FR3049933A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HANDLING ARTICLES SUCH AS BEVERAGE CONTAINERS OR THE LIKE - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a system (1) for handling articles such as beverage containers or the like. The system comprises: - an inlet (7) having a plurality of partitions (9), which plurality of partitions (9) serves to guide the articles in several adjacent rows, as well as - at least one manipulator (20) having at least a working tool (8) by which said at least one manipulator (20) is made to receive and move the guided articles in the several adjacent rows. Said at least one working tool (8) can be controlled to perform at least one determined operation by means of which a) the plurality of partitions (9) can be adjusted relative to each other as to their relative spacing by mechanical cooperation with said at least one working tool (8), and / or by means of which b) at least one stop device provided for said plurality of partitions (9) can be loosened by mechanical cooperation with said at least one tool working (8).

Description

Description

The present invention relates to a system and method for handling articles such as beverage containers or the like.

Prior art devices are already known which have a plurality of gripping heads for receiving beverage containers and then placing them in a beverage crate provided for the respective beverage containers. Such a device is disclosed for example in EP 0 251 032 A1. The packaging and unpacking machine disclosed in the European patent application has a transport path on which are transported bottle cases. Bottles are transported on another transport path positioned parallel to this transport path. In addition, a gripping and supporting head is provided which can be moved up and down and which comprises a plurality of gripping elements through which bottles can be received from said other transport path, then moved into position. direction of respectively associated bottle crate and be deposited inside the bottle crate. In order for the bottle crate to be reached in a targeted and precise manner, said gripping and support head has a guide frame. In the European patent application, the bottles are held by the gripping elements.

In practice, according to the description of the European patent application, upstream of a packaging machine is often mounted an inlet having a plurality of partitions or guiding components which are oriented parallel to each other and by means of which the bottles can be brought in rows parallel to the packaging machine. Then, the packaging machine can receive at least one bottle from each of the parallel rows and deposit it in a respectively associated box. If, in successive packaging operations, it is desired to transfer bottles of different geometry or different volume in beverage cases, it is necessary to previously adjust the relative spacing of the partitions or guiding components. In practice, such adaptations are time consuming and complicated. Devices are already known that allow such an adaptation optimized in time and simplified. For example, such a device is known from WO 2014/135352 A1. The device according to WO shows a gear assembly having a first output portion and a second output portion, to which output portions are respectively coupled components. guidance. An actuator may be selectively coupled to the output portions to thereby cause adjustment of the guide components communicating with the respective output portion. In the device described in WO, additional devices or a gear assembly and a coupling of the partitions or guide components to respective output parts are required in order to be able to adjust the partitions or guide components to each other. compared to others. Possibilities that make it easy to adjust guide components or partitions would be desirable. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device or a method of the type mentioned at the beginning which allow a simple and uncomplicated way a change or an adaptation to articles of different geometry. The invention relates to a handling system for articles such as beverage containers or the like. For example, the articles may be made of bottles or boxes. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the system can be implemented as a packaging and / or unpacking machine for beverage containers in and / or crates or beverage cases.

The system includes an entrance comprising a plurality of partitions, which plurality of partitions serve to guide the articles into several adjacent rows. The multiple partitions can be oriented parallel to each other. Thus, the several adjacent rows can extend parallel to each other. Immediately adjacent partitions may respectively form a channel for receiving or guiding a stream to a row of items or beverage containers.

Where appropriate, the inlet may comprise at least one horizontal transport device by means of which the articles are transportable, in particular upright, between said plurality of partitions or along the respective channel formed between immediately adjacent partitions. Therefore, said plurality of partitions can extend, in a transport direction of the horizontal conveying device, at least in sections along the horizontal conveying device.

In addition, the system comprises at least one manipulator having at least one working tool by which the at least one manipulator is made to receive and move the guided articles in the several adjacent rows. Said at least one manipulator may comprise a vertically oriented lifting column on which is suspended a horizontal linear guide. Said at least one working tool can be made as a constituent part of an assembly of several working tools, which assembly can be accommodated and removably deposited by said at least one manipulator. It is conceivable that the assembly can be moved together with the at least one working tool along the horizontal linear guide and can be moved up and down along the vertically oriented lifting column. Also, an articulated arm robot can be implemented to move the tool.

In particular, said at least one manipulator may comprise a multitude of work tools that are each made to receive an article or beverage container. The number of work tools may correspond to at least a number of dwellings of a beverage crate or a crate which are provided for beverage containers. In this way, all articles for drinking receptacles intended for a beverage crate can be, at least approximately at the same time, received and stored together in a beverage crate provided for these articles or beverage containers by said dispenser. least a manipulator or the working tools of the at least one manipulator.

The system may include another horizontal transport device on which beverage cases may be transported in a working area of the at least one manipulator. In this way, said at least one manipulator may move received articles or beverage containers towards the other horizontal conveyor and may then deposit them in a beverage crate respectively associated with the received articles or beverage containers. Transport directions for the crates and for the beverage containers can be oriented perpendicular to each other in the working area of the at least one manipulator.

When the articles are received by said at least one working tool, the articles may be between adjacent partitions or in a path formed by immediately adjacent partitions. However, beyond this fact, it is conceivable that streams of single-row articles are formed by means of the plurality of partitions, which leave the partitions or their respective track formed by immediately adjacent partitions and which, after leaving the immediately adjacent partitions or the path formed by partitions immediately adjacent, are received by the manipulator. In the context of the present patent application, the term "entry" must be understood in a broad sense so that the manipulator must not take, in any conceivable embodiment, articles or beverage containers immediately in the Entrance.

In addition, it is provided that said at least one working tool can be controlled to perform at least one determined operation or to execute at least one determined working movement, whereby the plurality of partitions can be adjusted relative to each other. other with regard to their relative spacing by mechanical cooperation with said at least one working tool and / or by means of which at least one stop device provided for said plurality of partitions can be loosened by mechanical cooperation with said at least one work tool. In this way, the system can be adapted in a simple and uncomplicated way to articles of different geometries.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the system comprises at least two working tools by which the at least one manipulator is respectively performed to receive and move the guided articles in the several adjacent rows. To adjust the relative distance of the plurality of partitions relative to each other, said at least two working tools can be made to be movable horizontally relative to each other in a given direction, which determined direction is oriented perpendicularly. to the longitudinal extension of the partitions.

In addition, it is possible that said at least two working tools are coupled to a common horizontal adjustment axis by means of which it is possible to induce a common horizontal movement, relative to each other, of said at least two tools of work in the determined direction. For example, the common horizontal adjustment shaft may have a thread which acts in concert with a respective corresponding counter-threading of the said at least two working tools in order to move horizontally relative to each other said at least two tools working. The adjustment axis can be driven by an actuator.

Also, it is possible that said at least two working tools are made to be horizontally movable relative to each other in another direction, which other direction extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the plurality of partitions.

In possible embodiments, the system may comprise an auxiliary instrument, via said auxiliary instrument may be loosened said at least one stop device. The auxiliary instrument may be temporarily received by said at least one working tool to loosen said at least one stopping device.

In particular, said at least one working tool can form a housing for receiving articles or beverage containers. In this case, it is conceivable that said at least one working tool can receive the auxiliary instrument by means of or inside the housing. Thus, a geometry of the auxiliary instrument may correspond to a geometry of articles or beverage containers to be received by the respective working tool. The housing of said at least one working tool can be made correspondingly to respective articles to receive and correspondingly to an auxiliary instrument to be received if necessary. Therefore, in conceivable embodiments, a respective article or the auxiliary instrument may be selectively received by means of the housing of said at least one working tool.

In addition, it may be that the stopper forms an adjusting member having a thread by means of which the stopper can be loosened. The auxiliary instrument can form a counter-thread corresponding to this thread. By cooperation between the thread and the counter-thread, the adjustment element can be actuated via the auxiliary instrument and the stop can be removed or loosened.

Also, the system may comprise at least two work tools with different sizing, said at least two work tools can be selectively received and exchangeable by said at least one manipulator. In this case, it is conceivable that a first assembly comprises a multitude of first working tools which have a first dimensioning. In addition, a second assembly may comprise a multitude of second working tools which have a second dimensioning, the second dimensioning being different from the first dimensioning.

When immediately adjacent partitions are at a relative distance from each other, in which a work tool can not be conducted between the immediately adjacent partitions because of its dimensioning, said at least one manipulator can delete a connection to a first assembly having a multitude of first working tools and can receive, after that, a second assembly having a multitude of second working tools. A dimensioning of the second working tools may be smaller than a dimensioning of the first working tools of the first assembly so that the second working tools may be conducted, if necessary, also between immediately adjacent partitions which have a small distance relative to one against the other.

It is also conceivable that the system comprises a controller which is in communication with the at least one manipulator and to which information relating to a set target spacing for said plurality of partitions may be imposed. If necessary, taking into account the information, the control device can be realized to choose at least one respective working tool from among said at least two work tools with different dimensions. Said at least one manipulator can be controlled via the controller to receive the respective work tool selected.

In addition, the stopping device may comprise at least one adjusting element which is rotatable to loosen the stopping device. Said at least one adjustment element and said at least one working tool can be made correspondingly with respect to each other so that a mechanical coupling can be established between said at least one working tool and said at least one adjusting element. In this way, it is conceivable that, in one embodiment, no auxiliary instrument is provided or that the auxiliary instrument can be dispensed with. Said at least one adjusting element can be subjected via said at least one working tool, being mechanically coupled to a rotational movement to loosen said at least one stop device.

In particular, embodiments are proven in which said at least one working tool forms a housing for receiving a respective article, the mechanical coupling between said at least one adjustment element and said at least one working tool can be established through housing.

In addition, the system may comprise at least one driver through which at least two partitions communicate with each other, said at least one driver transmitting an adjustment of at least one of said at least two partitions to an adjustment oriented in the direction opposite, at least one of said at least two partitions. Such embodiments are noted by a simple adjustment of several or at least two partitions because, when a partition is adjusted, said at least one working tool can adjust at the same time at least one other partition via said at least a coach.

Also, it may be that a work tool or several work tools include (s) at least one gripping element; by means of said at least one gripping element can be realized an adhesion bonding and / or detachably positive engagement between said respective work tool or the respective working tools and at least one of the plurality of partitions.

Beyond this fact, the invention relates to a method of handling articles such as beverage containers or the like. Features which have already been mentioned above with respect to possible embodiments of the device may also be provided in possible embodiments of the method, and therefore they are not mentioned redundantly. In addition, features mentioned below with respect to various embodiments of the method may be provided in the device described above.

The method comprises the following steps: guiding a plurality of articles in several rows between a plurality of neighboring partitions, receiving and transferring the guided articles in several rows, by at least one working tool of at least one manipulator, after this sets a relative distance from each other of said plurality of neighboring partitions, and guiding other articles between the several adjacent partitions, after adjusting the relative distance from each other of said plurality of neighboring partitions.

It is furthermore provided that the relative distance from each other of said plurality of adjacent partitions is mechanically adjusted by means of said at least one working tool, and / or that at least one stop device provided for the one or more bulkheads are mechanically loosened before adjusting the relative distance using said at least one working tool.

In preferred embodiments, it may be further provided that the system comprises at least one driver through which at least two partitions communicate with each other, said at least one driver transmitting or mechanically transmitting an adjustment of one at least one of said at least two partitions at an opposite oriented orientation of at least one of said at least two partitions.

In addition, it is conceivable that said at least one working tool is positioned between two adjacent partitions, that, after that, said at least one working tool is brought into surface contact with one of the two neighboring partitions, then said at least one working tool pushing said partition, being in surface contact with said partition, in the opposite direction of another of the two immediately adjacent partitions to enlarge the relative distance. During the pushing action, said at least one working tool can be moved horizontally or at least approximately horizontally.

In addition, it is possible for said at least one working tool to grasp at least one partition with positive engagement and / or adhesion and, after that, to adjust the relative distance, it moves the seized partition towards or in the opposite direction at least one other partition immediately opposite the partition seized.

Also, it is conceivable that said at least one working tool establishes a mechanical coupling to said at least one stopping device, after which said at least one stopping device is rotatably displaced by means of said at least one stopping tool. work while maintaining the mechanical coupling, resulting in that said at least one stop device is loosened. In this case, proven embodiments in which said at least one working tool, in a housing designed to receive articles, a connection rotatably connected to a setting element of said at least one stop device , and then rotatably displacing said adjusting member to loosen said at least one stopper.

In addition, it may be that said at least one working tool receives an auxiliary instrument and then establishes a mechanical coupling to said at least one stop device via said auxiliary instrument. After that, said at least one working tool can be turned together with the auxiliary instrument about an axis oriented preferably perpendicularly (in the center of the earth) and thus cause loosening of said at least one device. stopping or loosening, therefore, said at least one stop device.

In addition, it is conceivable that a trainer communicating with at least two partitions transmits or mechanically transmits an adjustment of at least one of said at least two partitions to an adjustment oriented in the opposite direction, at least one of said other at least two partitions.

In addition, it is conceivable that two working tools of said at least one manipulator detach, particularly at the same time, two devices for stopping a partition and / or two different partitions.

Also, it may be that two or more work tools of said at least one manipulator engage simultaneously on respective surfaces of two or more partitions and that said two or more work tools adjust or move a multitude of partitions.

In principle, it would be possible in addition that said at least one manipulator also moves other parts besides the partitions, for example, it could exchange a container retainer. The basic idea of the invention could also be expressed as follows:

Device for handling articles such as beverage containers or the like, comprising a conveyor belt for transporting articles, at least one manipulator comprising at least one working tool through which said at least one manipulator is made for, during a mode of service of the system, manipulating, for example receiving and / or moving the articles from the conveyor belt, at least one machine element which is disposed in the environment of the manipulator and through which the articles can be manipulated at least indirectly, wherein the manipulator, particularly out of service mode, is designed to perform format change, adjustment and / or repair work on the machine element.

As for the process, this could be represented as follows:

A method comprising the following steps: - transporting articles on a conveyor belt in a mode of service, - manipulating, in particular receiving and / or moving the articles by means of a working tool associated with a manipulator, in the mode at least indirectly manipulate the articles by a machine element which is arranged in the environment of the manipulator, - perform, in particular out of service mode, format change, adjustment and / or repair work on a machine element by means of the manipulator.

By environment, one can hear the access area of the manipulator.

As for the device, it may be in particular a packaging machine on which the method can be implemented also where appropriate.

As for format change jobs, it may be, for example, an exchange of the machine element.

For example, said machine element is a stationary track guide or a partition for the articles at the entrance of the device. As for the adjustment work, it is for example an adjustment of track guides or conveyor belts.

As for the repair work, it is for example a dent removal of a track guide or an exchange of an engine, in particular for driving the conveyor belt. In this way, an additional crane can be dispensed with.

In addition, the repair work also includes re-greasing, for example of gears or conveyor belts, to reduce the buildup pressure. When re-greasing, lubricant can be taken, if necessary, from a reserve arranged next to the device or the manipulator, in particular on a reservoir or cartridges of lubricant.

The machine element may be a drive motor or a track guide or a partition; but it can also be a (second) packing head, a conveyor belt or a divider for secondary packaging (such as bottle cases). As regards the conveyor belt, it may happen that it is exchanged completely by the manipulator.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain in more detail the invention and its advantages based on the appended figures. The proportions of the individual elements with respect to each other in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions because some shapes are represented in a simplified manner and other shapes, for better illustration, are represented in an enlarged manner with respect to other elements.

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of the system of Figures 1 and 2; FIG. 4 shows another diagrammatic front view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 to 3 and makes clear a possible step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 to 4 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention ; Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of Figures 1 to 5 and makes clear other aspects of the steps of the method according to Figure 5; FIG. 7 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 to 6 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. ; FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 to 7 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention ; FIG. 9 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 to 8 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. ; FIG. 10 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1 to 9 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention ; FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic front view of another conceivable embodiment of the system according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. invention; FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic front view of another conceivable embodiment of the system according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. invention; FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic front view of another conceivable embodiment of the system according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. invention; FIG. 14 shows a schematic side view of another conceivable embodiment of the system according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. 'invention; FIG. 15 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of FIG. 14 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. ; FIG. 16 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 14 and 15 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. invention; FIG. 17 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 14 to 16 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. invention; FIG. 18 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 14 to 17 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for elements of the invention that are identical or have the same effect. In addition, for the sake of clarity, only the reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The embodiments shown are only examples showing how the invention can be designed, and are not definitive limitations.

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention. The system 1 is intended to handle articles 3 which, in this case, are formed by beverage containers 5, in particular glass bottles or reusable plastic bottles. In the figures of the present patent application, the system 1 is produced as a packaging machine 2 for beverage containers 5.

The system 1 comprises an inlet 7 comprising a plurality of partitions 9 adjacent and oriented parallel to each other, which partitions 9 can guide the articles 3 or beverage containers 5 in adjacent rows. In this case, immediately adjacent partitions 9 respectively form a path 6 for a stream of a row of articles 3 or of beverage containers 5. The relative distance of immediately adjacent partitions 9 is thus designed in such a way that 3 articles or beverage containers 5 can move with little clearance or without being blocked in the channel 6 formed by the respective partitions 9 immediately adjacent. This is why, for a guidance free of blocking of articles 3 or of beverage containers 5, the relative distance or the set distance, with respect to each other, of immediately adjacent partitions 9 is slightly greater than the diameter. respective maximum of articles 3 or beverage containers 5 to be guided by the partitions 9.

The articles 3 or beverage containers 5 are moved first, at said inlet 7, into a mass flow disordered in a direction perpendicular to the tracks (to the left side of the drawing), are then directed by a guard -body 154 on a conveyor belt 155 moving backwards and enter, after that, due to the continuation of the accumulation pressure, from behind and via conveyors 35 in a respective lane 6 formed by partitions 9 immediately adjacent and move in the channels 6 or between the partitions 9 in parallel rows to reach a gripping area of a manipulator 20.

Said manipulator 20 comprises a vertically oriented lifting column 22 on which a linear guide 24 oriented horizontally is suspended so that it can be moved up and down (via a linear guide 161 oriented vertically). An arrow 27 (see Figure 3) on which is suspended (e) an assembly or a unit 13 comprising a plurality of working tools 8 (Figure 2) is in communication with said linear guide 24 oriented horizontally. Therefore, the boom 27 can be moved along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally, together with the working tools 8 arranged on the arrow 27. In addition, it can be moved up and down vertically along the lifting column 22 the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally together with the arrow 27 and said plurality of working tools 8 arranged on the arrow 27. For this purpose, a plurality of actuators is provided which are in communication with a control device S. By by means of the control device S, it is possible to induce a respective upward or downward movement of the boom 27 together with said plurality of working tools 8 arranged on the boom 27 as well as a displacement of the boom 27 together with the several work tools 8 arranged in a suspended manner on the arrow 27.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a working zone of the manipulator 20 extends, as already mentioned above, on said inlet 7 or on the partitions 9 of the inlet 7 so that articles 3 or beverage containers 5 can be received by the manipulator 20 from the channels 6 formed by partitions 9 immediately adjacent. To this end, each working tool 8 has a housing 11 (see Figure 2), each housing 11 being designed to receive exactly one item 3 or beverage container 5. Thus, the working tool 8 is made as a than tulip packing.

In addition, the system 1 or the packaging machine 2 comprises a horizontal conveying device 30 which extends through a working area of the manipulator 20 and on which beverage cases 4 can be transported towards the manipulator 20 or in said working area of the manipulator 20. This is why the horizontal guide 24 oriented horizontally extends at least in sections on said horizontal transport device 30 so that the boom 27 can be moved together with the tools of work 8 arranged on the arrow 27, in a position above the horizontal transport device 30.

The number of working tools 8 which are arranged on the arrow 27 corresponds to at least a number of articles 3 or beverage containers 5 to receive in a respective beverage box 4. In this way, articles 3 or beverage containers 5 can be received in a number provided for the respective beverage box 4, at least approximately at the same time, by the working tools 8 of the manipulator 20 from the channels 6 formed by the partitions 9, and after that, be moved towards the respective beverage box 4 and be placed inside said beverage box 4. In this case, it can operate continuously transport device horizontal 30 so that the items 3 or beverage containers 5 are deposited inside the respective beverage box 4 during the current movement of the horizontal transport device 30. Preferably, the horizontal transport device 30 can be moved by cadences.

Beyond this fact, the system 1 or the packaging machine 2 of Figure 1 has a sensor 26 through which one can detect a real rotational position of the articles 3 or beverage containers 5. The sensor 26 is coupled to the control device S. After the articles 3 or respective beverage containers 5 provided for a beverage box 4 have been received by the manipulator 20, the working tools 8, under the control device S can rotatably move the respective articles 3 or receiving beverage containers 5 while placing them in a rotational orientation provided for articles 3 or beverage containers 5 and known by the control device S. From this for example, a label applied to an outer side surface of the beverage containers 5 can be oriented so that the respective label has a determined orientation in the box of the box. 4. As described further with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, the rotary movement of the working tools 8 may be used to loosen a stop device 32.

In addition, another sensor 26 'is shown. The position of the sensor 26, 26 'is chosen such that, at any time, when the articles 3 are lifted or after having lifted them and before placing the articles 3 in the beverage box 4, it detects an orientation 3. If the respective sensor 26 or 26 'is made as a camera, the camera is located below a plane through which the articles pass when moving. One can also provide several sensors, for example a sensor respectively on each tulip packaging or a sensor only on the outer packaging tulips, which move together with the items 3 during movement.

In addition, we can see a stock 40 where are arranged several units 13 (see Figure 2) each comprising several working tools 8. As mentioned above, the manipulator 20 has an arrow 27 on which a said unit 13 respectively d Work tools 8 is exchangeably maintained. By said arrow 27, the manipulator 20 can transfer in the stock 40 a respective unit 13 of working tools 8 and can receive another unit 13 of working tools 8. In this case, the working tools 8 of the units 13 Different devices arranged in the stock 40 may have a different dimensioning so that, taking into account an adjustment of the partitions 9 which will be described further below, the control device S may cause or selectively induce a reception by the manipulator. 20, a unit 13 comprising respective working tools 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the horizontal transport device 30 on which the beverage boxes 4 are displaced in the zone can be seen again. The inlet 7 comprises another horizontal conveying device 35 by means of which the articles 3 or beverage containers 5 are moved along the partitions 9 or in the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent (see Figure 1). In this case, the horizontal transport device 30 is at a lower vertical level than the other horizontal transport device 35 of the inlet 7.

In addition, it can be seen in Figure 2 housing 11 made by the working tools 8; in particular, respective mouth sections of the beverage containers 3 engagingly engage in said housings 11 and then being vacuum or mechanically fixed to the working tools 8 or vacuum-welded or mechanically supplied by the Work tools 8. As already mentioned above, the working tools 8 form a constituent part of a unit 13 which is exchangeably supported by the manipulator 20. The transport directions of the horizontal transport device 35 and the Another horizontal transport device 30 is oriented perpendicular to each other. Thus, in this case, the transport direction of the horizontal transport device 30 extends towards the plane of the image. In addition, the linear guide 24 extends perpendicularly to the transport direction of the horizontal transport device 30. From the position shown in FIG. 2, the boom 27 is lowered together with the tool unit 13. work 8 towards the articles 3 or drink containers 5 until the articles 3 or beverage containers 5 are sinking into the housings 11 of the working tools 8. After that, the articles 3 or containers to drink 5 are depressed via the working tools 8 or are seized mechanically which results in the items 3 or beverage containers 5 are removably connected to the working tools 8.

If necessary, the working tools 8 can also be put under overpressure when it is introduced between a flexible pipe inside which the reception is made, and a housing arranged around the flexible pipe and sealed with respect to the flexible pipe , so that the hose is pressed from the outside against the mouth of the containers.

After that, the working tools 8 are moved together with the articles 3 or beverage containers 5 received along the vertical lifting column 22 and the horizontal linear guide 24 towards a respective beverage box 4 and are deposited. in said respective beverage box 4. Then the manipulator 20 or the working tools 8 of the manipulator 20 are moved towards other articles 3 or beverage containers 5 that the manipulator 20, as described, receives via the working tools 8 and transfers to another box 4. In addition, there is provided an abutment not shown which stops the beverage containers 5 at a straight edge of the conveyor 35 or comes into contact with the beverage containers 5.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As can clearly be seen in FIG. 3, the partitions 9 are oriented parallel to each other, in which, to guide the articles 3 or beverage containers 5 without being blocked, a relative spacing from each other of immediately adjacent partitions 9 is enlarged slightly with respect to a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the articles 3 or beverage containers 5. If it is desired to subsequently handle other articles 3 or beverage containers 5 whose maximum cross-sectional diameter is different from items 3 or beverage containers 5 according to Figure 3, the relative distance from each other partitions 9 immediately adjacent must be adapted to this in order to guide without blocking or tilting, in the channels 6 formed by means of partitions 9 immediate 3, or beverage containers 5 to be handled next.

Beyond this fact, FIG. 3 illustrates a drive mechanism 52 which is associated with the lifting column 22 of the manipulator 20 and by means of which the work tools 8 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction along the lifting column 22. For the movement of the working tools 8 along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally, there is provided a drive mechanism which is returned in Figure 3, by means of the number 54. An adjustment relative to each other several work tools 8 of the unit 13 which, in Figure 3, are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the plane of the image, can be caused by means of a drive mechanism 56. In addition, there can be seen a drive mechanism bearing the numeral 58 through which the relative distance of work tools 8 relative to one another can be adjusted or defined at an angle. o u well perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the partitions 9.

FIG. 4 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system 1 or of the packaging machine 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 and makes clear a possible step such that it can be provided in the context of a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention. In FIG. 4, the inlet 7 (see FIG. 1) has not been fed with other articles 3 or with beverage containers 5 so that there are no articles 3 or containers. 5 between the partitions 9 or in the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent. In order to be able to adjust the relative spacing of the partitions 9 relative to each other, all the articles 3, as shown in Figure 4, can be evacuated before the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent. At the beginning of an adjustment, the working tools 8 of the manipulator 20 are located above the partitions 9 and can be moved, for this purpose, vertically along the lifting column 22 and along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally. A movement along the lifting column 22 or along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally is done here, as already described in connection with Figure 3, with the aid of the drive mechanisms 52 and 54. In the figure 4, in the downward vertical direction, the working tools 8 are in alignment with the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent.

FIG. 5 illustrates another diagrammatic front view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. invention. From the position in Figure 4, the working tools 8 have been lowered vertically in the position shown in Figure 5 and are therefore between the partitions 9 or in the channels 6 formed by partitions 9 immediately adjacent. The descent is done by means of the drive mechanism 52. In each of the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent is disposed respectively at least one working tool 8. After having been lowered vertically according to FIG. Work tool 8 has a distance at least approximately identical with respect to the two partitions 9 forming the respective channel 6. In addition, it can be seen in FIG. 5 that the working tools 8 are positioned at least approximately centrally with respect to the height or the vertical extension of the partitions 9.

FIG. 6 represents a schematic side view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 to 5 and makes clear other aspects of the step of the method according to FIG. 5. It is also along the partitions 9 or else in the transport direction of the other horizontal transport device 35 that the assembly 13 or the manipulator 20 has several working tools 8. Before the work tools 8 and / or during and / or or after the vertical descent of the working tools 8, the working tools 8 are moved along the linear guide 24 in a predetermined position, preferably in the horizontal medium or seen in the direction of transport of the partition 9. An assembly or unit 13 formed from the working tools 8 is disposed, in the predetermined position, at least approximately centrally relative to the longitudinal extension of the partitions 9 immediately adjacent partitions 9 immediately adjacent receive the respective assembly or the respective unit 13 of working tools 8. In this way, in each channel 6 (cf. 5) are positioned several working tools 8 one behind the other or along the longitudinal extension of the respective partitions 9 immediately adjacent. The working tools 8 can be moved along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally and be conducted in the position according to Figure 6 with the aid of the drive mechanism 54 (see Figure 5). In addition, the reference numeral 170 refers to a guide for a respective partition 9 along which the respective partition 9 is supported and can be moved laterally transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor 35.

FIG. 7 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. invention. In particular, FIG. 7 represents a step of the method such that it can immediately follow the step of the method described with reference to FIG.

Thus, if we look at FIG. 6 in combination with FIG. 7, it can be seen that the relative distance of the working tools 8 relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the partitions 9 or in the direction of transport of the other horizontal transport device 35 of the inlet 7 or along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally has been enlarged. The manipulator 20 or the unit 13 has an adjustment axis 37 which is coupled to the working tools 8. Said adjustment axis 37 communicates with the drive mechanism 56 illustrated in FIG. 5 or is driven by the -this. Via a drive of the adjusting axis 37, the relative distance of the working tools 8 relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the partitions 9 or in the transport direction of the other device horizontal transport 35 of the inlet 7 or along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally can be selectively enlarged or reduced. This allows a distributed application of force on the longitudinal extension of the partitions 9 in the adjustment described hereinafter, with surface contact of the partitions 9 with the working tools 8.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 to 7 and makes clear other aspects of a step of the method such that it can follow the step according to FIG. 7. In particular FIG. 8 illustrates a step of the method such that it can immediately follow the step of the method described with reference to FIG. 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the working tools 8 are coupled to another adjustment axis 39. Said other adjustment axis 39 is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the partitions 9 or perpendicular to the direction of rotation. transport of the other horizontal transport device 35 of the inlet 7 or perpendicularly to the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally. The other adjustment axis 39 communicates with the drive mechanism 58.

In addition, a movement of the working tools 8 caused by said other adjustment axis 39 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the partitions 9 or perpendicular to the direction of transport of the other horizontal transport device 35 of the input 7 or perpendicularly to the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally. In the movement of the working tools 8 caused by the other adjustment axis 39, the relative distance from each other of immediately adjacent partitions 9 which form a respective channel 6 is enlarged. In this case, the working tools 8 come into surface contact with a partition 9 and push the respective partition 9 in the opposite direction to the respective partition 9 immediately adjacent.

In this way, the distance between partitions 9 immediately adjacent or the width of the respective channel 6 formed by partitions 9 immediately adjacent, which is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction of the other horizontal transport device 35 is enlarged .

The control device S shown schematically can be imposed with information relating to the sizing of articles 3 or of respective beverage containers 5 which can be transferred to beverage cases 4. Consequently, the control device S can adapt or by means of the previously described movement of work tools 8, adjust a width of the respective track 6 formed by immediately adjacent partitions 9, which is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of transport of the other horizontal transport device 35. drive 58 communicates with the control device S, the drive mechanism 58 can be driven or actuated by the control device S to adapt or adjust the relative spacing relative to each other. to the others of partitions 9 immediately adjacent.

FIG. 9 illustrates another diagrammatic front view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 to 8 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. invention. Looking at FIG. 8 in combination with FIG. 9, it can be seen that the partitions 9 have been displaced by the working tools 8 so as to have the relative setpoint spacing shown in FIG. 9. The width of the tracks 6 perpendicular to FIG. the direction of transport of the other horizontal transport device 35 of the inlet 7 is identical for all the channels 6. It can also be seen in FIG. 9 that the central partition of the five partitions 9 has not been moved actively or has not been pushed by a working tool 8 and is, as before, in its position according to Figure 4.

For example, the drive mechanism 58 may be coupled to a pin 58a which has different pitches along its longitudinal extension on which are housed the respective housing 11.

FIG. 10 illustrates another schematic front view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 1 to 9 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. invention. From the position shown in FIG. 9, the working tools 8 have been moved in the opposite direction, the relative distance between the working tools 8 having been reduced in this case. To this end, said other adjustment axis 39 has been moved in rotation in opposite direction via the actuator 58, under the influence of the control device S. In FIG. 10, the working tools 8 are therefore in the middle in their respective channel 6 formed by partitions 9 immediately adjacent. In another step which is not shown in the figures of the present patent application, the working tools 8 are mounted from the position of FIG. 10 along the vertical lifting column 22 so that, then, the working tools 8 are no longer located between the partitions 9 or in the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent.

Since a width of the tracks 6, oriented perpendicularly to the direction of transport of the other horizontal conveying device 35 is therefore adapted to the respective articles 3 to handle or to transfer in beverage cases 4, the articles 3 or Well containers 5 corresponding dimensioning can be introduced into the inlet 7 and be brought to the channels 6 formed between partitions 9 immediately adjacent. Manipulation or transfer of the articles 3 or beverage containers 5 in respectively associated beverage cases 4 is then done according to the preceding description relating to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic front view of another conceivable embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. 'invention. In particular, FIG. 11 shows a setting or an adaptation of the relative distance with respect to the others of immediately adjacent partitions 9, in which or where a width of the tracks 6 oriented perpendicularly to the other horizontal transport device 35 of entry 7 (see Figure 7) is reduced. This step serves to reduce relative distances of the partitions 9 from each other and is done in a mode of service which follows the step of the method of Figure 10. For this purpose, as can be seen in Figure 11 the working tools 8 by means of which articles 3 or beverage containers 5 can be received are kept in surface contact with the partitions 9. As indicated by means of the arrows representation, the working tools 8 move relative to each other during the surface contact while pushing a respective partition 9 towards a partition 9 immediately adjacent to said partition 9 respective and thereby reduce the width of the channels 6 formed by partitions 9 immediately adjacent, which is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of transport of the other horizontal transport device 35 of the inlet 7. When this, the partition 9 of medium or central is not moved by working tools 8.

A movement of the working tools 8 is also done with the aid of the other adjustment axis to which is returned by the numeral 39. Said other adjustment axis 39 is rotated via the drive mechanism 58 under the pulse of the control device S.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic front view of another conceivable embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention, as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. 'invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, partitions 9 situated externally each comprise a gripping finger 12 by means of which it is possible to make a respective engagement with positive engagement and / or by adhesion to a partition 9 in order to displace the partition 9 while adjusting or adapting the relative distance between partitions 9 immediately adjacent. The gripping fingers 12 protrude beyond a plane where are located contact surfaces with the articles 3. In this way, the manipulator must lower the working tools 8 only on a small path. In addition, a lever relative to the guide 170 (see Figure 6) is made so as to be small. In addition, the movement of the working tools 8 is done under the influence of the control device S as well as by said other adjustment axis 39 driven via the drive mechanism 58. In FIG. 12, the movement of the tools of FIG. Work 8 is indicated by means of an arrows representation.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic front view of another conceivable embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. 'invention. In the embodiment of a system 1 of Figure 13, immediately adjacent partitions 9 which form between them a respective channel 6 for guiding articles 3 or beverage containers 5 are coupled to each other by a trainer 50 which transmits an adjustment or movement of a partition 9 in a given direction to an adjustment or movement in opposite directions of the other respective partition 9 immediately adjacent. In this way, the relative spacing of immediately adjacent partitions 9 can be adapted or adjusted in a simple and uncomplicated manner. In addition, embodiments according to Figure 13, mechanically coupled to a plurality of partitions 9 via a driver 50, allow a very precise adjustment of their relative distance with respect to each other. The coach 50 can provide a scissor type fitting. In addition, individual transport paths 180 which are also adjusted at the same time can be coupled thereto. In the case of a scissors fitting 50, several levers 50a of equal length are coupled to one another via pivots 50b. The transport routes on the one hand and the partitions 9 on the other hand are coupled by articulation alternately on said pivots. The individual machine elements 9, 180 can be moved along vertical guides 50c and a not shown horizontal guide. Adjustment via a driver 50 is also possible only for the partitions 9 alone, without the transport routes, for example when the articles 3 are all transported by a conveyor 35 having a common bearing surface.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic side view of another conceivable embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention as well as a step that can be envisaged as part of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. the invention. The embodiment of FIG. 14 also comprises a manipulator 20 according to the description given above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 13, as well as several partitions 9, which can be seen in FIG. in side view. Since articles 3 or beverage containers 5 (see FIG. 1) come into contact with the partitions 9 when they are guided by means of the partitions 9, stop devices 32 are provided to hold the partitions 9 in place. their respective position on the guide 170.

Each of the stop devices 32 has an adjusting member 28, the respective stopper 32 being releasable by means of a rotational movement of its respective adjusting member 28. In FIG. 14 it can further be seen that the working tools 8 each form a housing 11 for receiving an article 3 or a respective beverage container 5. The adjusting elements 28 are correspondingly made to the housings 11 of the working tools 8 so that the working tools 8 can establish, via their housings 11, a detachable connection to the adjustment elements 28.

FIG. 15 shows another diagrammatic side view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIG. 14 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. invention. Looking at FIG. 14 in combination with FIG. 15, it can be seen that the working tools 8 have been lowered so that, consequently, an adjustment element 28 is located inside the housing 11 of a working tool 8. After making a detachable connection between the working tool 8 and the adjusting member 28 in the housing 11 of this working tool 8, the adjusting member 28 is rotatably displaced via of this working tool 8, as indicated by the arrows representation. In this way, the stop device 32 is loosened.

FIG. 16 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 14 and 15 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. 'invention. After having loosened the stop device 32 shown on the left in FIG. 16, according to the description relating to FIG. 15, the connection between the working tool 8 and the adjustment element 28 is suppressed, whereupon the manipulator 20 the work tool 8 is mounted so that the working tool 8 comes out of engagement with the adjusting element 28.

FIG. 17 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system 1 of FIGS. 14 to 16 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. 'invention. From the position of FIG. 16, the working tools 8 of the manipulator 20 are moved along the linear guide 24 oriented horizontally, towards the stop device 32 shown on the right in FIG. 17, until the working tools 8 are in the position shown in FIG. 17. In this case, the housing 11 of a working tool 8 or of the working tool 8 which, in FIG. to the right is aligned, in the downward vertical direction, with the adjusting member 28 of the stop device 32 shown to the right.

FIG. 18 shows another schematic side view of the embodiment of the system of FIGS. 14 to 17 and makes clear another conceivable step such that it can be provided in the context of a possible embodiment of the method according to FIG. invention. According to the operation already described in connection with FIG. 15, the work tools 8 are lowered again until the adjustment element 28 of the stop device 32 shown on the right is in the housing 11. of the working tool 8 located on the right. After that, a detachable connection can be made between the rightmost working tool 8 and the adjusting member 28 of the stop device 32 shown to the right, whereupon the adjusting member 28 is moved from rotating manner by means of the working tool 8. In this way, the stop device 32 shown on the right is loosened. Then, the working tools 8 can be raised via the manipulator 20. An adjustment of the relative distance with respect to the others of immediately adjacent partitions 9 can be achieved after that according to an exemplary embodiment of the description made. previously as for Figures 4 to 13.

List of reference numerals 1 system 2 packing machine 3 item 4 beverage crate 5 beverage container 6 way 7 inlet 8 work tool 9 partition 11 housing 12 gripper, gripper 13 unit, assembly 20 manipulator 22 column lift 24 horizontally oriented linear guide 26 sensor 27 boom 28 adjustment element 30 horizontal transport device 32 stop device 35 other horizontal transport device 37 adjustment axis 39 other adjustment axis 40 stock 50 trainer 52 mechanism drive (lifting column) 54 drive mechanism (horizontally oriented linear guide) 56 drive mechanism 58 drive mechanism 58a spindle 154 guardrail 155 conveyor belt 161 linear guide 170 S guide control device

Claims (17)

claims 1. System (1) for handling articles (3) such as beverage containers (5) or the like, comprising an inlet (7) having a plurality of partitions (9), which plurality of partitions (9) is used to guide the articles (3) in several adjacent rows, as well as at least one manipulator (20) having at least one working tool (8) by which the at least one manipulator (20) is made for receiving and moving the articles (3). ) guided in the several adjacent rows, characterized in that said at least one working tool (8) can be controlled to perform at least one determined operation by means of which a) the plurality of partitions (9) can be adjusted one relative to each other with respect to their relative spacing by mechanical cooperation with said at least one working tool (8), and / or by means of which b) at least one stopping device (32) provided for said plurality of partitions (9) can be loosened by a mechanical cooperation with said at least one working tool (8). 2. System according to claim 1, comprising at least two working tools (8) by which said at least one manipulator (20) is made respectively to receive and move the articles (3) guided in the several adjacent rows, wherein, to adjust the relative distance of the plurality of partitions (9) relative to each other, said at least two working tools (8) are made to be horizontally movable relative to each other in a determined direction, which determined direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the partitions (9). 3. System according to claim 2, wherein said at least two working tools (8) are coupled to at least one common adjustment axis (39) through which common horizontal movement can be induced, some by relative to the others, said at least two working tools (8) in the determined direction. System according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said at least two working tools (8) are made to be horizontally movable relative to each other in another direction, which other direction extends in parallel. to the longitudinal extension of the partitions (9). 5. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, comprising an auxiliary instrument, which auxiliary instrument allows to loosen said at least one stop device (32), wherein said auxiliary instrument can be temporarily received by said least one working tool (8) for loosening said at least one stopping device (32). 6. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least two work tools (8) with different dimensions, said at least two work tools (8) can be selectively received and exchangeable by said least one manipulator (20). The system of claim 6, comprising a controller (S) which is in communication with said at least one manipulator (20) and to which information relating to a set target spacing for said plurality of partitions (9) can be imposed. ), wherein, in view of the information, said control device (S) is made to select at least one working tool (8) among said at least two work tools (8) of different sizes, and wherein said at least one manipulator (20) can be controlled via the control device (S) to receive the respective work tool (8) selected. The system according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one stop device (32) comprises at least one adjusting member (28) which is rotatable to loosen said at least one locking device. stop (32), wherein said at least one adjusting member (28) and said at least one working tool (8) are correspondingly formed with respect to each other so that one can establish a mechanical coupling between said at least one working tool (8) and said at least one adjusting element (28), and wherein said at least one adjusting element (28) can be subjected via said at least one working tool (8) being mechanically coupled to a rotational movement to loosen said at least one arresting device (32). 9. System according to claim 8, wherein said at least one working tool (8) forms a housing (11) for receiving a respective article (3), wherein the mechanical coupling between said at least one adjusting element ( 28) and said at least one working tool (8) can be established by said housing (11). System according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one driver (50) through which at least two partitions (9) communicate with each other, said at least one driver (50) transmitting automatic adjustment of at least one of said at least two partitions (9) to a counter-oriented adjustment of at least one of said at least two partitions (9). The system according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein a working tool (8) or several working tools (8) comprise at least one gripping element (12), via said at least one a gripping element (12) can be made adhesively and / or removably positive engagement between the at least one respective working tool (8) or the respective working tools (8) and at least one of the several partitions (9). A method of handling articles (3) such as beverage containers (5) or the like, comprising the steps of: guiding a plurality of articles (3) in multiple rows between a plurality of neighboring partitions (9) receiving and transferring the articles (3) guided in several rows by at least one working tool (8) of at least one manipulator (20), after which a relative distance relative to each other of said plurality of partitions (9), and guide other articles (3) between the several adjacent partitions (9), after having adjusted the relative distance from each other of said plurality of neighboring partitions (9), characterized by the fact the relative distance relative to each other of said plurality of adjacent partitions (9) is mechanically adjusted by means of said at least one working tool (8), and / or at least one locking device (32) planned for one of the partitions (9) or more of the partitions (9) is loosened mechanically before adjusting the relative distance using said at least one working tool (8). Method according to claim 12, wherein said at least one working tool (8) is positioned between two adjacent partitions (9), after which said at least one working tool (8) is brought into surface contact with the one of the two adjacent partitions (9), then said at least one working tool (8) pushing this partition (9), being in surface contact with this partition (9), in the opposite direction of another of the two partitions (9) immediately adjacent to enlarge the relative distance. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said at least one working tool (8) grasps at positive engagement and / or adhesion at least one partition (9) and, after that, to adjust the relative distance, moves the partition (9) gripped in the direction or in the opposite direction of at least one other partition (9) immediately facing the partition (9) gripped. The method according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, wherein said at least one working tool (8) mechanically couples to said at least one stop device (32), after which said at least one device stopper (32) being rotatably displaced by means of said at least one working tool (8) while maintaining the mechanical coupling, whereby said at least one stopper (32) is loosened. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said at least one working tool (8) provides, in a housing (11) adapted to receive articles (3), a link secured in rotation to a control element (28). said at least one stopper (32), and then rotatably displacing said adjusting member (28) to loosen said at least one stopper (32). The method according to one or more of claims 12 to 16, wherein a driver (50) communicating with at least two partitions (9) transmits an adjustment of at least one of said at least two partitions (9) to a counter-facing adjustment of at least one of said at least two partitions (9).