Holding device

Abstract

To provide a gripping device improved in a hygienic structure and particularly enabling clean room use or isolator use.SOLUTION: A gripping device (10) for holding a container for a container conveyance and / or container processing device comprises: a gripping arm (12) for holding the container; a shaft (16) connected to the gripping arm (12) to turn the gripping arm (12); and an assembling element (20) for assembling the gripping device (10). The assembling element (20) includes a shaft insertion part, and the shaft (16) extends through the shaft insertion part. The gripping device (10) further comprises a seal element (22) that is disposed coaxially with the shaft (16) and that seals the shaft (16) and the assembling element (20) from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping device.The present invention also relates to a container transport and / or container processing device comprising at least one gripping device. [Background technology]

[0002] German Patent Application No. 10 2020114905 A1 relates to a device for holding containers in a container processing machine, which includes two gripping arms that can pivot relative to each other on a pivoting plane and each have a holding part for holding the container to be held. A lifting rod is connected to the gripping arms in such a way that the holding parts can be pivoted relative to each other by moving the lifting rod perpendicular to the pivoting plane of the gripping arms. The gripping arms are each arranged on a mounting so that they can pivot around a pivot axis formed in a mechanical shaft.

[0003] The design of known devices for holding containers may not be suitable for isolator technology, which must ensure separation of sanitary components in a clean room from a grey room. Isolator technology is used to ensure sterility in clean rooms and to protect components in grey rooms from cleaning and disinfecting agents. However, due to their design, known devices for holding containers present a risk of fluids or particles entering the space above the fixtures into the space below the fixtures and vice versa.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of providing a gripping device that is improved in terms of hygienic design and that allows, in particular, clean room or isolator applications. Preferably, the device for holding containers known from DE 10 2020 114 905 A1 should be improved in terms of hygienic design, so that the above-mentioned disadvantages can be overcome in particular. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are set out in the dependent claims and the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a gripping device, particularly a neck-handling gripping device, for holding a container for a container transport and / or container processing device. The gripping device has a gripping arm for holding the container. The gripping device has a shaft connected to the gripping arm for pivoting the gripping arm. The gripping device has an assembly element, particularly a substantially plate-shaped assembly element, for assembling the gripping device, the assembly element having a shaft insertion portion through which the shaft extends. The gripping device has a sealing element arranged coaxially with the shaft and for sealing between the shaft and the assembly element.

[0007] Advantageously, the sealing element allows for an inexpensive and simple hermetic sealing, which allows the gripping device to be used in isolator technology as well. The sealing element effectively prevents the transfer of fluids or particles from one side of the assembly element to the other, and vice versa. Advantageously, therefore, sealing is inexpensively possible, especially in applications involving a periodic reciprocating rotational movement of the shaft or a periodic reciprocating pivoting movement of the gripping arm.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sealing element is hose-shaped. Unlike other sealing systems, this configuration allows for a relatively long service life of the sealing element. Cyclic motion could also be sealed, for example, by a radial shaft seal ring, but service life could be an issue in this case. Magnet-based sealing would also be possible, but this would also be very expensive, and in addition, maintaining the required force and achieving the specified conditions could be problematic. Furthermore, the size of the hose shape can vary from small to very large, so the hose shape can be advantageously used for many different applications.

[0009] In another embodiment, the sealing element has a first (e.g., end and / or upper) end and a second (e.g., end and / or lower) end opposite the first end. The first end is connected to the assembly element and / or the shaft insert without rotational play. Alternatively or additionally, the second end is connected to the shaft and / or the gripping arm without rotational play. Advantageously, such an embodiment allows for reliable sealing against reciprocating rotational movements of the shaft or reciprocating pivoting movements of the gripping arm, as well as against small axial strokes of the shaft, with a long service life.

[0010] In another embodiment, the sealing element is pressed against the assembly element and / or the shaft outlet on the one hand and against the shaft and / or the gripping arm on the other hand, which also has the advantage that reciprocating rotational movements of the shaft or the reciprocating pivoting movements of the gripping arm and small axial strokes of the shaft can be sealed reliably and with a long service life.

[0011] In another embodiment, the sealing element has a collar, especially facing radially inward, that is wedged between the shaft insertion part and the through-hole of the assembly element. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element has a (for example another) collar, especially facing radially inward, that is wedged between the gripping arm and the shaft. This embodiment has the advantage that reciprocating rotational movements of the shaft or reciprocating pivoting movements of the gripping arm and small axial strokes of the shaft can be sealed particularly reliably and with a particularly long service life.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sealing element is elastically deformable, in particular twistable and / or axially extensible. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be formed as a torsion bellows. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be made of elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone, or fluorocarbon rubber (FKM). Advantageously, the elasticity of the sealing element material allows the sealing element to follow the reciprocating rotational movement of the shaft or the reciprocating pivoting of the gripping arm, and also allows it to expand axially to seal small axial strokes.

[0013] In another embodiment, the sealing element resiliently twists itself while maintaining the sealing action between the assembly element and the shaft when the shaft is rotated (e.g., from its nominal rotational position), in particular by 10°, 15°, or 20°, advantageously ensuring reliable sealing of the sealing element over the entire range of pivoting movement of the gripping arm (e.g., from open to closed).

[0014] In another embodiment, the mounting element is configured as a plate, in particular a mounting plate, in particular for overhead mounting on a support of a container transport and / or container processing device, for example by screw fastening.

[0015] In another embodiment, the shaft insertion portion is formed as a plain bearing or a sleeve.

[0016] In particular, the assembly element can be configured to separate the clean rooms, preferably with a grey room above the assembly element and a clean room below the assembly element.

[0017] In a variant embodiment, the gripping device further comprises an actuating device for rotating the shaft to pivot the gripping arm, the actuating device being arranged on the opposite side of the assembly element from the gripping arm. Alternatively or additionally, the gripping device can comprise a suspension device for suspending the gripping device, the suspension device being arranged on the opposite side of the assembly element from the gripping arm. This advantageously makes it possible to effectively prevent contamination of the clean room by the actuating device and / or the suspension device.

[0018] In another variant embodiment, the gripping device further comprises a mounting element, in particular a screw, for mounting the gripping arm to the shaft without rotational play, in particular by screwing it into a mounting hole on the end face of the shaft. Optionally, the gripping device can comprise a seal, in particular a sealing ring, for sealing between the mounting element and the gripping arm. In this way, the mounting screw can be removed to provide access to the gray room, for example, for visually inspecting the shaft for dirt or for draining fluids from the gray room.

[0019] In one embodiment, the gripping arm has a connecting element attached to the shaft without rotational play and a holding element attached to the connecting element for contacting the container. Alternatively, the gripping arm can be, for example, one piece.

[0020] In another embodiment, the gripping device further comprises a further gripping arm (e.g., arranged opposite the gripping arm) for holding the container. Optionally, the gripping device can further comprise a further shaft connected to the further gripping arm for pivoting the further gripping arm. The assembly element can preferably comprise a further shaft insertion portion through which the further shaft extends. Optionally, the gripping device can comprise a further sealing element arranged coaxially with the further shaft and sealing between the further shaft and the assembly element. Advantageously, therefore, the advantages described with respect to the sealing element can also be achieved by the further sealing element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the further gripping arm and the further gripping arm are pivotable in opposite directions.Alternatively or additionally, the shaft and the further shaft may be parallel.

[0022] In another embodiment, the further sealing element is hose-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element has a first (e.g., end and / or upper) end and a second (e.g., end and / or lower) end opposite the first end of the further sealing element. The first end of the further sealing element can be connected without rotational play to the assembly element and / or the further shaft insertion portion. The second end of the further sealing element can be connected without rotational play to the further shaft and / or the further gripping arm. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element is pressed against the assembly element and / or the further shaft insertion portion on the one hand and against the further shaft and / or the further gripping arm on the other hand. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element has a collar portion, particularly facing radially inward, that is sandwiched between the further shaft insertion portion and the through-hole of the assembly element. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element has a collar portion, particularly facing radially inward (e.g., another), that is sandwiched between the further gripping arm and the further shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element is elastically deformable, in particular twistable and / or axially extensible. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element is formed as a torsion bellows. Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing element is made of elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone, or fluorocarbon rubber (FKM). Alternatively or additionally, when the further shaft rotates (e.g., from the nominal rotational position of the further shaft), in particular by 10°, 15°, or 20°, the further sealing element elastically twists itself while maintaining the sealing effect between the assembly element and the further shaft. Thus, the same advantages as those already described with respect to the sealing element can be advantageously achieved.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a container transport and / or container processing device, in particular a closure device for closing a container, which includes at least one gripping device as disclosed herein, and thus can advantageously achieve the same benefits as those already described with respect to the gripping device.

[0024] In particular, the gripping device, the container conveying device and / or the container processing device can be included in a container processing installation for producing, cleaning, coating, inspecting, filling, closing, labeling, printing and / or packaging containers for liquid media, in particular beverages or liquid foods.

[0025] For example, the containers can be formed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, and the like.

[0026] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gripping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the exemplary gripping device in the region of a gripping arm of the exemplary gripping device.

[0028] Since the embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least in part, similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals, and for their description, reference should be made to the description of other embodiments or figures to avoid repetition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 1 and 2 show a gripping device 10 or a part thereof. The gripping device 10 can also be called a gripping device, in particular a side gripping device. The gripping device 10 is configured to hold a container B (shown only in FIG. 2). The gripping device 10 is preferably configured as a neck-handling gripping device for holding the container B in the region of its neck ring, for example at the container neck above or below the neck ring.

[0030] The gripping device 10 can be included in a container transport and / or container handling device, which can be configured, for example, as a rotary transport device, or in the form of a carousel, or as a linear device.

[0031] For example, the gripping device 10 can be formed like the device for holding a container according to German Patent Application Publication No. 102020114905, which is incorporated herein by reference, in particular with regard to the configuration and arrangement of the device for holding a container of German Patent Application Publication No. 102020114905.

[0032] Preferably, several of the gripping devices 10 are included in a closing device for closing containers B, for example with lids, corks, crown caps or screw caps. The closing device is in particular configured as a closing machine carousel. The closing device can have several closing stations for simultaneously closing several containers B. Each closing station can have a gripping device 10. For example, the closing stations or gripping devices 10 can be arranged around the closing device configured as a closing machine carousel. The closing devices can be arranged in relation to the container flow, for example downstream of a filling device for filling containers B with a liquid or pasty filling.

[0033] The gripping device 10 has at least one gripping arm 12, 14, at least one shaft 16, 18, an assembly element 20, and at least one sealing element 22, 24.

[0034] The gripping arms 12, 14 can jointly hold a container B therebetween. Preferably, the two gripping arms 12, 14 can pivot in opposite directions. However, it is also possible for there to be only one pivotable gripping arm 12, e.g., in combination with a fixed or non-pivoting gripping arm (not shown in Figures 1 and 2). The gripping arms 12, 14 can also be referred to as gripper arms. The gripping arms 12, 14 can be oriented in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0035] The gripping arm 12 may be one piece or may be multi-piece as shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the gripping arm 12 may have a holding element 12.1 and a connecting element 12.2.

[0036] The holding element 12.1 can contact and hold the container B, preferably in the neck region of the container B, for example above or below the neck ring of the container B. The holding element 12.1 can be attached to the connecting element 12.2. Preferably, the holding element 12.1 is screwed to the connecting element 12.2. The holding element 12.1 can rest on the upper side of the connecting element 12.2.

[0037] The connecting element 12.2 can connect the holding element 12.1 to the shaft 16. The connecting element 12.2 can support the holding element 12.1. The connecting element 12.2 can be attached to the shaft 16, for example, from below. For example, the connecting element 12.2 can be attached to the shaft 16 by means of a mounting element 26.

[0038] Preferably, the mounting element 26 is a screw. The mounting element 26 can extend through a through-hole in the connecting element 12.2 and into a mounting hole 28 (e.g., blind or through) in the shaft 16. In particular, the mounting element 26 can be screwed into the mounting hole 28. The mounting hole 28 can preferably open at an end or terminal face of the shaft 16. The mounting hole 28 can preferably extend along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 16.

[0039] In particular, a seal 30, for example in the form of a sealing ring, can be arranged between the connecting element 12.2 and the mounting element 26. The seal 30 can be arranged coaxially with the through-hole of the mounting element 26 and / or the connecting element 12.2. The seal 30 can provide a seal between the mounting element 26 and the connecting element 12.2. Preferably, the seal 30 can be arranged between the connecting element 12.2, in particular its underside, and the screw head of the mounting element 26. Preferably, the seal is formed as an O-ring.

[0040] The (separate) gripping arm 14 can be formed like the gripping arm 12. For example, the gripping arm 14 can be one-piece or multi-piece as shown in Figure 1. For example, the gripping arm 14 can have a holding element 14.1 and a connecting element 14.2.

[0041] The holding element 14.1 can preferably contact and hold the container B in the neck region of the container B, for example above or below the neck ring of the container B. The container B can be held between the two holding elements 12.1 and 14.1. The holding element 14.1 can be attached to the connecting element 14.2. Preferably, the holding element 14.1 is screwed to the connecting element 14.2. The holding element 14.1 can rest on the upper side of the connecting element 14.2.

[0042] The connecting element 14.2 can connect the holding element 14.1 to the shaft 18. The connecting element 14.2 can support the holding element 14.1. The connecting element 14.2 can be attached to the shaft 18, for example, from below. For example, the connecting element 14.2 can be attached to the shaft 18 without rotational play by means of the mounting element 32.

[0043] Preferably, the mounting element 32 is a screw. The mounting element 32 can extend through a through-hole in the connecting element 14.2 into a mounting hole in the shaft 18. The mounting hole can be formed, for example, as a blind hole or a through-hole. In particular, the mounting element 32 can be screwed into the mounting hole. The mounting hole can preferably open at the end or terminal face of the shaft 18. The mounting hole can preferably extend along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 18.

[0044] In particular, a seal, for example in the form of a sealing ring, can be arranged between the connecting element 14.2 and the mounting element 32. The seal can be arranged coaxially with the through-hole of the mounting element 32 and / or the connecting element 14.2. The seal can seal between the mounting element 32 and the gripping arm 14, in particular its connecting element 14.2. Preferably, the seal can be arranged between the connecting element 14.2, in particular its underside, and the screw head of the mounting element 32. Preferably, the seal is formed as an O-ring.

[0045] The shaft 16 is connected to the gripping arm 12 to allow the gripping arm 12 to pivot. Rotation of the shaft 16 can cause the gripping arm 12 to pivot. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the shaft 16 is the pivot axis of the gripping arm 12. The gripping arm 12 can be pivotable about the pivot axis. The pivot axis or longitudinal axis can be oriented substantially vertically.

[0046] A (separate) shaft 18 may be connected to the gripping arm 14 to pivot the gripping arm 14. Rotation of the shaft 18 may cause the gripping arm 14 to pivot. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the shaft 18 is the pivot axis of the gripping arm 14. The gripping arm 14 may be pivotable about the pivot axis. The pivot axis or longitudinal axis may be oriented substantially vertically. The shafts 16 and 18 may extend parallel to one another.

[0047] As already mentioned, in other embodiments, it is possible that only the pivotable gripping arm 12, and therefore the shaft 16, is included, and not the pivotable gripping arm 14, and therefore the shaft 18.

[0048] The actuation device 34 of the gripping device 10 can bring about the rotation of the shaft 16 and optionally the shaft 18. The actuation device 34 can be configured in any manner. In particular, the actuation device 34 is arranged on the side of the assembly element 20 opposite the gripping arms 12 and 14.

[0049] Preferably, actuation device 34 includes lift rod 36 and gear mechanism 38. Gear mechanism 38 may drivingly connect lift rod 36 to shaft 16 and, optionally, shaft 18. Vertical movement of lift rod 36 may be converted by gear mechanism 38 into rotational movement of shaft 16 and, optionally, shaft 18, which ultimately allows gripper arm 12 and, optionally, gripper arm 14 to pivot.

[0050] It is particularly preferred that the actuating device 34 also has a suspension device 40, by means of which the actuating device 34 and, with it, the gripping device 10 can be suspended. The suspension device 40 can be arranged, for example, at the upper end of the gripping device 10. The suspension device 40 can have a snap-lock configuration. The suspension device 40 can create an operative connection between the lifting rod 36 and another part of the actuating device 34 that is not included in the gripping device 10. This other part can in particular have a rotating control cam (e.g., a lift cam) and a guide element (e.g., a roller) that is guided along the control cam.

[0051] The mounting element 20 is preferably plate-shaped. In particular, the mounting element 20 can be formed as a mounting plate. The mounting element 20 can attach the gripping device 10 to a movable conveyor part (not shown), in particular by means of a screw fastening. For example, the mounting element 20 can attach the gripping device 10 to a rotatable part of a container transport carousel or a container processing carousel, in particular a closing machine carousel. The mounting element 20 can be mounted to a movable conveyor part, for example a rotatable part, from below. The mounting element 20 can be mounted to a support of a container transport and / or container processing device by means of an overhead mounting.

[0052] The assembly element 20 can separate a so-called grey room from the clean room. The clean room is arranged on one side of the assembly element 20. The grey room is arranged on the opposite side of the assembly element 20. Preferably, the clean room is arranged below the assembly element 20 and the grey room is arranged above the assembly element 20. In the clean room, the container B can be transported. Correspondingly, the gripping arm 12 and possibly the gripping arm 14 can be arranged in the clean room, while the actuation device 34 and the hanging device 40 can be arranged in the grey room.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly element 20 has at least one shaft outlet 42. Preferably, the assembly element 20 has a shaft outlet 42 for each of the shafts 16, 18. The shaft outlet 42 can be formed, for example, as a plain bearing (e.g., a plain bearing ring) or a sleeve. The shaft outlet 42 can be arranged in a through-hole 44 of the assembly element 20. The through-hole 44 can extend from the upper or gray room side of the assembly element 20 to the lower or clean room side of the assembly element 20. The through-hole (e.g., through-hole 44) of the assembly element 20 itself can be the shaft outlet 42, or the shaft outlet can be realized in a different way. The shaft 16 can extend through the shaft outlet 42. The shaft 18 can extend through another shaft outlet of the assembly element 20, in particular parallel to the shaft outlet 42 or the through-hole 44 (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0054] The sealing element 22 is disposed coaxially with the shaft 16. The sealing element 22 seals between the shaft 16 and the assembly element 20. The sealing element 22 may be oriented vertically.

[0055] Preferably, the sealing elements 22 and / or 24 are hose-like or tubular. Preferably, the sealing elements 22 and / or 24 are formed as torsion bellows. The sealing elements 22 and / or 24 may be elastically deformable, in particular twistable and / or axially extensible. For example, the sealing elements 22 and / or 24 may be made of an elastomer. Preferably, the sealing elements 22 and / or 24 may be made of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone, or fluorocarbon rubber (FKM).

[0056] The sealing element 22 can have a first end 46 and a second end 48. The second end 48 can be oriented opposite the first end 46. The ends 46, 48 are preferably distal ends of the sealing element 22. Preferably, the first end 46 is the upper end of the sealing element 22, and the second end 48 is the lower end of the sealing element 22.

[0057] The first end 46 can be connected to the assembly element 20 and / or the shaft insertion portion 42 without rotational play. For example, the first end 46 is pressed against the assembly element 20 and / or the shaft insertion portion 42. Preferably, the first end 46 is sandwiched between the shaft insertion portion 42 and the through hole 44.

[0058] In particular, the sealing element 22 may have a collar portion 50. The collar portion 50 may be disposed at the first end 46. The collar portion 50 may preferably be a circumferentially and / or radially inwardly oriented collar portion. The collar portion 50 may be sandwiched between the shaft insertion portion 42 and the through-hole 44. For example, the collar portion 50 may be received in an outer circumferential groove of the shaft insertion portion 42.

[0059] The second end 48 can be connected to the shaft 16 and / or the gripping arm 12, in particular to the connecting element 12.2 thereof, without rotational play. For example, the second end 48 is pressed against the shaft 16 and / or the gripping arm 12, in particular to the connecting element 12.2. Preferably, the second end 48 is sandwiched between the shaft 16 and the gripping arm 12 (e.g., the connecting element 12.2).

[0060] In particular, the sealing element 22 may have a collar 52. The collar 52 may be arranged at the second end 48. The collar 52 may preferably be a circumferentially and / or radially inwardly directed collar. The collar 52 may be sandwiched between the shaft 16 and the gripping arm 12 (e.g., the connecting element 12.2). For example, the collar 52 may be housed in a circumferential groove or a step in the shaft 16. Preferably, the collar 52 may be sandwiched between the side of the circumferential groove in the shaft 16 or the step in the shaft 16 and the upper side of the gripping arm 12 (e.g., the connecting element 12.2).

[0061] Preferably, the sealing element 22 can elastically deform and twist itself when the shaft 16 is rotated, especially by 10°, 15° or 20°, while maintaining the sealing action between the assembly element 20 and the shaft 16. This can be achieved, for example, by fixing the sealing element 22 at both the first end 46 and the second end 48.

[0062] A (separate) sealing element 24 can be arranged coaxially with the shaft 18. The sealing element 24 can seal between the shaft 18 and the assembly element 20. The sealing element 24 can be oriented vertically. In particular, the sealing element 24 can be formed like the sealing element 22.

[0063] The sealing element 24 can have a first end and a second end. The second end can be oriented opposite the first end. These ends are preferably the leading ends of the sealing element 24. Preferably, the first end is the upper end of the sealing element 24, and the second end is the lower end of the sealing element 24.

[0064] The first end of the sealing element 24 can be connected without rotational play to the mounting element 20 and / or the shaft insertion portion for the shaft 18. For example, the first end of the sealing element 24 is pressed against the mounting element 20 and / or the shaft insertion portion for the shaft 18. Preferably, the first end of the sealing element 24 is sandwiched between the shaft insertion portion of the shaft 18 and the through-hole of the mounting element 20.

[0065] In particular, the sealing element 24 may have a collar portion. The collar portion may be arranged at a first end of the sealing element 24. The collar portion may preferably be a circumferentially and / or radially inwardly directed collar portion. The collar portion may be sandwiched between the shaft insertion portion of the shaft 18 and the through-hole of the mounting element 20. For example, the collar portion may be received in an outer circumferential groove of the shaft insertion portion for the shaft 18.

[0066] The second end of the sealing element 24 can be connected to the shaft 18 and / or the gripping arm 14, in particular to the connecting element 14.2 thereof, without rotational play. For example, the second end of the sealing element 24 is pressed against the shaft 18 and / or the gripping arm 14, in particular to the connecting element 14.2. Preferably, the second end of the sealing element 24 is sandwiched between the shaft 18 and the gripping arm 14 (e.g., the connecting element 14.2).

[0067] In particular, the sealing element 24 may have a (separate) collar. The collar may be arranged at a second end of the sealing element 24. The collar may preferably be a circumferentially and / or radially inwardly directed collar. The collar may be sandwiched between the shaft 18 and the gripping arm 14 (e.g., the connecting element 14.2). For example, the collar may be housed in a circumferential groove or step in the shaft 18. Preferably, the collar 52 may be sandwiched between the side or step of the circumferential groove in the shaft 18 and the upper side of the gripping arm 14 (e.g., the connecting element 14.2).

[0068] Preferably, the sealing element 24 can elastically deform and twist itself when the shaft 18 is rotated, especially by 10°, 15°, or 20°, while maintaining the sealing action between the assembly element 20 and the shaft 18. This can be achieved, for example, by fixing the sealing element 24 on both sides of its first and second ends.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment described above. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also use the concept of the present invention and are therefore within the scope of protection. In particular, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, independently of the claims cited. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are disclosed independently of each other. Furthermore, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1, for example, independently of features relating to the presence and / or configuration of gripping arms, shafts, mounting elements and / or sealing elements of independent claim 1. All ranges in this specification should be interpreted as if they were disclosed individually, so to speak, as if all values belonging to the respective ranges were also disclosed individually, for example, as respective narrower outer limits of the respective ranges. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] B container 10 Gripping device 12 Grasping Arm 12.1 Holding Elements 12.2 Connecting Elements 14 Grasping Arm 14.1 Holding Elements 14.2 Connecting Elements 16 shaft 18 shaft 20 Assembly Elements 22 sealing elements 24 sealing elements 26 Mounting elements 28 mounting holes 30 stickers 32 Mounting elements 34 Operating equipment 36 Lifting rod 38 Gear mechanism 40 Hanging device 42 Shaft insertion part 44 through holes 46 First End 48 Second End 50 Color Section 52 Color Section

Claims

1. A gripping device (10), in particular a neck-handling gripping device, for holding a container (B) for a container transport and / or container processing device, comprising: a gripping arm (12) for holding a container (B); a shaft (16) connected to the gripping arm (12) for pivoting the gripping arm (12); - a mounting element (20) for mounting the gripping device (10), in particular a substantially plate-shaped mounting element (20), which has a shaft insertion portion (42) through which the shaft (16) extends; a sealing element (22) arranged coaxially with the shaft (16) and sealing between the shaft (16) and the assembly element (20).

2. The sealing element (22) is hose-shaped. The gripping device (10) according to claim 1.

3. The sealing element (22) has a first end (46) and a second end (48) opposite the first end (46); the first end (46) is connected to the mounting element (20) and / or the shaft insertion portion (42) without rotational play; the second end (48) is connected to the shaft (16) and / or the gripping arm (12) without rotational play; A gripping device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. the sealing element (22) is clamped on the one hand to the assembly element (20) and / or the shaft insertion portion (42) and on the other hand to the shaft (16) and / or the gripping arm (12); A gripping device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. the sealing element (22) has a collar (50) which is sandwiched between the shaft insertion part (42) and the through-hole (44) of the mounting element (20), in particular facing radially inwards; and / or The sealing element (22) has a collar (52) that is sandwiched between the gripping arm (12) and the shaft (16), in particular facing radially inward. A gripping device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. the sealing element (22) is elastically deformable, in particular twistable and / or axially extensible; and / or the sealing element (22) is formed as a torsion bellows, and / or The sealing element (22) is made of elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber, silicone or fluoro rubber. The gripping device (10) according to claim 1.

7. the sealing element (22) is capable of twisting elastically on itself while maintaining the sealing action between the assembly element (20) and the shaft (16) when the shaft (16) is rotated, in particular by 10°, 15° or 20°; The gripping device (10) according to claim 1.

8. the mounting element (20) is configured as a plate, in particular as a mounting plate, in particular for overhead mounting on a support of the container transport and / or container processing device, particularly preferably by screw fastening, and / or The shaft insertion portion (42) is formed as a plain bearing or a sleeve. The gripping device (10) according to claim 1.

9. an actuation device (34) for rotating the shaft (16) to pivot the gripping arm (12), the actuation device (34) being arranged on the opposite side of the assembly element (20) from the gripping arm (12); and / or a suspension device (40) for suspending the gripping device (10), the suspension device (40) being arranged on the opposite side of the assembly element (20) from the gripping arm (12); The gripping device (10) of claim 1, further comprising:

10. a mounting element (32), in particular a screw, for mounting the gripping arm (12) on the shaft (16) without rotational play, in particular by screwing it into a mounting hole (28) on the end face of the shaft (16); and optionally A seal (30), in particular a sealing ring, sealing between the mounting element (32) and the gripping arm (12). The gripping device (10) of claim 1, further comprising:

11. the gripping arm (12) has a connecting element (12.2) attached to the shaft (16) without rotational play and a holding element (12.1) attached to the connecting element (12.2) for contacting the container (B), or The gripping arm (12) is one-piece. The gripping device (10) according to claim 1.

12. another gripping arm (14) for holding said container (B); a separate shaft (18) connected to the separate gripping arm (14) for pivoting the separate gripping arm (14), the separate shaft (18) having a separate shaft insertion portion and extending through the separate shaft insertion portion of the mounting element (20); and Another sealing element (24) arranged coaxially with the other shaft (18) and sealing between the other shaft (18) and the assembly element (20). The gripping device (10) of claim 1, further comprising:

13. the further gripping arm (14) and the gripping arm (12) are swivelable in opposite directions; and / or The shaft (16) and the other shaft (18) are parallel. A gripping device (10) according to claim 12.

14. The following characteristics: the other sealing element (24) is hose-shaped; the other seal element (24) has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end of the other seal element (24), the first end of the other seal element (24) being connected to the assembly element (20) and / or the other shaft insertion portion without rotational play, and the second end of the other seal element (24) being connected to the other shaft (18) and / or the other gripping arm (14) without rotational play; the further sealing element (24) is clamped on the one hand to the assembly element (20) and / or the further shaft insertion portion and on the other hand to the further shaft (18) and / or the further gripping arm (14), The further sealing element (24) has a collar portion, in particular facing radially inward, which is sandwiched between the further shaft insertion portion and the through-hole of the mounting element (20). the further sealing element (24) has a collar portion, in particular facing radially inwards, which is sandwiched between the further gripping arm (14) and the further shaft (18), the further sealing element (24) is elastically deformable, in particular twistable and / or axially extensible; the further sealing element (24) is formed as a torsion bellows, The other sealing element (24) is made of elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber, silicone or fluoro rubber; and when the further shaft (18) is rotated, in particular by 10°, 15° or 20°, the further sealing element (24) twists elastically on itself while maintaining the sealing action between the assembly element (20) and the further shaft (18), 14. The gripping device (10) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied:

15. A container transport and / or container handling device, in particular a closing device for closing the container (B), comprising: A closure device comprising at least one gripping device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 12.

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