Guidance device, especially for guiding the transport of containers

Abstract

A guiding device (1) for contacting and guiding objects and in particular containers (10) with a contacting device (2) which is suitable and intended to contact an outer surface of the object (10) to be guided by means of a contact surface (2a), wherein this contacting device (2) has a carrier (12) which extends along a predetermined direction of extension (E), characterized in that a plurality of contact elements (16, 18) are arranged on the carrier (12), wherein these contact elements (16, 18) are each rotatable relative to the direction of extension (E) of the carrier (12) such that a distance between at least one section of the contact surface (2a) and the direction of extension (E) can be changed by this rotational movement, wherein these contact elements (16, 18) are disk-shaped and are perpendicular to the direction of extension (E).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device, in particular for use in transporting containers. Various container manufacturing devices are known from the prior art, in which the containers are transported, for example, from a first treatment device to a further treatment device, for example from a blow molding machine to a downstream filling machine which fills the containers with a liquid. These guide devices, such as guide rails and the like, are usually adapted to specific containers and in particular to their geometries, such as their cross-section. In a device known from the prior art, the geometries can be changed, for example, via conical guides and via movable star geometries.While this approach has proven technically successful, it is relatively complex and difficult to clean. It is often not possible to ensure clean and safe guidance of a specific object, such as a container, from one conveyor star to the next or a treatment carousel. This applies, for example, to the transport of containers from a filling device to a capper.

[0002] JP H04-41 319 A discloses a device for contacting and guiding objects, such as bottles, with a plurality of contact elements which are attached to the device via rods and a transport device with a guide device and shows that these contact elements rotate relative to the direction of extension of the device.

[0003] The rods have different lengths, which allows the distance between the contact surface and the direction of extension to be changed.

[0004] US 4,467,909 A discloses a device for transporting containers with multiple guide devices. These guide devices have recesses for receiving and guiding the containers. It is disclosed that the guide device is rotatable relative to a direction of extension of the axis.

[0005] WO 2003 / 042 075 A1 discloses a transport device with guide rails arranged transversely along a direction of extension on struts. The struts are pivotally mounted around a pin.

[0006] JP 2011-178 550 A discloses a guide element for guiding workpieces with a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft has a plurality of contact elements, each arranged on a rod-shaped support. The supports can have different lengths.

[0007] US2013 / 0 180 830 A1 discloses a guide device for guiding containers conveyed by a transport device. The guide device comprises a plurality of guide elements attached to an arcuate guide rail.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of simplifying the design of such transport and / or guide devices, and in particular, of enabling a simpler changeover of fittings, for example, adjustment to different container cross-sections. These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] A guide device according to the invention for contacting and / or guiding objects, and in particular containers and / or components of containers, such as in particular but not exclusively container closures, has a contacting device which is suitable and intended to contact an outer surface of the object to be guided by means of a contact surface, wherein this contacting device further comprises a carrier which extends along a predetermined direction of extension. According to the invention, a plurality of contact elements are arranged on the carrier, wherein these contact elements are rotatable and / or pivotable relative to the direction of extension of the carrier such that a distance between at least a portion of the contact surface and the direction of extension can be changed by this rotational movement.

[0010] It is therefore proposed that these contact elements be arranged so as to be movable relative to the extension device or the extension direction, and that, for example, a radius of the guide device can be changed by rotation. However, it should be noted that the present invention is applicable not only to curved guide devices, but also to linear guide devices. The curved guide devices can, for example, be circularly curved guide devices or C-shaped guide devices. The guide device serves, in particular, to guide the containers during their transport.

[0011] By changing the rotational position of the contact elements, the radius of curvature of the contact surface can be changed, for example. In particular, the surface of the containers touched by the contact surface is an outer surface of the containers, in particular a peripheral wall of the containers. The containers are, in particular, circular, but application to oval containers or containers with other geometries is also conceivable.

[0012] The containers are, in particular, plastic containers, but it would also be conceivable to apply the invention to other containers, such as glass containers or cans, i.e., metal containers. In particular, the containers are bottles. The containers are, in particular, containers that are or are to be filled with liquids or solids.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide device has at least one adjusting device for changing the rotational position of at least one contact element relative to the direction of extension. An adjusting device can be provided, which, for example, has a drive device, such as an electric motor, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive, and which preferably centrally changes the rotational positions of at least one contact element and preferably several contact elements. For example, the adjusting device can be articulated to the support in a central or middle region in order to change the rotational positions of the contact elements.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide device has a coupling device that couples a rotational movement of a first contact element relative to the direction of extension with the rotational movement of a second contact element relative to the direction of extension. Advantageously, a coupling device is provided that couples the rotational movements of several contact elements, and preferably all contact elements, to one another.

[0015] This coupling device can, for example, be a rod-like body that is pushed or inserted through openings of several contact elements. This rod-like body can extend parallel to the direction of extension and / or parallel to the carrier. Furthermore, the coupling device can also be a casing body (also elongated) surrounding the contact elements, which nevertheless couples the rotational movements of the individual contact elements to one another. Both the elongated rod-like body and the casing body can preferably be rotated relative to the carrier, thus also causing rotation of the individual contact elements.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible for a bellows to be arranged on the rod-like body. The rod-like body could be designed as a tube. The rod-like body itself could also be a bellows of this type.

[0017] Preferably, the elongated body (which is particularly designed in the form of a rod-shaped body or a shell body) is coupled substantially rotationally fixed (with respect to rotation about the direction of extension) to at least one, preferably to several, and particularly preferably to all contact elements. Such a coupling can be positively, non-positively, and / or frictionally engaged. Preferably, the carrier is arranged stationary and / or rigidly. The carrier preferably extends along the direction of extension.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the contacting device is at least partially manufactured using 3D printing. This makes it possible for the carrier and / or the contact elements arranged thereon to be produced using 3D printing. It would also be possible to design only the individual contact elements using 3D printing. The advantage of such an approach is the possibility of manufacturing this contacting device and / or its components very individually.

[0019] Furthermore, it would also be possible for the casing body to be connected to the individual contact elements via engagement elements. It would also be possible for the casing body to be manufactured using 3D printing.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one contact element, and preferably several contact elements, are mounted eccentrically relative to the direction of extension. This eccentric mounting also allows the above-described change in the distance between the contact surface and the direction of extension to be achieved upon rotation of the contact elements.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact elements are arranged adjacent to one another along the direction of extension. In a further advantageous embodiment, these contact elements are spaced apart by a distance of greater than 2 cm. In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact elements are spaced apart by a distance of less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm, preferably less than 4 cm. This distance is in particular the distance between the contact elements arranged on the guide rod (or the support). This distance is preferably related to the guide rod (or the support). Advantageously, there should be no or only a very small distance on the guide surface itself. In this way, very gentle guidance of the objects or containers is achieved. Any gaps on the guide surface orthe leading part smaller than 4mm, preferably smaller than 2mm.

[0022] The distance between two contact elements is preferably achieved by spacers. The spacers preferably compensate for angular deviations from one contact element to the next, thus ensuring a defined position of the spacers with respect to the circumferential direction. In another advantageous embodiment, a spacer forms a pair consisting of a spherical cap segment and a matching socket. This is advantageous for a precise and low-friction adjustment process.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact element is disc-shaped. Particularly preferably, the disc-shaped contact elements are perpendicular to the direction of extension.

[0024] The guide device advantageously has a casing body that surrounds the carrier at least in sections. It is possible and preferred for this casing body to completely surround at least a section of the carrier in its direction of extension in its circumferential direction. Advantageously, said casing body also surrounds the contact elements, in particular in their circumferential direction. Thus, both the carrier and the contact elements are preferably arranged within said casing body. However, it would also be possible to provide a plurality of such casing bodies that adjoin one another in the direction of extension. Straight guides (tubes) can also be combined with curved sections, for example, for a tangential outlet from a carousel.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the casing body is designed to be substantially torsionally rigid. This makes it possible for the casing body to be flexible, but essentially incapable of twisting. This torsional rigidity makes it possible to couple the rotational movements of the individual contact elements to one another (particularly through the casing body). For example, the casing body could be a corrugated hose and / or a Teflon hose. A metal hose can also be provided.

[0026] The casing body preferably has an outer diameter that is greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 70 mm, preferably greater than 80 mm, preferably greater than 80 mm, particularly preferably greater than 90 mm, and particularly preferably greater than 100 mm. The casing body preferably has an outer diameter that is less than 200 mm, preferably less than 180 mm, preferably less than 160 mm, and particularly preferably less than 150 mm.

[0027] It is desirable for this sleeve body to be able to undergo an axial expansion of at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and particularly preferably at least 50% of its unstressed length. This length change serves to compensate for changes in travel length during various adjustment variants along the guide contour. In a design with bellows, the folds are preferably no deeper than 40 mm, preferably no deeper than 25 mm. The folds are preferably deeper than 5 mm, preferably deeper than 10 mm.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, it would also be conceivable for the casing body to be constructed from several segments. It would be conceivable for these several segments to be plugged together via connecting mechanisms. The contact elements could also be integrated into the casing body. Thus, the casing body, with the contact elements arranged therein, could be constructed in a segmented manner, with the individual segments being able to be assembled depending on the application.

[0029] The shape of the pleat tips is advantageous if it has a straight contour and is especially advantageous if it has a concave radius that essentially and precisely corresponds to the smallest possible radius of the guide contour. For this purpose, it is advantageous for functionality if the sum of the pleat widths at the tip of all pleats is as close as possible to the travel distance of the profile used for guidance.

[0030] For a further advantageous design, the wall thickness of the hose should be greater than 1.0 mm, preferably greater than 1.5 mm. This promotes the necessary rigidity with regard to torsion and vibration behavior of the folds.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the sheath body is designed as a tube. Advantageously, the device comprises two such tube bodies, each of which surrounds two segments of the guide device, in particular including their contact elements.

[0032] Advantageously, the casing body forms the contact surface for contacting the containers. However, it would be conceivable for additional contact elements to be provided on the casing body, and particularly with respect to the carrier, outside the casing body, which can be rotated together with the casing body. This design is particularly suitable for guide stars, on whose outer circumference the containers to be transported are held.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a measuring device, which serves to (particularly automatically) adapt the contacting device to the respective application. A frequency measurement can enable the fitting to adjust itself to the ideal size. If the bottle guide is too narrow, the enveloping body is overexcited. At no frequency is the fitting close enough to the application.

[0034] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the casing body has a protective layer on its outer surface, for example a layer which reduces the coefficient of friction with the containers to be transported.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the casing body is elastic. In particular, the casing body is made of an elastic material, such as a rubber material. For example, the casing body can be a rubber hose.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the casing body rests against the contact elements under tension. For example, it would be possible to retract the contact elements or components thereof to assemble or pull on the casing body, and then extend the contact elements so that the casing body is firmly connected to the contact elements. This ensures that the casing body does not slip relative to the contact elements.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one clamping element is arranged on the contact elements, which can be advanced toward the casing body. For example, a lever element pivotable relative to this support could be arranged on a support of the contact element, which can be advanced toward the casing body and thus effect the clamping.

[0038] Preferably, the contact element also has at least one pretensioning device that pretensions the tensioning element toward the casing body, and in particular toward its inner wall. For example, such a tensioning element could be arranged on the contact element by means of a joint and could pivot, in particular, relative to a pivot axis that is parallel to the direction of extension. Advantageously, the pretensioning device is a spring, in particular a spiral spring.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, a particularly rod-shaped body can be inserted into a predetermined opening in the contact element, wherein the insertion of this rod-shaped body pivots at least one clamping element relative to the carrier of the contact element. In particular, this is a movement with which the clamping element is retracted, in particular radially retracted with respect to the contact element. In this way, the rod-shaped body can serve in particular as an assembly aid in order to be able to attach the sleeve body to the contact elements more easily. Preferably, at least a section of the clamping element projects into a cross-section of said opening if there is no rod-shaped body in the opening. By inserting the rod-shaped body, this section is pushed outwards.Preferably, the clamping element is made of a plastic, at least in sections, and is made of a plastic, particularly in the area intended to rest against the casing body. The clamping elements are preferably clamping levers.

[0040] The contact element preferably has at least two of said clamping elements, and particularly preferably at least three such clamping elements. These clamping elements are preferably each pivotable about predetermined pivot axes, wherein these pivot axes are preferably parallel to one another. The clamping elements are preferably evenly distributed in a circumferential arrangement of the contact elements.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the casing body is movable relative to the carrier. This makes it possible to adjust the contact elements and, along with the contact elements, the casing body.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact elements are rotatable relative to the direction of extension in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of extension. Thus, it is conceivable that, as mentioned above, the contact elements are arranged one behind the other and the direction of extension is perpendicular to the individual contact elements, and in this way the contact elements can be rotated relative to the direction of extension. However, it would also be possible for the contact elements to be tilted relative to the direction of extension, in particular relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the direction of extension and which is also parallel to the containers to be transported and which runs vertically, in particular. A change in radius could also be achieved by such tilting.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact elements are arranged so that they can rotate relative to the carrier. For example, bearing points could be provided here, which ensure that the contact elements are fixed in the direction of extension but are nevertheless arranged so that they can move relative to the carrier. However, it would also be possible for the carrier to be rotatable in its entirety relative to the direction of extension, in which case the contact elements would rotate together with the carrier.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, an outer cross-section of the contact elements is adjustable, in particular for assembly purposes of the casing body.

[0045] The present invention is further directed to a transport device for transporting containers with at least one guide device of the type described above. Advantageously, the transport device comprises at least one carrier on which the containers can be transported. Thus, it would be conceivable for the containers to be transported by means of a carrier, and in particular by means of a rotatable carrier, on the outer circumference of which recesses for receiving the containers are arranged. The guide device described here can act as a counter element by means of which the containers are guided.

[0046] In addition, however, it would also be conceivable for the guide device to be arranged on the rotatable support. The transport device preferably comprises a first guide device of the type described above and a second guide device of the type described above, and the plastic containers are preferably transported between these two guide devices. Preferably, the containers are at least temporarily contacted by both guide devices and / or guided between both guide devices.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the guide devices described here is arranged stationary. Preferably, the other guide device is arranged movable and, in particular, rotatable.

[0048] Depending on the specific containers, it is possible, as mentioned above, to change the position of the contact surface relative to the direction of extension. Preferably, the contact surfaces of both guide devices are changed, particularly in order to maintain the same pitch circles for the transport movements even with changing container geometries.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has at least two holding elements to also hold the guide device in a predetermined position. For example, holding elements, such as supports, could be arranged at the end regions of the guide device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding device has an adjusting device for adjusting the guide device. In particular, as mentioned above, the positioning of the contact surface can be changed in this way.

[0050] Further advantages and embodiments are illustrated in the attached figures, which show: Fig. 1a - 1c show three representations of a guide device according to the invention; Fig. 2a - 2c the guide device from the Fig. 1a - 1c in a first positioning; Fig. 3a - 3c the guide device from the Fig. 1a - 1c in a second positioning; Fig. 4 shows a representation of a device for transporting containers in a guide device according to the invention; Fig. 5 a representation of a contact element; Fig. 6a - 6c show three representations of contact elements arranged on their carrier; Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b two representations of contact elements of an internal guide; Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b two representations of contact elements of the inner guide in a second positioning; Fig. 9a - 9g show more detailed representations of a contact element.

[0051] The Fig. 1a - 1c show a first embodiment of a first guide device 1 according to the invention. This guide device 1 has a contacting device, designated overall by 2. This contacting device forms a contact surface 2a, which guides the containers during operation, specifically via contact with an outer periphery of these containers. Reference numeral 52 denotes end supports, which serve (by means of holding rods 56) to hold the contacting device. Reference numeral 54 denotes a further support, which serves to hold a central or middle region of the contacting device. Reference numeral 20 denotes an adjusting mechanism, which, as described in more detail below, serves to change the contact surface 2a, or more precisely, which serves to adjust the contact surface 2a radially inward.

[0052] Fig. 1b shows a side view of the Fig. 1a. In this embodiment, elements 62 of the contacting device can also be seen at the ends, which close off the contacting device. These closing elements 62 have slopes into which the plastic preforms to be transported can also be inserted.

[0053] Fig. 1c shows a plan view of a guide device according to the invention and, more precisely, of the contacting device 2. Also schematically depicted here is a container 10 which, during operation, is transported along this contacting device. Adjusting the contacting device as described above causes the inner radius of the contact surface 2a to be adjusted further inwards or further outwards. As explained in more detail below, this adjustment can be effected centrally by the adjusting mechanism 20. The reference symbol E denotes the extension device, or more precisely, the geometric extension device along which the contacting device 2 extends. The contact surface 2a is variable relative to this extension device and, in particular, variable at a distance that is perpendicular to the extension direction E.For transporting the containers, a transport star can be provided within the contact surface 2a. This transport star can also be (see . Fig. 7a - 8b) have a guide device of the type described here.

[0054] Reference numeral 6 denotes a casing body that surrounds contact elements arranged inside this casing body. By adjusting the contact elements, the positioning of the contact surface 2a can also be changed. As mentioned above, this casing body is preferably designed to be flexible or torsionally rigid. This casing body preferably also acts as a coupling device that couples the rotational movements of the individual contact elements to one another during an adjustment.

[0055] The Fig. 2a - 2c show a more detailed representation of the guidance system. One can see (in comparison with the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b) here, that the contact surface 2a is in particular continuously adjustable between two radii. The reference symbol R1 denotes the pitch circle radius, i.e. the pitch circle along which the containers are transported. The reference symbol R2 denotes the Fig. 2a - 2c. For this purpose, it is possible for two actuators to be adjusted or rotated relative to each other, thus allowing contact elements arranged inside the casing body 6 (in particular together with the casing body 6) to be adjusted. Thus, external contact elements could have linkage elements, which are components of the adjustment mechanism 20.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2b shows a detailed view of the adjusting mechanism 20. Here, one can see a first rod, which is pivoted at a first point or joint 32 of the contacting device 2. A second rod 22, which is pivotable by means of a joint 28, is arranged at a second point 34 of the contacting device. By a relative displacement of these two pivoting rods 22, 24, the contacting device can be rotated. This is also shown in Fig. 2c. For example, a carriage 36 can be displaced relative to the support rod 38. More precisely, the plate 35 can be pivoted, and via the torsion-free shell body, the other contact elements arranged inside the shell body (each opposite the stationary support) can also be pivoted. Reference numeral 26 denotes a further joint or linkage for linking the rod 24.

[0057] The Fig. 3a - 3c show a further positioning of the contacting device with the inner radius R2. The different positioning is particularly noticeable in the Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c. Here, the slide 36 was guided upward, thus also pulling the articulated rod 22 upward, and thus also adjusting a pivot point 34 relative to the other pivot point 32 on the contacting device 2. In this way, contact elements arranged inside the casing body 6 can also be rotated, and the radius of the contact surface can be adjusted.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows an overall view of a device for transporting containers, which has a guide device 1 according to the invention. It is possible for transport stars 104, 106 and 108 (illustrated only roughly schematically by the respective partial circles) to be provided, which transport the containers, for example, along an outer circumference. In addition, fixed guide curves 102 and 108 are also provided. The guide device 1 according to the invention is arranged between these two guide curves, which allows an adjustment of the guide diameter. The transport star 104 can have a guide device 1, so that the containers are guided here between two guide devices 1 according to the invention. When changing to other container geometries, in particular other container radii, a partial circle radius can be maintained by changing both guide devices.

[0059] Fig. Figure 5 shows a representation of a contact element 16. This contact element 16 has a plate-shaped base body 82, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to a geometric pivot axis, which here runs centrally through the guide sleeve 166. Thus, in this embodiment, the contact element 16 is pivotable relative to a (in Fig. 5) support. Reference numeral 164 denotes a further opening through which a pivoting rod can be pushed. If this pivoting rod is pivoted relative to the central support (not shown), the contact element 16 can also be rotated relative to the support. Due to the eccentricity, a displacement of the outer surface or edge of the contact element results. In this way, a guide diameter or radius can be changed overall.

[0060] Fig. Figure 6a shows a view in which a plurality of contact elements 16 are pivotably or rotatably arranged on a support 12. Here, too, the eccentric arrangement and the possibility of changing the transport radius by pivoting the contact elements can be seen.

[0061] Fig. 6b shows a further illustration of the contact elements 16, which are arranged on the carrier 12 and are rotatable in a plane which is perpendicular to the direction of extension E. Also in Fig. 6b again shows the eccentric mounting of the contact elements 16.

[0062] Between the individual contact elements 16, joint-like connections can also be provided, which allow an articulated plate or the contact element to be positioned relative to the adjacent articulated plate at a predetermined angle different from zero degrees and which also allow a joint rotation of all contact elements relative to the direction of extension.

[0063] As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6c, these individual joint-like elements 168 are each arranged between adjacent contact elements 16. It can also be seen that the base support 162 has an elliptical shape. This has the advantage of enabling a continuous adjustment of the radii from a first extreme value (long semi-diameter of the ellipse) to a second extreme radius (short semi-diameter of the ellipse).

[0064] The Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b show a further embodiment of a guide device 1 according to the invention. This embodiment is used for internal guides and / or for transport stars. For this embodiment, outer contact elements or holding devices 18 are arranged on the casing body 6 in the form of disc-like structures, again rotatable (relative to the extension device E), but preferably fixed relative to the casing body 6. The contact elements described above are also provided inside the casing body 6. The outer contact elements 18 can, for example, be clamped to the casing body 6. These outer contact elements can, for example, be designed in two parts and screwed onto the casing body 6 for assembly. The outer contact elements 18 each form the contact surface 2a for the containers. In this embodiment, the containers are therefore preferably not in direct contact with the casing body 6.

[0065] Depending on the rotational position of these contact elements 18 relative to the carrier 12, the position of the contact surface 2a relative to the extension direction can also be changed. This means that here, too, the outer contact elements 18 are arranged eccentrically (relative to the extension direction E). As shown in Fig. 7b, the arrangement shown here can also be used in such a way that containers 10 to be guided are located in spaces between two adjacent contact elements 18 and are transported, for example, relative to a fixed wall (which is advantageously designed as a guide device according to the invention). In this way, too, a guide radius can be changed by rotating the contact elements relative to the carrier. The containers are each guided by two adjacent outer contact elements or between them. For this purpose, the outer contact elements can have inclined guide surfaces, which enable secure guidance of the containers between two adjacent outer contact elements even with a radial adjustment. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a - 8b, the outer contact elements 18 are therefore also part of the contacting device 2.

[0066] Fig. Figure 8a shows a further positioning of a corresponding guide device. Here, too, the contact elements 18 are provided, which are rotatably arranged on the carrier 12 or the casing body 6. In this positioning, as can be seen from a comparison between the Fig. 8b and Fig. As shown in Figure 7b, the individual elements are positioned radially outward. This allows the pitch circle to be maintained even with different container sizes.

[0067] Fig. 9a to 9g show different designs of the contact elements 16. Clamping mechanisms are integrated into the contact elements, which enable the contact element to be clamped against the casing body 6. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9a, a total of three clamping bodies or clamping levers 184 are provided, which are adjusted or urged under the force of springs 176 such that a portion 184a protrudes radially outward. Reference numeral 172 denotes a lower portion of the clamping lever 172, 184, which is pivotally mounted by means of a joint 180. By corresponding pivoting, as mentioned above, the portion 184a can be pushed radially outward and, in particular, against the sleeve body 6. Reference numeral 182 denotes an end portion of the clamping lever 184, which protrudes into the opening 185 and is moved away or pushed outward when the expanding mandrel is inserted.

[0068] Reference numeral 178 denotes an opening through which the carrier (not shown) can be pushed. This opening has a circular cross-section, so that a likewise circular carrier can be inserted, allowing the contact element to be rotated relative to the carrier. The spring element 146 is particularly designed for gripping the casing body without damaging the casing body. The clamping lever 174 serves to transmit an adjusting torque to the base shaft or the respective contact element. This clamping lever can be made of a plastic, but an elastomer insert would also be conceivable to prevent damage to the casing body and to increase grip security.

[0069] Fig. Figure 9b shows an illustration in which an expanding mandrel 170 has been inserted into the contact element 12. This expanding mandrel has a base body 170 and an expanding cone 170a. In the illustration shown, the expanding mandrel is round, but it can also be made of a shaped material, such as hexagonal steel. Hexagonal steel is suitable for the present embodiment because three clamping pieces or clamping bodies are present. If, for example, four clamping pieces are used, a square material could also be used.

[0070] This prevents the individual clamping systems 172, 176, 184 from twisting on the expanding mandrel 170, particularly when sliding over the sleeve body, and simplifies the subsequent pulling of the assembled system onto the curved shaft (which represents the radius for the assembly). The expanding mandrel thus also serves as an assembly aid. By inserting the expanding mandrel, the individual clamping elements 176 are reset, and the sleeve body can be pulled more easily over the individual contact elements. After the sleeve body has been pulled over, the expanding mandrel can be removed again, and the clamping levers press against the sleeve body 6 (from the inside).

[0071] In Fig. Figure 9c shows such a situation, in which the expanding mandrel 170 is again extended from the contact element. It can be seen that the clamping lever 184 is again pressed or clamped against the inner wall of the sleeve body 6. The opening 185, into which the expanding mandrel 170 is inserted, is also visible here. In the situation shown here, the clamping levers 184 are extended, and when the expanding mandrel is withdrawn, the individual clamping jaws are pressed against the inner wall of the sleeve body by the spring pressure of the spring 176. This ensures that any rotational movement of the tube initiated in individual cases is effectively transferred to the bent shaft. This allows for a higher quality of adjustment, since all clamping systems follow the twisting movement.

[0072] Fig. Figure 9d shows a view in which the expanding mandrel is inserted into the contact element 12. In this state, the clamping levers 184 are retracted towards the center point so that the sleeve body can be pushed on more easily. Fig. In the situation shown in Figure 9e, the expanding mandrel 170 is not yet in the opening 185 and for this reason the clamping levers 184 are positioned outwards (under the force of the spring elements 176). This situation is also shown in Fig. 9g shown. Fig. Figure 9f shows a situation in which the expansion element is inserted and thus the individual clamping levers 184 are retracted. Reference numerals 186 and 188 indicate mounting plates used to mount the clamping levers. These two mounting plates form the base support 162.

[0073] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting additional features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols 1 guidance device 2 Contacting device 2a Contact surface 6 shell bodies 10 containers 12 carriers 16 Contact element 18 outer contact element 20 Adjusting mechanism 22, 24 rod 26, 28, 32 joint 34 points 35 plate 36 sleds 38 support rod 52 end support 54 additional carriers 56 Grab bar 62 end elements 82 basic bodies 104, 106, 108 Transport stars 102,110 guide curves 162 base supports 164 further opening 166 guide sleeve 168 joint-like element 170 expanding mandrel 170a expanding cone 172 lower section of the clamping lever 176 spring 178 Opening for carrier 180 joint 184 clamping lever 184a Section of the clamping lever 185 Opening 186, 188 E Extension direction R1 pitch circle R2 radius formed by the contact surface 2a

Claims

[1] Guide device (1) for contacting and guiding objects and in particular containers (10) with a contacting device (2) which is suitable and intended to contact an outer surface of the object (10) to be guided by means of a contact surface (2a), said contacting device (2) having a carrier (12) which extends along a predetermined direction of extension (E), characterized by in that a plurality of contact elements (16, 18) are arranged on the carrier (12), wherein these contact elements (16, 18) are each rotatable relative to the direction of extension (E) of the carrier (12) such that a distance between at least a section of the contact surface (2a) and the direction of extension (E) can be changed by this rotational movement, wherein these contact elements (16, 18) are disc-shaped and are perpendicular to the direction of extension (E). [2] Guide device (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the guide device (1) has at least one adjusting device (20) in order to change the rotational position of at least one contact element (16, 18) relative to the direction of extension (E). [3] Guide device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the guide device (1) has a coupling device (22) which couples a rotational movement of a first contact element (16, 18) relative to the direction of extension (E) with the rotational movement of a second contact element (16, 18) relative to the direction of extension (E). [4] Guide device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact elements (16, 18) are arranged adjacent to one another along the direction of extension (E). [5] Guide device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide device (1) has a casing body (6) which surrounds the carrier (12) at least in sections. [6] Guide device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the casing body (6) forms the contact surface (2a) for contacting the containers (10). [7] Guide device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the casing body (6) is elastic. [8] Guide device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the casing body (6) is in contact with the contact elements under tension. [9] Guide device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact elements (16, 18) are rotatable relative to the direction of extension (E) in a plane which is perpendicular to the direction of extension (E). [10] Guide device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact elements (16, 18) are rotatably mounted relative to the carrier. [11] Transport device (50) for transporting containers (10) with at least one guide device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims. [12] Transport device (50) according to claim 11, characterized by that the transport device (50) has two guide devices according to at least one of the preceding claims and the containers (10) can be transported between these two guide devices.

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