Device for grouping containers

A device for grouping containers, the device comprising:

• a first conveyor belt for transporting the containers in a first transport direction;
• a container receiving device;
• a transfer device which is configured to transfer at least some of the containers from the first conveyor belt to a second conveyor belt transversely to the first transport direction, and to transfer at least some of the containers transferred to the second conveyor belt to the container receiving device transversely to the first transport direction;
• a first rail system oriented in parallel to the first transport direction;
• a second rail system oriented in parallel to the first transport direction;
• a first motor device, which is arranged above the first conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt, and the container receiving device, and which is configured to move the transfer device for transferring respective containers, wherein the transfer device comprises a first shuttle element movable along the first rail system with a number of engagement elements of which each at least partially extends transversely to the first transport direction, so that the transfer device is configured, by means of the engagement elements, to group the respective containers on the second conveyor belt and/or the container receiving device and to transfer the respective containers;
• and
• a second motor device, which is arranged above the first conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt and the container receiving device and offset, in the first transport direction, with respect to the first motor device, and which is configured to move a second shuttle element along the second rail system, and wherein the second shuttle element is coupled to the first shuttle element.

A transfer device for transferring a container transported on a conveyor belt to a device for further transporting the container, wherein the transfer device comprises:

• an L-shaped engagement element;
• a counter support element arranged opposite a leg of the L of the L-shaped engagement element;
• and
• movable spacer means which are configured to adjust a distance between the counter support element and the leg of the L-shaped engagement element,
• wherein the movable spacer means comprise a toothed rack and a spacer with an arrest and a spring mounted therein.