Container clamps for different container types

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a gripper device (10) for holding containers (12) for a container conveyor (64), preferably for a gripper wheel spoke. The gripper device (10) comprises a pair of gripper arms (14) for holding the container (12), the pair of gripper arms being movable relative to one another. The gripper device (10) comprises a stop element (66) which is designed to be separated from the pair of gripper arms (14) and can be positioned in a stop position, in which the stop element (66) limits the closing movement of the pair of gripper arms (14). Advantageously, the gripper device (10) is capable of processing different container types, for example glass bottles and PET bottles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for holding a container and a container conveyor for transporting the container. The present invention also relates to an adjustment component for the container conveyor and a method for operating the container conveyor. Background Art

[0002] In container handling systems, containers, such as bottles, can be transported and handled by various system parts. During transport, the containers can be held, for example, by container grippers or container clamps. The gripping device can hold the containers, for example, at the container neck and / or at the container body (container base), respectively. The containers can be held in a force-fitting manner, for example, by applying a gripping force between the gripping arms of the gripping device.

[0003] In a mixing plant, multiple container types can be transported and, if necessary, processed. For example, glass bottles and PET bottles can be processed in a mixing plant. Due to weight and durability, glass bottles must be processed with a much greater holding force than PET bottles. On the other hand, PET bottles may be damaged if the holding force is too great. Usually, clamp spokes specially matched for glass bottles are used for transportation, which apply a greater holding force. Similarly, clamp spokes specially matched for PET bottles are used for transportation, which apply a smaller holding force. Therefore, in the case of glass-PET mixing plants that use clamp spokes for production, the clamp spokes must be replaced when switching between glass bottles and PET bottles in order to ensure damage-free processing, which is more complicated.

[0004] DE 10 2015 106 103 A1 discloses a container gripper for gripping and holding containers and for use in transport devices for transporting containers with a transport element and with a plurality of container grippers arranged on the transport element. The container gripper has two pivotable gripper arms, which are each prestressed into a closed position by at least one bow-shaped or leaf-spring-like spring element. The container gripper has a clamping element, which can be moved between at least one release position corresponding to the release state of the container gripper and at least one clamping position corresponding to the clamping state of the container gripper, in which the spring elements exert a first, reduced closing force on the gripper arms, and in which the spring elements exert a second, increased closing force on the gripper arms relative to the first closing force.

[0005] WO 99 / 51514 A1 relates to a gripper in a star conveyor for redundant containers, the gripper having means for adjusting the gripper and its adaptability to containers of different diameters. The means for the adjustment are designed so that they cooperate with the means for moving the gripper, so that the adjustment means provide the gripper with a plurality of basic configurations, depending on its position, which are respectively adapted to a specific diameter of the container to be processed. For each of these basic configurations, the movement means performs the opening and closing of the gripper in order to grip or release the respective container.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved technique for holding different containers with different holding forces for a holding device. Summary of the invention

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and in the description.

[0008] One aspect relates to a (e.g. active or passive) gripping device for holding containers for a container conveyor, preferably for a gripper wheel spoke. The gripping device has a pair of gripping arms for holding the container, the pair of gripping arms being movable (e.g. pivotable and / or displaceable) relative to each other. The gripping device has a (e.g. rigid) stop element, which is designed to be separated from the pair of gripping arms and can be positioned in a stop position, in which the stop element limits the closing movement of the pair of gripping arms.

[0009] Advantageously, the clamping device can operate different container types. For example, by removing the stop element or positioning the stop element outside the stop position, heavy, rigid containers such as glass bottles can be firmly held. On the other hand, easily deformable containers such as PET bottles that are to be transported with a smaller holding force can also be held by the clamping device. For this reason, the stop element can be positioned in the stop position. The stop element limits the closing movement of the clamp arm pair. Thereby, the stop element can limit the holding force of the clamp arm pair or the clamping device. Therefore, only a very small holding force is applied to the container to be held. For this reason, the stop element can be adapted specifically for the container to be held. Preferably, it can be ensured that when holding the container, the clamp arm pair is partially supported on the stop element. Thereby, the preload of the clamp arm pair that causes the holding force can be partially distributed to or act on the container to be held and partially distributed to or act on the stop element. The design of the holding force can be determined by the preload at the container diameter. The stop element can reduce the maximum closing of the gripper arm pair. Advantageously, a container change can also be carried out very quickly, for example with a set-up time of less than one minute. That is, advantageously, only the stop element has to be positioned or removed. This makes it possible to dispense with complex bending changes, for example of the gripping device or, for example, of the entire gripper spoke. Thus, for example, when changing from glass bottles to PET bottles, it is not necessary to change the gripper spoke. Thus, it is also not necessary to store two or more different sets of gripper spokes in the device.

[0010] The following examples represent particularly preferred variants which can particularly advantageously utilize the above-mentioned advantages.

[0011] In one embodiment, the stop element can be disengaged from the stop position, preferably can be removed from the stop position, so that the closing movement is preferably not affected by the stop element. Alternatively or additionally, the stop element can be moved from the stop position to a release position (for example by means of a manual or driven lifting system), in which the closing movement is not affected by the stop element.

[0012] In another embodiment, the stop element is designed as a rod, a bar, a plate, a block, a wedge or a stop bolt. Alternatively or additionally, the stop element is oriented vertically. Alternatively or additionally, the stop element causes a reduction in the holding force of the clamp arm pair in the stop position.

[0013] In another embodiment, the stop element is positioned between the pair of clamp arms, preferably between mutually opposing stop surfaces of the pair of clamp arms in the stop position. Alternatively or additionally, the clamping device has an operating device (which, for example, has an input element, a transmission element, a coupling element and / or one or more pivot arms) for moving the pair of clamp arms, and the stop element is operatively connected to the operating device in the stop position for limiting the closing movement of the pair of clamp arms.

[0014] For example, the stop element can be fixed so that when the clamp arm pair is opened and closed, the stop element does not move together with the clamp arm pair. Alternatively, when the clamp arm pair is opened and closed, the stop element can move together with one of the two clamp arms of the clamp arm pair, for example.

[0015] Preferably, the clamp arm pair may have two clamp arms that can move (eg, shift and / or pivot) in opposite directions to each other for holding the container.

[0016] In another embodiment, the clamping device further comprises another pair of clamp arms for holding the container together with the pair of clamp arms, wherein the other pair of clamp arms can move relative to each other (eg pivot and / or shift) and is arranged above or below the pair of clamp arms.

[0017] In another embodiment, the stop element also (eg directly or indirectly) limits the closing movement of the other pair of clamp arms in the stop position.

[0018] For example, the stop element is positioned between the other pair of clamping arms, preferably between mutually opposing stop surfaces of the other pair of clamping arms, in the stop position. Alternatively or additionally, the other clamping device has a further operating device (e.g., with an input element, a transmission element, a coupling element and / or one or more pivot arms) for moving the other pair of clamping arms, and the stop element is operatively connected to the further operating device in the stop position for limiting the closing movement of the other pair of clamping arms. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device for moving the pair of clamping arms is also designed for moving the other pair of clamping arms, and the stop element is operatively connected to the operating device in the stop position for limiting the closing movement of the pair of clamping arms and the other pair of clamping arms.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the clamping device has a further stop element which can be positioned in a stop position in which the further stop element limits the closing movement of the further pair of clamping arms.

[0020] In another embodiment, the further pair of clamp arms is designed or arranged without a separate stop element that limits the closing movement of the further pair of clamp arms.

[0021] Preferably, the pair of clamping arms and / or the further pair of clamping arms can be preloaded for closing, particularly preferably independently of the stop element.

[0022] For example, the prestressing can be carried out by means of an elastic element, for example a spring such as a tension spring or a compression spring, particularly preferably a spiral spring.

[0023] Preferably, the other clamping arm pair may have two further clamping arms that are movable (eg displaceable and / or pivotable) in opposite directions to each other for holding the container.

[0024] Another aspect relates to a container conveyor, preferably a gripper wheel, for transporting containers. The container conveyor has a plurality of gripping devices as disclosed herein, which are preferably arranged around the circumference of the container conveyor. The container conveyor can achieve the same advantages as have already been described herein for the gripping devices.

[0025] In one embodiment, the container conveyor further comprises a carrier, preferably an annular or ring segment-shaped carrier, which jointly carries the stop elements of the plurality of gripping devices, preferably on the upper or lower side of the carrier. Preferably, the carrier can be detachably fastened to a frame (e.g. a machine frame) of the container conveyor, particularly preferably by means of a tool-free (e.g. pivotable) quick-change system. Advantageously, the carrier allows very rapid refitting of the container conveyor, since all stop elements can be mounted or removed at once.

[0026] Preferably, the carrier can be mounted on the frame as an accessory.

[0027] For example, the carrier can be arranged above the holding devices, preferably directly above the holding devices.

[0028] In another embodiment, the container conveyor can be selectively operated in a first configuration and in a second configuration for transporting containers, wherein the stop element is positioned in a stop position in the first configuration and is positioned outside the stop position and / or unloaded from the container conveyor in the second configuration.

[0029] On the other hand, a setting element is provided for a container conveyor, preferably as disclosed herein, which is preferably implemented as a clamping wheel. The setting element has a carrier body in the form of an annular ring or a ring segment. The setting element has a plurality of (e.g. rod-shaped, bolt-shaped, wedge-shaped, bar-shaped, plate-shaped or block-shaped) stop elements for the clamping devices (e.g. for the clamping arm pairs of these clamping devices) of the clamping wheel for limiting the closing movement of these clamping devices (e.g. for the clamping arm pairs of these clamping devices), wherein the plurality of stop elements are distributed (e.g. at the same distance) around the circumference of the carrier body (e.g. on the lower side or upper side of the carrier body). Advantageously, the setting element allows very fast refitting of the container conveyor, since all stop elements can be installed or removed at one time.

[0030] Preferably, the carrier is designed to be mountable on a machine frame, preferably a machine frame, of the container conveyor, for example in a tool-free manner and / or by means of a quick-change system.

[0031] Another aspect relates to a method for operating a container conveyor, preferably a gripper spoke disk and / or a container conveyor as disclosed herein, which container conveyor has a plurality of gripping devices (e.g. distributed around the circumference of the container conveyor). The method comprises: providing a plurality of (e.g. rod-shaped, bolt-shaped, wedge-shaped, bar-shaped, plate-shaped or block-shaped) stop elements, for example as disclosed herein. The method comprises: selectively operating the container conveyor in a first configuration and in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the plurality of stop elements provided are positioned in a stop position, in which the stop elements limit the closing movement of the correspondingly assigned gripping devices of the plurality of gripping devices. In the second configuration, the plurality of stop elements provided are positioned outside the stop position and / or are removed from the container conveyor. Advantageously, the method can achieve the same advantages that have already been described herein for the gripping device.

[0032] In one embodiment variant, the container conveyor transports a first container type, preferably plastic containers, particularly preferably PET bottles, in a first configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the container conveyor transports a second container type, which is different from the first container type (e.g., harder, stronger, more stable and / or heavier than the first container type), preferably glass containers, particularly preferably glass bottles, in a second configuration.

[0033] In a further embodiment variant, the holding force of the plurality of gripping devices for holding a first container type is reduced by means of the plurality of stop elements in the first configuration compared to the holding force of the plurality of gripping devices for holding a second container type in the second configuration.

[0034] In another embodiment variant, the method further comprises: by means of preferably simultaneously and / or in a tool-free manner, removing the plurality of stop elements from the container conveyor and / or removing the plurality of stop elements from the corresponding stop positions, the container conveyor is converted from the first configuration into the second configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the method further comprises: by means of preferably simultaneously and / or in a tool-free manner, installing the plurality of stop elements on the container conveyor and / or positioning the plurality of stop elements in the corresponding stop positions, the container conveyor is converted from the second configuration into the first configuration.

[0035] In another embodiment variant, the multiple stop elements are provided so that they are carried on a common, preferably annular carrier for simultaneous, preferably tool-free installation on the container conveyor and / or for simultaneous, preferably tool-free removal from the container conveyor.

[0036] Another aspect relates to a container handling device (e.g. for producing, cleaning, checking, filling, sealing, labeling, printing and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foods), which has a gripper device as disclosed herein, a container conveyor as disclosed herein and / or a setter as disclosed herein.

[0037] For example, the container may be embodied as a bottle, a can, a barrel, a box, a flask, or the like.

[0038] The above-mentioned preferred embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In the following, further details and advantages of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a holding device with a container held thereon (second configuration);

[0041] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through an exemplary clamping device (second configuration);

[0042] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the container conveyor without the stop element installed (second configuration);

[0043] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary container conveyor (first configuration) with a stop element installed;

[0044] Figure 5 Shows the Figure 4 A top view of an exemplary container conveyor (first configuration);

[0045] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 a fragment of a side view of an exemplary container conveyor (first configuration);

[0046] Figure 7 Shows Figure 4 (a magnified fragment in the first configuration);

[0047] Figure 8 Shows Figure 4 (a magnified fragment in the first configuration);

[0048] Fig. 9 shows a fragment of a perspective view of an exemplary container conveyor (first configuration) with a stop element installed;

[0049] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9a fragment of a side view of an exemplary container conveyor (first configuration); and

[0050] Fig.11 Shows Fig. 9 A fragment of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container conveyor (first configuration).

[0051] The embodiments shown in these figures correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and with regard to their explanation, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetitions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Then, first refer to Figure 1 and 2 To describe a preferred embodiment of the clamping device, and then in Figure 3 The integration of the gripper in a container conveyor is shown in FIG. Figures 4 to 11 Techniques are described that can be applied to the exemplary described clamping device to reduce the holding force used to hold the container.

[0053] Figure 1 and 2 The holding device 10 is shown in different views. The holding device 10 holds a container 12. It is possible, but not mandatory, that the container 12 has a container body with different outer peripheries along its length or height. In some embodiments, the container 12 can be embodied as a so-called contour container, but this contour container can be firmly held by the holding device 10, as described exemplarily below.

[0054] The clamping device 10 has a pair of clamping arms 14. Optionally, the clamping device 10 has a further pair of clamping arms 16. Optionally, the clamping device 10 can also have a clamping support 18, a manipulation device 20 and / or a further manipulation device 22.

[0055] Preferably, the gripper device 10 is designed as a double gripper device with two gripper arm pairs 14, 16. However, it is also possible, for example, for the gripper device 10 to have only one gripper arm pair 14 or to have more than two gripper arm pairs 14, 16 (not shown). If the gripper device 10 has a plurality of gripper arm pairs 14, 16, these gripper arm pairs can be manipulated either independently of one another or in a coupled manner. Subsequently, a configuration with independent manipulation is described, which can be advantageous, for example, when so-called contour containers are to be gripped, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown in .

[0056] The clamp arm pair 14 may have two clamp arms 24, 26. The other clamp arm pair 16 may have two (second or additional) clamp arms 28, 30. The clamp arms 24 and 26 (or 28 and 30) may be designed individually, such as Figure 1 and 2 It is possible that the clamping arms 24 and 26 (or 28 and 30) are designed to be integrally formed with each other.

[0057] Preferably, the further pair of clamping arms 16 can be designed to be substantially structurally identical and / or functionally identical to the pair of clamping arms 14. Preferably, the pair of clamping arms 14 and the further pair of clamping arms 16 are designed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the clamping device 10 or with respect to a horizontal plane (in the installed state). The central longitudinal plane divides the clamping device 10 at half height and runs parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the pairs of clamping arms 14, 16.

[0058] The clamping arms 24, 26 of the clamping arm pair 14 may be located in a common (horizontal) plane, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown in , or can be arranged vertically offset from each other. The clamping arms 28, 30 of the other clamping arm pair 16 can be located in a common (horizontal) plane, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown in , or they can be arranged vertically offset from each other.

[0059] The pair of clamp arms 14 can be movable relative to each other, for example, can be pivoted and / or can be displaced. The optional further pair of clamp arms 16 can also be movable relative to each other. Preferably, the pair of clamp arms 14 and / or 16 are supported in a pivotable manner, as shown. The pivotable support is preferably arranged at the end of the pair of clamp arms 14 and / or 16 opposite to the container 12 or at the free end of the pair of clamp arms 14, 16. Preferably, these pairs of clamp arms 14, 16 can be pivoted coaxially with each other or can be pivoted about a common pivot axis S.

[0060] Specifically, the clamp arms 24, 26 of the clamp arm pair 14 may preferably be pivotable in opposite directions from each other. The clamp arms 28, 30 of the other clamp arm pair 16 may be pivotable in opposite directions from each other. To hold the container 12, the clamp arms 24, 26 of the clamp arm pair 14 may be pivoted toward each other until resting against the container 12, and optionally, the clamp arms 28, 30 of the other clamp arm pair 16 may be pivoted toward each other until resting against the container 12. To release the container 12, the clamp arms 24, 26 of the clamp arm pair 14 may be pivoted away from each other, and the clamp arms 28, 30 of the other clamp arm pair 16 may be pivoted away from each other.

[0061] As long as there are two gripper arm pairs 14, 16, the two gripper arm pairs can be arranged overlapping to simultaneously hold the same container 12. The gripper arm pairs 14, 16 are arranged, for example, vertically offset from each other with respect to the vertical axis H of the container 12. For example, the other gripper arm pair 16 (two gripper arms 28, 30) is arranged below the gripper arm pair 14 (two gripper arms 24, 26), such as Figure 1 and 2 or vice versa.

[0062] The pair of grippers 14 can hold the container 12 on a first peripheral section or surface section 12A. The other pair of grippers 16 can hold the container 12 on a second peripheral section or surface section 12B. The peripheral sections 12A, 12B are preferably respectively circumferential or self-enclosed. The peripheral sections 12A and 12B are arranged offset from each other with respect to the vertical axis H of the container 12. For example, the first peripheral section 12A is arranged above the second peripheral section 12B, such as Figure 1 and 2 or vice versa.

[0063] In an arrangement in which the contour container is (also) to be held by the clamping device 10, the peripheral sections 12A and 12B may differ from one another in size or length. Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the shapes of the peripheral segments 12A and 12B are respectively the same, i.e., circular in cross section or frustoconical in shape with respect to the vertical axis H. The illustrated peripheral segments 12A and 12B differ in size. The illustrated first peripheral segment 12A has a smaller circumference and a smaller diameter than the illustrated second peripheral segment 12B.

[0064] The container 12 can be held in a section of the clamp arm pair 14 and / or 16 in front of or facing the container 12. Specifically, the container 12 can be held between the free ends of the clamp arms 24, 26 of the clamp arm pair 14 and optionally between the free ends of the clamp arms 28, 30 of the optional other clamp arm pair 16. The clamp arms 24, 26 and / or the clamp arms 28, 30 can surround the container 12 at their free ends. The clamp arms 24, 26 and / or the clamp arms 28, 30 can clamp the container 12 between their free ends when a holding force is applied. The holding force can be caused, for example, by a preload acting on the clamp arm pair 14 and / or a preload acting on the other clamp arm pair 16.

[0065] As mentioned, it is possible that the clamping arm pairs 14, 16 can be moved, preferably pivoted, independently or decoupled from each other. The clamping arm pair 14 can be moved, preferably pivoted, relative to each other, while the other clamping arm pair 16 can be moved, preferably pivoted together, relative to each other, and vice versa. However, it is also possible that the movement of the clamping arm pairs 14, 16 is coupled to each other.

[0066] In the decoupled configuration, for example, the movement of the clamping arm pair 14 toward the first peripheral section 12A does not affect the movement of the optional other clamping arm pair 16 toward the second peripheral section 12B, and vice versa. The movement of the other clamping arm pair 16 toward the first peripheral section 12A can, for example, continue, while the clamping arm pair 14 is already in contact with the first peripheral section 12A, and vice versa (for example, depending on the shape and / or size of the peripheral sections 12A, 12B). For example, the clamping arm pairs 14, 16 can preferably start the movement of the contact at the same time under the preload of the clamping arm pairs 14 and 16 (for example, at the end of the manipulation of the clamping arm pairs 14, 16) and / or end the movement of the contact in sequence (for example, at the time of contact with the container 12, respectively). In the case of the contact movement, the clamping arms 24, 26 can move toward each other, preferably pivot. In the case of the contact movement, the clamping arms 28, 30 can move toward each other, preferably pivot.

[0067] In the decoupled configuration, for example, a release movement of the pair of clamp arms 14 away from the first peripheral section 12A does not affect a release movement of the further pair of clamp arms 16 away from the second peripheral section 12B, and vice versa. The release movement of the pair of clamp arms 14 can, for example, begin before the release movement of the further pair of clamp arms 16 begins, and vice versa (e.g. depending on the shape and / or size of the peripheral sections 12A, 12B). For example, the pair of clamp arms 14, 16 can preferably end the release movement simultaneously under the action of actuation of the pair of clamp arms 14 and 16. In the case of a release movement of the pair of clamp arms 14, the clamp arms 24, 26 can move away from each other, preferably pivot away from each other. In the case of a release movement of the further pair of clamp arms 16, the clamp arms 28, 30 can move away from each other, preferably pivot away from each other.

[0068] The clamp arm pair 14 and / or 16 can extend along a longitudinal axis L1 or L2. The longitudinal axes L1, L2 can run substantially parallel to each other. The longitudinal axes L1 and / or L2 can run substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis H. The longitudinal axes L1 and / or L2 can run substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis S. In the installed state, the longitudinal axes L1 and / or L2 can run substantially parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0069] The clamping arm pair 14 and / or 16 can be mounted on the clamping support 18 in a movable manner, preferably in a pivotable manner. For example, the clamping arm pair 14, 16 can be mounted on the clamping support 18 in a movable manner on opposite sides of the clamping support 18. The clamping support 18 can be arranged between the clamping arm pair 14, 16, preferably relative to the vertical axis of the clamping device 10. The clamping support 18 can carry the clamping arm pair 14 and / or 16. The clamping support 18 is preferably designed in a block-like manner. The clamping support 18 preferably extends elongated along the pivot axis S and / or parallel to the vertical axis H.

[0070] For example, the clamp arm pair 14 and / or 16 can be pivotably supported on a preferably elongated pivot pin 32 or 34 of the clamp bracket 18. In particular, the clamp arms 24, 26 and / or 28, 30 can each have a through hole, for example at the end of the respective clamp arm 24, 26, 28, 30 opposite to the respective free end. The pivot pin 32 and / or 34 can extend through the through hole. It is possible that a sliding sleeve is arranged between the pivot pin 32 or 34 and the through hole.

[0071] The pivot pin 32 and / or 34 may extend coaxially with the pivot axis S. The pivot pin 32 and / or 34 may extend parallel to the vertical axis H. The pivot pin 32 and / or 34 may be arranged on opposite sides of the clamp bracket 18. For example, the pivot pin 32 may be arranged on the upper side of the clamp bracket 18. The pivot pin 34 may be arranged on the lower side of the clamp bracket 18.

[0072] The clamping arms 24, 26 can be inserted onto the pivot pin 32 in an overlapping manner. The clamping arms 28, 30 can be inserted onto the pivot pin 34 in an overlapping manner. The clamping arms 24, 26 can be axially fixed on the pivot pin 32. The clamping arms 28, 30 can be axially fixed on the pivot pin 34. This axial fixing can be performed, for example, by means of a screw head of a screw which is screwed into a (e.g. central) hole in the pivot pin 32 or 34, preferably coaxially with the pivot axis S.

[0073] Adjacent to the bearing point to the clamping bracket 18, the clamping arm pair 14 and / or 16 can be reinforced. In particular, the material strength of the clamping arms 24, 26, 28 and / or 30 can be increased adjacent to the bearing point. The clamping arms 24, 26, 28, 30 can have reinforcing ribs 36, for example, adjacent to the pivotable bearing. The reinforcing ribs 36 can be implemented, for example, as wall elements on the upper side and / or the lower side of the clamping arms 24, 26, 28, 30. These wall elements can be annular or surrounding structures. The reinforcing ribs 36 can be arranged in the sections of the clamping arms 24, 26, 28, 30 opposite to the free ends of the clamping arms 24, 26, 28, 30. The reinforcing ribs 36 can taper in the direction of the free ends of the clamping arms 24, 26, 28, 30.

[0074] A preferred configuration for actuating the clamping device 10 is explained below. In this case, the clamping device 10 is designed as an active clamping device, which is actively actuated or moved by at least one actuating device. Alternatively, it is possible that the clamping device 10 is designed, for example, as a passive clamping device, whose clamping arm pairs 14 and optionally 16 are (only) elastically (for example spring-loaded) prestressed into a closed position.

[0075] The pair of clamp arms 14 can be moved by the manipulation device 20, preferably pivoted about the pivot pin 32 or the pivot axis S. The optional further pair of clamp arms 16 can be moved by the further manipulation device 22, preferably pivoted about the pivot pin 34 or the pivot axis S. The manipulation device 20 and / or 22 can preferably be implemented as a roller controller. Preferably, the manipulation device 20 and / or 22 can move, preferably pivot, the pair of clamp arms 14 or 16 to release the container 12, thereby opening it.

[0076] The operating devices 20, 22 can be used as in Figure 1 and 2 However, it is also possible that the actuating devices 20, 22 are coupled to each other or that, for example, only one actuating device is present for both gripper arm pairs 14, 16.

[0077] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, the manipulators 20, 22 are preferably designed to be structurally identical and / or functionally identical. Preferably, the manipulator 20 and the further manipulator 22 are designed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical about a central longitudinal plane of the clamping device 10 or about a horizontal plane (in the installed state). The manipulators 20, 22 can be arranged overlapping. The manipulators 20, 22 can preferably be arranged between the pair of clamping arms 14 and the further pair of clamping arms 16 relative to the vertical axis of the clamping device 10.

[0078] The operating device 20 can be arranged partially on the lower side of the clamping arm pair 14. The further operating device 22 can be arranged partially on the upper side of the further clamping arm pair 16. The operating devices 20 and / or 22 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 or L2 of the clamping arm pair 14 or 16.

[0079] The manipulation device 20 and / or 22 can be carried by the clamp bracket 18. The manipulation device 20 and / or 22 can extend through the clamp bracket 18, preferably from the rear side of the clamp bracket 18 or the side facing away from the container 12 to the front side of the clamp bracket 18 or the side facing the container 12.

[0080] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the configuration shown in , the operating devices 20, 22 are decoupled from each other so that they can move independently of each other. The first operating device 20 can move without the second operating device 22 moving, and vice versa. As mentioned, however, coupling configurations and passive configurations are also possible, for example.

[0081] The operating device 20 can be connected to the clamping arms 24, 26 in a section between the free ends of the clamping arms 24, 26 and the (e.g. pivot) support, preferably in a middle section of the clamping arms 24, 26 relative to the longitudinal axis L1. The further operating device 22 can be connected to the further clamping arms 28, 30 in a section between the free ends of the clamping arms 28, 30 and the (e.g. pivot) support, preferably in a middle section of the clamping arms 28, 30 relative to the longitudinal axis L2.

[0082] The operating device 20 can preferably have an input element 38, a transmission element 40, a coupling element 42 and two pivot arms 44, 46. It is possible that these components 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are at least partially integrated into each other. The further operating device 22 can be designed and function like the operating device 20 with an input element 48, a transmission element 50, a coupling element 52 and two pivot arms 54, 56. Therefore, the subsequent detailed explanation about the operating device 20 can be correspondingly applied to the further operating device 22 after necessary modifications. However, it is also possible, for example, that the operating devices 20, 22 share input elements and / or transmission elements.

[0083] The input element 38 can be carried on the transfer element 40, preferably on the end side. The input element 38 can be arranged on the side of the clamping bracket 18 facing away from the container 12 or on the rear side of the clamping device 10 or the clamping bracket 18. The input element 38 can receive a mechanical input. The input element 38 can be designed, for example, as a rotatable roller, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown in FIG. 3 , or can be implemented as a sliding shoe. The input element 38 can be loaded by a guide curve or a control curve, for example. The input element 38 can transmit the received input to the transmission element 40.

[0084] The transfer element 40 can be supported in a displaceable manner in the clamp bracket 18, preferably in a sliding sleeve. The transfer element 40 can be elongated, preferably rod-shaped. The transfer element 40 can be displaced in response to an input, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 and / or perpendicular to the pivot axis S. The transfer element 40 can carry a coupling element 42, preferably at the end opposite to the input element 38.

[0085] The coupling element 42 can be mounted on the transmission element 40, preferably on the end side. For example, the coupling element 42 can be mounted on the transmission element 40 by means of screws. The screws can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L1, for example. If the transmission element 40 is displaced, the coupling element 42 can also be displaced. The coupling element 42 can couple the transmission element 40 to the pivot arms 44, 46.

[0086] The pivot arm 44 can connect the clamp arm 24 to the coupling element 42. The pivot arm 44 can be pivotally connected to the coupling element 42 at one end, such as by means of a bolt or a pivot pin. The pivot arm 44 can be pivotally connected to the clamp arm 24 at an opposite end, such as by means of a bolt or a pivot pin.

[0087] The pivot arm 46 can connect the clamp arm 26 to the coupling element 42. The pivot arm 46 can be pivotally connected to the coupling element 42 at one end, such as by means of a bolt or a pivot pin. The pivot arm 46 can be pivotally connected to the clamp arm 26 at an opposite end, such as by means of a bolt or a pivot pin.

[0088] The pivot arms 44, 46 are preferably arranged in a V-shaped manner and / or overlapping (e.g. with respect to a vertical axis). The pivot arms 44, 46 are preferably pivotable coaxially with respect to the coupling element 42. However, parallel pivot axes of the pivot arms 44, 46 with respect to the coupling element 42 are also possible, for example. The pivot arms 44, 46 are preferably arranged between the coupling element 42 or the transmission element 40 and the pair of clamping arms 14 with respect to the vertical axis of the clamping device 10.

[0089] In response to the mechanical input, displacement of the input element 48 in the direction of the container 12 may cause displacement of the transfer element 40 in the direction of the container 12. Displacement of the transfer element 40 in the direction of the container 12 may cause displacement of the coupling element 42 in the direction of the container 12. Displacement of the coupling element 42 in the direction of the container 12 may cause displacement of the ends of the pivot arms 44, 46 pivotably connected to the coupling element 42 in the direction of the container 12. Displacement of the ends of the pivot arms 44, 46 pivotably connected to the coupling element 42 may cause pivoting of the pivot arms 44, 46 at these ends, since the pivot arms 44, 46 are supported on the clamp arms 24, 26. Pivoting of the pivot arms 44, 46 may cause pivoting of the clamp arms 24, 26, preferably upward pivoting or opening of the clamp arms 24, 26, to release the container 12.

[0090] The clamping arm pairs 14 and / or 16 can be loaded with a pretension toward closing, preferably pivoting inwards. For example, the clamping device 10 can have a pretensioning element 58 for the clamping arm pair 14 and optionally a further pretensioning element 60 for the optional further clamping arm pair 16. It is also possible that the clamping arm pairs 14, 16 are elastically pretensioned by a common pretensioning element.

[0091] The preload elements 58, 60 may be arranged and designed separately from the clamp arm pairs 14, 16, such as Figure 1 and 2It is possible that the preload elements 58, 60 are arranged directly on the clamp arm pairs 14, 16 and / or are designed to be integrated with the respective clamp arm pair 14 or 16. For example, the preload element can be substantially U-shaped and / or surround the respective clamp arm pair 14 or 16 in a horizontal plane (not shown).

[0092] The prestressing elements 58 and / or 60 can be arranged on the side of the clamping bracket 18 facing away from the container 12. The prestressing elements 58, 60 can be arranged overlapping. The prestressing elements 58, 60 can extend parallel to each other and / or parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2.

[0093] The preload element 58 and / or 60 can be supported on the clamping bracket 18, preferably on the side of the clamping bracket 18 facing away from the container 12. The preload element 58 can be supported on the transfer element 40, preferably on the end section of the transfer element 40 that carries the input element 38. The preload element 60 can be supported on the transfer element 50, preferably on the end section of the transfer element 50 that carries the input element 48.

[0094] The transfer element 40 may extend through the preload element 58, or the preload element 58 may surround a section of the transfer element 40. The transfer element 50 may extend through the preload element 60, or the preload element 60 may surround a portion of the transfer element 50. For example, the preload elements 58 and / or 60 are designed as spiral springs.

[0095] For example, the preload element 58 can preload the manipulator 20 in a direction away from the container 12, so that the pair of clamping arms 14 is closed. Specifically, the preload element 58 can preload the transfer element 40 in a direction away from the container 12. By coupling with the pivot arms 44, 46, the clamping arms 24, 26 can be moved toward each other, preferably pivoted or pivoted inwardly. By means of the preload, a holding force can be applied to the container 12, so that the container 12 can be held between the clamping arms 24, 26 in a force-fitting manner. By means of a mechanical input at the input element 38, the preload caused by the preload element 58 can be overcome in order to open the pair of clamping arms 14.

[0096] The preload element 60 can preload the further manipulator 22 in a direction away from the container 12 in order to close the further pair of clamping arms 16. Specifically, the preload element 60 can preload the transfer element 50 in a direction away from the container 12. By coupling with the pivot arms 54, 56, the clamping arms 28, 30 can be moved toward each other, preferably pivoted or pivoted inwardly. By means of the preload, a holding force can be applied to the container 12, so that the container 12 can be held between the clamping arms 28, 30 in a force-fitting manner. By means of a mechanical input at the input element 48, the preload caused by the preload element 60 can be overcome in order to open the further pair of clamping arms 16.

[0097] The clamping device 10 may have a fastening device 62. The fastening device 62 is designed to fasten the clamping device 10 to a container conveyor, for example a clamping wheel disc, preferably by means of a screw connection. The fastening device 62 may have at least one positioning element. The positioning element enables the clamping device 10 to be correctly positioned on the container conveyor when it is fastened to the container conveyor. The positioning element can be designed, for example, as a positioning pin. The fastening device 62 can be fastened to the clamping bracket 18, for example, to the rear side, the upper side and / or the lower side of the clamping bracket 18.

[0098] It is possible that the clamping arms 24 and 26 and optionally 28 and 30 have stop surfaces facing each other, for example in their middle section relative to the longitudinal axis L1 or L2. On these stop surfaces, the clamping arms 24 and 26 and optionally 28 and 30 can rest against each other in the closed position when they do not hold the container 12.

[0099] Figure 3 A container conveyor 64 is shown, preferably a rotatable gripper wheel. However, it is also possible, for example, that the container conveyor 64 is designed as a linear conveyor. The container conveyor 64 has a plurality of gripping devices 10. These gripping devices 10 are preferably arranged around the circumference of the container conveyor 64. The container conveyor 64 can transport containers 12, for example, through sections of a container treatment system, for example, sections of a container treatment system for connecting the container treatment system.

[0100] Now, the special feature of the present disclosure is that the clamping device 10 can be connected with the stop element (in Figures 1 to 3 The stop element can reduce the holding force of the clamping device 10 for holding the container 12. For further explanation, refer to Figures 4 to 8 .

[0101] Figures 4 to 8 A container conveyor 64 (or a section thereof) is shown with a plurality of stop elements 66. Preferably, each gripper device 10 can be assigned one of the plurality of stop elements 66. Subsequently, only one stop element 66 is mentioned in part to improve legibility. These explanations apply correspondingly to all stop elements 66.

[0102] The stop element 66 is positioned in a stop position. In the stop position, the stop element 66 limits the closing movement of the clamping arm pair 14 of the clamping device 10. As a result, the holding force of the clamping arm pair 14 on the held container 12 can be reduced. The stop element 66 is adapted to the container 12 to be held so that it (partially) supports the clamping arm pair 14 in the position of the clamping arm pair 14 in which the container 12 is held by the clamping arm pair 14. The holding force applied by the clamping arm pair 14 (for example, caused by the prestressing of the clamping arm pair 14) can be distributed to the stop element 66 and the container 12. Correspondingly, the holding force on the container 12 is reduced.

[0103] The stop element 66 is designed to be separate from the clamp arm pair 14 (and optionally the clamp arm pair 16). The stop element 66 is neither integrated with the clamp arm pair 14 nor connected to the clamp arm pair 16 that may be present. Preferably, the stop element 66 is implemented as a stop bolt, such as in Figures 4 to 8 As shown in . Alternatively, the stop element 66 can be embodied, for example, as a rod, a bar, a plate, a block, a wedge, etc. In principle, the stop element can have any stop shape.

[0104] Especially from Figure 7 As is known from the drawings, the stop element 66 is preferably positioned between the clamping arms 24 and 26 of the clamping arm pair 14 in the stop position. The stop element 66 can be arranged, for example, directly above the coupling element 42. The stop element 66 can be oriented vertically. Specifically, the clamping arm 24 can have a stop surface for the stop element 66. The stop surface can be arranged on the inner side of the clamping arm 24 and / or in the middle section of the clamping arm 24 relative to the longitudinal axis L1 (see Figure 1 The clamp arm 26 may have a stop surface for the stop element 66. The stop surface may be arranged on the inner side of the clamp arm 26 and / or in a middle section of the clamp arm 26 relative to the longitudinal axis L1 (see Figure 1 The stop surfaces of the clamping arms 24, 26 can face each other. The stop element 66 can be arranged between these stop surfaces.

[0105] Alternatively, the stop element 66 may be arranged and / or configured differently in order to limit the closing movement of the clamping arm pair 14 of the clamping device 10. Figure 1 and 2The stop element 66 can act, for example, on any component of the operating device 20 in order to limit the closing movement of the clamping arm pair 14 of the clamping device 10. For example, the stop element 66 can limit the movement of the input element 38, the transmission element 40, the coupling element 42, the pivot arm 44 and / or the pivot arm 46 in the stop position. It is possible that the corresponding components of the operating device 20, i.e., for example, the input element 38, the transmission element 40, the coupling element 42, the pivot arm 44 and / or the pivot arm 46, have a stop surface for the stop element. It is also possible, for example, that the stop element 66 is, for example, removably fastened to the inner side of the clamping arm 24 or the inner side of the clamping arm 26.

[0106] exist Figures 4 to 8 In the embodiment shown in , the stop element 66 limits the closing movement of the clamp arm pair 14 respectively. As long as an optional other clamp arm pair 16 is coupled to the clamp arm pair 14, for example, via the operating device 20, 22, the stop element 66 can also indirectly limit the closing movement of the clamp arm pair 16. If on the other hand the movements of the clamp arm pairs 14, 16 are independent of each other or the clamp arm pairs 14, 16 are not coupled, the stop element 66 does not limit the closing movement of the other clamp arm pair 16. The holding force of the other clamp arm pair 16 is not reduced. It is possible that, in order to reduce the holding force of the other clamp arm pair 16, for example, another stop element is included, which limits the closing movement of the other clamp arm pair 16 in the stop position. It is pointed out again that it is also possible that the clamping device 10 has only one clamp arm pair, for example the clamp arm pair 14, or has more than two clamp arm pairs.

[0107] The stop element 66 is carried by the carrier 68. The stop element 66 can be connected to the carrier 68 in a force-fitting, form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. Preferably, the stop element 66 is connected to the carrier 68 by means of a threaded connection. For example, the stop element 66 can each have an internal threaded hole, into which a screw supported on the carrier 68 is screwed. The screw can extend through a through hole of the carrier 68. The stop element 66 can be arranged coaxially with the corresponding through hole and / or with the corresponding screw.

[0108] The carrier 68 can be, for example, substantially annular or at least ring-segment-shaped. Preferably, the stop elements 66 are carried on the carrier 68 at a distance from one another. For example, the stop elements 66 are carried on the underside of the carrier 68.

[0109] The carrier 68 can rotate with the container conveyor 64. The carrier 68 can be fixed and supported on a frame or machine frame 70 of the container conveyor 64, for example on the upper side of the frame 70 or the container conveyor 64.

[0110] The stop element 66 and the carrier 68 can together form an adjustment element 72 for the container conveyor 64, which is preferably designed as a gripper wheel. If the holding force of the gripper device 10 is to be reduced, the adjustment element 72 can be mounted on the container conveyor 64. If the holding force of the gripper device 10 is not to be reduced, the adjustment element 72 cannot be mounted or removed from the container conveyor 64.

[0111] Especially from Figure 8 As known in the prior art, the support body 68 or the adjustment part 72 can be fixed on the frame 70 by means of a quick-change system 74. The quick-change system 74 allows the adjustment part 72 or the support body 68 to be installed and removed from the frame 70 in a tool-free manner.

[0112] For example, the quick-change system 74 may have at least one fastening element 76 and at least one fastening element 78 .

[0113] The fastening element 76 can be connected to the carrier 68, for example, in a materially, forcefully and / or form-fitting manner. Preferably, the fastening element 76 is connected to the carrier 68 by means of a screw connection. For example, the fastening element 76 can be arranged on the underside of the carrier 68. The fastening element 76 can be implemented, for example, as a rod-shaped and / or vertically oriented body, which preferably has a groove or a hole for intervention with the fastening element 78.

[0114] The fastening element 78 can be connected to the frame 70 in a movable manner, preferably in a pivotable manner. The pivot axis can be oriented vertically, for example. For example, the fastening element 78 can be arranged on the upper side of the frame 70. The fastening element 78 can be moved so that the fastening element and the fastening element 76 engage with each other in order to fix the carrier 68 on the frame 70. The fastening element 78 can be moved out of the engagement with the fastening element 76 so that the carrier 68 can be removed from the frame 70. For example, the fastening element 78 can have a hook-shaped section for grasping or engaging with the fastening element 76. The fastening element 78 can have a handle 80, preferably a rotating handle, with which the fastening element 78 can be moved manually, preferably pivoted.

[0115] Regarding the quick-change system 74, it should also be noted that the quick-change system Figure 3 In fact, even if this Figure 3 Not explicitly shown, according to Figure 3 The container conveyor 64 (disassembled state of the adjusting element 72 ) may still have at least one fastening element 78 of the quick-change system 74 in order to enable a quick installation (and removal) of the adjusting element 72 .

[0116] However, it is also possible that the stop element 66 is fixed in a different manner than by means of the carrier 68. For example, the stop element 66 can be fixed directly to the clamping device 10, such as to one of the clamping arms 24, 26 or to the clamping bracket 18.

[0117] The stop element 66 can be disengaged from the stop position. The disengageability can be that the stop element 66 is removed or disassembled, for example by disassembling the adjustment part 72 from the frame 70, as already explained.

[0118] On the other hand, alternatively or additionally, it is possible to include a manual or automatic movement mechanism (not shown). The movement mechanism can move the stop element 66 from the stop position into a release position in which, for example, no restriction of the closing movement is caused, for example, by means of an upward lifting movement. For example, instead of the quick-change system 74, a lifting system can be included, which can realize the lifting and lowering of the carrier 68 and thereby the stop element 66. If it is necessary to limit the holding force, the lifting system can, for example, move the stop element 66 together to the corresponding stop position (for example lower it). If it is no longer necessary to limit the holding force, the lifting system can, for example, move the stop element 66 together out of the corresponding stop position (for example lift it).

[0119] Figures 9 to 11 Another embodiment is shown, in which the stop element 66 'is relative to Figures 4 to 8 The stop element 66 of the embodiment is modified.

[0120] The stop elements 66' can be designed and arranged so that they directly limit the closing movement of the two clamp arm pairs 14, 16 in the stop position. For example, the stop element 66' can be oriented vertically and / or implemented as a rod, a rod or a stop bolt. In the stop position, the stop element 66' is preferably positioned between the clamp arms 24 and 26 of the clamp arm pair 14 and between the clamp arms 28 and 30 of the other clamp arm pair 16. Specifically, the clamp arms 24, 26, 28 and 30 can each have a stop surface for the stop element 66' on the inside and facing each other. The stop element 66' can be arranged between these stop surfaces.

[0121] The stop elements 66' can be arranged so that they do not block the movement devices 20, 22. For example, the stop elements 66' can be arranged between the pivot arms 44 and 46 and between the pivot arms 54 and 56 (see also Figure 1 and 2 ). Compared with the stop element 66, the stop element 66' can be arranged, for example, further outside the container 12 and / or closer to the container in the radial direction of the container conveyor 64. Correspondingly, the carrier 68' can be arranged relative to Figures 4 to 8 The carrier body 68 of the embodiment is modified.

[0122] The techniques disclosed herein with respect to the stop element 66(') enable the container conveyor 64 to be selectively operated in at least two configurations.

[0123] In a first configuration, a plurality of stop elements 66(') may be positioned in a stop position to limit the closing movement of the clamping device 10 to reduce the holding force, for example, see Figures 4 to 8 or Figures 9 to 11 In a first configuration, the container conveyor 64 can transport a first container type with a reduced holding force. The first container type can be, for example, plastic containers, particularly preferably PET bottles.

[0124] In a second configuration, the stop element 66(') can be positioned outside the stop position so that the closing movement of the clamping device 10 is not limited by the stop element 66('), see for example Figures 1 to 3 For positioning outside the stop position, the stop element 66 can be removed (for example together with the carrier 68 (')) or moved into a release position (for example by means of a lifting system). In the second configuration, the container conveyor 64 can transport a second container type without reducing the holding force. The second container type can include, for example, glass containers, particularly preferably glass bottles.

[0125] The container conveyor 64 can be converted from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa. For example, the first configuration can be converted to the second configuration by removing the adjustment element 72 by means of the quick-change system 74 (or, for example, by raising the stop element by means of a lifting system). The second configuration can be converted to the first configuration by installing the adjustment element 72 by means of the quick-change system 74 (or, for example, by lowering the stop element by means of a lifting system).

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also utilize the concept of the present invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the present invention also claims the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independent of the cited claims. In particular, the individual features of the independent claims are disclosed independently of each other. Additionally, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all the features of the independent claims.

[0127] List of Reference Numerals

[0128] 10 Clamping device

[0129] 12 Container

[0130] 12A First peripheral section

[0131] 12B Second peripheral segment

[0132] 14 Clamp Arm Pair

[0133] 16 Another clamp arm pair

[0134] 18 Clamp bracket

[0135] 20 Control device

[0136] 22 Additional controls

[0137] 24 Clamp Arm

[0138] 26 Clamp Arm

[0139] 28 Clamp Arm

[0140] 30 Clamp Arm

[0141] 32 Pivot pin

[0142] 34 Pivot pin

[0143] 36 Reinforcement ribs

[0144] 38 Input components

[0145] 40 Transfer element

[0146] 42 Coupling element

[0147] 44 Pivot Arm

[0148] 46 Pivot Arm

[0149] 48 Input elements

[0150] 50 Transfer element

[0151] 52 Coupling element

[0152] 54 Pivot Arm

[0153] 56 Pivot Arm

[0154] 58 Preload element

[0155] 60 Preload element

[0156] 62 Fastening device

[0157] 64 Container Conveyor

[0158] 66 Stop element

[0159] 68 Carrier

[0160] 70 racks

[0161] 72 Adjustment parts

[0162] 74 Quick Change System

[0163] 76 Fastening elements

[0164] 78 Fastening elements

[0165] 80 Handle

[0166] H Vertical axis

[0167] S Pivot axis

[0168] L1 longitudinal axis

[0169] L2 longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A container conveyor (64) for transporting containers (12), comprising: A plurality of gripping devices (10) for holding a container (12), each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices having: a pair of gripper arms (14) for holding the container (12), the pair of gripper arms being movable relative to each other; and a stop element (66) designed to be separated from the clamp arm pair (14) and positionable in a stop position, wherein the stop element (66) limits the closing movement of the clamp arm pair (14); The container conveyor (64) further comprises a carrier (68) which jointly carries the stop elements (66) of the plurality of clamping devices (10), wherein the carrier (68) is detachably fixed to a frame (70) of the container conveyor (64).

2. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 1, in: The stop element (66) can be disengaged from the stop position, so that the closing movement is not affected by the stop element (66); or The stop element (66) is movable from a stop position to a release position, in which the closing movement is not influenced by the stop element (66).

3. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 1 or 2, in: The stop element (66) is designed as a rod, a bar, a plate, a block, a wedge or a stop bolt; and / or The stop element (66) is oriented vertically; and / or The stop element (66) causes a reduction in the holding force of the pair of clamp arms (14) in the stop position.

4. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 1 or 2, in: The stop element (66) is positioned between the pair of clamp arms (14) in a stop position; and / or The clamping device (10) has an operating device (20) for moving the clamping arm pair (14), and the stop element (66) is operatively connected to the operating device (20) in a stop position for limiting the closing movement of the clamping arm pair (14).

5. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping device further comprises: Another pair of gripping arms (16) is used to hold the container (12) together with the pair of gripping arms (14), wherein the other pair of gripping arms (16) are movable relative to each other and are arranged above or below the pair of gripping arms (14).

6. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 5, in: The stop element (66) also limits the closing movement of the other clamp arm pair (16) in the stop position; or wherein the clamping device (10) has another stop element, which can be positioned in a stop position, in which the other stop element limits the closing movement of the other clamping arm pair (16); or The other pair of clamping arms (16) is designed without a separate stop element that limits the closing movement of the other pair of clamping arms.

7. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 1, wherein: The container conveyor (64) is a gripper spoke disk.

8. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 2, wherein: The stop element (66) can be removed from the stop position.

9. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 4, wherein: The stop element (66) is positioned between mutually opposing stop surfaces of the pair of clamp arms (14).

10. The container conveyor (64) according to claim 1, in: The container conveyor (64) is selectively operable in a first configuration and in a second configuration for transporting the containers (12), wherein the stop element (66) is positioned in a stop position in the first configuration and is positioned outside the stop position and / or removed from the container conveyor (64) in the second configuration.

11. The container conveyor (64) of claim 1, wherein: The container conveyor (64) is a gripper spoke disk.

12. The container conveyor (64) of claim 1, wherein: The gripping device (10) is arranged around the circumference of the container conveyor (64).

13. The container conveyor (64) of claim 1, wherein: The carrier (68) is an annular or ring segment-shaped carrier.

14. The container conveyor (64) of claim 1, wherein: The carrier carries the stop elements (66) of the plurality of holding devices (10) on the upper side or the lower side of the carrier (68).

15. The container conveyor (64) of claim 1, wherein: The support body (68) is detachably fastened to a frame (70) of the container conveyor (64) by means of a tool-free quick-change system (74).

16. An adjusting element (72) for mounting on a container conveyor (64) embodied as a gripper wheel spoke, the adjusting element comprising: a ring-shaped or ring-segment-shaped carrier (68); and a plurality of stop elements (66) for the clamping device (10) of the clamping wheel spoke disk, for limiting the closing movement of the clamping device (10), wherein the plurality of stop elements (66) are arranged to be distributed around the circumference of the carrier (68), in, The carrier (68) is configured to jointly carry the plurality of stop elements (66), wherein the carrier (68) is detachably mounted on a frame (70) of the container conveyor (64).

17. The adjusting member (72) according to claim 16, wherein: The container conveyor (64) is the container conveyor (64) according to claim 1.

18. A method for operating a container conveyor (64) having a plurality of gripping devices (10), the method comprising: Providing a plurality of stop elements (66); selectively operating the container conveyor (64) in a first configuration and in a second configuration; wherein in a first configuration, the provided plurality of stop elements (66) are positioned in a stop position in which they limit the closing movement of a correspondingly assigned clamping device (10) of the plurality of clamping devices (10); and wherein in a second configuration, the provided plurality of stop elements (66) are removed from the container conveyor (64), in, The plurality of stop elements (66) are provided such that they are carried on a common carrier (68) for simultaneous mounting on the container conveyor (64) and for simultaneous removal from the container conveyor (64).

19. The method according to claim 18, in: The container conveyor (64) transports a first container type in a first configuration; and The container conveyor (64) transports a second container type in a second configuration, the second container type being different from the first container type.

20. The method according to claim 19, in: In the first configuration, the holding force of the plurality of holding devices (10) for holding the first container type is reduced by means of the plurality of stop elements (66) compared to the holding force of the plurality of holding devices (10) for holding the second container type in the second configuration.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: reconfiguring the container conveyor (64) from a first configuration to a second configuration by dismounting the plurality of stop elements (66) from the container conveyor (64) and / or removing the plurality of stop elements (66) from respective stop positions; and / or By installing the plurality of stop elements (66) on the container conveyor (64) and / or positioning the plurality of stop elements (66) in corresponding stop positions, the container conveyor (64) is converted from the second configuration to the first configuration.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The container conveyor (64) is a gripper wheel spoke and / or a container conveyor according to claim 1.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The first container type is a plastic container.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The first container type is PET bottles.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein: The second container type is a glass container.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein: The second container type is a glass bottle.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein: Simultaneously and / or in a tool-free manner, removing the plurality of stop elements (66) from the container conveyor (64) and / or removing the plurality of stop elements (66) from respective stop positions; and / or The plurality of stop elements (66) are mounted on the container conveyor (64) at the same time and / or in a tool-free manner and / or are positioned in corresponding stop positions.

28. The method of claim 18, wherein: The carrier (68) is an annular carrier.

29. The method of claim 18, wherein: The plurality of stop elements (66) are carried on a common carrier (68) for simultaneous, tool-free mounting on the container conveyor (64) and / or for simultaneous, tool-free removal from the container conveyor (64).

Images