Product handling device and production machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a product handling device (12) for handling, in particular for conveying, products (14), having at least two moving elements (16, 16') and a coupling unit (18), which mechanically couples the moving elements (16, 16') to one another and which has a support unit (24) for at least one product (14), and at least two connecting units (26, 26'), which each connect the support unit (24) to at least one of the moving elements (16, 16'). In order to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to stability and / or flexibility when handling products, it is proposed that the connecting units (26, 26') and the support unit (24) are connected to each other within a plane (28) in which the support unit (24) is arranged.

Description

[0001] Description and production machine

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a product handling device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a production machine according to claim 15.

[0004] From the state of the art, for example from the publication

[0005] US 2020 / 0030995 A1 already discloses a product handling device with a mechanical coupling of movers. The movers are connected to one another by means of parallelogram kinematics. The disadvantage here is that the kinematics have at least one dead center and a support unit for receiving / supporting products, which is connected and / or coupled to the movers, can tilt, specifically tip over, when the movers move, so that there may be a lack of stability with regard to stable positioning and / or holding of the support unit with respect to the movers. Furthermore, mechanical couplings of movers using spur gears and legs are known, but these have the disadvantage that these couplings require a great deal of space and, in the prior art, have so far been arranged in an area below the support unit, making access to the products on / in the support unit from both sides considerably more difficult.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device, a generic system, a generic machine, and a generic method with improved properties regarding stability and / or flexibility when handling products. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The invention is based on a product handling device for handling, in particular for conveying, products, having at least two movers and a coupling unit which mechanically couples the movers to one another and which has a support unit for at least one product and at least two connecting units which each connect the support unit to at least one of the movers.

[0009] It is proposed that the connecting units and the support unit are each connected to one another within a plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0010] Such a configuration can provide improved stability and / or high flexibility when handling products. Furthermore, a particularly stable construction and / or arrangement of a support unit with at least two movers can be provided. Furthermore, the support unit itself can preferably be held and / or arranged and / or stored at least substantially parallel to an alignment of the movers when the movers are moving, so that tipping, namely tipping over of the support unit, can be avoided and / or prevented. By means of the proposed mechanical coupling, parallelogram kinematics can be dispensed with and thus at least one dead center can be avoided and / or bypassed. This, in turn, can increase safety and / or avoid and / or prevent damage to products.In addition, convenience and flexibility in the handling of products can be increased, at least during conveying and / or transferring and / or transporting and / or processing and / or sorting of products. Due to an arrangement and connection of the support unit with at least two connecting units within a plane in which the support unit is arranged, access to the support unit from both sides, in particular access from an underside of the support unit to products, can be provided and / or facilitated for improved handling of the products. This can specifically improve flexibility and convenience with regard to handling and / or processing and / or further treatment of products arranged on / in the support unit.In addition, efficiency can be increased in terms of cost and / or product and / or operational and / or labor efficiency.

[0011] The product handling device is intended to handle products, for example, to convey, move, transport, and / or transfer them. Preferably, the product handling device is a subassembly of a product handling system. However, it would also be conceivable for the product handling device to form the entire product handling system. The product handling system is intended, without being limited thereto, for handling, in particular for conveying and / or transporting and / or sorting products and may comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and are usable and useful for handling products. Furthermore, the product handling system can be part of a production machine. However, it would also possibly be conceivable for the product handling system to form the entire production machine.The production machine is intended, without limitation, for the production and / or manufacture of products and, in particular, for the handling of products. Furthermore, the production machine can be intended, for example, for the treatment and / or processing, dosing, mixing, preparation, filling, packaging, sealing, conveying, and / or transporting of filling materials, for example, foodstuffs, and can comprise other devices, systems, and / or units deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, which are usable and useful for the production and / or manufacture, in particular for the handling, of products.

[0012] The product may be unpackaged, in particular an unpackaged foodstuff, such as an apple, a pear, or the like. Particularly preferably, the product is at least partially packaged, comprising at least one package and a filling material arranged within the package. The filling material may, for example, be a solid, liquid, pasty, and / or lumpy filling material. Furthermore, the product may, for example, be a foodstuff, a pharmaceutical product, a consumer product, a beauty and / or body care product, such as chips, sauces, dairy products, in particular yogurts, spreads, pastes, ready meals, confectionery, creams, and / or shampoos, or the like.It would also be conceivable that the product is a consumer good and / or item from the field of toys, crafts, kitchen and / or household goods, or the like, such as a toy car, a ladle, a pot, a small electrical appliance, such as a mixer and / or kitchen scales, and / or a screw. The product can be any conceivable product that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.

[0013] Products can be moved, transported, sorted and / or transferred by means of at least two movers. In particular, the movers are designed as electrodynamically movable movers. The product handling system advantageously comprises a base unit. The base unit can form a base and / or a plane relative to which the movers, in particular the at least two movers and preferably all movers of the plurality of movers, are movably mounted. The product handling system preferably has at least one drive unit, in particular an electrodynamic drive unit, by means of which the movers can be moved. The drive unit can be arranged at least partially, in particular viewed in the vertical direction, below the base unit. In particular, the movers are movable relative to the base unit and can be driven by means of the drive unit.The drive unit preferably generates electromagnetic forces, in particular an alternating electromagnetic field, for driving the movers in at least one operating state, specifically in at least one activated state. A drive force acting on the movers can preferably be generated by means of the drive unit, in particular in order to generate and / or induce a movement, preferably a translational movement and / or a rotational movement, of the movers relative to the base unit. The movers can be displaceable and / or rotatable in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base unit. However, it would also be conceivable for the movers to be tiltable relative to the base unit and / or movable in at least a third degree of freedom relative to the base unit. The movers are preferably movable at least substantially parallel to the base unit, specifically in a plane of movement running parallel to the base unit.Preferably, the drive unit is designed to drive the movers to movements that are at least substantially parallel to the base unit. "Substantially parallel" is understood here to mean 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 less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0014] The base unit can have at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element or be designed as such. The term “plate-shaped / plate-like” is to be understood as a spatial object which, viewed in a developed view in a plane, has a non-circular cross-sectional area viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the plane and, in particular, has an at least substantially constant material thickness which amounts to less than 50%, preferably less than 25%, and particularly preferably less than 10% of a surface extension of the spatial object parallel to the plane, in particular a smallest surface extension of the object parallel to the plane. Furthermore, it is to be understood that at least the smallest possible geometric cuboid which just completely encloses the object is plate-shaped. The movers are preferably movable at least substantially parallel to the plate-shaped element.In particular, the movers are plate-shaped / plate-like.

[0015] Advantageously, the movers each comprise at least one magnetic field generating element for generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field generating element is designed, for example, as a magnet, in particular as a permanent magnet, or the like. In particular, the magnetic field generating element is intended to interact with the drive unit to drive the mover. For example, interaction of the magnetic field generating element with the drive unit creates an air gap between the base unit and the mover. The mover can hover above the base unit at a distance of, for example, at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 3 mm, and preferably at least 5 mm in the vertical direction. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the drive unit to be designed as a fluid-based planar drive.Preferably, the descriptions of the mover, in particular with regard to a drive by the drive unit, apply analogously to all movers which are part of the product handling device, wherein the product handling device can, for example, have at least four, six, ten or more movers.

[0016] It would also be conceivable for several movers, namely additional movers to the two movers, to be mechanically coupled to one another by means of the coupling unit. Advantageously, the support unit comprises at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element or is designed as such. However, it would also be conceivable for the support unit to have a bag and / or funnel and / or the like or to be designed as such. In particular, depending on the type of product to be handled, the support unit can be designed accordingly to be able to receive and / or hold and / or store and / or carry the product. Depending on the size and / or shape and / or configuration of the support unit, more than the two movers mentioned can be mechanically coupled to one another. The support unit can, for example, have a round, oval or square shape.The support unit preferably has an at least substantially quadrangular shape, for example square or rectangular. The support unit is particularly intended to receive and / or carry and / or hold and / or store at least the product, preferably a plurality of products. The support unit can have at least one receiving element which receives at least the product. The receiving element can serve and / or be designed as an insert for at least the product or the plurality of products and / or as a frame for holding at least the product or the plurality of products. The support unit preferably has at least one through-opening, preferably to provide access from both sides to at least the product, which is arranged on / in the support unit. The receiving element can have at least the opening.Preferably, several products can be arranged on the support unit, for example in rows. By means of the mechanical coupling to the movers, at least the product arranged on the support unit, in particular the plurality of products, can be handled, namely at least moved, transported, and / or transferred. It would also be conceivable for the receiving unit to have at least one gripper for gripping products. The receiving element could be designed as the gripper, as an adapter for a preferably detachable connection with a gripper or the like, or as another receiving element for products that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.

[0017] Preferably, at least the product can be arranged and / or is arranged on the support unit for further treatment and / or processing and / or further handling. For example, at least the product arranged on / in the support unit can be further packaged and / or sealed, weighed, removed from / from the support unit and / or reinserted into / onto the support unit. The production machine can have at least one product processing unit which is intended to process and / or handle at least the product arranged on / in the support unit. The product processing unit can further process and / or handle at least the product on an upper side and / or on an underside of the support unit.The product processing unit can, for example, at least remove the product from / from the support unit and / or reinsert it onto / into the support unit and / or arrange it on / in the support unit. Furthermore, the product processing unit can, for example, be designed as a scale or have such a scale, in particular to weigh at least the product, preferably on the underside of the support unit.

[0018] In particular, the support unit is mirror-symmetrical along at least one plane of symmetry. Advantageously, the plane of symmetry is at least substantially perpendicular to the support unit, in particular the plane in which the support unit is arranged. In this context, “at least substantially perpendicular” is to be understood as an angle between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92°, and particularly advantageously 90°, wherein an angle between an object and / or a plane, in particular the support unit, and another object and / or another plane, in particular the plane of symmetry, advantageously deviates from a right angle by at most 5°, preferably by at most 2°, and particularly advantageously by at most 1°. Preferably, the support unit is arranged at least substantially parallel to the movers, in particular to the base unit, and is advantageously movable.In particular, the support unit is movable relative to the movers, advantageously the base unit, preferably movable in translation. Preferably, due to the coupling to the movers by means of the connecting units, the support unit can be arranged and / or positioned at different distances and / or positions relative to the movers, in particular the base unit. By means of the connecting units, one of the movers is mechanically movably connected to the support unit. If the product handling device has, in particular, further movers in addition to the two movers, which are connected to the support unit by means of the coupling unit, the coupling unit can have further connecting units in addition to the two connecting units. Preferably, the coupling unit has at least as many connecting units as there are movers mechanically coupled to the support unit.The connecting units could each have at least one connecting element which is connected to at least one of the movers and / or fixed to at least one of the movers. The first connecting unit can have at least one first connecting element and the second connecting unit can have a second connecting element. The connecting element, in particular the first and / or the second connecting element, can be designed, for example, as a strut or the like. The connecting element, in particular the first and / or the second connecting element, could also be referred to as a stabilizing element in order to stabilize the support unit with respect to at least one of the movers. Advantageously, the connecting element is movably connected to the mover. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the connecting element to be rigidly connected to at least the mover.

[0019] For better explanation, this document refers to a first mover and at least one second mover due to the at least two movers. The first mover and the second mover are each connected to the support unit by means of at least one of the connecting units. In particular, the first mover is connected to the support unit by means of a first connecting unit of the connecting units. Advantageously, the second mover is connected to the support unit by means of a second connecting unit of the connecting units. In particular, the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are each connected to the support unit within the plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0020] The coupling unit could be formed at least partially in one piece, advantageously in one piece, with at least one of the two movers. Furthermore, at least one of the connecting units or the two connecting units could be formed at least partially in one piece, advantageously in one piece, with the support unit and / or at least one of the movers. In particular, the connecting elements are formed at least partially in one piece, advantageously in one piece. Furthermore, the support unit can be formed at least partially in one piece or in one piece. “Integral” should be understood to mean at least materially connected, for example by an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or welding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. “Integral” should be understood to mean formed in one piece.Preferably, this one piece is produced from a single blank, a mass and / or a casting, for example in an injection molding process, in particular a single and / or multi-component injection molding process, and / or in a stamping process and / or in a sheet metal bending process and / or in a printing process, for example a 3D printing process, and / or another process / method that appears appropriate to the person skilled in the art from the single blank.

[0021] The support unit, the connecting unit, and / or the movers can be formed at least partially, advantageously at least largely or entirely, from a mineral, a plastic, a metal, and / or a composite material. The term "largely" is understood here to mean, for example, at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at most 95% of a volume and / or mass fraction.

[0022] Advantageously, said plane is spanned by at least the support unit. In particular, a main extension plane of the support unit is located in said plane. Particularly preferably, the plane intersects the support unit and at least partially the at least two connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and at least the second connecting unit. In the present case, a “main extension plane” of an object is to be understood as a plane which is aligned parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object and in particular runs through the center point of the cuboid. In particular, said plane runs at least substantially parallel to the base unit, specifically to a main extension plane of the base unit when the support unit is arranged relative to the base unit, in particular when the movers are arranged on the base unit.Furthermore, the plane can be aligned at least substantially parallel to the at least two movers, namely to a main extension plane of the movers.

[0023] In this document, numerals such as "first" and "second," which precede certain terms, serve only to differentiate between objects and / or to assign objects to one another and do not imply a total number and / or ranking of the objects. In particular, a "second object" does not necessarily imply the presence of a "first object." Particularly preferably, descriptions and / or explanations relating to a "first object" are, unless otherwise stated or described, analogously transferable to at least a "second object." Furthermore, "intended" here and below should be understood to mean specially programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0024] In addition, it would possibly be conceivable for at least one of the connecting units or at least both connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and / or the second connecting unit, to be connected to the support unit at least partially above and / or below the plane. For example, at least one of the connecting units could additionally be connected to the support unit at least substantially perpendicular to the plane, wherein an angle between the plane and the connecting unit deviates from a right angle by at most 5°, preferably by at most 2°, and particularly advantageously by at most 1°. It is further proposed that the connecting units be connected to the support unit in an outer edge region of the support unit. This can further increase flexibility and convenience, since accessibility to products arranged on / in a support unit can be improved.In addition, access to the support unit can be provided from both sides for processing and / or further processing and / or handling of products.

[0025] The support unit can have a frame element which, at least in sections, preferably completely, defines and / or forms or has the outer edge region of the support unit. The connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit, are preferably connected to the frame element. At least the receiving element for receiving at least the product can be arranged in an inner region of the frame element. The frame element can enclose and / or surround the receiving element at least in sections, preferably completely. In particular, the frame element delimits the receiving element at least in sections to the outside, preferably within the said plane. The frame element and at least the connecting element can be formed at least partially in one piece, advantageously in one piece.The frame element and at least the receiving element can jointly define and / or form the plate-like / plate-shaped element of the support unit. The frame element can have a square, round, or oval shape, or the like. Particularly preferably, the frame element is at least substantially square or rectangular.

[0026] It is further proposed that the connecting units each have at least one orientation unit, which are coupled to one another. This can improve the stability as well as the design and / or arrangement of a mechanical coupling of at least two movers. Furthermore, a symmetrical movement of at least two connecting units, each connected to one of the movers, can be generated and / or provided and / or enabled. Each of the at least two connecting units has at least one of the orientation units. Additionally, the connecting units can also have multiple orientation units, for example, two, three, or five.Preferably, the connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit, always have the same number of orientation units, wherein at least one of the orientation units of a connecting unit is coupled to at least one other orientation unit of the other connecting unit. The first connecting unit can have a first orientation unit. The second connecting unit can have a second orientation unit. In particular, the first orientation unit and the second orientation unit are coupled to one another, in particular mechanically. Due to the mechanical coupling of the orientation units to one another, symmetrical movement guidance can be generated and / or provided and / or enabled by the at least two connecting units.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the orientation units be connected to each other within the plane in which the support unit is arranged. This allows a design to be further optimized in terms of stability, flexibility, and comfort. Furthermore, accessibility to products arranged on / in a support unit can be further improved.

[0028] In particular, the first orientation unit and the second orientation unit are connected to one another within the plane in which the support unit is arranged. Further orientation units of the connecting units can each be coupled to one another within said plane. Preferably, at least two orientation units are always connected, specifically at least one of the orientation units of a connecting unit is connected to at least one other orientation unit of the other connecting unit within said plane. Advantageously, the orientation units, in particular the first orientation unit and at least the second orientation unit, are connected to the frame element.

[0029] In particular, at least one of the connecting elements and at least one of the orientation units are connected to one another, preferably within the mentioned plane. The first connecting element can be connected to the first orientation unit, specifically within the mentioned plane. The second connecting element can be connected to the second orientation unit, specifically within the mentioned plane. The connecting elements are preferably intended to establish and / or provide a connection between the movers and at least the orientation units.

[0030] By means of the orientation units, in particular, a rotational movement of the connecting elements relative to the movers and / or the support unit can be generated. The orientation units can be provided to adjust an angular orientation between the support unit and at least the connecting elements. Due to the coupling of the orientation units to one another, in particular of the first orientation unit and at least the second orientation unit, the movements of the connecting elements, in particular of the first connecting element and at least the second connecting element, are coupled to one another and / or connected and / or dependent on one another. If at least one of the movers and thus also at least one of the connecting elements moves, this causes a movement of the respective other connecting element and / or the mover due to the coupling of the connecting elements by means of the orientation units.For example, if the first mover executes a movement and thus moves the first connecting element, the first orientation unit can also move and, due to the coupling with at least the second orientation unit, initiate and / or cause a movement of at least the second orientation unit and thus also of at least the second connecting element.

[0031] In order to provide particularly high stability of a structure and improve safety with regard to at least one product arrangement relative to a support unit, and thus in turn to avoid and / or prevent damage to products, it is proposed that the orientation units be provided to always align the support unit parallel to the movers. Furthermore, the support unit can thus be held and / or arranged and / or stored at least substantially parallel to an orientation of the movers even when movers are moving, so that tipping, specifically tipping over of the support unit, can be avoided and / or prevented.

[0032] Preferably, an angular orientation between the support unit and at least the connecting elements can be continuously adjusted by moving at least the orientation units. In particular, the orientation units are designed to always align and preferably maintain the main extension plane of the support unit at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the movers, advantageously at least during a movement of at least one of the connecting elements, in particular the first connecting element and / or at least the second connecting element, and / or the movers.

[0033] It is also proposed that the orientation units each have at least one bevel gear. This allows a design to be further optimized, stability to be increased, and the angular orientation between the connecting units and a support unit to be adjusted particularly easily and precisely. In particular, the bevel gear is designed to deflect a torque or rotational speed, particularly transmitted by the connecting elements, by at least substantially, advantageously exactly, 90°. Alternatively, different angles are also possible.

[0034] If the orientation units each have at least one bevel gear, a particularly efficient, compact, and / or simple design as well as a particularly efficient, compact, and / or simple mechanical coupling of movers can be provided. Preferably, the orientation units each have additional bevel gears, specifically at least two bevel gears. In particular, the angular gears are each formed from a pair of bevel gears or have at least one pair of bevel gears.

[0035] In order to provide a particularly efficient, compact and / or flexible construction and to further increase stability and flexibility when handling products, it is proposed that the bevel gears are each arranged in a corner region of the support unit. In particular, the bevel gears are arranged in a corner region of the frame element. For example, if the frame element has an at least substantially square or rectangular shape, the bevel gears can each be arranged in a corner region of the square or rectangle. Preferably, at least two bevel gears, specifically at least one angular gear drive, are always arranged in the corner region of the support unit. At least one orientation unit of the orientation units can be arranged per corner region of the support unit.The first orientation unit, in particular a first angular gear mechanism with advantageously at least two bevel gears, can be arranged in a first corner region of the support unit, in particular of the frame element. The second orientation unit, in particular a second angular gear mechanism with advantageously at least two bevel gears, can be arranged in a second corner region of the support unit, in particular of the frame element. If the support unit, in particular of the frame element, has an at least substantially quadrangular or rectangular shape, the first corner region and the second corner region can be arranged opposite one another, advantageously viewed in the main direction of extension of the support unit. Advantageously, the support unit, in particular the frame element, has, in addition to the first and second corner regions, further corner regions, preferably an even number of corner regions.Alternatively, an odd number of corner areas would also be conceivable. In this context, a "main extension direction" of an object is understood to be a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. In particular, the main extension direction of the object extends within a main extension plane of the object.

[0036] In order to further improve stability as well as the design and / or arrangement of a mechanical coupling of at least two movers, it is proposed that the angular gears be connected to one another by means of a shaft. This also makes it possible to provide a simple and / or efficient coupling of at least two orientation units, namely angular gears. Furthermore, a symmetrical movement of at least two connecting units, each of which is connected to one of the movers, can be generated and / or provided and / or enabled. In particular, the shaft is part of the product handling device. The coupling unit, advantageously at least one of the connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and / or the second connecting unit, can have at least the shaft.The coupling unit advantageously has at least one further shaft or a plurality of additional shafts, wherein the number of shafts is preferably related to a number of orientation units. The coupling unit can have one shaft for each at least two orientation units. Particularly preferably, each of the connecting units has at least one shaft. In particular, the orientation units, namely the at least two orientation units, are connected to one another by means of the shaft. The first orientation unit can be connected to the second orientation unit by means of the shaft. In particular, the shaft is provided to connect the first orientation unit to at least the second orientation unit. The shaft preferably runs from the first corner region to the second corner region.Further orientation units of the connecting units, in particular the first connecting unit and at least the second connecting unit, can also be connected to one another by means of a shaft, in particular the shaft.

[0037] In particular, the shaft connects the first orientation unit in the first corner region with at least the second orientation unit in the second corner region. The frame element can at least accommodate the shaft. The shaft is advantageously arranged within the frame element. In particular, the shaft is arranged completely within the frame element, preferably completely surrounded and / or enclosed and / or covered by the frame element. Alternatively, the shaft can also be arranged at least partially outside on the frame element, for example fixed and / or held on the frame element, for example by means of a force and / or form-fitting connection. Depending on the size and / or shape and / or configuration of the support unit, the shaft can have a size and / or length adapted to the support unit.

[0038] In order to control at least one of the movers, in particular at least one movement of at least one of the movers, it is proposed that the product handling device have a control unit which is provided to position at least one of the movers, when viewed vertically, on the level below the support unit in at least a first operating state for transporting the product. This makes it possible to provide a particularly efficient and / or flexible mechanical coupling of movers, since, as required, with regard to at least one transport situation, namely a transport and / or conveyance and / or transfer of products, a position and / or orientation of the movers with respect to a support unit can be adapted. This, in turn, makes it possible to achieve a high level of flexibility and improved comfort when handling products.

[0039] In particular, the control unit is provided to control the drive unit in order to move the movers, in particular the first mover and / or at least the second mover, relative to the base unit. The control unit is further provided to control and / or regulate at least one movement of the movers. A "control unit" 1is to be understood as an electronic unit that is preferably at least partially integrated into a control and / or regulating unit of the product handling system and that is intended to control and / or regulate at least one movement of the movers. Advantageously, the control unit comprises a computing unit, in particular a processor, and preferably, in addition to the computing unit, a memory unit with a control and / or regulating program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the computing unit. The memory unit can be designed as a digital storage medium, for example, as a hard disk or the like.

[0040] In at least the first operating state, the control unit can control at least one of the movers, in particular the first or the second mover, in such a way that the mover is arranged and / or positioned below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. At least the mover can be arranged at least 60%, advantageously at least 80% and preferably at least 90% below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. Preferably, in at least the first operating state, when viewed perpendicular to the plane, at least the mover, in particular the first mover or at least the second mover, is positioned and / or arranged completely below the support unit. The first operating state can advantageously be referred to as a transport operating state for transporting at least the product.Preferably, in at least the first operating state, the at least two movers move together with respect to the base unit, in particular parallel to the said plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0041] Preferably, in the first operating state, the control unit is designed to position the two movers next to each other when viewed vertically on the plane below the support unit. This allows for a particularly efficient, compact, and / or space-saving design. With regard to a transport situation, namely the transport and / or conveyance and / or transfer of products, this in turn allows for optimized product handling and increased flexibility and convenience.

[0042] In at least the first operating state, the control unit can control at least the two movers, in particular the first and the second mover, in such a way that the two movers are arranged and / or positioned below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. The movers could be arranged below the support unit in equal percentages when viewed perpendicular to the plane. The first mover and the second mover can each be arranged and / or positioned at least 10%, advantageously at least 30% and preferably at least 50% below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. It would also be conceivable for the first mover to be arranged and / or positioned, for example, at least 20%, advantageously at least 30% and preferably at least 40% below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane.Accordingly, when viewed perpendicular to the plane, the second mover can be arranged and / or positioned, for example, at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, below the support unit. The at least two movers could be arranged next to one another so that they are flush with one another in at least the first operating state. Alternatively, when viewed perpendicular to the plane, the movers could be arranged at a distance from one another below the support unit. For example, a distance between the at least two movers in at least the first operating state could be at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, advantageously at least 10 mm and preferably at most 10 cm, in particular at most 5 cm and particularly preferably at most 2 cm. Preferably, in at least the first operating state, the at least two movers are arranged completely below the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane.

[0043] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit is provided to position at least one of the movers at least partially next to the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane in at least a second operating state for further processing of the product. This makes it possible to provide a particularly efficient and / or flexible mechanical coupling of movers, since the position and / or orientation of the movers with respect to a support unit can be adjusted as required with regard to at least one processing and / or further processing situation, namely the machining and / or processing and / or further treatment of products. In addition, access to products from both sides, in particular access from the underside of the support unit, can be provided and / or facilitated. This in turn makes it possible to achieve a high level of flexibility and improved comfort when handling products.

[0044] In at least the second operating state, the control unit can control at least one of the at least two movers, in particular the first or the second mover, in such a way that the mover is arranged and / or positioned at least partially outside and / or next to the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. At least the mover and the support unit could be arranged at least partially overlapping when viewed perpendicular to the plane in at least the second operating state. The mover, in particular the first or the second mover, can be arranged at least 60%, advantageously at least 80% and preferably at least 90% next to the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane.Preferably, in at least the second operating state, when viewed perpendicular to the plane, at least the mover, in particular the first or the second mover, is positioned and / or arranged completely next to the support unit.

[0045] Advantageously, the second operating state can be designated as a further processing operating state for further processing at least of the product. Preferably, in at least the second operating state, the at least two movers move together relative to the base unit, in particular parallel to the aforementioned plane in which the support unit is arranged.

[0046] It is further proposed that the control unit, in the second operating state, be provided to position the two movers at least partially next to the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. This makes it possible to provide and / or enable particularly convenient and / or efficient accessibility to products arranged on / in a support unit. In particular, access to products from the underside of the support unit can be further facilitated and improved. In addition, a particularly efficient and / or flexible mechanical coupling of movers can be provided, since a position and / or orientation of the movers with respect to the support unit can be adjusted as required with regard to at least one processing and / or further treatment situation, namely a processing and / or processing and / or further treatment of products.

[0047] In at least the second operating state, the control unit can control at least the two movers, in particular the first and the second mover, in such a way that the two movers are arranged and / or positioned at least partially next to the support unit when viewed perpendicular to the plane. The movers, in particular the first and the second mover, could be arranged at least partially next to the support unit in equal percentages when viewed perpendicular to the plane. The first mover and the second mover can, for example, each be arranged and / or positioned next to the support unit to the extent of at least 5%, advantageously at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, in particular at most 80%, preferably at most 50%, and particularly preferably at most 30%, when viewed perpendicular to the plane.It would also be conceivable for the first mover to be arranged and / or positioned next to the support unit, for example at least 20%, advantageously at least 30% and preferably at least 40%, when viewed perpendicular to the plane. The second mover can accordingly be arranged and / or positioned next to the support unit, for example at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, when viewed perpendicular to the plane. Preferably, in at least the second operating state, when viewed perpendicular to the plane, the movers, in particular the first and second movers, are arranged completely next to the support unit.

[0048] In order to further increase efficiency in product handling, it is proposed that at least one of the two movers, in particular the first mover and / or the second mover, be mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the coupling unit. This also makes it possible to provide more flexible handling of products, at least during conveying and / or transferring and / or transporting and / or processing and / or sorting of products. Furthermore, efficiency can be increased with regard to costs, processes, labor, materials and / or products. Furthermore, rotation of a product handling device via an external mechanism and / or via a complex and / or complicated and / or unnecessary travel / transport route can be dispensed with.

[0049] In particular, it is a general relative movement between the coupling unit and at least one of the movers, in particular the first mover and / or the second mover. At least one of the two movers can be movable, in particular rotatable and / or pivotable, about the axis of rotation relative to the coupling unit, wherein the coupling unit or at least one component / element of the coupling unit could form a fixed and / or stable reference base, relative to which at least the mover is movable. Alternatively and / or additionally, the coupling unit can be mounted so as to be rotatable and / or tiltable and / or pivotable relative to at least one of the movers, wherein at least one of the movers could form the fixed and / or stable reference base.

[0050] The first mover can have a first pivot bearing with a first axis of rotation about which the first mover is rotatably mounted relative to the coupling unit. Furthermore, the second mover can have a second pivot bearing with a second axis of rotation about which the second mover is rotatably mounted relative to the coupling unit. The first mover and / or the second mover can each rotate about the respective axis of rotation by at least 90°, advantageously at least 180°, preferably at least 270°, and particularly preferably by at least 360°. The first mover and the second mover could each rotate by at least substantially the same angle about the respective axis of rotation. In the present case, “at least substantially” should be understood to mean that a deviation from a predetermined value and / or an orientation is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and particularly preferably less than 2% of the predetermined value and / or the orientation.

[0051] It would also be conceivable for at least one of the two movers, in particular the first mover and / or the second mover, to be provided to perform a tilting and / or pivoting movement about the respective axis of rotation. The rotating, tilting and / or pivoting movement of at least one mover, in particular the first mover and / or the second mover, preferably takes place relative to the base unit. In particular, the control unit is provided to control at least one of the two movers in such a way that it performs the rotating, tilting and / or pivoting movement about the respective axis of rotation relative to the coupling unit. Advantageously, the control unit is provided to control the drive unit in order to move at least one of the movers, in particular the first mover and / or at least the second mover, relative to the base unit, namely to rotate, tilt and / or pivot. The first axis of rotation and / or the second axis of rotation preferably extends perpendicular to the base unit.

[0052] The product handling device and / or the production machine according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the product handling device and / or the production machine can have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0053] Drawings

[0054] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment 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.

[0055] They show:

[0056] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a production machine with a product handling device,

[0057] Fig. 2 shows the product handling device with at least two movers and a coupling unit for mechanically coupling the movers in a first operating state,

[0058] Fig. 3 is a side view of the product handling device according to Figure 2,

[0059] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the product handling device according to Figure 2,

[0060] Fig. 5 shows the product handling device with the at least two movers and the coupling unit for mechanically coupling the movers in a second operating state,

[0061] Fig. 6 is a side view of the product handling device according to Figure 5,

[0062] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the product handling device according to Figure 5 and

[0063] Fig. 8 shows the product handling device with the at least two movers and the coupling unit in the second operating state, wherein at least one of the movers is rotated about a rotation axis relative to the coupling unit. Description of the embodiment

[0064] For the sake of clarity, unless otherwise stated, only one of the multiple objects in the figures is provided with a reference symbol. The explanations and descriptions for one object can be applied to other identical objects. Furthermore, the figures are schematic and not to scale.

[0065] Figure 1 shows a production machine 10. In the present case, the production machine 10 is intended at least for the manufacture and / or production of products 14. Furthermore, the production machine 10 can be intended, without being limited thereto, for the treatment and / or processing, dosing, mixing, preparation, filling, packaging, sealing, conveying and / or transporting of filling materials, for example foodstuffs, and can comprise devices, systems and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that are usable and useful for the production and / or manufacture, at least for the handling, of products 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the product 14 is an at least partially packaged product 14, wherein the product 14 has at least one packaging and the filling material arranged in the packaging. The filling material (not shown) is, for example, solid, liquid, pasty and / or lumpy.Alternatively, the product 14 could also be an unpackaged product 14. The product 14 can be a food product, a pharmaceutical product, a consumer good, a beauty and / or body care product, or the like. By way of example, filled containers are shown as products 14 in this embodiment (see Figure 2). Furthermore, it can be any other conceivable product 14 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.

[0066] The production machine 10 here comprises a product handling system 100. The product handling system 100 is provided for handling, specifically for conveying and / or sorting, products 14. The product handling system 100 comprises at least one product handling device 12. The product handling device 12 is provided for handling products 14, specifically for conveying, moving, transporting, sorting, and / or transferring them. Furthermore, the product handling device 12 comprises at least two movers 16, 16'. In the present case, the movers 16, 16' are designed as electrodynamically movable movers 16, 16'.

[0067] The product handling system 100 has a base unit 52, relative to which the movers 16, 16' are movable. In the present case, the base unit 52 is plate-shaped / plate-like. The product handling system 100 has a drive unit 68 to drive the movers 16, 16'. By means of the drive unit 68, a drive force acting on the movers 16, 16', specifically an electromagnetic drive force, can be generated in order to generate and / or cause a movement, preferably a translational movement and / or a rotational movement, of the movers 16, 16' relative to the base unit 52. The movers 16, 16' can be moved at least substantially parallel to the base unit 52, specifically in a movement plane running parallel to the base unit 52. In the present case, the drive unit 68 is intended to drive the movers 16, 16' to movements that run at least substantially parallel to the base unit 52.

[0068] To control the movers 16, 16', the product handling device 12 has a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is intended to control the drive unit 68 in order to thereby control and / or regulate at least one movement of the movers 16, 16'. The control unit 20 is intended at least to control and / or regulate the movement of the movers 16, 16' such that the movers 16, 16' convey and / or transport products 14. In the present case, the at least two movers 16, 16' are movable together with respect to the base unit 52 in at least one operating state. Before further discussing a movement and / or arrangement of the movers 16, 16' in detail, the present design and the mechanical coupling of the movers 16, 16' will first be described below.

[0069] For the mechanical coupling of the at least two movers 16, 16', the product handling device 12 has a coupling unit 18. It would also be conceivable for several movers 16 of the product handling device 12, specifically additional movers 16 to the two movers 16, 16' mentioned, to be mechanically coupled to one another, specifically by means of the coupling unit 18. The coupling unit 18 comprises a support unit 24 for at least the product 14 and at least two connecting units 26, 26', each of which connects the support unit 24 to at least one of the movers 16, 16'.

[0070] The support unit 24 comprises at least one plate-shaped / plate-like element or is designed as such in the present case. The support unit 24 could, for example, have a round, oval, or angular shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the support unit 24 has an angular shape, specifically an at least substantially rectangular, almost quadrangular shape. The support unit 24 is intended to receive and / or carry and / or hold at least the product 14, and furthermore a plurality of products 14. The support unit 24 can have at least one receiving element 72, which receives at least the product 14. The receiving element 72 can serve as an insert for at least the product 14 or the plurality of products 14 and / or as a frame for holding at least the product 14 or the plurality of products 14.In the present case, the support unit 24 has at least one through opening to provide access from both sides to at least the product 14 arranged on / in the support unit 24. In this case, the receiving element 72 has at least the opening. According to Figures 2 to 7, it can be seen that, in the present case, several products 14 are arranged in rows on the support unit 24. By means of the mechanical coupling to the movers 16, 16', at least the product 14 arranged on the support unit 24, and furthermore the plurality of products 14, can be handled, namely at least moved, transported, and / or transferred.

[0071] The support unit 24 is arranged at least substantially parallel to the movers 16, 16'. The support unit 24 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the movers 16, 16' and also to the base unit 52. Due to the coupling to the movers 16, 16' by means of the connecting units 26, 26', the support unit 24 can be arranged and / or positioned at different distances and / or positions relative to the movers 16, 16'. By means of the connecting units 26, 26', one of the movers 16, 16' is mechanically movably connected to the support unit 24. To better explain the present exemplary embodiment, reference is made below to a first mover 16 and a second mover 16' as well as to a first connecting unit 26 and a second connecting unit 26'. The first connecting unit 26 is provided to connect and / or couple the first mover 16 to the support unit 24.The second connecting unit 26' is provided to connect and / or couple the second mover 16' to the support unit 24.

[0072] The connecting units 26, 26' and the support unit 24 are each connected to one another within a plane 28 in which the support unit 24 is arranged. The plane 28 is schematically indicated by way of example in Figures 3 and 6. According to Figures 3 and 6, it can be seen that the said plane 28 is spanned by a main extension plane of the support unit 24 or that the main extension plane of the support unit 24 is located in the plane 28. The plane 28 intersects the support unit 24 and at least partially the at least two connecting units 26, 26'. The said plane 28 is arranged at least substantially parallel to the base unit 52, specifically to a main extension plane of the base unit 52 when the movers 16, 16' are arranged on the base unit 52. Furthermore, the plane 28 is aligned at least substantially parallel to the at least two movers 16, 16', namely to a main extension plane of the movers 16, 16' (cf.at least Figures 3 and 6).

[0073] The connecting units 26, 26' each have at least one connecting element 60, 60', which is connected to at least one of the movers 16, 16' and / or fixed to at least one of the movers 16, 16'. The first connecting unit 26 has at least one first connecting element 60, and the second connecting unit 26' has a second connecting element 60'. The first connecting element 60 is connected to the first mover 16 and, in said plane 28, to the support unit 24. The second connecting element 60' is connected to the second mover 16' and, in said plane 28, to the support unit 24.

[0074] Figures 2 to 7 illustrate that the connecting units 26, 26' are connected to the support unit 24 in an outer edge region of the support unit 24. In the present case, the support unit 24 has a frame element 66. The frame element 66 defines and / or forms the outer edge region of the support unit 24. The connecting units 26, 26', specifically the first connecting unit 26 and the second connecting unit 26', are connected to the frame element 66. At least the receiving element 72 for receiving at least the product 14 is arranged in an inner region of the frame element 66. The frame element 66 surrounds and / or encloses and / or delimits the receiving element 72 at least partially outwardly, in this exemplary embodiment at least within the plane 28. The support unit 24 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical along at least one plane of symmetry.The support unit 24 is mirrored perpendicularly to an axis of symmetry passing through the plane 28. Furthermore, the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the plane 28.

[0075] The connecting units 26, 26' each have at least one orientation unit 32, 32', which in turn are coupled to one another. Preferably, the connecting units 26, 26', specifically the first connecting unit 26 and the second connecting unit 26', always have the same number of orientation units 32, 32'. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the connecting units 26, 26' has at least two orientation units 32, 32', so that a total of at least four orientation units 32, 32' are present. For the sake of simplicity, only one orientation unit 32, 32' per connecting unit 26, 26' is described below, although the explanations and descriptions can be applied to all other orientation units.Furthermore, the first connecting unit 26 has a first orientation unit 32 of the orientation units 32, 32', and the second connecting unit 26' has a second orientation unit 32' of the orientation units 32, 32'. The first orientation unit 32 and the second orientation unit 32' are mechanically coupled to one another.

[0076] At least Figures 3 and 6 show that the orientation units 32, 32' are connected to one another within the plane 28 in which the support unit 24 is arranged. Furthermore, the orientation units 32, 32' are connected to the frame element 66. At least one of the connecting elements 60, 60' and at least one of the orientation units 32, 32' are connected to one another, specifically within said plane 28. The first connecting element 60 is connected to the first orientation unit 32, specifically within said plane 28. The second connecting element 60' is connected to the second orientation unit 32', specifically within said plane 28. By means of the orientation units 32, 32', a rotational movement of the connecting elements 60, 60' relative to the movers 16, 16' and / or the support unit 24 can be generated.Due to the coupling of the orientation units 32, 32' to one another, namely the coupling of the first orientation unit 32 and at least the second orientation unit 32', the movements of the connecting elements 60, 60', namely the first connecting element 60 and at least the second connecting element 60', are coupled to one another and / or connected and / or dependent on one another.

[0077] The orientation units 32, 32' are provided to always align the support unit 24 parallel to the movers 16, 16'. By moving at least the orientation units 32, 32', an angular orientation between the support unit 24 and the connecting elements 60, 60' is continuously adjustable. Furthermore, the orientation units 32, 32' are provided to always align and maintain the main extension plane of the support unit 24 at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the movers 16, 16', advantageously at least during a movement of at least one of the connecting elements 60, 60' and / or the movers 16, 16'.

[0078] Figures 2 to 7 show that the orientation units 32, 32' each have at least one bevel gear 36, 36'. Furthermore, the orientation units 32, 32' each have at least one bevel gear 38, 38'. In the present case, each orientation unit 32, 32', namely the first orientation unit 32 and at least the second orientation unit 32', has at least one pair of bevel gears 38, 38'. In the present case, the bevel gear 36, 36' is each formed from a pair of bevel gears 38, 38'.

[0079] To provide a particularly efficient, compact, and flexible design, the bevel gears 38, 38' are each arranged in a corner region 50, 50' of the support unit 24. In the present case, the bevel gears 38, 38' are arranged in a corner region 50, 50' of the frame element 66. Due to the angular shape of the support unit 24, the support unit 24 in this exemplary embodiment has a total of four corner regions 50, 50', only two of which are provided with a reference numeral and described in more detail. The configurations and descriptions relating to the corner regions 50, 50' can also be applied to the other corner regions of the support unit 24. In the present case, the first orientation unit 32, specifically at least a first angular gear drive 36 with, in this case, at least one pair of bevel gears 38, is arranged in a first corner region 50 of the support unit 24.The second orientation unit 32', namely at least one second angular gear 36' with in this case at least one pair of bevel gears 38', is arranged in a second corner region 50' of the support unit 24 (cf. Figures 2 to 7).

[0080] The bevel gears 36, 36' are connected to one another by means of a shaft 56. The shaft 56 is part of the product handling device 12. Furthermore, the shaft 56 is part of the coupling unit 18. The coupling unit 18 can have further shafts 56 for connecting orientation units 32, 32' to one another, wherein the number of shafts 56 preferably corresponds to a number of orientation units 32, 32'. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling unit 18 has one shaft 56 for each two orientation units 32, 32'. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling unit 18 has at least two shafts 56, wherein only one of the shafts 56 is provided with a reference symbol and described in more detail. The shaft 56 is intended to connect the first orientation unit 32 to at least the second orientation unit 32'. The shaft 56 extends from the first corner region 50 to the second corner region 50'.In the present case, the frame element 66 accommodates at least the shaft 56. The shaft 56 is arranged within the frame element 66, specifically completely surrounded and / or enclosed and / or covered by the frame element 66. Alternatively, the shaft 56 can also be arranged at least partially outside the frame element 66, for example, fixed and / or held to the frame element 66.

[0081] According to Figure 1, two different positions and / or arrangements of the movers 16, 16' relative to the base unit 52 and the support unit 24 are shown. The aforementioned control unit 20 is provided, in at least a first operating state for transporting the product 14, to position at least one of the movers 16, 16' below the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20 is provided, in the first operating state, to position the two movers 16, 16' next to one another when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28 below the support unit 24. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the first operating state and the associated arrangement and / or positioning of the movers 16, 16' relative to the support unit 24.

[0082] The first operating state can also be referred to as a transport operating state for transporting at least the product 14. In the present case, the at least two movers 16, 16' are located together with respect to the base unit 52 in at least the first operating state, specifically parallel to the aforementioned plane 28 in which the support unit 24 is arranged. In at least the first operating state, the control unit 20 controls at least the two movers 16, 16', specifically the first mover 16 and the second mover 16', such that the two movers 16, 16' are arranged and / or positioned below the support unit 28 when viewed perpendicular to the plane 28. Viewed in the height direction 62 according to Figures 2 and 3, the two movers 16, 16' are arranged below the support unit 24. In this exemplary embodiment and according to the top view in Figure 4, the movers 16, 16' are arranged in equal percentages below the support unit 24.Furthermore, in at least the first operating state, the two movers 16, 16' are arranged completely below the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. Alternatively, the movers 16, 16' could be arranged at different distances below the support unit 24 (not shown). The at least two movers 16, 16', namely the first mover 16 and at least the second mover 16', are almost flush with contact in at least the first operating state, and in this case are arranged and / or positioned next to one another at a distance from one another. For example, a distance between the first mover 16 and the at least second mover 16' in at least the first operating state is at most 3 cm.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 20 is provided to position at least one of the movers 16, 16' at least partially next to the support unit 24 in at least one second operating state for further processing of the product 14, 14' when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. In this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20 is provided in the second operating state to position the two movers 16, 16', namely the first mover 16 and at least the second mover 16', at least partially next to the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the second operating state and the associated arrangement and / or positioning of the movers 16, 16' with respect to the support unit 24.Furthermore, Figure 1 schematically illustrates a product processing unit 70 of the production machine 10, which is arranged at least partially in an area within the base unit 52 and by means of which at least the product 14 can be further processed. For example, at least the product 14 can be additionally packaged, sealed, weighed, removed from / from the support unit 24, and / or reinserted into / onto the support unit 24 by means of the product processing unit 70.

[0084] In at least the second operating state, the movers 16, 16' could also be arranged at different distances next to / below the support unit 24 (not shown), and specifically, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28, they could be positioned at least partially next to / below the support unit 24. In this exemplary embodiment and according to the plan view in Figure 7, the movers 16, 16' are arranged next to the support unit 24 in equal percentages. Furthermore, in at least the second operating state, the two movers 16, 16' are arranged completely next to the support unit 24 when viewed perpendicularly to the plane 28. This ensures and / or provides particularly good accessibility to the products 14 for further processing of the products 14. Furthermore, this can in turn increase flexibility in handling products 14.

[0085] In order to improve efficiency and flexibility in handling products 14, at least one of the two movers 16, 16' is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 80, 80' relative to the coupling unit 18. Figure 8 shows an illustration of the product handling device 12 with the at least two movers 16, 16' and the coupling unit 18 in the second operating state, wherein in the present case both movers 16, 16' are each rotated about the rotation axis 80, 80' relative to the coupling unit 18. The first mover 16 has a first pivot bearing with a first rotation axis 80, about which the first mover 16 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the coupling unit 18. Furthermore, the second mover 16' has a second pivot bearing with a second rotation axis 80', about which the second mover 16' is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the coupling unit 18.In this exemplary embodiment, the two movers 16, 16' are arranged rotated by 90°, specifically compared to a starting position of the movers 16, 16' according to Figure 5. Alternatively, only one of the two movers 16, 16', namely the first mover 16 or the second mover 16', could be rotated. At least one of the two movers 16, 16' is rotatable at any angle between 0° and 360° about the respective axis of rotation 80, 80'. Alternatively and / or additionally, at least one of the two movers 16, 16', namely the first mover 16 and / or the second mover 16', can be provided to perform a tilting and / or pivoting movement about the respective axis of rotation 80, 80'. In the present case, the control unit 20 is provided to control at least one of the two movers 16, 16' in such a way that it carries out the rotation, tilting and / or pivoting movement about the respective axis of rotation 80, 80' relative to the coupling unit 18.The control unit 20 is provided to control the drive unit 68 in order to move at least one of the two movers 16, 16', namely the first mover 16 and / or at least the second mover 16', relative to the base unit 52, namely to rotate, tilt and / or pivot.

Claims

Claims 1. Product handling device (12) for handling, in particular for conveying, products (14), with at least two movers (16, 16') and a coupling unit (18) which mechanically couples the movers (16, 16') together and which has a support unit (24) for at least one product (14) and at least two connecting units (26, 26') which each connect the support unit (24) to at least one of the movers (16, 16'), characterized in that the connecting units (26, 26') and the support unit (24) are each connected to each other within a plane (28) in which the support unit (24) is arranged.

2. Product handling device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting units (26, 26') are connected to the support unit (24) in an outer edge region of the support unit (24).

3. Product handling device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting units (26, 26') each have at least one orientation unit (32, 32') which are coupled together.

4. Product handling device (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the orientation units (32, 32') are connected to each other within the plane (28) in which the support unit (24) is arranged.

5. Product handling device (12) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the orientation units (32, 32') are provided to always align the support unit (24) parallel to the movers (16, 16').

6. Product handling device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the orientation units (32, 32') each have at least one bevel gear drive (36, 36').

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

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

9. Product handling device (12) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the bevel gear drives (36, 36') are connected to each other by means of a shaft (56).

10. Product handling device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit (20) which is provided to position at least one of the movers (16, 16') below the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicularly to the plane (28) for the purpose of transporting the product (14) in at least one first operating state.

11. Product handling device (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit (20) in the first operating state is provided to position the two movers (16, 16') side by side when viewed perpendicularly on the plane (28) below the support unit (24). Product handling device (12) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control unit (20) is provided, in at least one second operating state for further processing of the product (14, 14'), to position at least one of the movers (16, 16') at least partially next to the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicularly to the plane (28). Product handling device (12) according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the second operating state, the control unit (20) is provided to position the two movers (16, 16') at least partially next to the support unit (24) when viewed perpendicularly to the plane (28). Product handling device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two movers (16, 16') is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (80, 80') relative to the coupling unit (18).Production machine (10) with a product handling device (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images