Height adjustment device, control device, securing element and transport device

Abstract

The invention relates to a height adjustment device (10) for adjusting the height of a gripping and transport device (60) for gripping, holding, guiding and transporting in particular bottle-like containers, the height adjustment device comprising the following: a linear drive (12), the linear drive (12) being designed to adjust the gripping and transport device (60) in a linear movement along a height axis of the transport device (60), and the linear drive (12) being designed to be able to be guided through and connected to a support plate (66) of the transport device (60); and a drive element (14), the drive element (14) being operatively connected to the linear drive (12). The invention further relates to a control device (40) for controlling actuating elements (64) of a gripping apparatus of a transport device (60) for transporting bottle-like containers, to a securing element (70) for securing the height of a support plate (66) along a drive shaft (68) in a transport device (60), and to a transport device (60) for transporting containers.

Description

[0001] Height adjustment device, control device, fixing element and transport device

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a height adjustment device for adjusting the height of a gripping and transport device for gripping, holding, guiding and transporting, in particular, bottle-shaped containers, a control device for controlling actuating elements of gripping arms of a gripping device of a transport device for transporting bottle-shaped containers, a fixing element for fixing the height of a carrier plate along a drive shaft in a transport device, and a transport device for transporting containers with several gripping devices for gripping, holding and guiding bottle-shaped containers.

[0004] Such a transport device for gripping, holding, guiding, and / or transporting containers, particularly bottle-shaped ones, is already known from the prior art, especially under the name "clamp star," and is used in the assembly line processing and handling of containers. The transport device typically has a carrier plate as a base, on which individual gripping devices are attached around the circumference. Several such transport devices are generally used in an automated cleaning, filling, or labeling process.

[0005] In the context of the present invention, the term "container" refers in particular, but not exclusively, to containers with a substantially circular cross-section, e.g., bottles, cans, or jars, which may be made of glass, metal, or plastic in the usual manner. The term "substantially circular" in the context of the present invention does not refer exclusively to containers that are geometrically round, but also, for example, to oval, regularly polygonal, etc., which then have a substantially circular, but also, for example, an oval or polygonal cross-section.

[0006] One or more transport devices are used, among other things, in a process flow for cleaning and filling containers. In this process, the transport devices are positioned and adjusted to pick up the containers from conveyor belts and transport them to the next station, such as a filling or cleaning system, and from there, for example, to a labeling station. For this purpose, a transport device has gripping devices for grasping, holding, and / or guiding containers, particularly bottle-like containers. These gripping devices are arranged and mounted on a carrier plate that rotates with a drive shaft. Such a gripping device or gripping unit for a container transport system has at least one pair of gripping arms with two gripping arms and can switch between a gripping position and an open position. To transport a container, the gripping arms typically grip under the neck ring or, in the case of bottles, around the body of the container.A control cam serves as the opening mechanism, and a coil spring or a pair of magnets as the closing mechanism of the gripping device. The control cam of a gripping device is actuated by a switching claw, which opens and closes the gripping device.

[0007] To ensure the gripping device can securely grasp and guide the containers being transported, the gripping device, and in particular the support plate of the transport system on which the gripping device(s) are mounted, must be adjusted to a specific height and to the size and shape of the containers. This means that for the installation of the gripping device in an existing or new cleaning and / or filling system for containers, the required height of the gripping device must be planned and calculated. For this purpose, the transport systems may be individually designed, engineered, and / or manufactured to achieve a specific height for the gripping devices. This also requires, among other things, determining the length of the drive shaft during the design and manufacturing process.During the assembly of the transport device, the support plate with the gripping devices is therefore usually rigidly fixed at a specific height on the drive shaft of the transport device. The same applies with regard to a specific height for a drive unit, which, via drive elements, can actuate the gripping devices, in particular their opening mechanisms, and thus open and close them.

[0008] In addition, the gripping device must be able to grip and guide the containers being transported securely. For this, the gripping device must be controlled in a specific way. This means that the gripping devices of the transport system must be actuated continuously and repeatedly at the same predetermined location to switch from a gripping position to an opening position or vice versa. This is achieved by means of a control device, which is normally rigidly attached to the transport system. Since the gripping devices must always be actuated at the same predetermined position, and since a considerable force is exerted on the control device when it engages with the gripping device, the control device is typically rigidly and securely connected to the transport system.

[0009] The rigid and complex assembly of the control device known, for example, from DE102014107538, necessitates a complex installation and thus longer downtimes and waiting times. Therefore, operating a control device known from the prior art entails increased maintenance and cleaning efforts. Similarly, the installation of a transport device is more difficult and time-consuming due to its high weight and complex structure. These disadvantages lead to longer machine downtimes, disruptions to operation and production, and ultimately financial losses, both during installation and maintenance, such as adjustments or cleaning, of the transport device and its control device.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to design a height adjustment device for a transport device of the type mentioned above, in particular such that the transport device can be adjusted in height easily and efficiently. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to advantageously further develop a control device for a transport device of the type mentioned above, in particular in such a way as to enable easier installation, maintenance, and adjustment of the control device, and to simplify the construction of the transport device. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transport device whose height can be quickly and easily adjusted depending on the components of a container transport system involved with the transport device and on the shape and size of the containers.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by a height adjustment device with the features of claim 1, a control device with the features of claim 9 and a transport device with the features of claim 12.

[0012] In a first aspect of the invention, a height-adjustable device is provided for adjusting the height of a gripping and transport device for gripping, holding, guiding, and transporting containers, particularly bottle-shaped ones. The height-adjustable device comprises a linear drive and a drive element for height adjustment. The linear drive is designed to adjust the gripping and transport device in a linear movement along a height axis of the transport device. Additionally, the linear drive is designed to be passable through and connectable to a support plate of the transport device. The drive element is operatively connected to the linear drive.

[0013] In this context, a linear drive is understood to be a mechanical device for generating and controlling a linear movement or a straight-line movement along an axis.

[0014] A drive element serves to generate and transmit movement. It generates or transmits the movement to the linear drive, so that the component to be moved, i.e., the gripping and transporting device, can be adjusted in height in a straight line.

[0015] A height adjustment device that can be passed through and connected to a carrier plate is understood to mean that it can be passed through or received through an opening in the carrier plate, which is advantageously provided in the center of the carrier plate. The carrier plate has a predetermined position on the height adjustment device; at this position, the height adjustment device and the carrier plate are subsequently connected to each other, so that, in the later installed state in the transport device, the carrier plate can be adjusted by the height adjustment device.

[0016] The key advantage of linear drives is their ability to position precisely, allowing the transport device to be positioned exactly using the height adjustment mechanism. To coordinate a large number of transport devices in a production line, it is particularly easy and efficient to align them with millimeter precision using their respective height adjustment mechanisms.

[0017] Another advantage is the space saving offered by linear actuators. Since they require no additional mechanics to convert rotary motion into linear motion, they can be used efficiently in applications with limited space. Due to their simple mechanics and design, they experience low wear, which also translates to less maintenance.

[0018] In the case of the height adjustment device, it is advantageous if the linear drive has a spindle, wherein the spindle is designed for a ball screw drive or a roller screw drive or a planetary roller screw drive.

[0019] A ball screw drive comprises a threaded spindle and a nut, the nut being equipped with a series of balls or ball bearings that roll between the spindle and the nut. The balls serve to reduce friction between the spindle and the nut and increase the efficiency of converting rotary motion into linear motion. This enables low-friction and precise movement over long distances.

[0020] Unlike the balls in a ball screw drive, roller screws use rollers between the lead screw and the nut. These rollers reduce friction. Using rollers also increases load-bearing capacity and rigidity. A special type of roller screw drive is the planetary roller screw drive. The rollers in a planetary roller screw drive are conical or cylindrical and arranged to rotate around the lead screw like planets. Their design is similar to that of a planetary gear set. They are particularly advantageous for applications requiring high load-bearing capacity and even load distribution.

[0021] Furthermore, in the height adjustment device, it is advantageous if the linear drive has a push tube, wherein the push tube and the spindle interlock to execute the movement.

[0022] To enable the thrust tube to engage with the spindle, the spindle is enclosed by the thrust tube, which has a contour complementary to the spindle. The thrust tube thus serves as a guide for the spindle, ensuring smooth movement along its entire length and improving the spindle's rigidity and stability, particularly in long or heavily loaded spindles. Simultaneously, the thrust tube protects the threaded spindle from external influences such as dirt, dust, or foreign objects that could impair its function. It also helps protect the spindle from damage caused by impacts or similar stresses, which can extend the service life of the height adjustment device.

[0023] The spindle of the linear drive of the height adjustment device can be a rotating or a non-rotating spindle.

[0024] In a linear drive with a rotating spindle, the threaded spindle itself rotates to generate the linear motion. This is achieved by applying torque to the spindle via the drive element. The rotating spindle enables both rotary and linear motion.

[0025] In contrast, with a linear actuator featuring a non-rotating spindle, the spindle remains stationary during operation and does not rotate. Instead, the nut moves along the spindle to generate the linear motion. Stationary spindles are suitable for applications requiring purely linear motion. To allow for flexibility in terms of location and application, the drive element of the height adjustment device can be a hand crank or an electric motor.

[0026] The choice between electric and manual height adjustment can be made depending on the cost, but also on the location and the desired accuracy.

[0027] An electric motor enables more precise height adjustment. Simultaneously, a control unit can be provided to control and / or regulate the electric motor. It is also conceivable that the control unit is set directly via a remote control, particularly a wireless one, such as a PC or smartphone. Specifically, the control unit can control and / or regulate the height adjustment device based on entered, set, or stored data. This allows users to select only the container to be filled via a PC or other input device, and the control unit then precisely adjusts the height adjustment device to the stored height for the container. Alternatively, it can even adjust the height of multiple height adjustment devices or transport devices relative to each other, depending on the containers being filled, to ensure smooth container transport.

[0028] Furthermore, the electric motor may have a switch that can be operated both manually and digitally. This ensures that the electric motor can be switched off and on again, for example, during maintenance of the entire system. The control unit can then control and / or regulate the switch.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the electric motor has a built-in battery. This enables largely wireless operation of the height adjustment device. To ensure continuous and safe operation, the battery can be replaceable and integrated into the height adjustment device. It is also conceivable that the battery can be inductively charged. Furthermore, the battery can be designed to exchange data, such as the charge status, with the control unit. This increases the operational safety of the height adjustment device.

[0030] It can also be advantageous to access the data from the electric motor and / or the battery via an app on a smartphone or similar device. The app can be data-connected to the control unit. This allows the data for adjusting the height of the height adjustment device to be changed or added via the app.

[0031] Furthermore, the height adjustment device may be provided with a receptacle for the drive element. This receptacle is located at an upper end of the linear drive. Alternatively, the receptacle may also be located at a lower end of the linear drive, in particular of the linear drive's thrust tube.

[0032] This allows for a compact and space-saving design of the height adjustment device while simultaneously protecting the drive element from environmental influences.

[0033] To protect the linear drive and stabilize the entire height adjustment device, a guide housing may be provided. The guide housing surrounds the linear drive, at least partially. Furthermore, the guide housing and the linear drive, in particular the linearly adjustable drive, are connected to each other, meaning that the guide housing is adjusted linearly by the movement generated by the linear drive.

[0034] It is particularly advantageous in the case of the height adjustment device if the linear drive has a control device receptacle for a control device for controlling actuating elements of a gripping device of a transport device for transporting bottle-like containers.

[0035] The control device receptacle can also be arranged on the guide housing that surrounds the linear drive. Furthermore, it can be a control device according to the second aspect of the invention described below.

[0036] A second aspect of the invention is a control device for controlling actuating elements of a gripping device of a transport device for transporting bottle-like containers, comprising a mounting section, wherein the mounting section is designed to be attached to a height adjustment device, in particular a height adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention. The mounting section is designed to be connectable to a support plate of the transport device. Additionally, at least one control element is provided. The control element can be positioned firmly and securely on the mounting section by means of a clamping device.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous if the height adjustment device can be routed through and connected to the mounting section of the control device. For this purpose, the mounting section can advantageously be cylindrical, tubular, or flange-shaped.

[0038] The control device according to the invention offers the initial advantage of simpler installation of the control device on the transport device. This is due, firstly, to the improved accessibility to the top of the transport device for technical personnel. As a result, the control device and its control elements can be adjusted more easily to define the positions for gripping and releasing the containers by the gripping devices.

[0039] The actuating elements have an entry area, an actuation area, and an exit area. The actuation area is located between the entry and exit areas and has the maximum thickness of the actuating element. Both the entry and exit areas are essentially inclined, giving the actuating element a largely trapezoidal shape. During the actuation process, the actuating elements of the gripping device of the transport system first come into contact with the entry area, which initially generates a pulse. Within the actuation area, sufficient force is then applied to the actuating elements to open the gripping devices. In the exit area, the force acting on the actuating elements decreases, and the gripping device closes again.

[0040] The clamping devices used to position the actuator enable quick and easy adjustment to the optimal actuation position. This allows for the compensation of minor tolerances or wear in the actuators or control elements. Simultaneously, the clamping devices facilitate easy replacement of the actuators in case of excessive wear.

[0041] It is particularly advantageous for the control device if the mounting section has a segmented circumferential groove and if the at least one control element has an engagement section. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the engagement section corresponds to the complementary shape of the circumferential groove and can be variably positioned in the circumferential direction of the segmented circumferential groove.

[0042] A segmented circumferential groove, as used here, means that the fastening section comprises individual segments distributed around its circumference, each segment having a groove. The circumferential groove can, in particular, be in the form of a T-slot.

[0043] The engagement section of the actuator is designed to be complementary to the circumferential groove of the mounting section. This allows for easy positioning of the actuators, as the engagement section engages in the circumferential groove and is then secured at the set position using the clamping devices.

[0044] The control elements can be inserted between the segments with the circumferential groove and pushed into the circumferential groove. This allows individual control elements of the control device to be replaced.

[0045] Furthermore, in the control device, it is advantageous if the clamping device is at least a screw or at least a clamp or a chuck or a clamp for fixing the position of the at least one control element on the fastening section.

[0046] These types of clamping devices allow a detachable connection between the control elements on the fasteners, meaning they can be easily attached and detached and can be reused.

[0047] A third aspect of the invention is a fixing element for fixing the height of a support plate along a drive shaft in a transport device. The fixing element has an adjusting ring with a circumferential groove, the groove being located on the inside of the adjusting ring. Additionally, a flexible sealing ring is provided, the flexible sealing ring being arranged in the groove. Furthermore, the fixing element has at least one adjusting element, the at least one adjusting element being arranged in at least one adjusting element opening of the adjusting ring. The at least one adjusting element is designed to increase the pressure in the flexible sealing ring by means of an adjusting action in order to fix the position of the fixing element along the drive shaft.

[0048] The fixing element thus secures the support plate along the drive shaft in a simple manner and simultaneously increases the safety of the transport device. The fixing element therefore acts as an additional safeguard or "double layer" for the height adjustment mechanism of the transport device.

[0049] The groove of the adjusting ring has side walls for the flexible sealing ring, ensuring that the sealing ring changes shape radially to the drive shaft due to the pressure increase. This change in shape can result in a local narrowing or reduction of the sealing ring's inner diameter. However, it is also conceivable that the entire inner diameter is reduced.

[0050] The pressure increase either displaces the sealing ring or causes it to expand, thus reducing its inner diameter section by section or uniformly. This reduction in the sealing ring's inner diameter fixes the position of the fixing element along the drive shaft. It can be advantageous for the fixing element to have a flexible sealing ring with a fluid chamber. This fluid chamber is filled with, or can be filled with, a fluid. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the fixing element's sealing ring, the fluid chamber is continuous.

[0051] The fluid chamber allows for easy pressure adjustment by displacing or adding fluid using the actuator. The fluid chamber also enables the simple creation and permanent maintenance of the necessary local, and especially circumferential, shape or diameter changes for fixation. Furthermore, the fluid chamber compensates for any shape deviations by ensuring adaptation to the contour of the drive shaft, which may have grooves or steps.

[0052] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the fixing element to be a compressed air filling valve. In this case, the compressed air filling valve is located in the opening of the actuator and is fluidically connected to the fluid chamber of the flexible sealing ring.

[0053] Using the compressed air filling valve, fluid, such as compressed air, can be quickly and easily added to the fluid chamber of the flexible sealing ring to fix and secure the position of the carrier plate along the drive shaft. Simultaneously, the fluid chamber can be emptied just as quickly and easily to release the fixing element.

[0054] Another way to design the actuating element to increase the pressure can be achieved by making the actuating element a screw with a thread and the actuating element opening having a counter thread for screwing in the screw.

[0055] This allows the sealing ring in the groove or the fluid in the fluid chamber to be locally displaced, thus fixing the position of the fixing element or the support plate along the drive shaft. In a further embodiment of the fixing element, it can be advantageous if the adjusting element opening is provided in the adjusting ring in the radial direction of the adjusting ring. Alternatively, it can be advantageous for the fixing element to have the adjusting element opening in the adjusting ring in the axial direction parallel to a vertical axis of the drive shaft.

[0056] This allows for consideration of both the available space for the entire system or transport device and the type of actuator during the design phase. The actuator opening can also be positioned so that it remains easily and quickly accessible after installation.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fixing element, the adjusting ring has at least one radially arranged adjusting slot. The at least one adjusting element opening is arranged such that its central axis forms a secant of the adjusting ring and passes through the at least one adjusting slot.

[0058] When the adjusting element is screwed into the adjusting element opening, the adjusting slot is closed and the height is fixed. This has the advantage that the flexible sealing ring is not directly displaced or constricted by the adjusting element, thus increasing the service life of the flexible sealing ring.

[0059] A fourth aspect of the invention is a transport device for transporting containers. This transport device comprises several gripping devices for gripping, holding, and guiding bottle-like containers, wherein the gripping devices have actuating elements for the gripping arms.

[0060] - a carrier plate for receiving the gripping devices,

[0061] - a drive shaft for rotating the carrier plate and

[0062] - a height adjustment device, wherein the height adjustment device is passed through and connected to the support plate, and

[0063] - A control device with at least one control element, wherein the control device is arranged on the transport device such that the at least one control element actuates the actuating elements of the gripping devices. This transport device enables adjustment of the height of the carrier plate and thus adaptation to the different containers and their sizes.

[0064] It is particularly advantageous if the height adjustment device is designed according to the first aspect of the invention. This enables precise adjustment of the transport device's height. At the same time, a height adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention is simple in design and requires little maintenance.

[0065] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous for the transport device if the control device is designed according to the second aspect of the invention. This simplified control device allows the control elements to be adapted to the respective actuating elements of the transport device and enables easy replacement and maintenance.

[0066] It is conceivable that the gripping arms of the gripping device comprise a base body and gripping sections, with the gripping sections being pivotally mounted about a pivot axis parallel to the height axis of the height adjustment device. This enables the gripping arms to be opened and closed by means of the control device.

[0067] To improve the closing of the gripping sections or gripper arms, a resetting mechanism could be incorporated. This resetting mechanism could be a pair of magnets whose magnets attract each other. The first magnet could be located in the first gripping section and the second magnet in the second gripping section.

[0068] It is also conceivable that the gripping sections are mounted to pivot or rotate around a pivot axis perpendicular to the height axis of the height adjustment device, which runs centrally through the respective gripping section. This allows for a firm grip during container transport. To return the gripping sections to their vertical starting position after rotation, it is possible to use at least one additional or alternative pair of magnets. In this case, a first magnet is located in the base body and a second magnet is located in the gripping section. For the transport device, it is particularly advantageous if the carrier plate is connected to a guide housing of the height adjustment device. This connection can advantageously be created by screwing the carrier plate to the guide housing.The detachable but force-fit connection ensures that when the height is adjusted, the displaced guide housing carries the carrier plate along with it.

[0069] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport device has a fixing element arranged on the side of the support plate facing away from the height adjustment, in order to fix the support plate along the drive shaft. It can be advantageous if the fixing element is designed according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0070] Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0071] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment, which is explained in more detail with reference to the figures. These show:

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a height adjustment device with a drive element designed as an electric motor;

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a drive element designed as a hand crank in a section A;

[0074] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a section B of a control device;

[0075] Fig. 4 is an isometric representation of a transport device with a height adjustment device according to Fig. 1 and a control device according to Fig. 3, without gripping devices;

[0076] Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a transport device with a height adjustment device according to Fig. 1 and a control device according to Fig. 3, as well as gripping devices. Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a fixing element in partial sectional view;

[0077] Fig. 7 shows a top view of an adjusting ring in a slotted design;

[0078] Fig. 8 shows a sectional view through a fixing element with a fluid chamber in the detached state (a) and in the fixed state (b);

[0079] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view through a fixing element with a screw as an adjusting element in the loosened state (a) and in the fixed state (b);

[0080] Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a transport device according to Fig. 4 with a fixing element according to Fig. 6.

[0081] Fig. 1 shows a height adjustment device 10 for adjusting the height of a gripping and transport device 60 for gripping, holding, guiding and transporting containers, especially bottle-shaped containers.

[0082] The height adjustment device 10 has a linear drive 12 designed to adjust the gripping and transport device 60 in a linear movement along a height axis X of the transport device 60. Additionally, the linear drive 12 is designed to be passable through and connectable to a support plate 66 of the transport device 60 (see Figs. 4 and 5). Furthermore, the height adjustment device 10 includes a drive element 14, which is operatively connected to the linear drive 12.

[0083] The linear drive 12 features a spindle 16 for a ball screw drive. The spindle 16 has grooves, similar to a thread, in which the balls roll. This drive was chosen because precision and low friction are paramount. If the linear drive 12 requires a high load-bearing capacity, it would be more advantageous to use a spindle 16 designed for a roller screw drive or a planetary roller screw drive.

[0084] To protect the linear drive 12 from environmental influences and to minimize contamination, a thrust tube 18 is provided. Simultaneously, the thrust tube 18 stabilizes the linear drive 12. The thrust tube 18 has a structure that is complementary to the grooves of the spindle 16, allowing them to interlock to execute the movement. During height adjustment, the spindle 16 runs within the thrust tube 18.

[0085] In the embodiment shown here, a rotating spindle 16 is provided, meaning that the drive element 14 directly drives the spindle 16 and the spindle 16 moves out of the thrust tube.

[0086] To further protect the height adjustment device 10, a guide housing 28 is provided. The guide housing 28 surrounds the linear drive 12, at least partially, and is connected to the linear drive 12.

[0087] To simplify access to the drive element, a receptacle 26 for the drive element 14 is provided at an upper end of the linear drive 12 in the embodiments shown here according to Figs. 1, 4 and 5. This receptacle 26 is integrated into the guide housing 28.

[0088] However, the mounting 26 can be arranged at a lower end of the linear drive 12, and in particular on the thrust tube 18 of the linear drive 12. This is an advantageous arrangement if the spindle 16 is a non-rotating spindle 16.

[0089] To generate the movement and transmit the direction of the desired movement to the linear drive 12, the drive element 14 in Fig. 1 is an electric motor 22 with a battery 24. The electric motor 22 is arranged in the receptacle 26 and mounted directly on the end of the spindle 16. The associated battery 24 is also arranged in the receptacle 26. A cover 32 is provided on the receptacle 26 for removing, reinserting, or replacing the battery 24. This cover serves to close the receptacle 26 and thus protect the electric motor 22 and the linear drive 12.

[0090] Another possibility is a manual drive element 14, the hand crank.

[0091] 20, as shown in section A of the drive element in Fig. 2. This requires no additional energy to adjust the height. To ensure the containers are held securely in a transport device, control devices 40 are usually provided. These are connected to the height adjustment device 10 for height adjustment. The linear drive 12 can have a control device receptacle 30 for a control device 40. In the embodiments shown here, the guide housing 28 surrounding the linear drive 12 has this control device receptacle 30.

[0092] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a control device 40 for controlling actuating elements 64 of a gripping device of a transport device 60 for transporting bottle-shaped containers.

[0093] The illustrated control device 40 comprises a mounting section 42 and at least one control element 44. The mounting section 42 is designed to be attached to the height adjustment device 10 according to Fig. 1 or 2 via the control device receptacle 30. Furthermore, the mounting section 42 is designed to be connectable to, or already connected to, a support plate 66 of the transport device 60, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The control element 44, on the other hand, can be positioned securely and in a rotationally fixed manner on the mounting section 42 by means of a clamping device 46.

[0094] For improved fastening of the control element, the fastening section 42 has a segmented circumferential groove 48 in the form of a T-slot. The engagement section 56 of the at least one control element 44 has an engagement section 56, wherein the engagement section 56 corresponds to the complementary shape of the circumferential groove 48. The engagement section 56 can be displaced circumferentially within the circumferential groove 48 and is thus variably positionable.

[0095] In order to fix the position of the control element 44 within the circumferential groove 48 of the fastening section 42, screws are used as the clamping means 46 in the illustrated embodiments.

[0096] The actuating elements 44 and their engagement section 56 have a radius R corresponding to the radius R of the circumferential groove 54. On the side opposite the engagement section 56, they have an inlet area 48, an actuating area 50, and an outlet area 52 (see Fig. 4). The actuating area 50 is located between the inlet area 48 and the outlet area 52 and has the maximum thickness Dmax of the actuating element 44. The inlet area 48 and the outlet area 52 are inclined. During the actuating process, the actuating elements 64 of the gripping device of the transport device 60 first contact the inlet area 48. This generates an impulse. Sufficient force is then exerted on the actuating elements 64 in the actuating area 50 to open the gripping devices 62. In the outlet area 52, the force acting on the actuating elements 64 decreases again and the gripping device 62 closes again.

[0097] Figures 4 and 5 show a transport device 60 for transporting containers. The transport device 60 comprises several gripping devices 62 for gripping, holding, and guiding bottle-like containers, wherein the gripping devices 62 have actuating elements 64 of the gripping arms (see Figure 5), a carrier plate 66 for receiving the gripping devices 62, a drive shaft 68 for rotating the carrier plate 66, a height adjustment device 10 according to Figure 1, and a control device 40 with at least one control element 44 according to Figure 3.

[0098] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the height adjustment device 10 passes through a centrally located opening in the carrier plate 66 and is connected to the carrier plate 66 via the guide housing 28. Additionally, the control device 40 is arranged on the transport device 60 such that the at least one control element 44 actuates the actuating elements 64 of the gripping devices 62.

[0099] Fig. 6 shows a fixing element 70 for fixing the height of a support plate 66 along a drive shaft 68 in a transport device 60, with an adjusting ring 72, which is shown only partially here, a flexible sealing ring 78, and at least one adjusting element 80. The adjusting ring 72 is shown only partially here; naturally, in this embodiment, it is designed such that the adjusting ring completely surrounds the circumference of the sealing ring 78. The adjusting ring 72 has a circumferential groove 74, which is arranged on the inner surface 76 of the adjusting ring 72. The sealing ring 78 is arranged in this groove 74. The groove 74 surrounds the sealing ring 78 on three sides, so that it is exposed in the area of ​​the drive shaft 68 and can contact it.

[0100] The at least one actuating element 80 is arranged in at least one actuating element opening 82 of the actuating ring 72. The at least one actuating element 80 is designed to increase the pressure p in the flexible sealing ring 78 by means of an actuating process in order to fix the position of the fixing element 70 along the drive shaft 68.

[0101] The adjusting ring 72 can be completely circumferential and completely surround the flexible sealing ring 78 on its outer circumference.

[0102] The sealing ring 78 can be made of a material as shown in the cross-section of Fig. 9. Or, as shown in the sectional view of Fig. 8, the flexible sealing ring 78 can have a fluid chamber 84, wherein the fluid chamber 84 is filled with a fluid or can be filled with a fluid. In the present embodiment, the fluid chamber is designed as a circumferential fluid chamber 84 in order to distribute the pressure increase inside the sealing ring 78 evenly.

[0103] Fig. 6 already shows several possibilities for the design of the actuating element 80.

[0104] One possibility is that the actuating element 80 is a compressed air filling valve 86. The compressed air filling valve 86 is arranged in the actuating element opening 82 and is fluidly connected to the fluid chamber 84 of the flexible sealing ring 78. The fixing element 70 in the sectional view of Fig. 8 has a flexible sealing ring 78 with a fluid chamber 84. The fluid chamber is filled with compressed air via the compressed air filling valve 86 (not shown).

[0105] First, the position of the fixing element 70 is determined in a released state (see Fig. 8(a)), i.e., when no pressure is applied to the sealing ring 78, along the drive shaft 68. Then, compressed air is introduced via the compressed air filling valve 86, causing the fluid chamber 84 to expand and the sealing ring 78 to expand radially towards the drive shaft, as shown in Fig. 8(b), in order to fix the position of the fixing element.

[0106] In a further embodiment of the actuating element according to Figs. 6 and 9, the actuating element 80 is designed in the form of a screw 88 with a thread. In this case, the actuating element opening 82 has a mating thread for screwing in the screw 88. The actuating element 80, or the screw 88, can be provided in the adjusting ring 72 in the axial direction parallel to the vertical axis X of the drive shaft 68, as shown in Fig. 6. However, the actuating element 80, or the screw 88, can also be provided in the adjusting ring 72 in the radial direction of the adjusting ring 72, as shown in Fig. 9. This arrangement is also possible for the compressed air filling valve 86.

[0107] As illustrated by example in Fig. 9, the fixing element 70 is initially in a loosened state (Fig. 9(a)) to allow adjustment of its height along the drive shaft 68. Once the desired position is reached, the screw 88 can be screwed into the adjusting element opening 82, or further into the adjusting element opening 82, as shown in Fig. 9(b). Screwing in the screw 88 displaces the flexible sealing ring 78 and compresses it, at least locally, against the drive shaft 78 to fix the fixing element 70 in this position.

[0108] It is conceivable that several adjusting elements in the form of a screw are arranged along the circumference of the adjusting ring 72 in order to fix the fixing element 70.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 7, the adjusting ring need not be completely circumferential, but can have at least one radially arranged adjusting slot 90. In this case, the at least one adjusting element opening 82 is arranged such that its central axis forms a secant of the adjusting ring 72 and passes through the at least one adjusting slot 90.

[0110] By screwing in the screw 88, the adjusting slot is closed, the sealing ring 78 is reduced in its circumference and pressed against the drive shaft 68, thus fixing the fixing element at the set height along the drive shaft 68.

[0111] Figure 10 shows a transport device 60 for transporting containers. The transport device 60 was already shown and described in Figure 4. It now additionally includes a fixing element according to one of Figures 6 to 9.

[0112] Reference sign

[0113] 10 Height adjustment device

[0114] 12 Linear actuator

[0115] 14 Drive element

[0116] 16 spindles

[0117] 18 Thrust tube

[0118] 20 hand cranks

[0119] 22 Electric motor

[0120] 24 accumulator

[0121] 26th recording

[0122] 28 guide housings

[0123] 30 Control device recording

[0124] 32 lids

[0125] 40 Control device

[0126] 42 Fastening section

[0127] 44 Control element

[0128] 46 clamping devices

[0129] 48 Inlet area

[0130] 50 Control range

[0131] 52 Outlet area

[0132] 54 circumferential groove

[0133] 56 Intervention section

[0134] 60 Transport device

[0135] 62 gripping devices

[0136] 64 actuating elements

[0137] 66 Carrier plate

[0138] 68 Drive shaft

[0139] 70 fixing element

[0140] 72 adjusting ring

[0141] 74 Nut

[0142] 76 Inside

[0143] 78 sealing ring

[0144] 80 Actuator

[0145] 82 Actuator opening

[0146] 84 Fluid chamber 86 Compressed air filling valve

[0147] 88 screw

[0148] 90 Adjustment slot X Height axis

[0149] Dmax maximum thickness

[0150] R radius p pressure

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 18 July 2025 (18.07.2025) 1. Transport device (60) for transporting containers, comprising several gripping devices (62) for gripping, holding and guiding bottle-shaped containers, wherein the gripping devices (62) have actuating elements (64) of the gripping arms, - a carrier plate (66) for receiving the gripping devices (62), - a drive shaft (68) for rotating the carrier plate (66) and - a height adjustment device (10) for adjusting the height of the gripping and transport device (60), comprising the following: - a linear drive (12), wherein the linear drive (12) is designed to adjust the gripping and transport device (60) in a linear movement along a height axis of the transport device (60), and wherein the linear drive (12) passes through and is connected to the carrier plate (66), - a drive element (14), wherein the drive element (14) is operatively connected to the linear drive (12), and - a control device (40) for controlling actuating elements (64) of the gripping devices (62) of the transport device (60) for transporting bottle-shaped containers, comprising - a fastening section (42), wherein the fastening section (42) is attached to the height adjustment device (10), and wherein the fastening section (42) is connected to a support plate (66) of the transport device (60) and AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) - at least one control element (44), wherein the control element (44) can be positioned firmly and in a rotationally secure manner on the fastening section (42) by means of a clamping device (46), wherein the control device (40) is arranged on the transport device (60) such that the at least one control element (44) actuates the actuating elements (64) of the gripping devices (62).

2. Transport device (60) according to claim 1, characterized by the linear drive (12) of the height adjustment device (10) having a spindle (16), wherein the spindle (16) is designed for a ball screw drive or roller screw drive or a planetary roller screw drive.

3. Transport device (60) according to claim 2, characterized by the linear drive (12) of the height adjustment device (10) having a push tube (18), wherein the push tube (18) and the spindle (16) interlock to perform the movement.

4. Transport device (60) according to claim 2 or 3, which is characterized by the fact that the spindle (16) of the linear drive (12) of the height adjustment device (10) is a rotating or non-rotating spindle (16).

5. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the drive element (14) of the height adjustment device (10) is a hand crank (20) or an electric motor (22), in particular an electric motor (22) with accumulator (24).

6. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a receptacle (26) for the drive element (14) is provided in the height adjustment device (10), wherein the receptacle (26) is provided at an upper end of the linear drive (12) or wherein the AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) The receptacle (26) is arranged at a lower end of the linear drive (12), in particular the thrust tube (18) of the linear drive (12).

7. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a guide housing (28) is provided in the height adjustment device (10), wherein the guide housing (28) surrounds the linear drive (12) at least partially and wherein the guide housing (28) and the linear drive (12) are connected to each other, in particular in a linearly adjustable manner.

8. Transport device (60) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the carrier plate (66) is connected to the guide housing (28) of the height adjustment device (10), in particular screwed on.

9. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the linear drive (12) of the height adjustment device (10), in particular the guide housing (28) surrounding the linear drive (12), has a control device receptacle (30) for the control device (40).

10. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fastening section (42) of the control device (40) has a segmented circumferential groove (48), in particular in the form of a T-slot, and that the at least one control element (44) of the control device (40) has an engagement section (56), wherein the engagement section (56) corresponds to the complementary shape of the circumferential groove (48) and is variably positionable in the segmented circumferential groove (48) in its circumferential direction. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 11. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the clamping means (46) of the control device (40) is at least a screw or at least a clamp or a chuck or a clamp for fixing the position of the at least one control element (44) on the fastening section (42).

12. Transport device (60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a fixing element (70) is arranged on the side of the carrier plate facing away from the height adjustment in order to fix the height of the carrier plate along the drive shaft (68).

13. Transport device (60) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the fixing element (70) comprises an adjusting ring (72) with a circumferential groove (74), wherein the groove (74) is arranged on the inside (76) of the adjusting ring (72), and a flexible sealing ring (78), wherein the flexible sealing ring (78) is arranged in the groove (74), and at least one adjusting element (80), wherein the at least one adjusting element (80) is arranged in at least one adjusting element opening (82) of the adjusting ring (72), wherein the at least one adjusting element (80) is designed to increase the pressure (p) in the flexible sealing ring (78) by means of an adjusting operation in order to fix the position of the fixing element (70) along the drive shaft (68).

14. Transport device (60) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the flexible sealing ring (78) of the fixing element (70) has a fluid chamber (84), in particular a circumferential fluid chamber (84), wherein the fluid chamber (84) is filled with a fluid or can be filled with a fluid. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 15. Transport device (60) according to claim 14, characterized by the actuating element (80) of the fixing element (70) being a compressed air filling valve (86), wherein the compressed air filling valve (86) is arranged in the actuating element opening (82) and is fluidly connected to the fluid chamber (84) of the flexible sealing ring (78).

16. Transport device (60) according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (80) is a screw (88) with a thread and the actuating element opening (82) has a counter thread for screwing in the screw (88).

17. Transport device (60) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized by the fact that the actuating element opening (82) of the fixing element (70) is provided in the radial direction of the actuating ring (72) in the actuating ring (72) or that the actuating element opening (82) is provided in the axial direction parallel to the height axis (X) of the drive shaft (68) in the actuating ring (72).

18. Transport device (60) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the adjusting ring (72) of the fixing element (70) has at least one radially arranged adjusting slot (90), and the at least one adjusting element opening (82) is arranged such that its central axis forms a secant of the adjusting ring (72) and through which the at least one adjusting slot (90) passes. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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