Hole holder

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a hole holder (10) having a pressurized air connection (16), an elastically deformable bellows portion (28) which can be inflated by the application of pressurized air in order to be clamped in a component hole (14) of a component (12), and a connection portion (18) which has a connection channel (20) through which the bellows portion (28) can be inflated by the application of pressurized air in order to be clamped in the component hole (14) of the component (12). The connection channel connects the pressurized air connection (16) and the bellows portion (28) for supplying pressurized air from the pressurized air connection (16) to the bellows portion (28). The pressurized air connection (16), the connection portion (18) and the bellows portion (28) are integrally connected to one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a hole holder and the use of a hole holder. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hole holder and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] Hole grippers, such as deep hole grippers, can be used for pick and place tasks in the fields of robotics, packaging and palletizing, for example. Hole grippers usually consist of a number of individual parts. By applying pressurized air, the hole gripper expands into a hole in an object intended for transport (e.g., a bottle mouth, etc.) and thus securely holds the object.

[0003] The hole holder can be equipped with an inflatable bellows, for example. Here, excess pressure can be applied inside, causing the bellows to inflate like a balloon. The bellows can rest against the inner wall of the hole and thus establish frictional contact with the item to be transported.

[0004] Alternatively, the hole holder may for example have an elastically deformable element. Here, a plunger may be pulled or pushed by a pneumatic drive. The plunger may compress the elastically deformable element. This compression may also produce frictional contact with the inner wall of the hole.

[0005] One disadvantage of the standard prior art may be that conventional hole clamps usually consist of a large number of parts. In addition, due to the necessary metal parts (e.g., for the housing or the pneumatic drive), these hole clamps may be relatively heavy. Another disadvantage may be that it is difficult or impossible to prevent the object held by the hole clamp from tilting or shaking.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an improved hole holder with which the disadvantages of the prior art can be overcome. Preferably, the hole holder should be particularly easy to manufacture, adaptable and lightweight. 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 of the present disclosure relates to a hole clamp (expansion clamp, bellows clamp, internal clamp) preferably for use in a container processing facility. The hole clamp has a pressurized air connector, which is used to connect a pressurized air pipeline. The hole clamp has an elastically deformable (expandable) bellows portion, which can be inflated by the application of pressurized air so as to clamp (e.g., non-positively or positively) in a component hole of a component. The hole clamp has a (e.g., elongated) connecting portion, which has a connecting channel, which connects the pressurized air connector and the bellows portion for supplying pressurized air from the pressurized air connector to the bellows portion. The pressurized air connector, the connecting portion and the bellows portion are integrally connected to each other.

[0009] Advantageously, the hole holder makes it possible to save many individual parts, assembly time and weight. Another advantage is that the production may be particularly simple (eg using additive manufacturing) and the production costs are very low compared to conventional hole holders even at the prototype stage.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pressurized air connection, the connection part and the bellows part are formed together from a plurality of adjacent, preferably additively manufactured layers of material, preferably from a (e.g. elastically deformable) plastic (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane). As already mentioned, additive manufacturing may be particularly advantageous for producing a one-piece body consisting of the pressurized air connection, the connection part and the bellows part. Additive manufacturing also enables individual customization of the hole clamp geometry, even for very small quantities as small as one unit. This means that the perfect clamp (e.g. shape, stud ring, undercut, etc.) can always be configured for the individual application. By choosing lightweight materials, higher masses can be advantageously moved, faster cycle times can be achieved, and the application can be made more efficient overall.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the pressurized air connection, the connecting part and the bellows part are made of the same material, preferably of a (e.g. elastically deformable) plastic (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane). Preferably, since the wall thickness of the bellows part is smaller than the wall thickness of the connecting part and the pressurized air connection, the bellows part can be inflated by the application of pressurized air. This advantageously enables simple production and can reliably provide the functionality of the inflatable bellows part.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connecting part has a shell and / or an inner core (preferably a solid core or a hollow core). Optionally, a connecting channel (preferably annular) can extend between the shell and the inner core. Advantageously, this enables the connecting channel and the connecting part to be appropriately and reliably constructed.

[0013] In another embodiment, the shell, the inner core and the connecting passage are arranged coaxially with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the shell is substantially tubular. Alternatively or additionally, the inner core is substantially cylindrical or tubular. Alternatively or additionally, the shell is merged into the outer wall of the bellows portion. Alternatively or additionally, the inner core extends inwardly from the outer wall of the bellows portion to form a chamber for pressurized air between the inner core and the outer wall. This advantageously achieves a particularly suitable and reliable structure of the connecting passage, the connecting portion and the bellows portion.

[0014] In another variant embodiment, the housing has a greater wall thickness than the outer wall of the bellows portion. In this way, advantageously, it can be ensured that the bellows portion can be inflated when pressurized air is applied, while the housing is subjected to the pressurized air, without the housing having to be made of a different material than the outer wall of the bellows portion.

[0015] However, for example, the outer wall of the housing and the bellows portion may also have substantially the same wall thickness. In order to withstand the application of pressurized air, the housing may be reinforced, for example, by connecting a web to an inner core and / or by ribs and / or by an external support (e.g., an outer shell).

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion also has a plurality of connecting webs, which support the shell and the inner core against each other. Optionally, the plurality of connecting webs can be spaced along the longitudinal axis of the hole clamp and / or around the outer circumference of the inner core. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of connecting webs can, for example, extend through the connecting channel. This can advantageously significantly improve the stability of the hole clamp, and the shell can better withstand the pressurized air pressure.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the hole holder further has a preferably metallic stabilizing rod which extends longitudinally through the connecting portion, preferably through the tubular inner core of the connecting portion, preferably coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the hole holder. In this way, the overall one-piece configuration of the pressurized air connection, the connecting portion and the bellows portion can be advantageously strengthened and stabilized. For example, after additive manufacturing of the one-piece body consisting of the pressurized air connection, the connecting portion and the bellows portion, the stabilizing rod can be inserted into the one-piece body and fixed therein, for example, by positive fit, non-positive fit and / or material fit.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, the stabilizing rod has a (e.g., pointed or blunt) centering portion for centering the hole holder when the hole holder is inserted into the component hole. On the one hand, this can advantageously ensure better functionality of the hole holder and on the other hand can achieve functional integration in the stabilizing rod.

[0019] Preferably, the centering portion may be arranged at the end of the stabilizing rod protruding beyond the bellows portion.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, the hole holder has a (e.g. pointed or blunt) centering portion for centering the hole holder when the hole holder is inserted into the component hole. Preferably, the pressurized air connection, the bellows portion, the connecting portion and the centering portion can be integrally connected to each other as one piece. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the pressurized air connection, the connecting portion, the bellows portion and the centering portion can be formed together from a plurality of adjacent, preferably additively manufactured material layers, preferably from a (e.g. elastically deformable) plastic (preferably thermoplastic polyurethane). On the one hand, this can advantageously ensure that the hole holder has better functionality, and on the other hand, the additional function of centering in the one-piece body can be added in a particularly simple manner (e.g. additively producible manner).

[0021] In one embodiment, the outer side is substantially shaped as a frustoconical side or a cylindrical side. For example, the frustoconical side can advantageously support a centering function, while the cylindrical side can be particularly advantageous for preventing the clamped component from rocking or tilting, for example during dynamic movement or when pivoting in a horizontal plane.

[0022] In one embodiment, the outer side surface may be textured (e.g., with a predetermined texture) and / or profiled (e.g., with a predetermined profile). Alternatively or additionally, the outer side surface may have studs, teeth, ribs or webs. Alternatively or additionally, the outer side surface may have at least one partial or full circumferential collar (e.g., coaxial with the bore holder longitudinal axis). Advantageously, this may improve the friction connection between the bellows portion and the component bore and / or enable an undercut engagement behind the component bore or the component, thereby enabling a higher holding force. By profiling, for example, with webs or ribs, it may be advantageously possible to allow for a greater wall thickness in the profiling area in order to achieve, for example, a more secure contact surface relative to the component bore.

[0023] Preferably, the texturing and / or contouring can be additively produced directly during the additive production of the bellows portion. This advantageously allows a particularly simple production of the texturing and / or contouring without the need for a separate production step.

[0024] In another embodiment, the pressurized air connection can be arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the bore holder.This is advantageous because it enables a particularly simple and reliable configuration of the bore holder.

[0025] Alternatively, the pressurized air connection may be arranged at an angle, preferably at a right angle, to the longitudinal axis of the bore holder. This may advantageously be used to create space for reinforcement components such as stabilizer bars.

[0026] In a variant embodiment, the hole clamp also has a (e.g. multi-piece) housing in which the connecting part is preferably at least partially accommodated in a positive fit. Particularly preferably, the bellows part and optionally the centering part can be arranged outside the housing. Preferably, the outer walls of the housing and the bellows part can have a substantially equal wall thickness. This advantageously allows, for example, the pressurized air connection and / or the connecting part to be realized with relatively thin walls, since the housing can be supported from the outside. This means that the connecting part can, for example, withstand the pressure from the pressurized air, without itself needing to be particularly stable.

[0027] For example, an optional stabilizer bar may be supported directly on the housing.

[0028] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a handling device, preferably a handling robot (eg, a changing robot), having a hole gripper.

[0029] For example, the handling device may be a fixed or mobile robot or any other type of handling device. Preferably, the handling device may have at least one pivotable and / or displaceable arm. Optionally, the hole holder may be attached to the arm and carried by the arm (e.g., at one end of the arm).

[0030] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a bore gripper as disclosed herein in a container handling facility, preferably for gripping a container turret.

[0031] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container handling facility (e.g., for manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and / or packaging containers for liquid media (preferably beverages or liquid foods)), which has a hole gripper as disclosed herein or a handling device as disclosed herein.

[0032] For example, the container may be realized as a bottle, a jar, a cartridge, a carton, a tube, a vial, or the like.

[0033] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for producing a bore holder, for example as disclosed herein. The method is characterized in that the pressurized air connection, the connection part and the bellows part are preferably manufactured in a powder bed method and / or additively from (e.g. elastically deformable) plastic (preferably thermoplastic polyurethane) to form a one-piece body. Advantageously, the method can achieve the same advantages as those already described with reference to the bore holder.

[0034] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program product (e.g., at least one computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon) having instructions that cause an additive manufacturing device (e.g., a 3D printer) to produce a hole holder as disclosed herein in multiple layers in an additive manufacturing method (preferably a powder bed method), or to perform a method as disclosed herein.

[0035] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Further details and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hole holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary hole holder;

[0039] Figure 3 It is bonded to the component Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary hole holder;

[0040] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary bellows portion;

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary bellows portion;

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary bellows portion;

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a bore holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure engaged with a component;

[0044] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bore holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure engaged with a component;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a hole holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of an exemplary one-piece body of a bore holder of FIG. 1 ; and

[0047] Fig.11 It is bonded to the component Fig. 9 Cross-sectional view of an exemplary hole holder.

[0048] The embodiments shown in the drawings correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical components have the same reference numerals, and reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or drawings for their explanation in order to avoid repetitions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figures 1 to 3 A hole clamp 10 is shown. Preferably, the hole clamp 10 is configured as a so-called deep hole clamp. The hole clamp 10 may also be referred to as an expansion clamp, a bellows clamp or an internal clamp.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, as an example, a component 12 can be clamped and carried by a hole clamp 10. The hole clamp 10 can clamp the component 12 in or on a component hole 14 of the component 12. The hole clamp 10 can clamp itself in the component hole 14 by positive fit and non-positive fit. The clamped member 12 can move together with the hole clamp 10.

[0051] Preferably, the hole gripper 10 can be used in a container processing facility. For example, the component 12 can be configured as a container turntable. The hole gripper 10 can also be used to grip containers, mating parts, or formatted parts in a container processing facility. The hole gripper 10 can also be used in environments other than container processing facilities to grip any component 12 having a component hole 14.

[0052] The hole gripper 10 can be carried by any handling device as a gripping tool. For example, the hole gripper 10 can be an end effector of a handling robot (such as a replacement robot) or another handling device.

[0053] The bore holder 10 may be a substantially elongated, preferably one-piece component. The bore holder 10 may have a (eg, central) longitudinal axis L.

[0054] The bore holder 10 has a pressurized air connection 16, a connecting portion 18 and a bellows portion 28. Optionally, the bore holder 10 may also have a centering portion 34, for example.

[0055] The pressurized air connection 16, the connection portion 18, the bellows portion 28 and the optional centering portion 34 are integrally connected to each other. The pressurized air connection 16, the connection portion 18, the bellows portion 28 and the optional centering portion 34 may together form a one-piece body. The centering portion 34 may also be present but not integrally connected to the pressurized air connection 16, the connection portion 18 and the bellows portion 28 or not form a one-piece body with them.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the one-piece body can be formed from a plurality of adjacent, additively manufactured material layers. Preferably, the one-piece body can be additively manufactured using a powder bed method. In detail, the pressurized air connection 16, the connecting portion 18, the bellows portion 28 and optionally the centering portion 34 can be formed together from a plurality of adjacent, additively manufactured material layers. Preferably, the material layers can be made of plastic, preferably of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0057] Instructions for causing an additive manufacturing device to additively manufacture the hole holder 10 or the one-piece body made of the pressurized air connection 16, the connecting part 18, the bellows part 28 and optionally the centering part 34 can be stored in a computer program product (e.g., a file or a data carrier with a file).

[0058] A pressurized air line may be connected to the pressurized air connector 16 (not shown in the figure). The hole holder 10 may be actuated via the pressurized air line. The pressurized air line may be detachably connected to the pressurized air connector 16. For example, the pressurized air line may be connected to the pressurized air connector 16 by a positive fit and / or a non-positive fit. For example, the pressurized air connector 16 and the pressurized air line may be detachably connected to each other via a screw connection or a clamp connection.

[0059] The pressurized air connection 16 may be arranged on one end of the hole holder 10. This end is preferably the end of the hole holder 10 opposite to the component 12 to be clamped.

[0060] The pressurized air connection 16 may be disposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis L of the bore holder 10 .

[0061] The pressurized air connection 16 can also be used to mount the hole clamp 10 on a handling device (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, the hole clamp 10 can, for example, have an additional assembly portion for mounting the hole clamp 10 preferably non-positive fit and / or positive fit on a handling device.

[0062] The connecting portion 18 may connect the pressurized air connection 16 and the bellows portion 28 to each other. The connecting portion 18 may be elongated. The connecting portion 18 may be arranged between the pressurized air connection 16 and the bellows portion 28.

[0063] The connecting part 18 has a (pressurized air) connecting channel 20. Optionally, the connecting part 18 can also have a shell 22, an inner core 24 and / or a plurality of connecting webs 26, for example.

[0064] The connecting channel 20 connects the pressurized air connection 16 and the bellows portion 28 to each other. The pressurized air connection 16 may open into the connecting channel 20. The connecting channel 20 may open into the bellows portion 28, for example into a chamber 30 thereof.

[0065] Pressurized air can be supplied from the pressurized air connection 16 to the bellows portion 28 via the connecting channel 20. Preferably, the bellows portion 28 can also be released via the connecting channel 20 and the pressurized air connection 16.

[0066] The connecting channel 20 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the bore holder 10 , preferably coaxially thereto.

[0067] The connecting channel 20 may be annular or configured as an annular channel. Preferably, the connecting channel 20 may be formed as a substantially annular cavity between the shell 22 and the inner core 24.

[0068] The housing 22 may be substantially tubular. The housing 22 may preferably extend coaxially with the longitudinal axis L of the bore holder 10. The housing 22 may enclose or close the connecting passage 20 and the inner core 24.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the inner core 24 can be configured as a solid core. The solid core can be substantially cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the inner core 24 can be configured as, for example, a hollow core. For example, the hollow core can be substantially tubular.

[0070] The inner core 24 , the connecting channel 20 , and the housing 22 may be arranged coaxially with each other; wherein the connecting channel 20 is located within the housing 22 , and wherein the inner core 24 is located within the connecting channel 20 .

[0071] The connecting web 26 may support the shell 22 and the inner core 24 against each other. The connecting web 26 may be arranged between the shell 22 and the inner core 24. The connecting web 26 may connect the shell 22 and the inner core 24 to each other. The connecting web 26 may extend through the connecting channel 20.

[0072] On the one hand, the connecting webs 26 may each be incorporated into the inner circumference of the shell 22. On the other hand, the connecting webs 26 may each be incorporated into the outer circumference of the inner core 24. The connecting webs 26 may be arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal axis L of the hole holder 10. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting webs 26 may be arranged at a distance from each other around the outer circumference of the inner core 24 or around the inner circumference of the shell 22.

[0073] Preferably, a plurality of (e.g., four) groups are composed of the connecting webs 26. The groups may be arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal axis L of the hole holder 10. Each group may have a plurality of connecting webs 26, which may be arranged at a distance from each other around the outer circumference of the inner core 24 or around the inner circumference of the shell 22.

[0074] Preferably, the connecting webs 26 are each elongated. The longitudinal axis of the connecting webs 26 is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the hole holder 10.

[0075] The bellows portion 28 is elastically deformable or expandable. The bellows portion 28 can be inflated by the application of pressurized air so as to be clamped in the component hole 14. To inflate the bellows portion 28, pressurized air can be supplied to the bellows portion 28 from the pressurized air connection 16 via the connecting channel 20.

[0076] The bellows portion 28 may have a bellows shape. For example, the bellows shape may be rotationally symmetrical. Alternatively, the bellows shape may have any other suitable shape, for example, having a groove shape, a long hole shape, or a polygonal (eg, square) cross section.

[0077] The bellows portion 28 may preferably be formed by a preferably annular chamber 30 and an outer wall 32 .

[0078] Preferably, the connecting channel 20 may open into the chamber 30. For example, the chamber 30 may annularly surround a portion of the inner core 24. Preferably, the chamber 30 may be arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis L.

[0079] Preferably, the outer wall 32 may be tubular. Preferably, the outer wall 32 may surround the chamber 30. For example, when pressurized air is applied to the chamber 30, the outer wall 32 may expand or inflate radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis L.

[0080] The outer wall 32 may be incorporated into the housing 22. The outer wall 32 may extend the housing 22 in a direction towards the free end of the bore holder 10.

[0081] Since the bellows portion 28 has a wall thickness less than the connecting portion 18 and the pressurized air connection 16, the bellows portion can be inflated by the application of pressurized air. For example, the outer wall 32 of the bellows portion 28 can have a smaller wall thickness than the housing 22 of the connecting portion 18.

[0082] For example, the outer wall 32 may have a wall thickness of ≤ 2 mm, or ≤ 1.5 mm, or ≤ 1 mm.

[0083] The bellows portion 28 / outer wall 32 may widen and / or taper along the longitudinal axis L toward the free end of the bore holder 10. For example, the bellows portion 28 / outer wall 32 may have a frustoconical shape. Preferably, the bellows portion 28 / outer wall 32 may expand along the longitudinal axis L in a direction toward the free end of the bore holder 10.

[0084] Alternatively, the bellows portion 28 / outer wall 32 may be cylindrical, for example.The outer wall 32 may have a constant diameter along the longitudinal axis L.

[0085] The centering portion 34 can be used to center the hole holder 10 when the hole holder 10 is inserted into the component hole 14. For example, the centering portion 34 can be pointed (e.g., a pointed cone), or blunt (e.g., a frustoconical cone).

[0086] The centering portion 34 may be arranged at the free end of the bore holder 10. The centering portion 34 may be incorporated into the inner core 24 and / or into the bellows portion 28, preferably the outer wall 32 thereof.

[0087] Figures 4 to 6 Different variants of the bellows section 28 are shown, which can be combined with one another as desired.

[0088] Figure 4 A substantially cylindrical bellows portion 28' is shown.

[0089] The outer side of the outer wall 32 may substantially correspond to the side of the cylinder. Alternatively, the outer side of the outer wall 32 may be, for example, substantially a truncated cone-shaped surface (see also Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0090] Figure 5 A bellows portion 28" is shown having an outer wall 32 with a contoured exterior surface.

[0091] The outer side may have a plurality of studs 36. For example, the studs 36 may be configured as teeth. Preferably, the studs 36 may be arranged in one or more rings, which may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L. The studs 36 may be distributed (preferably equidistantly) around the circumference of the outer side.

[0092] Preferably, the stud 36 can be arranged at the end of the bellows portion 28″ facing the free end of the hole clamp 10. Preferably, the stud 36 can thus form an undercut so as to be able to engage behind the component hole 14 to improve the clamping effect (see also Figure 3 ).

[0093] Alternatively, the undercut may be formed, for example, by a partial or full circumferential collar (flange) of the outer side. Preferably, the collar may be arranged at the end of the bellows portion 28 ″ facing the free end of the bore holder 10 .

[0094] Figure 6 A bellows portion 28'" is shown having an outer wall 32 with a contoured outer side.

[0095] The outer side may have a plurality of ribs (webs) 38. Preferably, the ribs 38 may be arranged in one or more rings, which may be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis L. The ribs 38 may be distributed (preferably equidistantly) around the circumference of the outer side. The longitudinal axis of the ribs 38 may preferably be parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the hole holder 10.

[0096] As an alternative or in addition to the profiling of the outer side surface, it is also possible, for example, for the outer side surface of the outer wall 32 to be textured with a predetermined texture.

[0097] Figure 7 A bore holder 10A is shown having a pressurized air connection 16 .

[0098] The pressurized air connection 16 is arranged or aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis L of the bore holder 10A. Preferably, the pressurized air connection 16 may be arranged at a right angle to the longitudinal axis L of the bore holder 10A.

[0099] Figure 8 A bore holder 10B having a stabilizing bar 40 is shown.

[0100] The stabilizing rod 40 may extend through the connecting portion 18. Preferably, the stabilizing rod 40 may extend through the hollow inner core 24, preferably extending all the way to the free end of the hole clamp 10B. Specifically, the inner core 24 may have a receiving channel in which the stabilizing rod 40 is received.

[0101] The stabilizing rod 40 may extend parallel to, and preferably coaxially with, the longitudinal axis L of the bore holder 10B. For example, the stabilizing rod 40 may extend between opposite ends of the bore holder 10B.

[0102] The stabilizer bar 40 may preferably be a solid bar. Preferably, the stabilizer bar 40 may be metal.

[0103] Preferably, the stabilizing rod 40 may have a centering portion 42 for centering the hole holder 10B when the hole holder 10B is inserted into the component hole 14. For example, the centering portion 42 may be pointed (e.g., a pointed cone), or blunt (e.g., a truncated cone). Preferably, the centering portion 42 may be arranged in an end region of the stabilizing rod 40 that protrudes beyond the bellows portion 28 along the longitudinal axis L of the hole holder 10.

[0104] Figures 9 to 11 A bore holder 10C having a housing 44 is shown.

[0105] Preferably, the housing 44 can each at least partially receive the pressurized air connection 16 and the connecting portion 18 and optionally the stabilizing rod 40 .

[0106] Preferably, the bellows section 28 is arranged completely outside the housing 44. Particularly preferably, the connecting section 18 is received in the housing 44 up to the transition to the bellows section 28. The optional centering section 42 (or 34) can also be arranged outside the housing 44.

[0107] Preferably, the connection portion 18 and optionally the pressurized air connection 16 can be received in the housing 44 by a positive fit. For example, the shape of the inner receiving chamber of the housing 44 can match the outer shape of the pressurized air connection 16 and / or the connection portion 18.

[0108] The housing 44 is preferably composed of a plurality of parts, for example of two parts. The joint line of the housing 44 can be arranged, for example, in the region of the pressurized air connection 16. For example, the housing 44 can be formed from a plurality of, for example, two, housing shells. The housing parts or shells can be detachably fixed to one another, for example by means of screw connections. Preferably, the housing shells can be configured as housing half shells.

[0109] It should be understood that the various features of the bore holders 10, 10A, 10B and 10C may be combined and interchanged as desired.

[0110] The invention is not limited to the preferred exemplary embodiments described above. On the contrary, there are numerous variants and modifications which likewise exploit the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims to which they refer. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. Furthermore, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the pressurized air connection, the connecting part and / or the bellows part of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein are to be understood as being disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, for example also as respective preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

[0111] Reference numerals list

[0112] 10-hole holder

[0113] 12 Components

[0114] 14 Component holes

[0115] 16 Pressurized air connection

[0116] 18 Connection part

[0117] 20 Connection Channels

[0118] 22 Housing

[0119] 24 Inner core

[0120] 26 Connecting web

[0121] 28 Bellows section

[0122] 30 Chamber

[0123] 32 outer wall

[0124] 34 Centering section

[0125] 36 studs

[0126] 38 ribs

[0127] 40 Stabilizer bar

[0128] 42 Centering section

[0129] 44 Housing

[0130] L Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A hole holder (10) preferably for use in a container handling facility, wherein the hole holder (10) has: A pressurized air connector (16), which is used to connect a pressurized air pipeline; an elastically deformable bellows portion (28) capable of being inflated by the application of pressurized air so as to clamp within the component aperture (14) of the component (12); and a connecting portion (18) having a connecting passage (20) connecting the pressurized air connection piece (16) and the bellows portion (28) for supplying pressurized air from the pressurized air connection piece (16) to the bellows portion (28), The pressurized air connection piece (16), the connection portion (18) and the bellows portion (28) are integrally connected to each other.

2. The hole holder (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The pressurized air connection (16), the connection part (18) and the bellows part (28) are formed together from a plurality of adjacent, preferably additively manufactured layers of material, preferably from a plastic such as thermoplastic polyurethane; and / or The pressurized air connector (16), the connecting portion (18) and the bellows portion (28) are made of the same material, preferably plastic, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, and since the wall thickness of the bellows portion (28) is smaller than the wall thickness of the connecting portion (18) and the pressurized air connector (16), the bellows portion can be inflated when pressurized with pressurized air.

3. The hole holder (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connecting part (18) has a shell (22) and an inner core (24), preferably a solid core or a hollow core; and The connecting channel (20) preferably extends in an annular manner between the housing (22) and the inner core (24).

4. The hole holder (10) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: The housing (22), the inner core (24) and the connecting channel (20) are coaxially arranged with each other; The housing (22) is substantially tubular; The inner core (24) is substantially cylindrical or tubular; The housing (22) is integrated into the outer wall of the bellows portion (28); The inner core (24) extends inwardly from an outer wall (32) of the bellows portion (28) to form a chamber (30) for the pressurized air between the inner core (24) and the outer wall (32); and The housing (22) has a greater wall thickness than an outer wall (32) of the bellows portion (28).

5. A bore holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connecting portion (18) also has a plurality of connecting webs (26) that support the shell (22) and the inner core (24) against each other and optionally: - the plurality of connecting webs (26) are arranged spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis (L) of the hole holder (10) and / or around the outer circumference of the inner core (24); and / or - The plurality of connecting webs (26) extend through the connecting channel (20).

6. The hole holder (10B, 10C) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A stabilizing rod (40), preferably of metal, extends longitudinally through the connecting portion (18), preferably through the tubular core (24) of the connecting portion (18), preferably coaxially with the longitudinal axis (L) of the bore holder (10).

7. The hole holder (10B, 10C) according to claim 6, wherein: The stabilizing rod (40) has a centering portion (42) for centering the hole holder (10) when the hole holder (10) is inserted into the component hole (14).

8. The hole holder (10, 10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A centering portion (34) is used to center the hole holder (10) when the hole holder (10) is inserted into the component hole (14).

9. The hole holder (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The pressurized air connection piece (16), the bellows portion (28), the connection portion (18) and the centering portion (34) are integrally connected to each other; and / or The pressurized air connection (16), the connecting part (18), the bellows part (28) and the centering part (34) are jointly formed from a plurality of adjacent, preferably additively manufactured material layers, preferably from plastic, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane.

10. The bore holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bellows portion (28) has an outer side and satisfies at least one of the following: The outer side surface is substantially shaped as a frustoconical side surface or a cylindrical side surface; The outer side is textured and / or contoured; The outer side has studs (36), teeth, ribs (38) or webs (38); and The outer side has at least one partial or complete circumferential collar.

11. A bore holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pressurized air connection (16) is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis (L) of the bore holder (10); or The pressurized air connection (16) is arranged at an angle, preferably at a right angle, to the longitudinal axis (L) of the bore holder (10).

12. The hole holder (10C) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a housing (44) in which the connecting part (18) is at least partially received, preferably in a positive fit, wherein the bellows portion (28) is arranged outside the housing (44), wherein optionally, The housing (22) and the outer wall (32) of the bellows portion (28) have substantially equal wall thicknesses.

13. Use of a bore gripper (10) according to any of the preceding claims in a container handling plant, preferably for gripping a container turntable.

14. A method for producing a bore holder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: The pressurized air connection (16), the connecting part (18) and the bellows part (28) are preferably manufactured in a powder bed method and / or additively from plastic, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane, to form a one-piece body.

15. A computer program product having instructions for causing an additive manufacturing apparatus to: producing the hole holder (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in a plurality of layers in an additive manufacturing method, preferably a powder bed method; or Execute the method according to claim 14.

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