labeling machine. The containers are then filled with a product using a filling machine and then closed with a sealing machine. It would also be conceivable that the containers are filled immediately after the stretch blow molding machine and then closed and labeled by the machines described above. There are various concepts for transporting containers, which also include different types of attack on the containers for transport.

On the one hand, it is known to transport containers in the so-called "neckhandling" process, in which the containers are clasped on their usually provided support ring or gripped in another suitable manner on the head area and transported "hanging" by a transport device and / or container treatment machine become. This offers the advantage that the remaining container volume (in particular the bottom area of the container) is accessible and can be viewed, for example, as part of an inspection of the container. An alternative to this is known in the so-called “basehandling” method, in which the containers are either transported standing on a conveyor belt or are gripped at least in the lower region (bottom region) of the container.

The transfer of the containers from neck handling to base handling is particularly problematic here. For a given container size, this is usually possible by, for example, transferring the containers to a slide along which they slide onto the transport device aligned with the base handling. However, this becomes difficult when the entire container treatment system is intended to treat containers of different sizes.

Concepts have already been developed here in which this transfer takes place with the help of rotating stars. When passing through rotating stars, however, occur due to the rotational speeds the container along its transport at high container throughputs correspondingly high centrifugal forces, so that lowering the container onto the transport device for base handling may still be possible for some container sizes, but cannot be realized for other container sizes due to the centrifugal forces that occur.

task

Based on the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to provide a transport system for containers such as bottles, with which a reliable transfer of the containers from the neck handling to the base handling can also be guaranteed for container sizes of different sizes, while at the same time high container throughput is realized.

solution

This object is achieved according to the invention by the transport system for containers according to claim 1 and the method for transferring containers from a first transport device to a second transport device in a transfer area according to claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

The transport system according to the invention for containers, such as bottles, comprises a first transport device which can transport containers in the neck handling, and a second transport device which can transport containers in the base handling, the first transport device transporting the containers at a different height from the second transport device , where in a transfer area in which the containers can be transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device, the second transport device runs linearly and a linear guide device is provided which runs parallel to the second transport device and is designed to be one Can lead container during a lowering from the first transport device to the second transport device.

The containers can be all common containers, not only bottles, but also cans or the like. The containers, in particular bottles, can consist of or comprise PET. Other materials are also conceivable, such as glass. It can also be disposable or reusable bottles (or containers in general).

It goes without saying that the transport of the containers in the neck handling takes place at a greater height by means of the first transport device than the transport of the containers in the base handling in the second transport device. The first transport device and the second transport device only have to be arranged relative to one another such that the containers are transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device by lowering the containers into the transfer area is possible. Otherwise, the relative position of the first transport device and the second transport device to one another is not relevant.

A “linear” transport device is basically understood to mean a straight or rectilinear transport device (preferably running in the horizontal plane), which therefore has no curvature. In some embodiments, however, it can also be provided that the transport device runs only “essentially” linearly, that is to say has a certain deviation from a straight line. Measured by the total length of the transport device, this deviation can be, for example, 5% to 15%, which corresponds to a curvature of up to approximately 3 ° or up to approximately 7 °.

In addition, the term linear transport device can also include transport devices that have, for example, an upward or downward gradient, i.e. so don't run horizontally.

All of the examples mentioned, that is to say the linear and the “essentially” linear transport device with the described curvature and / or with an incline and / or with a slope, are to be understood under the term “linear” transport device.

In addition, the transport direction of the exemplary second transport device can differ from the transport direction of the exemplary first transport device. In other words, for example, the transport direction of the second transport device can be parallel or not parallel to the transport direction of the exemplary first transport device, i.e. the transport directions of the two transport devices can be at an angle not equal to zero to one another and / or can be in different spatial planes.

The same applies to the linear guide device.

In one embodiment, the transport system according to the invention can transport PET reusable or one-way falsifications through successive individual container treatment machines, which are then often operated as a complete block machine. The preforms are transported, for example, via neck handling and heated in a heating filing in order to be subsequently formed into the containers in a stretch blow molding machine. The containers, which can still be transported to a labeling machine in neck handling, can then be labeled in a labeling machine or in base handling. The containers are then transported again in the neck handling from the labeling machine to a filling machine and filled with a product in a filling machine and then transferred to the base handling and closed with a sealing machine. It would also be conceivable that the containers are filled immediately after the stretch blow molding machine and then closed and labeled by the machines described above.

The above embodiments are not to be regarded as restricting the invention in principle. Other machines in or between which the transport system according to the invention transports containers are also conceivable.

In one embodiment it is provided that the transport system for containers, such as PET multi-way or one-way bottles, ends with the filling machine, which is a first transport device in which the containers are transported in the neck handling and to a second transport device, the containers in the base handling can be transferred, such as a conveyor belt, whereby in a transfer area in which the containers can be transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device, the second transport device runs linearly and a linear guide device is provided which is parallel to the second Transport device extends and is designed such that it can guide a container during a lowering from the first transport device to the second transport device.

Another embodiment provides that the transport system for containers, such as reusable PET bottles or disposable bottles, ends with the closure machine, which is a first transport device in which the containers are transported in neck handling and to a second transport device that can transport containers in base handling , such as a conveyor belt, are transferred, in a transfer area in which the containers can be transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device, the second transport device runs linearly and a linear guide device is provided which runs parallel to the second transport device and is designed such that it can guide a container from the first transport device to the second transport device during a lowering.

By guiding the container during the lowering is to be understood as a touching contact with the container, by means of which at least falling over in the direction of transport of the containers in the second transport device is prevented. The guiding of the container thus compensates at least for the torque acting in the direction of transport of the containers in the second transport device, which torque possibly acts on the container when it is transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device by lowering.

It can be provided that in the area of the second transport device, and in particular in the transfer area, a bilateral conveying channel is always formed, which guides the material laterally Container guaranteed. Depending on the embodiment, this can also be done in combination with an (additional) guide rail.

With this transport system, it can be ensured that containers of different sizes can also be transferred from the first transport device to the two transport devices without falling over while the container throughput is high.

In one embodiment it is provided that the first transport device and the second transport device, at least in the transfer area, have a distance perpendicular to the transport plane of the containers that is greater than or at most equal to a length of a container that can be transported with the first and second transport devices .

In this case, the lowering thus comprises a “falling down” from the first transport device to the second transport device during the transfer. It can be provided here that the guide device not only prevents the container from tipping over in the direction of transport in the second transport device, but at the same time or additionally a delayed lowering of the container is realized compared to the free fall. This means that the transport system can be used for containers of various sizes.

Furthermore, the second transport device can have a transfer plane in the transfer area that is inclined downward in the transport direction of the containers.

With this transfer level it can be realized for containers of different sizes that they are reliably transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device and ultimately come to a standstill in the second transport direction.

The transfer level can be adjustable in height.

Likewise, the transfer level can be designed as an interchangeable part, which, depending on the container size, takes the height difference into account and must be replaced accordingly.

Different lowering curves are also conceivable. For example, a curve with an initial area with a slight slope is conceivable, followed by a linear middle section and then a decaying end curve.

In addition, the transfer level can preferably be designed as a moving conveyor belt. As a result, speed differences between the containers and the removal are largely avoided when setting down.

The transfer level can thus be adapted to different container sizes. Furthermore, the guide device can comprise at least one guide screw arranged between the first transport device and the second transport device and on one side of the second transport device in the transfer area for guiding the containers.

The guide screw is preferably arranged so that its axis of rotation runs parallel to the transport direction of the containers at least in the transfer area along the second transport direction. By turning the guide screw, guiding the container in the transfer area in the direction of the transport direction of the container in the second transport device can be effected and by the speed which can be specified with the guide screw, the container can also be prevented from tipping over.

In a further development of this embodiment, the guide device comprises a second guide screw for guiding the containers, the second guide screw being arranged on the same side of the second transport device and at a distance from the second transport device which is from the distance of the first guide screw to the second transport device is different, or wherein the second guide screw is arranged on the opposite side of the second transport device.

If the guide screws are both provided on the same side, the guiding during the lowering can also take place reliably for containers of different sizes during the entire lowering. If the guide screws are arranged on both sides of the second transport device in the transfer area, not only can a tipping over in the direction of the transport direction of the container in the second transport device be avoided, but at the same time a tipping over laterally out of the second transport device.

Furthermore, the guide screws can be used to reduce the container spacing. For this purpose, the guide screws are designed with an initial slope suitable for the first transport device. An incline is the distance between the containers, i.e. measured from the beginning of a first container to the beginning of the next container (= container diameter plus gap). In the further course of this guide snails, this distance is then continuously reduced. This results in a reduced transfer speed in the guide screw outlet compared to the inlet.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the guide device comprises at least one clamp device which is arranged between the first transport device and the second transport device and is movable in the transport direction of the containers and which can guide a container by clasping it during the lowering from the first transport device to the second transport device. The clamp device can reach around and touch the container, for example below the support ring, so that when the container is lowered the container is preferably lowered through the clamp device.

It can further be provided that the second transport device has a horizontal transport plane in the transfer area and the guide device comprises at least one receptacle movable in the transport direction of the containers in the second transport device, with which a container can be received from the first transport device and to the second transport device can be transferred, the receptacle being designed to lower the container from the first transport device to the second transport device.

The movable receptacle is understood to mean such a receptacle that can hold the container in such a way that the lowering of the container in the transfer area is determined solely by the movement or lowering of the receptacle. The container therefore preferably does not slide through the receptacle, but is actively lowered by it in the transfer area until it rests on the second transport device. An inclined plane for sliding down the container depending on its size is therefore no longer necessary. At the same time, controlled and flexible lowering of the containers can be achieved.

The guide device can comprise a long stator and the receptacle can be designed as a shuttle which can be moved along the long stator and has a receptacle area for a container.

The use of electric drives with the aid of long stators and the like allows very flexible control of the movement of the individual recordings, even independently of one another.

The electric drives can also be used to reduce the container spacing. For this purpose, the electric drives are synchronized with an initial speed suitable for the first transport device and in the further course of the long stator, the speed of the electric drives is continuously reduced to a minimum distance between the containers. This results in a reduced transfer speed in the outlet of the second transport device compared to the inlet.

According to the inventive method for transferring containers from a first transport device to a second transport device in a transfer area, it is provided that the first transport device and the second transport device transport the containers at different heights, and the first transport device transports the containers in the neck handling and the second transport device transports the containers in the base handling, the containers being transported linearly in the second transport device and a linear guide device is provided which runs parallel to the second transport device and guides a container from the first transport device to the second transport device during a lowering.

This process enables the reliable lowering of the containers from neck handling to base handling at high throughput.

Furthermore, the first transport device and the second transport device, at least in the transfer area, can have a distance perpendicular to the transport plane of the containers that is greater than or at most equal to a length of a container that is transported by the first and second transport devices.

With this embodiment, containers of various sizes in the transfer area can finally be lowered onto the second transport device without inadvertent contact with the first transport device.

In one embodiment, the second transport device has a transfer plane which is inclined downward in the transport direction of the container in the transfer area, the transfer plane being adjustable in height and its height being set depending on the length of the container.

The transfer plane can assist in lowering the container onto the second transport device by ensuring permanent contact with the bottom of the container so that it is protected against tipping over.

In a development of this embodiment, it is provided that the guide device comprises at least one guide screw, which is arranged between the first transport device and the second transport device and on one side of the second transport device in the transfer area and which holds the container during the lowering from the first transport device to the second Transport device leads.

With a suitable control of its rotational speed, the guide screw can reduce the torque acting on the container at least in the direction of transport of the container in the second transport device in the transfer area and prevent it from tipping over.

The guide device can comprise at least one clamp device arranged between the first transport device and the second transport device and movable in the transport direction of the container, which clamp device guides a container from the first transport device to the second transport device during the lowering process. By clasping during the lowering, a falling over of the container in every conceivable direction is effectively avoided.

In one embodiment, the second transport device in the transfer area has a horizontal transport plane and the guide device comprises at least one receptacle movable in the transport direction of the containers in the second transport device, with which a container is received from the first transport device and transferred to the second transport device, wherein the receptacle lowers the container from the first transport device to the second transport device in the transfer area.

This enables the containers to be lowered reliably and at the same time very flexibly onto the second transport device.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a transport system according to the invention

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a transport system with guide screws

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a transport system with a clamp device as a guide device

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the transport system with Aufnah men according to one embodiment

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a transport system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention in thematic side view and in plan view. On the one hand, a first transport device 101 can be seen, which transports the containers using the neck handling method. The first transport device 101 can be designed, for example, as a rotary star with a series of grippers 11, which either grip around the support ring itself or grip the container below its support ring, so that the support ring rests on the grippers. Other variants are also conceivable here, for example that the entire head region of the container is gripped by the grippers 11.

The embodiment of the first transport device as a rotary star is not mandatory. It can also be designed as a linear machine for transporting the containers in the neck handling. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the first transport device is a container handling machine which is designed, for example, as a carousel (analogous to the rotary star) or as a linear machine. At the same time, these containers transported in the corresponding container treatment machine, so that the container treatment machine also fulfills the purpose of a first transport device.

As can be seen in the side view, the containers are transported at a height h from the first transport device.

Furthermore, the transport system 100 comprises a second transport device 102. This is designed as a linear transport device and as a transport device for transporting the containers in the base handling process. Base handling means that the containers are either transported on a conveyor belt and / or are in contact with the second transport device at least in the area of their base for the purpose of transport through the second transport device. This includes, for example, realizations in which brackets or receptacles are provided which attack on the bottom of the container 130, but not on its support ring.

During the transport of the containers 130 through the second transport device, there is therefore no reaching around the container in the region of the support ring.

A transfer area 110 in which the containers are transferred from the first transport device 101 to the second transport device 102 is framed in dashed lines in FIG. The second transport device is evidently located below the first transport device, so that the containers have to be lowered in order to be able to be transported further by the second transport device.

For this purpose, as shown here, a transfer plane 121 which is tapered downwards or downwards in the transport direction can be arranged in the transfer region 110, which can come into contact with the bottom of the container while it is being lowered from the first transport device to the second transport device . The transfer level can be understood as part of the second transport device.

In order to prevent the container from falling over in the transport direction when lowering, a linear guide device is provided according to the invention, at least in the transfer area, which preferably runs parallel to the second transport device and is designed such that it moves the containers when lowering from the first transport device to the second Can lead transport device and thus can prevent at least falling over in the direction of transport of the container in the second transport device 102. The guide device 103 is only shown schematically in FIG. 1, but is described in more detail below. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the distance between the second transport device 102 and the first transport device 101 is h. This height is preferably at least the same, but possibly greater than any container to be transported with the transport system. The containers have a length I, so that preferably h> I. This means that the containers must be lowered the distance d = h - 1 when lowering from the first transport device to the second transport device.

Since the height at which the containers are gripped in neck handling during transport in the first transport device is always the same, the position of the base changes depending on the length I of the container.

It can therefore be provided that the downwardly inclined transfer plane is adjustable in height, in particular the angle of attack a is adjustable. The transfer plane can thus be inclined so that it always touches the bottom of the container during the lowering and can thus control the lowering of the container onto the two transport devices. If the transfer area has a length b in the horizontal direction and the transfer plane extends over the entire length b, then for tana = be scheduled. A to be handed over

The container will then touch the transfer plane with its bottom at any time during the transfer and then touch the second transport device with its bottom.

A first possible embodiment of the guide device from FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c. In this embodiment, the guide devices 231 is formed by a guide screw which can be rotated about an axis of rotation R parallel to the transport device of the containers in the second transport device 102. The guide screw preferably has a series of depressions 235 which can touch and partially accommodate the containers. By setting the rotational speed of the guide screw, the sinking and / or the at least the propulsion of the containers can be controlled during the lowering by the guide screw. The containers are thereby effectively prevented from falling over in the direction of transport of the containers in the second transport direction.

Figure 2b shows the embodiment described in Figure 2a in a side view. As can be seen here, two guide screws 231 and 232 can also be arranged on the same side of the second transport device 102. This embodiment is particularly of part before when the height difference to be bridged by the containers is comparatively large. By using at least two guide screws (there may also be more than two guide screws), the containers can then be guided during the entire lowering from the first transport device to the second transport device, for example along the transfer plane 121, which is slanted downwards. As shown in FIG. 2b, the guide screws 231 and 232 can be arranged at a distance from one another, so that their axes of rotation are at a distance m. It can be seen that the guide screws are adjustable in terms of their distance. For example, the guide screws can be arranged in a support structure which has rails along which the guide screws can preferably be moved independently of one another perpendicularly (vertically) to the second transport device 102 in order to adjust their spacing m from one another. This ensures that even short containers (with a comparatively short length) are always guided by at least one guide screw. This embodiment is also applicable to an embodiment in which more than two guide screws are provided and can also be used when only one guide screw is used to adjust the position of the one or more guide screws so that permanent guidance of Containers of any length can be guaranteed by at least one guide screw

FIG. 2c shows a further embodiment in which at least two guide screws are used again. In this embodiment, however, at least one guide screw is arranged on one side of the second transport device in the transfer area. The direction of rotation of the guide screws can be opposite or the direction of the circumferentially arranged recess surfaces can be opposite and the direction of rotation can be the same, so that when the guide screws are rotated, the containers are guided on both sides in the transfer area in the same direction (in the transport direction of the containers in the second transport device) ) he follows.

This embodiment offers the advantage that the tipping over of the container is avoided not only in the direction of transport of the container in the second transport device, but also in a direction perpendicular to it in the plane shown here.

Analogously to the description in FIG. 2b, more than one guide screw, for example two, three or more, can also be arranged on each side of the second transport device, which are also arranged analogously to FIG. 2b at an optionally adjustable distance from one another.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment, in which the guide device 330 comprises a series of clamp devices 331 to 333, which run for example along a chain and run parallel to the second transport device 102 at least in the transfer area 120. In this embodiment, the clamp devices can encompass a container from at least two sides, the encapsulation taking place in such a way that the container is still vertical with respect to the at least due to the gravity acting on it in the transfer region 120 Clamping devices moved and thus lowered. The clamp devices can then be carried with the container in the transport direction in the second transport device 102 and cause the container to sink.

You can also, even if they do not grip the container firmly, realize a delay in the sinking, for example, if no inclined transfer level 121 should be provided in the transfer area 120. This delay in the sinking can be brought about, for example, in that the clamp devices on the side facing the container have a friction surface with a high coefficient of friction, so that the container is prevented from sinking. It can advantageously be provided that the friction surface has a soft outer surface that is softer than the surface of the container in order to prevent the surface of the container from being scratched while sinking.

The opening width of the clamp devices is preferably adjustable, so that they can also reach under containers of different widths which are to be transported in the first and second transport devices.

Instead of a clamp device, a conventional compartment chain is also conceivable. It is a rotating belt drive on the side, to which vertical webs are attached at equidistant intervals. These thus form a container receptacle in the shape of a pocket, in which the containers can slide down through the down slide that runs underneath.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the guide device 103 from FIG. 1. In this embodiment it is provided that the guide device is formed by a series of shuttles 431, which preferably run around a long stator 433. The shuttles 431 each comprise at least one preferably movable receptacle for a container, the receptacle 432 being movable at least in the sinking direction of the container (ie vertically). The receptacle can hold a container. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 3, this picking up takes place in such a way that the container, once it has been picked up by the pickup, can no longer move freely relative to the pickup (under the influence of gravity). This can be done, for example, by suitable chamber elements which grip the container below its support ring.

In this embodiment it is provided that the receptacles can be moved vertically relative to the shuttles, so that they can lower a container from the first transport device to the second transport device, as can be seen in the schematic side view of FIG. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for the second transport device to have a downwardly inclined transfer plane 121 in the transfer area, since the lowering is brought about by the receptacle and the shuttles. Particularly preferred it is when the lowering of the containers by the receptacles can be controlled by a control unit, such as a computer, in such a way that regardless of the size of the containers at the end of the transfer area, the containers have been lowered onto the second transport device.

Alternatively, the shuttles can also be used to form pockets in which the containers can be lowered in turn. These pockets are either embedded directly in the shuttles, or the shuttles form a pocket due to the distance between the shuttles, or dividers are attached to the shuttles, or two short shuttles are always used to form pockets. The advantage then lies in a flexible bag size, which can be individually adapted to the respective container diameter.

Instead of a long stator, the receptacles can also run around a chain and be permanently attached to the water. However, the use of a long stator allows the individual shuttles to be moved independently, so that, for example, gaps in the stream of the containers from the first transport device can also be reacted to and a shuttle can only be set in motion if a container from the first transport device into the second transport device to be transferred. For this purpose, when using a long stator, suitable control of the movement of the individual shuttles can be carried out independently of one another, possibly with the exception of collision monitoring and collision avoidance.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Transport system (100) for containers (130), such as bottles, with a first transport device (101) that can transport containers in neck handling and a second transport device (102) that can transport containers in base handling, wherein the first transport device (101) transports the containers at a different height from the second transport device (102), the second in a transfer area (1 10) in which the containers can be transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device Transport device runs linearly and a linear guide device (103) is provided which runs parallel to the second transport device and is designed such that it can guide a container from the first transport device to the second transport device during a lowering.

2. Transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first transport device (101) and the second transport device (102) at least in the transfer area (110) was from perpendicular to the transport plane of the container, which is greater than or at most equal to a length of a container is that can be transported with the first and the second transport device.

3. Transport system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second transport device (102) has a transfer plane (121) inclined downward in the transport direction of the containers in the transfer area.

4. Transport system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the transfer level (121) is height adjustable or changeable.

5. Transport system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide device (103) we at least one between the first transport device (101) and the second transport device (102) and on one side of the second transport device in the transfer area arranged guide screw ( 231) for guiding the containers (130).

6. Transport system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the guide device (103) comprises a second guide screw (232) for guiding the containers, the second guide screw on the same side of the second transport device (102) and in a position from the second transport device is arranged, which is different from the distance of the first guide screw (231) to the second transport device (102), or where the second guide screw (232) is arranged on the opposite side of the second transport device (102).

7. Transport system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide device (103) we at least one arranged between the first transport device and the second transport device, in the transport direction of the container movable clamp device (331-333) comprising a container Clasping while lowering can lead from the first transport device (101) to the second transport device (102).

8. Transport system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second transport device (102) in the transfer area (1 10) has a horizontal transport plane and the guide device (103) at least one in the transport direction of the container in the second transport device movable receptacle (432 ) with which a container can be received from the first transport device and can be transferred to the second transport device, the receptacle (432) being designed to lower the container from the first transport device to the second transport device.

9. Transport system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the guide device comprises a long stator (433) and the receptacle (432) is designed as a shuttle (431) movable along the long stator with a receiving area for a container.

10. A method for transferring containers (130) from a first transport device (101) to a second transport device (102) in a transfer area (1 10), the first transport device and the second transport device transporting the containers at different heights, and the first transport device transports the containers in the neck handling and the second transport device transports the containers in the base handling, the containers being transported linearly in the second transport device and a linear guide device (103) being provided which runs parallel to the second transport device and a container while a lowering from the first transport device to the second transport device.

1 1. The method of claim 10, wherein the first transport device (101) and the second transport device (102) at least in the transfer area (1 10) have a distance perpendicular to the transport plane of the container, which is greater than or at most equal to a length of a container , which is transported with the first and the second transport device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second transport device has a transfer plane (121) which is inclined downward in the transport direction of the containers in the transfer area (110), the transfer plane (121) being adjustable in height and its height depending on the length of the container.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the guide device (103) comprises at least one intermediate between the first transport device and the second transport device and on one side of the second transport device in the transfer area arranged guide screw (231), which the container during the lowering of the first Transport device leads to the second transport device.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the guide device (103) comprises at least one clamp device (331-333) arranged between the first transport device and the second transport device and movable in the transport direction of the container, said clamp device (331-333), which clamps a container while lowering it from the first transport device device to the second transport device.

15. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second transport device in the transfer region has a horizontal transport plane and the guide device (103) comprises at least one receptacle (432) movable in the transport direction of the containers in the second transport device, with which a Container is picked up from the first transport device and transferred to the second transport device, the holder (432) lowering the container from the first transport device to the second transport device in the transfer area.