A turning apparatus and method for operating the same

Abstract

A turning apparatus (1) for conveying a flat product (38) in a product transport direction and turning the flat product (38). The turning apparatus (1) comprises a stationary body structure (12) and a shuttle (18) movably supported by the body structure (12), wherein the shuttle (18) is moveable in a direction perpendicular to 5 the transport direction. The turning apparatus (1) further comprises a turning unit (20) rotatably supported by the shuttle (18), wherein the turning unit (20) is configured to receive the flat product (38) in the transport direction, rotate for turning the flat product (38) upside down, and dispatch the flat product (38) in the transport direction.

Description

[0001] A TURNING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a turning apparatus. The disclosure further relates to a method for operating a turning apparatus.

[0004] The turning apparatus according to the disclosure can for example be arranged in manufacturing processes of a flat product, or any other type of processes that requires turning motion of a flat product, such as in particular manufacturing of a printed circuit board (PCB), or a solar cell wafer, or the like.

[0005] Moreover, even if the turning apparatus according to the disclosure will be described primarily in relation to turning motion of PCB’s, the turning apparatus is not restricted to this particular type of flat product, but may alternative be arranged for handling other types of flat products.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] In many different technical fields, there is a need for providing a turning apparatus that provides automatic turning of a flat product. In the field of turning apparatuses, there is a continuous demand for further improved performance in terms of for example operating reliability, operating speed, low maintenance, low complexity, simple manufacturing, etc.

[0008] For example, it is known to provide a turning apparatus for a flat product with an electrical linear actuator for controlling the motion of two movable side plates that engages and drives the flat product. This designed allegedly results in improved board turnover efficiency.

[0009] However, despite the activities in the field, there is still a demand for a further improved turning apparatus in terms of for example reliability, speed, low maintenance, low complexity, simplified manufacturing, etc. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a turning apparatus and corresponding method for operating the turning apparatus, where the previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is at least partly achieved by the features of the independent claims of the present disclosure. The dependent claims contain further developments and / or embodiments of the turning apparatus and method of the disclosure.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a turning apparatus for conveying a product in a product transport direction and turning the flat product, the turning apparatus comprising: a stationary body structure; a shuttle movably supported by the body structure, wherein the shuttle is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction; and a turning unit rotatably supported by the shuttle, wherein the turning unit is configured to receive the flat product in the transport direction, rotate for turning the flat product upside down, and dispatch the flat product in the transport direction.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a turning apparatus configured for conveying a product in a product transport direction and turning the flat product, wherein the turning apparatus includes: a shuttle movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction; and a turning unit rotatably supported by the shuttle, the method comprising: adjusting the position of the shuttle in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction for aligning a centre of the turning unit with centre of a planned incoming flat product; or for aligning a part of the turning unit with a fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus.

[0013] In this way, it becomes significantly easier to adapt the turning apparatus and associated adjacent conveyors to the size of the flat product. For example, if the turning apparatus is installed in a manufacturing process for PCB’s, wherein batches of PCB’s having different sizes is manufactured, the turning apparatus and / or the adjacent delivery conveyor and adjacent dispatch conveyor do not have to be repositioned to the new PCB size before manufacturing of the new batch can be started. It is sufficient to simply adjust the turning unit to the new PCB size, and to adjust the position of the shuttle in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, as explained more in detail below.

[0014] Specifically, during manufacturing of PCB’s of different sizes, one side edge of the PCB’s are typically aligned with a side edge of the conveyor that transports the PCB between the various process steps of the manufacturing process, because thereby a lateral position of the PCB relative to the conveyor belt can be more reliably estimated. For example, for each PCB, irrespective of size, the left side of the PCB may be made to abut against a left side of the conveyor. Thereby, the lateral position of the PCB on the conveyor belt can be more reliably controlled, compared to a situation where the PCB is arranged to be located at a central position of the conveyor, without alignment with a side edge of the conveyor.

[0015] Lateral position, also known as sideways position, refers herein to the position of a flat product in a direction perpendicular to an intended transport direction on a conveyor.

[0016] Such one-sided alignment process of the flat product has however the disadvantage that alignment of the flat product with the turning apparatus according to the prior art design becomes more problematic, because both side plates move relative to each other when the side plates of the prior art turning apparatus are adjusted to fit the new PCB size. In other words, dual and mirrored adjustment of the side plates of the prior art turning apparatus renders manual adjustment and / or repositioning of turning apparatus and / or the feeding / exit conveyors to the new PCB size necessary before manufacturing of the new batch can be started.

[0017] Consequently, the adjacent feeding and / or exit conveyor belts and / or the turning apparatus must be manually shifted laterally each time a batch having a new product size is started. Such manual re-positioning of conveyor belt and / or the turning apparatus is work intensive, and may results in reduced operating reliability when poor alignment is accomplished.

[0018] This problem is solved by the turning apparatus according to the disclosure by a turning apparatus that comprises a stationary body structure, a shuttle movably supported by the stationary body structure, wherein the shuttle is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and wherein the turning unit rotatably supported by the shuttle.

[0019] As a result of the moveable shuttle, the need for manual re-positioning of the adjacent feeding and / or exit conveyor belt and / or the turning apparatus is eliminated, because the shuttle may simply be repositioned laterally be means a power source, such that the one side edge of the conveyor belt continues to be aligned with a corresponding side plate of the of the turning unit, without repositioning or position adjustment of the of the stationary body structure of the turning machine, and without repositioning or position adjustment of the feeding / dispatch conveyor belt(s).

[0020] Further advantages are achieved by implementing one or several of the features of the dependent claims.

[0021] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the shuttle is slidably or rollably attached via a linear track or rail system to the body structure, and the linear track or rail system enables linear motion of the shuttle relative to the body structure. This enables reliable and stable motion of the shuttle.

[0022] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the linear track or rail system comprises two parallel spaced apart tracks or rails that jointly carries the shuttle and enables linear motion of the shuttle relative to the body structure. This enables reliable and stable motion of the shuttle and may also be cost-efficiently implemented.

[0023] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning apparatus further comprises a powered shuttle drive assembly that is configured to controllably move the shuttle, in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, relative to the stationary body structure. By providing a dedicated shuttle drive assembly, maintenance of the turning apparatus is simplified.

[0024] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the powered shuttle drive assembly comprises: a single linear actuator having a first actuator attachment point attached to the body structure and a second actuator attachment point attached to the shuttle for controllably moving the shuttle back and forth in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction; or a single electric motor fastened to the body structure and drivingly connected via a drive belt or chain to the shuttle for controllably moving the shuttle back and forth in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0025] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the single linear actuator is a ball screw actuator powered by an electric motor. This corresponds to a cost-efficient design.

[0026] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the shuttle further comprises a support structure for rotatably supporting the turning unit on the shuttle, and a turning motor drivingly connected to the turning unit and configured for controllably rotate the turning unit. By supporting the turning unit on the shuttle, the motion of the shuttle is reliably transferred to the turning unit.

[0027] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit is configured to turn the flat product upside down by rotating the turning unit around a horizontal rotational axis that is parallel with the transport direction. This provides high operational reliability because the turning unit may include support surfaces located laterally outside of the flat product, such that the flat product is prevented from performing uncontrolled and undesired sideways displacement during the turning motion.

[0028] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit is configured to turn the flat product upside down by rotating the turning unit around a horizontal rotational axis that is perpendicular to the transport direction. This design enables a more compact turning apparatus in the lateral direction.

[0029] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the horizontal rotational axis is configured to extend through a centre of the flat product. This ensures that the flat product return to the same position after having been turned upside down. In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit has a cylindrical shape and comprises two spaced apart annular frame members that are arranged parallel to each other and mutually connected via connecting members. This enables the two spaced apart annular frame members to be used both as rigid framework of the turning unit and as support surface for the rotational motion.

[0030] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, two spaced apart annular frame members are rotatably supported by the support structure of the shuttle. This provides a costefficient design and simplified manufacturing of the turning apparatus.

[0031] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the support structure of the shuttle comprises two spaced apart sets of wheels or rollers, wherein each annular frame member of the turning unit is configured to be rotatably supported on one set of wheels or rollers of the support structure. This provides a cost-efficient design and simplified manufacturing of the turning apparatus.

[0032] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning motor is drivingly connected to the turning unit via a drive belt or chain or via a direct drive gear arrangement. This provides a cost-efficient design, simple maintenance and simplified manufacturing of the turning apparatus.

[0033] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit has a first conveying structure configured to engage the flat product at a first side edge region of the flat product and a second conveying structure configured to engage the flat product at a second side edge region of the flat product, wherein the first and second conveying structures are configured to jointly convey the flat product in the transport direction and to hold the flat product while the turning unit is rotating for turning the flat product upside down. By providing two conveying structures, one on each lateral side of the flat product, the entry motion of the flat product into the turning apparatus, and the exit motion of the flat product out from the turning apparatus is simplified. Moreover, by providing first and second conveying structures that not only convey but also hold the flat product during rotation of flat product 180 degrees, the engagement of the first and second conveying structures with the flat product remains uninterrupted during the handling of the turning apparatus, thereby providing a safer and more reliable handling of the flat product, as well as eliminating need for separate dedicated rotational gripping tools that are configured for engaging / disengaging and rotating the flat product, and also eliminating need for complex relative motion between conveying structures and such gripping tools for enabling free rotation of the flat product.

[0034] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first and second conveying structures are moveable relative to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction for enabling adjustment of a gap size between the first and second conveying structures, such that the first and second conveying structures can be controllably moved relative to each other to convey and hold flat products having different sizes in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction. This provides a high level of flexibility for handling flat products of different sizes.

[0035] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit comprises a powered gap adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the first and second conveying structures for enabling powered motion of each of the first and second conveying structures, in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction, for adjustment of a gap size between the first and second conveying structures.

[0036] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the powered gap adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the first and second conveying structures such that the first and second conveying structures move with the same speed but in opposite directions upon operation of the powered gap adjustment mechanism. As a result, gap adjustment between the first and second conveying structures for enabling rotation of flat products having different sizes can be performed while keeping a rotational axis of the turning unit coaxial with a centre line of the flat product. This has the advantage that the location of the side edges of the flat product remain the same before and after turning of the flat product, thereby eliminating need for positon adjustment of adjacent equipment, such as adjacent feeding and / or dispatch conveyors.

[0037] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first and second conveying structures are located on the turning unit, which is rotatably supported by the shuttle, such that linear motion of the shuttle relative to the stationary body structure in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction results in constant relative position of the first and second conveying structures as they move linearly in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0038] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit comprises a powered double sided threaded rod having left-hand thread on a first end of the rod and right-hand thread on a second end of the rod, wherein the left-hand thread threadingly engages the first conveying structure, wherein the right-hand thread threadingly engages the second conveying structure, such that powered rotation of the double sided threaded rod results in opposite movement of the first and second conveying structures. This provides a cost-efficient solution for enabling the gap size adjustment.

[0039] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, each of the first and second conveying structures comprises an upper drive belt configured to engage an upper side of the flat product and a lower driver belt configured to engage a lower side of the flat product, wherein simultaneous operation of the upper and lower drive belts of the first and second conveying structures is configured to provide conveyance of the flat product in the transport direction, and wherein simultaneous still stand of the upper and lower drive belts of the first and second conveying structures is configured to provide stationary holding of the flat product relative to the turning unit. This provides a reliable driving contact surface between the turning unit and flat products for ensuring safe and robust turning motion and conveying motion of the turning apparatus.

[0040] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning apparatus further comprises: a front bridging conveyer arrangement configured for conveying the flat product in the transport direction from an inlet opening of the turning apparatus to the turning unit; and / or a rear bridging conveyer arrangement configured for conveying the flat product in the transport direction from the turning unit to an outlet opening of the turning apparatus. Thereby, a potential gap between the feeding conveyor and turning unit, and / or between the turning unit and the dispatch conveyor can be eliminated.

[0041] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the stationary body structure having a front side at which the product is configured to enter the turning apparatus, and rear side at which the product is configured to exit the turning apparatus.

[0042] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning apparatus is configured to receive and dispatch the flat product in a state when the flat product is lying flat on a support surface.

[0043] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the flat product is a printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a solar cell or a photovoltaic wafer or a silicon wafer.

[0044] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning apparatus further includes a stationary body structure, and the shuttle is movably supported by the body structure.

[0045] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning apparatus further comprises a linear actuator or a motor operatively connected to the shuttle and to the stationary body, and an electronic control unit (ECU) that is programmed to control motion of the linear actuator or motor for adjusting the position of the shuttle in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0046] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the method further comprises: feeding a flat product in the transport direction into the turning unit; rotating the turning unit for turning the flat product upside down; and dispatching the flat product from the turning unit in the transport direction.

[0047] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning apparatus further comprises a turning unit conveyor motor for feeding a flat product in the transport direction into the turning unit and for dispatching the flat product from the turning unit in the transport direction, and a turning motor drivingly connected to the turning unit and configured for rotate the turning unit, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to control motion of the turning unit conveyor motor and the turning motor for feeding the flat product in the transport direction into the turning unit; rotating the turning unit for turning the flat product upside down; and dispatching the flat product from the turning unit in the transport direction.

[0048] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the method further comprises a step of, for each flat product that is supplied to the turning apparatus: aligning a left side of the flat product with a left side edge of the feeding conveyor; or aligning a right side of the flat product with a right side edge of the feeding conveyor. By supplying flat products that are always aligned with a side edge of the feeding conveyor, irrespective of size of flat product, the operational safety may be improved because the position and angular orientation of the flat products delivered by the feeding conveyor are more stable and reliable.

[0049] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the turning unit has first and second conveying structures that are moveable relative to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction and configured to jointly hold and convey the flat product, the method further comprises the following step, that is executed before the step of feeding the flat product into the turning unit: adjusting a gap between first and second conveying structures to match a size of the flat product.

[0050] In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the method further comprises an initial assembly step (S5) of: aligning a left side edge of the feeding conveyer and left side edge of the dispatch conveyor with a predetermined stationary part of turning apparatus or with a dedicated alignment marking located on the body structure; or aligning a right side edge of the feeding conveyer and right side edge of the dispatch conveyor with a predetermined stationary part of turning apparatus or with a dedicated alignment marking located on the body structure. This initial assembly step is performed during initial setup of the manufacturing line, or in connection with maintenance, and does thus not need to be performed very frequently, thereby providing a user- friendly turning apparatus that requires very little manual adjustment while still is able to turn flat products of different sizes in a reliable and fast manner.

[0051] Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person in the art realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those explicitly described hereinabove and below, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] The turning apparatus and method for operating the turning apparatus according to the disclosure will be described in detail in the following, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0054] Fig. 1 schematically shows an outer perspective view of an example embodiment of the turning apparatus according to the disclosure.

[0055] Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the interior of the turning apparatus,

[0056] Fig. 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the main parts of the turning apparatus,

[0057] Fig. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the turning apparatus, having a vertical cutting plane through the centre region of the turning apparatus and as seen in the transport direction, Fig. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the turning apparatus, having a vertical cutting plane through the centre region of the turning apparatus and as seen in the lateral direction,

[0058] Fig. 6 schematically shows a front view of the turning apparatus as seen in the transport direction, while having the shuttle moved to a leftward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively narrow flat product,

[0059] Fig. 7 schematically shows a front view of the turning apparatus as seen in the transport direction, while having the shuttle moved to a rightward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively wide flat product,

[0060] Fig. 8 schematically shows a top view of the turning apparatus including a feeding conveyor positioned in front the turning apparatus, and an exit / dispath conveyor positioned behind the turning apparatus, while having the shuttle moved to a leftward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively narrow flat product,

[0061] Fig. 9 schematically shows a top view of the turning apparatus including a feeding conveyor positioned in front the turning apparatus, and an exit / dispatch conveyor positioned behind the turning apparatus, while having the shuttle moved to a rightward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively wide flat product,

[0062] Fig. 10 shows a detailed view of upper and lower drive belts of the tuning unit, together with front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements,

[0063] Fig. 1 1 shows an example illustration of a flat product, wherein the hatched areas indicate engagement areas of the turning unit,

[0064] Fig. 12A-D show schematically side views of four different time instances of a turning process, as seen in the lateral direction, Fig. 13A-D show schematically corresponding side views of said four different time instances of a turning process, as seen in the transport direction,

[0065] Fig. 14A-D show schematically side views of four different time instances of an alternative turning process, as seen in the lateral direction,

[0066] Fig. 15 shows schematically an electric system for controlling the turning apparatus,

[0067] Fig. 16-20 show schematically various example methods for operating the turning apparatus according to the disclosure.

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0069] Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but are applicable on other variations of the disclosure.

[0070] Figure 1 schematically shows an outer perspective view of an example embodiment of the turning apparatus 1 according to the disclosure. The turning apparatus 1 comprises a stationary body structure 12 that includes a protective outer casing. The stationary body structure 12 has a front side 2 with an inlet opening 3, through which products are configured to enter the turning apparatus 1 , and a rear side 4 with an outlet opening, through which the products are configured to exit the turning apparatus 1 , after having been turned upside down.

[0071] The product path through the turning apparatus 1 , which is depicted by a dotted arrow in figure 1 , is also referred to as the transport direction 5. In other words, the product enters the turning apparatus 1 in the transport direction 5 at a front side 2 of the turning apparatus 1 , and exits the turning apparatus 1 in the transport direction 5 at the rear side 4 of the turning apparatus 1 .

[0072] The stationary body structure 12 further has a first lateral side 13, an oppositely located second lateral side 14, a top side 15, and support feet 16 at a bottom surface. The outer rectangular dimensions of the outer casing of the turning apparatus 1 that are defined by the front and rear sides 2, 4, first and second lateral sides 13, 14, top side and support feet 16, has a length 6 in the transport direction 5, a width 7 in a lateral direction 8, and a height 9 in a height direction 10.

[0073] According to some example embodiments, when the turning apparatus 1 standing with the bottom surface on a flat horizontal surface, the transport direction 5 and the lateral direction 8 are located in a horizontal plane, and the height direction is parallel to a vertical direction.

[0074] The turning apparatus may further comprise a front window 11 for enabling visual monitoring of the operation of the turning apparatus by a user.

[0075] A detailed example embodiment of a turning apparatus 1 according to the disclosure will hereinafter be described with reference to figures 2-11 .

[0076] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the turning apparatus 1 , wherein the protective outer casing has been removed and exposing the interior structure of the turning apparatus 1 . Figure 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the main parts of the turning apparatus 1 . Figure 4 schematically shows a cross- sectional view of the turning apparatus 1 , having a vertical cutting plane through the centre region of the turning apparatus 1 and as seen in the transport direction 5. Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the turning apparatus 1 , having a vertical cutting plane through the centre region of the turning apparatus 1 and as seen in the lateral direction 8. Figure 6 schematically shows a front view of the turning apparatus 1 as seen in the transport direction 5, while having the shuttle 18 moved to a leftward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively narrow flat product. Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of the turning apparatus 1 as seen in the transport direction 5, while having the shuttle 18 moved to a rightward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively wide flat product. Figure 8 schematically shows a top view of the turning apparatus 1 including a feeding conveyor 80 positioned in front the turning apparatus, and a dispatch / exit conveyor 81 positioned behind the turning apparatus, while having the shuttle 18 moved to a leftward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively narrow flat product. Figure 9 schematically shows a top view of the turning apparatus 1 including a feeding conveyor 80 positioned in front the turning apparatus, and a dispatch / exit conveyor 81 positioned behind the turning apparatus, while having the shuttle 18 moved to a rightward end position and with first and second conveying structures being adjusted to hold a relatively wide flat product. Figure 10 shows an enlargement of the second conveying structure arranged side by side with front and rear bridge units, and figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of an example flat product 38.

[0077] With reference to figures 1 - 1 1 , the turning apparatus 1 is configured for conveying a flat product 38 in the product transport direction 5, and for turning the flat product 38. The turning apparatus 1 comprises: a stationary body structure 12; a shuttle 18 movably supported by the body structure 12, wherein the shuttle 18 is moveable in a direction 8 perpendicular to the transport direction 5; and a turning unit 20 rotatably supported by the shuttle 18, wherein the turning unit 20 is configured to receive the flat product 38 in the transport direction 5, rotate for turning the flat product 38 upside down, and dispatch the flat product 38 in the transport direction 5.

[0078] As illustrated in figures 2-9, the stationary body structure 12 further includes a rigid frame work 17 that is arranged to provide support for the various parts of the turning apparatus 1. The rigid frame work 17 may for example be made of extruded aluminium profiles that are fastened together to form a rigid frame work.

[0079] The shuttle 18 is movably supported by the body structure 12, wherein the shuttle 18 is linearly moveable in a horizontal direction 8 perpendicular to the transport direction 5.

[0080] Specifically, as illustrated in figures 2-9, the shuttle 18 may be slidably or rollably attached via a linear track or rail system 19 to the frame work 17 of the body structure 12. The linear track or rail system 19 enables horizontal linear motion of the shuttle relative to the body structure 12.

[0081] The linear track or rail system 19 may for example be implemented by means of one or more linear bearings or linear guideways. A linear bearing or linear guideway typically comprises a rigid track or rail 21 and a corresponding roller bearing or ball bearing or sliding member 22 that is configured to move along the rigid track or rail 21 . The roller bearing or ball bearing 22 typically includes one or more rollers or balls that are arranged to roll along the exterior surface of the track or rail 21 , and the sliding member 22 typically includes a dedicated sliding surface that is arranged to slide along the exterior surface of the track or rail 21.

[0082] The roller bearing or ball bearing or sliding member 22 may be completely or partly enclosing a cross-section of the rigid track or rail 21 for keeping them in a connected state.

[0083] The linear track or rail system 19 may for example comprise at least two parallel spaced apart linear tracks or rails or guides 21 that jointly carries the shuttle 18 and enables horizontal linear motion of the shuttlel 8 relative to the body structure.

[0084] For example, a first track or rail 21 may be located at a first side region of the shuttle 18, and a second track or rail 21 may be located at a second side region of the shuttle 18 that is located opposite to the first side region.

[0085] Each track or rail 21 may for example be rigidly fastened to the body structure 12 and the corresponding roller bearing or ball bearing or sliding member 22 may be fastened to the shuttle 18 and enabling sliding motion of the shuttle 18 in the lateral 8 direction relative to the body structure 12. Alternatively, each track or rail 21 may be rigidly fastened to the shuttle 18 and corresponding roller bearing or ball bearing or sliding member 22 may be fastened to the body structure 12 for enabling said sliding motion of the shuttle 18 in the lateral 8 direction relative to the body structure 12.

[0086] In some example embodiments, at least one of the parallel spaced apart tracks or rails 21 may include an integrated drive mechanism, such as for example a linear actuator, a threaded rod or an electro-magnetic induction coil, or the like for providing the required displacement force for moving the shuttle 18 in the lateral direction 8. In other example embodiments, the linear track or rail system 19 may include at least two non-powered parallel spaced apart tracks or rails 21 that only serve to provide moveable support for the shuttle 18, and wherein the turning apparatus comprises a separate driving mechanism for generating the required displacement force on the shuttle 18.

[0087] For example, as depicted in figure 2-9, the turning apparatus may comprise a powered shuttle drive assembly that is configured to controllably drive the shuttle 18 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction relative to the stationary body structure 12, while two non-powered parallel spaced apart tracks or rails 21 enables linear movement of the shuttle 18.

[0088] The powered shuttle drive assembly may for example comprise a single linear actuator having a first actuator attachment point attached to the body structure 12 and a second actuator attachment point attached to the shuttle 18 for controllably moving the shuttle 18 back and forth in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5.

[0089] For example, as depicted in figures 2-9, the single linear actuator may be an electric shuttle motor 23 that is fastened to the body structure 12, wherein the electric motor 23 is drivingly connected to a threaded shuttle rod 24, and wherein a threaded nut is fastened to the shuttle 18 and threadingly engage on the threaded rod, such that the shuttle 18 may be controlled to be displaced back and forth in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5 by means of the electric shuttle motor 23.

[0090] This design essentially corresponds to a single linear actuator in form of a ball screw actuator powered by an electric motor.

[0091] According to an alternative design, the powered shuttle drive assembly may for example comprise a single electric motor fastened to the body structure and drivingly connected via a drive belt or chain to the shuttle for controllably moving the shuttle back and forth in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0092] The drive belt or chain may in such a scenario be connected to shuttle 18. The shuttle 18 support and carries the turning unit 20, while enabling turning or rotation motion of the turning unit 20.

[0093] In other words, the shuttle 18 comprises a support structure for rotatably supporting the turning unit 20 on the shuttle 18, and a turning motor 25 drivingly connected to the turning unit 20 and configured for controllably rotate the turning unit 20.

[0094] The support structure may for example include a set of wheels or rollers 26 that are mounted on the shuttle 18 for enabling rotational support of the turning unit 20 on the shuttle 18. Alternatively, the support structure may a sliding support surface for enabling a sliding relative turning motion of the turning unit 20 relative to the shuttle 18. According to still a further example, the support structure of the shuttle 18 may be a slewing bearing ring or like that is connected to the turning unit 20.

[0095] The turning motor 25 may be an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor, and the turning motor 25 may be fastened to the shuttle.

[0096] The turning motor 25 may for example be drivingly connected to the turning unit 20 via a drive belt or drive chain 27. For example, the drive belt or drive chain 27 may extend around the turning unit 20. Alternatively, the turning motor 25 may for example be drivingly connected to the turning unit 20 via a direct drive gear arrangement, i.e. a gear or drive wheel fasted to a rotational output shaft of the turning motor 25 and directly engaging a corresponding gear or drive surface of the turning unit 20.

[0097] The turning unit 20 is configured to turn the flat product 38 upside down by rotating the turning unit 20 around a horizontal rotational axis 28 that is parallel with the transport direction 5. Thereby, turning unit 20 can more safely hold the flat product 38 while turning because the gravitational force will act sideways on the flat product 38 while turning, and a side plate 29 of the turning unit 20 may act as an abutment surface in case an upper and lower drive belt 30, 31 of the turning unit 20 fails holding the flat product 38 during the turning motion.

[0098] The turning apparatus may be configured, such that the horizontal rotational axis of the turning unit 20 is configured to extend through a centre of the flat product 38, i.e. through a centre of a position in which the flat product 38 is configured to be held. This ensures that the flat product 38 returns to the some position after having been turned upside down. If the horizontal rotational axis of the turning unit 20 is not extending through a centre of the flat product 38, the turned flat product 38 would be located vertically and / or laterally displaced relative to the unturned flat product 38, and this would require undesired misalignment between the feeding and dispatch conveyors, and cause a more extensive adjustment of the turning apparatus to adapt the apparatus a new size of the flat products 38.

[0099] As illustrated in for example figures 2-9, the turning unit 20 may have a cylindrical shape and comprise two spaced apart annular frame members 32, 33 that are arranged parallel to each other and mutually connected via connecting members 34.

[0100] Each of the two spaced apart annular frame members 32, 33, also referred to as first and second annular frame members 32, 33, may for example be made of a tubular of flat sheet steel material, and may have a diameter of about 20 - 150 cm for being able to turn flat products 38 of different width, i.e. size in the lateral direction 8. The distance between the first and second annular frame members 32, 33 in the transport direction 5 may for example be about 20 - 150 cm for being able to turn flat products 38 of different lengths, i.e. size in the transport direction 5.

[0101] An advantage of having the first and second annular frame members 32, 33 ringshaped in that they may serve as rotational support for the turning unit 20. In other words, two spaced apart annular frame members may be directly rotatably supported by the support structure, such as for example a set of wheels or rollers, of the shuttle 18.

[0102] Consequently, in some example embodiments, the support structure of the shuttle 18 may comprise two spaced apart sets of wheels or rollers 26, wherein each annular frame member 32, 33 of the turning unit 20 is configured to be rotatably supported on one of said set of wheels or rollers 26 of the support structure.

[0103] The shuttle 18 may for example have a U-shaped or box-shaped form with at least a first side wall 91 , a second side wall 92, a bottom located between said opposite side walls 91 , 92, and with an opening of the U-shaped or box-shaped shuttle 18 facing upwards. The linear track or rail system may be fasted to an underside of the bottom of such an U-shaped or box-shaped shuttle 18.

[0104] In addition, a first set of wheels or rollers 26 of the support structure may be fastened to the first side wall 91 of such an U-shaped or box-shaped shuttle 18, and a second set of wheels or rollers 26 of the support structure may be fastened to the second side wall 92 of such an U-shaped or box-shaped shuttle 18.

[0105] The connecting members 34 that serve to rigidly connect the first and second annular frame members 32, 33 to each other may be made of metal rods or bars or the like, and be distributed around the circumference of the first and second annular frame members 32, 33 with suitable gaps.

[0106] The turning unit preferably includes a powered product drive system for receiving the flat product 38 at a front side 2 of the turning apparatus and conveying the flat product 38 to a suitable location for the subsequent turning operation. The product drive system is further configured to hold the flat product 38 while the turning unit rotates and turns the flat product 38 upside down. Finally, the product drive system is configured to convey the flat product 38 rearwards after the turning operation for delivering the turned the flat product 38 at a rear side 4 of the turning apparatus 1 . In the example embodiment of the turning apparatus illustrated in at least figures 2- 9, the powered product drive system includes first and second conveying structures, each configured to engage a side region of the flat product 38, such that the first and second conveying structures jointly are configured to hold and convey the flat product 38 while being handled by the turning apparatus.

[0107] The first and second conveying structures are thus configured to hold and convey the flat product 38 both before, after, and pending the rotation motion for turning the flat product 38 upside down.

[0108] In other words, the turning unit 20 has a first conveying structure 35 configured to engage the flat product 38 at a first side edge region 39 of the flat product 38 and a second conveying structure 36 configured to engage the flat product 38 at a second side edge region 40 of the flat product 38, wherein the first and second conveying structures are configured to jointly convey the flat product 38 in the transport direction 5 and to hold the flat product 38 while the turning unit 20 is rotating for turning the flat product 38 upside down.

[0109] With reference to figure 11 , the flat product 38 may have a upper main flat side 41 , a lower main flat side 42, and a circumferential side edge composed of a front edge 45 facing in an intended transport direction 5, a rear edge 46 facing away from an intended transport direction 5, a first side edge 43 and a second side edge 44 located oppositely from the first side edge 43.

[0110] The flat product 38 mat for example have a length 47 of 3 - 150 cm, a width 48 of about 2 - 100 cm, and a thickness of about 0.1 - 10 cm, depending on the circumstance and type of product.

[0111] Furthermore, a product is deemed to be a flat product when a length of a side edge of the flat product is at least 10 times larger, specifically at least 20 times larger, than a thickness of the flat product.

[0112] The first conveying structure 35 is configured to engage the flat product 38 within a first side edge region 39 of the flat product 38, and the first side edge region 39 is schematically illustrated with a hatched area in figure 1 1. Similarly, the second conveying structure 36 is configured to engage the flat product 38 within a second side edge region 40 of the flat product 38, and the second side edge region 40 is schematically illustrated with a hatched area in figure 1 1 .

[0113] The second side edge region 40 is marked as including the second side edge 44, as well as an upper side area 49 of the upper main side 41 located adjacent and in connection with said second side edge 44, and a lower side area 50 of the lower main side 42 located adjacent and in connection with said second side edge 44. The first side edge region 39 has a corresponding area coverage, but located along the first side edge of the flat product 38.

[0114] The first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are moveable relative to each other in the horizontal lateral direction 8, perpendicular to the transport direction 5, for enabling adjustment of a gap size 51 between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36, such that the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 can be controllably moved relative to each other to convey and hold flat products 38 having different sizes, i.e. width, in the direction 8 perpendicular to the transport direction 5.

[0115] This adjustment in gap size in particularly well illustrated in figures 6 and 7, wherein the turning unit 20 of figure 6 is adjusted to have a relatively small gap 51 between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 for conveying and turning flat products having a relative small width, and wherein the turning unit 20 of figure 7 is adjusted to have a relatively large gap 51 between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 for conveying and turning flat products having a relative large width.

[0116] The turning unit 20 may comprise a powered gap adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 for enabling powered motion of each of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36, in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5, for adjustment of a gap size between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36. The powered gap adjustment mechanism is for example operatively connected to the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 such that the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 move with the same speed but in opposite directions upon operation of the powered gap adjustment mechanism. As a result, gap adjustment between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 for enabling rotation of flat products 38 having different sizes can be performed while keeping a rotational axis of the turning unit coaxial with a centre line of the flat product 38.

[0117] The powered gap adjustment mechanism may for example include a powered double sided threaded rod 54 that threadingly engages an internally threaded member or portion 57 of each of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36. Alternatively, the powered gap adjustment mechanism may include one or more linear power actuators that engages each of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36.

[0118] The adjustment of the gap size 51 between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may for example be accomplished by providing the turning unit with a powered double sided threaded rod 54, which has left-hand thread on a first end portion of the rod and right-hand thread on a second end portion of the rod, wherein the left-hand thread threadingly engages an internally threaded member or portion 57 of the first conveying structure 35, and wherein the right-hand thread threadingly engages an internally threaded member or portion 57 of the second conveying structure 36, such that powered rotation of the double sided threaded rod 54 results in opposite movement of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36.

[0119] The turning unit 20 may further comprise a set of linear bearing arrangements or linear guideway arrangements that enables the relative displacement of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36. For example, as illustrated in figures 2-9, the turning unit 20 may comprise four individual linear bearing or linear guideway arrangements that are rigidly fastened to the turning unit 20 and that enables sliding motion first and second conveying structures 35, 36.

[0120] Each linear bearing or linear guideway arrangement of the turning unit 20 may for example include a rigid elongated guide member 55, such as a cylindrical rod, that is rigidly fastened to a frame of the turning unit 20, and corresponding bearing members 56 that are fastened to the first and second conveying structures 35, 36, as illustrated in figure 10. The bearing members 56 may for example be plain bearings, i.e. sliding bushings, or ball bushing bearings, or roller bearings, or the like, that are configured to move along the rigid elongated guide member 55.

[0121] The double sided threaded rod 54 is rotationally fastened to the turning unit 20, such that the double sided threaded rod 54 cannot move relative to the turning unit 20 in the lateral direction 8. In addition, the left-hand thread and right-hand thread have the same thread pitch. This ensures the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 move with the same speed but in opposite directions upon operation of the powered gap adjustment mechanism.

[0122] Furthermore, the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are located on the turning unit 20, which is rotatably supported by the shuttle 18, such that linear motion of the shuttle 18 relative to the stationary body structure 12 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction results in constant relative position of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 as they move linearly in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction. In the example embodiment of the turning unit 20 shown in figure 1 -10, the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are configured to jointly hold and convey the flat product 38 while being handled by the turning apparatus by means of plurality of drive belts.

[0123] Specifically, each of the first and second conveying structures may comprise an upper drive belt 30 configured to engage the upper side 41 of the flat product 38, and a lower driver belt 31 configured to engage the lower side 42 of the flat product 38, wherein simultaneous operation of the upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 is configured to provide conveyance of the flat product 38 in the transport direction, and wherein simultaneous still stand of the upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 is configured to provide stationary holding of the flat product 38 relative to the turning unit 20.

[0124] Figure 10 shows an example embodiment of the first conveying structure 35, which includes a first rigid side plate 29 that provides moveable support for the upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 . The first side plate 29 has front end region arranged to be located adjacent the front side of the turning apparatus, and a rear end region arranged to be located adjacent the rear side of the turning apparatus 1 .

[0125] The upper drive belt 30 is moveably mounted around a first front roller 58 located at the front end region of the side plate 29, and around a first rear roller 59 located at the rear end region of the side plate 29.

[0126] The first side plate 29 further includes a first drive roller 60, which may be driven by an electric motor or the like. The upper drive belt 30 is mounted around also the first drive roller 60 for providing motion control of the upper drive belt 30 in both drive directions. The first side plate 29 further includes two first deflection rollers 61 located adjacent the first drive roller 60 for ensuring that the upper drive belt 30 is in proper contact with the first drive roller 60.

[0127] The lower drive belt 31 is moveably mounted around a second front roller 62 located at the front end region of the side plate 29, and around a second rear roller 63 located at the rear end region of the side plate 29. The first side plate 29 further includes a second drive roller 64, which may be driven by an electric motor or the like. The lower drive belt 31 is mounted around also the second drive roller 64 for providing motion control of the lower drive belt 31 in both drive directions. The first side plate 29 further includes two second deflection rollers 65 located adjacent the second drive roller 64 for ensuring that the lower drive belt 31 is in proper contact with the second drive roller 64.

[0128] The first and second front rollers 58, 62 and first and second rear rollers 59, 63 are positioned such that the upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 extend partly parallel to each other and with a drive belt gap size 66, in the height direction 10, the corresponds to the thickness of the intended flat products 38. Thereby, a downwards facing contact surface 67 of the upper drive belt 30 will engage the upper side 41 of the flat product, and an upwards facing contact surface 68 of the lower drive belt 31 will engage the lower side 41 of the flat product 38, such that the first side edge region 39 of the flat product 38 may be securely and reliably held and conveyed between the upper and lower drive belts of the first conveying structure 35.

[0129] The second conveying structure 36 comprises a corresponding second side plate

[0130] 37 and a corresponding drive belt structure for securely and reliably holding and conveying the second side edge region 40 of the flat product 38, such that the first and second conveying structures 36, 37 jointly can hold and convey the flat object. The upper and lower drive belts of each of the first and second conveying structure 35, 36 may for example have a width of about 5 - 50 mm, as seen in the lateral direction 8 of the turning apparatus, for providing a good driving engagement with the flat product 38.

[0131] The first and second conveying structures 36, 37 may alternatively be provided with other type of drive arrangements. For example, each of the first and second conveying structures 36, 37 may be provided with a single drive belt that engages for example the side edges 43, 44 of the flat object 38. Still more alternatively, each of the first and second conveying structures 36, 37 may be provided with two roller conveyers that engage the upper and lower sides of the flat product 38, or the like. In the example embodiment of figure 1 -10, the turning apparatus further comprises a front bridging conveyer arrangement 69 configured for conveying the flat product

[0132] 38 in the transport direction 5 from an inlet opening 3 of the turning apparatus 1 to the turning unit 20, and a rear bridging conveyer arrangement 70 configured for conveying the flat product 38 in the transport direction 5 from the turning unit 20 to an outlet opening of the turning apparatus 1. The front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 simplifies the handover handling of the flat product from the feeding conveyor to the turning unit 20, as well as the handover handling of the flat product from the turning unit 20 to the dispatch conveyor.

[0133] Without the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70, there could possibly be an undesirable gap between the feeding conveyor and the turning unit 20, and / or an undesirable gap between the turning unit 20 and the dispatch conveyor, that could potentially render operation of the turning apparatus less reliable.

[0134] Furthermore, front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 also ensures that the feeding conveyor and dispatch conveyor does not need to be inserted into the turning apparatus, for bridging any potential gap, because such setup would possibly not always be possible in view of the large variety of different types of feeding and dispatch conveyor belts. In addition, the feeding and dispatch conveyers may be even be compatible for being partly inserted into the turning apparatus. In fact, in some example installations of the turning machine, there will not even be a conventional feeding and / or dispatch conveyer located in front and rear of the turning apparatus, but rather some other type of neighbouring manufacturing machine that performs another process step of the manufacturing process of the flat product, and such a neighbouring manufacturing machine may have a flat outer side wall and thus not able to bridge such a gap in front and / or rear of the turning unit 20.

[0135] In addition, the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 enable a design of the turning unit 20 with a relatively small length in the transport direction 5, thereby ensuring that the turning unit 20 does not interfere with the stationary rigid framework or body structure 12 while performing a turning process, and also ensuring that potentially dangerous moving parts of the turning apparatus are not readily available directly adjacent the inlet or outlet opening of the turning machine, i.e. in an area where a user by mistake could happen to hold an hand. The front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 may actually have the same design, i.e. being the identically same product with the same product number, thereby simplifying manufacturing and maintenance of the turning apparatus, because there are fewer total number of different parts.

[0136] In the example embodiment of the figures 1 -10, each of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 comprises rigid body structure 75, a driven left conveyer belt 72, and a driven right conveyer belt 74. The rigid body structure 75 may serve to fastened the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 to the body structure 12 of the turning apparatus 1 .

[0137] In some example embodiments, each of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 may further comprise a left side plate 71 that is fastened to the body structure 75 and provided with the driven left conveyer belt 72, and a right side plate 73 fastened to the body structure 75 and provided with the driven right conveyer belt 74.

[0138] One of the left and right side plates 71 , 73 may be moveable in the lateral direction for adjusting the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 to the actual width of the flat product.

[0139] So, if for example the turning apparatus is configured to use the left side of the feeding conveyer as a fixed alignment line, meaning that all flat products will arrive to the turning apparatus with their left side edge aligned with the left side of the feeding conveyor, the left side plate 71 of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 can be stationary while the right side plates 73 may be moveable in the lateral direction for adjusting the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 to the actual width of the flat product.

[0140] The lateral adjustment of the right side plate 73 can for example be implemented by having the right side plate 73 being slidingly fastened to the body structure 75 of the bridging conveyer arrangement 69, 70, and providing the left side plate 71 with a driven rotatable threaded rod 76 that engages a corresponding threaded member or portion of the right side plate 73. As a result, turning motion of the threaded rod 76 in one direction will cause the right side plate 73 to move closer to the left side plate 71 and thus reduce a gap size between the right and left side plates 73, 71 , while turning motion of the threaded rod 76 in the other direction will cause the right side plate 73 to move away from the left side plate 71 , and thus increase the gap size between the right and left side plates 73, 71 .

[0141] Each of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 may thus include a left conveyer belt motor 77, a right conveyer belt motor 78, and a threaded rod motor 79.

[0142] The conveyer belt 72, 74 of each of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 may be moveably guided around a front bridge roller 86, a rear bridge roller 87, a drive roller 84 that is drivingly connected to a bridge conveyer motor 85, and a bridge deflection roller 88.

[0143] An advantage of having a front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 with variable gap size in the lateral direction 8 is that the position control of the flat product 38 is maintained while passing through the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70, because the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 engages both side edges of the flat product 38.

[0144] Other designs of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 are of course possible. For example, each of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 may be implemented by a single fixed size conveyer belt or roller conveyer that is large enough to convey the largest planned flat product.

[0145] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate very well that the turning apparatus is configured to adjust not only the relative position of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 for adjusting the gap size 51 , but also to move the shuttle 18 in the lateral direction 8, such that one of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 after the gap size adjustment is positioned at the same lateral position 52 as before the gap size adjustment.

[0146] In the illustration of figured 6 and 7, the shuttle 18 and turning unit 20 are configured such that the second conveying structure 36 is positioned at the same position before and after the gap size adjustment. This means that a lateral distance 53 between the second conveying structure 36 and the body structure 12 is the same in the figures 6 and 7, although the lateral gap size 51 between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 differs significantly.

[0147] As a result, neither the turning apparatus 1 nor the feeding and / or exit / dispatch conveyors arranged next to the turning apparatus 1 need to be re-positioned or adjusted in case of a change of width of the flat product, thereby providing a very user-friendly turning apparatus. In addition, since the position of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 and the shuttle 18 are adjusted only once in connection with change of product size, and not at all during operation of a batch with a plurality of flat products with constant product size, the turning apparatus also provide high reliability, high turning speed, low maintenance requirements, low complexity, and simplified manufacturing, etc. There are thus many very attractive advantages provided with the turning apparatus according to the disclosure.

[0148] The advantage of the turning apparatus according to the present disclosure is described more in detail with reference to figure 8 and 9, which show a top view of the turning machine 1 when operating two difference product sizes.

[0149] By providing the turning apparatus with adjustable first and second conveying structures 35, 36 for enabling adjustment of the lateral gap size 51 there between, the turning apparatus becomes more flexible and can process flat products of different sizes. Moreover, by having the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 adjusted equally much around a lateral centre position of the turning unit 20, the flat product will always return to same position after being turned upside down, irrespective of size of lateral size of the flat product. Finally, by means of the laterally displaceable shuttle 18, the entire turning unit 20 may be laterally displaced, such turning unit 20 may be lateral adjusted to match the lateral position of the flat product, thereby enabling the flat products to always be aligned with one side edge of the feeding conveyer, thereby improving operational robustness and reliability of the manufacturing process.

[0150] In the example embodiment of figure 8 and 9, the left side of the feeding and dispatch conveyer is selected as common alignment line. Hence, the left side plate 71 of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 are stationary and fixed with respect to the body structure 12 and can be used for initial alignment of the turning apparatus 1 relative to the feeding and dispatch conveyers 80, 81 . In other words, during initial assembly of the manufacturing line, or in connection with maintenance of the manufacturing line, proper alignment of the turning apparatus 1 relative to the feeding and dispatch conveyers 80, 81 is always easily accomplished, by for example aligning the left side edge 82 of the feeding and dispatch conveyers 80, 81 with the left side plates 71 of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70.

[0151] An alignment marking located on the body structure 12 can alternatively be used said alignment, in case the left side plate 71 of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 is not available.

[0152] Each of the feeding and dispatch conveyers 80, 81 comprises a left side edge 82 and a right side edge 83.

[0153] As illustrated in figure 8, in case a batch of relatively small flat products 38 are supplied on the feeding conveyor 80 and aligned with the left side edge 82 of the feeding conveyor 80, the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are adjusted once to provide a gap size 51 that corresponds to the width 48 of the flat product 38. Furthermore, the shuttle is laterally displaced once, such that the second side plate 37 of the turning unit 20 is aligned with the left side plates 71 of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70, or aligned the left side edge 82 of the feeding conveyor 80 and dispatch conveyor 81 . Finally, the lateral position of the right side plate 73 the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 are adjusted once, such that the resulting gap size between the right and left side plates 73, 71 corresponds to the width 48 of the flat product 38.

[0154] After these initial adjustments are made, there is no further need for adjusting the position of any of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36, the shuttle 18 or the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70, thereby ensuring high reliability, high turning speed, low maintenance requirements, low complexity, and simplified manufacturing, etc.

[0155] Turning of the flat product 38 may for example be performed by the following steps: the flat product is supplied to the turning machine 1 by the feeding conveyor 80, and the left side edge 44 of the flat product 38 is aligned with the left side edge 82 of the feeding conveyor; the left and right conveyer belts 72, 74 of the front bridging conveyer arrangement 69 are aligned with the side edges 43, 44 of the flat product 38 and conveys the flat product 38 to the turning unit 20. The first and second side plates 29, 37 of the turning unit 20 are aligned with the left and right conveyer belts 72, 74 of the front bridging conveyer arrangement 69, respectively, and the upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 drive the flat product 38 in the transport direction 5 to a predetermined position. The turning motor 25 rotates the turning unit 20 180 degrees around a rotational axis 28 that is parallel with the transport direction 5, such that the flat product is turned upside down. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 drive the flat product 38 in the transport direction 5 to the rear bridging conveyer arrangement 70, which conveys the flat product 38 from the turning unit 20 to the dispatch conveyer 81. The turned flat product 38 is conveyed further on the dispatch conveyor 81 , and the left side edge 44 of the flat product 38 is aligned with the left side edge 82 of the dispatch conveyor 81 .

[0156] With reference to figure 9, in case a subsequent batch of relatively large flat products 38 are supplied on the feeding conveyor 80 and aligned with the left side edge 82 of the feeding conveyor 80, the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are adjusted once to provide a gap size 51 that corresponds to the width 48 of the flat product 38. Furthermore, the shuttle 18 is laterally displaced once towards the right side in figure 9, such that the second side plate 37 of the turning unit 20 is aligned with the left side plates 71 of the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70, or aligned the left side edge 82 of the feeding conveyor 80 and dispatch conveyor 81 . Finally, the lateral position of the right side plate 73 the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70 are adjusted once, such that the resulting gap size between the right and left side plates 73, 71 corresponds to the width 48 of the flat product 38.

[0157] After these initial adjustments are made, there is no further need for adjusting the position of any of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36, the shuttle 18 or the front and rear bridging conveyer arrangements 69, 70, thereby ensuring high reliability, high turning speed, low maintenance requirements, low complexity, and simplified manufacturing, etc.

[0158] As described above with reference to figures 1 - 10, the turning apparatus 1 is configured to receive and dispatch flat products 38 in a state when the flat products 38 are lying flat on a support surface, with the upper and lower main sides 41 , 42 facing upwards and downwards, respectively.

[0159] The flat product 38 may for example be a printed Circuit Board (PCB), or a solar cell or a photovoltaic wafer, or a silicon wafer, or virtually any type of flat product that may require a turning motion.

[0160] One example embodiment of the turning apparatus and turning method is described below with reference to figures 12A-12D, which show schematic side views in the lateral direction 8 of the turning apparatus at four different time instances of the turning process, and figures 13A-13D show schematic side views in the transport direction 5 of the turning apparatus at the same four different time instances, i.e. at the corresponding time instances.

[0161] In this example embodiment, the turning unit rotates around a rotational axis that is parallel with the transport direction 5.

[0162] In figure 12A and 13A, the turning machine is positioned in feed and dispatch position, i.e. in a position in which new flat products may be fed into the turning apparatus and / or turned flat products may be dispatched from the turning apparatus. This typically means that the turning unit 20 is oriented such that the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are configured to hold a flat product in a horizontal plane.

[0163] In figure 12A, one flat product is conveyed in the transport direction 5 towards a front side of the turning apparatus while being located on the feeding conveyer 80. A further flat product is conveyed in the transport direction by means of first and second conveying structures 35, 36, and still a further flat objected that has been turned upside down is conveyed in the transport direction 5 away from a rear side of the turning apparatus while being located on the dispatch conveyer 81 .

[0164] In figure 12B and 13B, the flat product has arrived at a predetermined position and the turning operation has been initiated. This means that the turning unit 20 has rotated about 75 degrees. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may be still standing while the turning unit 20 rotates. The feeding conveyer 80 and dispatch conveyer 81 may still be running and conveying new flat products to the turning apparatus 1 and turned flat products away from the turning apparatus 1 .

[0165] In figures 12C and 13C, the turning operation has been continued and the turning unit 20 has rotated about 135 degrees. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may continue to be still standing while the turning unit 20 rotates. The feeding conveyer 80 and dispatch conveyer 81 may still be running and conveying new flat products to the turning apparatus 1 and turned flat products away from the turning apparatus 1 .

[0166] In figures 12D and 13D, the turning operation is completed and the turning unit 20 has rotated 180 degrees, such that the flat product held by the turning unit 20 is turned upside down. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may be operated again for dispatching the turned flat product from the turning unit 20. The feeding conveyer 80 and dispatch conveyer 81 may still be running and conveying new flat products to the turning apparatus 1 and turned flat products away from the turning apparatus 1 .

[0167] A further example embodiment of the turning apparatus and turning method is described below with reference to figures 14A-14D, which show schematic side views in the lateral direction 8 of the turning apparatus at four different time instances of the turning process. In this example embodiment, the turning unit rotates around a rotational axis that is perpendicular to the transport direction 5, e.g. parallel with the lateral direction 8. In other words, the turning unit is configured to turn the flat product 38 upside down by rotating the turning unit around a horizontal rotational axis that is perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0168] In figure 14A, the turning machine is positioned in feed and dispatch position. This typically means that the turning unit 20 is oriented such that the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 are configured to hold a flat product in a horizontal plane.

[0169] In figure 14B, the flat product has arrived at a predetermined position and the turning operation has been initiated. This means that the turning unit 20 has rotated about 75 degrees. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may be still standing while the turning unit 20 rotates. The feeding conveyer 80 and dispatch conveyer 81 may still be running and conveying new flat products to the turning apparatus 1 and turned flat products away from the turning apparatus 1 .

[0170] In figures 14C, the turning operation has been continued and the turning unit 20 has rotated about 135 degrees. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may continue to be still standing while the turning unit 20 rotates. The feeding conveyer 80 and dispatch conveyer 81 may still be running and conveying new flat products to the turning apparatus 1 and turned flat products away from the turning apparatus 1 .

[0171] In figures 14D, the turning operation is completed and the turning unit 20 has rotated 180 degrees, such that the flat product held by the turning unit 20 is turned upside down. The upper and lower drive belts 30, 31 of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 may be operated again for dispatching the turned flat product from the turning unit 20. The feeding conveyer 80 and dispatch conveyer 81 may still be running and conveying new flat products to the turning apparatus 1 and turned flat products away from the turning apparatus 1 .

[0172] The turning apparatus may include an electronic control unit (ECU) that is programmed to control various motors and / actuators of the turning apparatus, based on input signals received from various operating sensors.

[0173] For example, the ECU may be configured to control a motor or actuator that is operably connected to the shuttle for moving the shuttle in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction for adjusting the shuttle to the size of the incoming flat product. The ECU may also be configured to control a motor or actuator that is operably connected to a motor or actuator for adjusting a gap between first and second conveying structures to match a size of the flat product. The ECU may also be configured to control a motor or actuator that is operably connected to a motor or actuator for controlling operation of the upper and lower drive belts of the first and second conveying structures for conveying the flat product in the transport direction while passing through the turning unit. The ECU may also be configured to control a motor or actuator that is operably connected to a motor or actuator for rotating the turning unit for rotating the turning unit for turning the flat product upside down. In addition, the ECU may be configured to receive electric input signals from various sensors, such as for example at least one product position sensor that detect position of the flat product, and at least one angular position sensor for detecting an angular position of the turning unit 20.

[0174] A schematic and simplified illustration of an electric system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU), a set of motors or actuators for controlling the operation of the turning apparatus 1 , and a set of sensors, is showed in figure 15. The ECU of the turning apparatus may be implemented as programmed digital control unit, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like, and the ECU may be operatively connected to the set of motors or actuators for controlling the operation of each motor or actuator individually.

[0175] The set of motors or actuators may include a shuttle motor or actuator 23 for controlling displacement position of the shuttle 18 relative to the body structure 12.

[0176] The set of motors or actuators may further include a turning motor 25 for controlling rotational movement of the turning unit 20.

[0177] The set of motors or actuators may further include a turning unit gap adjustment motor or actuator 89 for controlling and adjusting the gap size 51 between the first and second conveying structures 35, 36.

[0178] The set of motors or actuators may further include a turning unit conveyor motor 90 for conveying the flat product from the front side to the rear side of the turning apparatus 1 .

[0179] In addition, the ECU may further be configured to receive electric input signals from various sensors, such as for example at least one product position sensor S1 that detect position of the flat product, and at least one angular position sensor S2 for detecting an angular position of the turning unit 20.

[0180] A first example embodiment of the method for operating the turning apparatus configured for conveying a product in a product transport direction and turning the flat product 38 is described below with reference to figure 16. The turning apparatus includes: a shuttle movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction; and a turning unit rotatably supported by the shuttle. The method comprises a first adjustment step S10 of adjusting the position of the shuttle 18 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5 for aligning a centre of the turning unit 20, as seen in the lateral direction 8, with centre of a planned incoming flat product 38, as seen in the lateral direction 8. As a result, the turning unit 20 may be correctly positioned to receive a new flat product of a different size, even when a product drive system of the turning unit has been adjusted to match the size of a new flat product of a different size, and even if one side edge of the new flat product is located at the same lateral position as the previous flat product.

[0181] Alternatively, the first adjustment step S10 of adjusting the position of the shuttle 18 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5 is performed for aligning one of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 of the turning unit with a fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus, even when a product drive system of the turning unit has been adjusted to match the size of a new flat product of a different size, and even if one side edge of the new flat product is located at the same lateral position as the previous flat product.

[0182] In the example embodiment of figures 1 -10, said fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus corresponds to the lateral position of the left side plate 71 of the front or rear bridging conveyer arrangement 69, 70. However, said fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus may correspond to another part or marking of the stationary body structure 12. For example, said fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus may correspond to a marking provided in the rigid frame work 17 or on the casing of the turning apparatus.

[0183] As a result, the shuttle may be adjusted such that the product drive system of the turning unit is always correctly positioned to receive a flat product, irrespective of size of the received flat product, and even when one side edge of the new flat product is located at the same lateral position as the previous flat product.

[0184] Consequently, the feeding and dispatch conveyer does not need to be relocated when supplying a new product size of the flat product, even when all flat products, irrespective of size, are always aligned with a single side edge of the feeding and dispatch conveyer. The method for operating the turning apparatus may include some additional steps, as described below with reference to figure 17. Specifically, the method may include a further step S20 of feeding a flat product 38 in the transport direction into the turning unit, a subsequent step S30 of rotating the turning unit for turning the flat product 38 upside down; and thereafter an additional step S40 of dispatching the flat product 38 from the turning unit in the transport direction.

[0185] The first adjustment step S10 is typically performed only in preparation for handling of a new product size. Hence, if a batch of 100 flat products should be processed, the first adjustment step S10 is performed once ahead of start of the turning operation, and thereafter the 100 flat products are turned, one by one, by the turning apparatus. Hence, with reference to figure 18, the method may include a return line 93 that shows that the method goes back to step S20 after having completed step S40, as long as the product size remain constant.

[0186] According to a further example embodiment of the method for operating the turning apparatus, the turning unit has first and second conveying structures that are moveable relative to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction and configured to jointly hold and convey the flat product 38. Furthermore, with reference to figure 19, the method may comprise a second adjustment step S15, that is executed before the step S20 of feeding the flat product 38 into the turning unit, wherein the second adjustment step comprises adjusting a gap between first and second conveying structures to match a size of the flat product 38.

[0187] Said adjustment of the gap involves adjusting the gap between first and second conveying structures in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0188] Consequently, by adjusting the position of the shuttle 18 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5 for aligning one of the first and second conveying structures 35, 36 of the turning unit with a fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus, and also adjusting a gap between first and second conveying structures to match a size of the flat product 38, said aligned first or second conveying structure 35, 36 will always be located on the same position before and after an adjustment of the shuttle position and gap size. The order of the first and second adjustment steps S10, S15 may be reversed, such that the second adjustment step S15 is performed before the first adjustment step S10. Moreover, according to still an alternative example, the first and second adjustment steps S10, S15 may performed more or less simultaneously.

[0189] With reference to figure 20, the method for operating the turning apparatus may, according to a further example embodiment, additionally include an initial assembly step S5 of: aligning a left side edge of the feeding conveyer and left side edge of the dispatch conveyor with a predetermined stationary part of turning apparatus or with a dedicated alignment marking located on the body structure 12; or aligning a right side edge of the feeding conveyer and right side edge of the dispatch conveyor with a predetermined stationary part of turning apparatus or with a dedicated alignment marking located on the body structure 12.

[0190] This initial alignment step S5 needs only to performed during initial assembly of the manufacturing line, and possible also in case of maintenance of the like, but typically not during ordinary manufacturing. Hence, the method described with reference to figure 20 includes a return line 93 that shows that the method goes back to step S20 after having completed step S40, as long as the product size remain constant, and an additional return line 94 that indicates that the method goes back to step S10 after having completed step S40 and a new size of the flat product is about to the processed.

[0191] The present disclosure has been presented above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are possible and within the scope of the disclosure. Different method steps than those described above, performing the method by hardware or software, may be provided within the scope of the disclosure.

[0192] The methods disclosed herein may be implemented in a general purpose computer, a processor, or a processor core. Suitable processors include, by way of example, a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and / or a state machine.

[0193] The methods or flow charts provided herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable storage medium for execution by a general purpose computer or a processor. Examples of computer-readable storage mediums include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a register, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0194] It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0195] Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand. REFERENCE SIGNS

[0196] 1. Turning apparatus 36. Second conveying structure

[0197] 2. Front side 37. Second side plate

[0198] 3. Inlet opening 40 38. Flat product

[0199] 4. Rear side 39. First side edge region

[0200] 5. Transport direction 40. Second side edge region

[0201] 6. length 41 . Upper main side

[0202] 7. width 42. Lower main side

[0203] 8. lateral direction 45 43. First side edge

[0204] 9. height 44. Second side edge

[0205] 10. height direction 45. Front edge

[0206] 11 . Front window 46. Rear edge

[0207] 12. Body structure 47. Length flat product

[0208] 13. First lateral side 50 48. Width flat product

[0209] 14. Second lateral side 49. Upper side area

[0210] 15. Top side 50. Lower side area

[0211] 16. Support feet 51 . Gap size

[0212] 17. Rigid frame work 52. Lateral position

[0213] 18. Shuttle 55 53. Lateral distance

[0214] 19. Linear track or rail system 54. Double sided threaded rod

[0215] 20. Turning unit 55. Guide member of linear

[0216] 21 . Track or rail or guide bearing

[0217] 22. Linear bearing 56. Bearing member

[0218] 23. Electric shuttle motor 60 57. Threaded member or portion

[0219] 24. Threaded shuttle rod 58. First front roller

[0220] 25. Turning motor 59. First rear roller

[0221] 26. Support roller 60. First drive roller

[0222] 27. Drive belt 61 . First deflection roller

[0223] 28. Rotational axis 65 62. second front roller

[0224] 29. First side plate 63. second rear roller

[0225] 30. Upper drive belt 64. second drive roller

[0226] 31 . Lower drive belt 65. second deflection roller

[0227] 32. First annular frame member 66. drive belt gap size

[0228] 33. Second annular frame member 70 67. Downwards facing contact

[0229] 34. Connecting member surface

[0230] 35. First conveying structure 68. Upwards facing contact surface 69. Front bridging conveyer 82. Left side edge of conveyer arrangement 83. Right side edge of conveyer

[0231] 70. Rear bridging conveyer 84. Drive roller arrangement 85. Bridge conveyor motor 71 . Left side plate of a bridge 20 86. Front bridge roller

[0232] 72. Left conveyer belt of a bridge 87. Rear bridge roller

[0233] 73. Right side plate of a bridge 88. Bridge deflection roller

[0234] 74. Right conveyer belt of a bridge 89. Turning unit gap adjustment

[0235] 75. body structure of bridge motor 76. Threaded rod 25 90. Turning unit conveyor motor

[0236] 77. Left conveyer belt motor 91 . First side wall

[0237] 78. Right conveyer belt motor 92. Second side wall

[0238] 79. Threaded rod motor of bridge 93. Return line

[0239] 80. Feeding conveyor 94. Additional return line 81 . Dispatch conveyor

Claims

CLAIMS1. A turning apparatus (1 ) for conveying a flat product (38) in a product transport direction and turning the flat product (38), the turning apparatus (1) comprising: a stationary body structure (12); a shuttle (18) movably supported by the body structure (12), wherein the shuttle (18) is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction; and a turning unit (20) rotatably supported by the shuttle (18), wherein the turning unit (20) is configured to receive the flat product (38) in the transport direction, rotate for turning the flat product (38) upside down, and dispatch the flat product (38) in the transport direction.

2. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the shuttle (18) is slidably or rollably attached via a linear track or rail system to the body structure (12), wherein the linear track or rail system enables linear motion of the shuttle (18) relative to the body structure (12).

3. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the linear track or rail system comprises two parallel spaced apart tracks or rails (21 ) that jointly carries the shuttle (18) and enables linear motion of the shuttle (18) relative to the body structure (12).

4. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a powered shuttle drive assembly that is configured to controllably move the shuttle (18), in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, relative to the stationary body structure (12).

5. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the powered shuttle drive assembly comprises: a single linear actuator having a first actuator attachment point attached to the body structure (12) and a second actuator attachment point attached to the shuttle (18) for controllably moving the shuttle (18) back and forth in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction; ora single electric motor fastened to the body structure (12) and drivingly connected via a drive belt or chain to the shuttle (18) for controllably moving the shuttle (18) back and forth in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction6. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the single linear actuator is a ball screw actuator powered by an electric motor (23).

7. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shuttle (18) further comprises a support structure for rotatably supporting the turning unit (20) on the shuttle (18), and a turning motor (25) drivingly connected to the turning unit (20) and configured for controllably rotate the turning unit (20).

8. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the turning unit (20) is configured to turn the flat product (38) upside down by rotating the turning unit (20) around a horizontal rotational axis (28) that is parallel with the transport direction.

9. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 1 to 7, wherein the turning unit (20) is configured to turn the flat product (38) upside down by rotating the turning unit (20) around a horizontal rotational axis (28) that is perpendicular to the transport direction.

10. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 8 to 9, wherein the horizontal rotational axis (28) is configured to extend through a centre of the flat product (38).11 . The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the turning unit (20) has a cylindrical shape and comprises two spaced apart annular frame members (32, 33) that are arranged parallel to each other and mutually connected via connecting members (34).

12. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the two spaced apart annular frame members (32, 33) are rotatably supported by the support structure of the shuttle (18).

13. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 11 to 12, wherein the support structure of the shuttle (18) comprises two spaced apart sets of wheels or rollers (26), wherein each annular frame member (32, 33) of the turning unit (20) is configured to be rotatably supported on one set of wheels or rollers (26) of the support structure.

14. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 7 to 13, wherein the turning motor (25) is drivingly connected to the turning unit (20) via a drive belt or chain (27) or via a direct drive gear arrangement.

15. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the turning unit (20) has a first conveying structure (35) configured to engage the flat product (38) at a first side edge region of the flat product (38) and a second conveying structure (36) configured to engage the flat product (38) at a second side edge region of the flat product (38), wherein the first and second conveying structures (35, 36) are configured to jointly convey the flat product (38) in the transport direction and to hold the flat product (38) while the turning unit (20) is rotating for turning the flat product (38) upside down.

16. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the first and second conveying structures (35, 36) are moveable relative to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction for enabling adjustment of a gap size (51 ) between the first and second conveying structures (35, 36), such that the first and second conveying structures (35, 36) can be controllably moved relative to each other to convey and hold flat products (38) having different sizes in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

17. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 15 to 16, wherein the turning unit (20) comprises a powered double sided threaded rod (54) having left-hand thread on a first end of the rod (54) and right-hand thread on a second end of the rod (54), wherein the left-hand thread threadingly engages the first conveying structure (35), wherein the right-hand thread threadingly engages the second conveying structure (36), such that powered rotation of the double sided threaded rod (54) results in opposite movement of the first and second conveying structures (35, 36).

18. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 15 to 17, wherein each of the first and second conveying structures (35, 36) comprises an upper drive belt (30) configured to engage an upper side (41 ) of the flat product (38) and a lower driver belt (31 ) configured to engage a lower side (42) of the flat product (38), wherein simultaneous operation of the upper and lower drive belts (30, 31 ) of the first and second conveying structures (35, 36) is configured to provide conveyance of the flat product (38) in the transport direction, and wherein simultaneous still stand of the upper and lower drive belts (30, 31 ) of the first and second conveying structures (35, 36) is configured to provide stationary holding of the flat product (38) relative to the turning unit (20).

19. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, further comprising: a front bridging conveyer arrangement (69) configured for conveying the flat product (38) in the transport direction from an inlet opening of the turning apparatus (1 ) to the turning unit (20), and / or a rear bridging conveyer arrangement (70) configured for conveying the flat product (38) in the transport direction from the turning unit (20) to an outlet opening of the turning apparatus (1 ).

20. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the stationary body structure (12) having a front side at which the flat product (38) is configured to enter the turning apparatus (1 ), and a rear side at which the flat product (38) is configured to exit the turning apparatus (1 ).21 . The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the turning apparatus (1 ) is configured to receive and dispatch the flat product (38) in a state when the flat product (38) is lying flat on a support surface.

22. The turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flat product (38) is a printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a solar cell or a photovoltaic wafer or a silicon wafer.

23. A method for operating a turning apparatus (1 ) configured for conveying a flat product (38) in a product transport direction and turning the flat product (38), wherein the turning apparatus (1 ) includes: a shuttle (18) movable in a directionperpendicular to the transport direction; and a turning unit (20) rotatably supported by the shuttle (18), the method comprising: adjusting the position of the shuttle (18) in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction for aligning a centre of the turning unit (20) with centre of a planned incoming flat product (38), or for aligning a part of the turning unit (20) with a fixed and predetermined lateral position of the turning apparatus (1 ).

24. The method for operating the turning apparatus (1 ) according to claim 23, the method further comprises: feeding a flat product (38) in the transport direction into the turning unit (20); rotating the turning unit (20) for turning the flat product (38) upside down; and dispatching the flat product (38) from the turning unit (20) in the transport direction.

25. The method for operating the turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 23 to 24, the method further comprises a step of, for each flat product that is supplied to the turning apparatus: aligning a left side (44) of the flat product (38) with a left side edge (82) of the feeding conveyor (80), or aligning a right side (43) of the flat product (38) with a right side edge (83) of the feeding conveyor (80).

26. The method for operating the turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 23 to 25, wherein the turning unit (20) has first and second conveying structures (35, 36) that are moveable relative to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction and configured to jointly hold and convey the flat product (38), the method further comprises the following step, that is executed before the step of feeding the flat product (38) into the turning unit (20): adjusting a gap (51 ) between first and second conveying structures (35, 36) to match a size of the flat product (38).

27. The method for operating the turning apparatus (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 23 to 26, the method further comprises an initial assembly step (S5) of:aligning a left side edge of the feeding conveyer and left side edge of the dispatch conveyor with a predetermined stationary part of turning apparatus or with a dedicated alignment marking located on the body structure (12); or aligning a right side edge of the feeding conveyer and right side edge of the dispatch conveyor with a predetermined stationary part of turning apparatus or with a dedicated alignment marking located on the body structure (12).

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