Vacuum handling device for a packaging machine and method for handling products using such a vacuum handling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum handling device, in particular a vacuum picker, for a packaging machine, with at least one receiving unit (14) for receiving a plurality of products (16), in particular foodstuffs, which defines at least one receiving space (18) in which the plurality of products (16) can be arranged in an orderly manner, in particular in the form of a stack or a row, and which comprises at least one movably mounted attachment element (20) on which at least one product (16), in particular one first conveyed into the receiving space (18), of the plurality of products (16) can be applied, in particular bears, in a state of the at least one product (16) arranged in the receiving space (18). It is proposed that the vacuum handling device shall comprise at least one active drive unit (22) for an active movement of the system element (20), in particular free from a movement of the system element (20) that can be caused purely by a weight and / or spring force.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum handling device for a packaging machine, comprising at least one receiving unit for receiving a plurality of products, which defines at least one receiving space in which the plurality of products can be arranged in an orderly manner, in particular in the form of a stack or a row, and which comprises at least one movably mounted attachment element against which at least one product of the plurality of products can be applied, in particular in a state of the at least one product arranged in the receiving space.

[0002] From EP 4 230 538 A1 and EP 1 761 446 A1, (vacuum) handling devices are already known in which a handling element is movably mounted by means of guide rods and / or is movable by means of a drive force based on weight and / or spring force. This can lead to the handling element not being reliably positioned against the product, and can result in product damage and / or product jamming in the receiving space as a result of products being fed, in particular sucked, into the receiving space. Furthermore, if the orientation of the known (vacuum) handling devices changes, it may not be possible to guarantee that the force exerted by the handling element on the product(s) in the receiving space is sufficient to hold the product(s) securely in place.

[0003] This can lead to unintended machine stoppages and thus to unintended production stoppages.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic vacuum handling device, a generic method, and a generic packaging machine with improved properties regarding safe and gentle product handling while offering high flexibility with respect to a field of application. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 6, and 10, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a vacuum handling device, in particular a vacuum picker, for a packaging machine, with at least one receiving unit for receiving a plurality of products, in particular foodstuffs, which defines at least one receiving space in which the plurality of products can be arranged in an orderly manner, in particular in the form of a stack or a row, and which comprises at least one movably mounted attachment element on which at least one product of the plurality of products, in particular one first conveyed into the receiving space, can be applied, in particular bears, in a state of the at least one product arranged in the receiving space.

[0006] It is proposed that the vacuum handling device comprise at least one active drive unit for an active movement of the attachment element, in particular one free from movement caused solely by weight and / or spring force. The design of the vacuum handling device according to the invention advantageously enables reliable and controllable movement of the attachment element into a desired position relative to the receiving space. Product-friendly handling can be advantageously achieved, since, in particular, the impact energy of a product on the attachment element during suction into the receiving space can be minimized.The attachment element can advantageously be actively adapted to the dimensions, particularly the thickness, of the product, especially by a corresponding active movement of the attachment element relative to the receiving space depending on the product's thickness. This advantageously allows for a high degree of flexibility with regard to the application area of ​​the vacuum handling device, particularly since the active movement of the attachment element enables a conveniently simple adaptation of the vacuum handling device to different product formats. Furthermore, the active movement of the attachment element can advantageously generate a counterforce acting against the suction force produced by a vacuum, particularly to enable gentle product insertion / suction.Advantageously, the vacuum handling device according to the invention can counteract, in comparison to the prior art, an undesirable movement of the attachment element into the receiving space caused by the suction force before the product comes into contact with the attachment element.

[0007] The vacuum handling device is preferably intended for handling products, especially foodstuffs such as biscuits, chocolate coins, rice cakes, or the like. "Intended" is understood to mean specifically designed, specially configured, specially equipped, and / or specially programmed. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. Preferably, the vacuum handling device is intended for forming, in particular, vertically oriented stacks, especially so-called piles, or, in particular, horizontally oriented rows, especially so-called slugs, from products placed on a transport element, in particular a conveyor belt or the like.The vacuum handling device is used to transport products, particularly in a horizontal position, within a transport device of the packaging machine comprising the vacuum handling device, especially before the products are conveyed, and in particular sucked, into the receiving chamber of the receiving unit of the vacuum handling device. The vacuum handling device preferably comprises a negative pressure source designed to generate an airflow in or through the receiving chamber of the receiving unit in order to convey products into the receiving chamber, particularly in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and in particular to suck them in. It is also conceivable that the airflow can be used, at least to assist in moving, and in particular blowing, products out of the receiving chamber, especially in addition to or as an alternative to the system element.The receiving unit preferably comprises at least one hollow cylindrical base body or at least two base body parts movably mounted relative to each other, in particular each having a semicircular or crescent-shaped inner wall or a wooden cylindrical cross-section, which defines or defines the receiving space. In an embodiment of the receiving unit with two movably mounted base body parts, in particular half-shells, at least one sealing element(s), such as a sealing lip or the like, is arranged on one or both of the base body parts of the receiving unit, in particular to enable reliable guidance of the airflow in, and in particular through, the receiving space, especially at least from a receiving opening of the receiving space to an intake fluid outlet opening of the receiving space.The sealing element(s) is / are preferably arranged on one side of at least one of the base body parts facing the other base body part, with the base body parts abutting each other via the sealing element(s) in a closed state. Preferably, a sealing element of the receiving unit is arranged on each base body part, and these elements interact to form a seal. In an embodiment of the base body parts with a semicircular or crescent-shaped inner wall, the base body parts are preferably pivotably mounted relative to each other. An axis of movement of the base body parts with a semicircular or crescent-shaped inner wall preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving unit. In an embodiment of the base body parts with a wooden cylindrical cross-section, the base body parts are preferably mounted translationally movable relative to each other.An axis of movement of the base body parts with a wooden cylindrical cross-section preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving unit. "Substantially parallel" is understood to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°.

[0008] The attachment element is preferably mounted so as to be movable translationally relative to the base body or relative to the base body parts. Preferably, the attachment element is mounted so as to be movable translationally within the receiving space. An axis of movement of the attachment element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving unit and / or to the axis of movement of the base body parts. However, it is also conceivable that the attachment element runs along and / or about another axis of movement of the attachment element that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art, such as translationally along and / or pivotably about an axis of movement of the attachment element that runs at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiving unit and / or to the axis of movement of the base body parts, or the like.The term "essentially perpendicular" is intended to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, especially when viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. The attachment element is preferably movable along and / or about the axis of movement of the attachment element relative to the base body or relative to the base body parts by means of the active drive unit. The receiving unit, in particular the base body or the base body parts together with the attachment element, is, in particular are, preferably mounted movably, in particular pivotably, by means of a bearing unit of the vacuum handling device.A movement axis of the receiving unit preferably runs transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the movement axis of the system element. Preferably, the vacuum handling device comprises at least one movement unit, in particular a delta robot or the like, on which the receiving unit is movably arranged by means of the bearing unit.

[0009] The active drive unit is preferably designed to convert one type of energy into another, in particular electrical energy into mechanical energy, or to convert energy stored in an energy carrier medium, in particular a fluid, into mechanical work in order to cause movement of the system element. For example, the active drive unit can be designed as a fluid drive unit, in particular as a hydraulic or pneumatic drive unit, as an electric drive unit, in particular as a servo drive unit, or as another drive unit that would be suitable to a person skilled in the art. The vacuum handling device preferably includes a control unit for controlling the active drive unit. The control unit can be designed as a mechanical control unit and / or as an electronic control unit.The term "electronic control unit" refers in particular to a unit comprising at least one control electronics module. "Control electronics" refers in particular to a unit comprising a processor unit, a memory unit, and an operating program stored in the memory unit. The vacuum handling device may include a detection unit designed to detect the position of the system component and / or at least one of the multiple products arranged in the receiving space, in particular to actively move the system component depending on the detected position. The detection unit may, for example, comprise a light barrier, a distance sensor, a push button, a movable finger, or the like, to detect the position of the system component and / or at least one of the multiple products in the receiving space.Preferably, the detection unit is connected to the control or regulation unit in order to transmit detected data or signals from the detection unit to the control or regulation unit, depending on which the active drive unit can be controlled or regulated by the control or regulation unit.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the active drive unit be designed to actively move the attachment element in at least two directions, particularly opposite directions, specifically in a direction towards a receiving opening of the receiving unit and in a direction away from the receiving opening. Preferably, the direction towards the receiving opening of the receiving unit and the direction away from the receiving opening run at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the attachment element. The attachment element can be movable in a helical or linear fashion along the direction towards the receiving opening of the receiving unit and / or along the direction away from the receiving opening. By moving the attachment element in the direction towards the receiving opening, products can advantageously be actively ejected from the receiving space.It is advantageous to enable reliable and controllable movement of the system element into a desired position relative to the receiving space. Product-friendly handling can be advantageously achieved, as the impact energy of a product against the system element during suction into the receiving space can be minimized. The active movement of the system element can advantageously generate a counterforce against the suction force produced by a vacuum, particularly to enable gentle insertion / suction of products. Compared to the prior art, the vacuum handling device according to the invention advantageously counteracts the suction force and the undesirable movement of the system element into the receiving space before the product comes into contact with the system element.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the active drive unit comprises at least one gear element, in particular a threaded rod or a rack, which is arranged on the mounting element and interacts with a drive element, in particular a pinion, of the active drive unit to move the mounting element. The mounting element can be formed integrally with the gear element or detachably connected to the gear element by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection.The term "one-piece" is to be understood in particular as being at least materially bonded, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by being manufactured from a single casting and / or by being manufactured using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The drive element is preferably rotationally fixed to a drive shaft of a drive, in particular a servo motor, of the active drive unit. In particular, the drive element is rotatably driven. Preferably, at least a translational movement of the drive element and the associated contact element relative to the base body or to the base body parts can be induced by means of a rotational movement of the drive element.The design of the vacuum handling device according to the invention advantageously enables a safe and precise movement of the handling element in a structurally simple manner. It advantageously allows for reliable and controllable movement of the handling element into a desired position relative to the receiving space. The handling element can advantageously be actively adapted to a dimension, particularly a thickness, of the product, especially by a corresponding active movement of the handling element relative to the receiving space depending on the thickness of the product. A high degree of flexibility with regard to the application area of ​​the vacuum handling device can be advantageously achieved, particularly since, as a result of the active movement of the handling element, the vacuum handling device can be easily adapted to different product formats.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the active drive unit be arranged on a side of the receiving space facing away from one of the receiving openings of the receiving unit, in particular the one mentioned above, and / or on a side of the receiving unit that runs at least substantially parallel to one of the movement axes of the system element, in particular the one mentioned above. The active drive unit can preferably be arranged partially or completely on a top surface of the receiving unit located on the side of the receiving unit facing away from the receiving opening, and / or on a side wall of the receiving unit that extends partially or completely transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the top surface.However, other arrangements of the active drive unit on or relative to the receiving unit are also conceivable, which would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, such as an arrangement of the active drive unit at least partially within the receiving unit. The design of the vacuum handling device according to the invention advantageously allows for a compact and safe arrangement of the active drive unit. Advantageously, despite the compact design, reliable and controllable movement of the system element to a desired position relative to the receiving space can be enabled.

[0013] It is further proposed that the vacuum handling device comprise at least one detection unit, in particular the one already mentioned, for detecting the position of at least one of the multiple products in the receiving space, and in particular that the active drive unit is provided for actively moving the system element depending on the position of the at least one product in the receiving space detected by the detection unit. It is conceivable that, in an alternative embodiment, the vacuum handling device for solving the aforementioned problem could be designed independently of the active drive unit.Preferably, in the alternative embodiment, particularly in the embodiment designed independently of the active drive unit, the vacuum handling device comprises at least one receiving unit for receiving a plurality of products, in particular foodstuffs, which at least limits the receiving space in which the plurality of products can be arranged in an orderly manner, in particular in the form of a stack or a row, and which comprises at least the movably mounted system element against which at least one product of the plurality of products, in particular one first conveyed into the receiving space, can be applied in a state of the at least one product arranged in the receiving space, and which comprises at least one detection unit for detecting a position of at least one product of the plurality of products in the receiving space.The detection unit can, for example, comprise a light barrier, a distance sensor, a push button, a movable finger, or the like, to detect the position of at least one of the multiple products and / or the system element within the receiving space. The design of the vacuum handling device according to the invention advantageously enables an indirect counting function for a number of products arranged in the receiving space. It also advantageously allows for reliable and controllable movement of the system element to a desired position relative to the receiving space.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for handling products, particularly foodstuffs, preferably for forming stacks or rows of products, using a vacuum handling device, in particular a vacuum handling device according to the invention. It is proposed that in at least one step of the method, a support element, in particular the aforementioned one, of a receiving unit of the vacuum handling device, in particular the aforementioned one, is actively moved by means of an active drive unit of the vacuum handling device, in particular the aforementioned one. The design according to the invention advantageously enables reliable and controllable movement of the support element into a desired position relative to the receiving space.Product-friendly handling can be advantageously achieved, as the impact energy of a product against the system element during suction into the receiving chamber can be minimized. The system element can be actively adapted to the dimensions, particularly the thickness, of the product, especially through a corresponding active movement of the system element relative to the receiving chamber depending on the product's thickness. A high degree of flexibility regarding the application area of ​​the process can be advantageously achieved, particularly since easy adaptation to different product formats is possible. The active movement of the system element can generate a counterforce against the suction force produced by a vacuum, particularly to enable gentle product insertion.Advantageously, the method according to the invention can counteract, in comparison to the prior art, an undesirable movement of the attachment element into the receiving space caused by the suction force before the product comes into contact with the attachment element.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, the attachment element is actively moved in a direction opposite one of the receiving openings of the receiving unit, particularly the one mentioned previously. The design according to the invention advantageously enables gentle filling of the receiving space. It can advantageously be achieved that the attachment element is moved relative to the receiving space together with, preferably synchronously with, a product currently being moved into the receiving space. It can advantageously enable reliable and controllable movement of the attachment element to a desired position relative to the receiving space.This allows for advantageous, product-friendly handling, as the impact energy of a product on the system element during suction into the receiving space can be kept low.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, the system element is actively moved in a direction facing one of the receiving openings of the receiving unit, particularly the one mentioned previously. Moving the system element in the direction facing the receiving opening advantageously allows for the active ejection of products from the receiving space, especially when depositing a vertically oriented stack, particularly a so-called pile, of products using the vacuum handling device. This advantageously enables gentle product handling. It also advantageously allows for high flexibility in terms of application, particularly since both stacks and rows of products can be reliably formed to enable high-quality product packaging.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one step of the process, the position of at least one product of a plurality of products in a receiving space, particularly the one mentioned above, of a receiving unit of the vacuum handling device is detected by means of a sensing unit of the vacuum handling device, particularly the one mentioned above, wherein the system element is actively moved by means of an active drive unit of the vacuum handling device, depending on the position of the at least one product in the receiving space detected by the sensing unit. It is conceivable that the process for solving the aforementioned problem could be designed in an alternative embodiment independent of an active movement of the system element.The design according to the invention advantageously enables an indirect counting function for a number of products arranged in the receiving space. It also advantageously allows for reliable and controllable movement of the system element to a desired position relative to the receiving space.

[0018] Furthermore, a packaging machine for packaging products, particularly foodstuffs, is proposed, comprising at least one vacuum handling device according to the invention. The packaging machine may include further devices and / or units that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which can be used for the production and / or packaging of products, particularly foodstuffs. The packaging machine is preferably designed for at least the packaging and / or repackaging of foodstuffs. In addition to the vacuum handling device, the packaging machine may have a variety of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art would consider useful, such as a transport device, a sterilization device, a product feeding device, a filling device, a closure device, a repackaging device, or the like.The design according to the invention advantageously enables reliable and controllable movement of the attachment element into a desired position relative to the receiving space. Product-friendly handling can be advantageously achieved, since, in particular, the impact energy of a product against the attachment element when the product is drawn into the receiving space can be kept low. The attachment element can advantageously be actively adapted to a dimension, especially a thickness, of the product, particularly by a corresponding active movement of the attachment element relative to the receiving space depending on the thickness of the product.A high degree of flexibility regarding the application area of ​​the packaging machine can be advantageously achieved, particularly since the active movement of the system element allows for a conveniently simple adaptation of the vacuum handling device to different product formats. The active movement of the system element can generate a counterforce against the suction force produced by the vacuum, especially to enable gentle product insertion / suction.

[0019] The vacuum handling device, the method, and / or the packaging machine according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the vacuum handling device, the method, and / or the packaging machine according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than those specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of this disclosure are also considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0020] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a part of a packaging machine according to the invention with at least one vacuum handling device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a sectional view of a vacuum handling device according to the invention with translationally movable base body parts in a schematic representation, Fig. 3 a top view of a vacuum handling device according to the invention with pivotably movable base body parts in a schematic representation, Fig. 4 a detailed view of a vacuum handling device according to the invention Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 during the placement of products as a stack in a package in a schematic representation and Fig. 5 A flowchart of a method according to the invention for handling products by means of a vacuum handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a packaging machine 12 for packaging products 16, in particular foodstuffs, with at least one vacuum handling device 10. The vacuum handling device 10 is preferably designed as a vacuum picker. Preferably, the packaging machine 12 comprises a plurality of vacuum handling devices 10. The packaging machine 12 is preferably designed as a food packaging machine. However, it is also conceivable that the packaging machine 12 has another configuration that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, such as a configuration as a pharmaceutical packaging machine, a unit load packaging machine, or the like.In addition to the vacuum handling device 10, the packaging machine 12 may include further devices and / or units that appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which are used for the production and / or packaging of products 16, in particular foodstuffs, such as a transport device 52, a sterilization device, a product feeding device, a filling device, a closure device, a repacking device, or the like. Preferably, the packaging machine 12, in particular in addition to the vacuum handling device 10, includes at least the transport device 52 for transporting, in particular, randomly ordered products 16. The transport device 52 is preferably designed as a conveyor belt device, which includes at least one conveyor belt for transporting the products 16.However, it is also conceivable that the transport device 52 has a different design that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, such as a design as an electrodynamic linear or planar conveyor device, as a chain conveyor device or the like.

[0023] The vacuum handling device 10 is preferably designed for handling products 16, in particular foodstuffs such as biscuits, chocolate coins, rice cakes, or the like. Preferably, the vacuum handling device 10 is designed for forming, in particular vertically oriented, stacks, in particular so-called piles, or, in particular, horizontally oriented rows, in particular so-called slugs, of products 16, which are transported on a transport element, in particular a conveyor belt or the like, of the transport device 52, in particular lying down, in particular before the products 16 are conveyed, in particular sucked, into a receiving chamber 18 of a receiving unit 14 of the vacuum handling device 10. The vacuum handling device 10 preferably comprises a vacuum source (not shown in detail here) which generates an airflow 54 (cf. Fig. 2) is provided in or through the receiving chamber 18 of the receiving unit 14 in order to convey products 16 into the receiving chamber 18, in particular in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, and in particular to draw them in. The vacuum source is preferably connected to the receiving chamber 18 fluidically by means of a vacuum line (not shown in detail here), in particular in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, and in particular to suction fluid outlet openings 56 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) the recording unit 14.

[0024] The vacuum handling device 10 comprises at least the receiving unit 14 for receiving a plurality of products 16, in particular foodstuffs, which at least limits the receiving space 18 in which the plurality of products 16 can be arranged in an orderly manner, in particular in the form of a stack or a row, and which comprises at least one movably mounted system element 20, against which at least one product 16 of the plurality of products 16, in particular one first conveyed into the receiving space 18, can be applied in a state of the at least one product 16 arranged in the receiving space 18, in particular bears (see also Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) The receiving unit 14 preferably comprises at least two base body parts 58, 60, which are movably mounted relative to each other and in particular each have a wooden cylindrical cross-section, and which define the receiving chamber 18. Preferably, at least one sealing element(s) 62, such as a sealing lip or the like, is arranged on at least one or both of the base body parts 58, 60 of the receiving unit 14, in particular to enable reliable guidance of the airflow 54 in, and in particular through, the receiving chamber 18, and in particular at least from a receiving opening 28 of the receiving chamber 18 to the intake fluid outlet opening(s) 56 of the receiving chamber 18.The sealing element(s) 62 is / are preferably arranged on one side of at least one of the base body parts 58, 60, facing the other of the base body parts 58, 60, wherein the base body parts 58, 60 abut each other via the sealing element(s) 62 in a closed state of the base body parts 58, 60. Preferably, a sealing element 62 of the receiving unit 14 is arranged on each of the base body parts 58, 60, which interact to form a seal. The base body parts 58, 60 are preferably mounted to be movably relative to each other translationally. An axis of movement 72 of the base body parts 58, 60 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving unit 14.

[0025] The attachment element 20 is preferably mounted so as to be movably translational relative to the base body parts 58, 60. Preferably, the attachment element 20 is mounted so as to be movably translational within the receiving space 18. An axis of movement 36 of the attachment element 20 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving unit 14 and / or to the axis of movement 72 of the base body parts 58, 60. However, it is also conceivable that the attachment element 20 is mounted so as to be movably along and / or about another axis of movement 36 of the attachment element 20 that appears useful to a person skilled in the art, such as being mounted so as to be movably translational along and / or pivotable about an axis of movement 36 of the attachment element 20 that runs at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiving unit 14 and / or to the axis of movement 72 of the base body parts 58, 60, or the like.The attachment element 20 is preferably movable along and / or about the axis of movement 36 of the attachment element 20 relative to the base body parts 58, 60 by means of an active drive unit 22 of the vacuum handling device 10. The receiving unit 14, in particular the base body parts 58, 60 together with the attachment element 20, is, in particular are, preferably movably, in particular pivotably, mounted by means of a bearing unit 64 of the vacuum handling device 10 (see . Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4) A movement axis 66 of the receiving unit 14 preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the movement axis 36 of the mounting element 20 (cf. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4) Preferably, the vacuum handling device 10 comprises at least one motion unit 68, in particular a delta robot or the like, on which the receiving unit 14 is movably arranged by means of the bearing unit 64 (cf. Fig. 1).

[0026] The active drive unit 22 is designed for active movement of the attachment element 20, in particular movement free from movement caused solely by weight and / or spring force. The active drive unit 22 is preferably designed as a servo drive unit. The vacuum handling device 10 preferably comprises a control unit (not shown in detail here) for controlling the active drive unit 22. The active drive unit 22 is preferably designed to actively move the attachment element 20 in at least two directions 24, 26, in particular in a direction 24 facing the receiving opening 28 of the receiving unit 14 and in a direction 26 facing away from the receiving opening 28.Preferably, the direction 24 facing the receiving opening 28 of the receiving unit 14 and the direction 26 facing away from the receiving opening 28 run at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement 36 of the support element 20. The support element 20 can be movable in a screw-like or linear manner along the direction 24 facing the receiving opening 28 of the receiving unit 14 and / or along the direction 26 facing away from the receiving opening 28.

[0027] Preferably, the active drive unit 22 comprises at least one gear element 30, in particular a threaded rod or a rack, which is arranged on the contact element 20 and cooperates with a drive element 32, in particular a pinion, of the active drive unit 22 to cause movement of the contact element 20 (cf. Fig. 2) The mounting element 20 can be formed integrally with the gear element 30 or detachably connected to the gear element 30 by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. The drive element 32 is preferably rotationally fixed to a drive shaft (not shown in detail here) of a drive, in particular a servo motor, of the active drive unit 22. In particular, the drive element 32 is rotatably driven. Preferably, at least a translational movement of the gear element 30 and the mounting element 20 connected thereto relative to the base body parts 58, 60 can be brought about by means of a rotational movement of the drive element 32.

[0028] Preferably, the active drive unit 22 is located on one side 34 of the receiving space 18 facing away from the receiving opening 28 of the receiving unit 14 (see figure). Fig. 2) and / or arranged on a side 38 of the receiving unit 14 which runs at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement 36 of the system element 20 (in Fig. (2 only indicated by dashed lines). The active drive unit 22 can preferably be arranged partially or completely on a top surface of the receiving unit 14, which is located on the side 34 of the receiving unit 14 facing away from the receiving opening 28, and / or on a side wall of the receiving unit 14 that extends partially or completely transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the top surface. However, other arrangements of the active drive unit 22 on or relative to the receiving unit 14 that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable, such as an arrangement of the active drive unit 22 at least partially within the receiving unit 14.

[0029] The vacuum handling device 10 preferably comprises at least one detection unit 40 (in Fig. 2 (only indicated by dashed lines) for detecting the position of at least one product 16 of the plurality of products 16 in the receiving space 18, in particular wherein the active drive unit 22 is provided to actively move the system element 20 depending on a position of the at least one product 16 in the receiving space 18 detected by the detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 can alternatively or additionally be provided for detecting a position of the system element 20 in the receiving space 18, in particular to actively move the system element 20 depending on the detected position. The detection unit 40 can, for example, have a light barrier, a distance meter, a push button, a movable finger or the like, to detect a position of the system element 20 and / or at least one of the plurality of products 16 in the receiving space 18.Preferably, the detection unit 40 is connected to the control or regulation unit in order to transmit detected data or signals from the detection unit 40 to the control or regulation unit, depending on which the active drive unit 22 can be controlled or regulated by the control or regulation unit.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the invention which, instead of a translationally movable bearing of base body parts 58, 60, has a pivotable bearing of base body parts 58', 60'. The following description and the drawing are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identically designated components, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference is also generally made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiment, in particular the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, reference can be made. To distinguish the embodiments, the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Fig. 3. An apostrophe is added. Alternatively or additionally, the recording unit comprises 14' in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, preferably at least two base body parts 58', 60' are mounted so as to be movable relative to each other, each forming a semicircular or crescent-shaped inner wall. The base body parts 58', 60' are preferably mounted so as to be pivotably movable relative to each other. An axis of movement 72' of the base body parts 58', 60' preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving unit 14.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows the vacuum handling device 10, 10' from Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 during the placement of products 16 as a stack in a package 70. Preferably, the base body parts 58, 60, 58', 60' are movable relative to each other to enable the placement of products 16 as a stack in a package 70. In the vacuum handling device 10 made of Fig. 2. The basic body parts 58, 60 are translationally movable apart in order to release the products 16 and unload them into the packaging 70. In the case of the vacuum handling device 10', Fig. 3 the basic body parts 58', 60' can be pivoted apart to release the products 16 and unload them into the packaging 70.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic sequence of a method 42 for handling products 16, in particular foodstuffs, preferably for forming stacks or rows of products 16, using a vacuum handling device 10, 10'. Preferably, in at least one process step 44 of the method 42, the contact element 20 of the receiving unit 14, 14' of the vacuum handling device 10, 10' is actively moved by means of the active drive unit 22, 22' of the vacuum handling device 10, 10'. Preferably, in at least one process step 46 of the method 42, the contact element 20 is actively moved in the direction 26 away from the receiving opening 28 of the receiving unit 14, 14'. Preferably, in at least one process step 48 of the method 42, the contact element 20 is actively moved in the direction 24 towards the receiving opening 28 of the receiving unit 14.Preferably, in at least one process step 50 of process 42, the position of at least one product 16 of a plurality of products 16 in the receiving space 18 of the receiving unit 14, 14' is detected by means of the detection unit 40, in particular wherein the system element 20 is actively moved by means of the active drive unit 22 depending on a position of the at least one product 16 in the receiving space 18 detected by means of the detection unit 40. The process 42 for handling products 16, in particular foodstuffs, preferably for forming stacks or rows of products 16, may include further process steps that appear useful to a person skilled in the art. In addition, possible process steps that arise from the description of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 can be derived, for the purposes of procedure 42 shall be deemed disclosed. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 230 538 A1

[0002] EP 1 761 446 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vacuum handling device, in particular vacuum picker, for a packaging machine, with at least one receiving unit (14) for receiving a plurality of products (16), in particular foodstuffs, which defines at least one receiving space (18) in which the plurality of products (16) can be arranged in an orderly manner, in particular in the form of a stack or a row, and which comprises at least one movably mounted support element (20) on which at least one product (16), in particular one first conveyed into the receiving space (18), of the plurality of products (16) can be applied, in particular bears, in a state of the at least one product (16) arranged in the receiving space (18), characterized by at least one active drive unit (22) for an active movement of the system element (20), in particular free from a movement of the system element (20) that can be caused purely by a weight and / or spring force. [2] Vacuum handling device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the active drive unit (22) is designed to actively move the system element (20) in at least two directions (24, 26), in particular in opposite directions, especially in a direction (24) towards a receiving opening (28) of the receiving unit (14) and in a direction (26) away from the receiving opening (28). [3] Vacuum handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the active drive unit (22) comprises at least one gear element (30), in particular a threaded rod or a rack, which is arranged on the mounting element (20) and cooperates to cause movement of the mounting element (20) with a drive element (32), in particular a pinion, of the active drive unit (22). [4] Vacuum handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the active drive unit (22) is arranged on the receiving unit (14) on a side (34) of the receiving space (18) facing away from a receiving opening (28) of the receiving unit (14) and / or on a side (38) of the receiving unit (14) which runs at least substantially parallel to a movement axis (36) of the system element (20). [5] Vacuum handling device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one detection unit (40) for detecting the position of at least one product (16) of the plurality of products (16) in the receiving space (18), in particular wherein the active drive unit (22) is provided to actively move the system element (20) depending on a position of the at least one product (16) in the receiving space (18) detected by means of the detection unit (40). [6] Method for handling products (16), in particular foodstuffs, preferably for forming stacks or rows of products (16), by means of a vacuum handling device, in particular by means of a vacuum handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in at least one process step (44) a system element (20) of a receiving unit (14) of the vacuum handling device is actively moved by means of an active drive unit (22) of the vacuum handling device. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that in at least one process step (46) the plant element (20) is actively moved in a direction (26) away from a receiving opening (28) of the receiving unit (14). [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by, that in at least one process step (48) the plant element (20) is actively moved in a direction (24) towards a receiving opening (28) of the receiving unit (14). [9] Method at least according to the preamble of claim 6, in particular according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by , that in at least one process step (50) a position of at least one product (16) of a plurality of products (16) in a receiving space (18) of a receiving unit (14) of the vacuum handling device is detected by means of a detection unit (40) of the vacuum handling device, in particular wherein the system element (20) is actively moved depending on a position of the at least one product (16) in the receiving space (18) detected by means of the detection unit (40) by means of an active drive unit (22) of the vacuum handling device. [10] Packaging machine for packaging products (16), in particular foodstuffs, with at least one vacuum handling device according to one of claims 1 to 5.

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