TRANSPORTING DEVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF AT LEAST ONE PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE FORMATION OF ROWS AND / OR GROUPS OF PRODUCTS

Description

State of the art

[0001] US Pat. No. 7,311,192 B2 already discloses a transport device for transporting at least one product. The device comprises at least one guide unit and at least one conveyor unit, which has at least one continuous conveyor unit movably mounted relative to the guide unit, which comprises at least one movably mounted conveyor element and at least one further movably mounted conveyor element, which are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit and are movable at least jointly relative to the guide unit. Furthermore, the known transport device comprises at least one conveyor drive unit for driving the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit, in particular for rotating the continuous conveyor unit around the guide unit.

[0002] Furthermore, WO 2014 / 066607 A1 already discloses a transport device for transporting products to form rows and / or groups of the products. This transport device comprises a guide unit and a conveyor unit, which has a continuous conveyor unit movably mounted relative to the guide unit and is designed as an endless conveyor roller conveyor belt. The continuous conveyor unit comprises at least one movably mounted conveyor element designed as a conveyor roller and at least one further movably mounted conveyor element designed as a further conveyor roller.which are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit and are movable at least jointly relative to the guide unit. Furthermore, the transport device comprises a conveyor drive unit for driving the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit, for rotating the continuous conveyor unit around the guide unit, and an individual drive unit which is provided to individually drive at least the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit, wherein the at least one conveyor element is assigned to a conveyor group of the continuous conveyor unit and the at least one further conveyor element is assigned to a further conveyor group of the continuous conveyor unit, wherein the individual drive unit is provided to individually drive the conveyor group and / or the further conveyor group,wherein the individual drive unit has at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element which cooperates with the at least one conveying element and / or with the at least one further conveying element to drive the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on a transport device for transporting products to form rows and / or groups of products, with at least one guide unit, with at least one conveyor unit which has at least one continuous conveyor unit which is movably mounted relative to the guide unit and which is designed as an endless conveyor roller conveyor belt, wherein the continuous conveyor unit comprises at least one movably mounted conveyor element designed as a conveyor roller and at least one further movably mounted conveyor element designed as a further conveyor roller, which are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit and are at least jointly movable relative to the guide unit, with at least one conveyor drive unit for driving the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit for a rotating drive of the continuous conveyor unit around the guide unit and with at least one individual drive unit,which is at least intended to individually drive at least the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element in addition to a drive of the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit, wherein the at least one conveying element is assigned to a conveying group of the continuous conveyor unit and the at least one further conveying element is assigned to a further conveying group of the continuous conveyor unit, wherein the individual drive unit is at least intended to individually drive the conveying group and / or the further conveying group, wherein the individual drive unit has at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element which cooperates with the at least one conveying element and / or with the at least one further conveying element to drive the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element.

[0004] According to the invention, it is proposed that the positive and / or non-positive drive element is designed as a toothed belt having teeth arranged unevenly distributed along an entire extent of the toothed belt. The individual drive unit is preferably provided at least to drive the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element independently of the conveyor drive unit. The individual drive unit is preferably provided at least to drive the at least one conveyor element and the at least one further conveyor element independently of one another, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit by means of the conveyor drive unit. The individual drive unit is preferably provided to drive the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element actively or passively.The individual drive unit is preferably provided to superimpose a drive movement of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element on a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit. The individual drive unit preferably has at least one electric motor unit, which is at least provided to drive the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element in rotation. The individual drive unit can alternatively or additionally have another motor unit, designed as deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, for driving the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element, such as a magnetic drive unit, an eddy current drive unit, a compressed air drive unit, or the like. "Provided" is to be understood in particular as being specially programmed, designed, and / or equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfils and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0005] A "continuous conveyor unit" is understood, in particular, to be a unit designed to generate a continuous product flow, wherein, in particular, at least one transport speed at which products can be transported and / or one transport direction along which products can be transported are adjustable. The ascending conveyor unit can preferably be operated at different speeds. Preferably, the transport device comprises at least one control and / or regulating unit designed to control, regulate, and / or change at least one speed of the continuous conveyor unit, to start or stop operation of the continuous conveyor unit, or the like.The continuous conveyor unit is preferably designed as an endless conveyor roller conveyor belt, which is formed at least from the at least one conveyor element and the at least one conveyor element, in particular as a result of a chain-like juxtaposition of the at least one conveyor element and the at least one further conveyor element. The continuous conveyor unit preferably has a plurality of conveyor elements, in particular conveyor rollers, which are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit designed as an endless conveyor roller conveyor belt. However, it is also conceivable for the continuous conveyor unit to be designed as an endless conveyor conveyor belt, which has a plurality of endless conveyor belt segments that are connected to one another, in particular in a chain-like manner.The conveyor belt segments themselves are preferably designed as endless conveyor belts that can be driven in rotation by means of the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element, in particular in addition to a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit. The continuous conveyor unit preferably has a maximum width, in particular a maximum width extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit, which is in particular greater than 790 mm, preferably greater than 900 mm, and particularly preferably less than 2000 mm.The expression "substantially perpendicular" is intended here to define in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0006] The continuous conveyor unit is preferably designed to convey products along the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit as a result of a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit. Products are preferably conveyed by a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit by means of the conveyor drive unit. It is also conceivable for products to be conveyed along the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit as a result of an exclusive drive movement of the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element by means of the individual drive unit, which is in particular decoupled from a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit by means of the conveyor drive unit.Furthermore, it is conceivable for products to be conveyed as a result of a superposition of a drive movement of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element by means of the individual drive unit and a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit by means of the conveyor drive unit. Various operating states can preferably be achieved by means of the individual drive unit, such as, for example, an operating state in which the at least one conveying element and the at least one further conveying element can be driven in opposite directions, an operating state in which only one of the two conveying elements can be driven, an operating state in which both are undriven, in particular fixed relative to the continuous conveyor unit, in particular fixed in their own rotation, and can only be moved together by a circular movement of the continuous conveyor unit, or the like.Other transport options that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art using the transport device, in particular the continuous conveyor unit, are also conceivable.

[0007] A "product" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an object to be packaged, in particular an unpackaged object, or a package that contains at least one object or is empty, such as, for example, a carton, a container, a tray, a biscuit, a chocolate bar, a film packaging, such as, for example, a tubular bag, or the like. The products can have any product shape that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a round, oval, polygonal, or similar product shape.

[0008] The guide unit preferably has at least one frame and / or rack unit, at least one guide roller rotatably mounted on the frame and / or rack unit, and / or a guide rail arranged on the frame and / or rack unit. The continuous conveyor unit is preferably movably mounted on the frame and / or rack unit of the guide unit, in particular at least by means of the guide roller of the guide unit and by means of at least one drive roller of the conveyor drive unit. Further configurations of the guide unit that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The conveyor drive unit preferably has at least one electric motor unit, which is intended at least to drive the at least one drive roller of the conveyor drive unit in rotation.Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor drive unit may comprise another motor unit designed to drive the continuous conveyor unit, such as a magnetic drive unit, an eddy current drive unit, a compressed air drive unit or the like. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the conveyor drive unit to additionally comprise a gear unit for translating a driving force of the motor unit, in particular the electric motor unit.

[0009] Preferably, the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element are / are designed as conveying roller(s) which have / have a rotational axis which runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit, in particular when the continuous conveyor unit is arranged on the guide unit. Preferably, the rotational axis(es) of the at least one conveying element and / or of the at least one further conveying element run / run at least substantially parallel to or in a conveying plane of the continuous conveyor unit. Additionally, it is conceivable that the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element are / are designed as drive roller(s) of a respective conveyor belt segment of the continuous conveyor unit.Preferably, in the alternative embodiment, the individual drive unit is provided to drive the conveyor belt segment(s) individually, in particular in addition to a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit formed by the conveyor belt segment(s), as a result of an individual drive of the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element. Further embodiments of the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0010] By means of the inventive design of the transport device, advantageous gap formation can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products without gaps. Advantageously, the gaps extend across the entire width of the product carpet, particularly when viewed transversely to the main transport direction. The size of the gaps between individual generated product rows can advantageously be adjusted. A minimum gap size, particularly a minimum gap size of more than 15 mm, between individual generated product rows preferably corresponds to a length, a width, a diameter, or the like of individual products, i.e., a row of products.Advantageously, as a result of a series of a plurality of individual drive units according to the invention or of continuous conveyor units, product rows can be generated from an irregular product carpet in several steps, for example rows with regular spacing (gaps) can be formed in a first station, groups of rows with a larger spacing (gaps) between groups can be formed in a second station, or the like. A high conveying capacity, in particular a high row capacity, such as 400 to 600 rows per minute for products of, for example, a maximum length of 30 mm, preferably 45 mm, particularly preferably 80 mm and very particularly preferably less than 210 mm in length, viewed in the main transport direction, can be advantageously achieved.

[0011] Preferably, the individual drive unit is provided to drive at least the conveyor group and at least the further conveyor group independently of one another, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit designed as a conveyor roller conveyor belt relative to the guide unit. Preferably, the at least one conveyor element is assigned to one conveyor group and the at least one further conveyor element is assigned to another conveyor group, wherein the conveyor group and the further conveyor group can be driven in opposite directions by means of the individual drive unit, only one of the two conveyor groups can be driven, both conveyor groups are undriven and can only be moved together with a circular movement of the continuous conveyor unit, the conveyor groups can be driven at different rotational speeds, or the like.The continuous conveyor unit preferably comprises a plurality of conveyor groups that can be individually driven by means of the individual drive unit. For individual drive of individual conveyor groups, the individual drive unit can have a number of individual motor units corresponding to the number of conveyor groups, such as electric motor units, eddy current drive units, electromagnetic drive units, or the like, or the individual drive unit can have at least one connecting unit by means of which the individual conveyor groups can be individually driven, such as a toothed belt that can be at least temporarily brought into engagement with individual conveyor groups and that has, for example, evenly distributed teeth or unevenly distributed teeth along an entire extent of the toothed belt, or the like.It is also conceivable for a plurality of conveyor groups, for example at least two conveyor groups, to be driven together by means of the individual drive unit individually relative to at least one further conveyor group or relative to a plurality of conveyor groups of the continuous conveyor unit. Other individual drive options or interconnections of conveyor groups that appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. By means of the configuration according to the invention, advantageous gaps can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products without gaps. Individual adaptation of driven conveyor groups to form a row can advantageously be realized. Advantageous row formation can advantageously be realized along a short overall length of a transport path of the continuous conveyor unit.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element is provided to bear at least temporarily against the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element, in particular in order to drive the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element individually, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit. Preferably, the toothed belt is provided for engagement in a drive element of the individual drive unit arranged on the at least one conveyor element and / or on the at least one further conveyor element. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a structurally simple configuration of the transport device can advantageously be realized, which in particular has a low electronic control effort.By means of a structurally simple design, advantageous gap formation can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of disordered or regularly offset products without gaps.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the individual drive unit has at least one drive element arranged on the at least one conveying element or on the at least one further conveying element. The drive element is preferably arranged on an end of the at least one conveying element or of the at least one further conveying element facing the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element. Preferably, at least one drive element of the individual drive unit is arranged on each conveying element of the individual conveying groups, which drive element is intended to interact with the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element to individually drive the individual conveying groups.Particularly preferably, the at least one drive element is designed as a toothed element, in particular as a gearwheel, which is intended to interact with the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element of the individual drive unit. The configuration according to the invention advantageously allows for the realization of a reliable individual drive unit. A structurally simple design allows advantageous gap formation without gaps between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products.

[0014] It is also proposed that the individual drive unit have at least one coupling unit designed to move at least one drive element of the individual drive unit and / or a positive and / or non-positive drive element to couple them together or to decouple them from each other. The coupling unit is preferably designed to engage or disengage the engagement of the at least one drive element with the positive and / or non-positive drive element. The coupling unit is preferably designed to move the at least one drive element and / or the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element relative to the guide unit, in particular along a direction transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the coupling unit is provided to couple or decouple a drive element of the individual drive unit and / or a positive and / or non-positive drive element by means of the action of a magnetic force. The coupling unit is preferably provided to lift the at least one drive element and / or the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element from one another, in particular to deactivate or prevent an individual drive of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element.However, it is also conceivable that the coupling unit is alternatively or additionally provided to move a plurality of drive elements and / or positive and / or non-positive drive elements of the individual drive unit independently of one another, in particular in order to implement individual activation or deactivation of individual conveyor groups of conveyor elements. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a structurally simple activation or deactivation of a movement of the at least one conveyor element and / or of the at least one further conveyor element, in particular of the conveyor group and / or the further conveyor group, superimposed on the movement of the continuous conveyor unit can advantageously be implemented. By means of a structurally simple embodiment, advantageous gap formation without gaps can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the individual drive unit is arranged at least partially on two opposite sides of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element. Preferably, the individual drive unit comprises at least the positive and / or non-positive drive element, which is arranged on one side of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element, and at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element, which is arranged on a further side of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element. Preferably, the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element is assigned to at least the at least one conveying group. Preferably, the at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element is assigned to at least the at least one further conveying group.Preferably, the at least one form-lock and / or frictional drive element and the at least one further form-lock and / or frictional drive element can be driven independently of one another. Preferably, the at least one form-lock and / or frictional drive element is provided to drive the at least one conveying element, in particular the at least one conveying group to which the at least one conveying element is assigned, in particular temporarily. Preferably, the at least one further form-lock and / or frictional drive element is provided to drive the at least one further conveying element, in particular the at least one further conveying group to which the at least one further conveying element is assigned, in particular temporarily. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a structurally simple subdivision of individually driven conveying elements, in particular conveying groups, can advantageously be realized.By means of a structurally simple design, advantageous gap formation can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of disordered or regularly offset products without gaps.

[0016] It is further proposed that the individual drive unit, in particular in one embodiment of the individual drive unit, has at least one magnetic drive element which cooperates with the at least one conveying element and / or with the at least one further conveying element to drive the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element. The magnetic drive element can be designed as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet. Preferably, in particular in one embodiment of the individual drive unit, at least one counter-magnet drive element of the individual drive unit, designed to correspond to the magnetic drive element of the individual drive unit, is arranged on the at least one conveying element and / or on the at least one further conveying element.Preferably, particularly in one embodiment of the individual drive unit, at least one countermagnet drive element of the individual drive unit, configured to correspond to the magnetic drive element of the individual drive unit, is arranged on each conveyor element of the continuous conveyor unit. However, it is also conceivable, particularly in one embodiment of the individual drive unit, that at least one, in particular only a single, countermagnet drive element of the individual drive unit is provided for each conveyor group, configured to correspond to the magnetic drive element of the individual drive unit. The countermagnet drive element of the individual drive unit can be configured as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet.Preferably, the control and / or regulating unit of the transport device is provided to activate or deactivate the magnetic drive element and / or the counter-magnetic drive element of the individual drive unit, or to control an actuator that is provided to move the magnetic drive element and / or the counter-magnetic drive element of the individual drive unit into an active position or a non-active position. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a compact design of the individual drive unit can advantageously be realized in order to advantageously create gaps between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products.

[0017] It is also proposed that the transport device have at least one vacuum unit for generating a negative pressure for attracting the at least one product in the direction of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element. The vacuum unit preferably comprises at least one negative pressure generator, such as a vacuum blower or the like. The negative pressure generator preferably has a design already known to a person skilled in the art. The vacuum unit is preferably arranged below the continuous conveyor unit, in particular in such a way that the continuous conveyor unit can be moved over vacuum openings of the vacuum unit, or the vacuum unit is at least partially integrated into the continuous conveyor unit, in particular into the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element.By means of the inventive design, a vacuum can be advantageously applied to the continuous conveyor unit. This advantageously allows for reliable row formation of products, particularly since the driving forces of the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element can be advantageously applied to the products. Advantageous gap formation without gaps can be achieved between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element have / have a maximum lateral surface extension along a direction extending transversely to a main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit, which at least substantially corresponds to a maximum transverse extension of the continuous conveyor unit. Preferably, a maximum lateral surface extension of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element runs along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the at least one conveying element and / or the at least one further conveying element."Substantially parallel" is understood here to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. However, it is also conceivable that, in particular in an alternative embodiment of the continuous conveyor unit, the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element has a maximum lateral surface extension that is smaller than a maximum transverse extension of the continuous conveyor unit, in particular such that at least two conveyor elements can be arranged next to one another in a row, in particular along a direction extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main transport direction and / or at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the at least one conveyor element.By means of the configuration according to the invention, a large effective area of ​​the at least one conveyor element and / or the at least one further conveyor element can advantageously be provided for row formation. Advantageous gap formation can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products without gaps. In particular, with an arrangement of several conveyor elements along a direction running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main transport direction and / or at least substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the at least one conveyor element, different row formation functions can advantageously be realized on each side of the continuous conveyor unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for transporting products to form rows and / or groups of products by means of a transport device according to the invention, wherein in at least one method step the at least one conveyor element, in particular at least one conveyor group, is driven by the individual drive unit at a rotational speed and / or with a rotational direction that differs from a rotational speed and / or from a rotational direction of the at least one further conveyor element, in particular at least one further conveyor group. By means of the configuration according to the invention, advantageous gap formation without gaps can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of randomly arranged or regularly staggered products.Advantageously, the gaps extend across the entire width of the product carpet, particularly when viewed transversely to the main transport direction. Advantageously, the size of the gaps between individually generated product rows can be set. A minimum size of a gap between individually generated product rows preferably corresponds to a length, a width, a diameter, or the like of individual products, i.e. a row of products. Advantageously, by arranging a plurality of individual drive units according to the invention or continuous conveyor units in a row, product rows can be generated from an irregular product carpet in several steps. For example, rows with regular spacing (gaps) can be formed in a first station, and groups of rows with a larger spacing (gaps) between groups can be formed in a second station, or the like.

[0020] It is also proposed that, in at least one method step, the at least one conveying element, in particular at least one conveying group, and the at least one further conveying element, in particular at least one further conveying group, are driven by means of the individual drive unit with opposite directions of rotation and / or with different rotation speeds, in particular in addition to a drive of the continuous conveyor unit along the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit. Preferably, the at least one conveying element, in particular the at least one conveying group, is driven in rotation in the direction of the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit. Preferably, the at least one further conveying element, in particular the at least one further conveying group, is driven in rotation counter to the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit.However, it is also conceivable that the at least one further conveying element, in particular the at least one further conveying group, is driven in rotation in the direction of the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit and that the at least one conveying element, in particular the at least one conveying group, is driven in rotation counter to the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit, or that only one of the conveying elements, in particular at least one of the conveying groups, is driven in rotation while the other conveying element, in particular the other conveying group, is not driven, in particular during a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a movement of products towards one another can advantageously be realized.It is possible to create advantageous gaps between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of disordered or regularly staggered products without gaps.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, a rotational movement of the at least one conveyor element, in particular of the at least one conveyor group, and of the at least one further conveyor element, in particular of the at least one further conveyor group, generated by the individual drive unit, is superimposed on a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit, generated by a conveyor drive unit. Preferably, a rotational movement of the at least one conveyor element, in particular of the at least one conveyor group, and of the at least one further conveyor element, in particular of the at least one further conveyor group, is superimposed on a circulating movement of the continuous conveyor unit relative to the guide unit.By means of the design according to the invention, advantageous gap formation can be created between individual product rows of a product carpet consisting of disordered or regularly offset products without gaps, particularly during transport of products along the main transport direction of the continuous conveyor unit. drawing

[0022] Further advantages will 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. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 shows a transport path of a packaging machine with at least one transport device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the transport device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a continuous conveyor unit of the transport device according to the invention with individually driven conveyor elements or conveyor groups made up of conveyor elements of the continuous conveyor unit in a schematic representation, Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of a conveyor drive unit of the transport device according to the invention for driving the continuous conveyor unit in a schematic representation, Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of an individual drive unit of the transport device according to the invention for individually driving conveyor elements or conveyor groups made up of conveyor elements of the continuous conveyor unit in a schematic representation, Fig.6 shows a possible row formation function from a gapless product carpet by means of the transport device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 7 shows a possible inline buffer function from a disordered product carpet by means of the transport device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 8 shows a possible inline laning function from a disordered product carpet by means of the transport device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the transport device according to the invention in a schematic representation and Fig. 10 shows a detailed view of a continuous conveyor unit of the alternative transport device according to the invention with individually driven conveyor elements or conveyor groups made up of conveyor elements of the continuous conveyor unit in a schematic representation. Description of the embodiments

[0024] Figure 1shows part of a transport path of a packaging machine 60a for carrying out a packaging process of products 12a. The packaging machine 60a comprises at least one transport device 10a for transporting at least one product 12a, at least one product group and / or at least one product stack, in particular for feeding to a packaging process of the packaging machine 60a. However, it is also conceivable for the transport device 10a to be part of another machine that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art and has at least one transport path, such as part of a conveyor machine or the like. The transport device 10a is preferably provided to transfer at least one product 12a, at least one product group and / or at least one product stack from a feed device 62a of the packaging machine 60a to a discharge device 64a of the packaging machine 60a.The packaging machine 60a can have a plurality of transport devices 10a arranged in series, which are arranged in particular between the feed device 62a and the discharge device 64a. Preferably, the packaging machine 60a comprises at least one removal unit 66a, which is provided for removing products 12a, in particular from at least one row of products 12a formed by the transport device 10a, or which is provided for directly feeding products 12a to a packaging process.The removal unit 66a is preferably provided for removing products 12a, in particular from at least one row of products 12a formed by the transport device 10a, from the transport device 10a along a direction running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a main transport direction 50a of the transport device 10a, in particular upstream of the discharge device 64a when viewed along a product stream. The removal unit 66a is designed in particular as a transverse conveyor. However, it is also conceivable for the removal unit 66a to have another configuration that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a gripper unit, a suction cup unit, or the like.

[0025] Figure 2shows a detailed view of an individual transport device 10a. The transport device 10a for transporting at least one product 12a, for forming rows and / or groups of products 12a, comprises at least one guide unit 14a, at least one conveyor unit 16a, which has at least one continuous conveyor unit 18a, an endless conveyor roller conveyor belt, movably mounted relative to the guide unit 14a. The continuous conveyor unit 18a comprises at least one movably mounted conveyor element 20a, a conveyor roller, and at least one further movably mounted conveyor element 22a, a further conveyor roller, which are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit 18a and are movable at least jointly relative to the guide unit 14a.The at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a have / have, along a direction extending transversely to the main transport direction 50a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a, a maximum lateral surface extension 52a, which at least substantially corresponds to a maximum transverse extension 54a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a. The continuous conveyor unit 18a preferably comprises a plurality of movably mounted conveyor elements 20a, 22a, which are interconnected to form the continuous conveyor unit 18a and are movable at least jointly, in particular along the main transport direction 50a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a, relative to the guide unit 14a.The transport device 10a further comprises at least one conveyor drive unit 24a for driving the continuous conveyor unit 18a relative to the guide unit 14a, in particular for a rotating drive of the continuous conveyor unit 18a around the guide unit 14a, in particular around a guide roller 76a of the guide unit 14a. The guide unit 14a preferably comprises at least one frame and / or rack unit 68a on which at least the guide roller 76a of the guide unit 14a and the conveyor drive unit 24a are at least partially arranged and / or mounted (cf. ). Figure 4). The conveyor drive unit 24a preferably comprises at least one electric motor unit 70a for driving the continuous conveyor unit 18a relative to the guide unit 14a, in particular relative to the frame and / or rack unit 68a. The conveyor drive unit 24a has at least one drive roller 72a, against which the continuous conveyor unit 18a preferably rests for driving. The conveyor drive unit 20a has, in particular, a drive belt 74a for transmitting and / or translating a drive force from the electric motor unit 70a to the drive roller 72a (cf. Figure 4 ). However, it is also conceivable that the conveyor drive unit 24a comprises another unit that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a gear unit or the like, for transmitting and / or translating a drive force from the electric motor unit 70a to the drive roller 72a.

[0026] Furthermore, the transport device 10a comprises at least one individual drive unit 26a, which is at least intended to drive at least the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a individually, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit 18a relative to the guide unit 14a by means of the conveyor drive unit 24a. The transport device 10a preferably comprises a control and / or regulating unit 82a for controlling and / or regulating the individual drive unit 26a. The individual drive unit 26a is preferably at least intended to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a independently of the conveyor drive unit 24a.The individual drive unit 26a is preferably provided at least to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a and the at least one further conveyor element 22a independently of one another, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit 18a relative to the guide unit 14a by means of the conveyor drive unit 24a. The individual drive unit 26a is preferably provided to actively or passively drive the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a. The individual drive unit 26a is preferably provided to superimpose a drive movement of the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a on a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit 18a relative to the guide unit 14a.The individual drive unit 26a preferably has at least one electric motor unit 78a, which is at least intended to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a in rotation. The individual drive unit 26a preferably has at least one further electric motor unit 80a, which is at least intended to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a in rotation. In particular, the electric motor unit 78a is assigned to the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular to at least one conveyor group 30a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a comprising the at least one conveyor element 20a. In particular, the further electric motor unit 80a is assigned to the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular to at least one further conveyor group 32a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a comprising the at least one further conveyor element 22a.However, it is also conceivable that the individual drive unit 26a alternatively or additionally has another motor unit designed in a way that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art for driving the at least one conveying element 20a and / or the at least one further conveying element 22a, such as a magnetic drive unit, an eddy current drive unit, a compressed air drive unit or the like.

[0027] The at least one conveyor element 20a is assigned to a conveyor group 30a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a, and the at least one further conveyor element 22a is assigned to a further conveyor group 32a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a, wherein the individual drive unit 26a is provided at least to individually drive the conveyor group 30a and / or the further conveyor group 32a. The conveyor group 30a preferably comprises a plurality of conveyor elements 20a, which can preferably be individually driven jointly by means of the individual drive unit 26a. The further conveyor group 32a preferably comprises a plurality of further conveyor elements 22a, which can preferably be individually driven jointly by means of the individual drive unit 26a.Preferably, the individual drive unit 26a is provided to drive at least the conveyor group 30a and at least the further conveyor group 32a independently of one another, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit 18a, designed as a conveyor roller conveyor belt, relative to the guide unit 14a by means of the conveyor drive unit 24a. Preferably, the continuous conveyor unit 18a comprises a plurality of conveyor groups 30a and / or further conveyor groups 32a, which can be individually driven by means of the individual drive unit 26a.The conveyor groups 30a and / or the additional conveyor groups 32a can be evenly distributed, such as alternately distributed, along an entire extension of the continuous conveyor unit 18a on the continuous conveyor unit 18a, or the conveyor groups 30a and / or the additional conveyor groups 32a can be arranged unevenly, such as two conveyor groups 30a followed by another conveyor group 32a, one conveyor group 30a followed by two additional conveyor groups 32a, an odd or even number of conveyor groups 30a followed by an odd or even number of additional conveyor groups 32a, or the like along the entire extension of the continuous conveyor unit 18a on the continuous conveyor unit 18a. Depending on the application area, a person skilled in the art will subdivide the conveyor groups 30a and / or additional conveyor groups 32a in a way that makes sense for the application area.Preferably, by means of the individual drive unit 26a, different operating states of an individual drive of the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular of the at least one conveyor group 30a, and of the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular of the at least one further conveyor group 32a, can be achieved, such as, for example, an operating state in which the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular of the at least one conveyor group 30a, and the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular of the at least one further conveyor group 32a, can be driven in opposite directions, for example (cf., for example, . Figure 3), an operating state in which only one of the two conveyor elements 20a, 22a, in particular one of the two conveyor groups 30a, 32a, can be driven, an operating state in which both conveyor elements 20a, 22a, in particular both conveyor groups 30a, 32a, are not driven and can only be moved together by a circular movement of the continuous conveyor unit 18a, or the like. Other drive options for the conveyor elements 20a, 22a, in particular the conveyor groups 30a, 32a, which appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable.

[0028] The individual drive unit 26a has at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a, which cooperates with at least one conveyor element 20a and / or with at least one further conveyor element 22a to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a (cf. Figures 2 , 4 and 5). The individual drive unit 26a preferably comprises at least one further form-fit and / or frictional drive element 36a which cooperates with at least one conveyor element 20a and / or with at least one further conveyor element 22a to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a (cf. Figures 2 , 4 and 5). Preferably, the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a is assigned to the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular to the at least one conveyor group 30a. Preferably, the at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element 36a is assigned to the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular to the at least one further conveyor group 32a. The at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a and the at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element 36a preferably have an at least substantially analogous design, so that in particular a description of one of the two positive and / or non-positive drive elements 34a, 36a can be transferred to the other. However, it is also conceivable for the two positive and / or non-positive drive elements 34a, 36a to have a design that is at least partially different from one another.The positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a, 36a is preferably designed as a toothed belt. The positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a, 36a preferably has teeth distributed evenly or irregularly along the entire extent of the positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a, 36a. The at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a is preferably driven, in particular driven in a rotating manner, by the electric motor unit 78a of the individual drive unit 26a. The at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element 36a is preferably driven, in particular driven in a rotating manner, by the further electric motor unit 80a of the individual drive unit 26a.

[0029] The individual drive unit 26a has at least one drive element 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a, which is arranged on the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular on the at least one conveyor group 30a, or on the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular on the at least one further conveyor group 32a (cf. Figures 2 , 4 and 5). In particular, at least one drive element 38a is arranged at at least one end of the at least one conveyor element 20a. The at least one drive element 38a is preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the at least one conveyor element 20a. Preferably, at least one drive element 42a is arranged at at least one end of the at least one further conveyor element 22a. The at least one drive element 42a is preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the at least one further conveyor element 22a. The individual drive unit 26a preferably comprises a plurality of drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a, with at least one drive element being provided for each conveyor group 30a, 32a. However, it is also conceivable that one drive element 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a is provided per conveyor element 20a, 22a per conveyor group 30a, 32a and interacts at least temporarily with the form-lock and / or force-lock drive element 34a and / or with the further form-lock and / or force-lock drive element 36a.The plurality of drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a preferably have an at least substantially analogous design, so that, in particular, a description of one of the drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a can be transferred to the others. However, it is also conceivable for the drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a to be at least partially different from one another. The at least one drive element 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a is designed as a toothed element, in particular as a gearwheel, which is intended to interact with the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a and / or with the at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element 36a of the individual drive unit 26a.

[0030] The individual drive unit 26a has at least one coupling unit 46a, which is designed to move at least one of the drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a of the individual drive unit 26a and / or at least one of the positive and / or non-positive drive elements 34a, 36a of the individual drive unit 26a toward coupling with one another or toward decoupling from one another. Preferably, the coupling unit 46a is designed to engage or disengage the engagement of the at least one drive element 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a with one of the positive and / or non-positive drive elements 34a, 36a.The coupling unit 46a is preferably provided to move at least one of the drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a and / or at least one of the form-lock and / or frictional drive elements 34a, 36a relative to the guide unit 14a, in particular along a direction transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the main transport direction 50a of the continuous conveyor unit 18a. The coupling unit 46a is preferably provided to lift at least one of the drive elements 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a and at least one of the form-lock and / or frictional drive elements 34a, 36a from one another, in particular to switch off or prevent an individual drive of the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a.

[0031] The individual drive unit 26a is arranged at least partially on two opposite sides of the at least one conveying element 20a and / or the at least one further conveying element 22a. Preferably, the at least one positive and / or non-positive drive element 34a is arranged on one side of the at least one conveying element 20a and / or the at least one further conveying element 22a. In particular, the at least one further positive and / or non-positive drive element 36a is arranged on a further side of the at least one conveying element 20a and / or the at least one further conveying element 22a.

[0032] The individual drive unit 26a alternatively or additionally comprises at least one magnetic drive element 48a (in Figure 2shown only in dashed lines), which cooperates with at least one conveyor element 20a and / or with at least one further conveyor element 22a to drive the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a, at least with the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or with the at least one further conveyor element 22a. Preferably, in particular in an alternative embodiment of the individual drive unit 26a, at least one counter-magnet drive element 84a, 86a (in Figure 2(shown only in dashed lines) of the individual drive unit 26a. Preferably, the control and / or regulating unit 82a of the transport device 10a is provided to activate or deactivate the magnetic drive element 48a and / or the at least one counter-magnet drive element 84a, 86a of the individual drive unit 26a or to control an actuator (not shown in detail here) which is provided to move the magnetic drive element 48a and / or the counter-magnet drive element 84a, 86a of the individual drive unit 26a into an active position or a non-active position.

[0033] The transport device 10a comprises at least one vacuum unit 28a for generating a negative pressure for attracting the at least one product 12a in the direction of the at least one conveying element 20a and / or the at least one further conveying element 22a (cf. Figure 2). The vacuum unit 28a preferably comprises at least one vacuum generator, such as a vacuum blower or the like. The vacuum generator preferably has a design already known to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the vacuum unit 28a is arranged below the continuous conveyor unit 18a, in particular such that the continuous conveyor unit 18a can be moved over vacuum openings of the vacuum unit 28a, or the vacuum unit 28a is at least partially integrated into the continuous conveyor unit 18a, in particular into the at least one conveyor element 20a and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22a.

[0034] In a method for transporting at least one product 12a, in particular for forming rows and / or groups of products 12a by means of the transport device 10a, in at least one method step the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, is driven by means of the individual drive unit 26a at a rotational speed and / or with a rotational direction 56a which differs from a rotational speed and / or from a rotational direction 58a of the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular of the at least one further conveyor group 32a (cf. Figure 3). In at least one method step, the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a, are driven by means of the individual drive unit 26a with opposite rotational directions 56a, 58a. In at least one method step, a rotational movement of the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a, generated by means of the individual drive unit 26a is superimposed on a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit 18a relative to the guide unit 14a, generated by means of the conveyor drive unit 24a.With regard to further method steps of the method for transporting at least one product 12a by means of the transport device 10a, reference may be made to the preceding description of the transport device 10a, since this description is to be read analogously to the method and thus all features relating to the transport device 10a are also deemed to be disclosed with regard to the method for transporting at least one product 12a by means of the transport device 10a.

[0035] In Figure 6A possible row-forming function from a continuous product carpet of products 12a by means of the transport device 10a is shown. The transport device 10a can have at least one lateral guide element 94a, in particular for conveying products 12a with a polygonal product shape. The lateral guide element 94a preferably has a longitudinal extension that runs at least substantially parallel to the main transport direction 50a. Preferably, the transport device 10a can have a plurality of lateral guide elements 94a, which extend at least substantially parallel to the main transport direction 50a, in particular for conveying products 12a with a polygonal product shape.In at least one method step, the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, is driven by means of the individual drive unit 26a at a rotational speed and / or with a rotational direction 56a that differs from a rotational speed and / or from a rotational direction 58a of the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a.In particular, the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a, are driven at least temporarily in opposite directions and / or at different rotational speeds by means of the individual drive unit 26a in order to form rows of products 12a from a continuous product carpet of products 12a, in particular after at least individual products 12a have detached themselves from the continuous product carpet as a result of acceleration by a transport movement of the continuous conveyor unit 18a.

[0036] Figure 7shows a possible inline buffer function from a disordered product carpet of products 12a by means of the transport device 10a. In at least one method step, the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, is driven by means of the individual drive unit 26a at a rotational speed and / or with a rotational direction 56a that differs from a rotational speed and / or from a rotational direction 58a of the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a. In particular, the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, and the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a, are driven at least partially at different rotational speeds by means of the individual drive unit 26a.

[0037] Figure 8shows a possible inline laning function from a disordered product carpet of products 12a by means of the transport device 10a. The transport device 10a comprises at least one guide element 88a, in particular a plurality of guide elements 88a, which are arranged on the continuous conveyor unit 18a. In at least one method step, the at least one conveyor element 20a, in particular the at least one conveyor group 30a, is driven by the individual drive unit 26a at a rotational speed and / or with a rotational direction 56a that differs from a rotational speed and / or from a rotational direction 58a of the at least one further conveyor element 22a, in particular the at least one further conveyor group 32a.In particular, the conveyor elements 20a, 22a, in particular the conveyor groups 30a, 32a, are driven by means of the individual drive unit 26a along the main transport direction 50a with increasing rotational speeds.

[0038] In the Figures 9 and 10 A further embodiment of the invention is shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference is also made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular to the Figures 1 to 8 To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is added to the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Figures 1 to 8 In the examples of the Figures 9 and 10the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0039] Figure 9 shows a detailed view of an alternative transport device 10b for transporting at least one product 12b (cf. Figure 10), in particular to form rows and / or groups of products 12b. The alternative transport device 10b comprises at least one guide unit 14b, at least one conveyor unit 16b, which has at least one continuous conveyor unit 18b, in particular an endless conveyor belt, which is movably mounted relative to the guide unit 14b. The continuous conveyor unit 18b comprises at least one movably mounted conveyor element 20b, in particular a conveyor roller, and at least one further movably mounted conveyor element 22b, in particular a further conveyor roller, which are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit 18b and are at least jointly movable relative to the guide unit 14b. The transport device 10b further comprises at least one conveyor drive unit 24b for driving the continuous conveyor unit 18b relative to the guide unit 14b, in particular for a rotating drive of the continuous conveyor unit 18b around the guide unit 14b.Furthermore, the transport device 10b comprises at least one individual drive unit 26b, which is at least intended to drive at least the at least one conveyor element 20b and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22b individually, in particular in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit 18b relative to the guide unit 14b by means of the conveyor drive unit 24b.

[0040] In contrast to the Figures 1 to 8 The transport device 10a shown has the Figures 9 and 10The continuous conveyor unit 18b of the transport device 10b shown has a plurality of endless conveyor belt segments 90b, 92b, which are connected to one another, in particular in a chain-like manner. The conveyor belt segments 90b, 92b are preferably themselves designed as endless conveyor belts or as round belts, which can be driven in a rotating manner by means of the at least one conveyor element 20b and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22b, in particular in addition to a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit 18b. The at least one conveyor element 20b and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22b are / are designed as drive roller(s) of each of the conveyor belt segments 90b, 92b of the continuous conveyor unit 18b.The individual drive unit 26b is preferably provided to drive the conveyor belt segment(s) 90b, 92b individually, in particular in addition to a circulating drive of the continuous conveyor unit 18b formed by the conveyor belt segments 90b, 92b, as a result of an individual drive of the at least one conveyor element 20b and / or the at least one further conveyor element 22b. Regarding further features and functions of the conveyor belt segments 90b, 92b, see FIGS. Figures 9 and 10 The transport device 10b shown may be referred to in the description of the Figures 1 to 8 illustrated transport device 10a, which is at least essentially analogous to the Figures 9 and 10 illustrated transport device 10b is to be used.

Claims

1. Transport device for transporting products (12a; 12b) to form rows and / or groups of the products (12a; 12b), comprising at least one guide unit (14a; 14b), comprising at least one conveyor unit (16a; 16b) which has at least one continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) which is movably mounted relative to the guide unit (14a; 14b) and is designed as an endless conveyor roller transport belt, the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) comprising at least one movably mounted conveyor element (20a; 20b) designed as a conveyor roller and at least one further movably mounted conveyor element (22a; 22b) designed as a further conveyor roller, which conveyor elements are connected to one another to form the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) and are at least jointly movable relative to the guide unit (14a; 14b), and comprising at least one conveyor drive unit (24a; 24b) for driving the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) relative to the guide unit (14a; 14b) to drive the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) in rotation around the guide unit (14a; 14b), and comprising at least one individual drive unit (26a; 26b) which is at least provided to individually drive at least the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b) in addition to driving the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) relative to the guide unit (14a; 14b), the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) being assigned to a conveyor group (30a; 30b) of the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b), and the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b) being assigned to a further conveyor group (32a; 32b) of the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b), the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) being at least provided to individually drive the conveyor group (30a; 30b) and / or the further conveyor group (32a; 32b), the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) having at least one form-fit and / or force-fit drive element (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b) which interacts with the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or with the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b) to drive the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b),characterized in that the form-fit and / or force-fit drive element (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b) is designed as a toothed belt which has teeth distributed non-uniformly along a total extent of the toothed belt.

2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) has at least one drive element (38a, 40a, 42a, 44a; 38b, 40b, 42b, 44b) which is arranged on the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) or on the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b).

3. Transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one drive element (38a, 40a, 42a, 44a; 38b, 40b, 42b, 44b) is designed as a toothed element, in particular as a toothed wheel, which is provided to interact with a form-fit and / or force-fit drive element (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b) of the individual drive unit (26a; 26b).

4. Transport device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) has at least one coupling unit (46a; 46b) which is provided to move at least one drive element (38a, 40a, 42a, 44a; 38b, 40b, 42b, 44b) of the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) and / or a form-fit and / or force-fit drive element (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b) of the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) in order to couple them to one another or to decouple them from one another.

5. Transport device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) is arranged at least partially on two opposite sides of the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b).

6. Transport device at least according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) has at least one magnetic drive element (48a; 48b) which interacts with the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or with the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b) in order to drive the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b).

7. Transport device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one vacuum unit (28a; 28b) for generating a negative pressure in order to draw the at least one product (12a; 12b) in the direction of the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and / or the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b).

8. Method for transporting products (12a; 12b) to form rows and / or groups of the products (12a; 12b) by means of a transport device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in at least one method step, the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) is driven by means of the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) at a rotational speed and / or in a rotational direction (56a, 58a; 56b, 58b) which differs from a rotational speed and / or from a rotational direction (56a, 58a; 56b, 58b) of the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that, in at least one method step, the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b) are driven by means of the individual drive unit (26a; 26b) in opposing rotational directions (56a, 58a; 56b, 58b).

10. Method according to either claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that, in at least one method step, a rotational movement of the at least one conveyor element (20a; 20b) and of the at least one further conveyor element (22a; 22b), which is generated by means of the individual drive unit (26a; 26b), is superimposed on a drive movement of the continuous conveyor unit (18a; 18b) relative to the guide unit (14a; 14b), which is generated by means of a conveyor drive unit (24a; 24b).