EP3685944B1 - Tube holder for a tube filling machine - Google Patents

Tube holder for a tube filling machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3685944B1
EP3685944B1 EP19000588.4A EP19000588A EP3685944B1 EP 3685944 B1 EP3685944 B1 EP 3685944B1 EP 19000588 A EP19000588 A EP 19000588A EP 3685944 B1 EP3685944 B1 EP 3685944B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clamping elements
tube
clamping
tube holder
group
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP19000588.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3685944A1 (en
Inventor
Stefan Hoffmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
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IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
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Publication of EP3685944A1 publication Critical patent/EP3685944A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/16—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles for filling collapsible tubes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/16—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/005—Adjustable conveying means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tube holder for a tube filling machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a tube filling machine usually has an endlessly revolving conveyor device which carries a plurality of receptacles, in each of which a tube holder is inserted.
  • a tube with its head or cap section can be inserted into each tube holder from above, the tube passing through the individual work stations of the tube filling machine together with the tube holder.
  • the tube with its tube holder is lowered back into the holder.
  • the filled and closed tube is removed from the tube holder and transported away.
  • Tube holders are known in various designs.
  • a tube holder has a housing with an upwardly opening tube holder into which a tube, which is preferably made of plastic or metal, is inserted with its head or cap section.
  • Several clamping elements are arranged in the tube receptacle, which are distributed over the circumference of the tube wall and are each under the action of a spring element.
  • Each clamping element can be adjusted perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle and is urged radially inward by the spring element in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle.
  • the tube presses the clamping elements radially outwards against the respective spring force.
  • the clamping elements are pressed radially from the outside against the outer wall of the tube, whereby the tube is clamped in the tube holder.
  • top and bottom used here relate to the usual alignment of a tube holder with an upward-opening tube holder into which the tube with its head or cap section can be inserted from above, so that the tube with its to be closed The end protrudes from the tube holder at the top.
  • longitudinal center axis of the tube holder extends vertically.
  • axial used here refers to the vertical longitudinal center axis of the tube holder. A radial displacement of the clamping elements takes place perpendicular thereto and thus essentially horizontally.
  • the invention is not limited to a corresponding alignment of the tube holder and / or the tube holder.
  • a tube holder is known in which the clamping elements are each pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing about a horizontally extending pivot axis. In this way, a defined pivoting movement of the clamping elements is given.
  • the tubes are held positively by means of the known tube holder.
  • the tensioning elements are displaced against the spring force, whereby they exert a tensioning force on the tube and thus an increased frictional force.
  • the tube is removed, it is pulled upwards out of the tube holder, whereby the tensioning elements return to their starting position as a result of the spring force.
  • a tube holder is known in which over the circumference of the tube holder alternately upwardly freely cantilevered fingers and downwardly freely cantilevered fingers are arranged, which act radially to internally acting spring elements. Because of the freely protruding fingers, there is no defined pivoting movement for them and, in particular, no defined pivoting axis, so that the clamping elements do not have exactly the same movements.
  • the invention is based on the object of creating a tube holder of the type mentioned, with which tubes of different diameters can be held securely and reliably.
  • a tube holder with the features of claim 1. It is provided that below the 1st group of clamping elements further clamping elements are arranged at an axial distance, which are arranged distributed over the circumference of the tube holder and form a 2nd group of further clamping elements and each with a clamping surface with the outer wall of the tube can be brought into contact and with which, under the action of the spring element and / or at least one further spring element, a clamping force acting radially from the outside on the inserted tube can be applied, the further clamping elements each being pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing about a horizontally extending pivot axis.
  • the clamping surface of the clamping elements and the further clamping elements has, at least in sections, a contour that is convex in the direction of a longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle and curved about a horizontal axis.
  • the clamping surface of the clamping element facing the tube has at least some sections of a convex curvature, the curvature preferably extending from its upper end to the lower end. Because of the convex, curved On the one hand, the contour of the clamping surface facilitates the insertion of the tube and, on the other hand, the pivoting of the clamping element automatically adapts to the diameter of the tube to be picked up.
  • clamping elements are arranged, preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the tube holder and thus over the circumference of the tube. It has proven to be useful to provide at least two clamping elements and in particular 4, 5 or 6 clamping elements for the tube holder.
  • the several clamping elements should preferably be arranged in the same axial position of the longitudinal center axis of the tube holder, i.e. should not be offset in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the tube holder.
  • the clamping elements distributed over the circumference of the tube holder form the 1st group of clamping elements.
  • the clamping elements of the 1st group can each be acted upon by their own spring element, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that all clamping elements of the 1st group of clamping elements are acted upon by a common spring element, for example an annular spring, either directly on the clamping elements engages or indirectly engages the clamping elements with the interposition of at least one component.
  • the further clamping elements are arranged below the 1st group of clamping elements at an axial distance.
  • a plurality of further clamping elements should preferably be arranged distributed over the circumference of the tube receptacle and thus the tube, preferably each of the upper ones Clamping element is assigned a lower further clamping element.
  • the several further clamping elements are preferably arranged in the same axial position of the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle and form the 2nd group of further clamping elements.
  • the further tensioning elements are under the action of the spring element and / or at least one further spring element.
  • the spring element and the further spring element can each be an annular spring.
  • a separate spring element can be provided for each of the further tensioning elements, but alternatively it is also possible that a common further spring element, in particular in the form of an annular spring, is assigned to all further tensioning elements of the 2nd group of further tensioning elements. However, it can also be provided to assign a single common spring element, in particular in the form of an annular spring, to the 1st group of clamping elements and the 2nd group of further clamping elements.
  • the common spring element can attack directly on the 1st group of clamping elements and its effect is applied indirectly to the 2nd group of further clamping elements, but alternatively it is also possible that the common spring element acts directly on the 2nd group of further clamping elements and that its effect is indirect is applied to the 1st group of clamping elements. Alternatively, it is possible that the common spring element acts neither directly on the 1st group of clamping elements nor directly on the 2nd group of further clamping elements, but on a transmission component from which the spring force acts on the 1st group of clamping elements and the 2nd group of clamping elements Group of further clamping elements is transferred.
  • At least some and preferably all clamping elements and also at least some and preferably all further clamping elements are each pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing with a defined pivot axis. This ensures a defined pivoting movement of the clamping elements or the further clamping elements and thus defined clamping forces on the tube.
  • the convex contour of the clamping surface is formed by a section of an involute of a circle in relation to the pivot axis.
  • a trough-shaped depression is formed on the clamping surface.
  • the trough-shaped depression preferably extends from the upper end of the clamping surface to its lower end and can be adapted to the contour of the outer surface of the tube to be clamped.
  • the trough-shaped recess has, at least in sections, a cross-section that is concave in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle and thus in the direction of the tube, which in a preferred embodiment is designed as a circular arc-shaped cross-section.
  • the cross section of the trough-shaped depression changes continuously at least in sections and preferably over its entire length. This makes it possible to clamp tubes of different diameters not only at points, but also over a circumferential section or circular arc of the tube diameter.
  • the clamping element is only slightly displaced radially outward, so that the tube comes into contact with the clamping surface in a central or, in particular, lower region.
  • the trough-shaped depression is provided with a cross-section which in sections corresponds to the outer contour of the tube.
  • the clamping element When a tube with a relatively large diameter is inserted into the tube receptacle, the clamping element is pivoted through a greater distance, so that an upper region of the clamping surface of the clamping element is connected to the outer wall of the tube comes into plant.
  • the cross section of the trough-shaped depression is adapted to the outer contour of the tube to be received.
  • adjacent clamping elements of the 1st group of clamping elements are each connected to one another.
  • the tensioning elements of the 1st group of tensioning elements are thus coupled with regard to their movement and, in particular, are movement-synchronized.
  • the further tensioning elements can resemble the tensioning elements lying above with regard to their shape and / or with regard to their structural design, ie in particular also one that can be brought into contact with the outer wall of the tube
  • Have clamping surface which at least in sections has a contour that is convex in the direction of the tube and curved about a horizontal axis and preferably also has a trough-shaped depression with the aforementioned configuration.
  • At least one of the lower further tensioning elements is connected via a connecting part to the tensioning element located above and, in particular, is movement-synchronized with it.
  • the connecting part can be, for example, a pendulum rod, i.e. a rod which is articulated on both sides and which is articulated to the upper clamping element and the lower further clamping element.
  • a four-bar linkage is formed with the pivot axes of the clamping elements, by means of which a movement of the upper clamping element is transmitted to the lower further clamping element.
  • each upper tensioning element of the 1st group of tensioning elements is connected to the associated, underlying further tensioning element of the 2nd group of tensioning elements, for which purpose, for example, a large number of connecting parts can be provided.
  • a common spring element is provided for the 1st group of clamping elements and for the 2nd group of further clamping elements, this can act on the connecting part or the connecting parts, for example.
  • the connecting part also connects adjacent upper clamping elements of the 1st group of clamping elements and / or adjacent lower further clamping elements of the 2nd group of further clamping elements to one another.
  • the connecting part is preferably H-shaped, with an upper clamping element arranged between the two upper legs of the H-shape and in particular pivotably mounted and wherein a lower further clamping element and in particular pivotably mounted can be arranged between the two lower vertical legs.
  • the horizontal leg of the H-shape preferably protrudes in opposite directions and each engages with a corresponding horizontal leg of an adjacent H-shape connecting part. In this way, the connecting part with an H-shape connects two clamping elements lying one above the other and is in engagement with the adjacent connecting parts with an H-shape via the horizontal legs.
  • a tube holder 10 has a housing 11, which is preferably made of plastic and has an upwardly opening tube holder 12 in its interior, which resembles a tube T to be received (see FIG Figure 2 ) is adjusted.
  • a longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle 12 runs essentially vertically.
  • a 1st group of clamping elements 14 is arranged in the upper region of the tube holder 12, which are distributed over the circumference of the tube holder 12 and are arranged at a common axial height of the longitudinal center axis L. Since the clamping elements 14 are all designed in the same way, only one of the clamping elements 14 is explained below. The same then applies to the other clamping elements 14.
  • the clamping element 14 is mounted in a pivot bearing 20 in the housing 11 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 18. All tensioning elements 14 are pretensioned in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L by means of a common spring element 16, which is formed by an annular spring. The spring element 16 engages the clamping element 14 at a relatively small distance a of approx. 3 mm to 5 mm from the pivot axis 18 (see FIG Figure 2 ).
  • the 1st group of swivel elements 14 there is a similar 2nd group of further swivel elements 14a, which in terms of construction corresponds to the 1st group of swivel elements 14 and comprises several similar swivel elements 14a that extend over the circumference of the tube holder 12 are arranged distributed.
  • the further swivel elements 14a are under the action of a further spring element 16a, which is also designed as an annular spring and acts on the further swivel elements 14a in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle 12.
  • Each of the upper clamping elements 14 is connected to one of the lower further clamping elements 14a located axially below it via a connecting part 19, which will be discussed in detail later. All further clamping elements 14a have the same structural design and correspond to the clamping elements 14 in terms of their structural design.
  • the clamping element 14 is block-shaped and around the horizontal Pivot axis 18 can be pivoted, as indicated by the double arrow S.
  • the clamping element 14 is penetrated by the spring element 16 and, on its side facing the longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle 12, has a clamping surface 15 which can be brought into contact with an outer wall of the tube T.
  • the clamping surface 15 has a contour that is convex in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L and curved about a horizontal axis.
  • the convex contour of the clamping surface 15 can be formed by a section of an involute of a circle in relation to the pivot axis 18.
  • a trough-shaped recess 17 is formed on the clamping surface 15, which extends in the vertical longitudinal direction of the clamping surface 15 and has a cross-section which is concave in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L and in particular a circular arc-shaped cross-section.
  • the cross section of the trough-shaped recess 17 is smaller at the lower end of the clamping surface 15 than at its upper end and changes continuously in the longitudinal direction of the clamping surface 15.
  • Figure 4 several semicircles are shown schematically, each symbolizing the cross section of tubes of different diameters. Due to the continuously changing, circular arc-shaped cross-section of the recess 17, the clamping surface can rest over a large area on tubes of different diameters.
  • the convex contour of the clamping surface is preferably formed by a section of an involute of a circle in relation to the pivot axis 18, as is symbolically shown in FIG Figure 5 is shown. This has the consequence that for each point of the involute of a circle there is a normal N to a tangent T running through the point at the same distance A from the pivot axis 18 runs. This has the result that the clamping point at which the clamping surface 15 (theoretically, mathematically) comes into contact with the outer surface of the tube T is at the same distance from the pivot axis 18 regardless of the diameter of the tube T.
  • FIG. 6 shows, one of the clamping elements 14 and the associated, further clamping element 14a arranged below are connected to one another via a connecting part 19 and movement-synchronized, that is, when the upper clamping element 14 pivots by an angle ⁇ , this pivoting movement is transmitted via the connecting part 19 to the lower further clamping element 14a transmitted, which pivots through a corresponding angle ⁇ .
  • the connecting part 19 is articulated both on the upper tensioning element 14 and also on the lower further tensioning element 14a, so that, from a kinematic point of view, a four-bar linkage is formed, as is the case on the right-hand side of FIG Figure 6 is shown schematically.
  • the connecting part 19 is in Fig. 7 shown.
  • the connecting part 19 has an H-shaped configuration with two spaced apart vertical legs 19a. Between the upwardly pointing sections of the legs 19a of the connecting part 19 one of the tensioning elements 14 is articulated and between the downwardly pointing sections of the legs 19a one of the lower further tensioning elements 14a is articulated.
  • Each connecting part 19 has a horizontal central leg 19b with horizontal projections protruding on opposite sides, via which adjacent connecting parts 19 are in engagement with one another.
  • One of Projections is designed as a fork (see Fig. 7 , right side), while the projection formed on the opposite side is designed as an engaging part that can be inserted into the fork.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Tubenhalter für eine Tubenfüllmaschine, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a tube holder for a tube filling machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine Tubenfüllmaschine weist üblicherweise eine endlos umlaufende Fördervorrichtung auf, die eine Vielzahl von Aufnahmen trägt, in die jeweils ein Tubenhalter eingesetzt ist. In jeden Tubenhalter kann von oben eine Tube mit ihrem Kopf- oder Kappenabschnitt eingesetzt werden, wobei die Tube zusammen mit dem Tubenhalter die einzelnen Arbeitsstationen der Tubenfüllmaschine durchläuft. In einigen Arbeitsstationen, beispielsweise in der Füllstation und in der Verschließstation, kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Tube mit ihrem Tubenhalter aus der Aufnahme angehoben und in die jeweilige Arbeitsstation eingeführt wird. Nach Beendigung des Arbeitsschrittes wird die Tube mit ihrem Tubenhalter wieder in die Aufnahme abgesenkt. In einer Entnahmestation wird die gefüllte und geschlossene Tube aus dem Tubenhalter entnommen und abtransportiert.A tube filling machine usually has an endlessly revolving conveyor device which carries a plurality of receptacles, in each of which a tube holder is inserted. A tube with its head or cap section can be inserted into each tube holder from above, the tube passing through the individual work stations of the tube filling machine together with the tube holder. In some work stations, for example in the filling station and in the closing station, it can be provided that the tube with its tube holder is lifted out of the receptacle and inserted into the respective work station. After completing the work step, the tube with its tube holder is lowered back into the holder. In a removal station, the filled and closed tube is removed from the tube holder and transported away.

Tubenhalter sind in verschiedenen Ausgestaltungen bekannt. Insbesondere weist ein Tubenhalter ein Gehäuse mit einer nach oben öffnenden Tubenaufnahme auf, in die eine Tube, die vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff oder Metall besteht, mit ihrem Kopf- oder Kappenabschnitt eingesetzt wird. In der Tubenaufnahme sind mehrere Spannelemente angeordnet, die über den Umfang der Tubenwandung verteilt sind und jeweils unter Wirkung eines Federelementes stehen. Jedes Spannelement ist senkrecht zur Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme verstellbar und wird von dem Federelement radial nach innen in Richtung der Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme beaufschlagt. Wenn eine Tube in die Tubenaufnahme eingeführt wird, drückt die Tube die Spannelemente entgegen der jeweiligen Federkraft radial nach außen. Infolge der Reaktionskraft werden die Spannelemente radial von außen gegen die Außenwandung der Tube gedrückt, wodurch die Tube in der Tubenaufnahme festgeklemmt wird.Tube holders are known in various designs. In particular, a tube holder has a housing with an upwardly opening tube holder into which a tube, which is preferably made of plastic or metal, is inserted with its head or cap section. Several clamping elements are arranged in the tube receptacle, which are distributed over the circumference of the tube wall and are each under the action of a spring element. Each clamping element can be adjusted perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle and is urged radially inward by the spring element in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle. When a tube is inserted into the tube receptacle, the tube presses the clamping elements radially outwards against the respective spring force. As a result of the reaction force, the clamping elements are pressed radially from the outside against the outer wall of the tube, whereby the tube is clamped in the tube holder.

Die hier verwendeten Bezeichnungen "oben" und "unten" beziehen sich auf die übliche Ausrichtung eines Tubenhalters mit einer nach oben öffnenden Tubenaufnahme, in die die Tube mit ihrem Kopf- oder Kappenabschnitt von oben eingesetzt werden kann, so dass die Tube mit ihrem zu verschließenden Ende oberseitig aus dem Tubenhalter hervorsteht. Bei einer derartigen Ausrichtung des Tubenhalters erstreckt sich die Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme vertikal. Die hier verwendete Bezeichnung "axial" bezieht sich auf die vertikale Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme. Eine radiale Verlagerung der Spannelemente erfolgt senkrecht dazu und somit im wesentlichen horizontal. Die Erfindung ist jedoch auf eine entsprechende Ausrichtung des Tubenhalters und/oder der Tubenaufnahme nicht beschränkt.The terms "top" and "bottom" used here relate to the usual alignment of a tube holder with an upward-opening tube holder into which the tube with its head or cap section can be inserted from above, so that the tube with its to be closed The end protrudes from the tube holder at the top. With such an alignment of the tube holder, the longitudinal center axis of the tube holder extends vertically. The term "axial" used here refers to the vertical longitudinal center axis of the tube holder. A radial displacement of the clamping elements takes place perpendicular thereto and thus essentially horizontally. However, the invention is not limited to a corresponding alignment of the tube holder and / or the tube holder.

Aus der DE 10 2006 055 854 A1 ist ein Tubenhalter bekannt, bei dem die Spannelemente jeweils in einem Schwenklager um eine sich horizontal erstreckende Schwenkachse schwenkbar gelagert sind. Auf diese Weise ist eine definierte Schwenkbewegung der Spannelemente gegeben. Mittels des bekannten Tubenhalters werden die Tuben kraftschlüssig gehalten. Beim Einführen der Tuben in den Tubenhalter werden die Spannelemente entgegen der Federkraft verdrängt, wodurch sie auf die Tube eine Spannkraft und somit eine erhöhte Reibungskraft ausüben. Bei der Entnahme der Tube wird diese nach oben aus dem Tubenhalter herausgezogen, wodurch die Spannelemente infolge der Federkraft wieder in ihre Ausgangsposition zurückkehren.From the DE 10 2006 055 854 A1 a tube holder is known in which the clamping elements are each pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing about a horizontally extending pivot axis. In this way, a defined pivoting movement of the clamping elements is given. The tubes are held positively by means of the known tube holder. When the tubes are inserted into the tube holder, the tensioning elements are displaced against the spring force, whereby they exert a tensioning force on the tube and thus an increased frictional force. When the tube is removed, it is pulled upwards out of the tube holder, whereby the tensioning elements return to their starting position as a result of the spring force.

Dabei ist jedoch der Nachteil gegeben, dass für jede Tubenform und -größe ein separater Tubenhalter notwendig ist. Sollten die Maßtoleranzen der Tube zu groß sein, kann dies bei dem bekannten Tubenhalter zu Problemen führen, da der Tuben-Durchmesser-Bereich, für den eine gute Halterung erreichbar ist, nur wenige Zehntel-Millimeter um das Sollmaß des Tuben-Durchmessers herumliegt. Aus diesem Grunde ist die Konstruktion des bekannten Tubenhalters technisch sehr anspruchsvoll. Selbst bei Mustertuben, für die der Konstrukteur den Tubenhalter dimensioniert, sind die genauen Toleranzen und Maße häufig nicht bekannt, so dass es passieren kann, dass die gefertigten Tubenhalter noch einmal nachbearbeitet werden müssen. Dies ist zeitaufwendig und kostenintensiv.However, this has the disadvantage that a separate tube holder is necessary for each tube shape and size. If the dimensional tolerances of the tube are too great, this can lead to problems with the known tube holder, since the tube diameter range for which a good holder can be achieved is only a few tenths of a millimeter around the nominal size of the tube diameter. For this reason, the construction of the known tube holder is technically very demanding. Even in the case of sample tubes for which the designer dimensioned the tube holder, the exact tolerances and dimensions are often not known, so that the manufactured tube holder may have to be reworked. This is time consuming and costly.

Aus der DE 12 75 438 A ist ein Tubenhalter bekannt, bei dem über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme abwechselnd nach oben frei auskragende Finger und nach unten frei auskragende Finger angeordnet sind, die unter Wirkung von radial nach innen wirkenden Federelementen stehen. Aufgrund der frei auskragenden Finger ist für diese keine definierte Schwenkbewegung und insbesondere keine definierte Schwenkachse vorhanden, so dass keine exakt gleichen Bewegungen der Spannelemente gegeben sind.From the DE 12 75 438 A a tube holder is known in which over the circumference of the tube holder alternately upwardly freely cantilevered fingers and downwardly freely cantilevered fingers are arranged, which act radially to internally acting spring elements. Because of the freely protruding fingers, there is no defined pivoting movement for them and, in particular, no defined pivoting axis, so that the clamping elements do not have exactly the same movements.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Tubenhalter der genannten Art zu schaffen, mit dem Tuben unterschiedlicher Durchmesser sicher und zuverlässig gehalten werden können.The invention is based on the object of creating a tube holder of the type mentioned, with which tubes of different diameters can be held securely and reliably.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch einen Tubenhalter mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Dabei ist vorgesehen, dass unterhalb der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen in einem axialen Abstand weitere Spannelemente angeordnet sind, die über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme verteilt angeordnet sind und eine 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen bilden und die jeweils mit einer Spannfläche mit der Außenwandung der Tube in Anlage bringbar sind und mit denen unter Wirkung des Federelementes und/oder zumindest eines weiteren Federelementes eine radial von außen auf die eingesetzte Tube wirkende Spannkraft aufbringbar ist, wobei die weiteren Spannelemente jeweils in einem Schwenklager um eine sich horizontal erstreckenden Schwenkachse schwenkbar gelagert sind. Dabei weist die Spannfläche der Spannelemente und der weiteren Spannelemente zumindest abschnittsweise eine in Richtung einer Längsmittelachse L der Tubenaufnahme konvexe, um eine horizontale Achse gekrümmte Kontur auf.This object is achieved according to the invention by a tube holder with the features of claim 1. It is provided that below the 1st group of clamping elements further clamping elements are arranged at an axial distance, which are arranged distributed over the circumference of the tube holder and form a 2nd group of further clamping elements and each with a clamping surface with the outer wall of the tube can be brought into contact and with which, under the action of the spring element and / or at least one further spring element, a clamping force acting radially from the outside on the inserted tube can be applied, the further clamping elements each being pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing about a horizontally extending pivot axis. In this case, the clamping surface of the clamping elements and the further clamping elements has, at least in sections, a contour that is convex in the direction of a longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle and curved about a horizontal axis.

Die der Tube zugewandte Spannfläche des Spannelementes besitzt zumindest abschnittsweise eine konvexe Krümmung, wobei die Krümmung sich vorzugsweise von ihrem oberen Ende zum unteren Ende erstreckt. Aufgrund der konvexen, gekrümmten Kontur der Spannfläche ist einerseits das Einführen der Tube erleichtert und andererseits erfolgt durch die Schwenkung des Spannelementes eine automatische Anpassung an den Durchmesser der aufzunehmenden Tube.The clamping surface of the clamping element facing the tube has at least some sections of a convex curvature, the curvature preferably extending from its upper end to the lower end. Because of the convex, curved On the one hand, the contour of the clamping surface facilitates the insertion of the tube and, on the other hand, the pivoting of the clamping element automatically adapts to the diameter of the tube to be picked up.

Um eine sichere Halterung der Tube innerhalb des Tubenhalters zu gewährleisten, sind mehrere Spannelemente über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme und somit über den Umfang der Tube vorzugsweise gleichmäßig verteilt angeordnet sein. Es hat sich als sinnvoll erwiesen, zumindest zwei Spannelemente und insbesondere 4, 5 oder 6 Spannelemente für den Tubenhalter vorzusehen.In order to ensure that the tube is securely held within the tube holder, several clamping elements are arranged, preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the tube holder and thus over the circumference of the tube. It has proven to be useful to provide at least two clamping elements and in particular 4, 5 or 6 clamping elements for the tube holder.

Vorzugsweise sollten die mehreren Spannelemente in gleicher axialer Position der Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme angeordnet sein, d.h. in Richtung der Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme keinen Versatz aufweisen. Die über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme verteilt angeordneten Spannelemente bilden die 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen. Die Spannelemente der 1. Gruppe können jeweils durch ein eigenes Federelement beaufschlagt sein, in bevorzugter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist jedoch vorgesehen, dass alle Spannelemente der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen durch ein gemeinsames Federelement, beispielsweise eine Ringfeder beaufschlagt sind, die entweder unmittelbar an den Spannelementen angreift oder unter Zwischenschaltung zumindest eines Bauteils mittelbar an den Spannelementen angreift.The several clamping elements should preferably be arranged in the same axial position of the longitudinal center axis of the tube holder, i.e. should not be offset in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the tube holder. The clamping elements distributed over the circumference of the tube holder form the 1st group of clamping elements. The clamping elements of the 1st group can each be acted upon by their own spring element, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that all clamping elements of the 1st group of clamping elements are acted upon by a common spring element, for example an annular spring, either directly on the clamping elements engages or indirectly engages the clamping elements with the interposition of at least one component.

Erfindungsgemäß sind unterhalb der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen in einem axialen Abstand die weiteren Spannelemente angeordnet. Vorzugsweise sollten mehrere weitere Spannelemente über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme und somit der Tube verteilt angeordnet sein, wobei vorzugsweise jedem oberen Spannelement ein unteres weiteres Spannelement zugeordnet ist.According to the invention, the further clamping elements are arranged below the 1st group of clamping elements at an axial distance. A plurality of further clamping elements should preferably be arranged distributed over the circumference of the tube receptacle and thus the tube, preferably each of the upper ones Clamping element is assigned a lower further clamping element.

Die mehreren weiteren Spannelemente sind vorzugweise in gleicher axialer Position der Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme angeordnet und bilden die 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen.The several further clamping elements are preferably arranged in the same axial position of the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle and form the 2nd group of further clamping elements.

Die weiteren Spannelemente stehen unter Wirkung des Federelementes und/oder zumindest eines weiteren Federelementes. Bei dem Federelement und dem weiteren Federelement kann es sich jeweils um eine Ringfeder handeln. Für die weiteren Spannelemente kann jeweils ein eigenes Federelement vorgesehen sein, alternativ ist es jedoch auch möglich, dass allen weiteren Spannelementen der 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen ein gemeinsames weiteres Federelement insbesondere in Form einer Ringfeder zugeordnet ist. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen und der 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen ein einziges gemeinsames Federelement insbesondere in Form einer Ringfeder zuzuordnen. Das gemeinsame Federelement kann unmittelbar an der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen angreifen und seine Wirkung wird mittelbar auf die 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen aufgebracht, alternativ ist es jedoch auch möglich, dass das gemeinsame Federelement an der 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen unmittelbar angreift und dass seine Wirkung mittelbar auf die 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen aufgebracht wird. Alternativ ist es möglich, dass das gemeinsame Federelement weder unmittelbar an der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen noch unmittelbar an der 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen, sondern an einem Übertragungsbauteil angreift, von dem aus die Federkraft auf die 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen und die 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen übertragen wird.The further tensioning elements are under the action of the spring element and / or at least one further spring element. The spring element and the further spring element can each be an annular spring. A separate spring element can be provided for each of the further tensioning elements, but alternatively it is also possible that a common further spring element, in particular in the form of an annular spring, is assigned to all further tensioning elements of the 2nd group of further tensioning elements. However, it can also be provided to assign a single common spring element, in particular in the form of an annular spring, to the 1st group of clamping elements and the 2nd group of further clamping elements. The common spring element can attack directly on the 1st group of clamping elements and its effect is applied indirectly to the 2nd group of further clamping elements, but alternatively it is also possible that the common spring element acts directly on the 2nd group of further clamping elements and that its effect is indirect is applied to the 1st group of clamping elements. Alternatively, it is possible that the common spring element acts neither directly on the 1st group of clamping elements nor directly on the 2nd group of further clamping elements, but on a transmission component from which the spring force acts on the 1st group of clamping elements and the 2nd group of clamping elements Group of further clamping elements is transferred.

Zumindest einige und vorzugsweise alle Spannelemente und auch zumindest einige und vorzugsweise alle weiteren Spannelemente sind jeweils in einem Schwenklager mit definierter Schwenkachse schwenkbar gelagert. Dies stellt eine definierte Schwenkbewegung der Spannelemente bzw. der weiteren Spannelemente und somit definierte Spannkräfte an der Tube sicher.At least some and preferably all clamping elements and also at least some and preferably all further clamping elements are each pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing with a defined pivot axis. This ensures a defined pivoting movement of the clamping elements or the further clamping elements and thus defined clamping forces on the tube.

In bevorzugter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die konvexe Kontur der Spannfläche von einem Abschnitt einer Kreisevolventen bezogen auf die Schwenkachse gebildet ist. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung kann erreicht werden, dass der Anlagepunkt der Spannfläche des Spannelementes an der Außenoberfläche der Tube auch für Tuben unterschiedlicher Durchmesser den gleichen axialen Abstand von der Schwenkachse aufweist. Auf diese Weise sind auch für Tuben unterschiedlicher Durchmesser definierte Spannbedingungen gegeben.In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the convex contour of the clamping surface is formed by a section of an involute of a circle in relation to the pivot axis. With this embodiment it can be achieved that the contact point of the clamping surface of the clamping element on the outer surface of the tube has the same axial distance from the pivot axis, even for tubes of different diameters. In this way, defined clamping conditions are also given for tubes of different diameters.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass auf der Spannfläche eine muldenförmige Vertiefung ausgebildet ist. Die muldenförmige Vertiefung erstreckt sich vorzugsweise vom oberen Ende der Spannfläche zu deren unterem Ende und kann an die Kontur der Außenoberfläche der festzuspannenden Tube angepasst sein. Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass die muldenförmige Ausnehmung zumindest abschnittsweise eine in Richtung der Längsmittelachse der Tubenaufnahme und somit in Richtung der Tube konkaven Querschnitt aufweist, der in bevorzugter Ausgestaltung als kreisbogenförmiger Querschnitt ausgestaltet ist.In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a trough-shaped depression is formed on the clamping surface. The trough-shaped depression preferably extends from the upper end of the clamping surface to its lower end and can be adapted to the contour of the outer surface of the tube to be clamped. In particular, it can be provided that the trough-shaped recess has, at least in sections, a cross-section that is concave in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the tube receptacle and thus in the direction of the tube, which in a preferred embodiment is designed as a circular arc-shaped cross-section.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass sich der Querschnitt der muldenförmigen Vertiefung zumindest abschnittsweise und vorzugsweise über ihre gesamte Länge kontinuierlich ändert. Dies ermöglicht es, auch Tuben unterschiedlichen Durchmessers nicht nur punktuell, sondern über einen Umfangsabschnitt bzw. Kreisbogen des Tubendurchmessers zu spannen.In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the cross section of the trough-shaped depression changes continuously at least in sections and preferably over its entire length. This makes it possible to clamp tubes of different diameters not only at points, but also over a circumferential section or circular arc of the tube diameter.

Wenn eine Tube mit relativ kleinem Tubendurchmesser in die Tubenaufnahme eingesetzt wird, wird das Spannelement nur geringfügig radial nach außen verdrängt, so dass die Tube in einem mittleren oder insbesondere unteren Bereich der Spannfläche mit dieser in Anlage kommt. In diesem Bereich der Spannfläche ist die muldenförmige Vertiefung mit einem Querschnitt versehen, der abschnittsweise der Außenkontur der Tube entspricht.If a tube with a relatively small tube diameter is inserted into the tube receptacle, the clamping element is only slightly displaced radially outward, so that the tube comes into contact with the clamping surface in a central or, in particular, lower region. In this area of the clamping surface, the trough-shaped depression is provided with a cross-section which in sections corresponds to the outer contour of the tube.

Wenn eine Tube mit einem relativ großen Durchmesser in die Tubenaufnahme eingesetzt wird, wird das Spannelement um einen größeren Weg geschwenkt, so dass ein oberer Bereich der Spannfläche des Spannelementes mit der Außenwandung der Tube in Anlage kommt. Auch in diesem Bereich ist der Querschnitt der muldenförmigen Vertiefung an die Außenkontur der aufzunehmenden Tube angepasst. Durch einen kontinuierliche Änderung des Querschnitts der muldenförmigen Vertiefungen kann erreicht werden, dass jede Tube unabhängig von ihrem Durchmesser bzw. ihrer Größe über einen Kreisbogen ihres Querschnitts von dem Spannelement mit der Spannkraft beaufschlagt wird.When a tube with a relatively large diameter is inserted into the tube receptacle, the clamping element is pivoted through a greater distance, so that an upper region of the clamping surface of the clamping element is connected to the outer wall of the tube comes into plant. In this area too, the cross section of the trough-shaped depression is adapted to the outer contour of the tube to be received. By continuously changing the cross-section of the trough-shaped depressions, it can be achieved that each tube, regardless of its diameter or size, is acted upon by the clamping element with the clamping force over an arc of its cross-section.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Kraft des Federelementes und/oder des weiteren Federelementes oder eines gemeinsamen Federelementes in einem Abstand a von der Schwenkachse an dem Spannelement bzw. den Spannelementen angreift, wobei a<=10mm ist. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass a<=8mm und insbesondere a<=5mm ist. Da das Federelement vorzugsweise relativ nahe an der Schwenkachse des Spannelementes liegt, ist die Änderung der Federkraft bei der Schwenkung des Spannelementes relativ gering. Auf diese Weise kann erreicht werden, dass die Spannkräfte, mit denen Tuben unterschiedlichen Durchmessers in der Tubenaufnahme festgespannt werden, nur in geringem Maß voneinander abweichen.In a further development of the invention it is provided that the force of the spring element and / or the further spring element or a common spring element acts on the clamping element or elements at a distance a from the pivot axis, where a <= 10mm. It is preferably provided that a <= 8mm and in particular a <= 5mm. Since the spring element is preferably located relatively close to the pivot axis of the tensioning element, the change in the spring force when the tensioning element is pivoted is relatively small. In this way it can be achieved that the clamping forces with which tubes of different diameters are clamped in the tube holder differ from one another only to a small extent.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass benachbarte Spannelemente der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen jeweils miteinander verbunden sind. Die Spannelemente der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen sind somit hinsichtlich ihrer Bewegung gekoppelt und insbesondere bewegungssynchronisiert.In a further development of the invention, it is provided that adjacent clamping elements of the 1st group of clamping elements are each connected to one another. The tensioning elements of the 1st group of tensioning elements are thus coupled with regard to their movement and, in particular, are movement-synchronized.

Die weiteren Spannelemente können hinsichtlich der Form und/oder hinsichtlich der konstruktiven Ausgestaltung den darüber liegenden Spannelementen gleichen, d.h. insbesondere auch eine mit der Außenwandung der Tube in Anlage bringbare Spannfläche aufweisen, die zumindest abschnittsweise eine in Richtung der Tube konvexe, um eine horizontale Achse gekrümmte Kontur aufweist und vorzugsweise auch eine muldenförmige Vertiefung mit der vorgenannten Ausgestaltung besitzt.The further tensioning elements can resemble the tensioning elements lying above with regard to their shape and / or with regard to their structural design, ie in particular also one that can be brought into contact with the outer wall of the tube Have clamping surface which at least in sections has a contour that is convex in the direction of the tube and curved about a horizontal axis and preferably also has a trough-shaped depression with the aforementioned configuration.

In bevorzugter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass zumindest eines der unteren weiteren Spannelemente über ein Verbindungsteil mit dem darüber liegenden Spannelement verbunden und insbesondere mit diesem bewegungssynchronisiert ist. Bei dem Verbindungsteil kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Pendelstab, d.h. einen beidseitig gelenkig gelagerten Stab handeln, der an dem oberen Spannelement und dem unteren weiteren Spannelement gelenkig angeschlossen ist. Auf diese Weise ist mit den Schwenkachsen der Spannelemente ein Viergelenkgetriebe gebildet, mittels dessen eine Bewegung des oberen Spannelementes auf das untere weitere Spannelement übertragen wird. Vorzugsweise ist jedes obere Spannelement der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen mit dem zugeordneten, darunterliegenden weiteren Spannelement der 2. Gruppe von Spannelementen verbunden, wofür beispielsweise eine Vielzahl von Verbindungsteilen vorgesehen sein können.In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least one of the lower further tensioning elements is connected via a connecting part to the tensioning element located above and, in particular, is movement-synchronized with it. The connecting part can be, for example, a pendulum rod, i.e. a rod which is articulated on both sides and which is articulated to the upper clamping element and the lower further clamping element. In this way, a four-bar linkage is formed with the pivot axes of the clamping elements, by means of which a movement of the upper clamping element is transmitted to the lower further clamping element. Preferably, each upper tensioning element of the 1st group of tensioning elements is connected to the associated, underlying further tensioning element of the 2nd group of tensioning elements, for which purpose, for example, a large number of connecting parts can be provided.

Wenn für die 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen und für die 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen ein gemeinsames Federelement vorgesehen ist, kann dieses beispielsweise an dem Verbindungsteil oder den Verbindungsteilen angreifen.If a common spring element is provided for the 1st group of clamping elements and for the 2nd group of further clamping elements, this can act on the connecting part or the connecting parts, for example.

Auch für die 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen kann vorgesehen sein, dass benachbarte weitere Spannelemente jeweils miteinander verbunden und dadurch bewegungssynchronisiert sind.For the second group of further clamping elements, it can also be provided that adjacent further clamping elements are each connected to one another and are thereby synchronized with respect to movement.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das Verbindungsteil auch benachbarte obere Spannelemente der 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen und/oder benachbarte untere weitere Spannelemente der 2. Gruppe von weiteren Spannelementen miteinander verbindet. Das Verbindungsteil ist vorzugsweise H-förmig ausgestaltet, wobei zwischen den beiden oberen Schenkeln der H-Form ein oberes Spannelement angeordnet und insbesondere schwenkbar gelagert sein kann und wobei zwischen den beiden unteren vertikalen Schenkeln ein unteres weiteres Spannelement und insbesondere schwenkbar gelagert angeordnet sein kann. Der horizontale Schenkel der H-Form steht vorzugsweise in entgegengesetzten Richtungen hervor und steht jeweils mit einem entsprechenden horizontalen Schenkel eines benachbarten Verbindungsteils mit H-Form in Eingriff. Auf diese Weise verbindet das Verbindungsteil mit H-Form zwei übereinanderliegende Spannelemente miteinander und steht mit den benachbarten Verbindungsteilen mit H-Form über die horizontalen Schenkel in Eingriff.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the connecting part also connects adjacent upper clamping elements of the 1st group of clamping elements and / or adjacent lower further clamping elements of the 2nd group of further clamping elements to one another. The connecting part is preferably H-shaped, with an upper clamping element arranged between the two upper legs of the H-shape and in particular pivotably mounted and wherein a lower further clamping element and in particular pivotably mounted can be arranged between the two lower vertical legs. The horizontal leg of the H-shape preferably protrudes in opposite directions and each engages with a corresponding horizontal leg of an adjacent H-shape connecting part. In this way, the connecting part with an H-shape connects two clamping elements lying one above the other and is in engagement with the adjacent connecting parts with an H-shape via the horizontal legs.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Merkmale der Erfindung sind aus der folgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung ersichtlich. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Tubenhalters,
Fig. 2
einen Längsschnitt durch den Tubenhalter gemäß Figur 1 mit einer eingesetzten Tube relativ geringen Durchmessers,
Fig. 3
einen Längsschnitt durch den Tubenhalter gemäß Figur 1 mit einer eingesetzten Tube relativ großer Durchmessers,
Fig. 4
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Spannelementes,
Fig. 5
eine schematische Seitenansicht des Spannelementes,
Fig. 6
die Kopplung übereinander angeordneter Spannelement in Seitenansicht zusammen mit der zugrundeliegenden kinematischen Struktur und
Fig. 7
eine perspektivische Ansicht von zwei miteinander in Eingriff stehenden Verbindungsteilen.
Further details and features of the invention can be seen from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show it:
Fig. 1
a perspective view of the tube holder according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a longitudinal section through the tube holder according to Figure 1 with an inserted tube of relatively small diameter,
Fig. 3
a longitudinal section through the tube holder according to Figure 1 with an inserted tube of relatively large diameter,
Fig. 4
a perspective view of a clamping element,
Fig. 5
a schematic side view of the clamping element,
Fig. 6
the coupling of clamping elements arranged one above the other in side view together with the underlying kinematic structure and
Fig. 7
a perspective view of two interengaging connecting parts.

Gemäß Figur 1 weist ein Tubenhalter 10 ein Gehäuse 11 auf, das vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff besteht und in seinem Inneren eine nach oben öffnende Tubenaufnahme 12 besitzt, die an die Form einer aufzunehmenden Tube T (siehe Figur 2) angepasst ist. Eine Längsmittelachse L der Tubenaufnahme 12 verläuft im wesentlichen vertikal.According to Figure 1 a tube holder 10 has a housing 11, which is preferably made of plastic and has an upwardly opening tube holder 12 in its interior, which resembles a tube T to be received (see FIG Figure 2 ) is adjusted. A longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle 12 runs essentially vertically.

Im oberen Bereich der Tubenaufnahme 12 ist eine 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen 14 angeordnet, die über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme 12 verteilt sind und auf einer gemeinsamen axialen Höhe der Längsmittelachse L angeordnet sind. Da die Spannelemente 14 alle konstruktiv gleich ausgestaltet sind, wird im folgenden nur eines der Spannelemente 14 erläutert. Für die anderen Spannelemente 14 gilt dann Entsprechendes.A 1st group of clamping elements 14 is arranged in the upper region of the tube holder 12, which are distributed over the circumference of the tube holder 12 and are arranged at a common axial height of the longitudinal center axis L. Since the clamping elements 14 are all designed in the same way, only one of the clamping elements 14 is explained below. The same then applies to the other clamping elements 14.

Das Spannelement 14 ist in einem Schwenklager 20 um eine horizontale Schwenkachse 18 schwenkbar im Gehäuse 11 gelagert. Alle Spannelemente 14 sind mittels eines gemeinsamen Federelementes 16, das von einer Ringfeder gebildet ist, in Richtung der Längsmittelachse L vorgespannt. Das Federelement 16 greift dabei in einem relativ kleinen Abstand a von ca. 3mm bis 5mm von der Schwenkachse 18 an dem Spannelement 14 an (siehe Figur 2).The clamping element 14 is mounted in a pivot bearing 20 in the housing 11 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 18. All tensioning elements 14 are pretensioned in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L by means of a common spring element 16, which is formed by an annular spring. The spring element 16 engages the clamping element 14 at a relatively small distance a of approx. 3 mm to 5 mm from the pivot axis 18 (see FIG Figure 2 ).

In axialem Abstand unterhalb der 1. Gruppe von Schwenkelementen 14 ist eine gleichartige 2. Gruppe von weiteren Schwenkelementen 14a angeordnet, die in konstruktiver Hinsicht der 1. Gruppe von Schwenkelementen 14 entspricht und mehrere gleichartige weitere Schwenkelemente 14a umfasst, die über den Umfang der Tubenaufnahme 12 verteilt angeordnet sind. Die weiteren Schwenkelemente 14a stehen unter Wirkung eines weiteren Federelementes 16a, das ebenfalls als Ringfeder ausgestaltet ist und die weiteren Schwenkelemente 14a in Richtung der Längsmittelachse L der Tubenaufnahme 12 beaufschlagt.At an axial distance below the 1st group of swivel elements 14 there is a similar 2nd group of further swivel elements 14a, which in terms of construction corresponds to the 1st group of swivel elements 14 and comprises several similar swivel elements 14a that extend over the circumference of the tube holder 12 are arranged distributed. The further swivel elements 14a are under the action of a further spring element 16a, which is also designed as an annular spring and acts on the further swivel elements 14a in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle 12.

Jedes der oberen Spannelemente 14 ist mit einem der in axialem Abstand darunterliegenden unteren weiteren Spannelemente 14a über ein Verbindungsteil 19 verbunden, worauf später im Detail eingegangen wird. Alle weiteren Spannelemente 14a weisen den gleichen konstruktive Aufbau auf und entsprechen in ihrem konstruktiven Aufbau den Spannelementen 14.Each of the upper clamping elements 14 is connected to one of the lower further clamping elements 14a located axially below it via a connecting part 19, which will be discussed in detail later. All further clamping elements 14a have the same structural design and correspond to the clamping elements 14 in terms of their structural design.

In Figur 4 ist eines der Spannelemente 14 dargestellt und soll im Folgenden erläutert werden. Diese Erläuterungen gelten für die weiteren Spannelemente 14a entsprechend. Das Spannelement 14 ist blockförmig ausgestaltet und um die horizontale Schwenkachse 18 schwenkbar, wie es durch den Doppelpfeil S angedeutet ist. Das Spannelement 14 ist von dem Federelement 16 durchdrungen und weist an seiner der Längsmittelachse L der Tubenaufnahme 12 zugewandten Seite eine Spannfläche 15 auf, die mit einer Außenwandung der Tube T in Anlage gebracht werden kann. Die Spannfläche 15 weist eine in Richtung der Längsmittelachse L konvexe, um eine horizontale Achse gekrümmte Kontur auf. Die konvexe Kontur der Spannfläche 15 kann von einem Abschnitt einer Kreisevolventen bezogen auf die Schwenkachse 18 gebildet sein.In Figure 4 one of the clamping elements 14 is shown and will be explained below. These explanations apply accordingly to the further clamping elements 14a. The clamping element 14 is block-shaped and around the horizontal Pivot axis 18 can be pivoted, as indicated by the double arrow S. The clamping element 14 is penetrated by the spring element 16 and, on its side facing the longitudinal center axis L of the tube receptacle 12, has a clamping surface 15 which can be brought into contact with an outer wall of the tube T. The clamping surface 15 has a contour that is convex in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L and curved about a horizontal axis. The convex contour of the clamping surface 15 can be formed by a section of an involute of a circle in relation to the pivot axis 18.

Auf der Spannfläche 15 ist eine muldenförmige Vertiefung 17 ausgebildet, die sich in vertikaler Längsrichtung der Spannfläche 15 erstreckt und einen in Richtung der Längsmittelachse L konkaven Querschnitt und insbesondere kreisbogenförmigen Querschnitt aufweist.A trough-shaped recess 17 is formed on the clamping surface 15, which extends in the vertical longitudinal direction of the clamping surface 15 and has a cross-section which is concave in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L and in particular a circular arc-shaped cross-section.

Der Querschnitt der muldenförmigen Vertiefung 17 ist am unteren Ende der Spannfläche 15 geringer als an ihrem oberen Ende und ändert sich in Längsrichtung der Spannfläche 15 kontinuierlich. In Figur 4 sind schematisch mehrere Halbkreise dargestellt, die jeweils den Querschnitt von Tuben unterschiedlichen Durchmessers symbolisieren. Aufgrund des sich kontinuierlich ändernden, kreisbogenförmigen Querschnitts der Vertiefung 17 kann die Spannfläche an Tuben unterschiedlichen Durchmessers großflächig anliegen.The cross section of the trough-shaped recess 17 is smaller at the lower end of the clamping surface 15 than at its upper end and changes continuously in the longitudinal direction of the clamping surface 15. In Figure 4 several semicircles are shown schematically, each symbolizing the cross section of tubes of different diameters. Due to the continuously changing, circular arc-shaped cross-section of the recess 17, the clamping surface can rest over a large area on tubes of different diameters.

Vorzugsweise ist die konvexe Kontur der Spannfläche von einem Abschnitt einer Kreisevolventen bezogen auf die Schwenkachse 18 gebildet, wie es symbolisch in Figur 5 dargestellt ist. Dies hat zur Folge, dass für jeden Punkt der Kreisevolventen eine Normale N zu einer durch den Punkt verlaufenden Tangente T in gleichem Abstand A zur Schwenkachse 18 verläuft. Dies führt dazu, dass der Klemmpunkt, an dem die Spannfläche 15 (mathematisch theoretisch) mit der Außenoberfläche der Tube T in Anlage kommt, unabhängig von dem Durchmesser der Tube T den gleichen Abstand von der Schwenkachse 18 aufweist.The convex contour of the clamping surface is preferably formed by a section of an involute of a circle in relation to the pivot axis 18, as is symbolically shown in FIG Figure 5 is shown. This has the consequence that for each point of the involute of a circle there is a normal N to a tangent T running through the point at the same distance A from the pivot axis 18 runs. This has the result that the clamping point at which the clamping surface 15 (theoretically, mathematically) comes into contact with the outer surface of the tube T is at the same distance from the pivot axis 18 regardless of the diameter of the tube T.

Wie Fig. 6 zeigt, sind jeweils eines der Spannelemente 14 und das zugeordnete, darunter angeordnete weitere Spannelement 14a über ein Verbindungsteil 19 miteinander verbunden und bewegungssynchronisiert, d.h. wenn das obere Spannelement 14 um einen Winkel α schwenkt, wird diese Schwenkbewegung über das Verbindungsteil 19 auf das untere weitere Spannelement 14a übertragen, das um einen entsprechenden Winkel α schwenkt. Das Verbindungsteil 19 ist sowohl am oberen Spannelement 14 als auch am unteren weiteren Spannelement 14a gelenkig gelagert, so dass in kinematischer Hinsicht ein Viergelenkgetriebe gebildet ist, wie es auf der rechten Seite der Figur 6 schematisch dargestellt ist.As Fig. 6 shows, one of the clamping elements 14 and the associated, further clamping element 14a arranged below are connected to one another via a connecting part 19 and movement-synchronized, that is, when the upper clamping element 14 pivots by an angle α, this pivoting movement is transmitted via the connecting part 19 to the lower further clamping element 14a transmitted, which pivots through a corresponding angle α. The connecting part 19 is articulated both on the upper tensioning element 14 and also on the lower further tensioning element 14a, so that, from a kinematic point of view, a four-bar linkage is formed, as is the case on the right-hand side of FIG Figure 6 is shown schematically.

Das Verbindungsteil 19 ist in Fig. 7 dargestellt. Das Verbindungsteil 19 besitzt eine H-förmige Konfiguration mit zwei auf Abstand nebeneinander liegenden vertikalen Schenkeln 19a. Zwischen den nach oben weisenden Abschnitten der Schenkel 19a des Verbindungsteils 19 ist jeweils eines der Spannelemente 14 gelenkig gelagert und zwischen den nach unten weisenden Abschnitten der Schenkel 19a ist jeweils eines der unteren weiteren Spannelemente 14a gelenkig gelagert.The connecting part 19 is in Fig. 7 shown. The connecting part 19 has an H-shaped configuration with two spaced apart vertical legs 19a. Between the upwardly pointing sections of the legs 19a of the connecting part 19 one of the tensioning elements 14 is articulated and between the downwardly pointing sections of the legs 19a one of the lower further tensioning elements 14a is articulated.

Jedes Verbindungsteil 19 weist einen horizontalen mittleren Schenkel 19b mit auf entgegengesetzten Seiten hervorstehenden horizontalen Vorsprüngen auf, über die benachbarte Verbindungsteile 19 miteinander in Eingriff stehen. Einer der Vorsprünge ist als Gabel ausgestaltet (siehe Fig. 7, rechte Seite), während der auf der entgegengesetzten Seite ausgebildete Vorsprung als Eingriffsteil ausgestaltet ist, der in die Gabel einführbar ist. Mittels der Verbindungsteile 19 ist erreicht, dass sowohl die Spannelemente 14 der oberen 1. Gruppe von Spannelementen 14 als auch die unteren weiteren Spannelemente 14a der unteren 2. Gruppe von Spannelementen 14a miteinander bewegungssynchronisiert sind.Each connecting part 19 has a horizontal central leg 19b with horizontal projections protruding on opposite sides, via which adjacent connecting parts 19 are in engagement with one another. One of Projections is designed as a fork (see Fig. 7 , right side), while the projection formed on the opposite side is designed as an engaging part that can be inserted into the fork. By means of the connecting parts 19 it is achieved that both the clamping elements 14 of the upper 1st group of clamping elements 14 and the lower further clamping elements 14a of the lower 2nd group of clamping elements 14a are movement-synchronized with one another.

Claims (16)

  1. Tube holder for a tube filling machine, comprising a housing (11) which has an upwardly opening tube receptacle (12) into which an end region of a tube (T) can be inserted, a plurality of clamping elements (14) being arranged in the tube receptacle (12), the clamping surface (15) of each of which clamping elements can be brought into contact with an outer wall of the tube (T) and by means of which clamping elements a clamping force acting radially from the outside on the inserted tube (T) can be applied under the action of at least one spring element (16), the clamping elements (14) each being mounted in a pivot bearing (20) so as to be pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis (18) and the clamping elements (14) being arranged so as to be distributed over the circumference of the tube receptacle (12) and forming a first group of clamping elements (14), characterized in that further clamping elements (14a) are arranged at an axial distance below the first group of clamping elements (14), which further clamping elements are arranged so as to be distributed over the circumference of the tube receptacle (12) and a form a second group of further clamping elements (14a) and a clamping surface (15) of each of which further clamping elements can be brought into contact with the outer wall of the tube (T) and by means of which clamping elements a clamping force acting radially from the outside on the inserted tube (T) can be applied under the action of the spring element (16) and/or at least one further spring element (16a), the further clamping elements (14a) each being mounted in a pivot bearing (20) so as to be pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis (18), the clamping surface (15) of the clamping elements (14) and the further clamping elements (14a) having, at least in portions, a contour that is convex in the direction of a longitudinal central axis L of the tube receptacle (12) and curved about a horizontal axis.
  2. Tube holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the convex contour of the clamping surface (15) is formed by a portion of a circle involute in relation to the pivot axis (18).
  3. Tube holder according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a trough-shaped depression (17) is formed on the clamping surface (15).
  4. Tube holder according to claim 3, characterized in that the trough-shaped depression (17) has, at least in portions, a cross section that is concave in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the tube receptacle (12).
  5. Tube holder according to either claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the trough-shaped depression (17) has, at least in portions, a cross section that is arcuate in the direction of the longitudinal central axis L of the tube receptacle (12).
  6. Tube holder according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the cross section of the depression (17) varies continuously at least in portions.
  7. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the force of the spring element (16) and/or of the further spring element (16a) acts on the clamping element (14) at a distance a from the pivot axis (18), where a ≤ 10mm.
  8. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plurality of clamping elements (14) of the first group of clamping elements (14) are arranged in the same axial position of the longitudinal central axis (L) of the tube receptacle (12).
  9. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that adjacent clamping elements (14) of the first group of clamping elements (14) are each connected to one another.
  10. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the clamping elements (14) of the first group of clamping elements (14) are movement-synchronized.
  11. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the further clamping elements (14a) is connected to the clamping element (14) located thereabove via a connecting part (19).
  12. Tube holder according to claim 11, characterized in that the further clamping element (14a) is movement-synchronized with the clamping element (14) arranged thereabove.
  13. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the plurality of further clamping elements (14a) of the second group of further clamping elements (14a) are arranged in the same axial position of the longitudinal central axis (L) of the tube receptacle (12).
  14. Tube holder according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that adjacent further clamping elements (14a) of the second group of further clamping elements (14a) are connected to one another.
  15. Tube holder according to claim 14, characterized in that the further clamping elements (14a) of the second group of further clamping elements (14a) are movement-synchronized.
  16. Tube holder according to any of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the clamping elements (14) of the first group of clamping elements (14) and/or the further clamping elements (14a) of the second group of further clamping elements (14a) are movement-synchronized by means of the connecting part (19).
EP19000588.4A 2019-01-24 2019-12-23 Tube holder for a tube filling machine Active EP3685944B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102019000473.6A DE102019000473A1 (en) 2019-01-24 2019-01-24 Tube holder for a tube filling machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3685944A1 EP3685944A1 (en) 2020-07-29
EP3685944B1 true EP3685944B1 (en) 2021-08-11

Family

ID=69104189

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19000588.4A Active EP3685944B1 (en) 2019-01-24 2019-12-23 Tube holder for a tube filling machine

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US (1) US11111041B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3685944B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102019000473A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3147018A (en) * 1962-08-01 1964-09-01 Reichert August Self-centering holder for automatic tube filling machines and a jaw member therefor
DE1275438B (en) 1966-02-25 1968-08-14 Karlsruhe Augsburg Iweka Self-centering holder for tubes on a tube filling and closing machine
US3819194A (en) * 1972-10-16 1974-06-25 Domain Ind Inc Tube holder
DE3744402A1 (en) * 1987-12-29 1989-07-13 Iwk Verpackungstechnik Gmbh METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CENTERING TUBES
US4958667A (en) * 1989-07-17 1990-09-25 R. A. Jones & Co., Inc. Tube holder for tube filling machines
DE19718207A1 (en) * 1997-04-30 1998-11-05 Iwk Verpackungstechnik Gmbh Tube filling machine
DE102006055854A1 (en) 2006-11-27 2008-05-29 Iwk Verpackungstechnik Gmbh Tube holder for a tube filling machine
DE102007042433A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Iwk Verpackungstechnik Gmbh Method and device for filling tubes in a tube filling machine
WO2016130115A1 (en) * 2015-02-11 2016-08-18 Colgate-Palmolive Company Tube holder for a filling machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20200239166A1 (en) 2020-07-30
US11111041B2 (en) 2021-09-07
DE102019000473A1 (en) 2020-07-30
EP3685944A1 (en) 2020-07-29

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