Processing station

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for transporting and processing products, in which a processing unit for processing the products can be moved with a transport unit, a processing tool and a mating auxiliary tool in relation to a stationary body transversely to the transport direction in order to be able to receive the products transported to the processing unit in a predetermined transverse position.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing station for transporting and processing discrete products transported along a process route. Generally, in this case, before the product type or the required processing method changes, a plurality of like products (i.e., production batches, also referred to as batches hereinafter) are processed in one processing cycle. Background Art

[0002] For processing products, there are known a variety of different processing tools that are used in cooperation with the products during the processing. Here, for example, it may be a reading unit for detecting product markings. It is also conceivable to have an inspection unit for checking specific product properties. Placing a marking on the product also belongs to this type of processing operation. The product generally moves in the conveying direction X to the working area of the processing tool by means of a conveying unit (such as a conveyor belt or a similar conveying tool), and in order to ensure successful processing, it is generally necessary to place the product in a specific orientation or position relative to the processing tool.

[0003] Thus, for example, it is conceivable to move and / or orient the printing head of the printing unit relative to the product, in particular transversely to the conveying direction X and thus towards the product, such that the printing process can be carried out while maintaining a desired Y distance between the product and the printing head. Alternatively, a product that was originally arbitrarily positioned can be aligned with a fixedly arranged printing head in the following manner, i.e., for example, a product from the conveyor belt of the supply unit is first turned and / or aligned along a switching path to the trajectory where the printing head is located, so as to subsequently reach the processing tool in an optimal processing position or orientation.

[0004] However, these measures may be difficult to implement, for example, when the printing head cannot move freely in the transverse Y extending orthogonally to the conveying direction X because its movement is blocked by the conveyor belt. On the other hand, the switching path requires additional valuable installation space along the conveying path of the process route. Additionally, auxiliary tools are generally required to cooperate with the processing tool purposefully during the processing of the product. The auxiliary tools generally also have to maintain a specific position relative to the product during the processing, which makes the correct positioning of the product, the processing tool, and the auxiliary tools more difficult.

[0005] DE102009048442A1 discloses a control system including a central control unit that is connected to a plurality of sensors to collect process parameters in real time. The system integrates actuators that are controlled by the control unit based on the collected data to optimize the functionality of an industrial process. The structure enables precise adjustment and control, with the emphasis on efficiency improvement and flexibility.

[0006] DE 9304387 U 1 describes a processing device having a processing chamber consisting of a main body and a holding device fixed thereto. The holding device is designed to reliably hold the object to be processed. A locking mechanism is integrated to fix the object in the processing chamber and ensure its precise orientation. The structure of the device is designed to provide stability and operational convenience, and is suitable for simple installation and maintenance.

[0007] JP S63—107592 U 1 describes a workpiece processing device comprising a bottom plate as a base, structural support columns vertically mounted thereon, a rotating arm for rotating the workpiece fixed to the columns, and a gripping mechanism provided at the end of the rotating arm for gripping and holding the workpiece. A drive unit controls the movement of the rotating arm and the gripping mechanism. This configuration allows for precise positioning and efficient processing of workpieces in industrial applications.

[0008] KR 200 206740 Y1 discloses a device including a device having an infrastructure on which a holding device is mounted. The holding device is used to hold a workpiece or an object in a stable position. Additionally, the device includes a control mechanism that enables precise adjustment of the holding device. The aim is to ensure better operation and positioning of the workpiece, where the structure emphasizes operational simplicity and versatility. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the task of the present invention is to provide a processing station that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. The present invention is thus completed by the processing station according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 9. Other preferred embodiments are derived from the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention is based on the recognition that by moving the processing tool together with the auxiliary tool and the conveying unit as components of the processing unit in the transverse direction Y, the positioning of the product relative to the processing tool can be achieved to perform the upcoming processing. Therefore, according to the present invention, before the product to be processed reaches the conveying unit, the processing unit or its conveying unit can be moved to a pre-determined Y position for successful processing. By cleverly selecting the Y position, the product reaches the conveying unit in the transverse position most suitable for subsequent processing.

[0011] The processing unit is here a component of the processing station of the present invention, which is designed to convey and process discrete products in a product stream, and for this purpose extends in the conveying direction X, the usually horizontally extending transverse direction Y orthogonal thereto, and the usually vertically extending height direction Z orthogonal to both the conveying direction and the transverse direction. The processing station includes a main body fixedly arranged during normal operation, such as a frame provided on the workshop floor, which is designed to receive and fix different components of the processing station.

[0012] The processing station has a processing unit, which in turn has a conveying unit, at least one processing tool, and at least one auxiliary tool assigned to the processing tool. The conveying unit is designed to convey products in the conveying direction X along a conveying plane formed by the conveying unit. For example, the assumed planar top side of the conveyor belt of the conveying unit can form the conveying plane.

[0013] The processing tool is designed to process the product when it is conveyed by the conveying unit or temporarily stopped. In particular, those processing tools that need to maintain a predetermined distance from the product to perform processing.

[0014] Here, in the broadest sense, "processing" refers to any purposeful interaction between the product and the processing tool, which is used to generate, change, or detect product characteristics. Marks on the product should also be considered product characteristics here, so reading existing marks or placing new marks on the product is equivalent to detecting or generating product characteristics. Checking the product using a camera to, for example, obtain certain product features by means of image evaluation should also be considered the detection of product characteristics here, which is similar to, for example, checking the product using X-rays to detect its transmission characteristics and, for example, identifying foreign objects in the product, measuring layer thickness, or determining filling quantity or performing integrity and density checks. However, merely the presence or orientation of the product at a certain position in the conveying plane (which can be detected by a sensor, for example) should not be considered a characteristic in the sense of the above definition. So, for example, in the case of a grating, the distance between the product and the sensor is generally not important. For example, inductive or capacitive sensors that need to maintain a specific distance but are only used for simply identifying the product should also not be considered mechanisms for detecting product characteristics.

[0015] The auxiliary tool assigned to a specific processing tool is used to support or generally allow the processing of the product by the processing tool. For example, a guide can be considered as an auxiliary tool, which aligns or guides the product during processing. In particular, the guide can be used to stabilize the product against movement in the lateral direction Y, while a mark is placed on the product by the processing tool, for example. This can be placing a label or lettering, where this is preferably done on the side of the product facing away from the guide. The guide here ensures that the product is guided along the processing tool with a preferably small predetermined Y distance during marking, so that high-quality marks can be placed on the product.

[0016] Embodiments that can be adopted include: having more than one processing tool. For example, the processing unit can include not only a printing unit but also a camera. In addition, it can also be envisioned that the processing unit includes a plurality of auxiliary components, where these auxiliary components can be respectively assigned to different processing tools, but can also be assigned to only one processing tool. For example, the aforementioned guide can be used to guide the product in the transverse direction Y during the marking process and during subsequent or previous inspections using the camera, so as to ensure that the product does not leave the camera's focus area during processing using the camera, for example.

[0017] Alternatively, the first auxiliary component can only be responsible for guiding the product during the marking process, while the second auxiliary component designed as a light-shielding member or a lighting mechanism supports or optimizes the image acquisition using the camera. These two auxiliary components are then respectively assigned to different processing tools.

[0018] According to the present invention, the at least one processing tool and its corresponding at least one auxiliary tool each at least partially extend above the conveying plane, thereby enabling or simplifying the processing of the product. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one processing tool at least partially extends below the conveying unit or the conveying plane, such that the conveying unit prevents the processing tool from freely moving in the transverse direction Y, especially towards the product P placed on the conveying plane.

[0019] According to the present invention, the at least one processing tool and at least one auxiliary component used for processing the product are fixed to the processing unit on the opposite sides of the product in the transverse direction Y. Therefore, the product is received between the processing tool and the corresponding auxiliary component during processing, where the processing tool on one side of the product and the corresponding auxiliary component on the opposite side cooperate with each other to perform the processing as required.

[0020] The core of the present invention is to design the processing tool and its corresponding auxiliary tool to be able to move relative to a position-fixed body in the transverse direction Y together with the conveying unit. According to the present invention, this relative movement is used to receive the product to be fed into the processing unit at a predetermined Y position of the conveying plane, so that the product can then pass through between the auxiliary component and the processing tool and be processed.

[0021] The processing tool, the auxiliary tool, and the conveying unit can move together, which advantageously enables the system to flexibly adapt to different product sizes and the positions of the products in the transverse direction Y. Therefore, the processing unit can receive the product to be supplied at an optional Y position or receive the product on the conveying plane of the conveying unit, as shown in the attached drawing examples. For this purpose, the position of the processing tool relative to the conveying unit does not have to be changed (i.e., it does not have to be readjusted). The auxiliary tool also maintains its position relative to the conveying unit or the processing tool, and all three units can move together (i.e., basically maintaining the relative position fixed) in the transverse direction Y, so as to move to the required Y position to receive the product to be fed into the conveying unit.

[0022] However, the common movement does not exclude that the processing unit is pre-adjusted in advance for the processing of a specific product type (for example, a product that needs to be processed in batches or in large quantities). Then it may be necessary to first calibrate the auxiliary tool and / or the processing tool and position and fix them transversely in the Y direction relative to the conveying unit. For example, the guide as the auxiliary tool and / or the printing unit as the processing tool can be adjusted first according to the width of the product to be printed by corresponding traversing and subsequent fixing before the start of the processing cycle. When the lateral position (handover position) where the product is to arrive at the conveying unit is known, the processing unit can then move transversely in the Y direction relative to the main body, so that the received product passes through exactly with the side to be printed closely against the printing head of the printing unit, while the opposite side of the product is guided and stabilized by the previously positioned and fixed guide. For all other supplied products of the same type, it is neither necessary to re-traverse the entire processing unit nor to re-adjust the relative positions of the processing tool, the auxiliary tool, and the conveying unit to each other.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the processing station includes a supply unit provided upstream of the processing unit, which is designed to supply products to the conveying unit. The supply unit may have a conveyor belt or a similar conveying tool, on which the products are conveyed along the conveying direction X and handed over to the conveying unit. The mobility of the processing unit according to the invention relative to the supply unit can enable the products to be handed over from the supply unit to the conveying unit along a straight or rectilinear trajectory in the conveying direction X at an optional Y position, without the need for the products themselves to change the trajectory or traverse on the conveying unit or the supply unit for subsequent processing.

[0024] Different from the processing unit, the supply unit can be fixedly positioned and, for example, connected to the main body of the processing station. In order to implement the principle on which the present invention is based, the traversing of the supply unit in the Y direction is neither necessary nor feasible, because the kinematic interchange design of the device of the present invention (i.e., having a fixedly positioned processing unit and a traversable supply unit) cannot complete the task of the present invention. Therefore, the supply unit must re-position each discrete product conveyed thereon for the downstream processing unit through separate traversing, which significantly limits the conveying capacity of the supply unit and requires continuous movement.

[0025] On the contrary, the processing unit can move transversely in the Y direction relative to the supply unit such that the products from the supply unit are handed over by the supply unit to the conveying unit or the conveying plane formed by it at an optional Y position.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit is supported by a guiding mechanism, in particular a linear guiding mechanism, which is itself connected to the main body. For example, the guiding mechanism may have a lower section connected to the main body and an upper section in the form of a slide block that can move transversely in the Y direction relative to the lower section, and the upper section is connected to the processing unit. The guiding mechanism can be manually operated in the following manner, that is, for example, the operator laterally moves the slide block appropriately and fixes it in this position before the start of the processing cycle. Alternatively, the guiding mechanism may also have a drive device and can be automatically operated, for example, with the help of a controller, which automatically adjusts the lateral position to be reached for this purpose according to the product to be processed and its processing requirements.

[0027] The processing tool can be designed, for example, as a printing unit. The printing unit can be designed, for example, to print marks on the side of the product protruding from the conveying plane. It is also conceivable to apply the marks at a position only slightly above the conveying plane, so that the printing head is also arranged only slightly above the conveying plane. For this purpose, it may be necessary to arrange the printing unit at the edge of the conveying plane so that parts of the printing unit can also extend below the conveying plane. In this case, the processing unit can be positioned transversely in the Y direction relative to the upstream supply unit in such a way that the product is transferred from the supply unit exactly at the edge of the conveying plane of the conveying unit or the edge of the conveyor belt to the conveying unit. For this purpose, an auxiliary part designed as a guide will be correspondingly adjusted and fixed on the processing unit according to the width of the product, so that the product is placed on the edge of the conveyor belt and passes by the printing head and the guide as close as possible and without deflection, or passes through between the printing head and the guide. As with all other processing, the placement of the marks or the application of the lettering (such as inkjet lettering) can be carried out during the conveyance of the product by the conveying unit or during a temporary stop of the belt.

[0028] The processing tool can also be designed as an inspection unit. This includes those mechanisms for collecting marks, specific design features or product dimensions placed on the product. For example, a camera, an RFID sensor, a barcode scanner or a QR code scanner. An X-ray device for obtaining specific product characteristics or transmission characteristics should also be classified as an inspection unit here, for example, for detecting product heterogeneity or foreign objects, measuring the filling height or performing an optical transmission inspection (such as a seal seam inspection). In the case of X-ray inspection, its working parts are, for example, a scintillator or other sensors or detectors for receiving X-rays, and the corresponding auxiliary tool can be an X-ray source. These two components can be opposed to each other transversely in the Y direction and inspect the product passing through the middle ("side view").

[0029] As a processing tool, a rejection mechanism is also considered, which can purposefully remove these discrete products from the conveying flow. Here, in particular, it can be a deflector that is pivotable or movable above the conveying plane and acts on the product laterally (especially suddenly) to cause the product to leave the conveying plane. As a corresponding auxiliary member, a guide member can be provided, which purposefully guides the product acted on by the guide member away from the conveying plane, for example, into a container provided beside the conveying unit.

[0030] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the auxiliary member is designed as a guide member for laterally (in the transverse direction Y) guiding the product conveyed on the conveying plane. For this purpose, the guide member has a guide surface along which the product can slide or against which the product can rest when there is a temporary stop. The guide surface can also be used to prevent the product from deflecting or moving on the conveying plane. Preferably, the guide surface preferably extends in the conveying direction X. Further preferably, the guide surface is a plane. Most preferably, the guide surface extends in the X-Z plane. The guide member will be extremely useful for various processing tools that require guiding the product during processing. This includes, in particular, providing a mark on the side of the product opposite to the guide surface, especially when a force is applied to the product in the transverse direction Y during the processing (such as during labeling), and the force is absorbed and compensated by the guide member. The guide member can also prevent the product to be inspected by the image recognition device from changing its position in the transverse direction Y during processing, so as to achieve correct acquisition of image data and keep the product, for example, within the focus area of the camera.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary member can also be designed as a light-shielding member, a background lighting mechanism, an electromagnetic radiation protection member, a wind protection mechanism, a reflector, a lighting mechanism, or other components directly assigned to the corresponding processing tool and specifically used to implement or simplify the processing of the product using the corresponding processing tool.

[0032] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the auxiliary tool is designed as another processing tool. Thus, for example, two opposed cameras can capture product images from both sides, or the product is printed on one side while images are captured in cooperation with the product by a camera on the opposed side. It is also conceivable to apply two marks, for example, on the opposed sides of the product using two printing units, where each auxiliary tool as a printing unit guide is simultaneously part of the opposed printing unit. It is also conceivable to use two cameras on the two sides opposite to each other along the transverse direction Y, where the guide member as the first camera auxiliary can simultaneously support the second camera. The second camera can also capture the features of the top side of the product facing away from the conveying plane.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one processing tool and / or at least one auxiliary tool can be manually or automatically adjusted and fixed in the transverse direction Y and / or in the height direction Z. Thereby, the processing unit can be adapted to products of different sizes and different processing requirements. For example, the height position of a mark to be placed on a product can be adjusted by a processing tool designed as a printer and fixed at the required height for this purpose.

[0034] The processing station according to the invention is itself position-fixed and, for example, has a common frame as the main body. The processing unit can move on the frame, while the supply unit can be installed in a position-fixed manner. The processing unit that is movable in the transverse direction Y relative to the main body is preferably limited to the components necessary for implementing the transverse movement principle on which the invention is based (at least one processing tool, a conveying unit, and at least one auxiliary tool). Other common mechanical components, such as a housing for protecting the processing station as a whole or in part, a matching switch cabinet, a control unit, an operation terminal, or a display unit, are preferably position-fixed and connected to the main body, because the crosswise movement of these components is not directly required for implementing the inventive concept, thereby reducing the mass that needs to be moved.

[0035] The conveying unit of the processing unit can meet the preconditions for implementing the invention as long as it can convey the product to be processed through between the processing tool and the auxiliary tool. It is preferably a conveyor belt having a continuous belt surface here. However, depending on the product to be conveyed, other conveying devices or conveying principles can also be considered. Therefore, for example, a belt conveyor, a roller track, or a chain conveyor having multiple belts extending in parallel can also be used, as long as the normal conveyance of the product and the translatability of the processing unit are not adversely affected by the conveying principle for implementing the invention. The supply unit can also be implemented by different transport devices known to those skilled in the art, as long as it can transfer the product to the conveying unit.

[0036] The processing station according to the invention can include additional conveying components provided above the conveying plane for assisting in product conveyance. Therefore, another conveying unit can be provided above the conveying unit, so that the product can be clamped and conveyed by the upper and lower conveying units. The upper conveying unit (which can also be referred to as the upward section) is thus part of the processing unit and can move in the transverse direction Y together with the lower conveying unit, the processing tool, and the auxiliary tool. In addition, the upward section itself can be translatable and fixed relative to the processing unit and / or the main body in order to adjust its orientation for a specific product type. Additionally, the upward section can be equipped with other processing tools, such as a printer, a camera, etc. preferably preset for the top side of the product. If the upward section or the tools mounted thereon assist the processing operation of another processing tool, it can also be considered an auxiliary tool in the broadest sense.

[0037] The method according to the invention uses the aforementioned processing station and supply unit and includes the following steps:

[0038] 10) Position the processing unit transversely relative to the supply unit based on the expected position of the product on the supply unit at the moment of transfer to the conveying unit.

[0039] 20) Convey at least one product by means of the supply unit, automatically transfer the product to the conveying unit of the processing unit, and then convey the product in the conveying direction X and process the product with the processing tool and its associated auxiliary tools.

[0040] After performing method step 10), for all subsequent products of the same type or products with the same processing method, method step 20) can be directly repeated without the need for re-adjustment or lateral movement according to method step 10) each time. Here, the prerequisite is that each product is conveyed by the supply unit at the same lateral position so as to reach the conveying plane at the transfer position that is the basis for adjustment in method step b).

[0041] In the preparation stage of product processing, according to an embodiment of the present method, it may be appropriate to perform the following steps before method step 10):

[0042] 05) Position at least one processing tool and its associated auxiliary tools transversely in the Y direction relative to the conveying unit based on the product to be conveyed, in particular, adjust the distance in the Y direction between at least one processing tool and its associated auxiliary tools.

[0043] This will ensure that the distance between the processing tool and / or the auxiliary tool relative to the product and / or the distance between them meets the subsequent processing requirements. The one-time execution of this step can meet the requirements of a batch of products of the same type, and according to the product supply situation, the execution order can also be interchanged with method step 10).

[0044] A preferred embodiment of the method is directed to using a guide as an auxiliary part, the guiding surface of which extends substantially in the conveying direction X. Here, method step 05 and / or 10) is performed as follows:

[0045] i) When the product is transferred from the supply unit to the conveying plane, a part of the first outer surface of the product is flush with the guiding surface, so that the product is laterally guided by the guide after being transferred to the processing unit, and / or

[0046] ii) After the product is transferred to the processing unit, a part of the second outer surface of the product reaches a predetermined Y position on the conveying plane, which is necessary for processing with the processing tool.

[0047] For example, when performing side printing on the product with the help of the guide, first, the distance Y between the guiding surface of the guide and the processing tool (such as a printing head) can be adjusted. DH, said distance substantially corresponds to the width of the product to be processed in the transverse direction Y, so as to ensure that the first side of the product is precisely and closely guided along the printing head. For example, the adjustment can be achieved in the following way: moving the guiding member a specific distance from the printing head in the transverse direction Y and fixing it to the processing unit at this position. Then, the printing head does not need to move either, and can even be fixedly and firmly fixed to the processing unit for a long time. The processing tool ("printing head"), the conveying unit, and the auxiliary tool ("guiding member") can move relative to the main body in the transverse direction Y as components of the processing unit in this relatively fixed arrangement with respect to each other.

[0048] The processing unit can then be positioned relative to the supply unit such that, during the continuous conveyance of the product to be received from the supply unit, the second side of the product opposite to the first side in the transverse direction Y passes closely by the printing head, so as to be able to produce a high-quality printed image on the second side. In this particular application scenario (printing), the processing station is thus precisely adjusted according to the product width and the product supply position by method steps i) and ii). During the inspection of the product (e.g., by means of a camera), the displacement of the processing unit also allows the product to be transferred exactly to the conveying plane at the Y position, at which position, when the product is continuously conveyed by the conveying unit, the product is guided through the camera focusing area.

[0049] In the case of X-ray inspection, the product should preferably be placed such that all the rays from the X-ray source are aligned with the product and transmission is achieved in the entire vertical direction of the product. In addition, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are preferably positioned relative to each other such that the rays generally emitted in a fan shape from the X-ray source and passing through the product make maximum use of the size of the X-ray detector provided behind the product. This is reflected in Figure 6 this.

[0050] In the above processing cases with similar positioning requirements, the product can then be transferred from the supply unit to the conveying unit along a straight-line trajectory and processed here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing examples, where:

[0052] Figure 1 A perspective view showing the first embodiment of the present invention,

[0053] Figure 2 Showing after the transverse movement of the processing unit Figure 1 the embodiment shown,

[0054] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 a simplified top view of the device shown,

[0055] Figure 4Shows Figure 2 A simplified top view of the device shown,

[0056] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0057] Figure 6 A schematic X-ray transmission diagram of the product is shown. Detailed description of the specific implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A processing station T according to the present invention is shown in a simplified perspective view, which extends in a horizontal conveying direction X, a horizontal transverse direction Y orthogonal thereto, and a height direction Z orthogonal to both of these directions.

[0059] The processing station T is arranged on a position-fixed body G, which is only partially shown and designed as a frame, and the body can be fixed, for example, on the floor of the processing workshop.

[0060] The body supports a supply unit A connected thereto in a position-fixed manner, whereby a product P is conveyed in the conveying direction X. A processing unit B is provided immediately downstream of the supply unit A. The processing unit B includes a conveying unit M, which is also designed to convey the product P in the conveying direction X and for this purpose receives the product P from the upstream supply unit A. The supply unit A and the conveying unit M are each equipped with a circulating conveyor belt. The top sides of the respective conveyor belts are aligned at the same height, and the conveyor belt of the conveying unit M defines a conveying plane E on its top side.

[0061] The processing unit B includes a first processing tool D designed as a printing unit 1 , which includes a print head not shown in detail, and the print head is in close contact with the conveying plane E in the transverse direction Y. The printing unit extends both above and below the conveying plane E. In addition, the processing unit includes a second processing tool D designed as a camera 2 , which is very close to the first processing tool D 1 and is arranged immediately upstream thereof. The camera is also in close contact with the conveying plane E laterally and extends both above and below. In addition to the solution shown in the figure, it is also conceivable to arrange the camera downstream of another processing tool, for example, for inspecting the quality of the printed image just printed upstream.

[0062] On the side of the conveying unit M opposite in the transverse direction Y, there is provided an auxiliary tool H F designed as a guide, with a guide surface F, and the guide surface extends substantially in the X-Z plane. The member is used to guide or stabilize the product P in the transverse direction Y while the product P is being captured by the camera D 2 and printed by the printing unit D 1 . The guide H F is thus assigned to the camera D at the same time 2and the printing unit D 1 , so as to assist these two processing tools during their respective processing.

[0063] In addition, the position of the guide H F relative to the conveying unit M or the processing tool D in the transverse direction Y 1 and D 2 can be freely adjusted and fixed by means of two clamping rails not shown in detail. The guide can also be moved a sufficient distance towards the printing unit or the camera for this purpose, so that it is not located beside the conveying plane E, but above the conveying plane E.

[0064] The processing unit B including the processing tools D 1 、D 2 、the conveying unit M and the guide H F is connected to the linearly guiding mechanism L that can be operated by a handwheel in such a way that the processing unit B can move freely relative to the main body G and thus also relative to the supply unit A in the transverse direction Y. The processing unit B can be selectively fixed at any selected moving position along the linearly guiding mechanism L by means of a fixing mechanism not shown in detail to prevent accidental movement. Or, for example, the lead screw of the linearly guiding mechanism can achieve the required fixing through sufficient friction or self-locking.

[0065] In Figure 1 it can be seen how the product P is arranged approximately centered on the supply unit A and is supplied to the conveying unit M in this transverse position. This position is at least disadvantageous for processing by means of the printing unit D 1 , because when the product is conveyed on the conveying plane E, the printing head cannot reach the side of the product facing the printing unit. Therefore, printing cannot be performed.

[0066] As can be seen in Figure 2 , the mobility of the processing unit B according to the present invention relative to the main body G or the supply unit A allows the product P to be received in an altered transverse position that is favorable for the printing process. For this purpose, the processing unit B has been displaced by a displacement amount ΔY in the transverse direction Y by means of the linearly guiding mechanism L, so that the product P reaches the conveying unit M at the edge of the conveyor belt or the conveying plane E and can be transferred to it. Then, the side of the product to be printed approaches the printing head at the narrow pitch required for printing.

[0067] Figure 3 and 4 show the principle of the present invention in a simplified top view schematic diagram of the conveying plane E. Here, Figure 3 it shows the following situation: The product P can already be transferred from the supply unit A in the correct transverse position (i.e., the edge of the supply unit A on the left when viewed along the conveying direction) to the conveying unit, so as to be able to use the printing unit D 1Print the product. Therefore, there is no need for the processing unit B to traverse relative to the main body G or the supply unit A.

[0068] It can also be seen that Figure 3 the guide H F is pre-positioned and fixed in the transverse direction Y with its guide surface F such that the product P is laterally guided during its continued conveyance and processing and passes by the printing head of the printing unit D 1 with a small clearance.

[0069] The camera provided as another processing tool D 2 has been oriented and fixed in the transverse direction Y by a positioning tool (not shown in detail) such that the product P or the part of the product to be captured by the camera is located within the focusing area of the camera.

[0070] Whereas Figure 4 shows the following situation: The product P is approached by the processing unit B at the edge of the supply unit A on the right when viewed in the conveying direction. However, in order to still be able to transfer the product to the conveying unit M at the lateral position shown and process it there, the processing unit B has been displaced by a displacement amount ΔY relative to the main body G or the supply unit A according to the present invention, such that the product P can now be transferred to the conveying unit along a straight trajectory and processed there at a predetermined or required spacing. Figure 3

[0071] Figure 5 A simplified view shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the repeated reference numerals correspond to the foregoing explanations. A processing device T can be seen, which has a supply unit A, a processing unit B provided downstream thereof, and an output belt (not shown in detail) provided further downstream. Different from the supply unit A and the output belt, the processing unit B can again move in the transverse direction Y relative to the main body G. The inspection device D designed as a camera 2 is provided beside the conveying plane E, slightly above the conveying plane, and is used here as a processing tool to capture the product P supplied to the conveying plane E by means of an image recognition mechanism. In the transverse direction Y, on the other side of the conveying plane E, opposite to the camera, an auxiliary tool in the form of a light-shielding member H L is provided in cooperation with the camera. Since the lighting device required for the camera usually emits a flash that interferes with the operator, the light-shielding member at least partially prevents the light from spreading to the surrounding environment.

[0072] According to the present invention, the camera D 2 the conveying unit M and the light-shielding member H L can be displaced in the transverse direction Y as a common part of the processing unit B such that the product P supplied by the supply unit A is located within the focusing area of the camera.

[0073] Figure 6 ​The product P during X-ray inspection is shown in a simplified illustration from the perspective of the conveying direction X. For this purpose, the auxiliary tool H designed as an X-ray source RQ emits X-rays in a fan shape in the transverse direction Y towards the processing tool designed as an X-ray detector D 3 . The X-rays penetrate the product P conveyed on the conveying unit M in the Y-Z plane here, and reach the X-ray detector D with different intensities according to the transmission characteristics of the product on each X-ray path 3 . In order to completely transmit the entire product, the processing unit and the conveying unit M are moved along the transverse direction Y in such a way that the product is not conveyed at an unfavorable transverse position Y 0 , but at the position Y most suitable for transmission 1 . In order to make full use of the size of the detector D 3 , its Y distance from the X-ray source H RQ is pre-adjusted. This enables the product to be completely transmitted, and the X-rays can cover the entire effective vertical detection range of the detector D 3 .

[0074] List of reference numerals

[0075] A Supply unit

[0076] B Processing unit

[0077] D, D* Processing tool

[0078] D 1 Printing unit

[0079] D 2 Camera

[0080] D 3 X-ray detector

[0081] E Conveying plane

[0082] F Guide surface

[0083] G Body

[0084] H Auxiliary

[0085] H RQ X-ray source

[0086] H F Guide

[0087] H L Light-shielding member

[0088] L Linear guide mechanism

[0089] M Conveying unit

[0090] P Product

[0091] T Processing Station

[0092] X Conveyor Direction

[0093] Y Transverse

[0094] Y 0 Unsuitable Transverse Position

[0095] Y 1 Suitable Transverse Position

[0096] Y DH Distance between Processing Tool D and Auxiliary Tool H

[0097] Z Height Direction

[0098] Displacement Amount in Transverse Y, ΔY

Claims

1. A processing station (T) for conveying and processing discrete products (P) in a product flow, wherein: The processing station (T) extends in a conveying direction (X), in a transverse direction (Y) orthogonal thereto, and in a height direction (Z) orthogonal to both directions, and wherein the processing station has a body (G) which is fixedly positioned on a frame during normal operation, a) wherein the processing station (T) has a processing unit (B), which in turn comprises a transport unit (M), at least one processing tool (D) and at least one auxiliary tool (H) assigned to the at least one processing tool, b) wherein the conveying unit (M) is designed to convey the product (P) in the conveying direction (X) along a conveying plane (E) formed by the conveying unit (M), c) wherein the processing tool (D) is designed to process the product (P) while the product (P) is being transported by the transport unit (M) or is temporarily stopped, and wherein the processing is carried out using an auxiliary part (H) associated with the corresponding processing tool (D), Its characteristics are: d) the at least one auxiliary component (H) and the at least one processing tool (D) each extend at least partially above the conveying plane (E), and e) at least one processing tool (D) and at least one auxiliary component (H) thereof for processing the product (P) e1) the product (P) conveyed by the conveying unit (M) is fixed to the processing unit (B) at two sides opposite to each other in the transverse direction (Y), and e2) is capable of moving (relative movement) together with the conveying unit (M) relative to the main body (G) in the transverse direction (Y) so as to receive the product (P) to be fed into the processing unit (B) at a predeterminable Y position of the conveying plane (E) or the conveying unit (M) and convey the product through between the auxiliary part (H) and the processing tool (D).

2. The processing station (T) according to claim 1 further includes a supply unit (A) arranged upstream of the processing unit (B) and fixed in position during normal operation, and the supply unit is designed to transport the product (P) placed flat thereon in the conveying direction (X) and deliver it to the conveying unit (M) of the processing unit (B).

3. A processing station (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The processing unit (B) is supported by an automatic or manually operated guide mechanism (L) connected to the main body (G), and the guide mechanism is particularly a linear guide mechanism (L), which allows the processing unit (B) to move relative to the transverse direction (Y).

4. A processing station (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one processing tool (D) a) is designed as a marking unit, in particular a printing unit (D1), for printing the product (P) on a side, preferably the side facing away from the auxiliary element (H), and / or b) is designed as a checking unit (D2) for b1) collecting characteristics identifying said product (P), in particular a mark applied to said product (P), or b2) Detect product characteristics that can be measured by detection tools, especially heterogeneity or foreign matter.

5. A processing station (T) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one auxiliary member (H) a) Designed as a guide (H) with a guide surface (F) F ), for guiding the product (P) conveyed on the conveying plane (E) along the guide surface (F) at a specified Y position in the transverse direction (Y), and / or b) Designed as a light shield (H L ) or background lighting or radiation sources.

6. A processing station (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one auxiliary element (H) comprises a further machining tool (D*) according to claim 4a) or claim 4b).

7. A processing station (T) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one processing tool (D) and / or auxiliary tool (H) can be adjusted and fixed manually or automatically in the transverse direction (Y) and / or the height direction (Z) so as to be able to guide and / or process products (P) of different widths and / or heights.

8. Processing station (T) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: a) a housing at least partially surrounding the at least one processing unit (B), and / or b) A control device and / or an evaluation unit and / or a display unit and / or a switch cabinet which are primarily assigned to the at least one processing unit (B) are connected to the body (G) in a fixed manner.

9. A method for processing a product (P) by means of a processing station (T) according to one of the preceding claims and claim 2, comprising the following steps: 10) positioning the processing unit (B) relative to the supply unit (A) in the transverse direction (Y) according to the position of the product (P) on the supply unit (A) at the moment of transfer to the conveying unit (M), 20) at least one product (P) is conveyed by means of the supply unit (A), the product (P) is automatically transferred to the conveying unit (M) of the processing unit (B), and then the product (P) is conveyed in the conveying direction (X) and processed by the processing tool (D) and its matching auxiliary tool (H).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Before step 10) of the method, the following steps are also performed: 05) Positioning the at least one processing tool (D) and its associated auxiliary tool (H) relative to the conveying unit (M) in the transverse direction (Y) according to the product (P) to be conveyed, in particular adjusting the distance (Y) between the at least one processing tool (D) and its associated auxiliary tool (H) in the transverse direction (Y) DH ).

11. The method according to one of the preceding claims and claim 5a), wherein: The guide surface (F) extends substantially in the conveying direction (X), wherein the processing unit (B) is positioned in the transverse direction (Y) in the following manner: i) aligning a portion of the outer surface of the product (P) with the guide surface (F) so that the product (P) is guided by the guide member (H) after being transferred to the processing unit (B) F ) Lateral guidance, and / or ii) after being transferred to the processing unit (B), a portion of the outer surface of the product (P) is brought to a predeterminable Y position on the conveying plane (E), which is required for processing using the processing tool (D).

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: the processing unit (B) is positioned in the transverse direction (Y) in such a way that the product (P) or the marking provided thereon reaches the Y position on the conveying plane (E) after the product (P) has been handed over to the processing unit (B), a) an area of ​​the product (P) that can be captured by the inspection unit designed as a camera (D2) is located within the focus area of ​​the camera, or b) so that the X-ray source (H RQ )’s X-rays penetrate the entire product (P).

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