Transfer device, packaging machine with such a transfer device and method for transferring one or more products, in particular foodstuffs, by means of such a transfer device

Abstract

The invention is based on a transfer device with at least one transfer unit (12) for transferring one or more products (14), in particular foodstuffs, to a conveyor unit (16) or to a product receiving container (18) and with at least one feed unit (20) for feeding the product(s) (14) to the transfer unit (12), wherein the transfer unit (12) has at least one movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element (22) which forms a receiving area or a receiving space (24) in which the product(s) (14) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit (16) or to the product receiving container (18), and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces (26, 28) on which the product(s) (14) can be supported, in particular laterally, when arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space (24),wherein the transfer element (22) comprises at least one movement axis (30), in particular a rotation axis, which is arranged eccentrically on the transfer element (22), in particular on a base body (32) of the transfer element (22), in particular for an eccentrically rotatable mounting of the transfer element (22). It is proposed that the feed unit (20) comprise a plurality of feed channels (70), in each of which a plurality of products (14) can be arranged, which can be fed to the feed unit (20) by means of a conveyor device (64).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a transfer device with at least one transfer unit for transferring one or more products, in particular foodstuffs, to a conveyor unit or to a product receiving container and with at least one feed unit for feeding the product(s) to the transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit has at least one movably mounted transfer element which forms a receiving area or a receiving space in which the product(s) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces on which the product(s) can be supported when arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space.

[0002] Such a transfer device is already known from DE 35 10 193 A1, whereby the previously known transfer device requires a large installation space for the movement of the transfer element to ensure gentle product transfer. Furthermore, Machine Builders and Design Inc. (MB&D, Inc.) has already developed a transfer device under the product name "TRAYPACKER," in which two transfer elements designed as flaps, which are movable relative to one another, are arranged per transfer shaft. Each of the transfer elements forms a contact point and / or a contact surface against which one or more products can be supported on one side. Due to the two transfer elements movable relative to one another per transfer shaft, a large pitch of so-called slugs is necessary to enable the transfer elements to move away sideways.In addition, the product(s) is / are in free fall over a long distance before the product(s) are placed on a conveyor unit or in a product receiving container, which can lead to unintentional damage to the product(s).

[0003] Furthermore, US 3 041 805 A and DE 296 07 058 U1 each already disclose a transfer device with at least one transfer unit for transferring one or more products, in particular foodstuffs, to a conveyor unit or to a product receiving container and with at least one feed unit for feeding the product(s) to the transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit has at least one movably mounted transfer element which forms a receiving area or a receiving space in which the product(s) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces on which the product(s) can be supported when arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space, wherein the transfer element comprises at least one movement axis which is arranged eccentrically on the transfer element.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic transfer device, a generic packaging machine, and / or a generic method with improved properties regarding gentle product transfer, particularly with a small footprint and high production output. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 8, and claim 9, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on a transfer device with at least one transfer unit for transferring one or more products, in particular foodstuffs, to a conveyor unit or to a product receiving container and with at least one feed unit for feeding the product(s) to the transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit has at least one movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element which forms a receiving area or a receiving space in which the product(s) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces on which the product(s) can be supported, in particular laterally, in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space, wherein the transfer element comprises at least one movement axis, in particular a rotation axis, which is eccentrically mounted on the transfer element,in particular on a base body of the transfer element, in particular for an eccentric rotatable mounting of the transfer element.,

[0006] It is proposed that the feed unit comprise a plurality of feed channels, in each of which a plurality of products can be arranged, which can be fed to the feed unit by means of a conveyor device. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a product-friendly transfer can advantageously be enabled, preferably with little space requirement, in particular since a movement of the transfer element in the direction of the conveyor unit and / or the product receiving container can advantageously be enabled, preferably in a structurally simple manner by an eccentric, rotatable bearing of the transfer element. Advantageously, the eccentric arrangement of the movement axis can realize a superimposed movement of the transfer element, during which a lowering movement and a movement in the direction of a transport direction of the conveyor unit can take place in order to enable a product-friendly transfer.

[0007] The transfer element is preferably mounted rotatably, in particular relative to the feed unit, the conveyor unit, and / or a frame and / or housing unit of the transfer device. The transfer element is preferably mounted rotatably around the movement axis of the transfer element over an angular range, in particular of more than 45°, preferably of more than 90°, particularly preferably of more than 180°, and most particularly preferably of more than 270°. The transfer element is preferably mounted rotatably around the movement axis of the transfer element over an angular range of 360°, in particular a multiple of 360°.Starting from a receiving position of the transfer element, in which the product(s) can be moved from the feed unit into the receiving area or the receiving space of the transfer element, the transfer element is mounted so as to be rotatable about the movement axis of the transfer element along an angular range of in particular more than 45°, preferably more than 90°, particularly preferably more than 180°, and most particularly preferably more than 270°. The movement axis of the transfer element is preferably designed as a rotation axis. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer element is mounted so as to be movable in translation along the movement axis of the transfer element, in particular relative at least to the feed unit and / or the conveyor unit.It is conceivable that the transfer element can be moved purely in rotation for transferring the product(s), or that it can be moved in such a way that the transfer element performs a superimposed movement of rotation and translation, such as a type of screw movement or the like. For example, the transfer element can be rotatably mounted by means of a shaft having a helical groove into which an extension arranged on the transfer element engages to enable a superimposed movement of rotation and translation. Other movements of the transfer element for transferring the product(s) that would be deemed appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0008] The transfer unit preferably comprises a plurality of transfer elements. The transfer elements are in particular aligned at least substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, all transfer elements have an at least substantially analogous design, so that a description of one of the transfer elements can preferably be applied to all transfer elements. Preferably, the transfer unit is provided for transferring foodstuffs, in particular biscuits, cookies, bars, or the like, to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container. Preferably, the products or the products located in the product receiving containers can be fed by means of the conveyor unit of a tubular bag packaging device of a packaging machine comprising the transfer device. The product receiving container(s) is / are preferably designed at least partially or completely as packaging, in particular as primary packaging.Preferably, the product receptacle(s) is / are designed as a receiving tray(s) in which a plurality of products, in particular a plurality of foodstuffs, can be arranged. However, it is also conceivable for the product receptacle(s) to have a different configuration that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. "Intended" is to be understood in particular as being specially configured, specially programmed, specially designed, and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0009] The transfer device, in particular the packaging machine comprising the transfer device, is preferably located downstream of a manufacturing machine for producing the products, in particular the food products, in a production line. The manufacturing machine can be connected, in particular directly, via one or more conveying devices, in particular conveyor belts or the like, to the transfer device, in particular to the feed unit of the transfer device, or to a conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt or the like, of the packaging machine.However, it is also conceivable for the manufacturing machine and the transfer device, in particular the packaging machine which comprises the transfer device, to be arranged at different production locations and not to be connected to one another via one or more conveying devices, so that products can be delivered to the feed unit of the transfer device in order to be processed by means of the transfer device. The conveying device(s) is / are preferably designed as a conveyor belt device. However, it is also conceivable for the conveying device(s) to have a different design that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as a design as a chain conveyor device, as a vacuum gripper device, as an electrodynamic conveyor device or the like. A transport surface of the conveyor belt device preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane."Substantially parallel" is to be understood in particular as 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 in particular of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0010] The conveyor unit is preferably provided for the removal and / or further transport of the product(s) or the filled product receptacle(s), in particular to the tubular bag packaging device. The conveyor unit is preferably provided for transporting the product(s) or the product receptacle(s) below the transfer unit. Preferably, the product receptacle(s) can be transported away from the transfer unit by means of the conveyor unit for filling with one or more products. The conveyor unit can, in particular depending on the area of ​​application of the transfer device, have a conveyor belt, a crossbar chain, a transport chain and / or other conveying elements that a person skilled in the art would deem appropriate.Preferably, a transport direction of the conveyor unit runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a feed direction of the feed unit, preferably viewed in a horizontal plane. The term "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 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 particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0011] The feed unit preferably comprises a plurality of feed channels, in each of which a plurality of products can be arranged, which can be fed to the feed unit by means of the conveying device, in particular one arranged upstream of the transfer device. The feed channels are preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to one another. However, it is also conceivable for the feed channels to be angled relative to one another in at least one partial section of the feed channels and to run at least substantially parallel to one another in a further partial section. The feed channels preferably comprise a configuration already known to a person skilled in the art. The products can preferably be fed to the feed channels lying flat. In particular, the products are arranged in a stacked manner in the feed channels, in particular such that directly consecutive products lie directly against one another.The feed unit preferably comprises at least one, in particular rotatably mounted, feed element, which is provided at least for retaining the products in the feed channels. The feed element preferably comprises an axis of rotation running at least substantially parallel to a horizontally extending plane. In particular, the feed element, viewed along the feed direction, in particular along a product flow, is arranged downstream of the feed channels, preferably upstream of the transfer unit. The feed element is preferably designed as a hedgehog or needle roller having pin-like extensions. In particular, the pin-like extensions are arranged uniformly, in particular in rows, distributed on a base body, in particular a circular-cylindrical base body, of the feed element.When the feed unit is assembled, the pin-like extensions preferably extend into the individual feed channels and are intended to block movement of the products out of the feed channels when the feed element is at rest. Preferably, individual or multiple products can be conveyed out of the individual feed channels by moving, in particular rotating, the feed element. It is also conceivable that only the feed channels can be released by moving, in particular rotating, the feed element, and that individual or multiple products can be conveyed out of the individual feed channels as a result of newly fed products being pushed into the feed channels by means of the conveying device or by other components deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.Other options for conveying individual or multiple products from the individual feed channels that appear sensible to a specialist are also conceivable.

[0012] The feed unit preferably comprises at least one movably, in particular rotatably, mounted stacking and / or aligning element, in particular a so-called "rotary stacker." The stacking and / or aligning element is preferably arranged downstream of the feed channels and the feed element, preferably upstream of the transfer unit, viewed along the feed direction, in particular along the product flow. The stacking and / or aligning element preferably comprises a plurality of receiving pockets, arranged in particular uniformly on a base body of the stacking and / or aligning element. The stacking and / or aligning element is preferably designed to receive one product or a plurality of products per receiving pocket. The product or the plurality of products can be conveyed from the feed channels into the respective receiving pocket, in particular by means of the feed element.However, it is also conceivable for the feed element to merely open the feed channels and for the product or the plurality of products to be conveyed into the receiving pockets in a different manner that appears expedient to a person skilled in the art. The plurality of products is preferably combined into a stack, in particular into a so-called slug, by means of the stacking and / or aligning element, preferably for each receiving pocket, in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, and is aligned upright as a result of a rotational movement of the stacking and / or aligning element. The stacking and / or aligning element is preferably provided to transfer the plurality of products, in particular the individual stacks, to the transfer unit, in particular to the transfer element(s), in particular as a result of the rotational movement of the stacking and / or aligning element.The stacking and / or aligning element preferably comprises a rotational axis that runs at least substantially parallel to a horizontally extending plane. The rotational axis of the stacking and / or aligning element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the feed element.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the transfer element, in particular each of the transfer elements, has at least two side walls, in particular for a trough-shaped configuration of the transfer element, or at least two rod-shaped extensions, in particular for a fork-shaped configuration of the transfer element, which are arranged, in particular fixed, on a base body of the transfer element and are jointly mounted so as to be movable about and / or along the, in particular single, axis of movement of the transfer element, preferably rotatable. The two side walls or the two rod-shaped extensions are preferably arranged on the base body at a distance from one another, viewed along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the transfer element.Preferably, the two side walls or the two rod-shaped extensions each have a main direction of extension that runs at least substantially parallel to the movement axis of the transfer element. The movement axis of the transfer element preferably runs coaxially to the main direction of extension or to a longitudinal axis of one of the two side walls or one of the two rod-shaped extensions. A "main direction of extension" of an object is understood in particular to mean a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. Preferably, the two side walls or the two rod-shaped extensions form the opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces of the transfer element.When arranged on the transfer element, the product(s) preferably rests with one of two opposite sides against one of the two side walls or against one of the two rod-shaped extensions. When arranged on the transfer element, the product(s) preferably rests with one side against one of the two side walls or one of the two rod-shaped extensions and with another side against the other of the two side walls or the other of the two rod-shaped extensions. In a trough-shaped design of the transfer element, two facing inner sides of the two side walls preferably form the opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces of the transfer element. When viewed along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis, the side walls preferably have a bent profile.However, it is also conceivable for the side walls, viewed along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement, to have a different shape that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as a straight shape, a curved shape, or the like. In a fork-shaped design of the transfer element, two facing inner sides of the two rod-shaped extensions form the opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces of the transfer element. The rod-shaped extensions preferably have a round cross-section. However, it is also conceivable for the rod-shaped extensions to have a different cross-section that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or the like.The main extension directions of the side walls or the rod-shaped extensions preferably run at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base body of the transfer element. A "main extension plane" of a structural unit is understood to mean, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the structural unit, and in particular, runs through the center of the cuboid. The main extension plane of the base body preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the transfer element. The base body is preferably disc-shaped or plate-shaped. However, it is also conceivable for the base body to have another configuration that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.The two side walls or the rod-shaped extensions can be formed integrally with the base body or fixed to the base body by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. "Integral" is understood in particular to mean at least materially connected, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process, and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The two side walls or the two rod-shaped extensions preferably delimit the receiving area or the receiving space of the transfer element, in particular viewed along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis.The base body is arranged on a side of the transfer element facing away from the feed unit, particularly when viewed along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis of the transfer element. The transfer element has an open end face, particularly when viewed along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis of the transfer element, through which the product(s) can be transferred to the transfer element by means of the feed unit. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a secure reception of the product(s) for transfer can be advantageously achieved. A receiving area or a receiving space can advantageously be provided in a structurally simple manner, in which the product(s) can be securely arranged for transfer and, as a result of a rotational movement, can be gently transferred to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container.This advantageously enables a gentle product transfer, preferably with minimal space requirements, particularly since a movement of the transfer element in the direction of the conveyor unit and / or the product receiving container can be advantageously enabled, preferably in a structurally simple manner by an eccentric, rotatable bearing of the transfer element. The eccentric arrangement of the movement axis advantageously enables a superimposed movement of the transfer element, in which a lowering movement and a movement in the direction of a transport direction of the conveyor unit can occur, in order to enable a gentle product transfer.

[0014] It is further proposed that the transfer unit have at least one counter-holder element, in particular one that is movably mounted on or relative to the transfer element, which is intended to support the product(s) in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis of the transfer element. It is conceivable that each transfer element is assigned a single counter-holder element or that the counter-holder element has a rake-like design, with one counter-holder extension being provided for each transfer element. Other designs of the counter-holder element that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The counter-holder element can be mounted so as to be movable in a translational and / or pivotable manner relative to the transfer element, in particular on a housing unit of the transfer device.However, it is also conceivable for the counter-holder element to be movably mounted on the transfer element, in particular on one of the two side walls or on one of the two rod-shaped extensions. The counter-holder element is preferably arranged above the transfer element.

[0015] The counter-holder element is in particular designed to be movable separately from the transfer element. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the counter-holder element is designed to be movable, in particular only together with the transfer element, in particular is designed to be movable together with the transfer element around and / or along the movement axis of the transfer element. Preferably, the counter-holder element has at least one movement axis, in particular a translation axis, which extends at least substantially parallel to the movement axis of the transfer element, preferably for a movement relative at least to the transfer element. Preferably, the counter-holder element has at least one further movement axis, in particular a translation axis, which extends at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the transfer element, preferably for a movement relative at least to the transfer element.The inventive design advantageously counteracts the risk of an individual product or a stack of products arranged in the receiving area or receiving space of the transfer element from tipping over or tilting. It advantageously enables a safe transfer of the product(s) to the conveyor unit and / or to the product receiving container. It advantageously enables a gentle transfer of the product(s).

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the transfer device comprise at least one drive unit, wherein the transfer unit comprises a plurality of transfer elements, in particular the one already mentioned, which each have an eccentrically arranged axis of movement, wherein the drive unit is provided to move the plurality of transfer elements at least substantially synchronously about and / or along the respective axis of movement. The drive unit can comprise an electric motor or a pneumatic motor and a power transmission element that is operatively connected to the electric motor or to the pneumatic motor and to the transfer elements. For example, it is conceivable that the power transmission element is designed as a belt, in particular as a toothed belt, as a rack, as a gear, as a chain or as another power transmission element that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the transfer device to comprise a plurality of drive units, one drive unit being provided for each transfer element. In a configuration of the transfer device with a plurality of drive units, the individual drive units can be designed as direct drives, preferably as electric motors or pneumatic motors, whose drive shaft, in particular armature shaft, comprises a rotational axis that runs coaxially with the movement axis of the respective transfer element, or the drive units can be designed as electric motors or pneumatic motors, whose pinions each mesh with a gear wheel operatively connected to the transfer element. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a high performance of the transfer device can advantageously be realized with a small space requirement.This can advantageously enable a substantially simultaneous transfer of a large number of products to the conveyor unit and / or to the product receiving container. This can advantageously enable a gentle transfer of the products.

[0017] It is further proposed that the transfer device comprise the conveyor unit and at least one control or regulating unit configured to control or regulate a speed of the transfer element such that the speed of the transfer element at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of the conveyor unit, in particular a crossbar chain of the conveyor unit or a conveyor belt of the conveyor unit. A "control or regulating unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics unit. "Control electronics" is to be understood in particular as a unit with a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit.Preferably, the control or regulating unit is configured to control or regulate a path or circulating speed of the transfer element such that the path or circulating speed of the transfer element at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of the conveyor unit, in particular a crossbar chain of the conveyor unit or a conveyor belt of the conveyor unit. Preferably, the control or regulating unit is configured to control or regulate a path or circulating speed of the transfer element such that the path or circulating speed of the transfer element corresponds to the speed of the crossbar chain of the conveyor unit or the conveyor belt of the conveyor unit, at least at the time of transfer of the product(s) from the transfer element to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container.Preferably, the crossbar chain of the conveyor unit or the conveyor belt of the conveyor unit is, in particular, at least temporarily movable, in a direction along which the transfer element is, in particular is, moved, preferably when considering a point on the transfer element that has a minimal distance from the conveyor unit. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a gentle transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container can advantageously be enabled as a result of a rotational movement, in particular since a movement of the transfer element in the direction of the conveyor unit and / or the product receiving container can advantageously be enabled, preferably in a structurally simple manner by an eccentric, rotatable bearing of the transfer element.The eccentric arrangement of the movement axis can advantageously be used to realize a superimposed movement of the transfer element, in which a lowering movement as well as a movement in the direction of transport of the conveyor unit can take place in order to enable a product-friendly transfer.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the transfer device comprises at least one, in particular the one already mentioned, control or regulating unit, wherein the feed unit has at least one rotatably drivable, in particular the one already mentioned, feed element, in particular a pintle or needle roller, which is arranged along a product flow in front of the transfer element, wherein the control or regulating unit is configured to count a number of products fed to the transfer element depending on a rotational movement of the feed element. It is conceivable that the transfer device, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, is designed in an alternative embodiment independently of the eccentric arrangement of the movement axis of the transfer element on the transfer element. Preferably, the transfer device in the alternative embodiment comprisesin particular in the embodiment designed independently of the eccentric arrangement of the movement axis, at least the transfer unit for transferring one or more products, in particular food products, to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, at least the feed unit for feeding the product(s) to the transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit has at least the movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element which forms the receiving area or the receiving space in which the product(s) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces on which the product(s) can be supported, in particular laterally, in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space, and at least the control or regulating unit,wherein the feed unit has at least the rotationally drivable feed element, which is arranged along a product stream upstream of the transfer element, wherein the control or regulating unit is configured to count a number of products fed to the transfer element as a function of a rotational movement of the feed element. Preferably, the feed element is provided to transfer, in particular to clock in, products as a result of a rotational movement from the feed channels into the stacking and / or aligning element. Preferably, a number X of products can be conveyed between the pin-like extensions of the feed element, which are arranged in rows, so that as a function of a rotation, and in particular as a function of a filling level of the feed channels (assuming that these are always filled), a specific, preferably always the same,A number of products are conveyed from the feed channels into the stacking and / or aligning element. The control or regulating unit can preferably use the rotational movement of the feed element to determine the number of products conveyed to the stacking and / or aligning element. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a high performance of the transfer device can be advantageously achieved with a small space requirement. It can advantageously enable a substantially simultaneous transfer of a large number of products to the conveyor unit and / or to the product receiving container. A structurally simple design for counting products can be advantageously enabled, while simultaneously enabling a high performance of the transfer device.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the transfer device comprises at least one module changing unit and the conveyor unit, which has at least one crossbar chain module and at least one conveyor belt module, wherein the module changing unit is provided to enable or, in particular, automatically carry out a change of the crossbar chain module or the conveyor belt module depending on a transfer of the product(s) by means of the transfer element directly to the conveyor unit or directly to a product receiving container arranged on the conveyor unit. It is conceivable that the transfer device for solving the above-mentioned problem is designed in an alternative embodiment independently of the eccentric arrangement of the movement axis of the transfer element on the transfer element. Preferably, the transfer device in the alternative embodiment comprisesin particular in the embodiment designed independently of the eccentric arrangement of the movement axis, at least the transfer unit for transferring one or more products, in particular food products, to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, at least the feed unit for feeding the product(s) to the transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit has at least the movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element which forms the receiving area or the receiving space in which the product(s) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces on which the product(s) can be supported, in particular laterally, in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space, at least the module changing unit and the conveyor unit,which has at least one crossbar chain module and at least one conveyor belt module, wherein the module changing unit is provided to enable or, in particular, automatically carry out a change of the crossbar chain module or the conveyor belt module depending on a transfer of the product(s) by means of the transfer element directly to the conveyor unit or directly to a product receiving container arranged on the conveyor unit. Preferably, the crossbar chain module comprises the crossbar chain of the conveyor unit for conveying the product(s) after a transfer by means of the transfer unit. Preferably, the conveyor belt module comprises the conveyor belt of the conveyor unit for conveying the product receiving container(s), in particular before and / or after a transfer of the product(s) by means of the transfer unit. The module changing unit can, for example, be designed as a type of revolver magazine,by means of which the crossbar chain module and the conveyor belt module can be arranged alternately in an operating position. It is also conceivable that the crossbar chain module and the conveyor belt module are arranged in a type of drawer of the module changing unit and can be arranged alternately in an operating position. Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that the crossbar chain module is arranged in a type of drawer of the module changing unit and the conveyor belt module is arranged in a type of lifting table of the module changing unit, and the crossbar chain module can be arranged in an operating position by a pushing movement after a lifting movement of the conveyor belt module. Other configurations of the module changing unit that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art for a manual or automatic change of the conveyor belt module and the crossbar chain module are also conceivable. The module changing unit preferably comprises at least one drive, in particular an electric motor or a pneumatic motor.to a movement of the conveyor belt module and / or the crossbar chain module. By means of the inventive design, a high performance of the transfer device can be advantageously achieved through adaptability to the products to be conveyed, while maintaining a gentle product transfer. It can advantageously enable a change of the conveyor belt module and / or the crossbar chain module in a short time, thus enabling a short changeover time, thus saving costs.

[0020] Furthermore, a packaging machine with at least one transfer device according to the invention is proposed. The packaging machine can comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that can be used for packaging products, in particular foodstuffs. The packaging machine is preferably intended for packaging and / or repackaging foodstuffs. Thus, in addition to the transfer device, the packaging machine can have a plurality of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate, such as, for example, a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, an repackaging device, or the like.The design according to the invention advantageously enables a gentle product transfer, preferably with minimal space requirements, particularly since a movement of the transfer element in the direction of the conveyor unit and / or the product receiving container can be advantageously enabled, preferably in a structurally simple manner by an eccentric, rotatable mounting of the transfer element. The eccentric arrangement of the movement axis advantageously enables a superimposed movement of the transfer element, in which a lowering movement and a movement in the direction of a transport direction of the conveyor unit can occur, in order to enable a gentle product transfer.

[0021] In addition, the invention is based on a method for transferring one or more products, in particular foodstuffs, by means of a transfer device, in particular by means of a transfer device according to the invention, wherein at least one, in particular the previously mentioned, transfer element of a transfer unit of the transfer device, which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces on which the product(s) is / are supported, is moved around and / or along at least one movement axis, in particular rotation axis, of the transfer element arranged eccentrically on the transfer element, in particular on a base body of the transfer element.It is proposed that a plurality of products be fed by means of a conveying device, in particular the one already mentioned, to a plurality of feed channels, in particular the one already mentioned, of a feed unit, in particular the one already mentioned, of the transfer device. The configuration according to the invention advantageously enables a gentle product transfer, preferably with minimal space requirements, in particular since movement of the transfer element in the direction of the conveying unit and / or the product receiving container can be advantageously enabled, preferably in a structurally simple manner by means of an eccentric, rotatable mounting of the transfer element.The eccentric arrangement of the movement axis can advantageously be used to realize a superimposed movement of the transfer element, in which a lowering movement as well as a movement in the direction of transport of the conveyor unit can take place in order to enable a product-friendly transfer.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that a speed of the transfer element be controlled or regulated by a control or regulating unit of the transfer device such that the speed of the transfer element at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of a conveyor unit of the transfer device, in particular a crossbar chain of the conveyor unit or a conveyor belt of the conveyor unit. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a gentle transfer to the conveyor unit or to the product receiving container can advantageously be enabled as a result of a rotational movement, in particular since a movement of the transfer element in the direction of the conveyor unit and / or the product receiving container can advantageously be enabled, preferably in a structurally simple manner by an eccentric, rotatable bearing of the transfer element.The eccentric arrangement of the movement axis can advantageously be used to realize a superimposed movement of the transfer element, in which a lowering movement as well as a movement in the direction of transport of the conveyor unit can take place in order to enable a product-friendly transfer.

[0023] The transfer device according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the transfer device according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps that differs from the number stated herein in order to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​lying within the stated limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used as desired. Furthermore, the features and functions described for the transfer device according to the invention and / or the packaging machine according to the invention should also apply analogously to the method according to the invention. Drawings

[0024] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two 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.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1A packaging machine according to the invention with a transfer device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2A detailed view of the transfer device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 3A further detailed view of the transfer device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 4A detailed view of a transfer unit of the transfer device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 5A method sequence of a method according to the invention for transferring one or more products, in particular foodstuffs, by means of a transfer device in a schematic representation and Fig. 6A detailed view of an alternative transfer unit of the transfer device according to the invention in a schematic representation. Description of the embodiments

[0026] Figure 1shows a packaging machine 60a with at least one transfer device 10a. The packaging machine 60a is preferably provided for packaging products 14a, in particular foodstuffs. By means of the transfer device 10a, one or more products 14a are preferably transferred to the product receiving container(s) 18a (in Figure 4indicated by dashed lines). The packaging machine 60a can be designed, for example, as a food packaging machine, as a food filling machine, or the like. The packaging machine 60a can have further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and are used for producing, processing, and / or transporting products 14a, in particular foodstuffs, such as, for example, a sterilization device, a filling device, a closing device, an outer packaging device, or the like. The packaging machine 60a can be part of a production line that is intended for producing and packaging products 14a, or the packaging machine 60a is a stand-alone machine that is intended only for packaging products 14a.The products 14a that can be processed by the packaging machine 60a are preferably foodstuffs, such as biscuits, cookies, bars, or the like. Preferably, the packaging machine 60a is provided for filling product receptacles 18a designed as trays with foodstuffs, in particular biscuits, cookies, bars, or the like. The filled trays are preferably fed to a tubular bag packaging device (not shown in detail here) of the packaging machine 60a in a further production step. Preferably, the product receptacle(s) 18a is / are designed as receiving trays in which a plurality of products 14a, in particular foodstuffs, can be arranged. However, it is also conceivable for the product receptacle(s) 18a to have another configuration that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.The packaging machine 60a preferably comprises a conveying device 64a, in particular a conveyor belt device or the like, which is connected to the transfer device 10a, in particular to a feed unit 20a of the transfer device 10a, in particular to convey the product(s) 14a to the transfer device 10a.

[0027] Figure 2shows a detailed view of the transfer device 10a in a schematic representation. The transfer device 10a comprises at least one transfer unit 12a for transferring one or more products 14a, in particular food products, to a conveyor unit 16a or to one of the product receiving containers 18a. The conveyor unit 16a is preferably provided for removing and / or further transporting the product(s) 14a or the filled product receiving container(s) 18a, in particular to the tubular bag packaging device. The conveyor unit 16a is preferably provided for transporting the product(s) 14a or the product receiving container(s) 18a, in particular viewed along a vertical direction, below the transfer unit 12a.Preferably, the product receiving container(s) 18a can be transported away by means of the conveyor unit 16a beneath the transfer unit 12a for filling with one or more products 14a, or a conveyor element, in particular a crossbar chain 48a, of the conveyor unit 16a can be moved beneath the transfer unit 12a for receiving the product(s) 14a. The conveyor unit 16a can, in particular depending on the application of the transfer device 10a, comprise a conveyor belt 50a (in . Figure 3 indicated by dashed lines), the crossbar chain 48a, a transport chain and / or other conveying elements that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the transfer device 10a comprises at least one module changing unit 54a (in Figure 3indicated by dashed lines) and the conveyor unit 16a, which has at least one crossbar chain module 56a and at least one conveyor belt module 58a, wherein the module changing unit 54a is provided to enable or, in particular automatically, carry out a change of the crossbar chain module 56a or the conveyor belt module 58a depending on a transfer of the product(s) 14a by means of at least one transfer element 22a of the transfer unit 12a directly to the conveyor unit 16a or directly to a product receiving container 18a arranged on the conveyor unit 16a. Preferably, the crossbar chain module 56a comprises the crossbar chain 48a of the conveyor unit 16a for conveying the product(s) 14a after a transfer by means of the transfer unit 12a to the conveyor unit 16a.The conveyor belt module 58a preferably comprises the conveyor belt 50a of the conveyor unit 16a for conveying the product receiving container(s) 18a, in particular before and / or after a transfer of the product(s) 14a by means of the transfer unit 12a. The module changing unit 54a can, for example, be designed as a type of revolver magazine, by means of which the crossbar chain module 56a and the conveyor belt module 58a can be alternately arranged in an operating position. It is also conceivable for the crossbar chain module 56a and the conveyor belt module 58a to be arranged in a type of drawer of the module changing unit 54a and to be alternately arranged in an operating position.Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that the crossbar chain module 56a is arranged in a type of drawer of the module changing unit 54a and the conveyor belt module 58a is arranged in a type of lifting table of the module changing unit 54a, and that the crossbar chain module 56a can be arranged in an operating position by a pushing movement after a lifting movement of the conveyor belt module 58a. Other embodiments of the module changing unit 54a for a manual or automatic change of the conveyor belt module 58a and the crossbar chain module 56a that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The module changing unit 54a preferably comprises at least one drive (not shown in detail here), in particular an electric motor or a pneumatic motor, for moving the conveyor belt module 58a and / or the crossbar chain module 56a. A pitch of the crossbar chain 48a is preferably adjustable depending on a format of the products 14a to be conveyed.

[0028] Furthermore, the transfer device 10a comprises the feed unit 20a for feeding the product(s) 14a to the transfer unit 12a. Preferably, a transport direction 66a of the conveyor unit 16a runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a feed direction 68a of the feed unit 20a, preferably viewed in a horizontally extending plane (cf. Figure 2 ). The feed unit 20a preferably comprises a plurality of feed channels 70a, in each of which a plurality of products 14a can be arranged, which can be fed to the feed unit 20a by means of the conveyor device 64a, which is arranged in particular upstream of the transfer device 10a. A transport direction 72a of the conveyor device 64a preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the feed direction 68a of the feed unit 20a, preferably viewed in a horizontally extending plane (cf. Figures 2 and 3). The feed channels 70a are preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to one another. However, it is also conceivable for the feed channels 70a to be angled relative to one another at least in one partial section of the feed channels 70a and to run at least substantially parallel to one another in a further partial section. The feed channels 70a preferably comprise a configuration already known to a person skilled in the art. A division of the feed channels 70a is preferably adjustable depending on a format of the products 14a to be conveyed. The products 14a can preferably be fed flat to the feed channels 70a. In particular, the products 14a are arranged in a pile-up in the feed channels 70a, in particular such that directly successive products 14a lie directly against one another.

[0029] The feed unit 20a preferably comprises at least one, in particular rotatably mounted, feed element 52a, which is provided at least for retaining the products 14a in the feed channels 70a. The feed element 52a preferably comprises a rotation axis 74a extending at least substantially parallel to a horizontally extending plane. In particular, the feed element 52a, viewed along the feed direction 68a, in particular along a product flow of the products 14a, is arranged downstream of the feed channels 70a, preferably upstream of the transfer unit 12a. The feed element 52a is preferably designed as a hedgehog or needle roller having pin-like extensions 76a (cf. Figures 2 and 3 ). In particular, the pin-like extensions 76a are arranged uniformly, in particular in rows, distributed on a, in particular circular-cylindrical, base body 78a of the feed element 52a (cf. Figures 2 and 3). In an assembled state of the feed unit 20a, the pin-like extensions 76a preferably protrude into the individual feed channels 70a and are provided to block movement of the products 14a out of the feed channels 70a when the feed element 52a is in a rest state. Preferably, by moving, in particular rotating, the feed element 52a, individual or multiple products 14a can be conveyed out of the individual feed channels 70a. It is also conceivable that by moving, in particular rotating, the feed element 52a, only the feed channels 70a can be opened and that individual or multiple products 14a can be conveyed out of the individual feed channels 70a as a result of pushing in the feed channels 70a of newly fed products 14a by means of the conveying device 64a or by other components that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art.Other possibilities for conveying individual or multiple products 14a out of the individual feed channels 70a that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0030] Preferably, the transfer device 10a comprises at least one control or regulating unit 46a (cf. Figure 1), wherein the feed unit 20a has at least the rotationally drivable feed element 52a, in particular the hedgehog or needle roller, which is arranged along a product stream of the products 14a upstream of the transfer element 22a, wherein the control or regulating unit 46a is configured to count a number of products 14a fed to the transfer element 22a as a function of a rotational movement of the feed element 52a. Preferably, the feed element 52a is provided to transfer, in particular to clock in, products 14a as a result of a rotational movement from the feed channels 70a into at least one stacking and / or aligning element 80a of the feed unit 20a.Preferably, a number X of products 14a can be conveyed between the pin-like extensions 76a of the feed element 52a, which are arranged in rows, so that, depending on a rotation, and in particular depending on a fill level of the feed channels 70a (assuming that these are always filled), a specific, preferably always the same, number of products 14a are conveyed from the feed channels 70a into the stacking and / or aligning element 80a. The control or regulating unit 46a can preferably use the rotational movement of the feed element 52a to determine the number of products 14a conveyed to the stacking and / or aligning element 80a.

[0031] Preferably, the feed unit 20a comprises the movably, in particular rotatably, mounted stacking and / or aligning element 80a, in particular a so-called "rotary stacker" (cf. Figures 2 and 3). The stacking and / or aligning element 80a is preferably arranged, viewed along the feed direction 68a, in particular along the product flow of the products 14a, after the feed channels 70a and the feed element 52a, preferably before the transfer unit 12a. Preferably, the stacking and / or aligning element 80a comprises a plurality of receiving pockets 84a (cf. Figure 2). Preferably, the stacking and / or aligning element 80a is provided to receive one product 14a or a plurality of products 14a per receiving pocket 84a. Preferably, the receiving pockets 84a are arranged in alignment with the feed channels 70a, particularly when viewed along the feed direction 68a. The product 14a or the plurality of products 14a can be conveyed from the feed channels 70a into the respective receiving pocket 84a, particularly by means of the feed element 52a. However, it is also conceivable for the feed element 52a to merely clear the feed channels 70a, and for the product 14a or the plurality of products 14a to be conveyed into the receiving pockets 84a in a different manner that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.The plurality of products 14a is preferably combined into a stack, in particular a so-called slug, by means of the stacking and / or aligning element 80a, preferably per receiving pocket 84a, in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, and is aligned upright as a result of a rotational movement of the stacking and / or aligning element 80a. The stacking and / or aligning element 80a is preferably provided to transfer the plurality of products 14a, in particular the individual stacks, to the transfer unit 12a, in particular to the transfer element(s) 22a, in particular as a result of the rotational movement of the stacking and / or aligning element 80a. The stacking and / or aligning element 80a preferably comprises a rotation axis 86a running at least substantially parallel to a horizontally extending plane.The rotation axis 86a of the stacking and / or aligning element 80a preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the rotation axis 74a of the feed element 52a.

[0032] The transfer unit 12a has at least the movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element 22a, which forms a receiving area or a receiving space 24a in which the product(s) 14a can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit 16a or to the product receiving container 18a, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces 26a, 28a (cf. Figure 4) on which the product(s) 14a can be supported, in particular laterally, when arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space 24a. The transfer unit 12a preferably comprises a plurality of transfer elements 22a. The transfer elements 22a are in particular aligned at least substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, all transfer elements 22a have an at least substantially analogous design, so that a description of one of the transfer elements 22a can preferably be transferred to all transfer elements 22a. The transfer element 22a comprises at least one movement axis 30a, in particular an axis of rotation, which is arranged eccentrically on the transfer element 22a, in particular on a base body 32a of the transfer element 22a, in particular for an eccentric rotatable mounting of the transfer element 22a.Preferably, the transfer element 22a is rotatably mounted, in particular relative to the feed unit 20a, to the conveyor unit 16a and / or to a frame and / or housing unit 88a of the transfer device 10a (cf. Figures 2 and 3). The transfer element 22a is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable about the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a over an angular range, in particular of more than 45°, preferably of more than 90°, particularly preferably of more than 180°, and most particularly preferably of more than 270°. The transfer element 22a is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable about the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a over an angular range of 360°, in particular a multiple of 360°. The transfer element 22a is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable about the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a, starting from a receiving position of the transfer element 22a, in which the product(s) 14a can be moved from the feed unit 20a into the receiving area or the receiving space 24a of the transfer element 22a, along an angular range of in particular more than 45°, preferably more than 90°, particularly preferably more than 180° and very particularly preferably more than 270°.The movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a is preferably designed as a rotation axis. Preferably, the transfer element 22a is rotatable from the receiving position of the transfer element 22a through an angular range of 360° about the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a for transferring the product(s) 14a to the conveyor unit 16a or to the product receiving container(s) 18a, wherein a transfer of the product(s) 14a to the conveyor unit 16a or to the product receiving container(s) 18a begins or takes place upon rotation of the transfer element 22a through an angular range between 75° and 100° about the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a, and the transfer element 22a can continue to be rotated in the same direction until the transfer element 22a is back in the receiving position, in particular can be rotated completely along an angular range of 360° starting from the receiving position back into the receiving position.

[0033] The transfer device 10a preferably comprises the conveyor unit 16a and the control or regulating unit 46a (cf. Figure 1), which is configured to control or regulate a speed of the transfer element 22a such that the speed of the transfer element 22a at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of the conveyor unit 16a, in particular the crossbar chain 48a of the conveyor unit 16a or the conveyor belt 50a of the conveyor unit 16a. Preferably, the control or regulating unit 46a is configured to control or regulate a path or circulation speed of the transfer element 22a such that the path or circulation speed of the transfer element 22a at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of the conveyor unit 16a, in particular the crossbar chain 48a or the conveyor belt 50a.Preferably, the control or regulating unit 46a is configured to control or regulate a path or rotational speed of the transfer element 22a such that the path or rotational speed of the transfer element 22a corresponds to the speed of the crossbar chain 48a or the conveyor belt 50a, at least at the time of transfer of the product(s) 14a from the transfer element 22a to the conveyor unit 16a or to the product receiving container 18a. Preferably, the crossbar chain 48a or the conveyor belt 50a is, in particular, at least temporarily movable in a direction along which the transfer element 22a is, in particular, moved, preferably when viewed from a point on the transfer element 22a that has a minimal distance from the conveyor unit 16a.

[0034] The transfer device 10a preferably comprises at least one drive unit 44a (cf. Figures 2 and 3), wherein the transfer unit 12a comprises the plurality of transfer elements 22a, each having an eccentrically arranged movement axis 30a, wherein the drive unit 44a is provided to move the plurality of transfer elements 22a at least substantially synchronously about and / or along the respective movement axis 30a. The drive unit 44a can comprise an electric motor or a pneumatic motor and a power transmission element that is operatively connected to the electric motor or to the pneumatic motor and to the transfer elements 22a. For example, it is conceivable for the power transmission element to be designed as a belt, in particular as a toothed belt, as a rack, as a gear, as a chain or as another power transmission element that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the transfer device 10a to comprise a plurality of drive units 44a, one drive unit 44a being provided for each transfer element 22a. In an embodiment of the transfer device 10a with a plurality of drive units 44a, the individual drive units 44a can be designed as direct drives, preferably as electric motors or pneumatic motors, whose drive shaft, in particular armature shaft, comprises a rotational axis that runs coaxially with the movement axis 30a of the respective transfer element 22a, or the drive units 44a are designed as electric motors or pneumatic motors, whose pinions each mesh with a gear operatively connected to the transfer element 22a. Other embodiments of the transfer device 10a for driving the transfer element 22a that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0035] Preferably, the transfer element 22a comprises at least two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a (cf. Figures 3 and 4), in particular to a fork-shaped configuration of the transfer element 22a, which are arranged, in particular fixed, on the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a and are jointly mounted so as to be movable about and / or along the, in particular single, axis of movement 30a of the transfer element 22a. The two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another on the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a, viewed along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement 30a of the transfer element 22a. The two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a preferably each have a main direction of extension which runs at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement 30a of the transfer element 22a. Preferably, the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a runs coaxially to the main extension direction or to a longitudinal axis of an extension 38a of the two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a.Preferably, two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a form the opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces 26a, 28a of the transfer element 22a. Preferably, the product(s) 14a, when arranged on the transfer element 22a, rests with one of two opposite sides against each of the two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a. Preferably, when arranged on the transfer element 22a, the product(s) 14a rests with one side against one of the two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a and with another side against the other of the two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a. The rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a preferably have a round cross-section. However, it is also conceivable that the rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a have a different cross-section that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section or the like.The main extension directions of the rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a preferably run at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a. The main extension plane of the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a. The base body 32a of the transfer element 22a is preferably disc-shaped or plate-shaped. However, it is also conceivable for the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a to have a different configuration that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a can be formed integrally with the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a or can be fixed to the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection.The two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a preferably delimit the receiving area or the receiving space 24a of the transfer element 22a, in particular viewed along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a. The base body 32a of the transfer element 22a is arranged on a side of the transfer element 22a facing away from the feed unit 20a, in particular viewed along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a. The transfer element 22a has an open end face, in particular viewed along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a, through which the product(s) 14a can be transferred to the transfer element 22a by means of the feed unit 20a.

[0036] Furthermore, the transfer unit 12a preferably comprises at least one counter-holder element 42a, which is in particular movably mounted on or relative to the transfer element 22a (cf. Figures 2 and 4), which is intended to support the product(s) 14a in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space 24a along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a. It is conceivable that each transfer element 22a is assigned a single counter-holder element 42a or that the counter-holder element 42a has a rake-like configuration, with one counter-holder extension being provided for each transfer element 22a. Other configurations of the counter-holder element 42a that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The counter-holder element 42a can be mounted so as to be movable in a translational and / or pivotable manner relative to the transfer element 22a, in particular on the frame and / or housing unit 88a. However, it is also conceivable that the counter-holder element 42a is mounted so as to be movable on the transfer element 22a, in particular on one of the two rod-shaped extensions 38a, 40a.Preferably, the counter-holder element 42a is arranged above the transfer element 22a. The counter-holder element 42a is designed to be movable, in particular separately from the transfer element 22a. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the counter-holder element 42a is designed to be movable, in particular only together with the transfer element 22a, in particular together with the transfer element 22a around and / or along the movement axis 30a of the transfer element 22a.

[0037] Figure 5shows a schematic sequence of a method 62a for transferring one or more products 14a, in particular food products, by means of the transfer device 10a. Preferably, the product(s) 14a is / are fed to the feed unit 20a, in particular to the feed channels 70a, in at least one method step 90a of the method 62a by means of the conveying device 64a. Preferably, the product(s) 14a is / are fed to the stacking and / or aligning element 80a by means of the feed element 52a in at least one method step 92a of the method 62a. Preferably, the product(s) 14a is / are aligned and / or fed to the transfer unit 12a by means of the stacking and / or aligning element 80a in at least one method step 94a of the method 62a.Preferably, in at least one method step 96a of method 62a, the product(s) 14a is / are transferred to the conveyor unit 16a or the product receiving container 18a by means of the transfer unit 12a. Preferably, in particular in method step 96a of method 62a, the transfer element 22a of the transfer unit 12a, which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces 26a, 28a on which the product(s) 14a is / are supported, is / are moved around and / or along at least the movement axis 30a, in particular the rotation axis, of the transfer element 22a arranged eccentrically on the transfer element 22a, in particular on the base body 32a of the transfer element 22a.Preferably, in particular in method step 96a of method 62a, a speed of the transfer element 22a is controlled or regulated by the control or regulating unit 46a such that the speed of the transfer element 22a at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of the conveyor unit 16a, in particular the crossbar chain 48a or the conveyor belt 50a. Preferably, in at least one method step 98a of method 62a, the product(s) 14a is / are conveyed to the tubular bag packaging device by means of the conveyor unit 16a.

[0038] In Figure 6A 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 embodiment, in particular to the Figures 1 to 5 To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is added to the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Figures 1 to 5 In the example of the Figure 6 the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0039] Figure 6shows a section of a transfer device 10b with at least one transfer unit 12b for transferring one or more products 14b, in particular foodstuffs, to a conveyor unit 16b (here only indicated by dashed lines) or to a product receiving container (not shown in detail here) and with at least one feed unit (not shown in detail here) for feeding the product(s) 14b to the transfer unit 12b, wherein the transfer unit 12b has at least one movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element 22b, which forms a receiving area or a receiving space 24b, in which the product(s) 14b can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit 16b or to the product receiving container 18b, and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces 26b, 28b, at which the product(s) 14b can be arranged in a Receiving space 24b arranged state, in particular laterally,can be supported. The transfer element 22b has at least one movement axis 30b, in particular a rotation axis, which is arranged eccentrically on the transfer element 22b, in particular on a base body 32b of the transfer element 22b, in particular for an eccentric rotatable mounting of the transfer element 22b. The transfer element 22b has, in particular in contrast to the transfer element 22a from the embodiment according to the , Figures 1 to 5, at least two side walls 34b, 36b, in particular to form a trough-shaped configuration of the transfer element 22b, which are arranged, in particular fixed, on the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b and are jointly mounted so as to be movable about and / or along the, in particular single, axis of movement 30b of the transfer element 22b. The two side walls 34b, 36b are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another on the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b, viewed in a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement 30b of the transfer element 22b. The two side walls 34b, 36b each preferably have a main direction of extension which runs at least substantially parallel to the axis of movement 30b of the transfer element 22b. Preferably, the movement axis 30b of the fork element 22b runs coaxially to the main extension direction or to a longitudinal axis of one of the two side walls 34b, 36b.Preferably, the two side walls 34b, 36b form the opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces 26b, 28b of the transfer element 22b. Preferably, the product(s) 14b, when arranged on the transfer element 22b, rests with one of two opposite sides against each of the two side walls 34b, 36b. Preferably, when arranged on the transfer element 22b, the product(s) 14b rests with one side against one of the two side walls 34b, 36b and with another side against the other of the two side walls 34b, 36b. Preferably, two facing inner sides of the two side walls 34b, 36b form the opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces 26b, 28b of the transfer element 22b. The side walls 34b, 36b, viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30b of the transfer element 22b, preferably have a bent course.However, it is also conceivable that the side walls 34b, 36b, viewed along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30b of the transfer element 22b, have a different profile that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a straight profile, a curved profile, or the like. The two side walls 34b, 36b can have a profile such that they are connected at an underside of the transfer element 22b or that they delimit an opening of the transfer element 22b and, in particular, are spaced apart from one another at an underside of the transfer element 22b. The main extension directions of the side walls 34b, 36b preferably run at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b.The main extension plane of the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30b of the transfer element 22b. The base body 32b of the transfer element 22b is preferably disc-shaped or plate-shaped. However, it is also conceivable for the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b to have a different configuration that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The two side walls 34b, 36b can be formed integrally with the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b or can be fixed to the base body 32b of the transfer element 22b by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. Preferably, the two side walls 34b, 36b delimit the receiving area or the receiving space 24b of the transfer element 22b, in particular viewed along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30b of the transfer element 22b.The base body 32b of the transfer element 22b is arranged on a side of the transfer element 22b facing away from the feed unit, in particular when viewed along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30b of the transfer element 22b. The transfer element 22b has an open end face, in particular when viewed along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30b of the transfer element 22b, through which the product(s) 14b can be transferred to the transfer element 22b by means of the feed unit. With regard to further features of the transfer device 10b, reference is made to the description of . Figures 1 to 5 which also applies analogously to the transfer device 10b, as long as the description of the Figure 6 unless otherwise stated.

Claims

1. Transfer device with at least one transfer unit (12) for transferring one or more products (14), in particular foodstuffs, to a conveyor unit (16) or to a product receiving container (18) and with at least one feed unit (20) for feeding the product(s) (14) to the transfer unit (12), wherein the transfer unit (12) has at least one movably mounted, in particular rotatable, transfer element (22) which forms a receiving area or a receiving space (24) in which the product(s) (14) can be arranged for transfer to the conveyor unit (16) or to the product receiving container (18), and which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces (26, 28) on which the product(s) (14) can be supported, in particular laterally, in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space (24), wherein the transfer element (22) at least one axis of movement (30),in particular rotation axis, which is arranged eccentrically on the transfer element (22), in particular on a base body (32) of the transfer element (22), in particular for an eccentric rotatable mounting of the transfer element (22), , characterized in that the feed unit (20) comprises a plurality of feed channels (70), in each of which a plurality of products (14) can be arranged, which can be fed to the feed unit (20) by means of a conveying device (64).

2. Transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe transfer element (22) has at least two side walls (34, 36), in particular for a trough-shaped configuration of the transfer element (22), or at least two rod-shaped extensions (38, 40), in particular for a fork-shaped configuration of the transfer element (22), which are arranged, in particular fixed, on a base body (32) of the transfer element (22) and are jointly mounted so as to be movable around and / or along the, in particular single, movement axis (30) of the transfer element (22).

3. Transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer unit (12) has at least one counter-holder element (42), which is mounted in particular movably on or relative to the transfer element (22), which is provided to support the product(s) (14) in a state arranged in the receiving area or in the receiving space (24) along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the movement axis (30) of the transfer element (22).

4. Transfer device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one drive unit (44), wherein the transfer unit (12) comprises a plurality of transfer elements (22), each having an eccentrically arranged movement axis (30), wherein the drive unit (44) is provided to move the plurality of transfer elements (22) at least substantially synchronously about and / or along the respective movement axis (30).

5. Transfer device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the conveyor unit (16) and at least one control or regulating unit (46) which is designed to control or regulate a speed of the transfer element (22) in such a way that the speed of the transfer element (22) at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of the conveyor unit (16), in particular a crossbar chain (48) of the conveyor unit (16) or a conveyor belt (50) of the conveyor unit (16).

6. Transfer device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one control or regulating unit (46), wherein the feed unit (20) has at least one rotationally drivable feed element (52), in particular a hedgehog or needle roller, which is arranged along a product flow in front of the transfer element (22), wherein the control or regulating unit (46) is designed to count a number of products (14) fed to the transfer element (22) as a function of a rotational movement of the feed element (52).

7. Transfer device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one module changing unit (54) and the conveyor unit (16), which has at least one crossbar chain module (56) and at least one conveyor belt module (58), wherein the module changing unit (54) is provided to enable or, in particular automatically, carry out a change of the crossbar chain module (56) or the conveyor belt module (58) depending on a transfer of the product / products (14) by means of the transfer element (22) directly to the conveyor unit (16) or directly to a product receiving container (18) arranged on the conveyor unit (16).

8. Packaging machine with at least one transfer device according to one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for transferring one or more products (14), in particular food products, by means of a transfer device, in particular by means of a transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one transfer element (22) of a transfer unit (12) of the transfer device, which has at least two opposing contact points and / or contact surfaces (26, 28) on which the product(s) (14) is / are supported, is moved around and / or along at least one movement axis (30), in particular a rotation axis, of the transfer element (22) arranged eccentrically on the transfer element (22), in particular on a base body (32) of the transfer element (22), characterized in that a plurality of products (14) are fed by means of a conveying device (64) to a plurality of feed channels (70) of a feed unit (20) of the transfer device.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in thata speed of the transfer element (22) is controlled or regulated by a control or regulating unit (46) of the transfer device in such a way that the speed of the transfer element (22) at least temporarily corresponds to a speed of a conveyor unit (16) of the transfer device, in particular a crossbar chain (48) of the conveyor unit (16) or a conveyor belt (50) of the conveyor unit (16).

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