Abstract:
A gripping apparatus for gripping containers may comprise a gripping element which has two gripping parts that can move relative to one another and a carrier on which the gripping parts are arranged. At least one portion of the container to be gripped can be received between these gripping parts. The gripping apparatus may comprise a detachment mechanism for detaching the gripping parts from the carrier, wherein this detachment mechanism can be actuated manually and without the aid of a tool in order to detach the gripping parts from the carrier.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of German Patent Application No. 10 2008 029 711.9, filed Jun. 24, 2008, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a gripping element and a transport device for transporting containers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the beverage-manufacturing industry, it is customary that, during the production of plastic containers, the latter are conveyed by means of gripping clamps. In this case, it is possible for a given gripping clamp to convey the container and transfer it to a further gripping clamp. WO 2007/144262 describes a gripping device for containers. In said document, one gripping clamp is provided which has two cooperating gripping regions that grip the containers from two sides. The movement of these gripping regions is in this case coupled to one another so that the actuation of one region also causes an actuation of the other region. The two gripping regions or jaws are in this case each formed in one piece with the cooperating means. 
         [0004]    WO 00/76746 A1 discloses a gripper for transporting containers. Here, this gripper is arranged on a carrier and can be opened or closed by movements starting from this carrier. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,634 B1 discloses a further gripper for gripping preforms, two gripping jaws likewise being provided here on an actuation arm and a carrier plate, which gripping jaws grip the containers. 
         [0006]    In the prior art, it is often desirable to change the gripping elements, for example, if they are worn or if other gripping elements are required for a different type of container. 
         [0007]    It may therefore be desirable to provide a gripping element or a clamp which can quickly be changed, in order in this way to reduce the time required for a system changeover. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A gripping apparatus according to the disclosure for gripping containers may comprise a gripping element which has two gripping parts that can move relative to one another, wherein at least one portion of the container to be gripped can be received between these gripping parts. Furthermore, the gripping apparatus may comprise a carrier on which the gripping parts are arranged, wherein the gripping parts are pivotable in a predefined movement plane. 
         [0009]    According to the disclosure, the gripping apparatus may comprise a detachment mechanism for detaching the gripping parts from the carrier, wherein this detachment mechanism can be actuated manually and without the aid of a tool in order to detach the gripping parts from the carrier. 
         [0010]    According to some aspects, the detachment mechanism comprises a manually operated actuation element, through the actuation of which the gripping parts can be detached from the carrier. 
         [0011]    While in the prior art the use of special installation tools, such as screwdrivers, is always required in order to detach the gripping parts from their carrier, in the embodiment according to the disclosure the gripping parts can be detached from the carrier without the use of a tool, e.g. in particular manually. 
         [0012]    A pin-like body may be arranged on each gripping part, wherein the pin-like bodies extend essentially perpendicular to the movement plane of the gripping parts and the gripping parts are in each case pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pin-like bodies. The plane in which the gripping parts are pivotable may also be the plane in which the gripping parts extend. This may be an essentially horizontal plane. Here, essentially perpendicular is understood to mean that a longitudinal direction of the pin-like bodies extends at an angle of between 80° and 100° and, in some aspects, between 85° and 95° relative to the movement plane. 
         [0013]    The gripping parts may be jaws or claws, between which a container and in particular a neck of the container can be received. In order to be able to grip a container, it is possible to pivot the two gripping parts towards one another and away from one another. 
         [0014]    An arrangement of the gripping parts on the carrier is understood to mean, for example, that the pin-like bodies can be pushed into this carrier. To change the gripping element, therefore, use is made of a mechanism by means of which the gripping parts and the pin-like bodies arranged thereon can be removed from the carrier. The pin-like bodies therefore serve on the one hand for moving the gripping parts (and for stabilising the movement thereof) and on the other hand also for arresting relative to the carrier. The pin-like bodies may be fixedly arranged on the gripping parts and serve for attaching the gripping parts to the carrier and for fixing the gripping parts at the correct height. 
         [0015]    In one exemplary embodiment, a sleeve body is arranged around at least one region of each pin-like body. This sleeve body serves for guiding the pin-like body and thus also fixes the gripping parts in all directions in such a way that the latter in the installed state are pivotable essentially only about an axis of the respective pin-like bodies. The sleeve bodies may be arranged completely inside the carrier. The sleeve-like serve for pivoting the gripping parts. However, it would also be possible that the pin-like bodies are used to pivot the gripping parts therearound, so as to pass for example from an open position to a closed position of this gripping apparatus. 
         [0016]    In an exemplary embodiment, at least one pin-like body can be displaced relative to its associated sleeve body in a longitudinal direction of the pin-like body. By virtue of this displacement, a detachment of the gripping parts from a carrier and thus a changeover of the gripping element can be achieved. For example, both pin-like bodies may be displaceable relative to the sleeve body. In this case, for changeover purposes, the two gripping parts may be simultaneously displaced relative to the sleeve body and thus also the carrier. 
         [0017]    In an exemplary embodiment, at least one sleeve-like body has in at least one portion, for example, an end portion, a cross-section which differs from a circular shape. In this case, the torques on the gripping parts are transmitted via the sleeve-like bodies (and thus not or not just the pin-like bodies). The sleeve body may be rotated in this case, and with it the pin-like bodies. In some aspects, the sleeve body has a square portion. 
         [0018]    It would also be possible that at least one pin-like body has in at least one portion a cross-section which differs from a circular shape. By means of this cross-section differing from the circular cross-section, it is possible to actuate the two pin-like bodies for the pivoting movements thereof. In some aspects, the pin-like body has an angular and in particular square cross-section in said region. The sleeve body may be rotated in this case, and with it the pin-like bodies. The pin-like bodies may be bolts which are formed fixedly and, in some aspects, in one piece with the respective gripping parts. 
         [0019]    In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises engagement means which connect the sleeve bodies to the gripping parts so that they rotate together. Therefore, although a displacement of the gripping parts relative to the sleeve bodies is possible, the gripping parts are entrained in the event of a rotation of the sleeve bodies. Here, the engagement means may be for example an angular internal cross-section of the sleeve bodies which matches a corresponding angular external cross-section of the pin-like bodies. Furthermore, it would also be possible to provide in the gripping part an engagement groove, in which an (end) portion of the respective sleeve body engages. Conversely, it is also possible to provide in the gripping parts a protrusion which engages in a groove of the sleeve body. 
         [0020]    In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided between the gripping parts a spring device which may draw the gripping parts together. However, it would also be possible to configure the spring device in the form of a compression spring which pushes the gripping parts away from one another. 
         [0021]    In this embodiment, therefore, the gripping apparatus may be either a self-opening gripping apparatus, i.e. a gripping apparatus which is closed counter to the force of said spring device, for example, with a curved path, or a self-closing gripping apparatus. 
         [0022]    In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve bodies have cooperating engagement means or are connected to cooperating engagement means so that, in the event of a rotation of one sleeve body, the other sleeve body is also rotated. It is thus sufficient to actuate one of the two sleeve bodies in order to achieve an opening or closing of the gripping apparatus. In some aspects, these are meshing teeth or a tooth of one sleeve body which engages in a recess of the other sleeve body or of the other engagement means. 
         [0023]    An actuation arm may be arranged on one sleeve body. This actuation arm may extend in a plane which is arranged parallel to the plane of the gripping part. By virtue of this actuation arm or a pivoting about the axis of the corresponding pin-like body, the gripping apparatus can be opened and closed. 
         [0024]    The apparatus may comprise an actuation lever which cooperates with the actuation arm in order to bring about a pivoting movement of the latter. In this case, the actuation lever may be pivotable relative to the actuation arm. For example, the actuation lever is pivotable only by a small angle relative to the actuation arm, for example by an angle of 1°-10°, and in some aspects between 2° and 8°. By virtue of this slight pivotability, the curved paths can be managed more easily. The actuation arm may be arranged in a middle region of the pin-like body or of the shafts, i.e. in a middle region relative to the longitudinal direction of said pin-like bodies. In this way, a favourable force transmission for actuating the gripping elements is possible, since the pin-like bodies are guided above and below the region of the actuation arm. The actuation arm may extend in a plane which is parallel to the movement plane of the gripping parts. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the actuation lever is loaded by a spring device. 
         [0026]    In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping apparatus comprises a magnetic holding means for attaching the gripping parts to the carrier. In this case, the arresting of the gripping parts, or of a holder which carries these gripping parts, takes place by means of magnetic forces. 
         [0027]    In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping apparatus comprises a connection element arranged between the gripping parts and the carrier, wherein this connection element can be manually detached at least from the gripping parts or from the carrier. More specifically, this connection element may be arranged on a holder, the gripping parts also being arranged on this holder. This holder can be detached from the carrier. 
         [0028]    In an exemplary embodiment, a first latching means is provided on the carrier, which first latching means (in the assembled state) cooperates with a second latching means provided on at least one pin-like body. With the aid of these latching means, a quick detachment of the pin-like bodies and thus also of the gripping parts can be achieved. In this way, a quick-change system can be provided. 
         [0029]    In an exemplary embodiment, a groove is arranged in an upper portion of the pin-like bodies, i.e. in that region of the pin-like bodies which is located opposite the gripping parts, in which groove there engages a region of this first latching means. In this way it is possible to arrest the pin-like bodies in their longitudinal direction. 
         [0030]    In an exemplary embodiment, the pin-like bodies can rotate relative to the first engagement means. In this way, the rotational movement of the pin-like bodies and thus also of the gripping parts is not inhibited by the second latching means. 
         [0031]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first engagement means is pretensioned relative to the pin-like body by means of a spring device. This means that the force of this spring device must be counteracted in order to detach the gripping parts. 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment, the pin-like bodies are pretensioned relative to the carrier by means of at least one pretensioning device. 
         [0033]    In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement means are spaced apart from the pin-like bodies in a radial direction of the pin-like bodies, around the entire circumference thereof. In this way, the pin-like bodies can easily be displaced relative to the engagement means in order to change the gripping parts. 
         [0034]    In an exemplary embodiment, the latching means for arresting the pin-like bodies in the carrier and the engagement means for rotating the gripping parts are formed at a distance from one another and separately from one another. 
         [0035]    The present disclosure also relates to a transport device comprising a plurality of gripping apparatuses of the type described above. In this case it is possible that the individual gripping apparatuses are arranged for example on a transport chain. However, it would also be possible for a plurality of gripping apparatuses of the type described above to be provided for example on a transfer starwheel. 
         [0036]    Further advantages and embodiments will emerge from the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    In the drawings: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  shows an overall view of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  shows a partial view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  shows a sectional view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  shows a plan view of the section from  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  shows a detail view of the gripping apparatus according to the disclosure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the detail of the gripping apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  shows a further perspective view of the detail of the gripping apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  shows a further view to illustrate a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure; 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  shows a view of the detail of  FIG. 8  from below; 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  shows a further detail of the gripping apparatus according to the disclosure; 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure; 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  shows an overall view of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure in a further embodiment; 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  shows a plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  shows a front view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  shows two views of the gripping apparatus to illustrate different perspectives; 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  shows a sectional view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 16  along the line A-A in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  shows a sectional view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 16  along the line B-B in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  shows a sectional view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 16  along the line C-C in  FIG. 16 ; and 
           [0057]      FIG. 20  shows a sectional view of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure in a further embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0058]      FIG. 1  shows an apparatus  1  according to the disclosure for gripping containers. This apparatus comprises a carrier  54 , on which there is arranged a slide  52  which can be displaced in the direction L relative to this carrier  54 . In this way, it is possible for a carrier  6  arranged on the slide  52  and having a gripping clamp  2  to be displaced by means of a curved path. The gripping apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  is suitable, for example, for transfer starwheels which grip the containers at their necks and pass said containers to further transfer units. Reference  46  denotes an actuation element, by means of which the user can manually detach the gripping element quickly from the carrier  6 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 2  shows a detailed view of the gripping apparatus of  FIG. 1 . It can be seen that the carrier comprises a closure plate  62  which is attached to the carrier by means of screws  64 . However, in order to change the gripping element  2 , it is not necessary to lift off this plate, but rather said changing takes place, as mentioned above, simply by pressing the actuation element  46 . References  2   a,    2   b  denote gripping parts of the gripping element  2 , which can receive the necks of the containers. These two gripping parts are pivotable in a movement plane. 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  shows a further detailed view of the apparatus in partial cross-section. It can now be seen that the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b,  which form part of the gripping element  2  shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , are in each case fixedly connected to a pin-like body  8   a,    8   b  and can be rotated or pivoted simultaneously with these about the axes X, Y. In this case it is possible that the pin-like bodies or the lower ends thereof are pressed into the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b.    
         [0061]    References  12   a  and  12   b  denote sleeve bodies which are arranged around the pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b  and which can likewise be rotated together with the pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b.  Reference  42  denotes a latching means which engages in a corresponding circumferential groove  14  of the pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b.  Furthermore, the pin-like bodies are biased in the downward direction in  FIG. 3  via spring devices  48  and plates  47 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  shows a further sectional view of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure. Reference  16  denotes a spring which pushes the two gripping parts  2   a  and  2   b  away from one another. The movement plane of the two gripping parts is perpendicular to the plane of the figure in  FIG. 4 . The carrier  6  has a horizontal recess  15 , in which engagement means  22  and  24  are provided which serve for rotating or pivoting the pin-like bodies  8   a  and  8   b  and thus also the gripping parts  2   a  and  2   b.  It can be seen that the sleeve bodies  12   a  and  12   b  engage at their lower end in a circumferential groove  19  formed between the pin-like bodies  8   a  and  8   b  and the gripping parts  2   a  and  2   b.    
         [0063]    By virtue of this engagement, the sleeve bodies  12   a,    12   b  and the gripping parts  2   a  and  2   b  are connected to one another in such a way as to rotate together. At the same time, the sleeve bodies  12   a  and  12   b  serve for guiding the pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b.  The pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b  have a tapering upper end  17  which, as mentioned above, is biased in the downward direction in  FIG. 4  by the spring device  48 . The spring device  48  is in turn supported against the abovementioned closure plate  62 . The sleeve-like bodies  12   a,    12   b  have steps  13 , above which the engagement means  22 ,  24  engage or against which the engagement means  22 ,  24  are supported. Here, the sleeve body  12   a,    12   b  has in each case above the step  13  an angled external cross-section, so that it can be rotated by a rotational movement of the actuation arms  22 ,  24 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  shows a plan view of the apparatus in the region in which the rotation of the sleeve bodies  12   a,    12   b  and thus also of the pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b  is brought about. It can be seen that in this region the sleeve bodies  12   a,    12   b  have an essentially square external cross-section. The engagement means accordingly have a square internal cross-section. Reference  26  denotes an actuation arm, by means of which the sleeve  12   a  can be rotated. This actuation arm  26  is formed in one piece with the engagement means  22 . 
         [0065]    Provided on this actuation arm  26  is a protrusion  29  which engages in a recess  28  of a second engagement means  24 . In this way, the actuation arm  26  can be pivoted about the pivot axis X and thus at the same time the engagement means  24  is pivoted about the axis Y. However, it would also be possible to form the actuation arm  26  in one piece with the sleeve body  12   a.    
         [0066]    It would also be possible that a groove or an engagement means is provided on the actuation arm  26  or the engagement means  22 , and instead a protrusion is provided on the second engagement means  24 . 
         [0067]    Reference  32  denotes an actuation lever which is in turn connected to the actuation arm  26 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the actuation unit described in  FIG. 6 . It can be seen here that the actuation arm  26  and the actuation lever  32  are likewise connected to one another via a pivoting device  25  which allows a slight pivoting of the actuation lever  32  relative to the actuation arm  26 . More specifically, the actuation lever  32  is pivotable about the axis Z to a small degree relative to the actuation arm  26 . Reference  40  denotes a control element which is arranged on the actuation lever  32  and which can be guided for example by a curved path in order to open and close the gripping apparatus. 
         [0069]    In this case it is possible that this control element  40  is arranged such that it can rotate relative to the actuation lever  32 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 7  shows a further perspective view of the unit shown in  FIG. 6 . Here, it is possible to see the spring unit  38  which in this case biases the gripping parts  2   a  and  2   b  in the direction of the closed position, i.e. counter to the force of the spring  16 . In the arrangements shown in the figures, therefore, two springs are provided which act against one another. 
         [0071]      FIG. 8  shows a further detailed view of the apparatus according to the disclosure. Here too, it is possible to see that an actuation of the actuation arm  26  at the same time also results in the actuation of the engagement element  24 . Here, the pivot axes defined by the pin-like bodies  8   b  and  8   a  are stationary, whereas the further pivot axis Z, about which the actuation lever  32  can pivot relative to the actuation arm  26 , is not stationary. 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  schematically shows the apparatus of  FIG. 8  in a view from below. Here too, it is again possible to see the control element  40  which is used to open and close the clamp.  FIG. 10  shows the mechanism which is used to detach the gripping element  2  from the carrier  6 . This mechanism comprises a latching means  42  which is arranged on the carrier  6 . This latching means  42  has an opening  43  which, as shown in  FIG. 10 , widens in one direction. By pushing the actuation element  46  counter to the force of the spring  48 , the latching means  42  can be displaced downwards in  FIG. 10  and in this way the heads  17  are located above the openings  43 . In this situation, the ends  17  of the pin-like bodies can be released and pulled out in the downward direction. 
         [0073]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the opening mechanism. Here too, it can be seen that the engagement between the latching means  42  and the ends  17  of the pin-like bodies  8   a,    8   b  can be released by pressing the actuation element  46 . Here, the latching means is arranged in a recess  45 . As mentioned above, a spring means is provided in each case above the ends  17 , which spring means biases the ends  17  and thus also the pin-like bodies  8  in the downward direction. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show a further embodiment of a gripping apparatus  1  according to the disclosure. The gripping parts  2   a,    2   b  themselves are in this case configured in a manner similar to that in the embodiment described above. However, the arresting mechanism is configured differently here. The two gripping parts  2   a,    2   b  are pivotable here, but are arranged on a holder  104  in a non-detachable manner. This holder is configured here in a manner similar to that of the carrier  6  in the previous embodiments; in particular, the pivoting movement of the gripping parts is generated in a similar manner. 
         [0075]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , however, the holder  104  is arranged on a carrier  106  in such a way that it can be detached together with the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b.  In order to detach the holder  104  from the carrier  106 , two actuation elements  146  are provided which can be pressed together. 
         [0076]      FIG. 14  shows a front view of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure. In this view, it is possible to see connection elements  112  which are fixedly arranged on the holder  104  by means of screws  114 . These connection elements are detachably arranged on the carrier  106 . In the diagram shown in  FIG. 15 , it can be seen that the connection elements  112  are offset laterally relative to the actuation element  146 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 16  shows two views of the gripping apparatus  1  shown in  FIG. 12  to illustrate the cross-sections shown in  FIGS. 17-19 .  FIG. 17  shows a cross-section along the line C-C in  FIG. 16 . It is possible to see here in particular the elements arranged in the interior of the carrier  106 . The two actuation elements  146  can be pressed together and in the process act on arresting bodies  144  which can likewise be displaced in the direction R relative to the carrier  106 . A spring  148  pushes these two arresting bodies  144  apart. In this pushed-apart situation, an arresting of the holder  104  on the carrier  106  is ensured. 
         [0078]    More specifically, the two arresting bodies  144  have arresting portions  150  with a recess  152  in each case which extends in a circumferential direction of the arresting bodies  144 . This recess can be displaced relative to heads  117  which form part of the connection elements  112 . Only if the two actuation elements  146  are pressed can the holder  104  accordingly be detached from the carrier  106 . In this way it is possible to trigger an intentional release of the connection. 
         [0079]      FIG. 18  shows a cross-section along the line B-B in  FIG. 16 . Here, reference  128  denotes a recess in which the two screws  114  for attaching the connection elements  112  can be arranged. 
         [0080]      FIG. 19  shows a cross-section along the line A-A in  FIG. 16 . Here, pin-like bodies  120  are again provided which are fixedly arranged on the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b  and serve for pivoting these gripping parts  2   a,    2   b.  In this embodiment, these pin-like bodies also perform the function of the sleeve-like bodies in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , i.e. the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b  are pivoted by a rotation of these two pin-like bodies  120 . The pin-like bodies may be designed here either as hollow bodies or as solid bodies. Unlike in the above embodiments, however, the pin-like bodies  120  do not have the task of forming an arresting and release mechanism. The rotation of the pin-like bodies takes place as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0081]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-19 , the connection elements  112  are arranged fixedly on the holder  104  and detachably on the carrier  106 . However, it would also be possible to provide the connection elements  112  fixedly on the carrier  106  and detachably on the holder  104 . It would also be possible for one connection element to be provided fixedly on the holder  104  and for another connection element to be provided fixedly on the carrier  106 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 20  shows a further embodiment of a gripping apparatus according to the disclosure. Here, the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b  and the holder are configured in a manner similar to that in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-19 . However, the arresting mechanism with the carrier  106  is configured differently here. 
         [0083]    Provided on the holder is a protrusion  124  which protrudes into a recess  126  formed in the carrier  106 . The collaboration between this protrusion  124  and this recess  126  defines the position of the carrier  106  relative to the holder  104 . Reference  160  denotes a magnet, for example, a permanent magnet which is arranged in a recess  164  of the carrier  106 . This magnet  160  attracts the holder  104 , which is formed at least partially of a magnetic or magnetisable material, and in this way fixes the holder  104  on the carrier  106 . 
         [0084]    It is thus possible to detach the holder  104  with the gripping parts  2   a,    2   b  from the carrier  106  by overcoming the magnetic attraction force. The magnet  160  is in this case arranged fixedly in the recess  164  by means of screws  162 . However, it would also be possible to configure a region of the holder  104  as a permanent magnet. 
         [0085]    In a further embodiment, an actuation element (not shown) is provided, by means of which the position of the magnet  160  within the recess  164  can be varied; for example, the magnet  160  can be raised within the recess  164 . In this way, the magnetic force between the magnet  160  and the holder  104  can be reduced and then the remaining magnetic force can be overcome more easily in order to detach the holder  104  from the carrier  106 . 
         [0086]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the gripping element for transporting containers of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.