Clamping device and conveying device

Abstract

A clamping device and a conveying device. The clamping device comprises a support; a gripping element movable relative to the support for gripping the container during conveyance of the container along the conveyance path, the gripping element being at least partially arranged inside the cleaning chamber; a first driving means for rotating a shaft connected to the clamping element; and at least one second drive device for displacing the clamping element relative to the holder; wherein the first and second drive devices are arranged outside the cleaning chamber, and wherein a boundary of the cleaning chamber extends between the support and the clamping element, which boundary is at least partially formed by an at least partially movable sealing device, the sealing device allows movement pulses generated outside the cleaning chamber to be transmitted from the first and second driving devices to a clamping element arranged inside the cleaning chamber while maintaining the boundary of the cleaning chamber. The utility model also relates to a conveying device with such a clamping element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for containers (such as containers used in apparatus and methods for heating and / or forming plastic preforms). Background Technology

[0002] Clamping devices, for example, for holding and guiding plastic preforms within an oven where the preforms are heated for subsequent molding, are known from the prior art. Such clamping devices are typically configured as grippers or retaining pins capable of picking up the plastic preforms from the outside (gripper) or inside (pin) in the interface area.

[0003] Especially when producing plastic containers with non-circular cross-sections (relative to the longitudinal direction of the container), proper alignment of the container or container preform (also known as the mold) is crucial. It is also known from the prior art to blow-mold containers with cross-sections other than circular (such as elliptical cross-sections). This is problematic because not only must blow-molding molds with cross-sections deviating from a circular cross-section be used, but proper alignment of the preform must also be considered even during heating so that the preform experiences a temperature distribution suitable for subsequent forming along its circumferential direction. For example, a heating method is known in which the plastic preform is exposed to a sinusoidal temperature distribution along the tangential direction.

[0004] An example of such equipment is known from WO 2021 122 712 A1. It discloses an apparatus for producing oval containers. For example, in order to produce oval containers of appropriate quality from properly tempered preforms, the plastic preforms must be inserted into the blow mold in the correct position. This means that the hot preform side and the long container side, as well as the cold preform side and the short container side, must be correctly aligned relative to the blow mold.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that preforms are transported under cleanroom conditions after being exposed to a temperature distribution suitable for the forming process. This has the advantage that, in order to achieve sterility (which can be achieved by applying heat), only a relatively small surface area of ​​the preform needs to be sterilized compared to the formed container. This results in, for example, savings in time, savings in sterilizing agents, reduction in the amount of sterilizing agents used that need to be processed, and / or savings in energy.

[0006] Aligning preforms with their longitudinal axis during transport in a cleanroom is particularly difficult. To avoid contaminating the cleanroom, the drive unit for achieving alignment should not be located within the cleanroom. Utility Model Content

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device by which preforms or containers can be aligned in a clean room. In doing so, contamination of the clean room by the drive mechanism should be avoided.

[0008] Preferably, during the transport of the container through the cleanroom, the retaining device that at least partially holds the container should be easily replaceable to allow the device and method to be used with different container geometries. When changing between different container geometries, the change between different retaining devices should be as simple and quick as possible.

[0009] Therefore, a fundamental aspect of the present invention is a clamping device comprising:

[0010] -Standard

[0011] - A clamping element, movable relative to a support, for clamping the container during transport along a conveying path, the clamping element being at least partially arranged inside the cleanroom.

[0012] - A first drive mechanism, which is used to rotate a shaft connected to a clamping element, and

[0013] - At least one second drive mechanism for displacing the clamping element relative to the support.

[0014] The first and second drive units are located outside the cleanroom.

[0015] The cleanroom boundary extends between the support and the clamping element, and the cleanroom boundary is at least partially formed by a sealing device that is at least partially movable. The sealing device allows motion pulses generated outside the cleanroom to be transmitted from the first drive and the second drive to the clamping element arranged inside the cleanroom, while maintaining the cleanroom boundary.

[0016] The clamping device is characterized in particular by the fact that the cleanroom boundary extends between the support and the clamping element. This is formed at least partially by a sealing device, which is in turn at least partially movable. This sealing device allows kinetic pulses generated outside the cleanroom to be transmitted from the first and second drive units to the clamping element disposed inside the cleanroom, while maintaining the cleanroom boundary. This allows the drive units for the clamping element to be disposed outside the cleanroom, where they are easily accessible, for example, for maintenance work. Furthermore, keeping the cleanroom clean is easier because such a complex geometry is disposed outside the cleanroom, and this complex geometry has many recesses that are difficult for some disinfectants to access.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the shaft rotatable by the first drive unit is displaceable relative to the support in its longitudinal direction. Preferably, the first drive unit and the shaft are displaceable in their longitudinal direction. This preferably allows the shaft to be directly connected to the drive unit and eliminates the need for a flexible connecting element between the drive unit and the shaft. Particularly preferably, the first drive unit is an electric motor, such as a servo motor, whose motor shaft and / or rotor have a rotation axis that is an extension of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. If necessary, the shaft can be an extension of the motor shaft and / or rotor. For this purpose, the shaft and the motor shaft and / or rotor shaft can be formed as a single piece.

[0018] The first drive unit, as an embodiment of an electric motor, also offers the advantage that only cables are required as power supply lines. They can be configured to be flexible and thus deformable during the displacement of the drive unit, which is connected to the rotatable shaft via cables, relative to the support. This ensures that the electrical connection of the first drive unit remains intact, and the shaft remains rotatable via the first drive unit, largely independent of the degree of displacement relative to the support.

[0019] Preferably, the possibility of configuring the first drive unit to be longitudinally displaceable on the shaft is ensured by arranging the drive unit on a first carriage, which is longitudinally displaceable on the shaft by a second drive unit. The guide of the carriage can (and preferably) be arranged offset in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal extension of the shaft. Thus, the carriage is guided along a path extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. By laterally offsetting the path on which the carriage is guided relative to the shaft, the shaft can rotate freely and unimpeded.

[0020] Preferably, the shaft is at least partially surrounded by the sleeve. This provides additional stability to the shaft, preventing it from shifting in the radial direction. Preferably, the sleeve is displaceable relative to the support in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The advantages that arise, particularly when triggering the release of the container from the clamping element, are explained in particular with reference to the accompanying drawings. The shaft and the sleeve are preferably displaceable independently of each other relative to the support along the longitudinal direction of the shaft. Thus, particularly by displacing the sleeve in a direction away from the end of the shaft opposite to the first drive mechanism, the container previously held by the clamping element connected to the shaft can be released, for example, by pressing the container out of the receiving portion of the clamping element or by peeling the container off from (e.g., internally clamped) the clamping element.

[0021] Preferably, the clamping element has an inner clamping element portion and an outer clamping element portion. The outer clamping element portion at least partially surrounds the inner clamping element portion. Preferably, the two clamping element portions are movable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the inner clamping element portion. Thus, the two clamping element portions preferably continue the movement described above relative to the axis and around the (at least partially) sleeve.

[0022] In particular, it is preferred in this case that the internal clamping element portion is configured as a type of pin capable of being at least partially inserted into the container. Preferably, such a pin or internal clamping element portion is at least temporarily in partial contact with a portion of the container's interior (e.g., when the container is held by a clamping device). By contacting the container's interior, a force-fit and / or form-fit connection can be formed between the internal clamping element portion and the container. Such a force-fit and / or form-fit connection allows movement of the internal clamping element portion to be transmitted to the container with very precision. This is particularly advantageous when it is desired or necessary to rotate the container to a predetermined orientation relative to its longitudinal direction, for example, to apply a temperature distribution to it or to transform it into a container with a non-circular cross-section (relative to its longitudinal direction).

[0023] Preferably, the external clamping element portion also at least temporarily and / or partially contacts the container. More preferably, the external clamping element portion partially contacts the exterior of the container. More preferably, the external clamping element portion temporarily contacts the outer surface of the interface, threads, and / or support ring.

[0024] The sealing device preferably has a flexible collar. The flexibility of this collar allows it to be fixed on one hand (e.g., to the wall of the cleanroom), but on the other hand, it can follow the movement of the shaft and / or sleeve, and thus permanently maintain the boundary between the cleanroom and the environment, regardless of the position of the sleeve and / or collar. The collar does not necessarily form the cleanroom boundary solely between the wall and the movable sleeve and / or collar. Instead, it is conceivable that multiple elements, such as seals, ball bearings, and / or "water gates" (protrusions guided within a container filled with liquid (especially disinfectant) and movable relative to that container), together form the cleanroom boundary.

[0025] In particular, preferably, the collar comprises a bellows or a corrugated tube. A bellows has proven highly advantageous in that it can at least partially follow the displacement of the sleeve and / or shaft relative to the cleanroom wall in its longitudinal direction. The bellows and / or collar preferably has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being immobile relative to the support when the clamping device is in operation, and the second portion being movable relative to the support when the clamping device is in operation, preferably movable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. Thus, the first portion can permanently ensure a seal relative to the cleanroom wall, while the second portion can permanently ensure a seal relative to the sleeve and / or shaft.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing device includes ball bearings. This can, on the one hand, prevent or at least reduce contaminant passage through the sealing device (preferably in combination with other sealing elements, such as the aforementioned collar), but on the other hand, it allows relative movement of the sleeve and / or shaft relative to the cleanroom wall (particularly the portion of the cleanroom wall that is immovable relative to the support). Preferably, such ball bearings allow displacement of the shaft and / or sleeve in its longitudinal direction as well as rotation of the shaft and / or sleeve about its longitudinal axis. The ball bearings are preferably arranged between the shaft or the sleeve surrounding the shaft and the portion that is immovable relative to the support, preferably the cleanroom wall. Regardless, it is preferred that the ball bearings are arranged in annular shape around the shaft and / or sleeve, which has proven highly advantageous in terms of support, guidance, and stability of the shaft and / or sleeve during the two relative movements (alone or in combination) relative to the cleanroom wall described above.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a gear is arranged between the first drive unit and the shaft. Preferably, the gear provides a step-down descent, which allows for precise positioning of the shaft and therefore also allows for precise positioning of the (internal) clamping element portion connected thereto and the container held therein.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the shaft and the motor shaft are formed as a single unit. Therefore, the shaft represents a portion of the motor shaft located outside the motor housing. Alternatively, and also preferably, because it simplifies component replacement in case of failure, the motor shaft is directly connected to the shaft via a coupling.

[0029] Preferably, a guide rail is arranged on the support, on which the carriage can slide, and the carriage at least carries the first drive device. Preferably, displacement of the carriage on the guide rail causes displacement of the shaft in its longitudinal direction.

[0030] The movement of the carriage is preferably determined by a control cam, and preferably, a first contact element (preferably a roller of the carriage) slides and / or rolls on the control cam. The carriage is preferably prestressed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft by a pressure element (preferably a spring). This allows the contact element or roller to follow the shape of the control cam very reliably during operation.

[0031] The shaft is preferably rotatable about its longitudinal axis, regardless of the position of the carriage on the guide rail. Therefore, rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis is also preferably possible when the carriage is moved on the guide rail (e.g., raised or lowered) by controlling the shape of the cam.

[0032] Preferably, the sleeve is displaceable along its longitudinal direction and / or axis of rotation. Preferably, it is connected to a carriage that can slide on a guide rail of the support. Displacement of the carriage, and therefore of the sleeve, is preferably achieved by a control cam on which a contact element (preferably a roller) can slide and / or roll. The carriage is preferably prestressed by a pressure element (preferably a spring) along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve to ensure that the contact element rests against the control cam and precisely follows its shape during operation.

[0033] Preferably, the clamping element has a connection area in the portion located within the cleanroom. In this connection area, a shaft and / or sleeve can be detachably connected to the clamping element. This embodiment allows for replacement of the clamping element in case of defects, or replacement of the clamping element with another clamping element suitable for and configured to clamp different types of containers. Preferably, the clamping element is specifically designed to clamp several types of containers and / or a certain type of container having partially identical geometries (e.g., in the threaded area and / or interface). For this purpose, for example, the diameter of the inner clamping element portion can be adapted to the inner diameter of the threaded area of ​​the container to be clamped.

[0034] Preferably, the clamping element comprises an outer clamping element portion and an inner clamping element portion. Preferably, the outer clamping element portion at least partially encloses the inner clamping element portion. In particular, it is preferable that the inner clamping element portion can be coupled to a shaft, and the outer clamping element portion can be coupled to a sleeve. This allows the relative movement between the shaft and the sleeve to also be transmitted to the clamping element, particularly the inner and outer clamping element portions, and thus configures them to be movable relative to each other.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the relative movement between the shaft and the sleeve and / or between the external clamping element portion and the internal clamping element portion is along and / or in the longitudinal direction of the plastic container or plastic preform. Preferably, the relative movement is in the vertical direction.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the internal clamping element portion is a retaining pin that can be inserted into the opening of a container (e.g., a plastic preform) in the operating mode to hold the container or plastic preform in this manner.

[0037] Preferably, the clamping element includes a sealing element that separates the intermediate space between the inner and outer clamping element portions from the cleanroom. This intermediate space is preferred because it facilitates relative movement between the inner and outer clamping element portions. It may be at least partially filled with lubricant. The sealing element ensures that contaminants from this intermediate space cannot enter the cleanroom. Preferably, the sealing element is a flexible collar, more preferably a bellows, which has proven particularly suitable for facilitating relative movement between the inner and outer clamping element portions.

[0038] Preferably, the sealing device is disposed in a region of the cleanroom wall in which the shaft and / or sleeve penetrates the cleanroom wall. The sealing device is preferably annular in shape, and more preferably extends circumferentially around the shaft and / or sleeve. Preferably, the sealing device completely bridges the intermediate space formed between the edge of a recess in the cleanroom wall and the shaft or sleeve.

[0039] Preferably, the sealing device includes a ball bearing disposed in the region between the shaft and / or sleeve and the flexible collar, one end of which is securely connected to the cleanroom wall. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible collar may be configured as a bellows.

[0040] The ball bearing preferably surrounds the sleeve and / or shaft in an annular shape along the entire circumference of the sleeve and / or shaft. The ball bearing is preferably displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve and / or shaft. Preferably, only the inner ball bearing portion is rotatable with the sleeve and / or shaft. The outer ball bearing portion is preferably not rotatable relative to the cleanroom wall.

[0041] Preferably, the sleeve is widened (in the radial direction) in a region at its cleanroom-side end. Preferably, one or more protrusions are arranged in this widened region. These preferably form grooves that can receive complementary locking elements of clamping elements (preferably the outer clamping element portion). The locking elements preferably engage in a form-fit manner in the grooves, such that movement of the sleeve can be transmitted to the locking elements. The transmitted movement can be rotation or translation (particularly along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve).

[0042] The shaft preferably has a recess in its end portion on the cleanroom side. This recess is preferably configured to at least partially receive a complementary portion of the internal clamping element portion. The portion of the internal clamping element portion to be received is preferably a part of the connecting rod. In particular, it is preferred that the connecting rod be secured in the recess by a bayonet lock. For this purpose, the recess preferably has at least one longitudinal slot and a transverse slot adjacent to the longitudinal slot (at its end along the side of the shaft facing away from the cleanroom). The connecting rod preferably has at least one corresponding protrusion or pin that can slide within these slots. After inserting the shaft with the pin along the longitudinal slot and then rotating the connecting rod with the pin along the transverse slot, the pin preferably enters a locked position, whereby the shaft is connected to the connecting rod in a form-fit manner, and the movement (rotation and / or translation) of the shaft can be transmitted to the connecting rod and thus to the internal clamping element portion.

[0043] Preferably, the connection between the shaft and / or sleeve and the clamping element (or the inner clamping element portion and / or the outer clamping element portion) can be released without tools.

[0044] Preferably, the connection between the sleeve and the outer clamping element portion is made at a radial distance from the axis of rotation of the sleeve, which is different from the radial distance from the axis of rotation of the shaft at the connection between the shaft and the inner clamping element portion. Therefore, the connection between the sleeve and the outer clamping element portion, and the connection between the shaft and the inner clamping element portion, are preferably made at different positions relative to the axes of rotation of the shaft (and the sleeve). This allows the two connections to be released separately from each other.

[0045] The internal clamping element portion preferably includes a retaining portion configured to contact the container. The retaining portion can preferably be at least partially inserted into the container. Preferably, the internal clamping element portion includes an expansion element by which the retaining portion can be at least partially subjected to pressure to press it against the container wall (preferably the inner wall of the container). The portion of the container wall is particularly preferably a threaded portion and / or a portion of the opening of the container.

[0046] Preferably, a portion of the inner clamping element portion is displaceable relative to a portion of the outer clamping element portion. Particularly preferably, the retaining portion can transition from a first state to a second state, in which the retaining portion protrudes beyond a portion of the outer clamping element portion, and in the second state, the retaining portion does not protrude beyond a portion of the outer clamping element portion. Preferably, a portion of the inner clamping element portion is a retaining portion configured to contact the container. However, it is also conceivable (additionally or alternatively) that by displacing a portion of the inner clamping element portion relative to a portion of the outer clamping element portion, the retaining portion deforms only in such a way (e.g., narrows in the radial direction) that the pressure applied to the container is no longer sufficient to retain the container.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a conveying device having at least one clamping device as described above. The conveying device preferably has a movable conveying element, on which at least one, preferably multiple, clamping devices are arranged. Preferably, a support for the clamping device is (firmly) connected to the conveying element. Preferably, the conveying device comprises 8 to 1024, preferably 16 to 646 clamping devices.

[0048] The movable conveying element can preferably be a rotatable conveying element or a circulating conveying element, such as a conveyor chain. In the case of a rotatable conveying element, it is preferable that the conveying element is rotatable about a central axis and thus preferably forms a conveyor star wheel. Preferably, at least one clamping device can be guided by the movable conveying element along a circular path.

[0049] Combined with the aforementioned possibility of rotating the clamping elements of the clamping device, the conveyed container can be aligned relative to the conveying path, conveying device, and / or processing device (such as heating device and / or forming device) during its conveying. If the conveying device is a conveying star wheel, a so-called container orientation star wheel is formed. Similarly, such embodiments are also possible when the conveying element is configured as a circulating conveying element (such as a conveyor chain).

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the movable conveying element forms at least a portion of the cleanroom wall. In this regard, it is conceivable that the conveying element is a rotating disk, with a clamping device support arranged above the rotating disk (and thus outside the cleanroom), wherein a sleeve and / or shaft penetrates the cleanroom wall or disk, and below the disk (and thus inside the cleanroom), the clamping element guides the container.

[0051] Preferably, the conveying device has at least one control cam on which at least one contact element of the clamping device is guided. Preferably, the control cam is at least partially connected to the shaft (or the element carrying the shaft, such as a carriage) via the contact element. This preferably allows the shaft to be moved along its longitudinal direction according to the shape of the control cam. Thus, the control cam preferably defines the relative movement of the shaft (and possibly the clamping element and / or sleeve) relative to the support.

[0052] Preferably, the conveying device has at least two control cams, on which at least one contact element of the clamping device is guided. This allows the relative movement of the shaft and sleeve (if applicable, and the clamping elements arranged on the shaft and / or sleeve) relative to the support to be defined independently of each other. This is highly advantageous in order to control (e.g., as described above) the movement of the clamping element portions relative to each other, and thus to selectively trigger and / or mechanically support the picking up and / or placing of the container.

[0053] The conveying device preferably has a drive unit that controls the movement of the movable conveying element. The drive unit is preferably located outside the cleanroom.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device includes a dispensing device. Such a dispensing device is preferably used to transfer media and / or signals from a non-movable portion of the conveying device to a device that can move with the conveying element.

[0055] For example, the medium can be a fluid. Its motion and / or pressure can preferably be used to control an actuator, such as a clamping device. Such an actuator for a clamping device can be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, a motor, or other drive mechanism. Such an actuator can, for example, initiate or perform container processing, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of rotation, conveying, alignment, displacement, deformation, and temperature change. Alternatively or in addition, it is conceivable that the actuator triggers movement of a clamping element (or a portion thereof), for example, to clamp or release a container.

[0056] The signal that can be transmitted by the dispensing device from the immovable part of the conveying device to the movable part that moves with the conveying element is preferably an electrical signal, which is preferably transmitted via a cable. This signal can, for example, actuate a motor. The signal-actuable motor is preferably operatively connected to the shaft and / or sleeve as described above, such that rotation generated by the motor can be transmitted to the shaft and / or sleeve.

[0057] Preferably, the conveying device is part of a container handling system. This container handling system may be set up and configured, for example, to transform containers (e.g., preforms) into containers of different geometries, and / or to apply temperature to the containers, and / or to apply markings to the containers.

[0058] Because the clamping device preferably allows the container to be aligned relative to its longitudinal direction, the position and / or alignment of the container relative to the support can be adjusted. This, in turn, makes it possible to provide temperature and / or marking (e.g., imprints and / or labels) for specific container areas, and / or to supply the container to the forming device (preferably a stretch blow molding device) in a predetermined orientation.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, such a container handling system includes multiple conveying devices as described above. This allows for multiple alignments of the containers and any necessary readjustment of the container alignment prior to a particular processing step. For example, the containers can thus be provided with a specific temperature profile, then undergo a shaping process in a specific orientation, and then, if necessary, be marked at specific locations.

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for aligning a container along its longitudinal axis during transport within a cleanroom. This method is characterized by the following steps:

[0061] - A second drive unit located outside the cleanroom displaces the clamping elements located inside the cleanroom relative to the support.

[0062] - The container is held in place by clamping elements.

[0063] - The container and clamping elements are rotated by a first drive unit located outside the cleanroom.

[0064] - The container held by the clamping elements is conveyed through the clean room, and

[0065] - Transport containers along the transport path to downstream container handling units or container transport equipment.

[0066] On the one hand, this method allows the container to be rotated during its transport through the cleanroom and thus properly aligned for subsequent work steps. Furthermore, this method allows for very easy maintenance because it does not require opening the cleanroom if maintenance work must be performed on the first drive unit located outside the cleanroom.

[0067] In particular, preferably, the container and the clamping element rotate via an axis arranged between the drive unit and the clamping element. The container preferably rotates about the same axis around which it also rotates. This variation of the method has proven to be highly advantageous in terms of precise container alignment.

[0068] In a preferred variation of the method, the inner clamping element portion moves relative to an outer clamping element portion that at least partially surrounds the inner clamping element portion. Preferably, the inner clamping element portion moves relative to the outer clamping element portion in its longitudinal direction. Preferably, this relative movement is triggered by a second drive device. It is also conceivable that (alternatively or additionally) the relative movement is triggered by another third drive device, which is preferably also arranged outside the cleanroom.

[0069] Preferably, the method for aligning containers along their longitudinal axis during transport within a cleanroom can be performed individually or in combination with each other, utilizing all the features described in the context of the clamping device and / or transport device. Conversely, the clamping device and / or transport device are preferably configured, suited, and / or designed to perform the aforementioned method for aligning containers along their longitudinal axis during transport within a cleanroom, as well as all the method steps described individually or in combination with each other in conjunction with the method, or individual method steps when using them. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Further advantages and implementation schemes are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1 A view of the clamping device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment is shown;

[0072] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A detailed view of the clamping device in the area of ​​the sealing device; and

[0073] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Detailed view of the clamping device in the coupling area. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A view of the clamping device 1 in a preferred embodiment is shown. The illustration is a cross-sectional view in a plane intersecting the central axis of shaft 30. The clamping device 1 has a bracket 2 that is securely connected to the cleanroom boundary / cleanroom wall 3. In the example shown, the clamping device has a first drive mechanism 4, a second drive mechanism 5, and a third drive mechanism 6.

[0075] The first drive unit 4 is preferably an electric motor 4, with its rotor shaft 31 located in an extension of the shaft 30. The motor 4 is connected to a power supply and / or control unit via a cable 7. Preferably, the motor 4 is an actuator and / or a servo motor. The rotor shaft 31 of the first drive unit 4 is operatively connected to the shaft 30 via a connecting element 8. Rotation of the rotor shaft 31 of the first drive unit 4 can be transmitted to the shaft 30 via the connecting element 8. If necessary, the connecting element 8 can cause the rotational movement to gradually rise or fall, which can be advantageous, especially when gradually lowering the shaft 30 for precise positioning and therefore for the precise positioning of the internal clamping element portion 11 connected thereto and the container (not shown) held therefrom.

[0076] The first drive unit 4 and the shaft 30 are preferably displaced together relative to the support 2 via the carriage 21. To guide the carriage, a guide rail 20 is preferably arranged on the support, on which the carriage 21 can slide and which determines the direction of displacement of the carriage 21. Preferably, the carriage 21 can be displaced along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 30 or along the axis of rotation R of the shaft 30 (i.e., along the height direction H in the illustrated example).

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 21 has a first roller 25, which represents a first contact element 25 of a control cam (not shown). The roller 25 preferably rolls on the control cam during movement of the conveyor element 9 and displaces the carriage 21 in the height direction H according to the shape of the rolling surface of the control cam. During this process, the shaft 30 preferably also displaces in the height direction H.

[0078] Preferably, the carriage 21 is prestressed along the height direction H by a first pressure element 27 (preferably a spring 27). This ensures that the contact element 25 or roller 25 is permanently in contact with the control cam (not shown), can roll on it, and follows the shape of the control cam during operation.

[0079] Shaft 30 is preferably rotatable about its longitudinal axis, regardless of its position. Therefore, when shaft 30 is displaced along the height direction H (e.g., raised or lowered), rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis (along or against the direction of rotation R) is also preferably possible. Preferably, rotation is ensured by guiding shaft 30 at least partially within sleeve 40. Sleeve 40 preferably has low frictional resistance against shaft 30 on its inner side. Lubricant may be disposed between sleeve 40 and shaft 30 if necessary. This preferably seals the gap between shaft 30 and sleeve 40.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 40 may also be displaced along the height direction H. For this purpose, the sleeve is also connected to the carriage 22. The carriage 22 preferably also slides on a guide rail 20 arranged on the support 2, wherein, in the illustrated example, only a single guide rail 20 is provided, on which both carriages 21 and 22 can slide.

[0081] The displacement of carriage 22 along the height direction H is preferably performed by a control cam (not shown). The contact element 26 is preferably configured as a roller 26, along which it can slide (or roll), and preferably causes the carriage to be displaced along the height direction H according to the geometry of the control cam. Also as described above with respect to carriage 21, it is preferred that carriage 22 is also prestressed along the height direction H by a second pressure element 28 (preferably a spring 28). This initial stress ensures that during operation, the roller 25 rests against the control cam (not shown) and precisely follows its shape.

[0082] Sleeve 40 is preferably rotatable relative to carriage 22. For this purpose, ball bearing 52 is preferably provided, which contacts carriage 22 and sleeve 40, and allows sleeve 40 to rotate relative to carriage 22 with the least possible friction.

[0083] The rotation of sleeve 40 relative to carriage 22 also allows for the rotation of shaft 30 (about the axis of rotation R) relative to carriages 21 and 22. Therefore, it is conceivable that shaft 30 cannot rotate relative to sleeve 40, or can only rotate with increased effort. However, since shaft 30 and sleeve 40 can rotate together relative to carriage 22, it is possible to rotate the shaft via the first drive mechanism 4. This rotation may involve very little friction due to the ball bearing 52.

[0084] Preferably, a sealing device 50 is also provided in the region of the ball bearing 52, forming the cleanroom boundary 3. The ball bearing 52 may be part of the sealing device 50. The preferred embodiment combines the cleanroom boundary 3 located in the region of the movable shaft 30 and sleeve 40 relative to the cleanroom boundary 3 and the ball bearing. Figure 2 It is described in detail and shown.

[0085] Within the cleanroom 13, the clamping device 1, in the illustrated embodiment, has a connection area 60. In this area, the shaft 30 and the sleeve 40 can be separated from the clamping element 10. This allows the clamping element to be replaced, for example, in the event of a defect, or to be replaced with another clamping element that is adapted and configured to clamp different types of containers (not shown).

[0086] Preferably, the clamping element 10 includes an inner clamping element portion 11 and an outer clamping element portion 12. The geometry of these clamping element portions 11 and 12 can differ for different clamping elements to allow for configuration of clamping elements for clamping different containers. Preferably, the outer clamping element portion 12 at least partially encloses the inner clamping element portion 11. In particular, it is preferred that the inner clamping element portion 11 can be coupled to a shaft and the outer clamping element portion 12 can be coupled to a sleeve 40. This allows relative movement between the shaft 30 and the sleeve 40 to also be transmitted to the inner clamping element portion 11 and the outer clamping element portion 12, and thus they can be configured to be relatively movable relative to each other.

[0087] To allow relative movement between the internal clamping element portion 11 and the external clamping element portion 12 without allowing contaminants to enter the cleanroom, a sealing element 14 is preferably provided between them. This sealing element 14 is preferably configured as a flexible collar, and more preferably as a bellows 14.

[0088] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A detailed view of the clamping device in the area of ​​the sealing device 50. The sealing device 50 is preferably arranged in an interruption region in the cleanroom wall 3 through which the shaft 30 and / or the sleeve 40 (shaft 30 and sleeve 40 in the example shown) penetrate the cleanroom wall 3.

[0089] Despite the penetration of the cleanroom wall 3, a sealing device 50 is provided in the opening area of ​​the cleanroom wall 3 to maintain the sterility of the cleanroom 13. This is preferably arranged in an annular shape around the shaft 30 and / or the sleeve 40 and bridges the edge of the recess in the cleanroom wall 3 and the intermediate space formed between the shaft 30 or the sleeve 40.

[0090] The insert 58 is preferably inserted into a recess in the cleanroom wall 3. This preferably closes the sealing device 50 on the outside of the cleanroom wall 3. To ensure a tight seal at the contact point between the insert 58 and the cleanroom wall 3, the rolled edge of the collar 51 is preferably disposed in this area. The collar 51 is preferably made of a flexible material such as plastic or rubber, so that the rolled edge can be used as an O-ring or seal. Preferably, it is at least partially compressed between the insert 58 and the cleanroom wall 3. This results in improved sealing of the cleanroom boundary and simultaneously secures the collar 51.

[0091] Outside the cleanroom, the second pressure element 28 or the second spring 28 preferably rests against the insert 58. It prestresses the second carriage 22, ensuring that its second contact element 26 or the second roller 26 is reliably guided on a control cam (not shown). (As in combination) Figure 1As described, the second carriage 22 is guided on a guide rail 20, which is secured to a bracket 2 connected to the cleanroom wall 3. The guide rail allows the carriage to move in the height direction H.

[0092] The carriage 22 is securely connected to the housing 54 surrounding the sleeve 40 via a connecting element 56 (in this case, a screw 56). The housing 54 thus forms part of the carriage 22, at least relative to its movement along the height direction H. Preferably, there is a free space 55 between the housing 54 and the sleeve 40, thereby minimizing friction of the sleeve during its rotation relative to the carriage 22 or the housing 54.

[0093] To reliably and smoothly guide the rotation of the sleeve 40 relative to the housing 54, a ball bearing 52 is preferably arranged between the sleeve 40 and the housing 54. The ball bearing 52 preferably surrounds the sleeve 40 in an annular shape along its entire circumference. Preferably, the ball bearing 52 forms the lower end (or cleanroom side) of the free space 55.

[0094] To transmit the predetermined motion of the carriage 22, controlled by the control cam, to the sleeve, the ball bearing 52 is connected with the annular element 57, which is securely connected to the housing 54, at its portion facing away from the sleeve 40 (and thus movable relative to the sleeve). This annular element also surrounds the sleeve 40 in an annular shape but does not fix the sleeve 40 in place. Therefore, the sleeve 40 remains relatively movable, and in particular, relatively rotatable, relative to the annular element 57. The area between the sleeve 40 and the annular element 57 is preferably sealed by a seal 53 (e.g., an O-ring 53). As the sleeve rotates relative to the housing 54 and the annular element 57, the sleeve slides along the O-ring 53. In doing so, the seal 53 prevents contaminants from entering the cleanroom.

[0095] The tightness between the annular element 57 and the cleanroom wall 3 is ensured by the collar 51 described above. This is preferably not rotatable about the axis of rotation R of the sleeve 40 or shaft 30. However, it is preferably flexible, such that the portion connected to the annular element 57 can follow the movement of the annular element 57 and therefore also follow the movement of the sleeve 40 along the height direction H. Thus, this portion of the collar 51 can move along the height direction H relative to the portion of the collar that is fixed between the insert 58 and the cleanroom wall 3 by at least partial compression. To allow for stronger relative movement of these parts relative to each other while still permanently ensuring a seal, embodiments where the collar 51 is configured as a bellows 51 are preferred. Such a bellows 51 can provide additional material reserves through folds, ensuring a seal in this area even in the event of strong displacement along the height direction H.

[0096] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A detailed view of the clamping device 1 in the connection area 60. The connection between the sleeve 40 and the shaft 30 on one side and the clamping element 10 on the other side preferably occurs in the area of ​​the connection device 60.

[0097] To increase the space available for mechanical connection, it is preferable that the sleeve 40 is widened (in the radial direction) in the connection region 60. In this widened region of the sleeve 40, there is one or more protrusions 47, each of which can receive a complementary locking element 16 of the external clamping element portion 12. Preferably, the locking element 16 engages in a recess formed by the protrusion 47. The protrusion 47 can be a plurality of individual protrusions 47 or can be formed by a single protrusion 47 surrounding the sleeve 40.

[0098] By connecting the sleeve 40 to the locking element 16 of the external clamping element portion 12 via the protrusion 47, the movement of the sleeve 40 can be transmitted to the external clamping element portion 12. These movements can be rotation (about the axis of rotation R, not shown here) and longitudinal displacement (along the height direction H, not shown here).

[0099] In the region of the cleanroom-side end of the sleeve 40, an end plate 49 is preferably provided, which defines a free space formed by the protrusion 47. The end plate 49 preferably has a central opening through which the shaft 30 and / or the connecting rod 17 of the internal clamping element portion 11 can pass. Any intermediate space that may exist between the shaft 30 and / or the connecting rod 17 on one side and the end plate 49 on the other side is preferably bridged by a sealing element (such as a bellows 39) to ensure the tightness of the cleanroom 13 during relative movement of the shaft 30 and / or the connecting rod 17 relative to the end plate 49.

[0100] In order to transmit the movement of shaft 30 to connecting rod 17 and thus to internal clamping element portion 11, in the preferred embodiment shown, the shaft has a recess 38 in its cleanroom-side end, which can receive a portion of connecting rod 17. Preferably, connecting rod 17 can be secured in the recess by a bayonet lock 15. Such a bayonet lock 15 is preferred because it can transmit the movement of shaft 30 to connecting rod 17 and thus also to internal clamping element portion 11. For this purpose, connecting rod 17 preferably has one or more pins 35 that can be guided in corresponding longitudinal and transverse slots (located outside the drawing plane in the illustrated sectional view) in the region of recess 38 in the wall of shaft 30. After the pin 35 is inserted into recess 38 along the longitudinal slot and after shaft 30 is subsequently rotated relative to connecting rod 17, the pin slides into a locked position along the transverse slot, thereby establishing a form-fit connection between shaft 30 and connecting rod 17. This allows the movement of shaft 30 (around the axis of rotation and along the height direction) to be transmitted to the internal clamping element portion 11.

[0101] The detachable connections between the sleeve 40 and the outer clamping element portion 12, and between the shaft 30 and the inner clamping element portion 11, as described above, allow relative motion generated outside the cleanroom between the shaft 30 and the sleeve 40 to be transmitted to the inner clamping element portion 11 and the outer clamping element portion 12. Furthermore, the described embodiments provide the possibility of disengaging the inner clamping element portion 11 from the shaft 30 and disengaging the outer clamping element portion 12 from the sleeve, thus releasing the entire clamping element 10. This simplifies the exchange of one clamping element 10 with another, and preferably can be done even without tools.

[0102] As described above, the connection between the sleeve 40 and the outer clamping element portion 12 preferably occurs at a radial distance different from the axis of rotation, compared to the location where the connection between the shaft 30 and the inner clamping element portion 11 occurs. Despite the relatively large radius, to keep the weight of the outer clamping element portion 12 as low as possible, its outer wall is preferably not solid but has openings. In particular, it is preferred that the outer clamping element portion 12 forms a space through which the connecting rod 17 partially extends, wherein the space is preferably defined by a web with recesses arranged between the webs. Nevertheless, to avoid contamination of the cleanroom (e.g., due to wear or other contaminants between the inner clamping element portion 11 and the outer clamping element portion 12), the inner clamping element portion 11 is preferably secured against the outer clamping element portion 12 by a bellows 14.

[0103] The internal clamping element portion 11 preferably includes a retaining portion 18 that forms a contact surface 18 with the container to be received. This can preferably be at least partially inserted into the container and, for example, pressure is applied from the inside to the threaded portion and / or interface of the container. For this purpose, the contact surface 18 is pressed against the inner wall of the container by the connecting rod 17.

[0104] If the container is held by the internal clamping element portion 11, it can rotate along the axis of rotation R ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) Rotation. This allows for precise alignment of the container relative to its longitudinal axis. By transmitting the rotation of the shaft 30 generated outside the cleanroom 13 as described above and transmitting that motion via the coupling area 60 to the clamping element 10 or the internal clamping element portion 11 located inside the cleanroom 13, rotational motion can be actuated and transmitted to the container with great precision.

[0105] To lower the held container, it can be displaced along the longitudinal and / or height direction H of the shaft 30 by the relative movement of the shaft 30 and sleeve 40 as described above, or by a similar relative movement of the inner clamping element portion 11 relative to the outer clamping element portion 12. For this purpose, a receiving portion 19 is preferably formed by the outer clamping element portion 12, into which the contact surface 18 of the inner clamping element portion 11 can retract. In this case, any held container initially moves in this direction, but then stops moving due to its interface and / or threaded portion abutting against the wall of the receiving portion 19. As the inner clamping element portion 11 and thus the contact surface 18 further retract, the pressure exerted by the contact surface 18 decreases constantly until the force is no longer sufficient to support the container. At this point, the container is released from the clamping device and can be received, for example, by a conveying device located downstream along the conveying path.

[0106] The applicant reserves the right to claim protection for all features essential to the present invention disclosed in the application documents, provided that they are novel, individually or in combination, relative to the prior art. It should also be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also depicted in the various figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that certain features described in the figures may be advantageous even without employing further features derived from them. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

[0107] List of reference numerals

[0108] 1 clamping device

[0109] 2 brackets

[0110] 3. Cleanroom walls, cleanroom boundaries

[0111] 4. First driving device, motor

[0112] 5 Second drive unit

[0113] 6. Third drive unit

[0114] 7 cables

[0115] 8 connecting elements

[0116] 9 Conveying Components

[0117] 10 clamping elements

[0118] 11. Internal clamping components, internal clamps, and pins

[0119] 12 External clamping element section

[0120] 13 Cleanroom

[0121] 14. Sealing elements, flexible collars, bellows

[0122] 15-bayonet lock

[0123] 16 locking elements

[0124] 17 connecting rods

[0125] 18. Maintaining parts, contact surfaces

[0126] 19 Receiving Department

[0127] 20 guide rails

[0128] 21 First carriage

[0129] 22 Second carriage

[0130] 25 First contact element, first roller

[0131] 26 Second contact element, second roller

[0132] 27 First pressure-applying element, first spring

[0133] 28. Second pressure-applying element, second spring

[0134] 29 ball bearings

[0135] 30 axis

[0136] 31 rotor shaft

[0137] 35 (spring-loaded) pin, protrusion, bolt

[0138] 38 concavity

[0139] 39 Corrugated Pipe

[0140] 40 sleeve

[0141] 47. One protrusion, multiple protrusions

[0142] 49 end plate

[0143] 50 sealing device

[0144] 51 rings, corrugated pipes

[0145] 52 ball bearing

[0146] 53. Seals, O-rings

[0147] 54 housing

[0148] 55 Free Space

[0149] 56 Connecting elements, screws

[0150] 57 Ring Elements

[0151] 58 Insert parts

[0152] 60 connection area

[0153] H-height direction

[0154] R is the axis of rotation.

Claims

1. A clamping device (1), comprising: - a carrier (2), - a clamping element (10) movable relative to the carrier (2) for clamping a container during transport of the container along a transport path, the clamping element being arranged at least partially inside a clean room (13), - a first drive device (4) for rotating a shaft (30) connected to the clamping element (10), and - at least one second drive device for displacing the clamping element (10) relative to the carrier (2), wherein the first drive device (4) and the second drive device are arranged outside the clean room (13), characterized in that a clean room boundary (3) extends between the carrier (2) and the clamping element (10), the clean room boundary being formed at least partially by at least partially movable sealing means (50) which allow a motion impulse generated outside the clean room (13) to be transmitted from the first drive device (4) and the second drive device to the clamping element (10) arranged inside the clean room (13) while maintaining the clean room boundary (3).

2. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft (30) rotatable by the first drive device (4) is displaceable relative to the carrier (2) in a longitudinal direction of the shaft (30).

3. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping element (10) has an inner clamping element part (11) and an outer clamping element part (12) at least partially surrounding the inner clamping element part (11), wherein the inner clamping element part (11) and the outer clamping element part (12) are movable relative to each other along a longitudinal direction of the inner clamping element part (11).

4. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing means (50) have a flexible collar (51) having a first part which is not movable relative to the carrier (2) when the clamping device (1) is in an operating state and a further second part which is movable relative to the carrier (2) when the clamping device (1) is in the operating state.

5. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing means (50) comprise a ball bearing (52) arranged between the shaft (30) or a sleeve (40) surrounding the shaft (30) and a part which is not movable relative to the carrier (2).

6. The clamping device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the shaft (30) is at least partially surrounded by a sleeve (40) which is displaceable relative to the carrier (2) in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (30).

7. The clamping device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The shaft (30) and the sleeve (40) are displaceable independently of one another relative to the holder (2) along the longitudinal direction of the shaft (30).

8. A conveying device having at least one clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The conveying device has a movable conveying element, on which at least one of the holding devices (1) is arranged.

9. Conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that At least one of the holding devices (1) is guided along a circular path by the movable conveying element, wherein the movable conveying element forms at least a portion of a clean room boundary (3).

10. Conveying device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that At least one control cam, on which at least one contact element (25, 26) of a holding device (1) is guided, which prescribes the relative movement of the holding element (10), the shaft (30) and / or the sleeve (40) relative to the holder (2).

Images