Clamping device and transport device

Description

1 / 11 Clamping device and transport device DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a clamping device as well as a transport device for gripping, holding and guiding containers, especially of the bottle type.

[002] Clamping devices for gripping, holding and / or guiding containers, in particular those that are essentially round, are already known in the state of the art and are used in the production line processing of such containers.

[003] In the context of the present invention, the term container refers, in particular, but not exclusively, to containers with a substantially circular cross-section, for example, bottles, cans or jars, which may, as is usual, be made of glass, metal or plastic according to the requirements. In the context of the present invention, the term substantially round does not refer exclusively to containers of round shape in the geometric sense, but also, for example, to oval, regularly polygonal, etc. containers, which, in that case, may in particular have a substantially circular cross-section, but also, for example, oval or polygonal.

[004] During cleaning, filling, or sealing, containers are typically gripped at an entry point station by a gripping device equipped with at least one pair of gripping arms and transported to a subsequent station within the process. This gripping device for a container conveying system typically has at least two gripping arms and may alternate between a gripping position and an opening position. In order to transport a container, the gripping arms generally grip under the neck collar or – in the case of bottles or other elongated containers – around the lower intermediate section of the container.

[005] In this case, for example, a control cam will act as a means Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 8 / 28 2 / 11 of the opening, just like a spring will function as a closing means for the clamping device. In this case, when the clamping device is opened by the control cam, a force is exerted against a clamping arm inside the clamping arm against the spring force. Thus, in other words, the control cam pushes the pair of clamping arms against the spring force.

[006] The elastic force of the spring serves not only to close the clamping device, but also to hold the container firmly in place. Therefore, the spring force will be designed accordingly.

[007] Especially if the container is gripped in its middle section, the clamping device must be suitable for holding the container firmly and stably in a specific position, especially vertically. A high rotational speed of a transport device, which, for example, has a plurality of clamping devices arranged particularly in a circle, will transmit an acceleration to particularly heavy and / or full containers, whose clamping devices, due to the shape and / or filling of the container, may vary along the longitudinal axis of the container. Depending on this, different intense forces may be exerted on the clamping device.

[008] Furthermore, from another aspect, a container may also undergo a respective initial or final acceleration after a linear movement of the clamping device, and thus exert forces on the clamping device.

[009] Therefore, the gripping portions of the gripping arms are normally used which fit precisely into the intermediate section of the container and / or grip the container at various points of the intermediate section along the longitudinal axis of the container by means of the multiple gripping fingers of the gripping portion. The pivoting movement of the container around its longitudinal axis could therefore be suppressed or, respectively, the position of the container could be stabilized during transport. Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, p. 9 / 28 3 / 11

[010] Based on this, the present invention is therefore based on the objective of specifying a clamping device as well as a transport device that have a simple structure and are also adapted to the aforementioned requirements.

[011] With respect to the clamping device, this objective will be achieved according to the present invention by a clamping device having the characteristics of claim 1. With respect to the transport device, this objective will be achieved according to the present invention by a transport device having the characteristics of claim 10.

[012] In specific terms, the objective directed to the clamping device will be achieved by a clamping device for gripping, holding and guiding containers, especially of the bottle type, equipped with a first pair and a second pair of clamping arms, each pair of clamping arms having an identical but diametrically opposite first clamping arm and second clamping arm.

[013] In this case, the two pairs of gripping arms should preferably be arranged in such a way that the first pair of gripping arms grips the container, for example, a bottle, in an upper region, for example, below the neck collar. The second pair of gripping arms preferably grips the container in the intermediate section so that the container consequently remains stable at two points.

[014] The clamping device further comprises a bearing unit for supporting the pairs of clamping arms, the bearing unit comprising at least one first pin and one second support pin for supporting the first and second pairs of clamping arms in a pivotable manner from a clamping position to an opening position or vice versa. The first and second pairs of clamping arms each comprise a Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 10 / 28 4 / 11 first opening means, and the bearing unit further comprises a second opening means, both opening means being designed to move the first pair of clamping arms from the clamping position to the opening position independently of the second pair of clamping arms.

[015] In other words, the opening means is designed in such a way that the first pair of clamping arms can be controlled independently and differently from the second pair of clamping arms with respect to opening time and / or opening angle. The term opening angle, in the context of the present application, means an angle indicating how much the pair of clamping arms can open. Obviously, the same applies to an independent closing of the two pairs of clamping arms. Consequently, this configuration also takes into account the idea that the first pair of clamping arms does not need to open as much as the second pair of clamping arms, since the first pair of clamping arms needs to grip the neck collar of the container, which is generally thinner than its intermediate section. This configuration makes it possible for a simple clamping device to be adapted to the above-mentioned requirements.

[016] For the movement and control of the two pairs of independent clamping arms, the first opening means of the first pair of clamping arms and the first opening means of the second pair of clamping arms each have a roller. The rollers are designed differently, in particular with different diameters, and come into contact with the second opening means during the movement from the clamping position to the opening position, in order to open the first pair of clamping arms independently of the second pair of clamping arms. According to one embodiment, the rollers may also be designed identically, for example, with the same diameter.

[017] Alternatively or additionally, the second means of opening Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 11 / 28 5 / 11 is designed as a control cam that has a first control curve and a second control curve, the control curves having different diameters in order to open the first pair of clamping arms independently of the second pair of clamping arms. In this case, the control curves come into contact with the rollers. The control curve exerts a force on the rollers, which, in turn, transfer the force to the clamping arms of the respective pair of clamping arms, causing them to open. According to one embodiment, the control curves may also have the same diameter.

[018] Different opening times or angles are obtained, in particular, for example, due to the fact that the rollers and / or control curves have different diameters. Thus, for example, the first pair of clamping arms will experience an opening force sooner than the second pair of clamping arms, because, due to the different diameters, the control curve that controls the first pair of clamping arms already comes into contact with the roller of the first pair of clamping arms.

[019] As a result, a simple configuration will be obtained, on the one hand, and a precise adaptation to the respective sizes and diameters will be obtained, on the other hand.

[020] According to one embodiment, each first clamping arm of the first pair of clamping arms and the second pair of clamping arms is arranged on the first support pin, and each second clamping arm of the first pair of clamping arms and the second pair of clamping arms is arranged on the second support pin. In other words, the two pairs of clamping arms are arranged one above the other on the support pins. Consequently, the pair of clamping arms will be able to grip the aforementioned regions of the container without the need for multiple arrangements or more complicated arrangements with multiple levels and / or support pins.

[021] According to another modality, the first pair of arms of Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, p. 12 / 28 The 6 / 11 clamp has an initial closing mechanism to move the first pair of clamping arms from the open position to the clamping position.

[022] In addition, the second pair of clamping arms has a second closing means in order to move the second pair of clamping arms from the open position to the clamping position.

[023] Preferably, the first closing means is designed as a pair of magnets. In this case, one magnet from the pair of mutually attracting magnets is, in each case, disposed on one of the clamping arms of the pair of clamping arms. This configuration is based on the idea that the first pair of clamping arms grips the thinner neck collar of the container and therefore does not have a large opening angle. Thus, the magnetic force of the pair of magnets is sufficient to close the pair of clamping arms. Alternatively, a spring element, such as, for example, a helical spring, is equally conceivable.

[024] The second closing means is preferably designed as a spring element, in particular as a helical spring. The idea underlying this configuration is that the second pair of clamping arms grips the thicker intermediate section of the container and applies the main holding force to it. Thus, a strong tensile force from the second closing means will be required to hold the container. Spring elements have proven particularly suitable for this purpose. Alternatively, however, the use of a pair of magnets would also be equally conceivable, provided their attractive force is sufficient.

[025] According to one embodiment, the first pair of clamping arms has a first clamping portion with a first clamping diameter, and the second pair of clamping arms has a second clamping portion with a second clamping diameter, wherein the first clamping diameter is smaller than the second clamping diameter. This configuration is advantageous in that, by a Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 13 / 28 On the 7 / 11 side, grasp the neck collar of the container with the first pair of gripping arms, and on the other side, grasp the middle section of the container with the second pair of gripping arms.

[026] Specifically, the object directed to the transport device is carried by a transport device for gripping, holding and guiding containers, especially of the bottle type. In this case, the transport device will have at least one gripping device of the type described above in a circumferential direction. The at least one gripping device is arranged in such a way that the pairs of gripping arms of the gripping device are directed radially outwards.

[027] The advantages and preferred configurations listed with respect to the clamping device should be transferred analogously to the transport device, and vice versa.

[028] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which, in a highly simplified representation:

[029] Figure 1 shows a side view of the clamping device according to the present invention;

[030] Figure 2 shows a side view of the transport device according to the present invention with a clamping device arranged on it according to Figure 1;

[031] Figure 3 shows a top view of the transport device according to Figure 2, and

[032] Figure 4 shows a front view of the transport device according to Figure 2.

[033] In the figures, the parts that perform the same function are consistently illustrated with the same reference numerals. Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, p. 14 / 28 8 / 11

[034] A side view of the clamping device 2 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The clamping device 2 is designed to grip, hold and guide bottle-type containers 4, in particular. To this end, the clamping device 2 has a first pair and a second pair of clamping arms 6, 8, each pair of clamping arms 6, 8 having an identical, but diametrically opposed, first clamping arm 10 and second clamping arm 12 (see Figure 3).

[035] In addition, the clamping device 2 has a bearing unit 14 for supporting the pairs of clamping arms 6, 8, the bearing unit 14 having a first pin and a second support pin 16, 18 for supporting the first pair and the second pair of clamping arms 6, 8 in a pivotable manner from a clamping position to an opening position or vice versa (see Figure 3).

[036] Furthermore, the first and second pairs of clamping arms 6 and 8 each have a first opening means 20, which, in the exemplary embodiment, in each case, has a roller 22 or, respectively, is designed as a roller 22. The rollers 22 are preferably designed differently. In particular, they have different diameters. The bearing unit 14 has a second opening means 24. During movement from the clamping position to the opening position, the first opening means 20 comes into contact with the second opening means 24 in order to open the first pair of clamping arms 6 independently of the second pair of clamping arms 8. For this purpose, the second opening means 24, in the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1, has a control cam 26 or, respectively, is designed as a control cam 26.The control cam 26 has a first control curve 28 and a second control curve 30, with control curves 28 and 30 having different diameters D1 and D2. According to the exemplary embodiment shown. Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 15 / 28 9 / 11 in Figure 1, the diameter D1 of the first control curve 28, which controls the first pair of clamping arms 6, is larger than the diameter D2 of the second control curve 30, which controls the second pair of clamping arms 8.

[037] Furthermore, the first pair of clamping arms 6 has a first closing means 32, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is designed as a pair of magnets. The first closing means 32 serves to move the first pair of clamping arms 6 from the open position to the clamping position and to hold the container 4. Similarly, the second pair of clamping arms 8 has a second closing means 34. The second closing means 34 is preferably designed as a spring element, but alternatively it may also be designed as a pair of magnets and serve to move the second pair of clamping arms 8 from the open position to the clamping position and, similarly, to hold the container 4.

[038] The first pair of clamping arms 6 has a first clamping portion 36 with a first clamping diameter G1 for gripping and holding the container 4. Similarly, the second pair of clamping arms 8 has a second clamping portion 38 with a second clamping diameter G2, wherein the first clamping diameter G1 is smaller than the second clamping diameter G2 (see Figure 3).

[039] A side view, a top view, as well as a front view of a transport device 40 according to the present invention for gripping, holding and guiding containers, especially of the bottle type 4, are shown in Figures 2 to 4, wherein a plurality of gripping devices 2 described above are arranged in a circumferential direction U of the transport device 40. For simplicity, only one mounted gripping device 2 is shown in each case in Figures 2 to 4. In this case, the gripping devices 2 are mounted on a support plate 42, which also serves as a unit. Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, p. 16 / 28 10 / 11 bearing 14 with support pins 16 and 18.

[040] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Instead, other variants of the present invention may still be derived from it by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, all the individual features described with respect to this exemplary embodiment may also be combined with each other in other ways, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of Reference Signs - Clamping device Container - First pair of gripping arms - Second pair of gripping arms - First gripping arm - Second gripping arm - Rolling unit - First support pin - Second support pin - First means of opening - Roller - Second means of opening Control cam - First control curve - Second control curve - First closing method - Second closing method - First tightening portion Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 17 / 28 11 / 11 - Second tightening portion - Transport device Support plate D1 - Diameter of the first control curve D2 - Diameter of the second control curve G1 - First clamping diameter G2 - Second clamping diameter U - Circumferential direction Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 18 / 28

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Clamping device (2) for gripping, holding and guiding containers, especially of the bottle type (4), comprising: - a first pair and a second pair of clamping arms (6, 8), each pair of clamping arms (6, 8) having a first clamping arm (10) and a second clamping arm (12) identical but diametrically opposed; - a bearing unit (14) for supporting the pairs of clamping arms (6, 8), - wherein the bearing unit (14) has at least one first pin and one second support pin (16, 18) for supporting the first pair and the second pair of clamping arms (6, 8) in a pivotable manner from a clamping position to an opening position or vice versa;- the clamping device being CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the first and second pairs of clamping arms (6, 8) has a first opening means (20), and the bearing unit (14) has a further second opening means (24), the two opening means (20, 24) being designed so that the first pair of clamping arms (6) moves from the clamping position to the opening position independently of the second pair of clamping arms (8), and by the fact that each first clamping arm (10) of the first pair of clamping arms (6) and of the second pair of clamping arms (8) is disposed on the first support pin (16), and each second clamping arm (12) of the first pair of clamping arms (6) and of the second pair of clamping arms (8) is disposed on the second support pin (18).; 2. Clamping device (2), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first opening means (20) of the first pair of clamping arms (6) and the first opening means (20) of the second pair of clamping arms (8) each have a roller (22), the rollers (22) being designed differently, in particular with different diameters, and, during the movement from the clamping position to the opening position, they come into contact with the second opening means (24) in order to open the first pair of clamping arms (6) independently of the second pair of clamping arms (8).

3. Clamping device (2), according to claim 1 or claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the second opening means (24) is designed as a control cam (26) having a first control curve (28) and a second control curve (30), wherein the control curves (28, 30) have different diameters (D1, D2).

4. Clamping device (2), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the first pair of clamping arms (6) has a first closing means (32) to move the first pair of clamping arms (6) from the open position to the clamping position.

5. Clamping device (2), according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the first closing means (32) is designed as a pair of magnets or a spring element.

6. Clamping device (2), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the second pair of clamping arms (8) has a second closing means (34) to move the second pair of clamping arms (8) from the open position to the clamping position.

7. Clamping device (2), according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the second clamping means (34) is designed as a pair of magnets or a spring element.

8. Clamping device (2), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the first pair of clamping arms (6) has a first clamping portion (36) with a first clamping diameter (G1), and the second pair of clamping arms (8) has a second clamping portion (38) with Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 27 / 28 3 / 3 a second clamping diameter (G2), wherein the first clamping diameter (G1) is smaller than the second clamping diameter (G2).

9. Transport device (40) for gripping, holding and guiding containers, especially of the bottle type (4), the transport device being CHARACTERIZED in that at least one gripping device (2) according to any of claims 1 to 8 is arranged in a circumferential direction (U) of the transport device (40) such that the pairs of gripping arms (6, 8) of the gripping device (2) are radially directed outwards. Petition 870250086765, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, p. 28 / 28

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