Handling apparatus, in particular sorting apparatus, for handling products, production machine having the handling apparatus, and also method for handling products by way of the handling apparatus
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SYNTEGON TECHNOLOGY GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2024072479_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] HANDLING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR SORTING DEVICE, FOR HANDLING PRODUCTS, PRODUCTION MACHINE WITH THE HANDLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING PRODUCTS WITH THE HANDLING DEVICE
[0003] State of the art
[0004] The invention relates to a handling device for handling products, in particular small parts, with at least one vibration conveyor unit at least for conveying the products along a conveying direction of the vibration conveyor unit and with at least one electrodynamic conveyor unit which at least partially forms the vibration conveyor unit or on which the vibration conveyor unit is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveyor unit has at least one electrodynamically movable mover on which at least one product receptacle of the vibration conveyor unit is arranged for receiving the products, which product receptacle can be set into vibration for conveying the products.
[0005] WO 2022 / 201207 A1 already discloses such a handling device for handling products, in particular small parts such as closure plugs, closure caps, corks, crown caps, screw caps, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, or the like. The handling device can be conveyed along a conveying direction of the vibratory conveyor unit by means of a product receptacle of a vibratory conveyor unit, which can be set into vibration by an electrodynamically movable mover of an electrodynamic conveyor unit. The previously known handling device is intended solely to enable a conveying function for the products, whereby the products can be transported by means of the vibratory conveyor unit only from a starting position to an end position.The already known handling device is not intended or designed to implement a further handling function, in particular a sorting function, by means of which the products can be influenced, for example, in addition to conveying by means of the vibration conveyor unit.
[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic handling device, a generic production machine, and a generic method with improved properties regarding flexibility and / or functionality in a conveying process, in particular in a sorting process. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 6, and claim 7, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.
[0007] Disclosure of the invention
[0008] The invention is based on a handling device, in particular a sorting device, for handling, in particular sorting, products, in particular small parts, with at least one vibration conveyor unit at least for conveying the products along a conveying direction of the vibration conveyor unit and with at least one electrodynamic conveyor unit which at least partially forms the vibration conveyor unit or on which the vibration conveyor unit is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveyor unit has at least one electrodynamically movable mover, on which at least one product receptacle of the vibration conveyor unit is arranged for receiving the products, in particular having a plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks, which product receptacle can be set into vibration for conveying the products, in particular by means of the electrodynamically movable mover.
[0009] It is proposed that the vibration conveyor unit have at least one functional element arranged on the product holder, which is intended to implement at least one sorting function of the vibration conveyor unit, in particular an alignment, rotation, erection, sorting, bunkering or dosing of the products, which can be carried out in particular during the conveying of the products. "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specially set up, specially designed, specially equipped and / or specially programmed. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a flexible design of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved which can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks. A handling device can advantageously be provided which has a broad and preferably individually adaptable range of functions. A great variety of functions of the handling device can advantageously be realized. A handling device can advantageously be realized which is particularly advantageously suitable for implementing a sorting function and which can be flexibly adapted to individual product types and / or sorting functions. An orderly product provision in a production process can advantageously be enabled, in particular in addition to the pure conveying of products by means of the vibration conveyor unit.This can advantageously enable simple and rapid troubleshooting, in particular since, for example, when a fault is detected, such as a blocked product holder, preferably a blocked conveyor track, or the like, via a sensor unit and / or a control or regulating unit, the sorting function can be temporarily interrupted and the affected sub-function, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover with the product holder arranged on it, can be replaced or repaired, for example by combing out or the like. In the event of a fault, an electrodynamically movable mover can advantageously move from an overall “sorting function” structure or be replaced automatically or manually. The overall “sorting function” structure can advantageously be rearranged by individual electrodynamically movable movers being repositioned, replaced, or newly introduced.Advantageously, a structurally simple modularity and / or a simple change of format parts can be achieved. The overall “sorting function” structure can advantageously be built independently, in particular fully automatically, which advantageously reduces the overall size of individual sub-functions and, for example, advantageously enables easy introduction of products through small clean room locks. Advantageously, each sub-function can be stopped or started individually, for example to eliminate errors or rearrange them. Advantageously, fully automatic setup of the electrodynamically movable movers with corresponding product holders designed as format parts can be enabled, for example by means of a robot, in particular an autonomously operating robot, a setup station that can be approached by the electrodynamically movable movers, or the like.
[0010] Preferably, the functional element is designed and / or arranged on the product holder in such a way that a product that comes into contact with the functional element or at least temporarily rests against the functional element is aligned, arranged, guided into a predetermined path, rotated, erected, sorted, lifted, collected, or dosed. The functional element can be formed integrally with the product holder or fixed to the product holder by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection.The term “one-piece” should be understood in particular to mean at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, for example by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single-component or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. The functional element is preferably arranged on a trough-like conveyor track of the product holder. The trough-like conveyor track preferably has a U-shaped cross-section, in particular when viewed in a cross-sectional plane of the product holder that extends at least substantially perpendicular to a support surface of the product holder.The expression “essentially perpendicular” is intended in particular to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. However, it is also conceivable for the trough-like conveyor track to have a different cross-sectional shape that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a V-shaped cross-section or the like. The conveyor track is preferably provided for guiding the products during conveying by means of the vibration conveyor unit. The product holder preferably comprises a plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks. Preferably, at least one, in particular individual, functional element of the vibration conveyor unit is arranged on each conveyor track.It is also conceivable for the product receptacle to have a tapered, trough-like conveyor track that transitions into a plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks, with one or more functional elements being arranged in the region of the transition between the tapered, trough-like conveyor track and the plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the functional element, preferably viewed along the conveying direction, to be arranged at a beginning, an end, a middle, or at any other position of the corresponding trough-like conveyor tracks on the product receptacle that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.
[0011] The product holder is preferably designed as a type of receiving tray, as a type of receiving trough or the like, in which products are arranged during handling by means of the electrodynamically movable mover. The product holder can be designed as one piece with the, in particular the respective, electrodynamically movable mover, or the product holder can be fixed to the, in particular the respective, electrodynamically movable mover by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. The product holder preferably comprises at least one, preferably at least two, side walls running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the support surface of the product holder, in particular side walls which at least partially delimit, in particular delimit, a product receiving space of the product holder or the trough-like conveyor track of the product holder.Preferably, one side wall or both side walls at least partially form or delimit the trough-like conveyor track or one of the trough-like conveyor tracks. The product holder can be set into vibration by an oscillating movement of the electrodynamically movable mover itself or by an additional oscillating drive unit, in particular arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover, in particular in order to exert a conveying force according to the oscillating conveyor principle on the products arranged on the product holder. The product holder is preferably made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or the like, or of a plastic. In particular, products are moved relative to the product holder purely by vibrations of the product holder. The electrodynamic conveyor unit preferably has a design already known to a person skilled in the art.The electrodynamic conveyor unit preferably comprises a plurality of, in particular horizontally or vertically aligned, movement surface elements that are equipped with electromagnetic drive elements and are connected to one another, in particular to form a planar movement plane. The electrodynamic conveyor unit preferably comprises a plurality of electrodynamically movable movers that are movable relative to the movement surface elements, in particular without contact, in particular as a result of an interaction between permanent magnets of the electrodynamically movable movers and the electromagnetic drive elements of the movement surface elements. In particular, the electrodynamic conveyor unit can detect and evaluate a position of the individual electrodynamically movable movers relative to the movement surface elements in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art in order to control or regulate a movement, an oscillation or the like.of the electrodynamically movable mover. Regarding the basic functionality and basic design of the electrodynamic conveying unit of the handling device according to the invention, reference is made, for example, to the product XPianar from Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG or to the product XBot® from Planar Motor Inc. For handling products, at least one product receptacle is preferably arranged on each electrodynamically movable mover.
[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the functional element be designed as an insertion slope, as a step, as a wall delimiting a sorting opening, in particular as a side wall of the product receptacle delimiting a sorting opening, or as an intermediate wall, in particular as a stop or stopper, for subdividing a maximum conveying path of the product receptacle into at least two partial conveying paths of the product receptacle separated by the intermediate wall. Preferably, the handling device according to the invention comprises a plurality of product receptacles, with at least one functional element being arranged on each of the product receptacles, with the functional elements being or being able to be designed differently, in particular in order to implement different sorting functions during conveying of the products along an overall conveying path of the handling device or of a production machine comprising the handling device.When the functional element is configured as an insertion bevel, the functional element is preferably triangular, pyramidal, conical, or conical. In particular, the functional element configured as an insertion bevel is arranged at a beginning of the trough-like conveyor track, preferably viewed along the conveying direction. Preferably, at least two functional elements of the vibration conveyor unit configured as insertion bevels are assigned to the trough-like conveyor track, in particular to each of the trough-like conveyor tracks of the product receptacle. Preferably, the functional element(s) configured as an insertion bevel transition(s), in particular smoothly, into a lateral guide surface and into a bottom guide surface of the, in particular assigned, trough-like conveyor track.Preferably, an insertion surface of the functional element designed as an insertion bevel is arranged inclined relative to the support surface of the product holder and / or relative to the side wall of the product holder. Preferably, the product holder comprises a plurality of channel-like guideways, wherein at least one functional element, preferably at least two functional elements, are arranged, in particular, per channel-like guideway on the corresponding channel-like guideway. The functional elements designed as insertion bevels are preferably arranged next to one another, in particular lined up in a direction running transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction, particularly when viewed in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface of the product holder.“Substantially parallel” should be understood in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. When the functional element is designed as an intermediate wall, in particular as a stop or stopper, for subdividing a maximum conveying path of the product holder into at least two partial conveying paths of the product holder, in particular the trough-like conveying track, separated by the intermediate wall, the functional element preferably extends along the direction running transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction and along a direction running transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface.In particular, the functional element designed as an intermediate wall comprises a stop or stop surface that extends transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to at least one of the side walls of the product holder and to the support surface. The functional element designed as an intermediate wall is preferably intended to serve as a stop or stop for products that are to be lined up or lined up along the conveying direction, in particular before the entire product holder is rotated by more than 90°, in particular by 180°, about a rotation axis of the product holder or of the electrodynamically movable mover that extends transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface, preferably in order to enable simultaneous loading and unloading of the product holder with products from two sides.In particular, one of the partial conveying sections of the product receptacle, in particular of the trough-like conveyor track, is designed as a loading section and the other of the partial conveying sections of the product receptacle, in particular of the trough-like conveyor track, is designed as an unloading section. As a result of a rotation of the product receptacle by 180°, the assignment of the partial conveying sections of the product receptacle, in particular of the trough-like conveyor track, as a loading section or as an unloading section can be changed or interchanged. If the functional element is designed as a step, the functional element preferably forms a conveying surface for the products that is higher in a vertical direction than the trough-like conveyor track, wherein the functional element designed as a step forms a step in the transition area to the trough-like conveyor track in the mathematical sense.In particular, the functional element designed as a step is arranged at a start of the trough-like conveyor track, preferably viewed along the conveying direction. Preferably, as a result of conveying over the functional element designed as a step, a product is rotated by at least 90°, preferably about a horizontally oriented axis of rotation, in particular about an erection axis of the product holder, at least by 90°. In particular, the trough-like guide track has an incline, preferably viewed along the conveying direction downstream of the functional element designed as a step. As an alternative to designing the functional element as a step, it is conceivable for the functional element to be designed as a so-called stretching chicane, which is intended to rotate the products by at least 90°.When the functional element is designed as a wall delimiting a sorting opening, in particular as a side wall of the product holder, in particular of the trough-like conveyor track, delimiting a sorting opening, the functional element is preferably provided to implement a sorting function. In particular, products which have an orientation unsuitable for further processing of the products in the region of the functional element designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening, such as a horizontal orientation instead of an upright orientation of the products or the like, can be ejected through the sorting opening. Preferably, products which have an orientation suitable for further processing of the products in the region of the functional element designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening, such as an upright orientation instead of a horizontal orientation of the products or the like., can be protected from being ejected by the functional element designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening, in particular by the products being movable with a suitable orientation along the functional element designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening, in particular by the products being able to slide or roll along the functional element designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening. Due to the limitation by the functional element designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening, the sorting opening preferably has a maximum vertical extent that is smaller than a maximum total length of the products, in particular such that upright products cannot be ejected through the sorting opening.The sorting opening preferably has, as a result of the limitation by the functional element formed by the wall delimiting the sorting opening, a maximum horizontal extent which is greater than a maximum total length of the products, in particular such that lying products can be discharged through the sorting opening. Further designs and / or arrangements of the functional element or at least one additional functional element which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. By means of the design according to the invention, pre-orientation, rotation, erection and subsequent sorting can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner in the conveying process by means of functional elements with a structurally simple design. A flexible design of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved which can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks.
[0013] It is further proposed that the functional element be designed as a helical transport track or as a receiving shaft, in particular in which the products can be received in an individually positionable manner. If the functional element is designed as a helical transport track, the functional element preferably forms the trough-like conveying track of the product holder. The functional element designed as a helical transport track preferably extends helically around a vertically running axis. In particular, the functional element designed as a helical transport track is provided for buffering or, in particular, at least temporarily storing products. It is conceivable that the functional element designed as a helical transport track is also provided for individually dispensing products.When the functional element is designed as a receiving shaft, the functional element preferably forms one or more receiving chambers in which products can be buffered or, in particular, at least temporarily stored. The receiving chambers can be evenly distributed, for example in the form of a matrix, in the form of honeycombs or the like, or the receiving chambers can be unevenly distributed. It is conceivable that the functional element designed as a receiving shaft is also provided for individually dispensing products. By means of the design according to the invention, a buffer, storage and / or dosing function can advantageously be realized. A flexible design of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved, which can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks.
[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the product receptacle has at least one arcuate end face or that the functional element forms at least one arcuate end face of the product receptacle. The arcuate end face preferably has a curvature when viewed in the plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface of the product receptacle. The arcuate end face is preferably provided for implementing a rotational movement of a further product receptacle of the handling device relative to the product receptacle about an axis of rotation of the further product receptacle, which axis extends at least substantially parallel to the vertical axis. A value of a radius of the arcuate end face preferably corresponds to half a value of a maximum length of the further product receptacle.Preferably, the additional product receptacle comprises two arcuate end faces or the additional product receptacle comprises two functional elements, wherein each of the two functional elements forms an arcuate end face of the additional product receptacle. One of the two arcuate end faces of the additional product receptacle is arranged on one side of the additional product receptacle, while the other of the two arcuate end faces of the additional product receptacle is arranged on a further side of the additional product receptacle facing away from the side. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a compact arrangement of product receptacles of the handling device according to the invention and, at the same time, a rotating function for loading and unloading products can be advantageously enabled. A transition gap between two product receptacles can advantageously be kept small, in particular when a rotating movement of at least one product receptacle is implemented.It is advantageous to achieve a flexible design of a conveying process that can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks.
[0015] It is further proposed that the handling device comprise at least one control or regulating unit which is configured to control or regulate at least one movement and / or orientation parameter, in particular an oscillation parameter, such as a frequency of the oscillation, an amplitude of the oscillation or the like, and / or a position parameter, such as a flight height, an inclination, a rotational position, a direction of rotation, a position or the like, of the electrodynamically movable mover as a function of a configuration of the functional element in such a way that the function assigned to the functional element can be carried out by means of the functional element, in particular during the conveyance of the products on the product holder. A “control or regulating unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics unit.The term "control electronics" is to be understood in particular as a unit comprising a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as an operating program stored in the memory unit. The control or regulating unit is preferably part of the electrodynamic conveying unit, in particular with a design and / or mode of operation already known to a person skilled in the art. It is also conceivable for the control or regulating unit to be part of the production machine comprising the handling device. The handling device can comprise a sensor unit, such as a camera, infrared sensors, light barriers, or the like, by means of which the conveying of the products can be monitored. The control or regulating unit is preferably designed to take signals from the sensor unit into account when controlling or regulating a movement of the electrodynamically movable mover(s).In addition, a weighing function of the electrodynamic conveying unit, already known to a person skilled in the art, can be used by the control or regulating unit for object recognition, in particular for detecting a number of products on / in the product holder or the like, and can preferably be taken into account for controlling or regulating the movement and / or orientation parameters of the electrodynamically movable mover(s). By means of the configuration according to the invention, individual control of each individual electrodynamically movable mover can advantageously be enabled for optimized movement depending on the type of functional element. A flexible configuration of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved, which can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks.Advantageously, a handling device can be provided that has a broad and preferably individually adaptable range of functions. Advantageously, a wide variety of functions of the handling device can be realized. Advantageously, a handling device can be realized that is particularly advantageously suited for implementing a sorting function and that can be flexibly adapted to individual product types and / or sorting functions.
[0016] Furthermore, a production machine with at least one handling device according to the invention is proposed. The production machine can comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that can be used for handling, in particular sorting, products. The production machine is preferably intended for the manufacture, filling, packaging and / or repackaging of foodstuffs. Thus, in addition to the handling device, the production machine can have a plurality of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate, such as, for example, a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, a repackaging device, or the like.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a flexible design of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved that can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks. A handling device can advantageously be provided that has a broad and preferably individually adaptable range of functions. A wide range of functions of the handling device can advantageously be realized. A handling device can advantageously be realized that is particularly advantageously suited for implementing a sorting function and that can be flexibly adapted to individual product types and / or sorting functions.
[0017] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for handling products, in particular small parts, by means of a handling device according to the invention. It is proposed that in at least one method step the products are aligned by means of the functional element, in particular during conveying of the products, in particular pre-aligned lying down, divided into separate rows and / or moved apart laterally. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a flexible configuration of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved which can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks. A handling device can advantageously be provided which has a broad and preferably individually adaptable range of functions. A great variety of functions of the handling device can advantageously be realized.Advantageously, a handling device can be realized which is particularly advantageously suited for the realization of a sorting function and which can be flexibly adapted to individual product types and / or sorting functions.
[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one method step, the products, in particular during conveying of the products, are rotated in a plane, in particular in a horizontal plane, by more than 90°, preferably by 180°, by means of a further product holder of the vibration conveying unit, in particular on which a further functional element of the vibration conveying unit designed as an intermediate wall is arranged. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a flexible design of a conveying process can advantageously be achieved which can be specifically adapted to product- and / or production-specific conveying tasks. A handling device can advantageously be provided which has a broad and preferably individually adaptable range of functions. A great variety of functions of the handling device can advantageously be realized.Advantageously, a handling device can be realized which is particularly advantageously suited for the realization of a sorting function and which can be flexibly adapted to individual product types and / or sorting functions.
[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one method step, the products, in particular during the conveying of the products, be erected by means of at least one additional functional element of the vibration conveyor unit, which is arranged on an additional product receptacle of the vibration conveyor unit, in particular about an erection axis running parallel to a horizontal plane. The configuration according to the invention advantageously enables an orderly and expedient product provision in the production process, in particular in addition to the mere conveying of products by means of the vibration conveyor unit.
[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, at least individual, in particular incorrectly aligned, products are sorted out, in particular during the conveying of the products, by means of at least one further additional functional element of the vibration conveyor unit, which is arranged on a further additional product receptacle of the vibration conveyor unit, in particular along a vertical direction through a sorting opening of the further additional product receptacle. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, it can advantageously be ensured that the products are fed to the further production process in a predetermined orientation.
[0021] The handling device according to the invention, the production machine according to the invention, and / or the method according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the handling device according to the invention, the production machine according to the invention, and / or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein in order to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Drawings
[0022] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.
[0023] They show:
[0024] Fig. 1 A production machine according to the invention with at least one handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
[0025] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of a product receptacle of the handling device according to the invention arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover of the handling device according to the invention, which product receptacle cooperates with at least one further product receptacle of the handling device according to the invention arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover of the handling device according to the invention and with at least one return product receptacle of the handling device according to the invention arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover of the handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
[0026] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the further product holder, which interacts with the product holder and with an additional product holder of the handling device according to the invention arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic representation,
[0027] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the additional product holder, which cooperates with the further product holder and with a further additional product holder of the handling device according to the invention arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic representation, Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the further additional product holder, which cooperates with the additional product holder and with a further additional return product holder of the handling device according to the invention arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic representation,
[0028] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of a further additional product holder of the handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
[0029] Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of an additional product holder of the handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
[0030] Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of a further alternative embodiment of a further additional product holder of the handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation and
[0031] Fig. 9 shows a schematic process flow of a method according to the invention for handling products.
[0032] Description of the embodiment
[0033] Figure 1 shows a production machine 74 with at least one handling device 10. Figure 1 preferably shows only the part of the production machine 74 in which the handling device 10 is arranged, although further devices and / or units of the production machine 74 may be arranged in front of and / or behind the handling device 10 along a production direction. The production machine 74 is preferably intended for the production, processing, and / or filling of liquid or pasty foods, pharmaceuticals, and / or cosmetics.The production machine 74 may comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and are used for producing, processing and / or filling liquid or pasty foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and / or cosmetics, such as, for example, a sterilization device, a filling device, a closure device, an outer packaging device or the like. It is also conceivable that the production machine 74 is intended for producing, processing and / or filling products, such as, for example, SMT components or the like, from other industries.
[0034] The handling device 10 is intended for handling products 12, in particular small parts such as closure plugs, closure caps, corks, crown caps, screw caps, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, or the like. The handling device 10 is preferably designed as a sorting device, by means of which the products 12 can be fed in a targeted manner to the devices and / or units (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 74 downstream of the handling device 10.The handling device 10 comprises at least one vibration conveyor unit 14 at least for conveying the products 12 along a conveying direction 16 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 and at least one electrodynamic conveyor unit 18, which at least partially forms the vibration conveyor unit 14 or on which the vibration conveyor unit 14 is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveyor unit 18 has at least one electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, on which at least one product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 (cf. also Figures 6 to 8) of the vibration conveyor unit 14 is arranged for receiving the products 12, which product receptacle can be set into vibration for conveying the products 12, in particular by means of the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34.
[0035] The product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 is preferably designed as a type of receiving tray, as a type of receiving channel, or the like, in which the products 12 are arranged during handling by means of the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26. The product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 can be formed integrally with the, in particular respective, electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, or the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 can be fixed to the, in particular respective, electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26 by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection.The product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 preferably comprises at least one, preferably at least two, side walls extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a support surface 100, 102 of the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, in particular side walls, which at least partially delimit, in particular limit, a product receiving space of the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 or the trough-like conveyor track of the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48. Preferably, one side wall or both side walls each form or delimit at least partially the trough-like conveyor track or one of the trough-like conveyor tracks.The product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 can be set into vibration by an oscillating movement of the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26 itself or by an additional oscillating drive unit, in particular arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, in particular in order to exert a conveying force according to the oscillating conveying principle on the products 12 arranged on the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48. The product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or the like, or of a plastic. In particular, products 12 are moved purely via vibrations of the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 relative to the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.
[0036] The electrodynamic conveyor unit 18 preferably has a design already known to a person skilled in the art. The electrodynamic conveyor unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of, in particular horizontally or vertically oriented, movement surface elements 98, which are equipped with electromagnetic drive elements (not shown in detail here) and are connected to one another, in particular to form a planar movement plane. The electrodynamic conveyor unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of electrodynamically movable movers 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, which are individually movable relative to one another and relative to the movement surface elements 98, in particular contactlessly, in particular as a result of the interaction of permanent magnets of the electrodynamically movable movers 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 with the electromagnetic drive elements of the movement surface elements 98.In particular, the electrodynamic conveyor unit 18 can detect and evaluate a position of the individual electrodynamically movable movers 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 relative to the movement surface elements 98 in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art in order to control or regulate a movement, an oscillation or the like of the electrodynamically movable movers 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. For handling the products 12, at least one product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 or at least one return product receptacle 90, 92, 94, 96 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 is preferably arranged on each electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34.
[0037] Furthermore, the vibration conveyor unit 14 preferably comprises at least the return product receptacle 90, 92, 94, 96, which is provided for conveying products 12 that are unsuitably aligned for further processing by means of a device and / or unit (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 74 downstream of the handling device 10, counter to the conveying direction 16 and feeding them back to the first product receptacle 36 along the conveying direction 16. It is also conceivable for the vibration conveyor unit 14 to be designed free of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 and for products 12 that are unsuitably aligned for further processing by means of the devices and / or units (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 74 downstream of the handling device 10 or that have been detected as defective to be disposed of.The return product receptacle 90, 92, 94, 96 is preferably arranged, analogously to the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, on an electrodynamically movable mover 28, 30, 32, 34 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18, in order to convey the products 12 using an oscillation principle and return them to the beginning of a sorting section of the handling device 10. The handling device 10 preferably comprises a plurality of return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96. In particular, each of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 is arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover 28, 30, 32, 34 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18. The return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 can all have an identical design or be designed differently.Preferably, at least one of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96, in particular the first of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 when viewed in Figure 1 along the conveying direction 16, is designed as an angular guide chute to enable the products 12 to be fed transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction 16 to one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42. Preferably, at least one of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96, in particular the second and third of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 when viewed in Figure 1 along the conveying direction 16, is designed as a straight return chute to enable the products 12 to be conveyed counter to the conveying direction 16.Preferably, at least one of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96, in particular the last of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 viewed along the conveying direction 16 in Figure 1, is designed as an angled guide trough in order to enable the products 12 to be discharged transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction 16 from one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42, in particular the last of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42 viewed along the conveying direction 16 in Figure 1. The return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 preferably have an incline, in particular to allow for a height difference between the discharge of the products 12 from one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42 and the supply of the products 12 to one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42. The incline can be a spiral-like incline or an incline in the manner of an inclined plane.Further configurations of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. It is also conceivable for return to occur by means of a different type of conveying unit, such as a conveyor belt, a chain conveyor, an autonomous robot, or the like.
[0038] The vibration conveyor unit 14 comprises at least one functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 arranged on the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 (see also Figures 2 to 8), which is intended to implement at least one sorting function of the vibration conveyor unit 14, in particular an alignment, a rotation, an erection, a sorting, a bunkering or a dosing of the products 12, which can be carried out in particular during the conveying of the products 12. Preferably, the functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 is designed and / or arranged on the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 in such a way that the product(s) 12 which comes / come into contact with the functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 or at least temporarily rests / rests on the functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 is / are aligned, lined up, guided in a predetermined path, rotated, erected, sorted out, lifted, collected or dosed.The functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 can be formed integrally with the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 or can be fixed to the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection. In at least one embodiment of the functional element 50 (see also Figure 2), it is conceivable that the product receptacle 36 has a tapered, trough-like conveyor track that merges into a plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks, wherein one or more functional elements 50 are arranged in the region of the transition between the tapered, trough-like conveyor track and the plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks.The functional element 50, 52, 54, 56 can be designed as an insertion slope, as a step, as a wall delimiting a sorting opening 88, in particular as a side wall of the product receptacle 42 delimiting a sorting opening 88, or as an intermediate wall for subdividing a maximum conveying path of the product receptacle 38 into at least two partial conveying paths of the product receptacle 38 separated by the intermediate wall (see also Figures 2 to 5). The functional element 58, 60 can be designed, in at least one embodiment, as a helical transport path or as a receiving shaft, in particular in which the products 12 can be received in an individually positionable manner (see also Figures 6 and 8). It is also conceivable in at least one embodiment that the product receptacle 36, 38, 40 has at least one arcuate end face 64, 66, 68, 70 or that the functional element 52 forms at least one arcuate end face 70 of the product receptacle 40 (cf.see also Figures 2 to 4).
[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic detailed view of one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, in particular the first along the conveying direction 16, which is arranged on one of the electrodynamically movable movers 20 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18 and cooperates with another of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, in particular the second along the conveying direction 16, which is arranged on one of the electrodynamically movable movers 22 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18, and with at least one of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96, in particular the first along the conveying direction 16, which is arranged on one of the electrodynamically movable movers 28 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18. At least one functional element 50 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which is designed as an insertion bevel, is preferably arranged on the first product receptacle 36, in particular along the conveying direction 16.The functional element 50, designed as an insertion bevel, can be triangular, pyramidal, conical, or conical. In particular, the functional element 50, designed as an insertion bevel, is arranged, preferably viewed along the conveying direction 16, at the beginning of a channel-like conveyor track of the product receptacle 36. The product receptacle 36 preferably comprises a tapered channel-like conveyor track that transitions into a plurality of channel-like conveyor tracks, with one or more functional elements 50 being arranged in the region of the transition between the individual tapered channel-like conveyor track and the plurality of channel-like conveyor tracks.However, it is also conceivable for the product receptacle 36 to have a rectilinear, trough-like conveyor track that transitions into a plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks, with one or more functional elements 50 being arranged in the region of the transition between the individual rectilinear, trough-like conveyor track and the plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks. Preferably, each trough-like conveyor track of the plurality of trough-like conveyor tracks is assigned at least two functional elements 50 of the vibratory conveyor unit 14 designed as an insertion bevel. Preferably, the functional element(s) 50 designed as an insertion bevel transition(s), in particular smoothly, into a lateral guide surface and into a floor guide surface of the respective trough-like conveyor track.Preferably, an insertion surface of the functional element 50 designed as an insertion bevel is arranged inclined relative to the support surface 100 of the product receptacle 36 and / or relative to the side wall of the product receptacle 36. Preferably, the product receptacle 36 comprises the plurality of channel-like guideways, wherein at least two functional elements 50 per channel-like guideway are arranged on the corresponding channel-like guideway. The functional elements 50 designed as insertion bevels are preferably arranged next to one another, in particular lined up along a direction extending transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction 16, particularly when viewed in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface 100 of the product receptacle 36.The functional elements 50 arranged on the product holder 36 are preferably provided for aligning, arranging and / or guiding in a predetermined path, in particular in the plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface 100 of the product holder 36.
[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic detailed view of the additional product receptacle 38, which is arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover 22 and interacts with the product receptacle 36 and with an additional, in particular third, product receptacle 40 of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 along the conveying direction 16, which is arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover 24 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18. The additional product receptacle 38 preferably comprises a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, which are preferably aligned in at least one position of the additional product receptacle 38 with the plurality of trough-like conveying tracks of the product receptacle 36.At least one functional element 56 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 is preferably arranged on the second, further product receptacle 38, in particular along the conveying direction 16, which functional element is designed as an intermediate wall, in particular as a stop or stopper, for subdividing a maximum conveying path of the further product receptacle 38 into at least two partial conveying paths of the further product receptacle 38 separated by the intermediate wall. The functional element 56 designed as an intermediate wall, in particular as a stop or stopper, preferably extends along the direction running transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the conveying direction 16 and along a direction running transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to a support surface 102 of the further product receptacle 38.Preferably, for each channel-like conveyor track of the further product receptacle 38, a functional element 56 designed as an intermediate wall is arranged on the further product receptacle 38. In particular, the functional element 56 designed as an intermediate wall, in particular each of the functional elements 56 designed as an intermediate wall, comprises a stop or stop surface that extends transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to at least one of the side walls of the further product receptacle 38 and to the support surface 102 of the further product receptacle 38.Preferably, the functional element 56 designed as an intermediate wall, in particular each of the functional elements 56 designed as an intermediate wall, is provided to serve as a stop or stopper for products 12 that are to be lined up or lined up along the conveying direction 16, in particular before the entire additional product holder 38 is rotated by more than 90°, in particular by 180°, about a rotation axis 104 of the additional product holder 38 or of the electrodynamically movable mover 22 that runs transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface 102 of the additional product holder 38, preferably in order to simultaneously enable loading of the additional product holder 38 with the products 12 that can be fed from the product holder 36 and unloading of the products 12 from the additional product holder 38 to the additional product holder 40.In particular, one of the partial conveyor sections of the additional product receptacle 38, in particular the trough-like conveyor tracks, is designed as a loading section, and the other of the partial conveyor sections of the additional product receptacle 38, in particular the trough-like conveyor tracks, is designed as an unloading section. By rotating the additional product receptacle 38 by 180°, the assignment of the partial conveyor sections of the additional product receptacle 38, in particular the trough-like conveyor tracks, as a loading section or as an unloading section can be changed or interchanged.As an alternative to the functional elements 56 designed as an intermediate wall, particularly depending on the design of the products 12 to be conveyed, functional elements designed as a step baffle can also be arranged on the further product receptacle 38, or the further product receptacle 38 can be replaced by a product receptacle with functional elements designed as a step baffle (not shown in more detail here). It is also conceivable for the product 2 to be rotated by 180° in a vertical plane, particularly without rotating the electrodynamically movable mover 22, for example by a 180° flip of the products 12 over a step or the like. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the rotation function not to be present in at least one configuration of the handling device 10, for example when the products 12 are aligned such that one tip is directed upwards or the like.
[0041] The additional product receptacle 38 preferably comprises at least two arcuate end faces 66, 68, in particular for realizing a rotational movement about the rotation axis 104 in a position of the additional product receptacle 38 arranged between the product receptacle 36 and the additional product receptacle 40. However, it is alternatively also conceivable for the additional product receptacle 38 to have at least two additional functional elements (not shown here) that form the two arcuate end faces 66, 68 of the additional product receptacle 38. The arcuate end faces 66, 68 preferably have a curvature when viewed in the plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface 102 of the additional product receptacle 38. A value of a radius of the arcuate end faces 66, 68 of the additional product receptacle 38 preferably corresponds to one half of a value of a maximum length of the additional product receptacle 38.One of the two curved end faces 66, 68 of the additional product receptacle 38 is arranged on one side of the additional product receptacle 38, while the other of the two curved end faces 66, 68 of the additional product receptacle 38 is arranged on a further side of the additional product receptacle 38 facing away from the side. The two curved end faces 66, 68 of the additional product receptacle 38 are preferably convex. However, it is also conceivable for the two curved end faces 66, 68 of the additional product receptacle 38 to be concave.
[0042] The product receptacle 36 preferably comprises an arcuate end face 64 on a side facing the further product receptacle 38, in particular for implementing a rotational movement of the further product receptacle 38 relative to the product receptacle 36. The arcuate end face 64 of the product receptacle 36 is preferably designed to be opposite in shape to the two arcuate end faces 66, 68 of the further product receptacle 38, in particular concave. The additional product receptacle 40 preferably comprises an arcuate end face 70 on a side facing the further product receptacle 38, in particular for implementing a rotational movement of the further product receptacle 38 relative to the additional product receptacle 40. The arcuate end face 70 of the additional product receptacle 40 is preferably designed to be opposite in shape to the two arcuate end faces 66, 68 of the further product receptacle 38, in particular concave.The arcuate end face 70 of the additional product receptacle 40 is preferably formed in one piece with a functional element 52 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 arranged on the additional product receptacle 40. However, it is also conceivable that the arcuate end face 70 of the additional product receptacle 40 is formed separately from the functional element 52 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 arranged on the additional product receptacle 40.
[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic detailed view of the additional product receptacle 40, which is arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover 24 and interacts with the further product receptacle 38 and with a further additional product receptacle 42, in particular the fourth one along the conveying direction 16, of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, which is arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover 26 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18. The additional product receptacle 40 preferably comprises a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, which are preferably aligned in at least one position of the additional product receptacle 40 in alignment with the plurality of trough-like conveying tracks of the further product receptacle 38. At least the functional element 52 of the vibration conveying unit 14, which is designed as a step, is preferably arranged on the third additional product receptacle 40, in particular along the conveying direction 16.The functional element 52 designed as a step preferably has a conveying surface for the products 12 that is higher than the plurality of trough-like conveying tracks of the additional product receptacle 40, viewed along a vertical direction, wherein the functional element 52 designed as a step forms a mathematical jump in the transition region to the plurality of trough-like conveying tracks. In particular, the functional element 52 designed as a step is arranged at a beginning of the plurality of trough-like conveying tracks of the additional product receptacle 40, preferably viewed along the conveying direction 16. The products 12 are preferably rotated by at least 90° as a result of being conveyed over the functional element 52 designed as a step, preferably rotated by at least 90° about a horizontally oriented erection axis 84 of the additional product receptacle 40.In particular, the plurality of channel-like guideways of the additional product receptacle 40, viewed along the conveying direction 16 after the functional element 52 designed as a step, has an incline in the direction of the further additional product receptacle 42. As an alternative to arranging the functional element 52 as a step, it is conceivable that a functional element 62 of the vibratory conveyor unit 14 designed as a so-called stretching baffle is arranged on the additional product receptacle 40, which is provided for rotating the products 12 by at least 90°, or that, as an alternative to the additional product receptacle 40, a product receptacle 44 is arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover 24, on which the functional element 62 of the vibratory conveyor unit 14 designed as a so-called stretching baffle is arranged (see also Figure 7).The functional element 52 designed as a step is preferably intended for rotating products 12 with a constant cross-section, such as a circular-cylindrical cross-section or the like. The functional element 62 designed as a stretching baffle is preferably intended for rotating products 12 with an irregular cross-section, such as a conical cross-section, a stepped cross-section, or the like. Depending on the design of the products 12 to be conveyed, the functional element 52 designed as a step can be replaced by the functional element 62 designed as a stretching baffle, or vice versa, preferably by individually driving the product receptacles 40, 46 by means of the electrodynamically movable movers 24 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18 or by reassembling the corresponding product receptacles 40, 46.
[0044] Figure 5 shows a schematic detailed view of the further additional product receptacle 42, in particular the fourth one along the conveying direction 16, which is arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover 26 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18 and interacts with the additional product receptacle 40 and with at least one of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96, in particular the fourth one along the conveying direction 16, which is arranged on one of the electrodynamically movable movers 34 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18. The further additional product receptacle 42 preferably comprises a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, which are preferably aligned in at least one position of the further additional product receptacle 42 in alignment with the plurality of trough-like conveying tracks of the additional product receptacle 40.At least one functional element 54 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 is preferably arranged on the fourth, further additional product receptacle 42, in particular along the conveying direction 16, which is designed as a wall delimiting a sorting opening 88, in particular as a side wall of the further additional product receptacle 42, in particular of the trough-like conveyor tracks, delimiting a sorting opening 88. The functional element 54 designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88 is preferably intended to implement a sorting function. In particular, the products 12 which, in the region of the functional element 54 designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88, have an orientation unsuitable for further processing of the products 12, such as a horizontal orientation instead of an upright orientation of the products 12 or the like, can be discharged through the sorting opening 88.Preferably, the products 12 which have an orientation suitable for further processing of the products 12 in the region of the functional element 54 designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88, such as an upright orientation instead of a lying orientation of the products 12 or the like, can be protected from being rejected by the functional element 54 designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88, in particular by the products 12 being movable with a suitable orientation along the functional element 54 designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88, in particular by being able to slide or roll along the functional element 54 designed as the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88.The sorting opening 88 preferably has, as a result of the limitation by the functional element 54 formed by the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88, a maximum vertical extent that is less than a maximum total length of the products 12, in particular such that upright products 12 cannot be ejected through the sorting opening 88. The sorting opening 88 preferably has, as a result of the limitation by the functional element 54 formed by the wall delimiting the sorting opening 88, a maximum horizontal extent that is greater than a maximum total length of the products 12, in particular such that lying products 12 can be ejected through the sorting opening 88.Preferably, the products 12 discharged through the sorting opening 88 can be fed back to the product receptacle 36, preferably counter to the conveying direction 16, by means of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96, in particular in order to be able to undergo a further sorting process by means of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 along the conveying direction 16. Instead of the further additional product receptacle 42, a product receptacle 44, 48 of the vibration conveyor unit 14 according to Figures 6 and 8 could also be provided, which is intended for hopper storage and / or dosing of the products 12.
[0045] Figure 6 shows a schematic detailed view of a product receptacle 44 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which can be provided as an alternative to the further additional product receptacle 42. A functional element 60 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which is designed as a receiving shaft, is preferably arranged on the product receptacle 44 provided as an alternative to the further additional product receptacle 42. The functional element 60 designed as a receiving shaft can form one or more receiving chambers in which the products 12 can be buffered or, in particular, at least temporarily, stored. The receiving chambers can be arranged evenly distributed, for example in the form of a matrix, in the form of honeycombs or the like, or the receiving chambers can be arranged unevenly distributed.It is conceivable that the functional element 60 formed as a receiving shaft is provided additionally for individual dispensing of the products 12, in particular for dosing the products 12. The product receptacle 44 provided as an alternative to the further additional product receptacle 42 can also be arranged at another position along the conveying direction 16 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, as an alternative to the additional product receptacle 40 or the like.
[0046] Figure 8 shows a schematic detailed view of a product receptacle 48 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which can be provided as an alternative to the further additional product receptacle 42. A functional element 58 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which is designed as a helical transport path, is preferably arranged on the product receptacle 48, which is provided as an alternative to the further additional product receptacle 42. The functional element 58, which is designed as a helical transport path, is preferably formed integrally with a trough-like transport path of the product receptacle 48, which is provided as an alternative to the further additional product receptacle 42. The functional element 58, which is designed as a helical transport path, preferably extends helically around a vertically extending axis.In particular, the functional element 58, designed as a helical transport path, is provided for buffering or, in particular, at least temporarily storing the products 12. It is conceivable that the functional element 58, designed as a helical transport path, is also provided for individually dispensing the products 12. The product holder 48, which is further provided as an alternative to the further additional product holder 42, can also be arranged at another position along the conveying direction 16 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, as an alternative to the additional product holder 40 or the like.
[0047] The handling device 10 preferably comprises at least one control or regulating unit 72 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 1), which is designed to control or regulate at least one movement and / or orientation parameter, in particular a vibration parameter and / or a position parameter, of the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 depending on a configuration of the functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 in such a way that the function assigned to the functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 can be carried out by means of the functional element 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, in particular during the conveyance of the products 12 on the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48. Figure 9 shows a schematic process flow of a method 76 for handling the products 12 by means of the handling device 10.In at least one method step 78 of the method 76, the products 12 are aligned, in particular pre-aligned horizontally, divided into separate rows and / or moved apart laterally by means of the functional element 50, which is preferably designed as an insertion bevel, in particular during the conveying of the products 12. Preferably, in at least one method step 80 of the method 76, the products 12 are rotated in a plane, in particular in a horizontal plane, by more than 90°, preferably by 180°, by means of the further product receptacle 38 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, in particular on which the further functional element 56 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, designed as an intermediate wall, is arranged.Preferably, in at least one method step 82 of the method 76, the products 12 are erected, in particular around the erection axis 84 running parallel to the horizontal plane, by means of at least the additional functional element 52 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which is arranged on the additional product receptacle 40 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, in particular during the conveying of the products 12. Preferably, in at least one method step 86 of the method 76, at least individual, in particular incorrectly aligned, products 12 of the products 12 are sorted out, in particular along the vertical direction through the sorting opening 88 of the further additional product receptacle 42, in particular during the conveying of the products 12, by means of at least the further additional functional element 54 of the vibration conveyor unit 14, which is arranged on the further additional product receptacle 42 of the vibration conveyor unit 14.Preferably, in at least one method step 106 of method 76, the sorted products 12 are fed via one or all of the return product receptacles 90, 92, 94, 96 to the product receptacle 36 for re-sorting. It is also conceivable that products 12, particularly those identified as defective, are disposed of at the additional product receptacle 42. Further alternative or additional method steps of method 76 that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.
Claims
Claims 1. Handling device, in particular a sorting device, for handling products (12), in particular small parts, with at least one vibration conveyor unit (14) at least for conveying the products (12) along a conveying direction (16) of the vibration conveyor unit (14) and with at least one electrodynamic conveyor unit (18) which at least partially forms the vibration conveyor unit (14) or on which the vibration conveyor unit (14) is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveyor unit (18) has at least one electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), on which at least one product receptacle (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) of the vibration conveyor unit (14), in particular having a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, is arranged for receiving the products (12), which product receptacle is used for conveying the products (12) in can be set into vibration, in particular by means of the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22,24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), characterized in that the vibration conveyor unit (14) has at least one functional element (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62) arranged on the product receptacle (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48), which is intended to realize at least one sorting function of the vibration conveyor unit (14), in particular an alignment, a rotation, an erection, a sorting, a bunkering or a dosing of the products (12), which can be carried out in particular during the conveying of the products (12).
2. Handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional element (50, 52, 54, 56) is designed as an insertion bevel, as a step, as a wall delimiting a sorting opening (88), in particular as a side wall of the product receptacle (42) delimiting a sorting opening (88), or as an intermediate wall for subdividing a maximum conveying path of the product receptacle (38) into at least two partial conveying paths of the product receptacle (38) separated by the intermediate wall.
3. Handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional element (58, 60) is designed as a helical transport path or as a receiving shaft, in particular in which the products (12) can be received in an individually positionable manner.
4. Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product holder (36, 38, 40) has at least one arcuate end face (64, 66, 68, 70) or the functional element (52) forms at least one arcuate end face (70) of the product holder (40).
5. Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one control or regulating unit (72) which is designed to control or regulate at least one movement and / or orientation parameter, in particular a vibration parameter and / or a position parameter, of the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) depending on a design of the functional element (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62) in such a way that by means of the functional element (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62) the function assigned to the functional element (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62) can be carried out, in particular during the conveyance of the products (12) on the product holder (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48).
6. Production machine with at least one handling device according to one of the preceding claims.
7. Method for handling products (12), in particular small parts, by means of a handling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in at least one method step (78) the products (12), in particular during the conveying of the products (12), are aligned by means of the functional element (50), in particular pre-aligned lying down, divided into separate rows and / or moved apart laterally.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one method step (80) the products (12), in particular during the Conveying the products (12), by means of a further product holder (38) of the vibration conveyor unit (14), in particular on which a further functional element (56) of the vibration conveyor unit (14) designed as an intermediate wall is arranged, can be rotated in a plane, in particular in a horizontal plane, by more than 90°, preferably by 180°.
9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that in at least one method step (82) the products (12), in particular during the conveying of the products (12), are erected by means of at least one additional functional element (52) of the vibration conveying unit (14), which is arranged on an additional product receptacle (40) of the vibration conveying unit (14), in particular about an erection axis (84) running parallel to a horizontal plane.
10. The method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that in at least one method step (86) at least individual, in particular incorrectly aligned, products (12) of the products (12), in particular during the conveying of the products (12), are sorted out by means of at least one further additional functional element (54) of the vibration conveyor unit (14), which is arranged on a further additional product receptacle (42) of the vibration conveyor unit (14), in particular along a vertical direction through a sorting opening (88) of the further additional product receptacle (42).