Multipack-forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a multipack-forming apparatus having two mutually opposite transport devices (100, 200), wherein: the transport devices (100, 200) are designed to group containers into multipacks by means of, in each case, a multiplicity of circulatingly movable and exchangeable guide elements (110) and to move said containers along mutually parallel transport paths (300, 400); the guide elements (110) can be moved along a peripherally extending guide track (120) of the transport devices (100, 200); the guide tracks (120) each have an exchange section (127) at which the guide elements (110) can be removed from the guide track (120) in a removal direction E perpendicular to the guide track (120), for exchange; the guide elements (110) each have a multiplicity of guide bodies (111a, 111b, 111c) for guiding the guide element (110) along the guide track (120); the guide bodies (111a, 111b, 111c) are arranged such that the associated guide element (110) can be removed from the guide track (120) in the removal direction (E) at the exchange section (127).

Description

[0001] Container forming device

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a container forming device with two opposing transport units, wherein the transport units are configured to group containers into containers by means of a plurality of circumferentially movable and replaceable guide elements and to move them along transport tracks arranged parallel to each other. The guide elements are movable along a circumferential guide track of the transport unit.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Container-forming devices of the type described above are generally known from the prior art and are used, for example, to group containers into containers and fix them together. The invention relates in particular to container-forming devices in the beverage industry, where the containers can be beverage containers, for example, plastic or glass bottles and / or beverage cans.

[0006] The containers are first filled with the appropriate filling medium in a beverage bottling plant and then, if necessary after further processing steps such as labeling, fed into a corresponding container forming machine. The size and design of the containers to be formed in the container forming machine are determined by the grouped guide elements and the two transport sections. For example, to form so-called six-packs, three guide elements from one transport unit are grouped together and combined with a corresponding transport group from the other transport unit.

[0007] A generic embodiment is known, for example, from EP 3 038 927 B1. According to this document, the individual containers are fixed together to form the bundles using an adhesive. For this purpose, an adhesive is first applied to discrete points on the containers, and the containers are then joined together via these adhesive points. To generate sufficient bonding force between the containers of the first transport device and the containers of the second transport device, the two transport devices are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the containers transported within them are pressed against each other to a certain extent. Guide elements are provided to guide the containers within the transport devices; these elements move around the circumference of the transport devices. A chain drive is provided as the drive mechanism for the guide elements, which is connected to the guide elements via a bolt.

[0008] The individual guide elements are usually grouped into so-called transport groups, the size of which is determined primarily by the packaging to be produced. For example, if a package consisting of six containers (a "six-pack") is to be formed, three guide elements per transport unit are grouped into one transport group, with the size of the package then resulting from the size of the two transport groups aligned relative to each other.

[0009] In practice, however, it is often necessary to replace these transport groups at certain intervals, for example, to create containers of different sizes or with different diameters. It should be noted that the individual transport groups are usually made up of mechanically connected guide elements, thus requiring the replacement of complete transport groups. For example, DE 102019 119 809 A1 proposes that the individual transport groups can be separated from the drive unit via a hinged connecting bolt. The guide track is then opened at a suitable point so that the individual guide units can be easily replaced. The document does not specify how the guide track is opened.

[0010] In practice, however, it is known that a section of the guide track is shifted outwards, thus protruding from the adjacent sections. Along with this section, a transport group mounted on it is also completely shifted outwards and can then be removed by sliding it laterally parallel to the transport track. The new transport group is then also positioned on this section by sliding it laterally, and the outwardly shifted section is realigned with the adjacent sections of the guide track by sliding it inwards. This process is repeated until all transport groups, or all required transport groups, have been replaced.

[0011] Due to the individual removal of the transport groups, this principle is very time-consuming, and the process is therefore associated with long downtimes of the container forming device. Therefore, prior art attempts have been made to specify container forming devices that allow for easier and faster replacement of the guide elements or transport groups of guide elements.

[0012] For example, WO 2023 / 134997 A1 discloses a container forming device in which the guideways each have an adjustable exchange section for replacing guide elements, positioned between an exchange position and an operating position. In the exchange position, the exchange section is offset inwards relative to adjacent sections of the circumferential guideways. When the exchange section is offset inwards accordingly, the adjacent sections of the guideway project completely outwards from this exchange section. Consequently, individual guide elements can then be removed from the adjacent sections of the guideway by sliding them laterally parallel to the guideway.

[0013] However, this solution is relatively complex from a design perspective, as the guide rails must be completely opened at one point. Consequently, the guide rails have transitions and are not continuous, which can lead to an uneven movement of the guide elements.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a container forming device that eliminates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0016] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

[0017] The solution according to the invention consists in particular of providing a container forming device with two opposing transport units. The transport units are designed to group containers into containers by means of a plurality of circumferentially movable and replaceable guide elements and, in particular, to move them along transport tracks arranged parallel to one another. The guide elements are movable along a circumferential guide track of the respective transport unit. The guide tracks each have an exchange section at which the guide elements can be removed from the guide track for replacement in a removal direction E perpendicular to the guide track. The guide elements each have a plurality of guide bodies for guiding the guide element along the guide track.The guide bodies are arranged and designed in such a way that the respective guide element can be removed from the guide track at the exchange section in the removal direction E.

[0018] The container forming device is generally designed to group containers into groups. This is achieved, for example, by creating gaps between containers to facilitate grouping. These gaps can be created by decelerating or accelerating the group of containers relative to adjacent containers. The guide elements are generally designed to come into contact with the containers to group and move them. Moving the containers also includes holding them in place. In principle, the containers can be moved by another conveying system, such as a conveyor belt, and held in place by the guide elements to separate them from the preceding containers. Alternatively, the guide element can also move the containers in the direction of transport, particularly along the transport path.For example, between 50 and 150, preferably between 80 and 120, guide elements are arranged on each of the transport devices.

[0019] In principle, it is conceivable that the guide elements are grouped together with the transport device in transport groups. The corresponding guide elements are then, for example, mechanically connected to one another. Transport groups arranged one behind the other are spaced apart from each other. "Spaced apart" here means that the distance between two transport groups is greater than the distance between the guide elements within a transport group. Providing such transport groups is particularly suitable for forming product configurations, such as six-packs or similar items.

[0020] For the purposes of this invention, the term "container" refers to bodies formed in one piece or from several parts firmly connected to one another. Preferably, each body has an internal cavity and is designed to separate this cavity from its surroundings. The containers can be, for example, containers for storing foodstuffs and / or liquid, viscous, or pasty substances. Bottles or cans are particularly preferred. In principle, the guide elements are moved along a guide track of the transport device. The guide track is preferably at least substantially oval and has at least a substantially straight or linear section. This at least substantially straight section serves as the transport path along which the containers can be moved.

[0021] To move the containers, the transport devices have drive units by means of which the guide elements can be driven. The drive unit is preferably a gear drive or a chain drive. Chain drives are already well known in the prior art. Toothed belt drives are a type of drive in which a so-called transport belt is toothed on one side, the teeth engaging positively with toothed drive pulleys. Rotation of these drive pulleys then moves the transport belts and the elements arranged on them. The transport belt is usually made of plastic. Within the scope of the invention, a transport belt made of neoprene or chloroprene rubber has proven to be particularly advantageous.Compared to the commonly used chain drives, toothed belt drives are characterized by particularly high dimensional stability, thereby eliminating the problem of chain elongation.

[0022] For connection to the drive unit, the guide elements, or at least one guide element of a transport group, preferably have an adjustable bolt or an adjustable bolt section. The corresponding guide element can be connected to the drive unit via this bolt or bolt section. For this purpose, the drive unit typically has a coupling element, for example in the form of a bore or a groove, into which the bolt or bolt section of the guide element then engages. The guide elements have a plurality of guide bodies for guiding the guide element along the guide track. In the previously known container forming devices, the guide bodies are arranged such that they only allow movement along the guide track.However, the guide elements are designed in such a way that removing them requires completely repositioning a section of the guide track. Only in this way can the previously known guide elements be moved laterally along or parallel to the guide track and thus removed from it.

[0023] In contrast, the guide bodies of the guide elements are arranged and / or designed according to the invention such that the respective guide element can be removed from the guide track at the replacement section in the removal direction E perpendicular to the guide track. This eliminates the need to offset an entire section of the guide track relative to the rest of the guide track, for example, inwards. Instead, it is sufficient to design the guide track in the replacement section to be open or at least openable in the removal direction E. In this way, a continuous guide track can be designed for the continuous guidance of the guide bodies, which simultaneously allows for the replacement of the guide elements.

[0024] In this context, the exchange section is therefore a rigid part of the guideway, immobile relative to the rest of the guideway. Specifically, the exchange section is integrally formed with the rest of the guideway. However, the exchange section may include individual elements that are movable relative to the exchange section itself. Crucially, the exchange section does not represent a complete segment of the guideway that is movable relative to the rest of the guideway.

[0025] According to an advantageous further development, the guide elements in the removal direction E are free of guide bodies extending from the respective guide element. In other words, no guide bodies extending in the removal direction E are arranged on the guide elements.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide bodies extend exclusively in a direction perpendicular to the extraction direction E or in a direction opposite to the extraction direction E from the respective guide element.

[0027] Overall, this results in simplified removal of the guide elements, as no guide bodies block the removal direction E. Arranging the guide bodies in a direction perpendicular to the removal direction E or in a direction opposite to the removal direction E ensures an optimized arrangement of the guide bodies and, at the same time, stable guidance.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the guide bodies can project from or extend from the respective guide element in a direction perpendicular to the removal direction E as well as in a direction opposite to the removal direction E. This ensures that the guide bodies are aligned perpendicular to each other, resulting in particularly stable guidance.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removal direction E extends vertically upwards from the guide track. The guide elements preferably extend horizontally forwards in the direction of the guide track, or vertically downwards, when arranged on the guide track. Particularly preferably, the guide elements extend horizontally forwards in the direction of the guide track and vertically downwards when arranged on the guide track. Accordingly, guide elements extending horizontally forwards and guide elements extending horizontally downwards are arranged on the guide element. This has the overall advantage that the removal direction E is oriented against the force of gravity acting on the guide elements. Thus, the guide elements are held in the guide track by gravity.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide bodies have ball bearings or plain bearings. The guide bodies may also have rollers. In a simple embodiment, the guide bodies are merely designed as bolt-like projections extending from the guide element and which can be slidably arranged on the transport device. When using ball bearings and / or rollers, the direction of extension of the guide bodies is understood to be a direction along the axis on which the ball bearing or roller is arranged.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport devices each have several guide rails that form the guide track. The guide track is thus formed from several spaced-apart and preferably parallel guide rails.

[0032] In a further advantageous design, the guide bodies of the guide elements can be inserted into the guide rails. The guide rails thus serve to guide the guide bodies. Each of the guide rails preferably forms an oval track. The guide rails can, for example, be designed as profiled sections that are part of the transport system. The guide rails are fundamentally suitable for directing and stabilizing the movements of the guide elements arranged in the guide rails. In this process, individual directions of movement of the guide bodies are restricted by contact with the guide rail.

[0033] Particularly preferred are vertically and horizontally open guide rails. Vertically open guide rails have openings at the top or bottom through which the guide elements extend vertically into the guide rail when installed. Similarly, horizontally oriented guide rails have lateral openings through which the guide elements extend horizontally into the guide rail when installed. Particularly preferred are the guide rails having an LI shape in cross-section. In this case, the guide element extends through the open side of the U.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide rails comprise at least one removal guide rail, preferably two removal guide rails. The removal guide rail is open or openable in the replacement section in the removal direction E, particularly vertically upwards. The removal guide rail is particularly preferably a horizontally open guide rail. Accordingly, in the case of a U-shaped removal guide rail, the upper leg of the U, i.e., the upper edge, is omitted, or openable, in the replacement section. The removal guide rail is opened by a vertical or horizontal displacement of the upper leg.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removal guide rail is open or openable such that guide elements inserted in the removal guide rail can be removed from the removal guide rail in the replacement section in the removal direction E, particularly vertically upwards. However, the guide elements are preferably only removable from the removal guide rail in the removal direction E in the replacement section. In other words, the guide elements are not removable in the removal direction E along the guide path of the guide rail outside the replacement section. Specifically, the guide elements are not removable because an area, for example an edge, of the removal guide rail outside the replacement section blocks removal of the guide element in the removal direction E. This results in the guide elements being removable only in the replacement section.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport devices each have a linear adjustment device. The linear adjustment device is configured to move one edge, particularly the upper edge, of the removal guide rail to open the removal guide rail. Thus, the edge can be moved relative to the rest of the removal guide rail. Preferably, the edge is horizontally displaceable. Alternatively, the edge is vertically displaceable.

[0036] In contrast to the prior art, the linear adjustment device does not require moving an entire section of the guide track. Rather, it is sufficient to move only the edge of the removal guide rails.

[0037] For example, several, and in particular at least two, removal guide rails are provided. The edge of all removal guide rails is preferably adjustable by means of the same linear adjustment device. The linear adjustment device is thus designed to move the edges, especially the upper edges, of all removal guide rails.

[0038] The linear adjustment device ensures an efficient exchange process with reduced manual intervention. It enables targeted opening of the guide rails or the removal guide rails in the removal direction E.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide element has a contacting contour for contacting containers.

[0040] The contact contour is preferably adapted in shape to the containers being handled. For example, the contact contour is at least substantially semicircular. This makes the contact contour well-suited for contacting cylindrical containers. Different guide elements also differ in their contact contours and are designed accordingly for handling different container types. The contact contour is located, in particular, on the outside of the respective guide element. The outside is the side facing away from the guide track.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport devices each have a guide element detection device. The guide element detection device is configured to detect and / or distinguish different types of guide elements. Preferably, the guide element detection device is arranged on or adjacent to the exchange section.

[0042] In particular, the guide element recognition device is designed to detect specific characteristics or markings of different types of guide elements in order to determine their type. Different types of guide elements are required for different types or sizes of containers or container formats. Therefore, when changing containers, the guide elements must also be changed. During this process, the guide element recognition device can also verify that the correct guide elements—those that match the containers—are inserted into the guide rails or track.

[0043] In particular, the guide elements have markings such as RFID chips or similar devices that allow conclusions to be drawn about the type of guide element. Accordingly, the guide element recognition device is then designed to recognize or read the marking or RFID chip in order to determine the type of guide element.

[0044] By positioning the guide element detection device at the exchange section, it is possible to check the guide elements directly during the exchange process. For example, detection using the guide element detection device takes place at a specific position before the guide bodies of the guide elements are pushed from the exchange section into the rest of the guide track.

[0045] The guide element detection device thus ensures error prevention and guarantees the correct replacement of the guide elements.

[0046] Brief description of the drawings

[0047] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, insofar as this is technically sensible and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the following figures.

[0048] The figures used to illustrate the exemplary embodiments show:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container forming device according to the invention;

[0050] Fig. 2 shows an exchange section with closed

[0051] Removal guide rails and guide elements used;

[0052] Fig. 3 shows the exchange section shown in Fig. 2 with the removal guide rails open and the guide elements removed; and

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a guide element.

[0054] Ways to implement the invention

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a container forming device according to the invention with two opposing transport devices 100, 200, wherein the transport devices 100, 200 are configured to group containers (not shown in detail) into containers, each with a plurality of circumferentially movable guide elements 110. For this purpose, the guide elements 110 can be transported in groups of, for example, four containers. The containers are then transported via the guide elements 110 of the transport groups along a circumferential guide track 120 to transport sections 300, 400, in which the guide elements 110 of transport device 100 and the guide elements 110 of transport device 200 are directly opposite each other.

[0056] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the two parallel transport sections 300, 400 are located between the two transport devices 100, 200. According to a preferred embodiment, the containers can be fed to an adhesive application device before being fed into the transport sections 300, 400. In this device, the containers are coated with an adhesive at discrete points. Within the transport sections 300, 400, the arrangement of the transport devices 100, 200 relative to each other causes the containers to be pressed together to a certain extent by the guide elements 110, thus bonding them together. The adhesive can then cure along the transport sections 300, 400. Starting with a configuration of four guide elements 110 per transport group, containers of eight can be formed.

[0057] To drive the guide elements 110 or the transport groups, the transport devices 100 and 200 each have a drive unit 130, which is designed as a toothed belt drive, so that a transport belt 131 is moved cyclically over drive pulleys 132. The transport groups are connected to the transport belt 131. For example, each transport group can have a guide element 110 that can be connected to the transport belt 131 by a connecting element. The connecting element can be, for example, a bolt. The bolt then engages positively with respect to the direction of travel in a groove of a coupling element attached to the transport belt, so that movement of the transport belt 131 also causes movement of the transport group.The individual guide elements 110 within the transport group are directly mechanically connected to each other, so that it is only necessary to connect one of the guide elements 110 to the drive unit 130.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exchange section 127 of one of the transport devices 100. In the example shown in Figure 2, the transport group comprises three guide elements 110. The guide elements 110 are arranged in the exchange section 127, where they can be removed from the guide track 120 in the removal direction E.

[0059] The guide elements 110 have a contact contour 112 for contacting containers. Here, the contact contour 112 is arranged on an upper and a lower region of the respective guide element 110. Furthermore, the contact contours 112 are at least substantially semicircular. The contact contour 112 is arranged on a base body 113 of the guide elements 110.

[0060] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 4, the base body 113 of the guide elements 110 is at least substantially U-shaped. Several guide bodies 111a, 111b, and 111c extend from the U-shaped base body 113. Two guide bodies 111a extend from an upper leg of the U-shaped base body 113. Two guide bodies 111c extend from a lower leg of the base body 113. Two further guide bodies 111b extend from a central region of the base body 113 that connects the two legs. The guide bodies 111a and 111c extend vertically downwards from the guide element 110 and, in particular, from the base body 113. The two guide bodies 111b extend horizontally forwards from the guide element 110 and, in particular, from the base body 113.

[0061] The guide bodies 111a, 111b and 111c extend exclusively in one direction perpendicular to the extraction direction E, namely the guide bodies 111b, or in one direction opposite to the extraction direction E, namely the guide bodies 111a and 111c.

[0062] In the extraction direction E, which extends vertically upwards from the guide element 110, no guide bodies are arranged. In other words, the guide element is free of guide bodies 111a, 111b, 111c extending in the extraction direction E.

[0063] The number of guide bodies shown in Fig. 4 can of course vary and is only to be understood as an example.

[0064] The guide bodies 111a, 111b and 111c of the guide elements 110 can be inserted into guide rails 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126, as can be seen in Fig. 2. The guide rails 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126 form the guide track 120. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the guide bodies 111c run in two lower, vertically open guide rails 125 and 126. The two guide bodies 111a run in two further vertically open guide rails 121, 122. The vertically open guide rails 121, 122, 125 and 126 are open at the top, i.e., not limited, so that the corresponding guide bodies 111a and 111c can be inserted and removed.

[0065] As can be seen in Fig. 2, two further guide rails 123 and 124 are also formed, into which the two guide bodies 111 b are inserted. The two guide rails 123 and 124 are horizontally open and have a side opening. The guide bodies 111 b cannot be easily removed upwards from this opening.

[0066] The two guide rails 123 and 124 are designed as removal guide rails 123, 124. These removal guide rails 123, 124 have an openable edge 127. More precisely, the upper edge 127 of the removal guide rails 123, 124 can be moved to open them. For example, the upper edge 127 can be moved inwards. Thus, after moving the upper edge 127, the removal guide rails 123, 124 are also open at the top. This can be seen, for example, in Fig. 3, where the edges 127 are shown away from the removal guide rails 123, 124. Accordingly, it is then possible to remove the guide elements 110 upwards in the removal direction E from the guide track 120 and thus from all guide rails 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126.

[0067] To adjust the edges 127 of the removal guide rail 110, the transport devices 100 and 200 can each have a linear adjustment device 140. By means of the linear adjustment device 140, the edges 127 can, for example, be moved inwards together.

[0068] As an alternative to the embodiment shown, it would also be conceivable that the removal guide rails 123, 124 in the exchange section 127, as shown in Fig. 3, have no upper edges 127. This makes particular sense if the guide elements 110 are heavy. In that case, the guide elements 110 are held securely in the guide track 120 by gravity, even in the exchange section 127.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a guide element recognition device 150. The guide element recognition device 150 is designed to recognize and / or distinguish different types of guide elements 110. If new guide elements 110 are inserted into the replacement section 127, the guide element recognition device 150 can be used to verify whether they are the correct type of guide element 110. The guide elements 110 can, for example, have RFID chips that can be read by the guide element recognition device 150. It should be noted that the features of the invention described with reference to individual embodiments or variants, such as the type and design of the individual components as well as their precise dimensions and spatial arrangement, may also be present in other embodiments, unless otherwise specified or is impermissible for technical reasons.Furthermore, not all features of such combined characteristics of individual embodiments necessarily have to be realized in a given embodiment.

[0070] Reference sign

[0071] 100 transport equipment

[0072] 110 guide elements

[0073] 111a Guide body

[0074] 111 b Guide body

[0075] 111c Guide body

[0076] 112 Contact contour

[0077] 113 Basic body

[0078] 120 guide rail

[0079] 121 Guide rail

[0080] 122 Guide rail

[0081] 123 Guide rail (removal guide rail)

[0082] 124 Guide rail (removal guide rail)

[0083] 125 guide rail

[0084] 126 Guide rail

[0085] 127 upper (openable) edge

[0086] 130 Drive unit

[0087] 131 transport belts

[0088] 132 drive pulleys

[0089] 140 Linear adjustment device

[0090] 150 guide element detection device

[0091] 200 transport equipment

[0092] 300 transport routes

[0093] 400 transport routes

Claims

Patent claims 1. Container forming device with two opposing transport devices (100, 200), wherein the transport devices (100, 200) are configured to group containers into containers by means of a plurality of circumferentially movable and replaceable guide elements (110) and to move them along parallel transport tracks (300, 400), wherein the guide elements (110) are movable along a circumferential guide track (120) of the transport devices (100, 200), wherein the guide tracks (120) each have an exchange section (127) at which the guide elements (110) can be removed from the guide track (120) for replacement in a removal direction E perpendicular to the guide track (120), wherein the guide elements (110) each have a plurality of guide bodies (111a, 111b, 111c) for guiding the guide element (110) along the guide track (120) having the guide bodies (111 a, 111 b, 111 c) arranged such thatthat the respective guide element (110) can be removed from the guide track (120) at the exchange section (127) in the removal direction E.

2. Container forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide elements (110) are free in the removal direction E from guide bodies (111 a, 111 b, 111 c) extending from the respective guide element (110).

3. Container forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide bodies (111 a, 111 b, 111 c) are exclusively oriented in a direction perpendicular to the removal direction E and / or in a direction extend in the opposite direction to the extraction direction E from the respective guide element (110).

4. Container forming device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the removal direction E extends vertically upwards from the guide track (120) and preferably the guide bodies (111 a, 111 b, 111c) extend horizontally forwards in the direction of the guide track (120) and / or vertically downwards in the state arranged on the guide track (120).

5. Container forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide bodies (111a, 111b, 111c) have ball bearings or sliding bearings.

6. Container forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport devices (100, 200) each have several guide rails (121 , 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) which form the guide track (120).

7. Container forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide bodies (111 a, 111 b, 111c) of the guide elements (110) can be inserted into the guide rails (121 , 122, 123, 124, 125, 126).

8. Container forming device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the guide rails (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) have at least one have a removal guide rail (123, 124) which is open or openable in the exchange section (127) in the removal direction E, in particular vertically upwards.

9. Container forming device according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the removal guide rail (123, 124) is open or openable in such a way that guide bodies (111 b) inserted in the removal guide rail (123, 124) in the exchange section (127) can be removed from the removal guide rail (123, 124) in the removal direction E, in particular vertically upwards.

10. Container forming device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the transport devices (100, 200) each have a linear adjustment device (140) which is designed to move one, in particular upper, edge (127) of the removal guide rail (123, 124) to open the removal guide rail (123, 124).

11. Container forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (110) has a contacting contour (112) for contacting containers.

12. Container forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport devices (100, 200) each have a guide element detection device (150) which is configured to detect and / or distinguish different types of guide elements (110), wherein the guide element- The detection device (150) is preferably arranged on the exchange section (127).

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