CONTAINER GROUPING APPARATUS

摘要

A grouping apparatus for separating from a stream of tightly packed containers that is being fed by a conveyor groups of containers. Provided on at least two continuously rotating belt or chain type drive elements are a plurality of grouping mechanisms having abutment and retaining surfaces for the containers. These surfaces are moved by the drive element along a continuous path of rotation and along a portion of this path of rotation that proceeds in a conveying direction of the conveyor extend into the path of movement of the containers. The spacing between the abutment and retaining surfaces of two successive grouping mechanisms is adjustable in conformity with the diameter of the containers. For this purpose, each grouping mechanism is pivotably secured to the drive elements and is provided with a guide arm that extends radially relative to the pivot axis and cooperates with a control member that for altering the spacing is pivotable relative to the drive element and is provided with a continuous control curve that is engaged by a slide piece or control roller with which the guide arm is provided at a radial distance from the pivot axis.