Handling device for an electrodynamic transport system, electrodynamic transport system with a corresponding handling device and method at least for coating a corresponding handling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a planar mover, forming a handling device, for an electrodynamic planar transport system, with at least one magnet unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h), with at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) in which the magnet unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) is arranged, and with at least one sealing unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) at least for a fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h). According to the invention, the sealing unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h) of the housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Handling device for an electrodynamic transport system, electrodynamic transport system with a corresponding handling device and method for at least one coating of a corresponding handling device

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The invention relates to a handling device for an electrodynamic transport system, with at least one magnet unit, with at least one housing unit in which the magnet unit is arranged, and with at least one sealing unit at least for a fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit.

[0005] DE 10 2021 112 269 A1 already discloses a handling device for an electrodynamic transport system, comprising at least one magnet unit, at least one housing unit in which the magnet unit is arranged, and at least one sealing unit, at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit. The housing unit of the already known handling device comprises a cover and a base body made of a metallic material, such as sheet metal, which are manufactured separately and connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner, in particular by the cover and the base body being joined to one another in a material-tight manner using a laser welding process. This manufacturing process can be difficult to carry out reliably with the sheet metal used here and can be complex and expensive due to the many individual work steps.In particular, a process step for removing moisture and water inclusions from the housing unit can be time-, energy-, and cost-intensive, particularly due to the use of vacuum systems and / or heating systems. Furthermore, the use of metallic materials with a magnetic permeability greater than 1 can result in attenuation effects of 10% to 25%, which can reduce the efficiency of the magnet unit.

[0006] Furthermore, an armature for a linear motor is already known from DE 10 2017 011 494 A1, wherein the armature has individual cores which are surrounded by a resin layer and a protective cloth, which together form a resin molding, in particular whose outer surface is covered by the resin molding.

[0007] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic handling device, a generic electrodynamic transport system, and a generic method with improved properties regarding effective protection of the housing unit and / or a wide range of functions in a time-, energy-, and cost-efficient manufacturing process. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 6, and claim 7, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The invention is based on a planar mover forming a handling device for an electrodynamic planar transport system, with at least one magnet unit, with at least one housing unit in which the magnet unit is arranged, and with at least one sealing unit at least for a fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit.

[0010] It is proposed that the sealing unit has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface of the housing unit. By means of the configuration according to the invention, effective protection of an interior of the housing unit against the penetration of fluids can advantageously be enabled. Effective protection of an environment against outgassing of fluids from the interior of the housing unit can advantageously be enabled. Effective protection of the housing unit against corrosion can advantageously be achieved. Effective protection against chemical substances can advantageously be enabled. Reliable sealing of the housing unit can advantageously be enabled in a time-, energy-, and cost-efficient manufacturing process.A handling device can advantageously be realized that can advantageously be used in clean room applications. Individual adaptation of the outer coating to different areas of application of the handling device can advantageously be enabled. Depending on an area of ​​application of the handling device, a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating adapted thereto can advantageously be applied to the handling device, in particular during a manufacturing process of the handling device or a coating process of the handling device subsequent to the manufacturing process. In particular, if the outer coating is designed from an electrically non-conductive material, a transmission of electrical energy with low losses and / or with low heating can advantageously be enabled.

[0011] The handling device is preferably provided for transporting and / or handling products, in particular packaged or unpackaged foodstuffs. The handling device is preferably provided at least for feeding and / or removing products to and / or from processing stations of a production plant comprising the electrodynamic transport system. The term “provided” should be understood in particular to mean specially set up, specially programmed, specially designed and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. The electrodynamic transport system preferably has a design already known to a person skilled in the art.The electrodynamic transport system is preferably designed as an electrodynamic planar transport system. The electrodynamic transport system preferably comprises at least one planar movement element equipped with at least one electromagnetic drive element. In particular, the electrodynamic transport system comprises a plurality of planar movement elements, in particular horizontally aligned ones, which are equipped with electromagnetic drive elements and are connected to one another, in particular to form a planar movement plane.The electrodynamic transport system preferably comprises a plurality of handling devices, in particular planar movers, which are movable relative to the surface movement elements, in particular contactlessly, in particular as a result of the interaction of permanent magnets of the handling devices, in particular the planar movers, with the electromagnetic drive elements of the surface movement elements. In particular, the electrodynamic transport system can detect and evaluate a position of the individual handling devices, in particular the individual planar movers, relative to the surface movement element(s) in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, in order to control or regulate a movement of the handling devices, in particular the planar movers.With regard to the basic functionality and / or basic design of the electrodynamic transport system and the handling devices of the electrodynamic transport system, reference is made, for example, to the product XPianar (planar transport system) from Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG, to the product XBot® (planar transport system) from Planar Motor Inc., or to the product ACOPOS 6D (planar transport system) from B&R Industrial Automation GmbH. Products can be conveyed and / or handled particularly flexibly by means of the handling device, in particular the planar mover, or by means of the handling devices, in particular the planar movers, of the electrodynamic transport system. The handling device, in particular the planar mover, preferably has at least two degrees of freedom, preferably more than two degrees of freedom, and particularly preferably six degrees of freedom.

[0012] The housing unit preferably has at least one lower part, in particular a base body, and at least one upper part, in particular a cover, which are preferably connected to one another, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The lower part and the upper part can be connected to one another by means of a screw connection, by means of a snap-in connection, by means of a rivet connection, by means of a combination of the aforementioned connections or by means of another connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. However, it is also conceivable for the lower part and the upper part to be connected to one another in a material-fitting manner, in particular to be formed as a single piece, in particular after the magnet unit has been arranged in the interior of the housing unit.The term "one-piece" should be understood in particular as meaning at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to the person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a cast and / or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank.

[0013] Preferably, the lower part and the upper part are each designed like a half-shell, in particular with a U-shaped cross-section. However, it is also conceivable for the lower part to have a trough-shaped design and the upper part to have a plate-shaped design, in particular to be placed as a lid on the trough-shaped lower part. Preferably, the lower part and the upper part, in particular when connected to one another, delimit the interior of the housing unit, in which the magnet unit is preferably arranged. Other designs of the lower part and / or the upper part that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0014] The handling device preferably has, in particular viewed in a main extension plane of the handling device, a polygon-like basic shape, such as a triangular basic shape, a quadrangular basic shape or the like. However, it is also conceivable that the handling device, in particular viewed in the main extension plane of the handling device, has another basic shape that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art, such as a circular basic shape, an elliptical basic shape, a drop-shaped basic shape or the like. A “main extension plane” of a unit or an element is to be understood in particular as a plane that is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the unit or element, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid.

[0015] The main extension plane of the handling device preferably runs, in a motion-free state of the handling device arranged on the surface movement element(s), at least substantially parallel to a surface of the surface movement element(s) facing the handling device, in particular to a conveying plane of the electrodynamic transport system. "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 of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°.The main extension plane of the handling device is preferably spanned by at least two movement axes of the handling device, along which and / or around which the handling device can move relative to the surface movement element(s).

[0016] It is conceivable that, particularly in at least one embodiment of the handling device, at least one sealing element, such as a paper seal, a copper seal, a rubber seal, a caoutchouc seal, a plastic seal, or the like, of the sealing unit is arranged between the lower part and the upper part, particularly in the region of at least one contact and / or connecting surface of the lower part and / or the upper part, particularly in addition to the outer coating of the sealing unit. However, it is also conceivable that the sealing element is formed integrally with the outer coating, particularly being at least partially inserted between the lower part and the upper part during a coating process.Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable that the lower part and / or the upper part are / is geometrically designed, at least in the region of at least one contact and / or connection surface of the lower part and / or the upper part, in such a way that penetration of a fluid is made more difficult, as is known, for example, in labyrinth seals, in particular in order to counteract unwanted penetration of a fluid, in particular of the outer coating during a coating process, into an interior of the housing unit delimited by the lower part and the upper part. The contact and / or connection surface of the lower part is preferably arranged adjacent to or in direct proximity to an outer wall of the lower part. In particular, the contact and / or connection surface of the lower part has a maximum distance relative to the outer wall of the lower part that is less than 10 mm.The contact and / or connection surface of the upper part is preferably arranged adjacent to or in direct proximity to an outer wall of the upper part. In particular, the contact and / or connection surface of the upper part has a maximum distance relative to the outer wall of the upper part that is less than 10 mm.

[0017] The outer coating covers in particular at least more than 5%, preferably more than 25%, particularly preferably more than 50%, and most particularly preferably more than 85% of a total outer surface of the housing unit. In at least one exemplary embodiment of the handling device, the outer coating completely covers the entire outer surface of the housing unit. The outer coating can be applied, at least in places, to the entire outer surface of the housing unit by means of an immersion bath process, a gravity casting process, a die casting process, a vacuum casting process, a thermal spraying process, a spraying process, an electrostatic coating process, a wet painting process, a loose-fill sintering process, or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.It is also conceivable that the outer coating is formed at least partially or completely by a shrink tube, wherein the shrink tube surrounds the housing unit at least in the area of ​​the contact and / or connecting surfaces of the lower part and the upper part and covers the entire outer surface of the housing unit at least in the area of ​​the contact and / or connecting surfaces of the lower part and the upper part on the side walls of the housing unit. Further configurations of the outer coating that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art for at least partially covering the entire outer surface are also conceivable.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the outer coating is formed, in particular at least partially or completely, from a self-crosslinked material, from a material reacted by thermal activation and / or from a beam-crosslinked material. The outer coating is preferably formed from a polymer-based material. It is conceivable that the outer coating is formed from different materials, in particular when implementing different functional areas on the housing unit, which can be implemented, for example, as a result of applying different materials at different positions on the housing unit. The outer coating can also be formed from a single material. It is also conceivable for the handling device to have different outer coatings, in particular depending on a position on the housing unit.For example, it is conceivable that an outer coating is arranged on an underside of the handling device, which at least in one operating state of the handling device faces the surface movement element(s), which outer coating is formed from a different material, such as a material of a further outer coating of the handling device, which is arranged on an upper side or on an edge of the handling device.It is also conceivable, for example, that an outer coating is arranged on the handling device, which comprises different functional areas which can be formed from different materials, such as an anti-slip area in an area of ​​the upper side, a cleaning area forming a scraper extension or a peeling lip in an area of ​​a side wall of the housing unit, a non-stick coating for the use of the handling device in the chemical industry, a corrosion protection layer to protect the housing unit when the housing unit is designed from a metallic material or the like. The outer coating is preferably formed, in particular at least partially or completely, from a polymer material.The outer coating can be formed, for example, from silicone, from an ethylene-propylene-diene (monomer) rubber (EPDM), from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or from another material deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, in particular a polymer material. The design according to the invention advantageously enables individual adaptation of the outer coating to different areas of application of the handling device. Retrofitting of existing handling devices can advantageously be achieved, in particular in such a way that handling devices that are fundamentally not intended for a particular area of ​​application can be made usable for use in that area of ​​application by applying the outer coating. Depending on the area of ​​application of the handling device, a design of the outer coating adapted to the area of ​​application can advantageously be enabled.This advantageously enables effective protection of the housing unit against the ingress of fluids. This advantageously enables effective protection of the environment against the emission of fluids from the interior of the housing unit. This advantageously enables effective protection of the housing unit against corrosion. This advantageously enables effective protection against chemical substances.

[0019] It is further proposed that the outer coating, in particular at least on an underside of the housing unit, have a maximum layer thickness that is less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm. The outer coating can preferably be arranged on the housing unit with different maximum layer thicknesses depending on the expected wear on the handling device.For example, it is conceivable that a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating on the top side of the housing unit and / or on the edge, in particular the side wall, of the housing unit is greater than a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating on the underside of the housing unit, in particular since less wear is to be expected on an underside due to contactless movement of the handling device via the surface movement element(s) than on the top side of the housing unit, on which products to be conveyed and / or handled can be arranged on the handling device. It is also conceivable that the outer coating has a greater maximum layer thickness in the region of radii than, for example, a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating on the underside of the housing unit, in particular depending on the area of ​​application of the handling device.For example, it is conceivable for handling devices intended for use in a cleanroom environment to have an outer coating with large radii, particularly to enable convenient cleaning of the handling device. For example, the size of the radii of the outer coating can be adjusted depending on the viscosity of the outer coating. The design according to the invention advantageously enables individual adaptation of the outer coating to different areas of application of the handling device. Depending on the area of ​​application of the handling device, a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating adapted to the area of ​​application can advantageously be realized.Depending on the maximum layer thickness, different functions can advantageously be enabled by the outer coating, such as a wear protection function, a damping function, a sealing function, a safety function, or the like. In particular, if vapor pressure develops in the interior of the housing unit, a flexible property of the outer coating, which can be adjustable by the maximum layer thickness, can advantageously counteract bursting of the housing unit, since the outer coating allows reversible deformation, in particular expansion, of the housing unit by a few tenths of a millimeter, whereby a sealing function of the outer coating can be retained.

[0020] Furthermore, in particular in at least one exemplary embodiment of the planar mover forming a handling device, it is proposed that the handling device comprise at least one cleaning unit having at least one cleaning element, in particular a cleaning lip, which is formed integrally with the outer coating. The cleaning element is preferably intended to be brought into contact with the surface movement element(s) in at least one operating state of the handling device in order to clean the surface movement element(s) or to remove a liquid located thereon. The cleaning element preferably has a longitudinal axis of extension which is oriented at an angle relative to the main extension plane of the handling device. The longitudinal axis of extension and the main axis of extension preferably enclose an angle which is in particular greater than 90° and less than 180°.The cleaning element can have a straight line, a zigzag line, a curved line, or any other line deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The cleaning element is preferably arranged on the housing unit such that at least a portion of the cleaning element, in particular a tip or an end of the cleaning element, extends beyond the underside of the housing unit, in particular viewed along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of extension.The expression "essentially perpendicular" is intended in particular to define 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°. If the cleaning element extends beyond the underside, it is conceivable that the cleaning element additionally enables a parking function in which, for example, weight forces of the handling device can be supported on the surface movement element(s) via the cleaning element, in particular in a rest state of the handling device in which no magnetic field acts on the handling device in order to lift the handling device from the surface movement element(s).However, it is also conceivable that the cleaning element is arranged on the housing unit in such a way that at least a partial area of ​​the cleaning element, in particular the tip or the end of the cleaning element, extends at most to a plane in which the underside of the housing unit extends. If the cleaning element extends at most to the plane in which the underside of the housing unit extends, it is conceivable that, in order to bring the cleaning element and the surface of the surface movement elements into contact, the handling device can be tilted, in particular is tilted, about a movement axis of the handling device running at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the handling device.Alternatively or additionally, the handling device comprises at least one actuating unit having at least one actuating element, in particular an actuating extension, which is formed integrally with the outer coating. The actuating element has, in particular, a main extension direction that preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the handling device. However, it is also conceivable for the actuating element to have a longitudinal extension axis that is angled relative to the main extension plane of the handling device. The actuating element is preferably provided for actuating, for example, a switch, a button, or the like of the production machine comprising the electrodynamic transport system.It is also conceivable for the cleaning element and / or the actuating element to be movably mounted on the housing unit, in particular to be drivably mounted on the housing unit, preferably within a reversible deformation limit of the outer coating. The configuration according to the invention advantageously enables effective protection of the surface movement elements against contamination. Furthermore, an advantageous range of functions of the handling device can be achieved, with components of the handling device being reliably protected. Individual adaptation of the outer coating to different areas of application of the handling device can advantageously be enabled.

[0021] Furthermore, in particular in at least one exemplary embodiment of the planar mover forming a handling device, it is proposed that the handling device comprise at least one functional element, in particular a fastening element, a micro-actuator, a locking element or the like, which is fastened to the housing unit by means of the sealing unit, in particular by means of the outer coating, and / or is encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit, in particular by means of the outer coating. The functional element can be designed as a magnet, a screw, a gripper, a clamping element, a ramp, an extension or the like. The functional element can be designed as a rigid element or as an element that is elastically movable within the elastic limit of the outer coating.It is conceivable that the functional element is fixed to the housing unit by means of a fixing element that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and is encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the outer coating, or that the functional element is fastened to the housing unit by means of the outer coating and encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the outer coating. Preferably, in particular in at least one exemplary embodiment of the handling device, at least one functional element designed as a fixing element, such as a threaded bolt, a magnet or the like, is fastened to the housing unit, in particular to an outer side of the housing unit, by means of the outer coating and is encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the outer coating. In particular, the functional element designed as a fixing element can be provided for fixing a format part to the handling device.By means of the configuration according to the invention, functional elements on the handling device can advantageously be protected against environmental influences and / or production-related influences. In addition, functional elements can advantageously be easily attached to the handling device. Gentle handling of products can advantageously be enabled, in particular because functional elements for handling the products are encased by the outer coating, thus minimizing the risk of damage to the outer surface of the products to be handled. A handling device can advantageously be realized that can advantageously be used in cleanroom applications. Individual adaptation of the outer coating to different areas of application of the handling device can advantageously be enabled.

[0022] Furthermore, an electrodynamic planar transport system forming an electrodynamic transport system with at least one planar mover according to the invention forming a handling device, in particular with a plurality of planar movers according to the invention forming handling devices, is proposed. The electrodynamic transport system preferably comprises at least one control or regulating unit for controlling or regulating a movement of the handling device relative to the surface movement element(s) and / or relative to the further handling devices. 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 with a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit.It is conceivable that the electrodynamic transport system is part of a production machine. The production machine can comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that can be used for handling and / or manufacturing products, in particular foodstuffs. The production machine is preferably intended for manufacturing, filling, packaging and / or repackaging foodstuffs. The production machine preferably comprises a plurality of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate, such as a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, a repackaging device, or the like, and which are connected to one another by means of the electrodynamic transport system.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, an electrodynamic transport system can advantageously be realized which is advantageously robust and can be used for many purposes, in particular for clean room applications.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for at least coating a planar mover according to the invention forming a handling device. It is proposed that, in at least one method step of the method according to the invention, the outer coating, in particular a polymer-based coating, of the sealing unit is applied to the entire outer surface of the housing unit in such a way that the outer coating covers the entire outer surface at least in places, in particular completely.The outer coating can be applied, at least in places, to the entire outer surface of the housing unit using an immersion bath process, a gravity casting process, a die-casting process, a vacuum casting process, a thermal spraying process, a spraying process, an electrostatic coating process, a wet painting process, a bulk sintering process, or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The inventive design advantageously enables secure sealing of the housing unit in a time-, energy-, and cost-efficient manufacturing process. Effective protection of the interior of the housing unit against the penetration of fluids can advantageously be enabled.This advantageously enables effective protection of the environment against the emission of fluids from the interior of the housing unit. This advantageously enables effective protection of the housing unit against corrosion. This advantageously enables effective protection against chemical substances.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one method step of the method according to the invention, at least one, in particular the one already mentioned above, functional element, in particular a fastening element, a micro-actuator, a locking element or the like, is fastened to the housing unit, in particular to the outer surface of the housing unit, by means of the sealing unit, in particular by means of the outer coating, and / or is encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit, in particular by means of the outer coating. Preferably, the functional element is arranged on the housing unit in at least one method step, in particular before a coating step. Preferably, the functional element is completely covered by the outer coating in the method step, in particular except for a surface of the functional element by means of which the functional element rests against the housing unit.By means of the configuration according to the invention, functional elements on the handling device can advantageously be protected against environmental influences and / or production-related influences. In addition, functional elements can advantageously be easily attached to the handling device. Gentle handling of products can advantageously be enabled, in particular because functional elements for handling the products are encased by the outer coating, thus minimizing the risk of damage to the outer surface of the products to be handled. A handling device can advantageously be realized that can advantageously be used in cleanroom applications. Individual adaptation of the outer coating to different areas of application of the handling device can advantageously be enabled.

[0025] It is also proposed that, in particular in at least one embodiment of the method according to the invention, in at least one method step of the method according to the invention, the planar mover forming a handling device is moved at least partially, in particular completely, into an immersion bath, in particular in order to apply the outer coating. The handling device can be moved at least partially, in particular completely, into the immersion bath by means of various auxiliary devices already known to a person skilled in the art, such as a robot, a conveyor chain, an immersion basket, or the like, or the handling device can move itself at least partially, in particular completely, into the immersion bath. It is conceivable that the handling device is completely submerged in the immersion bath or is only partially submerged.It is also conceivable that in at least one method step of the method according to the invention, the handling device is moved, at least partially, in particular completely, by an application device, in particular one designed differently from an immersion bath, such as a spray application device, an electrostatic coating device or the like, in particular in order to apply the outer coating. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a secure sealing of the housing unit can advantageously be enabled in a time-, energy-, and cost-efficient manufacturing process. It can advantageously enable effective protection of an interior of the housing unit against the penetration of fluids. It can advantageously enable effective protection of an environment against outgassing of fluids from the interior of the housing unit.This can advantageously provide effective protection of the housing unit against corrosion. It can advantageously provide effective protection against chemical substances.

[0026] Furthermore, in particular in at least one embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is proposed that the planar mover forming a handling device be moved into the immersion bath by its own drive, in particular through the immersion bath. Preferably, the handling device is moved at least partially, in particular completely, into the immersion bath via an inclined plane made up of surface movement elements, preferably moved through it or moved in and out again. Preferably, the handling device is moved at least partially, in particular completely, through the application device via surface movement elements. Other application options that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. It is conceivable that the handling device's own drive is used for a drying step and / or a compaction step of the method according to the invention.For example, it is conceivable that the handling device for a drying step and / or for a compacting step is set into oscillation, in particular vibration, by the action of a magnetic field of the surface movement elements in order to at least assist drying and / or compacting of the outer coating. It is also conceivable that the handling device for a drying step and / or for a compacting step is set into rotation by the action of a magnetic field of the surface movement elements in order to at least assist drying and / or compacting of the outer coating. Further method steps for applying, drying and / or compacting the outer coating that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a full-surface application of the outer coating can advantageously be realized, in particular without the need for holding devices that are usually used in coating processes. Contact-free drying of the outer coating can advantageously be enabled, in particular because the handling device can hover above the surface movement elements during drying. Secure sealing of the housing unit can advantageously be enabled in a time-, energy-, and cost-efficient manufacturing process. Effective protection of an interior of the housing unit against the penetration of fluids can advantageously be enabled. Effective protection of an environment against outgassing of fluids from the interior of the housing unit can advantageously be achieved. Effective protection of the housing unit against corrosion can advantageously be achieved.It can advantageously provide effective protection against chemical substances.

[0027] The planar mover according to the invention, the electrodynamic planar transport system, and / or the method according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the planar mover according to the invention, the electrodynamic planar transport system, 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 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.

[0028] Drawings

[0029] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will conveniently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1a A part of an electrodynamic planar transport system according to the invention with at least one planar mover forming a handling device in a schematic representation,

[0031] Fig. lb a detailed view of the planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0032] Fig. 2a shows a detailed view of an alternative planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0033] Fig. 2b is a sectional view of the alternative planar mover according to the invention from Fig. 2a in a schematic representation,

[0034] Fig. 2c shows a detailed view of another alternative planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0035] Fig. 2d is a sectional view of the further alternative planar mover according to the invention from Fig. 2c in a schematic representation,

[0036] Fig. 3a shows a detailed view of a fourth alternative planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0037] Fig. 3b shows a detailed view of a fifth alternative planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0038] Fig. 4 is a detailed view of a sixth alternative planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0039] Fig. 5a shows a detailed view of a seventh alternative planar mover according to the invention with a partial section of at least one functional element of the planar mover according to the invention covered by an outer coating in a schematic representation,

[0040] Fig. 5b shows a detailed view of an eighth alternative planar mover according to the invention with a partial section of at least one functional element of the planar mover according to the invention covered by an outer coating in a schematic representation, Fig. 6a shows a spraying process for applying an outer coating of the planar mover according to the invention to a housing unit of the planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0041] Fig. 6b shows a dipping bath process for applying an outer coating of the planar mover according to the invention to a housing unit of the planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0042] Fig. 6c shows a casting process for applying an outer coating of the planar mover according to the invention to a housing unit of the planar mover according to the invention in a schematic representation and

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a schematic process sequence of a process according to the invention at least for coating the planar mover according to the invention.

[0044] Description of the embodiments

[0045] Figure 1a shows part of an electrodynamic transport system 12a, which is preferably part of a production plant (not shown in detail here). The production plant, which comprises the electrodynamic transport system 12a, is preferably intended for the manufacture, processing, and / or transport of products (not shown in detail here), in particular packaged or unpackaged foodstuffs. The production plant can be designed, for example, as a food packaging machine, as a food filling machine, as a food production machine, as a combination of the aforementioned machines, or the like.The production plant may comprise further devices and / or units deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, which are used for the manufacture, processing, and / or transport of products, in particular packaged or unpackaged foodstuffs, such as, for example, a sterilization device, a filling device, a closure device, a repackaging device, or the like. The electrodynamic transport system 12a is preferably designed as an electrodynamic planar transport system. The electrodynamic transport system 12a preferably comprises at least one handling device 10a. The handling device 10a is preferably provided for the transport and / or handling of products, in particular packaged or unpackaged foodstuffs.Preferably, the handling device 10a is provided at least for supplying and / or transporting products to and / or from processing stations (not shown in detail here) of the production plant comprising the electrodynamic transport system 12a. The electrodynamic transport system 12a preferably comprises a plurality of handling devices 10a, of which a single handling device 10a is shown representatively in Figures 1a and 1b. The plurality of handling devices 10a can also include configurations according to Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4, 5a, and 5b.

[0046] The electrodynamic transport system 12a preferably comprises at least one control or regulating unit 42a, which is intended to control or regulate at least one movement of the handling device(s) 10a. The electrodynamic transport system 12a preferably comprises at least one surface movement element 46a, in particular comprising at least one electromagnetic drive unit 44a. The electrodynamic transport system 12a preferably comprises a plurality of surface movement elements 46a, one of which is shown representatively in Figure 1a. In particular, the electrodynamic transport system 12a comprises at least one sensor unit 48a at least for detecting a position and / or a movement of the handling device(s) 10a relative to the surface movement element(s) 46a.The handling devices 10a preferably all have an at least substantially similar design, in particular with the exception of different attachments or additional elements, such as functional elements, cleaning elements, fastening elements, or the like, whereby deviations at least in size, weight, and / or attachments or additional elements are conceivable. A description of one of the handling devices 10a is preferably transferable to all handling devices 10a of the plurality of handling devices 10a. The surface movement elements 46a preferably all have an at least substantially similar design, whereby deviations at least in size and weight are conceivable. A description of one of the surface movement elements 46a is preferably transferable to all surface movement elements 46a.The surface movement elements 46a are connected to one another, in particular to form a planar movement plane. The surface movement elements 46a each have at least one single electromagnetic drive unit 44a, which is formed by at least one electrical coil or several electrical coils. The handling device 10a is preferably movable relative to the surface movement elements 46a, in particular contactlessly, in particular as a result of an interaction of permanent magnets of a magnet unit 14a of the handling device 10a with the electromagnetic drive units 44a of the surface movement elements 46a.The handling device 10a preferably comprises three movement axes 50a, 52a, 54a, along and / or around which the handling device 10a is movable relative to the surface movement elements 46a, in particular as a result of a change in a magnetic field acting on the handling device 10a by means of the control or regulating unit 42a.

[0047] Preferably, the magnet unit 14a of the handling device 10a, together with the electromagnetic drive units 44a of the surface movement elements 46a, forms at least part of the sensor unit 48a of the electrodynamic transport system 12a in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. The control or regulating unit 42a preferably forms a, in particular further, part of the sensor unit 48a, in particular the part of the control or regulating unit 42a that evaluates a change in the magnetic field between the handling device 10a and the surface movement elements 46a in order to determine a position of the handling device 10a relative to the surface movement elements 46a. However, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable that the sensor unit 48a is formed entirely by the control or regulating unit 42a or is provided as a separate, additional unit to the control or regulating unit 42a.Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable for the sensor unit 48a to have a sensor element that is designed for a special detection of position data, such as an acceleration sensor, a rotation rate sensor, or the like. Figure 1b shows a detailed view of the handling device 10a. The handling device 10a is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10a comprises at least the magnet unit 14a, which has one or more permanent magnets. Furthermore, the handling device 10a comprises at least one housing unit 16a in which the magnet unit 14a is arranged. The housing unit 16a preferably has at least one lower part 56a, in particular a base body, and at least one upper part 58a, in particular a cover, which are preferably connected to one another, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.The lower part 56a and the upper part 58a can be connected to one another by means of a screw connection, by means of a snap connection, by means of a rivet connection, by means of a combination of the aforementioned connections or by means of another connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. However, it is also conceivable that the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a, in particular after the magnet unit 14a has been arranged in the interior of the housing unit 16a, are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, in particular are formed integrally with one another. Preferably, the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a are each designed like a half-shell, in particular with a U-shaped cross-section. However, it is also conceivable for the lower part 56a to have a trough-shaped design and the upper part 58a to have a plate-shaped design, in particular in order to be placed as a cover on the trough-shaped lower part 56a.Preferably, the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a, particularly when connected to one another, delimit the interior of the housing unit 16a, in which the magnet unit 14a is preferably arranged. Other configurations of the lower part 56a and / or the upper part 58a that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0048] The handling device 10a preferably has, in particular viewed in a main extension plane of the handling device 10a, a polygonal basic shape, such as a triangular basic shape, a quadrilateral basic shape, or the like. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the handling device 10a has a square basic shape. However, it is also conceivable for the handling device 10a, in particular viewed in the main extension plane of the handling device 10a, to have another basic shape that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a circular basic shape, an elliptical basic shape, a drop-shaped basic shape, or the like.

[0049] The handling device 10a further comprises at least one sealing unit 18a at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16a. The sealing unit 18a comprises at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20a (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 1b), which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22a of the housing unit 16a. It is conceivable that, in particular in at least one embodiment of the handling device 10a, between the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a, in particular in the region of at least one contact and / or connection surface of the lower part 56a and / or the upper part 58a, at least one sealing element (not shown in detail here), such as a paper seal, a copper seal, a rubber seal, a caoutchouc seal, a plastic seal, or the like., the sealing unit 18a is arranged, in particular in addition to the outer coating 20a of the sealing unit 18a. However, it is also conceivable that the sealing element is formed integrally with the outer coating 20a, in particular is introduced at least partially between the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a during a coating process. Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable that the lower part 56a and / or the upper part 58a are / is geometrically designed, at least in the region of at least one contact and / or connecting surface of the lower part 56a and / or the upper part 58a, in such a way that penetration of a fluid is made more difficult, as is known, for example, in labyrinth seals, in particular in order to counteract unwanted penetration of a fluid, in particular of the outer coating 20a during a coating process, into the interior of the housing unit 16a delimited by the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a.

[0050] The outer coating 20a can be applied at least in places to the entire outer surface 22a of the housing unit 16a by means of an immersion bath process (see also Figure 6b, for example), by means of a gravity casting process, by means of a die casting process, by means of a vacuum casting process, by means of a thermal spraying process, by means of a spraying process (see also Figure 6a, for example), by means of an electrostatic coating process, by means of a wet painting process, by means of a loose-fill sintering process (see also Figure 6c, for example) or by means of another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.It is also conceivable that the outer coating 20a is formed at least partially or completely by a shrink tube, wherein the shrink tube surrounds the housing unit 16a at least in the region of the contact and / or connecting surfaces of the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a and covers the entire outer surface 22a of the housing unit 16a at least in the region of the contact and / or connecting surfaces of the lower part 56a and the upper part 58a on the side walls of the housing unit 16a. Further configurations of the outer coating 20a that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art for at least partially covering the entire outer surface 22a are also conceivable.

[0051] The outer coating 20a is preferably formed from a self-crosslinked material, from a material reacted by thermal activation, and / or from a beam-crosslinked material. The outer coating 20a is preferably formed from a polymer-based material. It is conceivable for the outer coating 20a to be formed from different materials, in particular when implementing different functional areas on the housing unit 16a, which can be implemented, for example, as a result of applying different materials at different positions on the housing unit 16a. The outer coating 20a can also be formed from a single material. It is also conceivable for the handling device 10a to have different outer coatings 20a, in particular depending on a position on the housing unit 16a.For example, it is conceivable that an outer coating 20a is arranged on an underside 24a of the housing unit 16a, which at least in one operating state of the handling device 10a faces the surface movement element(s) 46a, which is formed from a different material, such as a material of a further outer coating 20a of the handling device 10a, which is arranged on an upper side 60a or on an edge of the handling device 10a.It is also conceivable, for example, that an outer coating 20a is arranged on the handling device 10a, which outer coating comprises different functional areas which can be formed from different materials, such as an anti-slip area in an area of ​​the upper side 60a, a cleaning area forming a scraper extension or a peeling lip in an area of ​​a side wall of the housing unit 16a, a non-stick coating for the use of the handling device 10a in the chemical industry, a corrosion protection layer for protecting the housing unit 16a when the housing unit 16a is designed from a metallic material or the like. The outer coating 20a is preferably formed, in particular at least partially or completely, from a polymer material.The outer coating 20a can be formed, for example, from a silicone, from an ethylene-propylene-diene (monomer) rubber (EPDM), from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or from another material that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, in particular a polymer material.

[0052] The outer coating 20a preferably has a maximum layer thickness of less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm, at least on the underside 24a of the housing unit 16a. The outer coating 20a can preferably be arranged on the housing unit 16a with different maximum layer thicknesses depending on the expected wear on the handling device 10a.For example, it is conceivable that a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating 20a on the top side 60a of the housing unit 16a and / or on the edge, in particular the side wall, of the housing unit 16a is greater than a maximum layer thickness of the outer coating 20a on the bottom side 24a of the housing unit 16a, in particular since less wear is to be expected on the bottom side 24a due to contactless movement of the handling device 10a via the surface movement element(s) 46a than on the top side 60a of the housing unit 16a, on which products to be conveyed and / or handled can be arranged on the handling device 10a. Other configurations and / or arrangements of the outer coating 20a that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0053] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4, 5a and 5b show further exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are preferably provided with an outer coating according to one of the processes schematically illustrated in Figures 6a to 6c and 7. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein, with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular Figures 1a and 1b. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1a and 1b. In the embodiments of Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4, 5a 5b, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to h.

[0054] Figure 2a shows an alternative handling device 10b. The handling device 10b is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10b preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14b, at least one housing unit 16b in which the magnet unit 14b is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18b, at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16b. The sealing unit 18b has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20b, which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22b of the housing unit 16b. Preferably, the housing unit 16b comprises at least one connecting extension 62b, in particular at least two connecting extensions 62b, 64b, which is / are intended to be connected to an object that can be arranged on the handling device 10b, in particular to be able to engage in corresponding recesses on the object.The connecting extension(s) 62b(s) 62b, 64b are preferably formed integrally with an upper part 58b of the housing unit 16b. The connecting extension(s) 62b(s) 62b, 64b preferably form, in particular each, at least one functional element 32b, 34b, which is / are encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit 18b, in particular by means of the outer coating 20b (see Figure 2b). However, it is also conceivable that the connecting extension(s) 62b / connecting extensions 62b, 64b are formed separately from the housing unit 16b and are fastened to the housing unit 16b by means of the sealing unit 18b, in particular by means of the outer coating 20b, in that the connecting extension(s) 62b / connecting extensions 62b, 64b are encased in a fluid-tight manner after being arranged on the housing unit 16b by means of the sealing unit 18b, in particular by means of the outer coating 20b.Further features of the handling device 10b can preferably be taken from the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0055] Figure 2c shows a further alternative handling device 10c. The handling device 10c is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10c preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14c, at least one housing unit 16c in which the magnet unit 14c is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18c, at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16c. The sealing unit 18c comprises at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20c, which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22c of the housing unit 16c (see also Figure 2d).The housing unit 16c preferably comprises at least one connecting extension 62c, in particular at least two connecting extensions 62c, 64c, which is / are intended to be connected to an object that can be arranged on the handling device 10c, in particular to be able to engage in corresponding recesses on the object. The handling device 10c shown in Figures 2c and 2d differs, in particular from the handling device 10b shown in Figures 2a and 2b, in the size of the radii of the outer coating 20c in a transition region from a surface of an upper part 58c of the housing unit 16c to the connecting extensions 62c, 64c. The different sizes of the radii can preferably be varied by a selected viscosity of the outer coating 20c during an application process.Further features of the handling device 10c can preferably be taken from the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0056] Figure 3a shows a fourth alternative handling device 10d. The handling device 10d is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10d preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14d, at least one housing unit 16d in which the magnet unit 14d is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18d at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16d. The sealing unit 18d has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20d that at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22d of the housing unit 16d. The handling device 10d comprises at least one, in particular passive, cleaning unit 26d that has at least one cleaning element 28d, 30d, in particular a cleaning lip, that is formed integrally with the outer coating 20d.In the embodiment shown in Figure 3a, the cleaning unit 26d comprises at least two cleaning elements 28d, 30d, in particular two cleaning lips, which are preferably provided for removing or wiping off dirt on surface movement elements 46d. Further features of the handling device 10d can preferably be found in the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0057] Figure 3b shows a fifth alternative handling device 10e. The handling device 10e is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10e preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14e, at least one housing unit 16e in which the magnet unit 14e is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18e at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16e. The sealing unit 18e has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20e, which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22e of the housing unit 16e. The handling device 10e comprises at least one functional element 32e, 34e, in particular two actuating extensions, which is formed in one piece with the sealing unit 18e, in particular with the outer coating 20e, and is thereby fastened to the housing unit 16e and is encased in a fluid-tight manner.Further features of the handling device 10e can preferably be taken from the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a sixth alternative handling device 10f. The handling device 10f is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10f preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14f, at least one housing unit 16f in which the magnet unit 14f is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18f at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16f. The sealing unit 18f has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20f, which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22f of the housing unit 16f. The handling device 10f comprises at least one functional element 32f, 34f, in particular two clamping gripper extensions, which is formed in one piece with the sealing unit 18f, in particular with the outer coating 20f, and is thereby fastened to the housing unit 16f and is encased in a fluid-tight manner.The functional elements 32f, 34f designed as clamping gripper extensions are preferably provided to pick up objects through elastic deformation, in particular to clamp them firmly to the handling device 10f. It is also conceivable for a micro-actuator of the handling device 10f to be arranged on the housing unit 16f in order to move the functional elements 32f, 34f designed as clamping gripper extensions at least within the elastic limit of the outer coating 20f. The micro-actuator can be fastened to the housing unit 16f by means of the sealing unit 18f, in particular by means of the outer coating 20f, and / or can be encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit 18f, in particular by means of the outer coating 20f. Further features of the handling device 10f can preferably be taken from the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0059] Figure 5a shows a seventh alternative handling device 10g. The handling device 10g is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10g preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14g, at least one housing unit 16g in which the magnet unit 14g is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18g, at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16g. The sealing unit 18g has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20g, which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22g of the housing unit 16g. The handling device 10g comprises at least one functional element 32g designed as a magnet, which is fastened to the housing unit 16g by means of the sealing unit 18g, in particular by means of the outer coating 20g, and / or is encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit 18g, in particular by means of the outer coating 20g.The functional element 32g, designed as a magnet, is preferably intended to interact with an opposite-polar magnet 66g, which is arranged on an object to be handled by the handling device 10g. Further features of the handling device 10g can preferably be found in the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0060] Figure 5b shows an eighth alternative handling device 10h. The handling device 10h is preferably designed as a planar mover. The handling device 10h preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 14h, at least one housing unit 16h in which the magnet unit 14h is arranged, and at least one sealing unit 18h, at least for fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit 16h. The sealing unit 18h has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating 20h, which at least partially, in particular completely, covers an entire outer surface 22h of the housing unit 16h. The handling device 10h comprises at least one functional element 32h designed as a threaded bolt, which is fastened to the housing unit 16h by means of the sealing unit 18h, in particular by means of the outer coating 20h, and / or is at least partially encased by means of the sealing unit 18h, in particular by means of the outer coating 20h.The functional element 32h, designed as a threaded bolt, is preferably intended to cooperate with an internal thread 68h, which is arranged on an object to be handled by the handling device 10h or which is arranged on a nut (not shown in detail here), by means of which the object can be fastened to the functional element 32h, designed as a threaded bolt. Further features of the handling device 10h can preferably be found in the description of Figures 1a and 1b.

[0061] Figures 6a to 6c show possible application methods for the outer coating 20a, wherein in Figures 6a to 6c the handling device 10a shown in Figures 1a and 1b is shown as a representative example to illustrate the application methods.

[0062] Figure 6a shows a spraying method for applying the outer coating 20a to the housing unit 16a of the handling device 10a. It is conceivable that the outer coating 20a is applied manually using a spray can or using an automatic spraying device already known to a person skilled in the art, such as a robot, a curtain coating device, or the like. The outer coating 20a can be applied partially or completely to the entire outer surface 22a. Other embodiments for applying the outer coating 20a using the spraying method that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0063] Figure 6b shows an immersion bath process for applying the outer coating 20a to the housing unit 16a of the handling device 10a. It is conceivable for the handling device 10a to be guided into or through an immersion bath 40 by means of an auxiliary device that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the handling device 10a can be guided into or through the immersion bath 40 by means of a self-drive mechanism of the handling device 10a, in particular by at least one or more surface movement elements 46a forming an inclined plane, with the immersion bath 40 being arranged on the inclined plane. The outer coating 20a can be applied partially or completely to the entire outer surface 22a. Other embodiments for applying the outer coating 20a by means of an immersion bath process that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0064] Figure 6c shows a casting process, in particular a bulk sintering process, for applying the outer coating 20a to the housing unit 16a of the handling device 10a. The handling device 10a is arranged in a casting mold 70, in particular a bulk sintering mold, wherein the outer coating 20a can be introduced into the casting mold 70 and cured in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. Further embodiments for applying the outer coating 20a by means of a casting process that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a schematic sequence of a method 36 for at least a coating of one of the handling devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, as shown by way of example in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4, 5a and 5b. Preferably, in at least one method step 38 of the method 36, the outer coating 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h of the sealing unit 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h, in particular a polymer-based outer coating, is applied to the entire outer surface 22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h of the housing unit 16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e ;16f; 16g; 16h are applied such that the outer coating 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h covers the entire outer surface 22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h at least in places, in particular completely. The application of the outer coating 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h can be carried out in a manner that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art. By way of example, but not as a limitation, reference is made to the description of Figures 6a to 6c.In one embodiment of the handling device 10b, 10c, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h with at least one functional element 32b, 34b; 32c, 34c; 32e, 34e; 32f, 34f; 32g; 32h, in the at least one method step 38, the at least one functional element 32b, 34b; 32c, 34c; 32e, 34e; 32f, 34f; 32g; 32h is secured to the housing unit 16b; 16c; 16e; by means of the sealing unit 18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h, in particular by means of the outer coating 20b; 20c; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h. 16f; 16g; 16h and / or encased in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit 18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h, in particular by means of the outer coating 20b; 20c; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h.Preferably, in a method step 72 of the method 36 taking place before the at least one method step 38, the functional element 32b, 34b; 32c, 34c; 32e, 34e; 32f, 34f; 32g; 32h is preferably arranged on the housing unit 16b; 16c; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h, if it is not already formed in one piece with the housing unit 16b; 16c; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h. In one embodiment of the application method as an immersion bath method, in at least one method step 38, the handling device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h is moved at least partially, in particular completely, into an immersion bath 40, in particular in order to apply the outer coating 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h. Preferably, the handling device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h is moved into the immersion bath 40 by its own drive, in particular through the immersion bath 40.Preferably, the method 36, particularly after method step 38, comprises a further method step 74 for drying the outer coating 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h. Drying can be accomplished by actively applying heat or by allowing the coating to stand for a desired period of time. Further additional or alternative method steps deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

Claims

Claims 1. Planar mover for an electrodynamic planar transport system, with at least one magnet unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h), with at least one housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h), in which the magnet unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) is arranged, and with at least one sealing unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) at least for a fluid-tight sealing of the housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h), characterized in that the sealing unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) has at least one, in particular polymer-based, outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) which has a total outer surface (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e ; 22f; 22g; 22h) of the housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e ; 16f; 16g; 16h) at least partially, in particular completely, covered.

2. Planar mover according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) is formed from a self-crosslinked material, from a material reacted by thermal activation and / or from a beam-crosslinked material.

3. Planar mover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h), in particular at least on an underside (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h) of the housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h), has a maximum layer thickness which is less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm.

4. Planar mover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one cleaning unit (26d) which has at least one cleaning element (28d, 30d), in particular a cleaning lip, which is formed in one piece with the outer coating (20d).

5. Planar mover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one functional element (32b, 34b; 32c, 34c; 32e, 34e; 32f, 34f; 32g; 32h), in particular a fastening element, a micro-actuator, a locking element or the like, which is fastened to the housing unit (16b; 16c; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) by means of the sealing unit (18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h), in particular by means of the outer coating (20b; 20c; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) and / or by means of the sealing unit (18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h), in particular by means of the Outer coating (20b; 20c; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h), which is fluid-tightly coated.

6. Electrodynamic planar transport system with at least one planar mover according to one of the preceding claims, in particular with a plurality of planar movers according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Method for at least one coating of a planar mover according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in at least one method step (38) the, in particular polymer-based, outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) of the sealing unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h) is applied to the entire outer surface (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h) of the housing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) in such a way that the outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) covers at least in places, in particular completely, the entire outer surface (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one method step (38) at least one functional element (32b, 34b; 32c, 34c; 32e, 34e; 32f, 34f; 32g; 32h), in particular a fastening element, a micro-actuator, a locking element or the like, is fastened to the housing unit (16b; 16c; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h) by means of the sealing unit (18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h), in particular by means of the outer coating (20b; 20c; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h) and / or by means of the sealing unit (18b; 18c; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h), in particular by means of the outer coating (20b; 20c; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h), is encased in a fluid-tight manner.

9. Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that in at least one method step (38) the planar mover is moved, at least partially, in particular completely, into an immersion bath (40), in particular in order to apply the outer coating (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the planar mover is moved into the immersion bath (40) by its own drive, in particular is moved through the immersion bath (40).

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