Conveyors & Handling Systems

Vertical Gripper Conveyor

Main function

The vertical gripper conveyor is a vertical elevator conveyor designed to provide continuous transport of bottles and cans between different production levels by securely holding them through lateral gripping throughout the elevation or descent.

Unlike conventional vertical conveyors using belts or buckets, this system uses mechanical grippers that hold the container by its sides, ensuring:
· complete product stability,
· precise trajectory control,
· and consistent orientation even at high throughput.

It is particularly suited for bottling and packaging lines where floor space is limited, and reliable vertical transfer is critical.

Typical applications

· Elevation or lowering of bottles and cans between two production levels
· Vertical transfer between filling, capping, labeling, or inspection stations
· Feeding machines located at elevated levels or mezzanines
· Optimization of compact lines requiring secure vertical transport of containers
· Integration into high-speed automated lines with continuous product flow

Key benefits

· Positive and secure container handling: The grippers maintain constant contact with the product, eliminating the risk of falling, tipping, or misalignment during elevation.
· Continuous vertical transport: The conveyor enables continuous flow, fully synchronized with upstream and downstream equipment without batch or cyclic operation.
· Minimal floor footprint: The vertical design optimizes plant space and offers an efficient alternative to long inclined conveyors or discontinuous lifting systems.
· Suitable for high-speed lines: The system is designed to operate at speeds compatible with modern bottling lines while maintaining accurate product positioning.
· Multi-format flexibility: Grippers can be adjusted to accommodate different container diameters and heights, allowing multiple formats to be handled with controlled adjustments.

Technical specifications

  • Frame Stainless steel (304) structure with adjustable tubular supports, suitable for industrial and sanitary environments.
  • Belt Chain or belt equipped with mechanical grippers providing continuous side gripping of containers
  • Drive System Industrial gearmotor (e.g., Sew Eurodrive) with speed control for line synchronization
  • Components Adjustable grippers, guiding rails, presence and position sensors, safety guards
  • Available Options Multi-format adjustment, up/down configurations, full line integration, sanitary design, high-speed synchronization

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