CONTAINER TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENT TO TRANSPORT CONTAINERS, SUCH AS BEVERAGE BOTTLES OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS

Abstract

A container transport arrangement is used to transport containers, such as beverage bottles or similar containers, which container transport arrangement has adjustable container transport devices.

Claims

1. A container transport arrangement configured to transport containers comprising beverage bottles and similar containers in a bottling or container handling machine of a bottling or container handling plant, said container transport arrangement comprising: at least one transport element being configured and disposed to rotate about a vertical machine axis; at least one container gripper being disposed at or on said at least one transport element; said at least one container gripper being configured and disposed to grip and hold containers; said at least one container gripper comprising a first container gripper arm and a second container gripper arm; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable about a gripper arm axis oriented parallel or essentially parallel to said vertical machine axis; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable to permit adjustment of said at least one container gripper between a gripping position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed closer together to grip a container, and a release position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed further apart to permit movement of a container into or out of said at least one container gripper; said at least one container gripper comprising at least one adjustment device; and said at least one adjustment device being adjustable to permit a height adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one container gripper relative to said at least one transport element and a horizontal plant floor surface.

2. The container transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: said at least one transport element comprises a planar surface portion disposed essentially perpendicular to said vertical machine axis; each of said container gripper arms comprises a first end portion and a second end portion; said second end portion is disposed opposite said first end portion and adjacent said at least one adjustment device; and said at least one adjustment device is adjustable to permit adjustment of the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

3. The container transport arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said at least one adjustment device is configured and disposed to pivot said container gripper arms about a pivot axis to adjust an angular position of said container gripper arms with respect to said planar surface portion and thereby adjust the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

4. The container transport arrangement according to claim 3, wherein: said at least one container gripper comprises a bearing arrangement configured and disposed to connect said second end portion of each of said container gripper arms to said at least one adjustment device; said at least one adjustment device comprises an adjustment element; said bearing arrangement comprises a bearing section operatively connected to said adjustment element; and said adjustment element is configured to be movably adjusted to move said bearing arrangement and change a distance between said bearing arrangement and said planar surface portion of said at least one transport element, and thereby pivot said container gripper arms about said pivot axis.

5. The container transport arrangement according to claim 4, wherein: said adjustment element comprises a holding section and an adjustment section; said bearing section of said bearing arrangement is disposed at said holding section; and said adjustment section is connected to said at least one transport element and configured to be moved relative to said at least one transport element.

6. The container transport arrangement according to claim 5, wherein: said adjustment element comprises a bolt or similar elongated structure; and said adjustment section is connected to said holding section.

7. The container transport arrangement according to claim 6, wherein: said adjustment section comprises an external thread; and said at least one transport element comprises an internal thread configured and disposed to engage with said external thread of said adjustment section to adjustably connect or screw together said adjustment section and said at least one transport element.

8. The container transport arrangement according to claim 7, wherein: said adjustment section is configured and disposed to pass through an opening in said at least one transport element, such that a projecting portion of said adjustment section projects past said planar surface portion; and said at least one adjustment device comprises a threaded locking element configured and disposed to engage with said projecting portion to hold said adjustment element in a fixed position upon installation or adjustment of said adjustment element.

9. The container transport arrangement according to claim 8, wherein said bearing arrangement is disposed in a fixed position with respect to said holding section of said adjustment element by said bearing section.

10. The container transport arrangement according to claim 9, wherein: at least said holding section of said adjustment element comprises a magnetizable steel, magnetizable iron, or other magnetizable material; said bearing section comprises a magnet or is connected to a magnet; and said holding section is configured and disposed to magnetically interact with said magnet of said bearing section.

11. The container transport arrangement according to claim 10, wherein said bearing arrangement is connected to said holding section by magnetic force to at least one of: affix said bearing arrangement to said holding section; secure said bearing arrangement against falling out or off of said holding section; and minimize or prevent unintentional displacement or withdrawal of said holding section out of connection with said bearing arrangement.

12. The container transport arrangement according to claim 11, wherein: said at least one adjustment device comprises a second adjustment element; said second adjustment element comprises a first end portion and a second portion; said second end portion is disposed opposite said first end portion and adjacent the underside of said at least one transport element; and said second end portion is configured and disposed to engage with or be pressed against the underside of said at least one transport element.

13. The container transport arrangement according to claim 12, wherein: said second adjustment element comprises a threaded bolt; and said second adjustment element is disposed such that said second end portion is in a positive and/or non-positive fit with the underside of said at least one transport element.

14. The container transport arrangement according to claim 13, wherein said at least one container gripper comprises a plurality of container grippers.

15. The container transport arrangement according to claim 14, wherein each of said container grippers is configured to be individually adjusted by its respective adjustment device.

16. A method of adjusting a container transport arrangement configured to transport containers comprising beverage bottles and similar containers in a bottling or container handling machine of a bottling or container handling plant, said container transport arrangement comprising: at least one transport element being configured and disposed to rotate about a vertical machine axis; at least one container gripper being disposed at or on said at least one transport element; said at least one container gripper being configured and disposed to grip and hold containers; said at least one container gripper comprising a first container gripper arm and a second container gripper arm; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable about a gripper arm axis oriented parallel or essentially parallel to said vertical machine axis; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable to permit adjustment of said at least one container gripper between a gripping position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed closer together to grip a container, and a release position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed further apart to permit movement of a container into or out of said at least one container gripper; said at least one container gripper comprising at least one adjustment device; and said at least one adjustment device being adjustable to permit a height adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one container gripper relative to said at least one transport element and a horizontal plant floor surface; and said method comprising adjusting said at least one adjustment device and thereby adjusting the vertical position of said at least one container gripper relative to said at least one transport element and a horizontal plant floor surface.

17. The method of adjusting a container transport arrangement according to claim 16, wherein: said at least one transport element comprises a planar surface portion disposed essentially perpendicular to said vertical machine axis; each of said container gripper arms comprises a first end portion and a second end portion; said second end portion is disposed opposite said first end portion and adjacent said at least one adjustment device; said at least one adjustment device is adjustable to permit adjustment of the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion; and said step of adjusting said at least one adjustment device comprises adjusting the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

18. The method of adjusting a container transport arrangement according to claim 17, wherein: said at least one adjustment device is configured and disposed to pivot said container gripper arms about a pivot axis to adjust an angular position of said container gripper arms with respect to said planar surface portion and thereby adjust the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion; and said step of adjusting said at least one adjustment device comprises pivoting said container gripper arms about a pivot axis to adjust an angular position of said container gripper arms with respect to said planar surface portion, and thereby adjusting the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

19. The method of adjusting a container transport arrangement according to claim 18, wherein: said at least one container gripper comprises a bearing arrangement configured and disposed to connect said second end portion of each of said container gripper arms to said at least one adjustment device; said at least one adjustment device comprises an adjustment element; said bearing arrangement comprises a bearing section operatively connected to said adjustment element; said adjustment element is configured to be movably adjusted to move said bearing arrangement and change a distance between said bearing arrangement and said planar surface portion of said at least one transport element, and thereby pivot said container gripper arms about said pivot axis; and said method further comprises movably adjusting said adjustment element and thereby moving said bearing arrangement and changing a distance between said bearing arrangement and said planar surface portion of said at least one transport element, and thereby pivoting said container gripper arms about said pivot axis.

20. The method of adjusting a container transport arrangement according to claim 19, wherein: said adjustment element comprises a holding section and an adjustment section; said bearing section of said bearing arrangement is disposed at said holding section; said adjustment section is connected to said at least one transport element and configured to be moved relative to said at least one transport element; and said method further comprises moving said adjustment section relative to said at least one transport element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows at least one possible exemplary embodiment of a container handling device in a partially sectioned perspective view;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows the region designated as A in FIG. 1, in an enlarged representation;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows at least one possible exemplary embodiment of a container handling device in a partially sectioned perspective view;

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the region designated as B in FIG. 3 in an enlarged representation;

[0039] FIG. 5 a transport element in isolation, in a side sectional representation, with retaining bolts arranged on it; and

[0040] FIG. 6 shows at least one possible exemplary embodiment of a container gripper shown in isolation, in a perspective view from beneath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Identical reference numbers are used in the figures for elements of at least one possible exemplary embodiment that are the same or have the same effect. Moreover, for the sake of easier overview, some components unnecessary for the description of the respective figure are not marked with reference numerals.

[0042] In the figures, in general, a transport apparatus 1 for transporting containers is shown. The containers, which are not represented in any greater detail, are bottles, such as large-volume bottles, and in this context are made of plastic or PET, and comprise a container neck configured in the form of a groove or a container neck with at least one groove. The transport apparatus 1 comprises, among other elements, a transport element 3 arranged in an essentially horizontal plane E and capable of being driven such as to circulate about a vertical machine axis MA, which is configured as a star plate or similar rotary device. In other words, therefore, the transport element 3, configured as a flat surface, spans the plane E, which runs approximately or essentially perpendicular to a machine axis MA.

[0043] Provided at the circumference of the transport element 3, such as at equal angular distances about the machine axis MA and offset to one another, are several container grippers 4, which can be configured for the suspended holding in each case of a container by its container neck or neck ring, or by a groove provided on the container neck below the container opening. The container gripper 4 of the transport apparatus 1 is arranged or disposed below the plane E at the transport element.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment represented, the respective container gripper 4 comprises in each case a first and a second pivotable gripper arm 5, 6, which in each case are arranged such as to pivot about a pivot axis SA, oriented parallel to the machine axis MA, between a gripping position GP gripping the respective container and a release position FP in which the corresponding container is released.

[0045] The respective container grippers 4 comprise in general a storing and holding element 2 with a bearing section 2.1 and a holding section 2.2. The bearing and holding element 2 is held in this situation in an adjustable manner with its bearing section 2.1 at an adjustment element 7 of an adjustment device 8. In addition to this, the two gripper arms 5 and 6 are accommodated at the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2 such as to be able to pivot or rotate about their respective pivot axis SA. The gripper arms 5, 6 are further held together under preliminary tension by use of a tension spring 9. The holding section 2.2 of the bearing and holding element 2 is configured, for example, in the form of two shaped holding arms 10 and 11. The holding arms 10, 11 extend in this situation going out from the bearing and holding element 3 in the direction of the engagement opening of the gripper arms 5 and 6.

[0046] In the embodiment variant of FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding arms 10, 11 are connected securely in the region of their respective free ends, in each case by a retaining device 12, to the transport element 3, but in a detachable manner, for example screwed. In this situation the respective holding device 12 can be configured as a screw or threaded bolt or similar structure. For this purpose, in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the holding section 2.2 of the bearing and holding element 2 is configured as a holding element which is essentially U-shaped in a view from above, which can be produced or manufactured from sheet steel or similar material, for example. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the bearing and holding element 2 is configured as a retaining plate and exhibits a thickness which reduces or decreases from the bearing section 2.1 in the direction of the holding section 2.2, as a result of which a deformation can be produced or permitted, which can be incurred by an adjustment in the height or an adjustment of the angular distance.

[0047] In comparison with this, the holding arms 10, 11 of the arms of the holding sections 2.2 in the embodiment variants of FIGS. 3 and 4, in the normal position, rest on or in plate-shaped heads 13 of the holding device 12, likewise arranged in fixed positions at the transport element 3. In this situation, the holding device 12 can also be configured in the embodiment variants from FIGS. 3 and 4 as screws or bolts. In greater detail, in this situation the holding arms 10, 11 are arranged as tensioned under a preliminary tension between the two holding device 12, as well as resting on the heads 13 of the corresponding holding device 12.

[0048] In this situation, the holding device 12 can exhibit, in the region of their respective heads 13, a configuration that is conical, at least in sections in the longitudinal direction, in order to avoid play between the holding arms 10, 11 and the holding device 12. In addition, the respective holding device 12 also exhibits a configuration that is conical, at least in sections, on the side opposite the corresponding heads 13, along the longitudinal direction of the holding device 12, in such a way that the corresponding holding arm 10, 11 can be received, under tension, between the opposing conical configurations along the longitudinal extension of the holding device 12.

[0049] In order to be able to replace the container gripper 4, the two holding arms 10 and 11 can be pressed together to disengage from the holding devices 12, which permits the container grippers 4 to be moved downwards and out of the adjustment element 7. This form of assembly takes advantage of the fact that, in the event of a certain stress on the respective container gripper 4 being exceeded, an automatic lateral pivoting of the respective container grippers 4 is caused at the transport element 3. An example of a container handling arrangement comprising pivotable container grippers, components of which may be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible exemplary embodiment, may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,471 B2, which is incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.

[0050] According to at least one possible exemplary embodiment, provision is made for the at least one gripper holder 4 to comprise at least one adjustment device 8 for at least one adjustable height location of the at least one container gripper 4 relative to the horizontal plane E. Height location is understood, in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, to be the perpendicular distance interval of this container gripper 4 in the region of the free ends of its gripper arms 5, 6, i.e. at the gripper tips, to the plane E spanned by the transport element 3.

[0051] In this situation, the adjustment device 8 is configured in such a way as to increase and/or reduce the perpendicular distance interval between the free ends of the respective gripper arms 5, 6 of a container gripper 4 and the horizontal plane E.

[0052] In greater detail, in this situation the adjustment device 8 is configured such as to pivot the free ends of the respective gripper arms 5, 6 of a container gripper 4 in relation to the horizontal plane E, wherein, by a pivoting of the gripper arms 5, 6 in a first direction, the perpendicular distance interval between the free ends of the gripper arms 5, 6 and the plane E is reduced, and, by a pivoting in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the perpendicular distance interval between the free ends of the gripper arms 5, 6 and the plane E is increased.

[0053] For this purpose, a pivot axis 20 can be formed at the respective container gripper 4 in the region of the free ends of the holding arms 10, 11, about which there then pivot the adjustment device 8, the corresponding container grippers 4, and therefore, finally, also the gripper arms 5, 6.

[0054] The pivot axis 20 can also be an imaginary line, about which at least parts of the container gripper 4 move.

[0055] In this situation, the pivoting about the pivot axis 20, by the adjustment of the relative distance interval of the bearing and holding element 2 in the region of the bearing section 2.1 to the transport element 3, can be achieved by use of the adjustment element 7 of the adjustment device 8. In this situation, provision can be made for the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2 to be moved by use of the adjustment element 7 in the direction of the transport element 3, as well as in a direction opposite to this.

[0056] In greater detail, provision can be made for this purpose for the adjustment element 7 to exhibit a holding section 7.1 and an adjustment section 7.2, wherein the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2 is located arranged at the holding section 7.1, and the adjustment section 7.2 is movably connected to the transport element 3.

[0057] In this situation, the adjustment element 7 is configured in the form of a bolt, and the adjustment section 7.2 connects adjacent or immediately adjacent to the holding section 7.1 along the longitudinal extension of the adjustment element 7. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the adjustment element 7 is configured in this situation as an adjustment bolt, which exhibits an external thread at least in the region of its adjustment section 7.2.

[0058] The adjustment section 7.2 can be configured in this situation as a thread section, which is received, such as by screwing, in a corresponding thread of the transport element 3. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, in this situation the adjustment section 7.2 comprises an outer thread, or is configured as an outer thread, which is screwed into an inner thread corresponding to the transport element 3.

[0059] By rotating the adjustment section 7.2 clockwise, for example, it is possible for the holding section 7.1 of the adjustment element 7 to be moved in the direction of the transport element 3. Conversely, for example, by rotating the adjustment section 7.2 counterclockwise, the holding section 7.1 of the adjustment element 7 is moved away from the transport element 3.

[0060] In this situation, the adjustment section 7.2 is fixed in position at the part section projecting through the transport element 3 by use of a locknut 14.

[0061] In this case, in the region of the holding section 7.1 of the adjustment element 7, at least the bearing and holding element 2 is arranged and received in a fixed position in relation to the adjustment element 7.

[0062] In the embodiment variant from FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustment element 7 exhibits a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2 that increases abruptly in relation to the first diameter D1, such that, at the transition from the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2, a type of collar or shoulder 16 is provided, which forms a stop for the bearing and holding element 2. The bearing and holding element 2 is in this situation in positive contact fit with its first side on the collar 16, while the second side opposite the first side is secured in a fixed position by use of a nut 17.

[0063] In the embodiment variant from FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustment element 7 is formed, at least in the region of its holding section 7.1, from a magnetizable material, such as a magnetizable steel or iron or similar material, which interacts magnetically with a magnet or permanent magnet 18 or similar structure, arranged secured in the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the permanent magnet 18 and the magnetic holding section 7.1 interact in such a way that the bearing and holding element 2 is held in a fixed position on the one hand, and, on the other, is secured against falling out or the withdrawing of the holding section 7.1 of the adjustment element 7. In addition, the adjustment element 7 is provided with a seal between the collar 16 and the transport element 3.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows at least one possible exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting containers, with which the adjustment device 8, in differentiation to the embodiment variant from FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a further adjustment element 19 in addition to the adjustment element 7. The further adjustment element 19 is in this case likewise arranged in the region of the bearing section 2.1 at the bearing and holding element 2. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the further adjustment element 19 is configured as a threaded bolt, which is supported with its free end 19.1 in positive and/or non-positive fit on the underside of the transport element 3. A locknut 20 is provided for this purpose, by use of which the free end 19.1 of the further adjustment element 19 can be moved against the underside of the transport element 3 and/or held there in a fixed position, such as by being pressed against it.

[0065] According to one embodiment variant, provision is made for all the container grippers 4 to comprise an adjustment device 8. Provision is further made for each container gripper 4 to be individually adjustable, at least in its height position, by use of its respective adjustment device 8.

[0066] The invention has been described heretofore by way of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that a large number of modifications or derivations are possible, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the claims.

[0067] The following is at least a partial list of components shown in the figures and their related reference numerals: transport device 1; bearing and holding element 2; bearing section 2.1; holding section 2.2; transport element 3; container gripper 4; gripper arm 5; gripper arm 6; adjustment element 7; holding section 7.1; adjustment section 7.2; adjustment device 8; tension spring 9; holding arm 10; holding arm 11; holding device 12; head 13; locknut 14; collar 16; nut 17; permanent magnet 18; adjustment element 19; free end 19.1; pivot axis 20; locknut 21; first diameter D1; second diameter D2; machine axis MA; pivot axis SA; gripping position GP; releasing position FP; and plane E.

[0068] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to an apparatus for transporting containers, comprising at least one transport element 3 circulating in an essentially horizontal plane E as well as about a vertical machine axis MA, provided at which is at least one container gripper 4 for gripping and holding the containers, wherein the at least one container gripper 4 comprises at least one first and one second gripper arm 5, 6 that in each case can pivot, and which in each case are arranged so as to be capable of pivoting about a pivot axis SA, oriented parallel to the machine axis MA, between a position GP gripping the respective container and a position FP releasing the corresponding container, wherein the at least one container gripper 4 comprises at least one adjustment device 8 for at least one adjustable height position of the at least one container gripper 4 relative to the plane E.

[0069] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment device 8 is configured such as to increase and/or reduce the perpendicular distance interval between the free ends of the gripper arms 5, 6 of the at least one container gripper 4 and the plane E.

[0070] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment device 8 is configured such as to pivot the free ends of the gripper arms 5, 6 of the at least one container gripper 4 in relation to the plane E in such a way that a relative angle position of the gripper arms 5, 6 to the plane E is configured as adjustable by use of the adjustment device 8.

[0071] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the pivoting about a pivot axis 20 can be carried out by an adjustment of the relative distance interval of a bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2 to the transport element 3 by use of an adjustment element 7 of the adjustment device 8 in such a way that the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2 can be moved by use of the adjustment element 7 in the direction of the transport element 3 as well in a direction opposite to this.

[0072] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment element 7 comprises a holding section 7.1 as well as an adjustment section 7.2, wherein the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2 is arranged at the holding section 7.1, and the adjustment section 7.2 is configured so as to be movable relative to the transport element 3 as well as being connected to the transport element 3.

[0073] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment element 7 of the adjustment device 8 is configured in the form of a bolt, and the adjustment section 7.2 connects immediately adjacent to the holding section 7.1 along the longitudinal extension of the adjustment element 7.

[0074] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment section 7.2 is configured as a threaded section, which is received in a corresponding thread of the transport element 3, in particular screwed into it.

[0075] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment section 7.2 is fixed in position at the part section projecting through the transport element 3 by use of a locknut 14.

[0076] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the bearing and holding element 2 is arranged fixed in position, in particular by its bearing section 2.1 to the holding section 7.1 of the adjustment element 2.

[0077] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment element 7 is formed, at least in the region of its holding section 7.1 from a magnetizable material, in particular a magnetizable steel or iron material, and wherein the holding section 7.1 interacts magnetically with a permanent magnet 18 that is securely arranged in the bearing section 2.1 of the bearing and holding element 2.

[0078] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the permanent magnet 18 and the holding section 7.1 interact magnetically in such a way that the bearing and holding element 2 is held in a fixed position at the holding section 7.1 and/or is secured against falling out, and in particular also against the unintentional pulling out of the holding section 7.1 of the adjustment element 7.

[0079] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the adjustment device 8 comprises a further adjustment element 19, which can be moved with its free end 19.1 against the underside of the transport element 3.

[0080] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the further adjustment element 19 is configured as a threaded bolt, which supports with its free end 19.1 in positive and/or non-positive fit on the underside of the transport element 3.

[0081] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein the device comprises several container grippers 4, wherein all the container grippers 4 comprise an adjustment device 8.

[0082] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus for transporting containers, wherein each container gripper 4 is configured as being individually adjustable by use of its respective adjustment device 8.

[0083] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a container transport arrangement configured to transport containers comprising beverage bottles and similar containers in a bottling or container handling machine of a bottling or container handling plant, said container transport arrangement comprising: at least one transport element being configured and disposed to rotate about a vertical machine axis; at least one container gripper being disposed at or on said at least one transport element; said at least one container gripper being configured and disposed to grip and hold containers; said at least one container gripper comprising a first container gripper arm and a second container gripper arm; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable about a gripper arm axis oriented parallel or essentially parallel to said vertical machine axis; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable to permit adjustment of said at least one container gripper between a gripping position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed closer together to grip a container, and a release position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed further apart to permit movement of a container into or out of said at least one container gripper; said at least one container gripper comprising at least one adjustment device; and said at least one adjustment device being adjustable to permit a height adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one container gripper relative to said at least one transport element and a horizontal plant floor surface.

[0084] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said at least one transport element comprises a planar surface portion disposed essentially perpendicular to said vertical machine axis; each of said container gripper arms comprises a first end portion and a second end portion; said second end portion is disposed opposite said first end portion and adjacent said at least one adjustment device; and said at least one adjustment device is adjustable to permit adjustment of the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

[0085] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein said at least one adjustment device is configured and disposed to pivot said container gripper arms about a pivot axis to adjust an angular position of said container gripper arms with respect to said planar surface portion and thereby adjust the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

[0086] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said at least one container gripper comprises a bearing arrangement configured and disposed to connect said second end portion of each of said container gripper arms to said at least one adjustment device; said at least one adjustment device comprises an adjustment element; said bearing arrangement comprises a bearing section operatively connected to said adjustment element; and said adjustment element is configured to be movably adjusted to move said bearing arrangement and change a distance between said bearing arrangement and said planar surface portion of said at least one transport element, and thereby pivot said container gripper arms about said pivot axis.

[0087] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said adjustment element comprises a holding section and an adjustment section; said bearing section of said bearing arrangement is disposed at said holding section; and said adjustment section is connected to said at least one transport element and configured to be moved relative to said at least one transport element.

[0088] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said adjustment element comprises a bolt or similar elongated structure; and said adjustment section is connected to said holding section.

[0089] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said adjustment section comprises an external thread; and said at least one transport element comprises an internal thread configured and disposed to engage with said external thread of said adjustment section to adjustably connect or screw together said adjustment section and said at least one transport element.

[0090] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said adjustment section is configured and disposed to pass through an opening in said at least one transport element, such that a projecting portion of said adjustment section projects past said planar surface portion; and said at least one adjustment device comprises a threaded locking element configured and disposed to engage with said projecting portion to hold said adjustment element in a fixed position upon installation or adjustment of said adjustment element.

[0091] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein said bearing arrangement is disposed in a fixed position with respect to said holding section of said adjustment element by said bearing section.

[0092] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: at least said holding section of said adjustment element comprises a magnetizable steel, magnetizable iron, or other magnetizable material; said bearing section comprises a magnet or is connected to a magnet; and said holding section is configured and disposed to magnetically interact with said magnet of said bearing section.

[0093] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein said bearing arrangement is connected to said holding section by magnetic force to at least one of: affix said bearing arrangement to said holding section; secure said bearing arrangement against falling out or off of said holding section; and minimize or prevent unintentional displacement or withdrawal of said holding section out of connection with said bearing arrangement.

[0094] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said at least one adjustment device comprises a second adjustment element; said second adjustment element comprises a first end portion and a second portion; said second end portion is disposed opposite said first end portion and adjacent the underside of said at least one transport element; and said second end portion is configured and disposed to engage with or be pressed against the underside of said at least one transport element.

[0095] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein: said second adjustment element comprises a threaded bolt; and said second adjustment element is disposed such that said second end portion is in a positive and/or non-positive fit with the underside of said at least one transport element.

[0096] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein said at least one container gripper comprises a plurality of container grippers.

[0097] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container transport arrangement, wherein each of said container grippers is configured to be individually adjusted by its respective adjustment device.

[0098] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a method of adjusting a container transport arrangement configured to transport containers comprising beverage bottles and similar containers in a bottling or container handling machine of a bottling or container handling plant, said container transport arrangement comprising: at least one transport element being configured and disposed to rotate about a vertical machine axis; at least one container gripper being disposed at or on said at least one transport element; said at least one container gripper being configured and disposed to grip and hold containers; said at least one container gripper comprising a first container gripper arm and a second container gripper arm; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable about a gripper arm axis oriented parallel or essentially parallel to said vertical machine axis; each of said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being movable to permit adjustment of said at least one container gripper between a gripping position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed closer together to grip a container, and a release position, in which said first container gripper arm and said second container gripper arm being disposed further apart to permit movement of a container into or out of said at least one container gripper; said at least one container gripper comprising at least one adjustment device; and said at least one adjustment device being adjustable to permit a height adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one container gripper relative to said at least one transport element and a horizontal plant floor surface; and said method comprising adjusting said at least one adjustment device and thereby adjusting the vertical position of said at least one container gripper relative to said at least one transport element and a horizontal plant floor surface.

[0099] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method of adjusting a container transport arrangement, wherein: said at least one transport element comprises a planar surface portion disposed essentially perpendicular to said vertical machine axis; each of said container gripper arms comprises a first end portion and a second end portion; said second end portion is disposed opposite said first end portion and adjacent said at least one adjustment device; said at least one adjustment device is adjustable to permit adjustment of the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion; and said step of adjusting said at least one adjustment device comprises adjusting the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

[0100] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method of adjusting a container transport arrangement, wherein: said at least one adjustment device is configured and disposed to pivot said container gripper arms about a pivot axis to adjust an angular position of said container gripper arms with respect to said planar surface portion and thereby adjust the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion; and said step of adjusting said at least one adjustment device comprises pivoting said container gripper arms about a pivot axis to adjust an angular position of said container gripper arms with respect to said planar surface portion, and thereby adjusting the distance between said first end portion of each of said container gripper arms and said planar surface portion.

[0101] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method of adjusting a container transport arrangement, wherein: said at least one container gripper comprises a bearing arrangement configured and disposed to connect said second end portion of each of said container gripper arms to said at least one adjustment device; said at least one adjustment device comprises an adjustment element; said bearing arrangement comprises a bearing section operatively connected to said adjustment element; said adjustment element is configured to be movably adjusted to move said bearing arrangement and change a distance between said bearing arrangement and said planar surface portion of said at least one transport element, and thereby pivot said container gripper arms about said pivot axis; and said method further comprises movably adjusting said adjustment element and thereby moving said bearing arrangement and changing a distance between said bearing arrangement and said planar surface portion of said at least one transport element, and thereby pivoting said container gripper arms about said pivot axis.

[0102] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method of adjusting a container transport arrangement, wherein: said adjustment element comprises a holding section and an adjustment section; said bearing section of said bearing arrangement is disposed at said holding section; said adjustment section is connected to said at least one transport element and configured to be moved relative to said at least one transport element; and said method further comprises moving said adjustment section relative to said at least one transport element.

[0103] Any numerical values disclosed herein, if any, should be understood as disclosing all approximate values within plus or minus ten percent of the numerical value. Any ranges of numerical values disclosed herein, if any, should be understood as disclosing all individual values within the range of values, including whole numbers, tenths of numbers, or hundredths of numbers.

[0104] The entirety of the appended drawings, including all dimensions, proportions, and/or shapes disclosed thereby or reasonably understood therefrom, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0105] All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0106] The corresponding foreign or international patent applications, as originally filed and as published, from which the present application claims the benefit of priority, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: PCT/EP2020/075009; WO2021058274; and DE102019125603.8.

[0107] The following patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited in the corresponding foreign or international patent applications listed in the preceding paragraph are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: EP3239078A1; WO2018162145A1; DE102018113301A1; DE102009043984A1; and DE602005001695T2.

[0108] The following patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: DE202006018379U1; DE202006004641U1; DE102009050393A1; DE202005002470U1; and DE102005032175A1. Some examples of container clamps or clips, or components thereof, for use in the beverage bottle or container handling industry, portions of which may be incorporated into or adapted for use with at least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application, may possibly be found in DE202006018379U1, DE202006004641U1, DE202005002470U1, or DE102005032175A1.

[0109] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration of any embodiments disclosed herein, including the most practical or preferred embodiments at the time of filing of this application, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the present application, including the specification and the claims as originally filed, as amended, or as issued. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features or components of any disclosed embodiment can be combined with one or more features or components of any other disclosed embodiment.