WO2018197056A1

WO2018197056A1 - Device for gripping and transporting containers

Info

Publication number: WO2018197056A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/052052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Fahldieck; Nils MALLITZKI
Original assignee: Khs Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-04-26
Filing date: 2018-01-29
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Also published as: DE102017108930A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transporting containers (2). The key aspect of the device can be seen here in the fact that, in order to introduce a positively guided pivoting movement of the first and second gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) of a corresponding container gripper, there is provided at least one slide element (11) which can be displaced radially with respect to the machine axis, that the slide element (11) has at least one first control surface (12) for controlling the first gripper arm (5.1) and at least one second control surface (13), separate therefrom, for controlling the second gripper arm (5.2), wherein the at least one first and second control surface (12, 13) is designed for positively guiding the respective gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) between the gripping and the releasing position (GP, FP).

Description

DEVICE FOR GRIPPING AND TRANSPORTING CONTAINERS

The invention relates to a device for transporting containers, in particular to a device for transporting containers in the form of bottles, preferably PET bottles.

A device for transporting containers with the features of

The preamble of claim 1 is the subject of German

Patent Application DE 10 2015 106 106 A1. This device comprises at least one transport element with at least one carrier body arranged thereon, on which at least one container gripper is provided for gripping and holding the container, wherein the container gripper has at least two pivotable gripper arms which are oriented on the carrier body by one parallel to the machine axis MA

Swivel axis SA between a respective container engaging position and a position releasing the corresponding container pivotable

are arranged. For this purpose, in DE 10 2015 106 106 A1, the gripper arms are each biased by at least one ironing or leaf spring-like spring element in a closed position and deflected for the pivoting movement against the spring force generated via the respective spring element in its open position.

Another container gripper is known from the German patent application DE 10 2014 1 17358 A1. In this container gripper, the two gripper arms are biased by provided on these arms spring tongues or spring arms in their closed position with a closing force, for which the spring arms in turn are supported against a locking element. This is movable relative to the spring arms such that the free ends of the spring arms in a position of the blocking element, which corresponds to a releasing state with a reduced closing force, a smaller

Have distance from one another than in a second position of the locking element, in which an increase in the closing force of the container gripper is achieved by increasing this distance and thus a locking state of the

Container gripper corresponds. Furthermore, container grippers (DE 10 2005 014 838 A1) are known, in which the closing force is achieved in that the gripper nose is formed integrally with rear, spring-elastic extensions. This has, inter alia, the disadvantage that the choice of material for the production of the gripper arms is severely limited. The respective control or locking element is an eccentric, against which the resilient rearward extensions of the gripper arms are supported and which must be rotated about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the gripper arms for control between the locking state with increased closing force and the releasing state with reduced closing force.

Also known is a transport device (DE 10 2012 01 1 367 A1), which has a plurality of container gripper each having two gripper arms biased by spring force on a transport element which can be driven circumferentially around a machine axis. Each container gripper is associated with a closing element, which is cam-controlled for locking the gripper arms, movable radially to the machine axis and against the action of a return spring in a closed position in which the closing element engages over the two gripper arms like a rider and thereby against opening, i. against a moving apart blocks. So there is an actual positive locking of the gripper arms by the

Closing.

Also known are container gripper (DE 297 13 510 U), in which on a support plate pivotally mounted gripper arms are provided, which are biased by a compression spring in a closed position. The containers can be inserted via entry slopes on the front sides of the gripper arms under compression of the spring in one of the gripper arms and between them formed container receptacle and vice versa pulled out of this container receptacle again.

Also known is a container gripper (EP 2 279 143 A1), the gripper arms are inexpensive, easy and even without tools interchangeable. This is achieved in that a fixing element is positioned between bearing ends of the gripper arms, wherein the bearing ends have an edge recess. By pivoting the gripper arms in an extreme opening position and by previously relaxing the one Closing force of the gripper arms generating tension spring, the gripper arms are released from the fixation, so that they are easily and without tools removed. Furthermore, a support body for attaching the respective container gripper on

Transport element deformable mounting tabs made of an elastic material.

The object of the invention is to show a device for transporting containers, which in particular also allows the most precise control movement of the container gripper with a simplified structural design. To solve this problem, a device for transporting containers according to claim 1 is formed.

According to one essential aspect, the invention relates to a device for transporting containers, comprising at least one transport element with at least one carrier body arranged thereon, on which at least one

Container gripper is provided for gripping and holding the container, wherein a container gripper at least a first and second, each pivotable

Gripper arm having on the support body to each one parallel to

Machine axis oriented pivot axis between a respective container engaging position and the corresponding container releasing position are arranged pivotably, wherein for initiating a positively guided pivotal movement of the first and second gripper arm of a corresponding container gripper at least one to the machine axis radially displaceable

Slider element is provided, wherein the slider element has at least a first control surface for controlling the first gripper arm and at least one separate second control surface for controlling the second gripper arm, wherein the at least one first and second control surface for positively guiding the respective gripper arm between the gripping and the releasing position is formed, wherein the first control surface at least a first and second control surface portion and the second control surface has at least a first and second control surface portion, wherein the first and second control surface of the slide element are mirror-symmetrical to a radially oriented to the machine axis and this machine axis enclosing middle end are formed the first control surface portion of the first control surface and first Control surface portion of the second control surface mirror-symmetrical to the

Center plane are formed and the second control surface portion of the first control surface and the second control surface portion of the second control surface are formed mirror-symmetrical to the median plane, wherein the slide element is formed in a plan view X-shaped, wherein the respective first

Control surface portion of the first and second control surface of the X-shaped

Sliding element relative to a theoretical connecting line between the two pivot axes of the first and second gripper arm radially outward and opens in the direction away from the machine axis in plan view V- or fork-shaped, wherein the respective second control surface portion of the first and second control surface is located radially inward relative to the theoretical connecting line between the two pivot axes of the first and second gripper arm and in the direction of the machine axis in plan view V- or fork-shaped opens and wherein the first gripper arm at least a first and second guide member and the second gripper arm has at least a first and second guide member, the positive guidance the two gripper arms are each contact-guided along the corresponding first and second control surfaces by the first guide element of the first gripper arm on the first control surface portion of the first control surface and the first Guide element of the second gripper arm on the first control portion of the second control surface is guided fitting, and the second guide element of the first gripper arm on the second

Control surface portion of the first control surface and the second guide member of the second gripper arm on the second control surface portion of the second

Control surface adjacent feasible.

Regardless of the particular training in detail results for the

Device according to the invention or the container gripper according to the invention a large number of advantages. Thus, the container gripper and its gripper unit, in particular in the gripping position of the respective container (GP) and the corresponding container releasing position (FP) laterally spring over elastically formed control surfaces and thereby u.a. also possible

Pitch distortions, ie deviations in the pitch of container grippers or container receptacles and tolerances with respect to the synchronicity of Balance container transport elements. For a safe transfer of containers between transport elements and / or transport stars, it is particularly important in rinsers, fillers or closers that held on the container grippers a transport element container as exactly as possible the predetermined pitch from each other, which is automatically achieved when the respective slide element is in the gripping position of the respective container gripper.

The movement of the locking elements of the container gripper between the blocking and the releasing state is preferably controlled via a driver cooperating with at least one control surface or via a corresponding cam roller. In this case, the container gripper according to the invention is preferably designed so that each reached with a portion of the control surface position of the locking element and thus the corresponding state of the container gripper is maintained even without control surface, and in particular the locked state of the container gripper, and indeed until a another portion of the control surface acts on the blocking element. As a result, short control surfaces are possible, which reduce the design effort, the wear and the manufacturing costs and the cleaning of the corresponding

Transport device 1, 1 a or facilitate container handling machine.

The container gripper according to the invention further allows a tool-free, simple and quick replacement of its functional elements, in particular also entire assemblies and wearing parts. Furthermore, the

container gripper according to the invention the realization of transport elements with a small pitch circle diameter, for example with a pitch circle diameter of only 540 mm and with small pitch (distance between the grippers on the circumference), for example at a pitch of 30 PI (30 times PI). This corresponds to 18 container grippers with the aforementioned pitch circle diameter of 540mm.

Due to the secure blocking effect, both filled containers and those with only small neck rings or weakly shaped retaining ring grooves can be securely held. For example, the neck ring in its dimensions reduced, so be thinner or narrower, which is generally desirable for cost savings.

The container carrier according to the invention allows by its open design, easy assembly and disassembly of its functional elements optimal cleaning.

The container gripper can be switched very quickly between its blocking and releasing state, so that it is suitable for high performance (number of containers transported per unit time), especially since only short movement strokes are required for the slide element.

Furthermore, only small control forces are required for the controlled movement of the slide element, which results in a reduced wear and a reduced noise in an advantageous manner. The rapid switching of the container gripper is also facilitated by the fact that the respective slide element has only a small mass and as described only a short movement stroke is required for the slide element. Preferably, all the functional elements of the container gripper according to the invention, and in particular the slider element and cooperating with the slide element control surfaces of the gripper arms are below the gripper arms, thereby advantageously a possible contamination of the held on the container gripper, for example, still open container with germs is avoided.

According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the

Guide elements are each bolt-shaped and oriented in their respective longitudinal extent parallel or approximately parallel to the pivot axis are provided on the side facing the support body of the corresponding gripper arm.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the

Slider element at least a guide portion and a control section wherein the first and second control surfaces are associated with the control section.

According to yet another embodiment, it may be provided that the control portion of the slider element is formed X- or fork-shaped in plan view, wherein the X or fork shape is formed by arm members, which are assigned to the first and second control surfaces.

According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that a first arm member, the first control surface portion, a second

Armelement the second control surface portion, a third arm member of the first control surface portion and a fourth arm member of the second

Control surface section is assigned. According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that the first and second control surface portion of the first control cam are formed as first and second inner control surface portion, each at the

Middle plane facing side of the first and second arm member are provided and the first and second control surface portion of the second control cam as the first and second inner control surface portion are formed, each on the side facing away from the median plane of the third and fourth arm element

are provided.

According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that the first guide element of the first gripper arm on the first inner

The control surface portion of the first control surface and the first guide member of the second gripper arm on the first inner control portion of the second control surface is feasible fitting between the releasing and the gripping position and the second guide member of the first gripper arm at the second inner

The control surface portion of the first control surface and the second guide member of the second gripper arm on the second inner control surface portion of the second control surface adjacent to the releasable and the gripping position is feasible. According to yet another embodiment, it may be provided that the first and second control surfaces are formed such that a closing movement on the two gripper arms in the gripping position and on the respective second control surface portion via their respective first control surface portion an opening movement in the releasing position at a radial Displacement of the slide element on the two gripper arms can be introduced.

According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that the first and second control surface portion of the first control cam are formed as first and second outer control surface portion, each at the

Center-side facing away from the first and second arm member are provided and the first and second control surface portion of the second control cam as the first and second outer control surface portion are formed, each on the side facing away from the median plane of the third and fourth arm element

(are provided.

According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that the first guide element of the first gripper arm on the first outer

Control surface portion of the first control surface and the first guide member of the second gripper arm on the first outer control portion of the second

Control surface is feasible lying between the releasing and the gripping position and the second guide element of the first gripper arm on the second outer cam portion of the first control surface and the second

Guide element of the second gripper arm on the second outer

Control surface portion of the second control surface adjacent between the

releasing and the gripping position is feasible.

According to yet another embodiment, it may be provided that the first and second control surfaces are formed such that a closing movement on the two gripper arms in the gripping position and on the respective first control surface section via their respective second control surface portion Opening movement in the releasing position at a radial displacement of the slider element on the two gripper arms can be introduced.

According to yet another embodiment, it may be provided that the slide element with a guide portion provided by an opening provided in the support body is radially displaceable, in particular translationally to the machine axis According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that the initiation of the pivoting movement on the two gripper arms the

Slider element is radially displaceable cam-controlled to the machine axis.

According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that for the cam-controlled displacement of the slide element on the

Guide portion, one about an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the machine axis freely rotatable control roller is arranged, which cooperates with a common control cam. According to yet another embodiment, it can be provided that the cam roller is magnetically held on the guide portion of the slider element.

The container gripper according to the invention is preferably designed for a suspended support of the containers to a container neck forming the container opening and / or to a ring or flange (neck ring) formed there. "Container" are in the context of the invention in particular cans, bottles, barrels, and KEGs, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, preferably made of PET

(Polyethylene terephthalate). The expression "essentially" or "approximately" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of Function insignificant

Changes.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination, in principle, the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their

Dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1 in a perspective plan view and partial representation two

Container gripper of a device according to the invention for transporting the containers in a releasing position,

2 is a perspective bottom view and in partial view of a device for transporting the container,

Fig. 3a in plan view an individual representation of a slider element of

Container gripper of Fig. 1 or 2,

3b shows a perspective view and an individual view of the slider element according to FIG. 3a

Fig. 4a in plan view an individual representation of an exemplary

Embodiment of a container gripper, cut along the

Mittelebne M

Fig. 4b in plan view a detailed representation of an exemplary further

Embodiment of a container gripper, cut along the

Mittelebne M Fig. 5 in a sectional side view a schematic partial view of a

Variant of an arrangement of a cam roller on the

Slider element and

Fig. 6 in a sectional side view of a schematic partial view of another embodiment of an arrangement of a cam roller on the slider element.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures. Furthermore, for clarity, only reference numerals in the individual figures are shown, which are required for the description of the respective figure.

In the figures, 1 is generally a transport device for transporting containers 2, which are shown in the figures as large-volume bottles and in particular as bottles made of PET. The transport device 1 comprises u.a. a rotor or transport element 3 rotatably driven about a vertical machine axis MA on the circumference of the transport element 3 are provided at preferably uniform angular intervals around the machine axis MA against each other several container gripper 4, preferably for a hanging support each of a container 2 at its container neck

(Neckring) or are formed at a provided below the container opening at the container neck container flange. The suspended support of the container 2 is known to the expert, for example from DE 10 2005 106 103 A1 in the manner described there in more detail.

In this case, the transport device 1 may comprise at least one arranged on the transport element 3 carrier body 8, on which the at least one container gripper 4 may be provided for gripping and holding the container 2. Everyone who

Container gripper 4 has at least one first and second, respectively pivotable gripper arm 5.1, 5.2, the (gripper arms 5.1, 5.2) on the support body 8 to each one parallel to the machine axis MA oriented pivot axis SA between the respective container 2 cross-position GP and a corresponding container 2 releasing position FP (Cf. Figure 1) are arranged pivotably. In this case, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 of the container gripper 4 may each be formed like a double lever or double leg, with a relative to the machine axis MA radially outer gripper arm 6.1, 6.2 and with respect to the machine axis MA relative to the outer Greiferarmabschnitt 6.1, 6.2 radially inner inner Greiferarmabschnitt 6.3, 6.4. In particular, the first gripper arm 5.1 the outer Greiferarmabschnitt 6.1 and the inner Greiferarmabschnitt 6.3 and the second gripper arm 5.2 on the outer Greiferarmabschnitt 6.2 and the inner Greiferarmabschnitt 6.4.

Between their respective outer Greiferarmabschnitt 6.1 and 6.2 and their corresponding inner Greiferarmabschnitt 6.3 and 6.4, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2, each with a hinge pin 9 to their

Schwenkachs SA arranged parallel to or substantially parallel to the machine axis MA pivotally mounted on the support body 8, and preferably for an opposing pivoting apart of the respective Greiferarmabschnitte 6.1, 6.2 for opening the respective container gripper 4 in its releasing position FP and for an opposing Aufeinander-Zu- Pivoting or pivoting the Greiferarmabschnitte 6.1, 6.2 to close the corresponding

Container gripper 4 in its gripping position GP, in which the container 2 is held, in particular gripped.

Furthermore, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 at their respective outer Greiferarmabschnitten 6.1, 6.2 each have a recess 7.1, 7.2, wherein the first gripper arm 5.1 a first recess 7.1 and the second

Gripper arm 5.2 has a second recess 7.2. The first and second

Recess 7.1, 7.2 complement each other particularly advantageous to one

Container receptacle in such a way that the respective held on the container gripper 4 in the gripping position GP container 2 of the first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 of a corresponding container gripper 4 at its container neck

clamp-like encompassed, and is preferably encompassed over an angular range greater than 180 °. As with the hinge pins 9, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 of each container gripper 4 lie in the circumferential direction or rotational direction DA of the transport element 3 opposite one another. The first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 of the respective container gripper 4 are provided on an upper side of the support body 8, in particular pivotally arranged, wherein the container gripper 4 are in turn provided on the supporting body 8 in turn on the circulating transport element 3. Advantageously, the support body 8 is in this case at the top of the circulating transport element 3 with suitable fastening means,

For example, by screwing, attached. Alternatively, the support body 8 could also be suitably formed in one piece with the transport element 3.

For example, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 are made of one

Produces plastic or metallic material and preferably identically formed, but arranged by turning a gripper arm 5.1, or 5.2 to its corresponding longitudinal extent on the support body 8, that the first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 each container gripper 4 mirror symmetry to an imaginary, radially to Machine axis MA oriented and this

Machine axis MA enclosing center plane M are formed. Moreover, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 with their relative to the

Machine axis MA radially outer ends, namely the respective outer Greiferarmabschnitt 6.1, 6.2, on the support body 8 and over the circumference of the transport element 3 before or over. The respective hinge pins 9 are in the area between their respective outer Greiferarmabschnitt 6.1 and 6.2 and their corresponding inner Greiferarmabschnitt 6.3 and 6.4 fixed to the first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 fixed, for example, glued, welded or soldered. Alternatively, the hinge pin 9 can also be integrally formed with the first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2, in particular produced. In each case, a bearing piece 10, for example a sleeve-shaped receptacle, can be pushed onto the hinge pins 9, and the corresponding hinge pin 9 can be kept at a defined distance from the support body 8 by the bearing piece 10 and / or stored. In particular, the hinge pins 9 can be fixed in each case by latching to the support body 8. For this purpose, the support body 8 at least one opening in which the free end of the corresponding hinge pin 9 latching, but still pivotally, can be added.

According to the invention, at least one slider element 1 1 radially displaceable radially to the machine axis MA is provided for initiating a positively guided pivoting movement of the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 of a corresponding container gripper 4, which comprises at least a first control surface 12 for controlling the first gripper arm 5.1 and at least one second control surface separate therefrom 13 for controlling the second gripper arm has 5.2. In this case, the at least one first and second control surface 12, 13 for positive guidance of the respective gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 formed between the gripping and the releasing position GP, FP. In particular, the first and second gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 for this purpose preferably each have at least two on the side facing the support body 8

Guiding elements 15a and 15b or 15c and 15d, which are guided to the positive guidance of the two gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 respectively contact-fitted along the corresponding first and second control surface 12, 13.

More in detail, the first gripper arm 5.1 a first and second

Guide element 15a and 15b which are guided in a contact-fit manner along the first control surface 12 of the slide element 1 1 and the second gripper arm 5.2, a first and second guide member 15c, 15d, the

are guided in a contact-tight manner along the second control surface 13.

For example, the corresponding guide element 15a ... 15d bolt-shaped and oriented in its respective longitudinal extent (bolt longitudinal axis) parallel or approximately parallel to the pivot axis SA or central axis MA on the side facing the support body 8 of the corresponding

Gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 provided on this (gripper arm), in particular be arranged. According to one embodiment, the corresponding guide element 15a ... 15d rotatable, in particular rotatable about the pin longitudinal axis, on the corresponding gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 may be arranged. Alternatively, the respective guide element 15a... 15d can also be formed in one piece with the corresponding gripper arm 5.1, 5.2, in particular manufactured. In particular, the guide elements 15a... 15d can be offset relative to the respective pivot axis SA of the corresponding first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 offset in the direction of the median plane M, ie from their respective bolt longitudinal axis to the middle abutment M a respective smaller vertical relative distance than the corresponding pivot axes SA.

The guide elements 15a ... 15d can also form in the region of their respective free, thus in the direction of the support body 8, ends a bearing surface on which the at least one first and second control surface 12, 13 of the slider element 1 1 comes to rest and thus before secured from falling out.

If the guide elements 15a... 15d are designed, for example, as rotationally symmetrical bolts or pins, the respective bearing surface provided on the free end side can be designed as a support plate, which forms the outer circumference of the corresponding guide element 15a

fully collar-shaped, surmounted as support surface.

The slider element 1 1 thus has at least one first control surface 12 for controlling the first gripper arm 5.1 and the at least one separate second control surface 13 for controlling the second gripper arm 5.2, wherein the at least one first and second control surface 12, 13 for positive guidance of the respective Gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 are formed between the gripping and the releasing position GP, FP.

In particular, the two control surfaces 12, 13 can each have at least one first and second control surface section 12.1 and 12.2 or 13.1 and 13.2, which respectively form the first and second control surfaces 12 and 13. More in detail, the at least one first control surface 12 can identify the at least one first and second control surface section 12.1 and 12.2 and the at least one second control surface 13 can form the at least one first control surface section 13.1 and 13.2.

Advantageously, the first and second control surfaces 12, 13 of the

Slider element 1 1 mirror-symmetrical to the radially oriented to the machine axis MA and this machine axis MA enclosing center plane M formed and in particular the first control surface portion 12.1 of the first control surface 12 mirror-symmetrically at the center plane M with the first

Control surface portion 13.1 of the second control surface 13 and the second

Control surface portion 12.2 of the first control surface 12 is formed mirror-symmetrically on the center plane M with the second control surface portion 13.2 of the second control surface 13.

The slider element 1 1 has at least one guide section 1 1 .1 and a control section 1 1 .2 on. In particular, the first and second control surfaces 12, 13 are the control section 1 1 .2 of the slide element 1 1

assigned. Further advantageous is the slide element 1 1 with his

Guide section 1 1 .1 and its control section 1 1 .2 integrally formed.

As can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the control section 11 .2 of the slide element 11 can be designed in a substantially X-shaped or double-V-shaped plan view. In this case, the respective first

Control surface portion 12.1, 13.1 of the first and second control surface 12, 13 of the X-shaped slide element 1 1 relative to a theoretical connecting line VL between the two pivot axes SA of the first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 are radially outward and in the direction away from the machine axis MA in plan view open V-shaped or fork-shaped.

Furthermore, the respective second control surface section 12.2, 13.2 of the first and second control surfaces 12, 13 can lie radially inward with respect to the theoretical

Connecting line VL between the two pivot axes SA of the first and second gripper arm 5.1, 5.2 and in the direction of the machine axis MA in

Top view Open V-shaped or forked.

In particular, the control section 1 1 .2 of the slider element 1 1 may be substantially X-shaped or fork-shaped in a plan view, the first and second control surfaces 12 being the X-shaped or fork-shaped arm elements AE1... AE4 of the control section 11 .2 , 13, which are connected via the central central portion 1 1 .1, or are arranged on this. In particular, the control section 1 1 .2 a first to fourth arm element AE1 ... AE4, wherein the first arm member AE1, the first control surface portion 12.1, the second arm member AE2, the second control surface portion 12.1, the third arm member AE3, the first control surface portion 13.1 and the fourth Arm element AE4, the second control surface portion 13.2 is assigned. The first control surface 12 is therefore assigned to the first and second arm element AE1, AE2 and the second control surface 13 to the third and fourth arm element AE3, AE4.

In this case, the first and second guide element 15a, 15b of the first gripper arm 5.1 contact-fit along the first control surface 12 between the gripping and releasing position GP, FP and the first and second guide member 15c, 15d of the second gripper arm 5.2 contact-fitted along the second control surface 13 between the gripping and releasing position GP, FP are performed by the first guide member 15a of the first gripper arm 5.1 at the first

Control surface portion 12.1 of the first control surface 12 and the first

Guide element 15c of the second gripper arm 5.2 can be guided adjacent to the first control section 13.1 of the second control surface 13, and the second

Guide element 15b of the first gripper arm 5.1 on the second

Control surface portion 12.2 of the first control surface 12 and the second

Guide element 15d of the second gripper arm 5.2 on the second

Control surface portion 13.2 of the second control surface 13 is fitting feasible.

In particular, the first and second control surface sections 12.1, 12.2 of the first control cam 12 as the first and second inner control surface section 12.1 i, 12.2i be formed, which is provided on the center plane M facing side of the first and second Armelennentes AE1, AE2. Furthermore, the first and second control surface section 13.1 13.2 of the second control cam 13 can be formed as first and second inner control surface section 13.1 i, 13.2i, which is provided on the side facing away from the center plane M side of the third and fourth Armelennentes AE3, AE4.

Furthermore, it can be seen in the representation of FIG. 3b that the sliding element 1 1 has a guide groove 11 in the central middle section 11. 1, which is receivable and guided in a corresponding mating contour of the transport element 3 (not shown).

According to this embodiment variant, shown in FIG. 4 a, the first guide element 15 a of the first gripper arm 5.1 can be attached to the first inner one

Control surface portion 12.1 i of the first control surface 12 and the first

Guide member 15c of the second gripper arm 5.2 at the first inner

Control section 13.1 i of the second control surface 13 adjacent between the

releasing and the gripping position FP, GP be guided and the second guide member 15b of the first gripper arm 5.1 at the second inner

Control surface portion 12.2i of the first control surface 12 and the second

Guide member 15 d of the second gripper arm 5.2 at the second inner

Control surface portion 13.2i of the second control surface 13 to be guided fitting between the releasing and the gripping position FP, GP. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second control surface portion 12.1, 12.2 of the first control cam 12 as the first and second outer

Control surface portion 12.1 a, 12.2a be formed, which is provided on the side facing away from the median plane M side of the first and second arm member AE1, AE2. Furthermore, the first and second control surface portion 13.1 13.2 of the second control cam 13 as first and second outer control surface portion 13.1 a, 13.2a be formed, which is provided on the side facing away from the median plane M side of the third and fourth arm element AE3, AE4. According to this embodiment, shown in Figure 4b, this can be the first guide element 15a of the first gripper arm 5.1 on the first outer

Control surface portion 12.1 a of the first control surface 12 and the first

Guide element 15c of the second gripper arm 5.2 on the first outer

Control section 13.1 a of the second control surface 13 may be guided adjacent between the releasing and the gripping position FP, GP and the second guide member 15b of the first gripper arm 5.1 on the second outer

Control surface portion 12.2a of the first control surface 12 and the second

Guide element 15d of the second gripper arm 5.2 on the second outer

Control surface portion 13.2a of the second control surface 13 may be guided adjacent between the releasing and the gripping position FP, GP.

Are the guide elements 15a ... 15d, for example, on the inner

Guided control surface sections 12.1 i, 12.2i, 13.1 i and 13.2i along, so the first and second control surface 12, 13 in particular designed such that on the respective first control surface portion 12.1, 13.1, in particular their respective first inner control surface section 12.1 i and 13.1 i, one

Closing movement on the two gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 in the gripping position GP and on the respective second control surface portion 12.2, 13.2, in particular their respective second inner control surface portion 12.2i and 13.2i, a

Opening movement at a radial displacement of the slider element 1 1 on the two gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 can be introduced into the releasing position FP.

In particular, the slider element 1 1 is provided radially, in particular translationally, to the machine axis MA displaceable to the supporting body 8. For this purpose, the slide element 1 1 with its guide portion 1 1 .1 by a provided in the support body 8 opening 14 radially, in particular translationally be designed to be displaceable to the machine axis MA. The opening 14 extends advantageously in its longitudinal extent in or in

Substantially in the median plane M and has an opening geometry, which allows a displacement of the slide element 1 1 radially to the machine axis MA (double arrow B) at least a movement stroke, the circuit of the Slider element 1 1 between the releasing and the gripping position FP, GP corresponds. Advantageously, the opening 14 as a guide rail or

Be formed guide, in which the guide portion 1 1 .1 of the

Slider element 1 1 guided rail-like displaced and also held.

In this case, the opening 14 on the machine axis MA side facing a closed end 14.1 and at the, the closed end 14.1, and the machine axis MA side facing away, an open end 14.2. To initiate the pivoting movement on the two gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 of the corresponding container gripper 4, the respective slide element 1 1 is preferably moved translationally controlled radially to the machine axis MA.

For example, the controlled displacement of the slide element 1 1 can be cam controlled via a cam roller 16 provided on the guide section 11 .1 and freely rotatable about an axis A parallel or substantially parallel to the machine axis MA. Preferably, the rotatable cam roller 16 is provided on the underside of the slider element 1 1, in particular at its guide portion 1 1 .1 arranged wegstehstehend over its underside.

The cam roller 16 can with at least one, not shown, with the

Transport element 3 non-rotating and cooperate for all container gripper 4der the transport device 1 common cam, the e.g. may be provided on the device frame of the transport device 1.

On the right side of Figure 4, the container gripper 4 is shown in its container 2 gripping position GP, in which the slider element 1 1 is moved relative to the machine axis MA radially outward in a machine axis MA most far away end position.

To initiate a container gripper 4 in its the container 2 releasing position FP which is arranged on the guide portion 1 1 .1 cam roller 16 by means of the common cam with respect to the machine axis MA For example, moved radially inward, such that over the respective control surface portion 12.2, 13.2 of the two control surfaces 12, 13 of the

Slide element 1 1 an opening movement on the two gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 in the releasing position FP can be introduced (Figure 4a).

In a reverse analogy, for introducing a container gripper 4 into its container 2 gripping position GP, for example, arranged on the guide portion 1 1 .1 cam roller 16 by means of the common cam relative to the machine axis MA moves radially outward, such that on the respective control surface portions 12.1, 13.1 of the two control surfaces 12, 13 of the

Slider element 1 1 a closing movement on the two gripper arms 5.1, 5.2 in the gripping position GP can be introduced (Figure 3a). Here, the first and second control surface sections 12.1, 13.1, 12.2, 13.2 are each as inner

Control surface portions 12.1 i, 13.1 i, 12.2i, 13.2i are formed. Inversely, what has just been said applies if the first and second control surface sections 12.1, 13.1, 12.2, 13.2 are designed as respective outer control surface sections 12.1a, 13.1a, 12.2a, 13.2a.

According to one embodiment, the cam roller 16 may be magnetically held on the guide portion 1 1 .1 of the slider element 1 1, namely

preferably such that the cam roller 16 about the axis A in parallel or in the

Is formed substantially freely rotatable parallel to the machine axis MA.

In particular, the slide element 1 1, in particular the guide portion 1 1 .1, for this purpose a bearing portion 17, for example in the form of a

rotationally symmetrical recess or opening, in particular one

cylindrical blind hole, have, in which (bearing portion 17) by means of a bearing pin 18 which is secured to this bearing pin 18 cam roller 16 is rotatably supported and in particular magnetically. This can be done in the

Bearing portion 17, a magnet 19, in particular a permanent magnet, be provided, which holds the bearing pin 18 and / or the cam roller 16 and thus ensures against accidental falling out. According to one embodiment, the cam roller 16 and the bearing pin 18 may be integrally formed. In particular, the cam roller 16 and / or the bearing pin 18 may be at least partially made of a magnetic material,

in particular a magnetic metal, be formed and thus cooperate as a counter pole with the permanent magnet 19.

Preferably, in this case in the bearing portion 17, a sleeve-shaped, the bearing pin 18 fully, preferably coaxially to the axis A enclosing, bearing element 20 made of plastic, for example, be firmly formed as a sliding bearing for the bearing pin 18 of the cam roller 16 is formed such that the bearing pin 18th is designed to be rotatable about its axis A relative to the bearing element 20.

In particular, the bearing element 20 can be glued into the bearing portion 17, screwed, shrunk, pressed or otherwise with the

Slider element 1 1 be firmly connected.

In this case, the bearing element formed as a bearing sleeve 20 may have a closed end 20.1, which encloses the free end of the bearing pin 18 and thus ultimately prevents the magnet 19 from falling out of the bearing portion 17, so this holds in position.

Furthermore, the bearing element 20 may have a preferably coaxial with the axis A, for example, completely circumferential collar portion 20.2, which allows a stop as a defined insertion along the axis A in the bearing portion 17.

In particular, therefore, so that a firm connection of the bearing element 20 in the bearing portion 17 with the slider element 1 1 be prepared to ultimately at the same time to keep the magnet 19 and the bearing pin 18 rotatably supported about the axis A. The magnet 19 holds the bearing pin 18 in particular axially in the axial direction of the axis A, but with simultaneous rotational movement about the axis A. Alternatively or cumulatively, the cam roller 16 on a side facing away from the bearing section 17 bottom 16.1 have a formed of a magnetic metal, disk-shaped body 21 which forms the opposite pole to the magnet 19 and cooperates with the magnet 19. Here, the cam roller 16 and / or the bearing pin 18 can be made of a plastic.

According to a further embodiment, the cam roller 16 and the bearing pin 18 may be formed in several pieces, in particular in two parts. In this case, the cam roller 16 of a magnetic material, in particular a magnetic metal, and the bearing pin 18 made of a non-magnetic material, in particular a plastic, be formed or produced.

In more detail, the bearing pin 18 can be firmly held in the bearing portion 17 and act as a sliding bearing for the cam roller 16 rotatably mounted on the bearing pin 18, that the cam roller 16 is relatively rotatable about the bearing pin 18 about axis A.

In particular, the bearing pin 18 for this purpose may be formed as a hollow cylindrical pin with at least one closed end face, in the free interior of the magnet 19 is received, preferably in the region of the closed end face. For example, the magnet 19 in the free interior contact-closed at the closed end by means of an inner

Plastic element 23, preferably a plastic pin fixed in the free interior, are held fixed in position.

In particular, the bearing pin 18 can be glued, screwed, shrunk, pressed or otherwise with the in the bearing portion 17

Slider element 1 1 be firmly connected. The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but may be varied as desired within the scope of the following claims. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 transport device

2 containers

3 transport element

4 container gripper

5.1 first gripper arm

5.2 second gripper arm

6.1, 6.2 outer gripper arm section

6.3, 6.4 inner gripper arm section

7.1 first recess

7.2 second recess

8 supporting body

9 hinge pins

10 bearing piece

1 1 slider element

1 1 .1 guide section

1 1 .2 control section

1 1 .3 central middle section

1 1 .4 guide groove

12 first control surface

12.1 first control surface section

12.1 i first inner control surface section

12.1 a first outer control surface section

12.2 second control surface section

12.2Ϊ second inner control surface section

12.2a second outer control surface section

13 second control surface

13.1 first control surface section

13.1 i first inner control surface section

13.1 a first outer control surface section

13.2 second control surface section

13.2i second inner control surface section 13.2a second outer control surface section

14 closed end

14.2 open end

15a..d guide element

16 cam roller

16.1 bottom

17 bearing section

18 bearing bolts

19 magnet

20 bearing element

20.1 closed end face

20.2 collar section

21 bodies

30 guide surface

31 guide surface

A axis

AE1 ... AE4 arm elements

DA direction of rotation rotor

SA pivot axis

M median plane

MA machine axis

Claims

claims

1 . Device for transporting containers (2), comprising at least one transport element (3) with at least one carrier body (8) arranged thereon, on which at least one container gripper (4) for gripping and holding the containers (2) is provided, wherein a container gripper ( 4) has at least one first and second, respectively pivotable, gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) which is mounted on the support body (8) about a respective pivot axis (SA) oriented parallel to the machine axis (MA) between a position engaging the respective container (2) ( GP) and a corresponding container (2) releasing position (FP) are arranged pivotably, wherein for initiating a positively guided pivotal movement of the first and second gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) of a corresponding container gripper (4) at least one to the machine axis (MA) radially displaceable Slider element (1 1) is provided, wherein the slide element (1 1) at least a first control surface (12) for controlling the first Gripper arm (5.1) and at least one separate second control surface (13) for controlling the second gripper arm (5.2), wherein the at least one first and second control surface (12, 13) for positively guiding the respective gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) between the cross and the releasing position (GP, FP) is formed, wherein the first control surface (12) has at least one first and second control surface section (12.1, 12.2) and the second control surface (13) has at least one first and second control surface section (13.1, 13.2), wherein the first and second control surfaces (12, 13) of the

Slider element (1 1) mirror-symmetrical to a radially to the machine axis (MA) oriented and this machine axis (MA) enclosing middle end (M) are formed, wherein the first control surface portion (12.1) of the first

Control surface (12) and the first control surface portion (13.1) of the second control surface (13) mirror-symmetrical to the center plane (M) are formed and the second control surface portion (12.2) of the first control surface (12) and the second

Control surface portion (13.2) of the second control surface (13) are mirror-symmetrical to the median plane (M) are formed, wherein the slide element (1 1) in a

Top view X-shaped, wherein the respective first control surface portion (12.1, 13.1) of the first and second control surface (12, 13) of the X-shaped

Slide element (1 1) based on a theoretical connection line between the two pivot axes (SA) of the first and second gripper camouflage (5.1, 5.2) lies radially on the outside and in the direction away from the machine axis (MA) in

Top view V- or fork-shaped opens, with the respective second

Control surface portion (12.2, 13.2) of the first and second control surface (12, 13) radially inward is based on the theoretical connection line between the two pivot axes (SA) of the first and second gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) and in the direction of the machine axis (MA) opens in a top view V- or fork-shaped and wherein the first gripper arm (5.1) at least a first and second

Guide element (15a, 15b) and the second gripper arm (5.2) at least a first and second guide element (15c, 15d), the positive guidance of the two gripper arms (5.1, 5.2) each contact-fitted along the corresponding first and second control surface (12, 13 ) are feasible by the first

Guide element (15a) of the first gripper arm (5.1) on the first

Control surface portion (12.1) of the first control surface (12) and the first

Guide element (15c) of the second gripper arm (5.2) on the first control section (13.1) of the second control surface (13) is guided fitting, and the second

Guide element (15b) of the first gripper arm (5.1) on the second

Control surface portion (12.2) of the first control surface (12) and the second

Guide element (15d) of the second gripper arm (5.2) on the second

Control surface portion (13.2) of the second control surface (13) is guided fitting.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Guide elements (15a ... 15d) are each bolt-shaped and in their respective longitudinal extent parallel or approximately parallel to the

Swivel axis (SA) oriented on the the support body (8) facing the side of the corresponding gripper arm (5.1, 5.2) are provided.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the slide element (1 1) at least one guide portion (1 1 .1) and a

Control section (1 1 .2), wherein the first and second control surface (12, 13) associated with the control section (1 1 .2).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control section (1 1 .2) of the slide element (1 1) in a plan view X- or fork-shaped, wherein the X or fork shape over arm members (AE1 ... AE4 ) is formed, which are associated with the first and second control surfaces (12, 13).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that a first arm element (AE1) is the first

Control surface portion (12.1), a second arm member (AE2) of the second

Control surface portion (12.2), a third arm member (AE3) of the first

Control surface portion (13.1) and a fourth arm member (AE4) of the second control surface portion (13.2) is assigned.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the first and second control surface sections (12.1, 12.2) of the first control cam (12) are in the form of first and second inner control surface sections (12.1 i, 12.2i), each on the side of the first and second side facing the center plane (M) Armelementes (AE1, AE2) are provided and the first and second control surface portion (13.1 13.2) of the second control cam (13) as first and second inner control surface portion (13.1 i, 13.2i) are formed, each facing away from the center plane (M) Side of the third and fourth arm element (AE3, AE4) are provided.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the first

Guide element (15a) of the first gripper arm (5.1) on the first inner

Control surface portion (12.1 i) of the first control surface (12) and the first

Guide element (15c) of the second gripper arm (5.2) on the first inner

Control section (13.1 i) of the second control surface (13) adjacent between the releasing and the gripping position (FP, GP) is feasible and the second

Guide element (15b) of the first gripper arm (5.1) on the second inner

Control surface portion (12.2i) of the first control surface (12) and the second

Guide element (15d) of the second gripper arm (5.2) on the second inner Control surface portion (13.2i) of the second control surface (13) adjacent between the releasing and the gripping position (FP, GP) is feasible.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the first and second control surfaces (12, 13) are designed in such a way that via their respective first control surface section (12.1, 13.1) a closing movement to the two gripper arms (5.1, 5.2) into the gripping position (GP) and over their respective second control surface portion (12.2, 13.2) a

Opening movement in the releasing position (FP) at a radial displacement of the slide element (1 1) on the two gripper cam (5.1, 5.2) can be introduced.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first and second control surface portion (12.1, 12.2) of the first control cam (12) as first and second outer control surface portion (12.1 a, 12.2a) are formed, respectively on the side of the first and second arm element (AE1, AE2) facing away from the median plane (M), and the first and second cam surface sections (13.1 13.2) of the second cam (13) as first and second outer cam surface sections (13.1a, 13.2a) are formed, each at the middle plane (M) facing away from the third and fourth

Armelementes (AE3, AE4) are provided.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first

Guide element (15a) of the first gripper arm (5.1) on the first outer

Control surface portion (12.1 a) of the first control surface (12) and the first

Guide element (15c) of the second gripper arm (5.2) on the first outer control portion (13.1 a) of the second control surface (13) adjacent between the releasing and the gripping position (FP, GP) is feasible and the second

Guide element (15b) of the first gripper arm (5.1) on the second outer cam portion (12.2a) of the first control surface (12) and the second

Guide element (15d) of the second gripper arm (5.2) on the second outer

Control surface portion (13.2a) of the second control surface (13) adjacent between the releasing and the gripping position FP, GP is feasible.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the first and second control surface (12, 13) are formed such that on the respective second control surface portion (12.2, 13.2) a closing movement on the two gripper arms (5.1, 5.2) in the gripping position (GP) and on the respective first control surface portion (12.1, 13.1) an opening movement in the releasing position (FP) at a radial displacement of the slide element (1 1) on the two gripper arms (5.1, 5.2) can be introduced.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the slide element (1 1) with a guide portion (1 1 .1) by a provided in the support body (8) opening (14) radially, in particular translationally, to the machine axis (MA) is designed to be displaceable

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that for initiating the pivoting movement on the two

Gripper arms (5.1, 5.2), the slide element (1 1) radially to the machine axis (MA) is cam controlled displaced.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that for cam-controlled displacement of the slide element (1 1) on the guide portion (1 1 .1) about an axis (A) parallel or substantially parallel to the machine axis (MA) freely rotatable cam roller (16) is arranged, which with a cooperates common control curve.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized

characterized in that the cam roller (16) is magnetically held on the guide portion (1 1 .1) of the slide element (1 1).