Product handling device and production machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a product handling device (12) for handling, in particular for conveying, products (14), comprising at least two moving parts (16, 16 ') and a coupling unit (18), which mechanically couples the moving parts (16, 16') to one another and comprises a support unit (24) for at least one product (14) and at least two connecting units (26, 26 '), the at least two connecting units connect the supporting unit (24) with at least one of the moving parts (16, 16 '). In order to provide a higher stability and / or a high degree of flexibility when handling the product, the connecting units (26, 26 ') are each connected to one another with the support unit (24) in a plane (28) in which the support unit (24) is arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a product handling device according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a production machine according to claim 15 . Background Art

[0002] From the prior art, for example from document US2020 / 0030995A1, a product handling device with a mechanically coupled moving part is already known. The moving parts are connected to each other by a parallelogram kinematic mechanism. A disadvantage is that the kinematic mechanism has at least one dead point and that the support unit for receiving / supporting the product, which is connected and / or coupled to the moving part, may tip over during the movement of the moving part, and may actually overturn, and may therefore lack stability, i.e. with regard to the stable positioning and / or retention of the support unit relative to the moving part. Furthermore, mechanical couplings of the moving parts by means of spur gears and legs are known, but this has the disadvantage that these couplings require a large amount of space and, in the prior art, have so far been arranged in the area below the support unit, which makes it more difficult to access the product on / in the support unit from both sides.

[0003] The object of the invention is in particular to provide a universal device, a universal system, a universal machine and a universal method, which have improved stability and / or flexibility properties when manipulating products. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be derived from the dependent claims. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention is based on a product handling device for handling, in particular for conveying products, comprising at least two moving parts and a coupling unit, which mechanically couples the moving parts to each other, the coupling unit comprising a support unit for at least one product and at least two connecting units, which respectively connect the support unit to at least one moving part.

[0005] The connection unit and the support unit are connected to each other within a plane where the support units are arranged.

[0006] This embodiment can provide higher stability and / or high flexibility when handling products. In addition, a particularly stable structure and / or arrangement of a support unit with at least two moving parts can also be provided. In addition, even during the movement of the moving part, the support unit is preferably kept and / or arranged and / or supported to be at least substantially parallel to the orientation of the moving part, so that the tilting, especially the tipping, of the support unit can be avoided and / or prevented. By the proposed mechanical coupling, the parallelogram movement mechanism can be omitted, thereby avoiding and / or bypassing at least one dead point. This in turn can improve safety and / or avoid and / or prevent damage to the product. In addition, the comfort and flexibility of product handling can be improved, especially at least during the conveying and / or transfer and / or transportation and / or processing and / or sorting of products. Arranging and connecting the support unit with at least two connecting units in the plane in which the support unit is arranged allows to provide and / or facilitate access to the support unit from both sides, especially and most importantly, access to the product from the bottom of the support unit, so as to better handle the product. Therefore, the flexibility and comfort of further processing and / or handling and / or handling of the product mounted on / in the support unit can be improved. Furthermore, efficiency can be improved, in particular with respect to cost efficiency and / or product efficiency and / or operational efficiency and / or work efficiency.

[0007] The product handling device is configured for handling products, in particular for conveying, moving, transporting and / or transferring products. Preferably, the product handling device is a subcomponent group of the product handling system. However, it is also conceivable that the product handling device constitutes the entire product handling system. The product handling system (but not limited to this) is configured for handling products, in particular for conveying and / or transporting and / or sorting products, and may include other devices and / or units that are considered suitable by a person skilled in the art and can be used to manipulate products. The product handling system can also be part of a production machine. However, it is also conceivable that the product handling system constitutes the entire production machine. The production machine (but not limited to this) is configured for the production and / or manufacture of products, in particular the manipulation of products. The production machine can also be configured, for example, for processing and / or handling, metering, mixing, preparing, filling, packaging, closing, conveying and / or transporting of bulk materials (such as food), and can include other devices, systems and / or units that are considered suitable by a person skilled in the art and can be used for production and / or manufacturing, in particular for the manipulation of products.

[0008] Commodity can be unpackaged, particularly unpackaged food, such as apples, pears, etc. Particularly preferably, the product is at least a partially packaged product, the product comprising at least one package and bulk materials in the package. For example, bulk materials can be solid, liquid, pasty and / or blocky bulk materials. Commodity can also be food, medicine, consumer goods, beauty and / or body care products, such as potato chips, sauces, dairy products (especially yogurt), bread sauces, pastes, ready-to-eat foods, candies, creams and / or shampoos, etc. It is also conceivable that the product is realized as an article in consumer goods and / or toys, handicrafts, kitchens and / or homes or similar fields, such as toy cars, spoons, cans, small appliances, such as blenders and / or kitchen scales, and / or screws. The product can be any conceivable product that those skilled in the art consider suitable.

[0009] The products can be moved, transported, sorted and / or transferred by at least two moving parts. In particular, the moving parts are realized as electrically movable moving parts. The product handling system preferably comprises a base unit. The base unit can form a base and / or a plane, in particular all moving parts of at least two moving parts, preferably a plurality of moving parts, are movably supported relative to the base and / or the plane. Usually, the product handling system comprises at least one drive unit, in particular an electrically driven drive unit, by which the moving part can be moved. In particular, when viewed in the height direction, the drive unit can be arranged at least partially below the base unit. In particular, the moving part is movable relative to the base unit, in particular can be driven by the drive unit. Preferably, in at least one operating state, in particular in at least one activated state, the drive unit generates an electromagnetic force, in particular an electromagnetic alternating field, to drive the moving part. Preferably, the driving force acting on the moving part can be generated by the drive unit, in particular in order to generate and / or induce a movement, preferably a translational movement and / or a rotational movement, of the moving part relative to the base unit. The moving part can be displaced and / or rotated in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base unit. However, it is also conceivable that the moving part can be tilted relative to the base unit and / or can be moved relative to the base unit in at least a third degree of freedom. Preferably, the moving part moves at least approximately parallel to the base unit, i.e. in a movement plane extending parallel to the base unit. Preferably, the drive unit is configured to drive the moving part in a movement at least approximately parallel to the base unit. "Approximately parallel" in this context means an orientation relative to a reference direction, in particular an orientation in a plane, which differs from the reference direction by less than 8°, preferably by less than 5°, particularly preferably by less than 2°.

[0010] The base unit can contain at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element, or can also be implemented as at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element. An object implemented in a "plate-shaped / plate-like" manner refers to a spatial object that has a non-circular cross-sectional area when observed in an extended view in a plane and in a cross section perpendicular to the plane, and in particular has an at least approximately constant material thickness, which is less than 50% of the area range of the spatial object, in particular the smallest area range of the object parallel to the plane, preferably less than 25%, and particularly preferably less than 10%. In addition, this means that at least one smallest geometric cuboid (which still completely surrounds the object) is plate-shaped. Preferably, the moving part can move at least approximately parallel to the plate-shaped element. In particular, the moving part is implemented in a plate-shaped / plate-like manner.

[0011] Preferably, each moving part comprises at least one magnetic field generating element for generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field generating element is implemented as a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet or the like, for example. In particular, the magnetic field generating element is configured to interact with the drive unit to drive the moving part. For example, the interaction of the magnetic field generating element with the drive unit causes a gap to be generated between the base unit and the moving part. The moving part can float above the base unit by a distance of, for example, at least 1 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm (when viewed from a height direction). However, it is also conceivable that the drive unit is implemented as a fluid-based planar drive. Preferably, the description of the moving part, in particular the drive of the drive unit, is similarly applicable to all moving parts that are part of the product handling device, wherein the product handling device can include, for example, at least four, six, ten or more moving parts.

[0012] It is also conceivable that a plurality of moving parts, in particular additional moving parts in addition to the two moving parts, are mechanically coupled to each other, in particular by a coupling unit. Preferably, the support unit comprises at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element, or is implemented as such an element. However, it is also conceivable that the support unit comprises a bag and / or a funnel and / or the like, or is implemented as a bag or a funnel or the like. In particular, depending on the type of product to be handled, the support unit can be implemented accordingly so that it can receive and / or hold and / or store and / or carry the product. Depending on the size and / or shape and / or embodiment of the support unit, more than two moving parts can be coupled to each other. For example, the support unit may have a rounded, oval or angular shape. Preferably, the support unit has an at least approximately quadrilateral shape, such as a square or a rectangle. The support unit is in particular configured to receive and / or carry and / or hold and / or store at least one product, preferably a plurality of products. The support unit may comprise at least one receiving element, which receives at least one product. The receiving element can be implemented as and / or as an insert for at least one product or a plurality of products and / or as a frame for holding at least one product or a plurality of products. Preferably, the support unit has at least one through opening, so as to preferably provide access to the products arranged on / in the support unit at least from two sides. The receiving element can have at least one opening. Preferably, a plurality of products can be arranged on the support unit, for example arranged in rows. By mechanical coupling with the moving part, at least one product, in particular a plurality of products arranged on the support unit can be manipulated, in particular at least moved, transported and / or transferred. It is also conceivable that the receiving unit includes at least one gripper for grabbing the product. The receiving element can be implemented as a gripper, as an adapter or the like for a connection to the gripper (preferably detachable), or as different receiving elements for the product that are deemed suitable by the skilled person.

[0013] Preferably, at least one product is arranged and / or arranged on the support unit for further processing and / or further processing and / or further manipulation. For example, at least one product arranged on / in the support unit can be further packaged and / or closed, weighed, removed from the support unit and / or reinserted into / onto the support unit. The production machine can include at least one product processing unit, which is configured to process and / or manipulate at least one product arranged on / in the support unit. The product processing unit can further process and / or manipulate at least one product on the upper side and / or lower side of the support unit. For example, the product processing unit can remove at least one product from the support unit and / or reinsert it into / into the support unit and / or arrange it on / into the support unit. In addition, for example, the product processing unit can be embodied as a scale or can include a scale, in particular for weighing at least one product, in particular preferably on the lower side of the support unit.

[0014] In particular, the support unit is realized in a mirror-symmetrical manner along at least one symmetry plane. Preferably, the symmetry plane is at least approximately perpendicular to the support unit, in particular perpendicular to the plane in which the support unit is located. In this context, "at least approximately perpendicular" means an angle between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92°, in particular 90°, wherein preferably, the angle between an object and / or a plane, in particular the plane of the support unit, and another object and / or another plane, in particular the symmetry plane, differs from a right angle by at most 5°, preferably by at most 2°, particularly preferably by at most 1°.

[0015] Preferably, the support unit is preferably arranged to move at least parallel to the moving part, in particular to move substantially parallel to the base unit. In particular, the support unit is movable, preferably translationally movable, relative to the moving part, in particular relative to the base unit. In particular, due to the coupling with the moving part via the connection unit, the support unit can be arranged and / or placed at different distances and / or different positions relative to the moving part, in particular relative to the base unit. Via the connection unit, a respective one of the moving parts is mechanically movably connected to the support unit. If the product handling device in particular comprises more moving parts, which are additional moving parts in addition to the two moving parts, and is connected to the support unit via the connection unit, the coupling unit may comprise more connection units, which are additional connection units in addition to the two connection units. Preferably, the coupling unit comprises at least the same number of connection units as the number of moving parts coupled to each other via the support unit. The connection units may each comprise at least one connection element, which is connected to and / or fixed to at least one moving part. The first connection unit may comprise at least one first connection element, and the second connection unit may comprise a second connection element. The connecting element, in particular the first and / or the second connecting element, can be implemented, for example, as a strut or the like. The connecting element, in particular the first and / or the second connecting element, can also be referred to as a stabilizing element of the support unit relative to at least one moving part. Preferably, the connecting element is movably connected to the moving part. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the connecting element is rigidly connected to at least the moving part.

[0016] For better explanation, according to at least two moving parts, the present invention refers to a first moving part and at least one second moving part. The first moving part and the second moving part are connected to the support unit via at least one connecting unit, respectively. In particular, the first moving part is connected to the support unit via a first connecting unit of the connecting unit. Preferably, the second moving part is connected to the support unit via a second connecting unit of the connecting unit. In particular, the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are both connected to the support unit in a plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0017] The coupling unit can be implemented at least partially integrated with at least one of the two moving parts, preferably in one piece. In addition, at least one or both of the connecting units can be implemented at least partially integrated with the support unit and / or at least one moving part, preferably in one piece. In particular, the connecting element is implemented at least partially integrated, preferably in one piece. In addition, the support unit can be implemented at least partially integrated, preferably in one piece. "Integrated" means connected at least by material bonding, for example by an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process and / or a welding process and / or other processes that are considered suitable by a person skilled in the art. "Implemented in one piece" means formed into one component. Typically, the one component is made of a single blank, block and / or casting, for example in an injection molding process, in particular a single-component and / or multi-component injection molding process, and / or in a stamping process and / or a metal sheet bending process and / or a printing process, such as a 3D printing process, and / or produced from a single blank in other methods / processes that are considered suitable by a person skilled in the art.

[0018] The support unit, the connection unit and / or the moving part can be made at least partially, at least to a large extent or completely from minerals, plastics, metals and / or composite materials. In the present case, the term "to a large extent" means, for example, at least 55% by volume and / or mass, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly preferably up to 95%.

[0019] Preferably, the plane is at least spanned by the support unit. In particular, the main extension plane of the support unit is located in the plane. Particularly preferably, the plane intersects the support unit and at least partially intersects at least two connection units, in particular the first connection unit and at least the second connection unit. In the present example, the "main extension plane" of the object refers to a plane parallel to the largest side of the smallest cuboid that still completely surrounds the object, in particular extending through the center point of the cuboid. In particular, when the support unit is arranged relative to the base unit, in particular when the moving part is arranged on the base unit, the plane extends at least approximately parallel to the base unit, in particular parallel to the main extension plane of the base unit. In addition, the plane can be at least approximately parallel to the at least two moving parts, in particular parallel to the main extension plane of the moving part.

[0020] In this document, the numbers preceding some terms, such as "first" and "second", are used only to distinguish objects and / or to assign objects to each other, but they do not mean the existing total number and / or ranking of objects. In particular, a "second object" does not necessarily mean that a "first object" exists. It is particularly preferred that, unless otherwise specified or described, the description and / or explanation related to the "first object" can be analogically transferred to at least the "second object". In addition, here and below "configured to" refers to specific programming, design and / or equipment. By configuring a function for an object, it can be understood that the object implements and / or performs the specific function in at least one application state and / or operating state.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one connecting unit or at least two connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and / or the second connecting unit, are connected to the support unit at least partially above and / or below the plane. For example, at least one connecting unit can additionally be connected to the support unit at least approximately perpendicular to the plane, wherein the angle between the plane and the connecting unit differs from a right angle by at most 5°, preferably by at most 2°, particularly preferably by at most 1°.

[0022] It is also proposed to connect the connection unit to the support unit in the peripheral area of ​​the support unit. This can further increase flexibility and comfort, since the accessibility to the products arranged on / in the support unit can be improved. Furthermore, the support unit can also be accessed from both sides for processing and / or further handling and / or manipulating the products.

[0023] The support unit may comprise a frame element which at least partially, preferably completely, defines and / or forms or comprises a peripheral area of ​​the support unit. Preferably, the connection unit, in particular the first connection unit and the second connection unit, is connected to the frame element. At least one receiving element for receiving at least one product may be arranged in an inner area of ​​the frame element. The frame element may at least partially, preferably completely, surround and / or enclose the receiving element. In particular, the frame element at least partially delimits the receiving element outwardly, preferably in the plane. The frame element and the at least one connection element may be implemented at least partially integrated, preferably in one piece. The frame element and the at least one receiving element may jointly define and / or form a plate-shaped / plate-like element of the support unit. The frame element may have an angular, circular or elliptical shape. Particularly preferably, the frame element is implemented as at least approximately a quadrilateral or a rectangle.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that each connection unit comprises at least one orientation unit, which are coupled to each other. This makes it possible to increase stability and to construct and / or arrange a mechanical coupling of at least two moving parts. Furthermore, a symmetrical movement of at least two connection units, each of which is respectively connected to one of the moving parts, can be generated and / or provided and / or realized.

[0025] Each of the at least two connection units comprises at least one orientation unit. In addition, the connection unit may also comprise a plurality of orientation units, for example two, three or five. Preferably, the connection unit, in particular the first connection unit and the second connection unit, always have the same number of orientation units, wherein at least one orientation unit of one connection unit is coupled to at least one further orientation unit of the other connection unit. The first connection unit may comprise a first orientation unit. The second connection unit may comprise a second orientation unit. In particular, the first orientation unit and the second orientation unit are in particular mechanically coupled to each other. Due to the mechanical coupling of the orientation units to each other, a symmetrical movement guidance of the at least two connection units can be generated and / or provided and / or realized.

[0026] In addition, it is proposed to connect the orientation units to each other in the plane in which the support units are arranged. Thus, the structure can be further optimized in terms of stability, flexibility and comfort. The accessibility of products installed on / in the support units can also be further improved.

[0027] In particular, the first orientation unit and the second orientation unit are connected to each other in a plane in which the support unit is arranged. The further orientation units of the connection unit can be coupled to each other in said plane. Preferably, at least two orientation units, in particular at least one orientation unit of one connection unit and at least one further orientation unit of another connection unit, are always connected in said plane. Preferably, the orientation units, in particular the first orientation unit and at least the second orientation unit are connected to the frame element.

[0028] In particular, at least one connecting element and at least one orientation unit are connected to each other, preferably in said plane. A first connecting element can be connected to a first orientation unit, in particular in said plane. A second connecting element can be connected to a second orientation unit, in particular in said plane. Preferably, the connecting element is configured to create and / or provide a connection between the moving part and at least one orientation unit.

[0029] In particular, a rotational movement of the connecting element relative to the moving part and / or the supporting unit can be generated by the orientation unit. The orientation unit can be configured to adjust the angular orientation between the supporting unit and at least one connecting element. Due to the coupling of the orientation units to each other, in particular the coupling of the first orientation unit and the at least second orientation unit, the movement of the connecting elements, in particular the movement of the first connecting element and the at least second connecting element, are coupled to each other and / or connected and / or interdependent. If at least one moving part and therefore also at least one connecting element moves, this will cause the corresponding movement of other connecting elements and / or moving parts due to the coupling of the connecting elements via the orientation unit. For example, if the first moving part performs a movement and therefore the first connecting element moves, the first orientation unit can also move and, due to the coupling with the at least second orientation unit, can initiate and / or induce the movement of the at least second orientation unit and, therefore, can also initiate and / or induce the movement of the at least second connecting element.

[0030] In order to provide a particularly high structural stability and to increase safety, taking into account the arrangement of at least one product relative to the support unit and to avoid and / or prevent damage to the product, it is proposed that the orientation unit is configured to always align the support unit parallel to the moving part. Furthermore, even during the movement of the moving part, the support unit can be kept and / or arranged and / or supported at least approximately parallel to the direction of the moving part, so that tilting, in particular tipping over, of the support unit can be avoided and / or prevented.

[0031] Preferably, the angular orientation between the support unit and at least the connecting element can be adjusted in a stepless manner by movement of at least one orientation unit. In particular, the orientation unit is configured to always align, preferably keep, a main extension plane of the support unit at least approximately parallel to a main extension plane of the moving part, in particular at least during a movement of at least one connecting element, particularly preferably during a movement of the first connecting element and / or at least the second connecting element or the moving part.

[0032] It is further proposed that each orientation unit comprises at least one angular gear mechanism. This allows a further optimization of the structure, an increase in stability, and in particular a simple and precise adjustment of the angular orientation between the connecting unit and the support unit. In particular, the angular gear mechanism is configured to have a deflection, in particular of the torque transmitted by the connecting element, in particular of the rotational speed, of at least approximately (preferably exactly) 90 degrees. Alternatively, different angles are also possible.

[0033] If each orientation unit comprises at least one angular gear transmission, a particularly efficient, compact and / or simple structure and a particularly efficient, compact and / or simple mechanical coupling of the moving parts can be provided. Preferably, each orientation unit also comprises further bevel gears, in particular at least two bevel gears. In particular, the angular gear transmission can be embodied as a pair of bevel gears or comprise at least one pair of bevel gears.

[0034] In order to provide a particularly efficient, compact and / or flexible structure and to further increase the stability and flexibility when handling the product, it is proposed that the bevel gears are arranged in the corner regions of the support unit. In particular, the bevel gears are arranged in the corner regions of the frame. For example, if the frame element has at least approximately a quadrilateral or rectangular shape, the bevel gears can be arranged in the corner regions of the quadrilateral or rectangle. Preferably, at least two bevel gears, in particular at least one angular gear transmission mechanism, are always arranged in the corner regions of the support unit. At least one orientation unit of the orientation units can be arranged in each corner region of each support unit. A first orientation unit, in particular a first angular gear transmission mechanism preferably having at least two bevel gears, can be arranged in a first corner region of the support unit, in particular a first corner region of the frame element. A second orientation unit, in particular a second angular gear transmission mechanism preferably having at least two bevel gears, can be arranged in a second corner region of the support unit, in particular a second corner region of the frame element. If the support unit, in particular the frame element, has at least approximately a quadrilateral or rectangular shape, the first corner region and the second corner region can be arranged opposite each other, preferably when viewed in the main extension direction of the support unit. Preferably, the support unit, in particular the frame element, has further corner regions in addition to the first corner region and the second corner region, preferably an even number of corner regions. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the number of corner regions is not an even number. In the present case, the "main extension direction" of an object is understood to be a direction parallel to the longest side of the smallest geometric cuboid that still completely encloses the object. In particular, the main extension direction of the object extends in a main extension plane of the object.

[0035] In order to further improve the stability and the structure and / or arrangement of the mechanical coupling of at least two moving parts, it is proposed to connect the angular gear mechanisms to each other via a shaft. In addition, this allows a simple and / or efficient coupling of at least two orientation units, in particular angular gear mechanisms. In addition, a symmetrical movement of at least two connection units, which are each connected to one of the moving parts, can be generated and / or provided and / or realized.

[0036] In particular, the axis is part of the product handling device. The coupling unit, preferably at least one connecting unit, in particular the first connecting unit and / or the second connecting unit, may comprise at least one axis. Preferably, the coupling unit comprises at least one or more further axes, wherein, preferably, the number of the axes is related to the plurality of orientation units. The coupling unit may comprise one axis per at least two orientation units. Particularly preferably, each connecting unit comprises at least one axis. In particular, the orientation units, i.e. the at least two orientation units, are connected to one another via an axis. The first orientation unit may be connected to the second orientation unit via an axis. In particular, the axis is configured to connect the first orientation unit to the at least second orientation unit. Preferably, the axis extends from the first corner region to the second corner region. Other orientation units of the connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and the at least second connecting unit, may likewise be connected to one another via an axis, in particular the axis.

[0037] In particular, the shaft connects the first orientation unit in the first corner area with at least the second orientation unit in the second corner area. The frame element is at least capable of accommodating the shaft. Preferably, the shaft is arranged in the frame element. In particular, the shaft is completely arranged in the frame element, preferably completely surrounded and / or enclosed and / or covered by the frame element. In practice, the shaft can be at least partially arranged outside the frame element, for example connected and / or fixed to the frame element, for example by a press fit and / or form fit connection. Depending on the size and / or shape and / or embodiment of the support unit, the shaft can have a size and / or length that is suitable for the support unit.

[0038] For the actuation of at least one moving part of the moving part, in particular the movement of at least one moving part of the moving part, it is proposed that the product handling device comprises a control unit which is configured to position the at least one moving part in at least one first operating state so as to be located below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane, in order to facilitate the transport of the product. This allows a particularly effective and / or flexible mechanical coupling of the moving part to be provided, since the position and / or orientation of the moving part relative to the support unit can be adjusted as required for at least one transport situation, in particular the transport and / or delivery and / or transfer of the product. This in turn allows a high degree of flexibility and a better comfort when handling the product.

[0039] In particular, the control unit is configured to actuate the drive unit so that the moving parts, in particular the first moving part and / or at least the second moving part, move relative to the base unit. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to control and / or regulate at least one movement of the moving parts. By "control unit" is meant an electronic unit, which is preferably understood to be at least partially integrated in a control and / or regulation unit of the product handling system and which is configured to control and / or regulate at least one movement of the moving parts. Preferably, the control unit comprises a computing unit, in particular a processor, and preferably, in addition to the computing unit, a storage unit having a control and / or regulation program stored therein, the control and / or regulation program being configured to be executed by the computing unit. The storage unit may be implemented as a digital storage medium, such as a hard disk or the like.

[0040] The control unit can actuate at least one moving part, in particular the first or the second moving part, in at least the first operating state, so that the moving part is arranged and / or located below the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. When viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the at least one moving part can be arranged at least 60%, advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90% below the support unit. Preferably, in at least the first operating state, the at least one moving part, in particular the first moving part or at least the second moving part, is completely located and / or arranged below the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane.

[0041] Preferably, the first operating state may be referred to as a transport operating state for transporting at least one product. Preferably, in at least the first operating state, at least two moving parts move jointly relative to the base unit, in particular parallel to said plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0042] The control unit is preferably configured to position the two moving parts in the first operating state adjacently below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. This allows a particularly efficient, compact and / or space-saving structure to be provided. This in turn can optimize the handling of products and increase flexibility and comfort as transport situations develop, in particular the transport and / or delivery and / or transfer of products.

[0043] In at least the first operating state, the control unit can actuate at least two moving parts, in particular the first and second moving parts, so that the two moving parts are positioned to be arranged and / or located under the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. When viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the moving parts can be arranged under the support unit in equal percentages. When viewed perpendicularly to the plane, both the first moving part and the second moving part can be arranged and / or located under the support unit by at least 10%, advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 50%. It is also conceivable that the first moving part is arranged and / or located under the support unit at least 20%, advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 40% when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. Correspondingly, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the second moving part is arranged and / or located under the support unit for example at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%. In at least the first operating state, at least two moving parts can be arranged adjacently in a contacting and flush manner. Alternatively, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the moving parts can be arranged separately from each other under the support unit. For example, in at least the first operating state, the distance between the at least two moving parts can be at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, advantageously at least 10 mm, and preferably at most 10 cm, particularly advantageously at most 5 cm, particularly preferably at most 2 cm. Preferably, in at least the first operating state, the at least two moving parts are arranged completely below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane.

[0044] In addition, it is proposed that the control unit is configured for further handling of the product, positioning the at least one moving part in at least one second operating state so as to be at least partially beside the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. This allows a particularly effective and / or flexible mechanical coupling of the moving part to be provided, since, as required, the position and / or orientation of the moving part relative to the support unit can be adjusted for at least one processing and / or further handling situation, in particular processing and / or treatment and / or further handling of the product. Furthermore, access to the product from both sides, in particular and most importantly from the bottom of the support unit, can also be provided and / or facilitated. This in turn allows a high degree of flexibility and a higher degree of comfort when handling the product.

[0045] The control unit can actuate at least one of the at least two moving parts, in particular the first moving part or the second moving part, in at least the second operating state so that the moving part is at least partially arranged and / or located outside and / or beside the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. In at least the second operating state, the moving part and the support unit can at least partially overlap when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. The moving part, in particular the first moving part or the second moving part, can be arranged at least 60%, advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90% beside the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. Preferably, in at least the second operating state, at least one moving part, in particular the first moving part or the second moving part, is completely located and / or arranged beside the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane.

[0046] Preferably, the second operating state may be referred to as a further processing operating state for further processing of at least one product. Preferably, in at least the second operating state, at least two moving parts move jointly relative to the base unit, in particular parallel to said plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0047] It is further proposed that the control unit is configured in such a way that in the second operating state the two moving parts are at least partially located beside the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. This allows providing and / or protecting particularly comfortable and / or efficient access to products arranged on / in the support unit. Above all, access to the products from the bottom of the support unit can be facilitated and improved. Furthermore, a particularly efficient and / or flexible mechanical coupling of the moving parts can be provided, since, as required, the positioning and / or orientation of the moving parts relative to the support unit can be adjusted for at least one processing and / or further handling situation, in particular the handling and / or processing and / or further handling of the product.

[0048] In at least the second operating state, the control unit can actuate at least two moving parts, in particular the first moving part and the second moving part, so that the two moving parts are at least partially arranged and / or located beside the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane. When viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the moving parts, in particular the first moving part and the second moving part, can be arranged at least partially and in equal percentages beside the support unit. For example, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the first moving part and the second moving part can each be arranged and / or located beside the support unit by at least 5%, advantageously at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and in particular at most 80%, preferably at most 50%, particularly preferably at most 30%. It is also conceivable that, for example, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the first moving part is arranged and / or located beside the support unit by, for example, at least 20%, advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 40%. Correspondingly, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane, the second moving part can be arranged and / or located beside the support unit by, for example, at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%. Preferably, in at least the second operating state, the movement parts, in particular the first movement part and the second movement part are arranged completely beside the support unit when viewed perpendicularly to the plane.

[0049] In order to further increase the efficiency when manipulating the product, it is proposed that at least one of the two moving parts, in particular the first moving part and / or the second moving part, is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit around the rotation axis. In addition, this allows providing a more flexible product manipulation, in particular at least during the conveying and / or transfer and / or transportation and / or processing and / or sorting of the product. In addition, the cost efficiency, process efficiency, work efficiency, material efficiency and / or production efficiency can also be improved. In addition, it can be omitted to rotate the product handling device by external means and / or by laborious and / or complex and / or unnecessary travel paths / transport paths.

[0050] In particular, this is a general relative movement between the coupling unit and at least one moving part, in particular the first moving part and / or the second moving part. At least one of the two moving parts is movable, in particular pivotable and / or rotatable relative to the coupling unit about an axis of rotation, wherein the coupling unit or at least one component / structural element of the coupling unit can form a fixed and / or stable reference base relative to which the at least one moving part is movable. Alternatively and / or additionally, the coupling unit can be supported so as to be rotatable and / or tiltable and / or pivotable relative to the at least one moving part, wherein the at least one moving part can form a fixed and / or stable reference base.

[0051] The first moving part may include a first rotary bearing having a first rotation axis, about which the first moving part is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit. In addition, the second moving part may include a second rotary bearing having a second rotation axis, about which the second moving part is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit. The first moving part and / or the second moving part can both be rotated around their respective rotation axes by at least 90°, advantageously at least 180°, preferably at least 270°, particularly preferably at least 360°. The first moving part and the second moving part can both be rotated around their respective rotation axes by at least approximately the same angle. In the present example, "at least mounted" means that the deviation from a given value and / or orientation is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, particularly preferably less than 2%.

[0052] It is also conceivable that at least one of the two moving parts, in particular the first moving part and / or the second moving part, is configured to perform a tilting and / or pivoting movement about a corresponding rotation axis. Preferably, the rotation, tilting and / or rotational movement of at least one moving part, in particular the first moving part and / or the second moving part, is performed relative to the base unit. In particular, the control unit is configured to actuate at least one of the two moving parts so that it rotates, tilts and / or pivots relative to the coupling unit about the corresponding rotation axis. Preferably, the control unit is configured to actuate the drive unit so that at least one moving part, in particular the first moving part and / or at least the second moving part, moves, in particular rotates, tilts and / or pivots relative to the base unit. Preferably, the first rotation axis and / or the second rotation axis extend perpendicularly to the base unit.

[0053] The product handling device of the present invention and / or the production machine of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned applications and implementations. In particular, in order to achieve the functions described herein, the product handling device and / or the production machine may have a number of elements, components and units and method steps different from the number given here. In addition, for the value ranges given in the present disclosure, the values ​​within the above-mentioned limit ranges should also be regarded as disclosed and can be used as required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Other advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a variety of combined features. A person skilled in the art will also purposefully consider these features completely individually and will find other suitable combinations.

[0055] In the figure:

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a production machine with a product handling device is shown;

[0057] Figure 2A product handling device is shown in a first operating state, which has at least two moving parts and a coupling unit for mechanical coupling with the moving parts;

[0058] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 A side view of a product manipulation device;

[0059] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 2 A top view of a product manipulation device;

[0060] Figure 5 A product handling device in a second operating state is shown, which has at least two moving parts and a coupling unit for mechanical coupling with the moving parts;

[0061] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 A side view of a product manipulation device;

[0062] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 5 A top view of a product handling device; and

[0063] Figure 8 A product handling device having at least two moving parts and a coupling unit in a second operating state is shown, wherein at least one of the moving parts is rotatable relative to the coupling unit about a rotation axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] For the sake of clarity, unless otherwise indicated, in the following text, only one of the multiple objects appearing in the figures is provided with a reference numeral. Explanations and descriptions related to an object may be transferred to another identical object. In addition, the drawings are schematic and not to scale.

[0065] Figure 1A production machine 10 is shown. In the present example, the production machine 10 is at least configured for manufacturing and / or producing a product 14. The production machine 10 may also (but not limited to) be configured for machining and / or handling, metering, mixing, preparing, filling, packaging, closing, conveying and / or transporting bulk materials, such as food, and may include devices, systems and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers suitable and useful for production and / or manufacturing, in particular at least for the manipulation of the product 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the product 14 is an at least partially packaged product 14, the product 14 comprising at least one package and a bulk material arranged in the package. For example, the bulk material (not shown) is, for example, a solid, liquid, pasty and / or blocky material. Alternatively, the product 14 may also be an unpackaged product 14. The product 14 may be a food, a medicine, a consumer product, a beauty and / or body care product or the like. By way of example, in this embodiment, the filling area is shown as the product 14 (see Figure 2 ). The product 14 may also be any other conceivable product 14 that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate.

[0066] In the present example, the production machine 10 comprises a product handling system 100. The product handling system 100 is configured for handling of products 14, in particular for conveying and / or sorting of products. The product handling system 100 comprises at least one product handling device 12. The product handling device 12 is configured for handling of products 14, in particular for conveying, moving, transporting, sorting and / or transferring of products. In addition, the product handling device 12 comprises at least two moving parts 16, 16'. In the present example, the moving parts 16, 16' are implemented as electrically movable moving parts 16, 16'.

[0067] The product handling system 100 comprises a base unit 52, relative to which the moving part 16, 16' is movable. In the present example, the base unit 52 is implemented in a plate-shaped / plate-like manner. In order to drive the moving part 16, 16', the product handling system 100 comprises a drive unit 68. A driving force, in particular an electromagnetic driving force, acting on the moving part 16, 16' can be generated by the drive unit 68 to generate and / or induce a movement of the moving part 16, 16' relative to the base unit 52, preferably a translational movement and / or a rotational movement. The moving part 16, 16' can move at least approximately parallel to the base unit 52, in particular in a movement plane parallel to the base unit 52. In the present example, the drive unit 68 is configured to drive the moving part 16, 16' to perform a movement oriented at least approximately parallel to the base unit 52.

[0068] For actuation of the moving parts 16, 16', the product handling device 12 comprises a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured to actuate the drive unit 68 so as to thereby at least control and / or regulate the movement of the moving parts 16, 16'. The control unit 20 is configured to at least control and / or regulate the movement of the moving parts 16, 16' so that the moving parts 16, 16' convey and / or transport the product 14. In the present example, at least two moving parts 16, 16' are jointly movable relative to the base unit 52 in at least one operating state. Before discussing more details of the movement and / or arrangement of the moving parts 16, 16', the structure and mechanical coupling of the moving parts 16, 16' shall first be described below.

[0069] For the mechanical coupling of the at least two moving parts 16, 16', the product handling device 12 comprises a coupling unit 18. It is also conceivable that a plurality of moving parts 16 of the product handling device 12, in particular an additional moving part 16 relative to the two moving parts 16, 16', are mechanically coupled to one another, in particular via the coupling unit 18. The coupling unit 18 comprises a support unit 24 for at least one product 14 and at least two connecting units 26, 26', which respectively connect the support unit 24 to at least one of the moving parts 16, 16'.

[0070] The support unit 24 comprises at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element, which is correspondingly implemented as such an element in the present example. For example, the support unit 24 may have a rounded, oval or angular shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the support unit 24 has an angular shape, specifically, at least approximately a rectangular, almost square shape. The support unit 24 is configured to receive and / or carry and / or hold at least one product 14, as well as a plurality of products 14. The support unit 24 may include at least one receiving element 72, which receives at least one product 14. The receiving element 72 may be used as an insertion portion for at least one product 14 or a plurality of products 14 and / or as a frame for holding at least one product 14 or a plurality of products 14. In the present example, the support unit 24 has at least one through opening so as to provide access from both sides to at least the product 14 arranged on / in the support unit 24. In the example, the receiving element 72 has at least one opening. According to Figures 2 to 7 It can be seen that in this example, a plurality of products 14 are arranged in a row on a support unit 24. At least one product 14, as well as a plurality of products 14, arranged on a support unit 24 can be manipulated, in particular at least moved, transported and / or transferred by mechanical coupling with the moving parts 16, 16'.

[0071] The support unit 24 is arranged at least approximately parallel to the moving parts 16, 16'. The support unit 24 is movably supported relative to the moving parts 16, 16' and the base unit 52. Due to the coupling with the moving parts 26, 26' by the connecting units 16, 16', the support unit 24 can be arranged and / or positioned at different angles and / or different positions relative to the moving parts 16, 16'. A corresponding one of the moving parts 16, 16' is connected to the support unit 24 by the connecting units 26, 26', so that the moving parts are mechanically movable. In order to better explain the present exemplary embodiment, the first moving part 16 and the second moving part 16' and the first connecting unit 26 and the second connecting unit 26' will be cited below. The first connecting unit 26 is configured to connect and / or couple the first moving part 16 with the support unit 24. The second connecting unit 26' is configured to connect and / or couple the second moving part 16' with the support unit 24.

[0072] The connecting units 26, 26' and the support unit 24 are connected to each other in a plane 28 in which the support unit 24 is arranged. The plane 28 is formed by Figure 3 and Figure 6 The examples in are schematically represented. Figure 3 and Figure 6 , it can be seen that the plane 28 is crossed by the main extension plane of the support unit 24, and accordingly, the main extension plane of the support unit 24 is located in the plane 28. The plane 28 intersects the support unit 24 and at least partially intersects the at least two connecting units 26, 26'. When the moving parts 16, 16' are arranged on the base unit 52, the plane 28 is arranged at least approximately parallel to the base unit 52, specifically parallel to the main extension plane of the base unit 52. In addition, the plane 28 is oriented at least approximately parallel to the at least two moving parts 16, 16', specifically parallel to the main extension plane of the moving parts 16, 16' (see at least Figure 3 and Figure 6 ).

[0073] The connection units 26, 26' each include at least one connection element 60, 60', which is connected to and / or fixed to at least one of the moving parts 16, 16', respectively. The first connection unit 26 includes at least one first connection element 60, and the second connection unit 26' includes a second connection element 60'. The first connection element 60 is connected to the first moving part 16 and is connected to the support unit 24 in the plane 28. The second connection element 60' is connected to the second moving part 16' and is connected to the support unit 24 in the plane 28.

[0074] Figures 2 to 7It is shown that the connection units 26, 26' are connected to the support unit 24 in the peripheral area of ​​the support unit 24. In the present example, the support unit 24 comprises a frame element 66. The frame element 66 defines and / or forms the peripheral area of ​​the support unit 24. The connection units 26, 26', in particular the first connection unit 26 and the second connection unit 26', are connected to the frame element 66. At least one receiving element 72 for receiving at least one product 14 is arranged in the inner area of ​​the frame element 66. In the present example, the frame element 66 surrounds and / or surrounds and / or delimits the receiving element 72 at least in the part facing the outside, in particular in the exemplary embodiment at least in the plane 28. In the present example, the support unit 24 is implemented mirror-symmetrically along at least one symmetry plane. The support unit 24 is symmetrical perpendicular to the symmetry axis extending through the plane 28. In addition, the symmetry plane is perpendicular to the plane 28.

[0075] Each of the connection units 26, 26' includes at least one orientation unit 32, 32', wherein the orientation units 32, 32' are coupled to each other. Preferably. The connection units 26, 26', specifically the first connection unit 26 and the second connection unit 26', always have the same number of orientation units 32, 32'. In this exemplary embodiment, each connection unit 26, 26' includes at least two orientation units 32, 32', so that there are at least four orientation units 32, 32' in total. For simplicity, only one orientation unit 32, 32' of each connection unit 26, 26' will be described below, wherein the explanation and description can be applied to all other orientation units. In addition, the first connection unit 26 includes a first orientation unit 32 of the orientation units 32, 32', and the second connection unit 26' includes a second orientation unit 32' of the orientation units 32, 32'. The first orientation unit 32 and the second orientation unit 32' are mechanically coupled to each other.

[0076] At least Figure 3 and Figure 6It is shown that the orientation units 32, 32' are connected to each other in the plane 28 in which the support unit 24 is arranged. The orientation units 32, 32' are also connected to the frame element 66. At least one of the connection elements 60, 60' and at least one of the orientation units 32, 32' are also connected to each other, in particular in the plane 28. The first connection element 60 is connected to the first orientation unit 32, in particular in the plane 28. The second connection element 60' is connected to the second orientation unit 32', in particular in the plane 28. The rotational movement of the connection elements 60, 60' relative to the movement part 16, 16' and / or the support unit 24 can be generated by the orientation units 32, 32'. Due to the coupling of the orientation units 32, 32' to each other, i.e. the coupling of the first orientation unit 32 and at least the second orientation unit 32', the movement of the connection elements 60, 60', i.e. the movement of the first connection element 60 and at least the second connection element 60', is coupled to each other and / or connected and / or dependent on each other.

[0077] The orientation unit 32, 32' is configured to align the support unit 24 always parallel to the moving part 16, 16'. The angular orientation between the support unit 24 and the connecting element 60, 60' is infinitely adjustable by at least the movement of the orientation unit 32, 32'. Furthermore, the orientation unit 32, 32' is configured to align and maintain the main extension plane of the support unit 24 at least approximately parallel to the main extension plane of the moving part 16, 16', in particular at least during the movement of at least one of the connecting element 60, 60' and / or the moving part 16.

[0078] Figures 2 to 7 It is shown that each of the orientation units 32, 32' comprises at least one angular gear transmission mechanism 36, 36'. In addition, each of the orientation units 32, 32' comprises at least one bevel gear 38, 38'. In the present example, each orientation unit 32, 32', in particular the first orientation unit 32 and at least the second orientation unit 32' comprises at least one pair of bevel gears 38, 38'. In the present example, the angular gear transmission mechanisms 36, 36' are each implemented as a pair of bevel gears 38, 38'.

[0079] In order to provide a particularly efficient, compact and flexible structure, the bevel gears 38, 38' are arranged accordingly in the corner regions 24 of the support units 50, 50'. In the present example, the bevel gears 38, 38' are arranged in the corner regions 50, 50' of the frame element 66. Due to the angular shape of the support unit 24, in this exemplary embodiment, the support unit 24 comprises a total of four corner regions 50, 50', two of which are provided with reference numerals and described in more detail. The embodiments and descriptions associated with the corner regions 50, 50' can also apply to the other corner regions of the support unit 24. In the present example, the first orientation unit 32, in particular the first angular gear transmission mechanism 36 comprising at least one pair of bevel gears 38 in the present example, is arranged in the first corner region 50 of the support unit 24. The second orientation unit 32', in particular at least one second angular gear transmission mechanism 36' comprising at least one pair of bevel gears 38' in the present example, is arranged in the second corner region 50' of the support unit 24 (see Figures 2 to 7 ).

[0080] The angular gear transmissions 36, 36' are connected to each other via a shaft 56. The shaft 56 is part of the product handling device 12. The shaft 56 is also part of the coupling unit 18. The coupling unit 18 can include further shafts 56 for connecting the orientation units 32, 32' to each other, wherein preferably the number of shafts 56 is related to the number of orientation units 32, 32'. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling unit 18 includes one shaft 56 for each two orientation units 32, 32'. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling unit 18 includes at least two shafts 56, of which only one shaft 56 is provided with a reference numeral and described in detail. The shaft 56 is configured to connect the first orientation unit 32 with at least the second orientation unit 32'. The shaft 56 extends from the first corner region 50 to the second corner region 50'. In the present example, the frame element 66 accommodates at least the shaft 56. The shaft 56 is arranged in the frame element 66, in particular is completely surrounded and / or enclosed and / or covered by the frame element 66. Alternatively, the shaft 56 may also be arranged at least partially outside the frame element 66 , for example be fixed and / or held on the frame element 66 .

[0081] according to Figure 1, showing two different positions and / or arrangements of the moving parts 16, 16' relative to the base unit 52 and the support unit 24. The control unit 20 mentioned above is configured to position at least one of the moving parts 16, 16' to be located below the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicular to the plane 28 in at least one first operating state, so as to facilitate the transportation of the product 14. Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to be able to position the two moving parts 16, 16' to be adjacent to each other below the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicular to the plane 28 in the first operating state. Figures 2 to 4 A first operating state and the associated arrangement and / or positioning of the moving part 16 , 16 ′ relative to the support unit 24 are shown.

[0082] The first operating state may also be referred to as a transport operating state for transporting at least one product 14. In the present example, in at least the first operating state, at least two moving parts 16, 16' are located together relative to the base unit 52, in particular parallel to the plane 28 in which the support unit 24 is arranged. In at least the first operating state, the control unit 20 actuates at least two moving parts 16, 16', in particular the first moving part 16 and the second moving part 16', so that when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28, both moving parts 16, 16' are arranged and / or located below the support unit 24. According to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two moving parts 16, 16' are arranged below the support unit 24 when viewed in the height direction 62. Figure 4 In the top view in FIG. 2 , the moving parts 16, 16' are arranged under the support unit 24 with an equal percentage. In addition, in at least the first operating state, the two moving parts 16, 16' are completely arranged under the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicular to the plane 28. Alternatively, the moving parts 16, 16' can be arranged at different distances below the support unit 24 (not shown). In at least the first operating state, at least two moving parts 16, 16', specifically the first moving part 16 and at least the second moving part 16' are arranged and / or positioned in an almost contacting and flush manner, in particular in the case of the present example, arranged and / or positioned adjacent to each other and spaced apart from each other. For example, in at least the first operating state, the distance between the first moving part 16 and at least the second moving part 16' is at most 3 cm.

[0083] Furthermore, for further processing of the products 14, 14', the control unit 20 is configured to be able to position at least one of the moving parts 16, 16' in at least one second operating state to be at least partially beside the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to position both moving parts 16, 16', specifically the first moving part 16 and at least the second moving part 16', in the second operating state to be at least partially beside the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. Figures 5 to 7 The second operating state and the associated arrangement and / or positioning of the moving parts 16, 16' relative to the support unit 24 are shown. Figure 1 , a product processing unit 70 of the production machine 10 is schematically generated, which is at least partially arranged in the area within the base unit 52 and by which at least one product 14 can be further processed. For example, at least one product 14 can be further packaged, closed, weighed, removed from the support unit 24 and / or reinserted into / on the support unit 24 by the product processing unit 70.

[0084] In at least the second operating state, the moving parts 16, 16' can also be arranged at different distances beside / below (not shown) the support unit 24, in particular at least partially beside / below the support unit 24. In this exemplary embodiment, according to Figure 7 In the top view in FIG. 2 , the moving parts 16, 16' are arranged in equal percentages beside the support unit 24. Furthermore, in at least the second operating state, the two moving parts 16, 16' are arranged completely beside the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. This allows to ensure and / or provide particularly advantageous accessibility to the product 14 for further processing of the product 14. This in turn also increases the flexibility when manipulating the product 14.

[0085] In order to increase efficiency and flexibility when handling the product 14 , at least one of the two moving parts 16 , 16 ′ is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit 18 about a rotation axis 80 , 80 ′. Figure 8A schematic diagram of a product handling device 12 is shown, which has at least two moving parts 16, 16' and a coupling unit 18 and is in a second operating state, wherein, in the present example, the two moving parts 16, 16' are rotated about rotation axes 80, 80', respectively, relative to the rotation unit 18. The first moving part 16 comprises a first rotation bearing with a first rotation axis 80, about which the first moving part 16 is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit 18. In addition, the second moving part 16' comprises a second rotation bearing with a second rotation axis 80', about which the second moving part 16' is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit 18. In this exemplary embodiment, the two moving parts 16, 16' are arranged to be rotatable by 90°, in particular with respect to the coupling unit 18. Figure 5 , compared with the initial position of the moving parts 16, 16' in the coupling unit 18. Alternatively, it is also possible that only one of the two moving parts 16, 16', in particular the first moving part 16 or the second moving part 16', is rotated. At least one of the two moving parts 16, 16' can be rotated around the corresponding rotation axis 80, 80' by any desired angle between 0° and 360°. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the two moving parts 16, 16', in particular the first moving part 16 and / or the second moving part 16', can be configured to perform a tilting and / or pivoting movement around the corresponding rotation axis 80, 80'. In the present example, the control unit 20 is configured to actuate at least one of the two moving parts 16, 16' so that it performs a rotation, tilting and / or pivoting movement relative to the coupling unit 18 around the corresponding rotation axis 80, 80'. The control unit 20 is configured to actuate the drive unit 68 for moving, in particular rotating, tilting and / or pivoting, at least one of the two moving parts 16 , 16 ′, in particular the first moving part 16 and / or at least the second moving part 16 ′ relative to the base unit 52 .

Claims

1. A product handling device (12) for handling, in particular for conveying, a product (14), comprising at least two moving parts (16, 16') and a coupling unit (18), wherein the coupling unit (18) mechanically couples the moving parts (16, 16') to each other and comprises a support unit (24) for at least one product (14) and at least two connecting units (26, 26'), wherein the at least two connecting units respectively connect the support unit (24) to at least one of the moving parts (16, 16'), characterized in that: The connection units (26, 26') are connected to the support unit (24) in a plane (28) where the support unit (24) is arranged.

2. The product manipulation device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting unit (26, 26') is connected to the supporting unit (24) in a peripheral area of ​​the supporting unit (24).

3. The product manipulation device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection units (26, 26') each include at least one orientation unit (32, 32'), and the orientation units are coupled to each other.

4. The product manipulation device (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that The orientation units (32, 32') are connected to one another in a plane (28) in which the support unit (24) is arranged.

5. The product handling device (12) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The orientation unit (32, 32') is configured to enable the support unit (24) to always be aligned parallel to the moving part (16, 16').

6. The product handling device (12) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The orientation units (32, 32') each include at least one angular gear transmission mechanism (36, 36').

7. The product handling device (12) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The orientation units (32, 32') each include at least one bevel gear (38, 38').

8. The product handling device (12) according to claim 7, characterized in that The bevel gears (38, 38') are respectively arranged in a corner region (50, 50') of the support unit (24).

9. The product handling device (12) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The angular gear transmissions (36, 36') are connected to each other via a shaft (56).

10. Product handling device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The product handling device (12) comprises a control unit (20) configured to position at least one of the moving parts (16, 16') in at least one first operating state to be located below the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicular to the plane (28) to facilitate the transportation of the product (14).

11. The product handling device (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that The control unit (20) is configured to be able to position the two moving parts (16, 16') in the first operating state to be located adjacent to each other below the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicularly to the plane (28).

12. The product handling device (12) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that For further processing of the product (14, 14'), the control unit (20) is configured to be able to position at least one of the moving parts (16, 16') in at least one second operating state to be at least partially beside the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicularly to the plane (28).

13. The product handling device (12) according to claim 12, characterized in that The control unit (20) is configured to be able to position the two moving parts (16, 16') in the second operating state at least partially beside the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicularly to the plane (28).

14. A product handling device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least one of the two moving parts (16, 16') is rotatably supported relative to the coupling unit (18) around a rotation axis (80, 80').

15. A production machine (10) comprising a product handling device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images