Clamping device for holding containers and container handling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (5) for holding containers in a container handling device (1), comprising a stationary clamping arm (10) comprising an attachment section (7) for attaching the clamping device (5) to a transport unit (2), preferably a transport star, of the container handling device (1), the pivotable clamping arm (8) is arranged on the fixed clamping arm (10) so as to be pivotable relative to the fixed clamping arm (10), the pivotable clamping arm (8) comprising a control section (11) which is designed to interact with a position-specifying unit of the container treatment device (1) in order to move the pivotable clamping arm (8) between an open position and a closed position; the invention also relates to a container treatment device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clamping device for holding containers in a container handling apparatus, such as a bottle filling device in a beverage filling machine. The invention also relates to a container handling apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that in beverage filling equipment, corresponding containers to be filled or already filled containers are held by clamping devices and transported through various processing stations of a container handling unit in this manner. Different clamping devices are known here, and these different clamping devices hold the corresponding containers to be processed in different ways.

[0003] Therefore, passive clamping devices are known, for example, which are elastically biased and then held by simply pushing the corresponding container into the clamping device. Such a clamp for holding a container is known from DE102015218204A1. Here, the clamp has a fixed position. In order to clamp the container, the container must be pressed into the clamp. Here, the rigid clamping arms extend outward, so that the container must move against the closing force of the clamping arms generated by the extension of the clamp. Thus, a high force is applied to the container upon pushing in, making such a holding device unsuitable for clamping or holding fragile and / or easily deformable and thin-walled containers. At least a tendency to scratch the surface of the corresponding container is generated, which reduces the mass of the container.

[0004] Active clamping devices are also known, in which the opening and closing of the corresponding holding sections of the clamping device are actively actuated by an actuator. Such active clamping devices are particularly used to allow safe and reliable take-over of a container from a preceding clamping device or to ensure the equally safe and reliable transfer of a container to a subsequent clamping device. In particular, the active opening and closing of the corresponding clamping devices can prevent, for example, increased friction on the corresponding container that might cause scratching, and on the other hand, the specified holding or clamping force can be adjusted and maintained within a specified tolerance range of the container dimensions. Such active clamping devices consist of multiple individual components, such as clamping arms, bushings, spring elements, biasing elements, and corresponding connecting elements for securely connecting the aforementioned components. Therefore, clamping devices constructed in this way are relatively complex to clean and have correspondingly high manufacturing costs.

[0005] A bottle holder is known from EP0939044A1, which includes a clamping device having two clamping arms that can be brought to a holding position or a releasing position by means of a control cam. The control cam engages with an abutment surface formed on each clamping arm, and the abutment surface is formed as part of an elastic pad arranged on the respective clamping arm.

[0006] To reduce the complexity of the active clamping device and simultaneously achieve that the clamping arm of the clamping device has a designated position in the basic state, such as the closed position, it is known to provide devices on the clamping device that apply a bias to the clamping arm and thus bias the clamping arm to the designated position.

[0007] An active clamping device for holding a container is known from EP2143674A2, wherein two clamping arms or clamping arms having separate magnet assemblies are held in an open position. The clamping arms have a rearwardly oriented closing lever that engages with a closing cam disposed therebetween to bring the clamping arms from the open position to the closed position.

[0008] DE102005014838A1 discloses an active clamping device with two clamping arms for holding a container, the clamping arms being movable relative to each other for opening and closing. To achieve secure holding of the container, one clamping arm is configured in a shape-stable manner, while the other clamping arm is configured in a shape-elastic manner. The clamping arm is biased to the open position by means of a magnet disposed thereon and pivoted to the closed position by means of a control cam.

[0009] In principle, in conventional clamping devices that include biasing clamping arms to a designated position, each clamping arm is pivotally arranged about a pivot axis. In other words, the clamping arms of the clamping device can be switched between an open and closed position by each clamping arm undergoing a pivot or rotation. To close the clamping device, the clamping arms pivot or rotate about the axis of rotation such that the holding sections of the clamping arms rotate toward each other. Correspondingly, to open the clamp, the clamping arms and therefore the holding sections need to rotate away from each other.

[0010] In beverage filling equipment, multiple clamping devices are typically arranged on a carrier movable in the transport direction, such as a filler turntable, and can be removed from the carrier during maintenance intervals when components of the clamping devices, such as clamping arms or the retaining sections of the clamping arms for holding containers or bearing bushings, become worn, so as to replace the clamping devices or worn components.

[0011] Alternatively, it is known that a carrier constituting a container handling apparatus, such as a rotary filler for filling containers with filling products or a rotary sealer for closing filled containers, has itself a receiving portion for receiving each container. It can be specified that a movable retaining arm is arranged on the carrier, which cooperates with the receiving portion directly formed on the carrier to achieve retention of the container within the receiving portion. The carrier is also referred to as a transport star in container handling apparatuses employing a rotary structure.

[0012] Such a carrier or transport star-shaped component, on which the receiving portion is directly formed, can be found, for example, in DE10247362B4, DE102004041724A1, or DE10146118A1. Container handling devices that include a transport star-shaped component and on which the container receiving portion is directly formed have narrow shape and position tolerances, especially given the placement height of the transport star-shaped component relative to the front and rear transport devices to which the container is received or transferred, and given the orientation of the axis of rotation of the transport star-shaped component. Even a small deviation in the set height of the transport star-shaped component or an inclination of the transport star-shaped component or its axis of rotation relative to the set orientation can cause a height eccentricity of the receiving portion, which in turn may hinder the precise receiving of the container or the precise transfer of the container to the front or rear transport device along the container transport direction, or may make the structure of the equipment very complex. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved clamping device for holding containers in a container handling apparatus, and an improved container handling apparatus.

[0014] This objective is achieved by a clamping device having the features of claim 1 for holding a container in a container handling apparatus. Advantageous improvements are derived from the dependent claims, this specification, and the drawings.

[0015] Accordingly, a clamping device for holding containers in a container handling apparatus is proposed, comprising a fixed clamping arm including an attachment section for attaching the clamping device to a transport unit of the container handling apparatus, preferably a transport star-shaped component. The fixed clamping arm can be positioned at a fixed location on the transport unit via the attachment section and can also be removed. In particular, the height position of the fixed clamping arm relative to the transport unit can be specified by the attachment area when attaching the fixed clamping arm to the transport unit.

[0016] The clamping device also includes a pivotable clamping arm, which is pivotally arranged on the fixed clamping arm relative to the fixed clamping arm. The pivotable clamping arm includes a control section configured to interact with a position designation unit of the container handling device to move the pivotable clamping arm between an open position and a closed position. The clamping device is represented as an active clamping device for actively clamping and releasing containers.

[0017] By incorporating an actively controllable pivotable clamping arm and a fixed clamping arm, the fixed clamping arm being securely attached to the transport unit via its attachment section, the number of moving parts and consequently, the number of parts worn due to relative movement is reduced compared to prior art active clamping devices with two mutually actively pivotable clamping arms. Since the pivotable clamping arm is directly pivotally arranged or mounted on the fixed clamping arm, a separate carrier plate is not required, whereas in prior art active clamping devices, the pivotable clamping arms are each pivotally mounted on these carrier plates.

[0018] In container handling units with multiple clamping devices, fewer worn parts are replaced accordingly during maintenance intervals, resulting in relatively lower costs for spare parts and maintenance compared to conventional container handling units of the prior art.

[0019] Furthermore, the pivotable clamping arm can be oriented very simply and very precisely relative to the fixed clamping arm, especially in the height direction parallel to the pivot axis of the rotatable clamping arm. Accordingly, compared with conventional clamping devices of the prior art, particularly secure clamping and, consequently, safe transport of the clamped container can be ensured in a simple manner.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, a pivotable clamping arm is pivotally arranged on a fixed clamping arm in the attachment section.

[0021] The pivotable clamping arm, more precisely the control section, is preferably configured to interact with the position designation unit of the container handling device to move the holding section of the pivotable clamping arm against the container to be held between an open position and a closed position.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the pivotable clamping arm can pivot about a pivot axis in the attachment area on the fixed clamping arm. Here, the pivotable clamping arm is preferably mounted on the fixed clamping arm in the attachment section by means of a shaft element, preferably a threaded bolt or guide bolt.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the attachment section is configured such that the position of the fixed clamping arm relative to the transport unit in a height direction is adjustable, preferably perpendicular to the transport direction of the container provided by the transport unit. This allows adjustment of the position of the clamping device on the transport unit and, correspondingly, correction of any existing height eccentricity of the transport unit by adjusting the height of the clamping arm on the transport unit. The fixed clamping arm can be easily brought to the desired height and then permanently held at that height.

[0024] The threaded bolts that can be coupled with the transport unit can be accommodated in the attachment section such that the rotational movement of the threaded bolts relative to the fixed clamping arm causes the fixed clamping arm to be displaced relative to the transport unit in the height direction.

[0025] To protect threaded bolts from accidental movement during operation of the container handling device, the clamping device may include a preventive element to prevent rotation of the threaded bolts, preferably a lock nut or threaded pin.

[0026] The threaded bolt may include a guide bolt section for guiding the fixed clamping arm along the height direction relative to the transport unit. Thus, in addition to height adjustment, the guidance or installation of the fixed clamping arm and therefore the clamping device relative to the transport unit can be achieved. In other words, the threaded bolt is also a guide bolt.

[0027] In another alternative embodiment, the threaded bolt, in addition to its adjustment and guiding functions, also serves as a bearing, preferably a rotary bearing for a pivotable clamping arm.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the clamping device includes a guide in the attachment area for preferably translating the fixed clamping arm relative to the transport unit in the height direction.

[0029] The translation guide may have a rotation prevention device for preventing the fixed clamping arm from rotating relative to the transport unit, wherein such rotation prevention device is provided, for example, by a guide element having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, such as a polygonal cross-sectional shape, extending in the height direction and guided by a bolt receiving portion in the attachment area, and / or the rotation prevention device is provided by guide elements, preferably guide bolts, guided by bolt receiving portions in two parallel oriented free attachment areas.

[0030] To achieve simple and stable guidance and installation of the fixed clamping arm and thus the clamping device on the transport unit, at least one guide bolt oriented in the height direction and housed in a bolt holder in the attachment area can be arranged in the attachment section for guiding the fixed clamping arm in the height direction relative to the transport unit and / or for height adjustment in the height direction relative to the transport unit.

[0031] To achieve a particularly simple and compact structure, the pivotable clamping arm can be pivotally mounted on the fixed clamping arm via guide bolts or threaded bolts housed in bolt receptacles within the attachment area. In other words, the guide bolts or threaded bolts then functionally occupy multiple positions. On one hand, the guide bolts or threaded bolts can provide guidance and / or height adjustment of the fixed clamping arm relative to the transport unit, and additionally provide pivotable mounting of the pivotable clamping arm on the fixed clamping arm.

[0032] The guide bolt can be configured as a threaded bolt or vice versa. The threaded bolt can be configured as a guide bolt such that the rotational movement of the threaded bolt configured as a guide bolt produces a displacement of the fixed clamping arm relative to the transport unit in the height direction. Furthermore, the fixed clamping arm is displaceably guided along the longitudinal axis of the guide bolt, i.e., in the height direction.

[0033] The guide bolt or threaded bolt may include a guide surface section that can be inserted into a guide hole on the transport unit.

[0034] The guide bolt or threaded bolt may include at least one bearing surface section in a bearing hole for mounting the guide bolt in a fixed clamping arm.

[0035] The guide bolt or threaded bolt may include at least one pivot bearing surface section for pivotally mounting a pivotable clamping arm relative to a fixed clamping arm.

[0036] A sleeve may be provided between the bolt (guide bolt or threaded bolt) that positions the pivotable clamping arm on the fixed clamping arm and the pivotable clamping arm. The pivotable clamping arm may be mounted on the radially outer side of the sleeve, for example, on a pivot bearing surface section of the sleeve. For example, the sleeve and the pivotable clamping arm may be connected by a press fit, preferably in an anti-rotation manner.

[0037] At least one sliding bearing bushing, advantageously two sliding bearing bushings, preferably at least one collar sliding bushing, can be arranged in the sleeve, advantageously pressed into the sleeve. The sleeve can be rotatably, particularly easily, mounted on a bolt (guide bolt or threaded bolt) about a pivot axis via at least one sliding bearing bushing. Thus, a stable mounting of a pivotable clamping arm on a fixed clamping arm is achieved using the sleeve, because, for example, two bearing bushings can be used, and these bearing bushings can also be arranged spaced apart from each other on opposite ends of the sleeve with respect to the pivot axis.

[0038] To achieve safe and secure retention of the container, the fixed clamping arm and the pivotable clamping arm may each include a retaining section for abutting against the container to be retained, and are configured such that in the closed position of the pivotable clamping arm, the container to be retained is held by the retaining section, and in the open position of the pivotable clamping arm, the container is released.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the control section includes a fixed guide for interacting with the container handling device, a guide element that preferably interacts with a guide bar or guide groove, and a running roller, wherein, preferably, the control section is arranged on the side of the pivotable clamping arm opposite to the holding section, with respect to the attachment section.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the control section may include a rotating shaft element, a magnet, and / or a switching bolt for moving the clamping arm between an open position and a closed position.

[0041] A fixed clamping arm can be made from a single piece.

[0042] According to one alternative embodiment, the fixed clamping arm and / or the pivotable clamping arm are configured in a multi-part configuration.

[0043] For example, in order to enable a simple processing conversion from a first type of container to a second type of container, the retaining section for abutting the container to be held can be releasably arranged on the base of a fixed clamping arm, and / or the retaining section for abutting the container to be held can be releasably arranged on the base of a pivotable clamping arm.

[0044] A biasing device may be provided to bias the pivotable clamping arm to an open or closed position, wherein the biasing device preferably includes a spring, preferably a torsion spring, a compression spring or a tension spring, and / or at least one magnet.

[0045] Furthermore, preferably in the bolt receiving area, the clamping device can be configured and arranged to adapt the position of the pivotable clamping arm relative to the fixed clamping arm along the direction of the pivot axis. This height adaptation of the pivotable clamping arm relative to the fixed clamping arm can be provided, for example, by the sleeve including a support shoulder that supports the pivotable clamping arm along the direction of the pivot axis, and the position of the sleeve, and therefore the pivotable clamping arm, relative to the bolt (guide bolt or threaded bolt) and / or relative to the fixed clamping arm can be changed by arranging at least one mating disc disposed on an end side of the sleeve. Optionally, at least one fixing element can also be provided, such as a fixing pin configured to fix the position of at least one mating disc.

[0046] The above objective is also achieved by a container handling apparatus having the features of claim 14. Advantageous improvements are derived from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Accordingly, a container handling apparatus is proposed, comprising a transport unit for transporting containers along a transport direction and at least one clamping device according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, the clamping device being attached to the transport unit.

[0048] The container handling device can achieve the same effect in a similar way, given the advantages and effects described by the clamping device, thus eliminating the need for repetition of the same content in this regard to avoid redundancy. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Other preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A perspective side view of the container handling device is schematically shown; Figure 2 Schematic illustration Figure 1 A perspective side view of the clamping device of the container handling apparatus; Figure 3 A perspective side view of a clamping device attached to a transport unit of a container handling apparatus according to another embodiment is shown schematically. Figure 4 Schematic illustration Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the container handling unit; Figure 5 A perspective side view of an active clamping device according to another embodiment is schematically shown; Figure 6 A perspective side view of an active clamping device according to another embodiment is schematically shown; Figure 7 A perspective side view of an active clamping device according to another embodiment is schematically shown; Figure 8 Schematic illustration Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device in its configuration on the transport unit of the container handling device. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same, similar, or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0051] exist Figure 1 The diagram schematically shows a perspective side view of a container handling apparatus 1, which includes a transport unit 2 for transporting containers (not shown) along a transport direction 3. In this case, the container handling apparatus 1 is configured as a rotary structure. Accordingly, the container handling apparatus 1 includes the transport unit 2 configured as a transport turntable or a transport star-shaped component. Therefore, the transport direction 3 is a rotational movement about a central rotation axis 4.

[0052] Multiple clamping devices 5 are arranged on the transport unit 2, evenly distributed along the circumference of the transport unit 2. As described in more detail with reference to the following figures, the clamping devices 5 are configured as active clamping devices 5. This means that these clamping devices 5 can be actively controlled between an open position and a closed position.

[0053] The clamping devices 5 are adjustable in their position relative to the transport unit 2 along the height direction 6, which is oriented along the central axis of rotation 4 and therefore perpendicular to the transport direction 3.

[0054] As described in more detail with reference to the following figures, the clamping device 5 includes a fixed clamping arm 10, which is configured to be fixed relative to the transport unit 2 except for the possibility of adjusting its position relative to the transport unit 2 along the height direction 6. In other words, the fixed clamping arm 10 is fixedly connected to the transport unit 2 via an attachment section 7. The fixed clamping arm 10 cannot move relative to the transport unit 2 during operation, i.e., during container handling, and in particular, cannot pivot.

[0055] Figure 2 Schematic illustration Figure 1 A perspective side view of the clamping device 5 of the container handling device 1. The clamping device 5 includes a fixed clamping arm 10 having an attachment section 7 for attaching the clamping device 5 to the transport unit 2.

[0056] The clamping device 5 also includes a pivotable clamping arm 8, which, relative to the fixed clamping arm 10, is positioned in the attachment region 7 around a direction parallel to the height direction 6 (see figure 6). Figure 1 The directional geometric pivot axis 9 is pivotally arranged on the fixed clamping arm 10.

[0057] To actively control the pivotable clamping arm 8, the pivotable clamping arm 8 includes a control section 11 configured to interact with a position designation unit (not shown) of the container handling apparatus 1 to move the pivotable clamping arm 8, more specifically, the holding section 12 of the pivotable clamping arm 8 for abutting against the container to be held, between an open position and a closed position. Figure 2 The image shows a pivotable clamping arm 8 or retaining section 12 in the closed position.

[0058] The fixed clamping arm 10 also has a retaining section 13 for abutting against the container to be held. The retaining section 13 is arranged on the fixed clamping arm 10 at a specified distance from the attachment section 7.

[0059] The retaining sections 12 and 13 are configured such that when the pivotable clamping arm 8 is in the closed position, the container to be held is held by the retaining sections 12 and 13, and when the pivotable clamping arm 8 is in the open position, the container is released.

[0060] The control section 11 includes a guide element in the form of a fixed guide (not shown) or a running roller 16 that interacts with the container handling device 1, preferably a guide bar or guide groove.

[0061] Alternatively, the movement of the pivotable clamping arm 8 between the open and closed positions can also be made by a magnet, a rotating shaft element, or a control cam surrounded by a control section (not shown here).

[0062] The control section 11 is arranged on the side of the pivotable clamping arm 8 opposite to the holding section 12, with respect to the attachment section 7.

[0063] In order to bias the pivotable clamping arm 8 to a designated position, in this case, the closed position, the clamping device 5 includes a biasing device 20 for biasing the pivotable clamping arm 8. The biasing device 20 includes two mutually attracting magnets 21, wherein one of the magnets 21 is fixedly disposed on the pivotable clamping arm 8, and the other magnet 21 is fixedly disposed on the fixed clamping arm 10, each spaced apart from the pivot axis 9.

[0064] Accordingly, the pivotable clamping arm 8 can be pivoted from the closed position to the open position via the actuation control section 11.

[0065] In order to attach the clamping device 5 to the transport unit 2, the fixed clamping arm has a guide bolt 25 in the attachment section 7 for receiving and fixing to the transport unit 2 (see...). Figure 1 The first bolt receiving portion 14. The guide bolt 25 is displaceably guided in the first bolt receiving portion 14 along the height direction 6.

[0066] A second bolt receiving portion 17, spaced apart from the first bolt receiving portion 14, is also arranged in the attachment section 7. The threaded bolt 15 is rotatably received in the second bolt receiving portion 17 about the pivot axis 9. The threaded bolt 15 is received in the second bolt receiving portion 17 in a manner that prevents displacement along the direction of the pivot axis 9, i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the threaded bolt 15. Therefore, the second bolt receiving portion 17 is a fixed bearing for the threaded bolt 15 relative to the fixed clamping arm 10.

[0067] The threaded bolt 15 also provides a pivot axis 9 for the pivotable clamping arm 8. For this purpose, the threaded bolt 15 includes a pivot bearing surface section 22 for pivotally mounting the pivotable clamping arm 8 relative to the fixed clamping arm 10.

[0068] For height adjustment of the clamping device 5 relative to the transport unit 2, the threaded bolt 15 includes a first threaded section 23 that can be screwed into a corresponding threaded section (not shown) provided in the transport unit 2. The depth to which the first threaded section 23 is screwed into the corresponding threaded section serves to specify the position of the fixed clamping arm 10 and thus the entire clamping device 5 relative to the transport unit 2.

[0069] The threaded bolt 15 also includes a guide surface section 24 that can be inserted into a guide hole on the transport unit 2.

[0070] Thus, the fixed clamping arm is guided in a non-rotatable manner along the height direction 6 relative to the transport unit 2 by the threaded bolt 17, more precisely by its guide surface section 24, and the guide bolt guided in the first bolt receiving section 14.

[0071] The threaded bolt 15 also includes a second threaded section 25, and a locking nut 26 (not shown here) Figure 1 The second threaded section 25 can be screwed onto the side of the transport unit 2 opposite to the fixed clamping arm 10. The locking nut 26 can be tightened to a specified torque, wherein the locking nut 26 is supported on the transport unit 2. Thus, the threaded bolt 15 is in a tensioned state on the transport unit 2, preventing undesirable rotation of the threaded bolt 15. Correspondingly, undesirable adjustment of the clamping device 1's position relative to the transport unit 2 along the height direction 6 is prevented.

[0072] The fixed clamping arm is a single piece. Therefore, the retaining section 13 and the attachment section 7 are components of a single-piece assembly.

[0073] Alternatively, the retaining section 13 may also be arranged as a separate component, preferably releasably, on the fixed clamping arm 10, and / or the retaining section 12 may be arranged as a separate component, preferably releasably, on the pivotable clamping arm 8.

[0074] Figure 3 A perspective side view of a clamping device 5 according to another embodiment is schematically shown, which is similar to... Figure 1 The container handling device 1 is arranged on the transport unit 2.

[0075] Clamping device 5 basically corresponds to Figure 1 The clamping device includes a configuration where the positions of the threaded bolt 15 and the guide bolt 25 are interchanged. Furthermore, the biasing device 20 includes a tension spring element concealed here by the clamping arms 8, 10, which biases the pivotable clamping arm 8 to a closed position. For hygiene reasons, the tension spring element is positioned below the fixed clamping arm 10.

[0076] Figure 4 Schematic illustration Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the container handling device 1 shows the guide axis 27 of the guide bolt 25, which is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis 9.

[0077] It can be seen that the guide bolt 25 is housed in the storage hole 28 in the transport unit 2 and is tightened to the transport unit 2 on the upper side of the transport unit 2.

[0078] The guide bolt 25 is guided in the first bolt guide 14 by two sliding bushings 37 relative to the fixed clamping arm 10. The sliding bushings 37 are preferably arranged in the bolt guide by a press fit.

[0079] It can also be seen that the threaded bolt 15 fits into the guide hole 29 of the transport unit 2 with its guide surface section 24.

[0080] The threaded bolt 15 is housed in the attachment area 7 on the fixed clamping arm 10 in the second bolt housing 17, which is divided into a fixed bearing hole 17A for fixed mounting of the threaded bolt 15 and a floating bearing hole 17B for floating mounting of the threaded bolt 15.

[0081] The threaded bolt 15 is fixed in such a way that the threaded bolt is axially supported on one side of the fixed bearing hole 17A by the shoulder 30, and is tensioned on the other side of the fixed bearing hole 17A by the sleeve 31 and the tensioning unit 32 through the two collar sliding bushings 33 against the fixed clamping arm 10.

[0082] Sleeve 31 includes a pivot bearing surface section 22 for pivotally mounting a pivotable clamping arm 8 relative to a fixed clamping arm 8.

[0083] The threaded bolt 15 is screwed into the threaded section 34 of the corresponding structure in the transport unit 2 with its first threaded section 23.

[0084] In addition, the locking nut 26 is screwed onto the second threaded section 25 and tightened with a specified torque, so that the first threaded section 23 and the second threaded section 25 are pressed together against each other.

[0085] A sealing disc 35 may be optionally provided between the locking nut 26 and the transport unit 2.

[0086] To adjust the height of the clamping device 5 relative to the transport unit 2, the locking nut 26 must first be loosened. Then, the threaded bolt 15 can rotate about the pivot axis 9. For this purpose, the threaded bolt 15 includes a tool storage section 36.

[0087] Since the pivotable clamping arm 8 is rotatably mounted relative to the threaded bolt 15 and prevents the threaded bolt 15 from axially displacing on the fixed clamping arm 10, the rotation of the threaded bolt 15 about the rotation axis 9 has no effect on the position of the pivotable clamping arm 8.

[0088] Since the threaded bolt 15 is prevented from axial displacement on the fixed clamping arm 10 by the aforementioned fixed mounting on the fixed bearing hole 17A, the fixed clamping arm 10, which is displaceably guided along the height direction 6 by the guide bolt 25 and the threaded bolt, and therefore the clamping device 5, experiences an offset along the height direction 6 when the threaded bolt 15 rotates. This offset is proportional to the total angle of rotational movement of the threaded bolt 15 about the pivot axis 9.

[0089] Figure 5 A perspective side view of an active clamping device 5 according to another embodiment is schematically shown, which substantially corresponds to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping device. The biasing device 20 is similar here. Figure 3 The embodiment is constituted by a spring element 37, which is arranged at one end on a fixed clamping arm 10 and at the other end on a pivotable clamping arm 8, spaced apart from the pivot axis 9.

[0090] Figure 6 A perspective side view of an active clamping device 5 according to another embodiment is schematically shown, which substantially corresponds to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping device. The biasing device 20 is arranged on the control section 11 side for the attachment area 7 or for the pivot axis 9, and is therefore arranged relative to the holding sections 12, 13.

[0091] Figure 7 A perspective side view of an active clamping device 5 according to another embodiment is schematically shown, which substantially corresponds to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The clamping device. Clamping device 5 is similar to... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The embodiment includes a biasing device 20 in the form of a spring element 37. The biasing device 20, specifically the spring element 37, is housed in and covered from above by a receiving space 48 in the attachment segment 7. Therefore, the biasing device 20, specifically the spring element 37, or in an alternative embodiment, one or more magnets 21 (see [link to relevant documentation]) can be prevented from being used. Figure 6 This prevents contamination by the product to be filled, thus preventing bacterial growth on the difficult-to-clean biasing device 20. Furthermore, it prevents fragments of the spring element 37 from being thrown towards the container to be transported in the event of spring breakage.

[0092] Figure 8 Schematic illustration Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device 5 in its mounted state on the transport unit 2. The structure of the clamping device 5 shown here basically corresponds to that for... Figure 4The structure described herein. To prevent wear during height adjustment or disassembly, sliding bushings 41-44 are provided. Sliding bushing 44 is disposed in the bolt receiving portion 24. Sliding bushing 41 supports the relative movement of the threaded bolt 15 relative to the transport unit 2. For this purpose, sliding bushing 41 is disposed between the guide surface portion 24 and the guide hole 29. Similarly, sliding bushing 42 is disposed between the threaded bolt 15 and the fixed bearing hole 17A, wherein the collar portion of sliding bushing 42 provides sliding for the shoulder 30. Sliding bushing 43 is arranged between the tensioning unit 32 and the floating bearing portion 17B.

[0093] According to Figure 4 The composition is different, in Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning unit 32 can be tensioned against the end stop 46 on the threaded bolt 15. In other words, the tensioning unit 32 here acts as a cover against the threaded bolt 15, which is tensioned by tightening, preventing the threaded bolt 15 from being pulled out. Therefore, the sleeve 31 is not tensioned between the fixed bearing section surrounding the fixed bearing hole 17A and the threaded bolt 15, but exists in an untensioned manner along the pivot axis 9. The distance along the pivot axis 9 between the fixed bearing section and the floating bearing section surrounding the floating bearing hole 17B is here a specified amount larger than the length along the pivot axis 9, which is for the assembly consisting of the sleeve 31 and two collar sliding bushings 33. The collar sliding bushings are preferably each connected to the sleeve 31 by a press fit.

[0094] In order to adjust the height position of the pivotable clamping arm 8 relative to the fixed clamping arm 10 along the pivot axis 9, at least one height adapter element, such as one or more adapter discs, can be inserted between the collar sliding bushing 33 oriented toward the tensioning unit 32 and the tensioning unit 32 until the pivotable clamping arm 8 is correctly positioned relative to the fixed clamping arm 10 when viewed along the pivot axis 9, more precisely, until the holding sections 12, 13 of the clamping arm 8 are in the same position along the pivot axis 9.

[0095] To ensure the container is housed as precisely and stably as possible within the clamping device 5, the pivotable clamping arm 8 can be displaced relative to the fixed clamping arm 10 along the pivot axis 9, more specifically, within limits specified by the distance between bearing sections 17A and 17B and the difference in length of the aforementioned components. Accordingly, the clamping arms 8 and 10 can be brought to the same height very precisely when viewed along the pivot axis 9. Correspondingly, the retaining sections 12 and 13 can also be oriented flush with each other, even with manufacturing tolerances.

[0096] The height of the pivotable clamping arm 8 is determined by the lower end of the collar sliding bushing 31 on the lower floating bearing side and the pivotable clamping arm 8, as also according to... Figure 4The distance between the supporting shoulders 45, where they are placed, is specified in the direction along the pivot axis 9, as in the embodiment. To change the position of the pivotable clamping arm 8 relative to the fixed clamping arm 10, the sleeve can be raised in the direction of the fixed bearing bore 17A until the holding sections 12 and 13 are flush when viewed in the direction of the pivot axis 9. The resulting gap between the end side of the collar sliding bushing 31 on the floating bearing side and the floating bearing section surrounding the floating bearing bore 17b is cleared by inserting one or more U-shaped mating discs 39 (see...). Figure 7 Similarly, when there is a gap (which still exists at the time) between the end side of the collar sliding bushing 31 on the fixed bearing side and the fixed bearing section including the fixed bearing hole 17A, the gap can also be filled by at least one additional mating disc 39 introduced into the gap. Accordingly, the sleeve 31 then exists substantially without play in the bolt receiving portion 17 in the direction of the pivot axis 9.

[0097] One or more mating discs 39 are laterally introduced and subsequently secured in their positions by at least one retaining pin 40, or in the present case, two retaining pins 40.

[0098] Therefore, a height adaptation device 47 for a pivotable clamping arm 8 relative to a fixed clamping arm 10 is provided by sleeve 31 and mating disc 39, which optionally includes at least one fixing element, here configured as a fixing pin 40, and / or at least one collar sliding bushing 31.

[0099] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1 Container handling device 2 transport units 3. Transportation Direction 4. Rotation axis 5 clamping devices 6. Height direction 7 Attachment Section 8 pivotable clamping arms 9 Pivot axis 10 Fixed clamping arms 11 Control Section 12. Maintain section 13. Maintain section 14 Bolt storage section 15 Threaded Bolts 16 running rollers 17 Bolt storage section 17A Fixed bearing bore 17B Floating Bearing Bore 20 Bias Device 21 Magnets 22 Pivot bearing surface section 23 First threaded section 24 Guide surface section 25 Second thread section 26 Locking nut 27 Guide axis 28 storage holes 29. Guide hole 30 shoulder 31 Sleeve 32 tensioning units 33 Collar sliding bushing 34 Corresponding threaded section 35 Sealing disc 36. Tool Storage Section 37 Spring elements 48 Storage Space 39. Matching Plate 40 fixed pins 41 Sliding bushing 42 Sliding Bushing 43 Sliding bushing 44 Sliding bushing 45 Supporting shoulder 46 Stopping components

Claims

1. A clamping device (5) for holding a container in a container handling apparatus (1), comprising a fixed clamping arm (10) including an attachment section (7) for attaching the clamping device (5) to a transport unit (2), preferably a transport star, of the container handling apparatus (1), wherein, A pivotable clamping arm (8) is pivotally arranged on the fixed clamping arm (10) relative to the fixed clamping arm (10), wherein the pivotable clamping arm (8) includes a control section (11) configured to interact with a position designation unit of the container handling device (1) to move the pivotable clamping arm (8) between an open position and a closed position.

2. The clamping device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pivotable clamping arm (8) is arranged on the fixed clamping arm (10) so that it can pivot in the attachment section (7), and / or the control section (11) is configured to interact with the position designation unit of the container handling device (1) so that the holding section (12) of the pivotable clamping arm (8) for abutting against the container to be held moves between an open position and a closed position.

3. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pivotable clamping arm (8) is pivotable on the fixed clamping arm (10) in the attachment area (7) about the pivot axis (9), wherein the pivotable clamping arm (8) is preferably mounted on the fixed clamping arm (10) in the attachment section (7) by means of a shaft element, preferably a threaded bolt (15) or a guide bolt (25).

4. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The attachment section (7) is configured such that the position of the fixed clamping arm (10) relative to the transport unit (2) in the height direction (6) is adjustable, the height direction (6) preferably being perpendicular to the transport direction (3) provided by the transport unit (2) of the container, wherein preferably a threaded bolt (15) coupled to the transport unit (2) is housed in the attachment section (7) such that rotational movement of the threaded bolt (15) relative to the fixed clamping arm (10) produces displacement of the fixed clamping arm (10) relative to the transport unit (2) in the height direction (6).

5. The clamping device (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The clamping device (5) includes a preventive element for preventing the threaded bolt (15) from rotating, preferably a lock nut (26) or a threaded pin, and / or the threaded bolt (15) includes a guide surface section (24) for guiding the fixed clamping arm (10) relative to the transport unit (2) in the height direction (6).

6. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A preferred translation guide for guiding the fixed clamping arm (10) relative to the transport unit (2) in the height direction (6) is disposed in the attachment area (7), wherein, preferably, the translation guide includes a rotation prevention device for preventing the fixed clamping arm (10) from rotating relative to the transport unit (2), wherein the rotation prevention device is preferably provided by a guide element having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, preferably a polygonal cross-sectional shape, extending in the height direction (6) and guided by a bolt receiving portion in the attachment area (7), and / or the rotation prevention device is provided by two parallel oriented guide elements, preferably guide bolts (25), each guided free from the bolt receiving portions (14, 17) in the attachment area (7).

7. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one guide bolt (15, 25) oriented in the height direction (6) and housed in the bolt storage portion (14, 17) in the attachment area (7) is arranged for guiding the fixed clamping arm (10) in the height direction (6) relative to the transport unit (2) and / or for height adjustment in the height direction (6) relative to the transport unit (2).

8. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pivotable clamping arm (8) is pivotally arranged on the fixed clamping arm (10) by means of a guide bolt (25) or a threaded bolt (15) housed in a bolt housing (14, 17) in the attachment area (7).

9. The clamping device (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The guide bolt (25) is configured as a threaded bolt (15) such that rotational movement of the threaded bolt (15) produces displacement of the fixed clamping arm (10) relative to the transport unit (2) in the height direction (6), and / or the guide bolt (15, 25) includes a guide surface section (24) that can be inserted into a guide hole (29) on the transport unit (2), at least one bearing surface section for mounting the guide bolt (15, 25) in a bearing hole (17, 17A, 17B) in the fixed clamping arm (10), and / or at least one pivot bearing surface section (22) for pivotally mounting the pivotable clamping arm (8) relative to the fixed clamping arm (10).

10. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixed clamping arm (10) and the pivotable clamping arm (8) each include a retaining section (12, 13) for abutting against the container to be held, and are configured such that the container to be held is held by the retaining section (12, 13) in the closed position of the pivotable clamping arm (8), and the container is released in the open position of the pivotable clamping arm (8).

11. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control section (11) includes a fixed guide for interacting with the container handling device (1), a guide element preferably interacting with a guide bar or guide groove, and preferably a running roller (16), wherein, preferably, the control section (11) is arranged on the side of the pivotable clamping arm (8) opposite to the holding section (12) with respect to the attachment section (7), and / or the control section (11) includes a rotating shaft element, a magnet and / or a switching bolt for moving the clamping arm between the open position and the closed position.

12. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixed clamping arm (10) is a single piece.

13. The clamping device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The fixed clamping arm (10) and / or the pivotable clamping arm (8) are composed of multiple parts, wherein, preferably, the retaining section (12) for abutting against the container to be held is releasably arranged on the base of the fixed clamping arm (10), and / or the retaining section (13) for abutting against the container to be held is releasably arranged on the base of the pivotable clamping arm (8).

14. The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A biasing device (20) is provided for biasing the pivotable clamping arm (8) to the open position or the closed position, wherein the biasing device (20) preferably includes a spring (37), preferably a torsion spring, a compression spring or a tension spring, and / or at least one magnet (21).

15. A container handling apparatus (1) comprising a transport unit (2) for transporting containers along a transport direction (3), wherein, The clamping device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims is attached to the transport unit (2).

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