Gripper arrangement

The gripper arrangement with adjustable wedge elements addresses the inflexibility of conventional designs by enabling both narrow and wide wedge configurations, enhancing efficiency and reliability in handling kegs of varying spacings and sizes.

WO2026082517A1 Publication Date: 2026-04-23KHS GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/078980
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-10-15
Filing Date
2025-10-08
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional gripper arrangements for kegs require reconfiguration to handle both closely spaced and spaced-apart kegs, lacking flexibility and efficiency in palletizing and depalletizing processes.

Method used

A gripper arrangement with a central wedge device featuring adjustable first and second wedge elements, allowing for both 'narrow' and 'wide' wedge configurations without retooling, enabled by independent displacement along parallel transverse axes and equipped with cylinder assemblies for precise control.

Benefits of technology

Enables flexible handling of various keg configurations with reduced setup times, improved process reliability, and increased efficiency by adapting to different keg spacings and sizes without mechanical retooling, ensuring secure and precise gripping.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a gripper arrangement (1) for handling kegs (3), the gripper arrangement at least comprising a gripper frame (10) on which a gripper head (6) is provided for gripping and / or holding the kegs (3), wherein the gripper head comprises at least a first and a second gripper jaw (7.1, 7.2) and a central wedge device (20) having at least a first and at least a second wedge element (21, 22), wherein the first and second gripper jaw (7.1, 7.2) can each be moved in a controlled manner between a position in which a keg (3) is gripped between the corresponding gripper jaw (7.1, 7.2) and the corresponding wedge element (21, 22) and a position in which the corresponding keg (3) is released, and wherein each of the at least one first and at least one second wedge element (21, 22) of the central wedge device (20) is designed to be displaced along a transverse axis (A1, A2) by a control element (30).
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