Method and handling device, in particular a sorting device, for handling products, and production machine comprising the handling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for handling products (12), in particular small parts, by means of a handling device which 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, in particular 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, in at least one method step (78), by means of a monitoring unit (44) of the handling device, an irregularity and / or disturbance in a movement of products (12) caused by the vibration conveyor unit is / are detected, wherein, according to a signal of the monitoring unit (44), a preferably automatic movement of at least one conveyor element, in particular extending beyond a pure vibration conveyor movement, in particular with the conveyor element being an electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), of the conveyor unit (18) relative to at least one further conveyor element, in particular a further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), of the conveyor unit (18), in particular along a direction (46) running transversely or at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction (16), takes place in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or disturbance. According to the invention, depending on a signal of the monitoring unit (44), a preferably automatic movement of at least one conveyor element, in particular extending beyond a pure vibration conveyor movement, in particular with the conveyor element being an electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), of the conveyor unit (18) relative to at least one further conveyor element, in particular a further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), of the conveyor unit (18), in particular along a direction (46) running transversely or at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction (16), takes place in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or disturbance.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and handling device, in particular sorting device, for handling products, as well as production machine with the handling device

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The invention relates to a method for handling products, in particular small parts, by means of a handling device comprising at least one vibratory conveying unit for conveying the products at least along a conveying direction of the vibratory conveying unit and at least one conveying unit that at least partially forms the vibratory conveying unit or on which the vibratory conveying unit is at least partially arranged, wherein in at least one method step an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit is detected by means of a monitoring unit of the handling device.

[0005] From DE 10 2022 205 283 A1, for example, such a method for handling products, in particular small parts, by means of a handling device is known. In the already known method, a manipulator provided in addition to the handling device is used to rectify a detected irregularity and / or malfunction. In the known method, this manipulator is controlled in addition to the handling device and is moved relative to the handling device, which remains stationary.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic method, a generic handling device, and a generic production machine with improved properties regarding simplicity and / or compactness for remedying a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, especially in a sorting process. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 9, and claim 10, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a method for handling products, in particular small parts, by means of a handling device comprising at least one vibratory conveying unit for conveying the products at least along a conveying direction of the vibratory conveying unit and at least one, in particular electrodynamic, conveying unit, preferably the aforementioned electrodynamic conveying unit, which at least partially forms the vibratory conveying unit or on which the vibratory conveying unit is at least partially arranged, wherein in at least one method step an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit is detected by means of a monitoring unit of the handling device.

[0009] It is proposed that, in particular in at least one process step of the method according to the invention, depending on a signal from the monitoring unit, a movement of at least one conveying element, in particular an electrodynamically movable mover, of the conveying unit relative to at least one further conveying element, in particular a further electrodynamically movable mover, of the conveying unit, in particular along a direction transverse or at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction, is carried out to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.The inventive design advantageously provides a simple and flexible means for automatically correcting a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process, since a conveying element, especially an electrodynamically movable mover, can advantageously be moved within the handling device itself to correct a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process. This allows for simple and rapid troubleshooting, especially since, for example, upon detection of an irregularity and / or malfunction, such as a blocked product intake, preferably a blocked conveyor, or the like., via a monitoring unit and / or a control or regulating unit, the sorting function can be temporarily interrupted and the affected conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, can be replaced or repaired, such as by automatically moving the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, out of a conveying line, in particular a sorting line, the handling device or the like.

[0010] The monitoring unit preferably comprises at least one optical monitoring element, such as a camera, a light barrier, or the like, by means of which an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device can be detected. However, it is also conceivable that the monitoring unit alternatively or additionally comprises at least one haptic monitoring element, such as a button or the like, by means of which an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device can be detected. An irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device could, for example, be a product intake blocked by a jammed product, preferably a conveyor track blocked by a jammed product, products incorrectly aligned in the conveyor track, or the like.Preferably, the monitoring unit is connected to a control unit of the handling device via a data connection known to a person skilled in the art, in order to exchange electronic data with the control unit. The movements of conveying elements of the handling device can preferably be controlled or regulated by means of the control unit.Preferably, in at least one process step of the method according to the invention, the conveying element(s) is / are controlled by the control or regulating unit in such a way that the conveying element(s) performs a movement, alternatively or additionally to a pure vibratory conveying movement, which runs along a direction transverse or at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction, in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.For example, the conveying element(s) on which an irregularity and / or a fault has been detected is / are moved out of the conveying path, tilted relative to at least one other conveying element about a horizontal axis and / or rotated about a vertical axis, actively moved to a fault elimination unit, replaced with at least one additional conveying element and / or other actions that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are carried out with the conveying element(s) in order to advantageously eliminate a detected irregularity and / or a detected fault.The conveying element(s) is / are actively moved, in particular as a result of the interaction of permanent magnets of the conveying element(s) with electromagnetic drive elements, especially coils, of moving surface elements of the electrodynamic conveying unit, in particular a planar drive unit, preferably as a result of an electronic signal from the control unit. Preferably, the conveying element(s) is / are moved automatically to eliminate a detected irregularity and / or a detected malfunction, preferably as a result of an electronic signal from the control unit, in particular without intervention by an operator and / or by an additional manipulator, such as a robot or the like.It is conceivable, however, that the conveying element(s) is / are moved automatically, preferably as a result of an electronic signal from the control unit, to an operator's workstation, where the operator can manually rectify the detected irregularity and / or malfunction, or to a manipulator, which can rectify the detected irregularity and / or malfunction. Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved along and / or around an axis of motion that runs at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane and / or to a principal extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, especially as an alternative or additional measure to a purely vibratory conveying motion, in order to rectify a detected irregularity and / or malfunction.A "principal extension plane" of a unit or element is understood to be, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a major face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the unit or element, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved along and / or about an axis of motion that is at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane and / or to the principal extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, in particular as an alternative or additional to a purely vibratory conveying motion, in order to eliminate a detected irregularity and / or a detected disturbance.The term "essentially parallel" is to be understood in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. The expression "essentially perpendicular" is to be understood in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, especially when 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 most advantageously less than 2°.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that, particularly in at least one step of the inventive process, the conveying element, especially the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit along a direction transverse to the conveying direction and is replaced by an additional conveying element, especially an additional electrodynamically movable mover, of the conveying unit by moving the additional conveying element into the conveying section after the conveying element has been moved out. Preferably, the conveying element, especially the electrodynamically movable mover, and the additional conveying element, especially the additional electrodynamically movable mover, are moved depending on a detected irregularity and / or a detected disturbance.Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit along a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane and / or to a principal extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover. Preferably, the additional conveying element, in particular the additional electrodynamically movable mover, is moved into the conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit along a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or to a principal extension plane of the additional conveying element, in particular the additional electrodynamically movable mover.The removal of the conveying element from the conveying line and the insertion of the additional conveying element into the conveying line can occur synchronously, for example, by both elements starting their movements simultaneously. However, it is also conceivable that the removal of the conveying element from the conveying line and the insertion of the additional conveying element into the conveying line can occur at different times, for example, the removal of the conveying element from the conveying line first, followed by the insertion of the additional conveying element, or similar.It is also conceivable that the additional conveying element, while moving into the conveying path, pushes the conveying element out of the conveying path, for example, in the event of a malfunction where the conveying element is defective and cannot move out of the conveying path on its own. Further movements and / or sequences of movements of the conveying element and / or the additional conveying element, which would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable for eliminating a detected irregularity and / or malfunction. The inventive design advantageously enables a quick and simple rectification of a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process. It can advantageously counteract a process stoppage, in particular keep it short, or even prevent it entirely.It is advantageous to enable simple and rapid troubleshooting, particularly since, for example, the affected conveying element, especially the electrodynamically driven mover, can be quickly replaced or repaired, such as by automatically moving the conveying element, especially the electrodynamically driven mover, out of a conveying line, especially a sorting line, handling device, or the like, and by replacing the conveying element, especially temporarily, with an additional conveying element. It is advantageous to prevent or minimize interruptions to a conveying process in the event of irregularities and / or malfunctions, especially complex ones, since replacing the conveying element, especially temporarily, with an additional conveying element can be carried out within a short time.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that, particularly in at least one process step of the method according to the invention, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit, in particular the previously mentioned, along a direction transverse to the conveying direction and towards a fault correction unit, in particular a calculation unit, a fluid unit, a tipping unit, a gripper unit, or the like, of the handling device, which cooperates with or acts upon the conveying element to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or fault. Movement of the conveying element towards the fault correction unit, in particular the calculation unit, the fluid unit, the tipping unit, the gripper unit, or the like, is not required.The handling device can be used as an alternative or additional measure to replacing the conveying element with the additional conveying element. The fault correction unit can be designed as a stationary unit relative to which the conveying element is moved, in particular towards which the conveying element is moved after being removed from the conveying path, in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or fault, especially by a relative movement of the conveying element to the fault correction unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the fault correction unit, especially if the fault correction unit is designed as a calculating unit, a push-off unit, or the like, could be a stationary unit., is arranged on a further additional conveying element, in particular a further additional electrodynamic mover, of the conveying unit and is itself flexibly movable relative to the moving surface elements in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, for example by opposing movements of the conveying element and the further additional conveying element to clear the product receiving or the like arranged on the conveying element, in particular after the conveying element has been moved out of the conveying path. The disturbance elimination unit can, for example, be a clearing unit which has at least one clearing element, in particular designed corresponding to the conveying paths of the product receiving, or a fluid unit which has at least one fluid guiding element, such as a suction nozzle, a compressed air nozzle, a water jet nozzle or the like., comprising a fluid jet, in particular a vacuum suction, a compressed air jet, a water jet or the like, which can be directed onto the product receiving to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, as a tipping unit which tilts the conveying element by an angle of more than 90° relative to the horizontal plane, as an active or passive gripping unit or the like, in order to advantageously eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance as a result of an interaction with the conveying element or as a result of an action on the conveying element, in particular on the product receiving arranged on the conveying element.In a configuration of the fault correction unit as an active gripper unit, it is conceivable that the conveying element is first moved towards the active gripper unit, particularly after being moved out of the conveying path, is stopped near the gripper unit, and the detected irregularity and / or fault is eliminated by a movement of a gripper element of the active gripper unit. In a configuration of the fault correction unit as a passive gripper unit, it is conceivable that the conveying element is first moved towards the passive gripper unit, and as a result of a further movement of the conveying element towards a gripper element of the passive gripper unit, the detected irregularity and / or fault is eliminated.Further embodiments of the fault correction unit and / or further relative movements of the conveying element and the fault correction unit that appear useful to a person skilled in the art for eliminating the detected irregularity and / or the detected fault are also conceivable. The embodiment according to the invention enables convenient and reliable correction of a detected irregularity and / or a detected fault, particularly in a sorting process. It can advantageously counteract a process stoppage, in particular keep it short, or even avoid it entirely. It can advantageously enable simple and rapid fault correction.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that, particularly in at least one process step of the method according to the invention, in order to remove at least one misaligned product from a product intake of the vibratory conveying unit, preferably one of the aforementioned, in particular having a plurality of channel-like conveying tracks, which is arranged on the conveying element, a distance between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover, is changed, in particular increased, in order to move a collection container of the handling device, in particular arranged on a further additional mover of the conveying unit, into which the misaligned product can be moved, between the conveying element and the further conveying element or to release a receiving opening of the collection container.The product intake of the vibratory conveying unit, which in particular has a multitude of trough-like conveying channels, can, for example, be formed as a single unit with the conveying element(s) or separately from the conveying element(s). "Single unit" is understood to mean, in particular, at least a materially bonded connection, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by manufacturing from a single casting and / or by manufacturing using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank.The product receiving area can be set into vibration, for example, by the vibratory conveying movement of the conveying element(s) itself, which is designed in particular as a vibration movement, or by an additional vibratory drive unit of the handling device, in particular arranged on the conveying element(s), in particular to exert a conveying force on the products arranged on the product receiving area according to the vibratory conveying principle.For example, it is conceivable that after the conveying element and the further conveying element have moved apart, in particular along a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction, the further additional conveying element, on which the collection container is arranged, is moved between the conveying element and the further conveying element in order to move the misaligned product into the collection container by means of the fault correction unit, in particular the calculation unit or the fluid unit, by means of a vibratory conveying movement of the conveying element itself, by means of an impulse generation as a result of another conveying element of the conveying unit running onto the conveying element or the like.It is also conceivable that, after the conveying element and the further conveying element move apart, in particular along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction, a receiving opening of a collection container arranged below the conveying element and the further conveying element is released in order to move the misaligned product into the collection container by the fault correction unit, in particular the calculating unit or the fluid unit, by a vibratory conveying movement of the conveying element itself, by a pulse generation as a result of another conveying element of the conveying unit running onto the conveying element or the like.Further movements of the conveying element and the additional conveying element, which would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, and / or the use of additional units of the handling device, to convey a misaligned product from the product intake, which in particular has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, into a collection container of the handling device, are also conceivable. Preferably, after the misaligned product has been ejected, the conveying element and the additional conveying element are moved back towards each other, in particular along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction, preferably to change the distance between the conveying element and the additional conveying element again, in particular to reduce it, so that conveying of products between the conveying element and the additional conveying element by means of a vibratory conveying motion is again possible.The design according to the invention enables convenient and reliable correction of a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process. It advantageously prevents process stoppages, especially minimizing their duration or avoiding them altogether. It also facilitates simple and rapid troubleshooting.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in particular in at least one process step of the method according to the invention, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved in a collision with an impulse force release element of the handling device to release a jammed product from a product intake of the vibratory conveying unit, preferably one of the previously mentioned, in particular having a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, which is arranged on the conveying element, in particular after a movement of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, along a direction, in particular one of the previously mentioned, transverse to the conveying direction, out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit, in particular one of the previously mentioned.For example, it is conceivable that the impulse force release element is formed by the further conveying element, wherein the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved in a collision with the impulse force release element to release a jammed product from the product receptacle, which in particular has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks and is arranged on the conveying element, in particular along the conveying direction, preferably without being moved out of the conveying path. Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that the impulse force release element is formed by a stationary element of the handling device, in particular with respect to at least one moving surface element, such as a band or the like that laterally delimits at least one moving surface element.The system is formed in which the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved in a collision with the impulse force release element after the conveying element has been moved out of the conveying path, in order to release a jammed product from the product receptacle, which in particular has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks and is arranged on the conveying element. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying element can be moved against the impulse force release element to eliminate a detected irregularity and / or a detected malfunction. Further movement sequences of the conveying element for releasing a jammed product from the product receptacle, which in particular has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, especially in conjunction with the impulse force release element, are also conceivable and would appear useful to a person skilled in the art.The design according to the invention enables convenient and reliable correction of a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process. It advantageously prevents process stoppages, especially minimizing their duration or avoiding them altogether. It also facilitates simple and rapid troubleshooting.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in particular in at least one process step of the inventive method, a maximum conveying trough width of a product intake of the vibratory conveying unit, which is arranged on the conveying element and which is preferably one of the aforementioned, and in particular has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, is changed, in particular increased, in particular as a result of a relative movement between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover, to actuate a mechanical unit of the handling device arranged on the product intake for adjusting the maximum conveying trough width.Preferably, the maximum conveying trough width extends along a direction transverse, and in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction, and at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or at least substantially to the main extension plane of the conveying element. Preferably, the product receiving element, particularly in at least one embodiment of the handling device, comprises at least one movably mounted side limiting element that limits at least one of the conveying lanes in its maximum conveying trough width. Preferably, the side limiting element is mechanically connected to the mechanical unit. The mechanical unit can be a gear unit, a lever unit, or another unit that would appear suitable to a person skilled in the art, by means of which the movement of one element can be converted into the movement of another element.In particular, the product receiving area for each conveyor lane includes at least one movably mounted side limiting element that limits the respective conveyor lane in its maximum conveying trough width. For example, it is conceivable that the side limiting element, in order to adjust the maximum conveying trough width, is movable by the mechanical unit depending on the movement of at least two conveying elements, in particular two electrodynamic movers, of the conveying unit relative to each other, which are connected to or can act upon the mechanical unit. Other embodiments for adjusting a maximum conveying trough width of the product receiving area that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.Changing the maximum conveyor trough width can be achieved alternatively or additionally to replacing the conveyor element with the additional conveyor element in order to easily eliminate a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly with minimal effort. Using the embodiment according to the invention, the maximum conveyor trough width can advantageously be changed, particularly increased, for example, when a product is jammed in one of the conveyor tracks, in order to release the jamming. Subsequently, the maximum conveyor trough width can be changed again, particularly decreased, to advantageously enable the product to be conveyed in the conveyor track. This allows for a convenient and reliable solution to a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process.It can be advantageous to counteract a process stoppage, in particular to keep it short or avoid it altogether. It can also be advantageous to enable simple and rapid troubleshooting.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that, particularly in at least one process step of the inventive method, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, is moved along a direction, in particular the one already mentioned, transverse to the conveying direction relative to the further conveying element, in particular to the further electrodynamically movable mover, in order to select or adjust an assignment of at least one of at least two groups of conveying paths of a product intake of the vibratory conveying unit, which is arranged on the conveying element, relative to a plurality of trough-like conveying paths of a further product intake of the vibratory conveying unit, which is arranged on the further conveying element.Preferably, the two groups of conveyor tracks are arranged laterally offset from each other, in particular such that, depending on the position of the conveying element relative to the further conveying element, one of the two groups of conveyor tracks of the product holder arranged on the conveying element can be aligned with the conveyor tracks of the product holder arranged on the further conveying element. The two groups of conveyor tracks preferably form a kind of double track of the product holder arranged on the conveying element, in particular such that at least one of the two groups of conveyor tracks can be used for conveying products between the conveying element and the further conveying element.For example, if a product jams in one of the conveyor lanes of the two groups of conveyors, the conveying element is moved along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction relative to the other conveying element to enable conveying of the products via the previously unused conveyor lane of the two groups of conveyors. Preferably, the jammed product can be released, for example, by means of the fault clearance unit. The design according to the invention enables convenient and reliable resolution of a detected irregularity and / or a detected fault, particularly in a sorting process. It can advantageously counteract a process stoppage, in particular keep it short, or even avoid it entirely. It also advantageously enables simple and rapid fault clearance.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that, particularly in at least one process step of the method according to the invention, a transition and / or an intermediate area arranged along the conveying direction between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover, is monitored, in particular by means of the monitoring unit, and that movement of the conveying element, in particular of the electrodynamically movable mover, is released depending on a monitoring result. For example, it is conceivable that the transition and / or the intermediate area is monitored to determine whether it is free of products, in order to enable movement of the conveying element in the direction transverse to the conveying direction relative to the further conveying element.The monitoring of the transition and / or intermediate area can be carried out by means of the monitoring unit or by evaluation by means of the control unit of a resistance force acting on the conveying element, in particular a driving force caused by the resistance force and acting on the conveying element to overcome the resistance force, when attempting to move along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction relative to the further conveying element. Other monitoring options for the transition and / or the intermediate area that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that if a monitoring result indicates that the transition and / or the intermediate area is not clear, such as due to the presence of a product in the transition and / or the intermediate area extending from the conveying element to the next conveying element, thus preventing free movement of the conveying element in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction relative to the next conveying element, or the like, the transition and / or the intermediate area is cleared by means of the fault clearance unit and / or by means of a movement, in particular a vibration movement, tilting movement, or the like, of the conveying element and / or the next conveying element. Other procedures for monitoring and clearing the transition and / or the intermediate area that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.The design according to the invention advantageously counteracts, and in particular minimizes, the risk of damage to the conveying elements, the product holders, and / or the products themselves. It advantageously enables convenient and safe rectification of any detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process. It advantageously prevents process stoppages, in particular minimizing their duration or avoiding them entirely. It also advantageously facilitates simple and rapid troubleshooting.

[0018] Furthermore, a handling device, in particular a sorting device, especially the one already mentioned, is used for handling products, especially small parts, with at least one vibratory conveying unit for conveying the products along a conveying direction of the vibratory conveying unit, with at least one electrodynamic conveying unit that at least partially forms the vibratory conveying unit or on which the vibratory conveying unit is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveying unit has a plurality of electrodynamically movable movers, wherein at least one, in particular a plurality of, product receiving units of the vibratory conveying unit, each having a channel-like conveying path, is arranged on the electrodynamically movable movers for receiving the products, which can be set into vibration to convey the products.In particular, the invention proposes using an electrodynamically movable mover(s), with at least one monitoring unit for detecting irregularities and / or disturbances in the movement of the products caused by the vibratory conveying unit, and with at least one control unit, in particular one already mentioned, which is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. Preferably, the vibratory conveying unit comprises at least one functional element arranged at the product receiving point, which is designed to perform at least one sorting function of the vibratory conveying unit, in particular aligning, rotating, erecting, sorting, hopper storage, or metering of the products, which can be carried out during product conveying. The term "designed" is intended to mean, in particular, specially configured, specially designed,This is understood to mean specially equipped and / or specially programmed. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function means, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. Preferably, the functional element is designed and / or arranged on the product receiving in such a way that a product which comes into contact with the functional element or at least temporarily rests against it is aligned, aligned, guided into a predetermined path, rotated, erected, sorted, lifted,The product is collected or dispensed. The functional element can be formed integrally with the product holder or fixed to the product holder by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. Preferably, the functional element is arranged on a trough-like conveying track of the product holder. The trough-like conveying track preferably comprises a U-shaped cross-section, particularly when viewed in a cross-sectional plane of the product holder extending at least substantially perpendicular to a support surface of the product holder. However, it is also conceivable that the trough-like conveying track has a different cross-sectional shape that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art.such as a V-shaped cross-section or the like. The conveying path is preferably designed to guide the products during conveying by the vibratory conveying unit. Preferably, the product receiving area comprises a plurality of trough-like conveying paths. Preferably, at least one, and in particular a single, functional element of the vibratory conveying unit is arranged on each conveying path. It is also conceivable that the product receiving area has a tapered trough-like conveying path that transitions into a plurality of trough-like conveying paths, wherein one or more functional element(s) is / are arranged in the area of ​​the transition between the tapered trough-like conveying path and the plurality of trough-like conveying paths. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the functional element, preferably viewed along the conveying direction, is located at a beginning, at an end, in the middle, or at another point,The position of the corresponding trough-like conveyor tracks at the product intake is arranged in a position that appears sensible to a specialist.

[0019] The product holder is preferably designed as a type of receiving tray, receiving trough, or the like, in which products are arranged during handling by the electrodynamically movable mover. The product holder can be formed integrally with the electrodynamically movable mover, or it can be fixed to the electrodynamically movable mover by means of a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection. Preferably, the product holder comprises at least one, preferably at least two, side walls extending transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface of the product holder, which at least partially define, and in particular limit, a product receiving space of the product holder or the trough-like conveying path of the product holder.In particular, at least one side wall, especially in at least one embodiment of the handling device, forms the movably mounted side boundary element. Preferably, one or both side walls form or at least partially define the trough-like conveyor track or one of the trough-like conveyor tracks. 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 purely by vibrations of the product holder relative to the product holder.

[0020] The electrodynamic conveying unit preferably has a design already known to those skilled in the art. The electrodynamic conveying unit preferably comprises a plurality of, in particular horizontally or vertically oriented, preferably those already mentioned, motion surface elements, which are equipped with electromagnetic drive elements and are connected to one another, in particular to form a planar plane of motion. Preferably, the electrodynamic conveying unit is designed as an electrodynamic planar drive unit. The electrodynamic conveying unit preferably comprises a plurality of electrodynamically movable movers, in particular planar movers, which are movable relative to the motion surface elements, in particular without contact, in particular as a result of an interaction between the permanent magnets of the electrodynamically movable movers and the electromagnetic drive elements, in particular coils, of the motion surface elements.In particular, the electrodynamic conveying unit can detect and evaluate the position of the individual electrodynamically movable movers relative to the moving surface elements in a manner known to those skilled in the art, in order to control or regulate a movement, vibration, or the like of the electrodynamically movable movers. The electrodynamically movable mover, especially the planar mover, is preferably free of fixed guide tracks due to the interaction of permanent magnets of the electrodynamically movable mover with the electromagnetic drive elements, especially coils, of the moving surface elements, and is movable relative to the moving surface elements, particularly in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the electrodynamically movable mover, especially the planar mover, has at least two degrees of freedom, preferably more than two degrees of freedom, and most preferably six degrees of freedom.Regarding the basic functionality and 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 holder is preferably arranged on each electrodynamically movable mover. The inventive design of the handling device advantageously provides a simple and flexible means of automatically correcting a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process, since a conveying element, in particular an electrodynamically movable mover, of the handling device itself can advantageously be moved to correct a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process.It can advantageously enable simple and quick troubleshooting, especially since, for example, upon detection of an irregularity and / or malfunction, such as a blocked product intake, preferably a blocked conveyor, or the like, the sorting function can be temporarily interrupted via a monitoring unit and / or a control unit, and the affected conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, can be replaced or repaired, for example by automatically moving the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, out of a conveying section, in particular a sorting section, the handling device, or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, a production machine with at least one handling device according to the invention is proposed. The production machine can include further devices and / or units that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which can be used for handling, in particular sorting, products. The production machine is preferably intended for the manufacture, filling, packaging, and / or repackaging of food or pharmaceutical products. The production machine can thus, in addition to the handling device, have a multitude of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art would consider useful, such as a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, a repackaging device, or the like.The inventive design of the production machine advantageously provides a simple and flexible means for automatically correcting a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process, since a conveying element, especially an electrodynamically movable mover, can advantageously be moved within the handling device itself to correct a detected irregularity and / or malfunction, particularly in a sorting process. This allows for simple and rapid troubleshooting, especially since, for example, upon detection of an irregularity and / or malfunction, such as a blocked product intake, preferably a blocked conveyor, or the like., via a monitoring unit and / or a control or regulating unit, the sorting function can be temporarily interrupted and the affected conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, can be replaced or repaired, such as by automatically moving the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover, out of a conveying line, in particular a sorting line, the handling device or the like.

[0022] The inventive method, handling device, and / or production machine are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the inventive method, handling device, and / or production machine may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than those specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0023] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0024] They show:

[0025] Fig. 1 A production machine according to the invention with at least one handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0026] Fig. 2a shows a schematic representation of a possibility to eliminate an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of a method according to the invention, using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. 2b shows a schematic representation of another possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0028] Fig. 2c shows a schematic representation of an additional possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention; Fig. 2d'-2d”' shows a schematic representation of a possibility of blocking or locking conveying paths of a product receiving device by using the method according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. 2e shows a schematic representation of another possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a possibility to eliminate an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. 5a shows a schematic representation of another possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0033] Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of an additional possibility to eliminate an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a further alternative possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a further additional possibility to eliminate an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a further alternative additional possibility to eliminate an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of another possibility of eliminating an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention by means of the method according to the invention, using an additional element or an additional unit of the handling device according to the invention and using an intrinsic movement of a conveying element of the handling device according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a possibility to monitor a transition and / or an intermediate area between two conveying elements of the handling device according to the invention using the method according to the invention, in order to enable the safe rectification of an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device according to the invention and

[0039] Fig. 11 shows a schematic process flow of a method according to the invention for handling products

[0040] Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0041] Figure 1 shows a production machine 60 with at least one handling device 10. Preferably, only a portion of the production machine 60 is shown in which the handling device 10 is arranged. Further devices and / or units of the production machine 60 may be arranged along a production direction upstream and / or downstream of the handling device 10. The production machine 60 is preferably intended for the manufacture, processing, and / or filling of liquid or pasty foods, pharmaceuticals, and / or cosmetics.The production machine 60 may include further devices and / or units that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which are used for the manufacture, processing, and / or filling of liquid or pasty foods, pharmaceuticals, and / or cosmetics, such as a sterilization device, a filling device, a closure device, a repackaging device, or the like. It is also conceivable that the production machine 60 is intended for the manufacture, processing, and / or filling of products 12, such as SMT components or the like, from other industrial sectors. The handling device 10 is intended for handling products 12, in particular small parts, such as stoppers, caps, corks, crown caps, screw caps, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, or the like.Preferably, the handling device 10 is designed as a sorting device by means of which the products 12 can be fed, in a targeted and aligned manner, to the devices and / or units (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 60 downstream of the handling device 10. Figure 1 shows a possible configuration of individual components of the handling device 10 for sorting and / or aligning the products 12.The handling device 10 comprises at least one vibratory conveying unit 14 for conveying the products 12 along a conveying direction 16 of the vibratory conveying unit 14 and at least one electrodynamic conveying unit 18, which at least partially forms the vibratory conveying unit 14 or on which the vibratory conveying unit 14 is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveying unit 18 has at least one electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, on which at least one, in particular a plurality of, trough-like conveying tracks, product receiving 36, 38, 40, 42 of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is arranged for receiving the products 12, which can be set into vibration for conveying the products 12, in particular by means of the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26.

[0042] The product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42 is preferably designed as a type of receiving tray, receiving trough, 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 can be formed integrally with the, in particular, respective, electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, or the product receptacle 36, 38, 40, 42 can be fixed to the, in particular, respective, electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26 by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection.Preferably, the product receiving device 36, 38, 40, 42 comprises at least one, preferably at least two, side walls extending transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a support surface of the product receiving device 36, 38, 40, 42, and in particular side walls that at least partially define, or in particular limit, a product receiving space of the product receiving device 36, 38, 40, 42 or the trough-like conveying path of the product receiving device 36, 38, 40, 42. Preferably, one or both side walls form or limit at least partially the trough-like conveying path or one of the trough-like conveying paths.The product holder 36, 38, 40, 42 can be set into vibration by an oscillating movement of the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26 itself or by an additional vibratory drive unit, in particular arranged on the electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, especially to exert a conveying force on the products 12 arranged on the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42 according to the vibratory conveying principle. The product holder 36, 38, 40, 42 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 by vibrations of the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42 relative to the product holder 36, 38, 40, 42.

[0043] The electrodynamic conveying unit 18 preferably has a configuration already known to those skilled in the art. The electrodynamic conveying unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of, in particular horizontally or vertically oriented, motion surface elements 64, which are equipped with electromagnetic drive elements (not shown in detail here) and are connected to one another, in particular to form a planar plane of motion. The electrodynamic conveying 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 motion surface elements 64, in particular without contact, especially as a result of an interaction of permanent magnets of the electrodynamically movable movers 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 with the electromagnetic drive elements of the motion surface elements 64.In particular, the electrodynamic conveying unit 18 can detect and evaluate the position of the individual electrodynamically movable movers 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 relative to the movement surface elements 64 in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, in order to control or regulate a movement, vibration, 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 or at least one return product receptacle 74, 76, 78, 80 of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is preferably arranged on each electrodynamically movable mover 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34.

[0044] Furthermore, the vibratory conveying unit 14 preferably includes at least the return product intake 74, 76, 78, 80, which is designed to convey products 12 that are unsuitably oriented for further processing by means of any devices and / or units (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 60 downstream of the handling device 10, against the conveying direction 16 and to feed them back along the conveying direction 16 to the first product intake 36. It is also conceivable that the vibratory conveying unit 14 is designed without the return product intakes 74, 76, 78, 80 and that products 12 that are unsuitably oriented for further processing by means of any devices and / or units (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 60 downstream of the handling device 10, or that have been detected as defective, are disposed of.The return product intake 74, 76, 78, 80 is preferably arranged analogously to the product intake 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 by means of a vibration principle and to feed them back to the beginning of a conveying section, in particular a sorting section, of the handling device 10. Preferably, the handling device 10 comprises a plurality of return product intakes 74, 76, 78, 80. In particular, each of the return product intakes 74, 76, 78, 80 is arranged on an electrodynamically movable mover 28, 30, 32, 34 of the electrodynamic conveying unit 18. The return product intakes 74, 76, 78, 80 can all have an identical design or be configured differently.Preferably, at least one of the return product receptacles 74, 76, 78, 80, in particular the first of the return product receptacles 74, 76, 78, 80 as viewed in Figure 1 along the conveying direction 16, is designed as an angled guide channel 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 74, 76, 78, 80, in particular the second and the third of the return product receptacles 74, 76, 78, 80 as viewed in Figure 1 along the conveying direction 16, is designed as a straight return channel to enable the products 12 to be conveyed against the conveying direction 16.Preferably, at least one of the return product receptacles 74, 76, 78, 80, in particular the last of the return product receptacles 74, 76, 78, 80 as viewed along the conveying direction 16 in Figure 1, is designed as an angled guide channel to allow 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 as viewed along the conveying direction 16 in Figure 1. The return product receptacles 74, 76, 78, 80 preferably have a slope, in particular to allow a height difference between the discharge of the products 12 from one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42 and the feed of the products 12 to one of the product receptacles 36, 38, 40, 42. The slope can be a spiral slope or a slope in the manner of an inclined plane.Other configurations of the return product intakes 74, 76, 78, 80 that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. It is also conceivable that return could be achieved by means of a different type of conveying unit, such as a conveyor belt, a chain conveyor, an autonomous robot, or the like.

[0045] Furthermore, the handling device 10 comprises at least one monitoring unit 44 for detecting an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by the vibratory conveying unit 14, and at least one control unit 58, which is configured to carry out a method 62 (see also Figure 11) for handling products 12 by means of the handling device 10. The monitoring unit 44 is preferably designed to detect an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device 10.An irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device 10 can, for example, be a product intake 36, 38, 40, 42 blocked by a jammed product 12, preferably a conveying path of the product intake 36, 38, 40, 42 blocked by a jammed product 12, a product 12 incorrectly aligned in the conveying path, or the like. The monitoring unit 44 preferably comprises at least one optical monitoring element (not shown in detail here), such as a camera, a light barrier, or the like, by means of which an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device 10 can be detected. However, it is also conceivable that the monitoring unit 44 alternatively or additionally comprises at least one haptic monitoring element, such as a push button or the like., by means of which an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device 10 can be detected. Preferably, the monitoring unit 44 is connected to the control unit 58 of the handling device 10 in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the data transmitted from the monitoring unit 44 to the control unit 58 can be evaluated by the control unit 58 in order to detect an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process, in particular a sorting process, of the handling device 10 and to initiate appropriate countermeasures in order to rectify an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process of the handling device 10 by carrying out the method 62 by means of the control unit 58.

[0046] Figure 2a shows a schematic representation of one way to correct an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process of the handling device 10 using method 62. In the example shown in Figure 2a, an irregularity and / or a malfunction is, for example, caused by a product intake 38 being blocked by a jammed product 12. Preferably, in at least one process step 66 of method 62, an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by the vibratory conveying unit 14 is detected by the monitoring unit 44.

[0047] Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, on which the clogged product intake 38 is arranged, is controlled in at least one process step 68 of the process 62 depending on a signal from the monitoring unit 44 by means of the control unit 58 such that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, alternatively or additionally to a pure vibratory conveying movement, performs a movement which runs along a direction 46 transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction 16 in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.Preferably, in at least one process step 68, depending on a signal from the monitoring unit 44, a movement of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, relative to at least one further conveying element, in particular a further electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, of the conveying unit 18, in particular along the direction 46 running transversely to the conveying direction 16, takes place, in particular beyond a pure vibratory conveying movement, preferably automatically, in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is moved out of the conveying path of the vibratory conveying unit 14 in at least one process step 68 along a direction running at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane and / or to a main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22.

[0048] In at least one, preferably further, process step 70 of the process 62, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20, which has been moved out of the conveying path of the vibratory conveying unit 14 along the direction 46 running transversely to the conveying direction 16, is preferably replaced by an additional conveying element, in particular an additional electrodynamically movable mover 26, 28, 30, 32 34, of the conveying unit 18, in particular at least temporarily, by moving the additional conveying element, in particular the additional electrodynamically movable mover 26, 28, 30, 32 34, into the conveying path instead of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20, after the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20, has been moved out.Preferably, a product receptacle is arranged on the additional conveying element, in particular the additional electrodynamically movable mover 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, which is moved into the conveying path instead of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20. This receptacle is identical in design to the product receptacle 38 arranged on the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20. Preferably, the additional conveying element, in particular the additional electrodynamically movable mover 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, is moved into the conveying path of the vibratory conveying unit 14 along the direction 46, which runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or to a principal extension plane of the additional conveying element, in particular the additional electrodynamically movable mover 26, 28, 30, 32, 34.

[0049] Figures 2b to 9 show schematic representations of alternative or additional possibilities compared to Figure 2a for remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a conveying process of the handling device 10, in particular at least one product 12 jammed in a conveying path of a product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, at least one product 12 incorrectly aligned in a conveying path of a product holder 36, 38, 40, 42, or the like, by means of the method 62, wherein in particular the, preferably further, method step 70 can in principle be carried out additionally in the schematic representations of the possibilities in Figures 2b to 9.

[0050] In the possibility shown in Figure 2b of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, by means of the method 62, in the process step 66 of the method 62 an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is detected by means of the monitoring unit 44.Preferably, in process step 68 of process 62, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, on which the blocked product intake 38 is arranged, is controlled by the control unit 58 in such a way that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, alternatively or additionally to a pure vibratory conveying movement, performs a movement which runs along a direction 46 transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction 16 in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.Preferably, in process step 68 of process 62, the conveying element, in particular of the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is rotated relative to at least one further conveying element, in particular a further electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, of the conveying unit 18, about an axis running at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or to the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular of the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in particular by more than 90°, preferably by more than 180° and most preferably by more than 360°, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance by utilizing a centrifugal force.

[0051] In the method 62 shown in Figure 2c, which corrects an irregularity and / or a disturbance, for example caused by a product 12 that is incorrectly aligned in a product holder 38, the monitoring unit 44 detects an irregularity and / or a disturbance in the movement of the products 12 that can be caused by the vibratory conveying unit 14 in process step 66 of process 62. Preferably, in process step 70 of process 62, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, on which the product holder 38 with the incorrectly aligned product 12 is arranged, is controlled by the control unit 58 in such a way that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, performs a movement alternatively or in addition to a pure vibratory conveying movement.which runs along a direction 46 transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction 16, in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance. Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is rotated in process step 68 of process 62 relative to at least one further conveying element, in particular another electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, of the conveying unit 18, about the axis running at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or to the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in particular by 90°. Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is controlled by the control unit 58 such that the conveying element,In particular, the electrodynamically movable mover 22 performs a vibratory conveying movement, preferably to convey the incorrectly oriented product 12 from the product receptacle 38, especially into a collection container 52 of the handling device 10, preferably arranged laterally next to the conveying path. It is conceivable that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in addition to the vibratory conveying movement, performs a tilting movement, preferably reciprocating, about an axis extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, and in particular at least substantially parallel to the conveying paths, preferably to assist in emptying the product receptacle 38, in particular the conveying path in which the defective product 12 is arranged. It is conceivable thatthat all products 12 arranged in the product receptacle 38 are conveyed into the collection container 52 by the vibratory conveying movement of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22; that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, performs a vibratory conveying movement only until the misaligned product 12 has been conveyed out of the product receptacle 38, whereby further products 12, which are arranged in other conveying lanes of the product receptacle 38, are also conveyed into the collection container 52; or that the handling device 10 comprises at least one stop element 82 by means of which at least the conveying lanes of the product receptacle 38 can be closed on the side of the product receptacle 38 facing the collection container 52 in order to prevent empty conveying of conveying lanes of the product receptacle 38 in which no misaligned products 12 are arranged.to counteract or avoid this. The stop element 82 can be movably mounted and / or the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is moved relative to the stop element 82, in particular translationally along the conveying direction 16, especially after a rotation about the axis which runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or to the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22. Further processes that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art in order to counteract or avoid empty conveying of conveyor tracks of the product receiving 38 in which no incorrectly aligned products 12 are arranged, are also conceivable.

[0052] Figures 2d' to 2d'” schematically depict movement possibilities of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in order to, for example, selectively stop an unwanted conveying flow of products 12 along or against the conveying direction 16 from at least one further conveying element, in particular another electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, of the conveying unit 18, to the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22.

[0053] In Figure 2d', the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is moved translationally along an axis extending at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane and / or to the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in particular a vertical axis, relative to further conveying elements, in particular further electrodynamically movable movers 20, 24, in order to block or lock conveying paths of product receivings 36, 40, which are arranged on the further conveying elements, in particular the further electrodynamically movable movers 20, 24.

[0054] In Figure 2d” the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is tilted about the axis extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in particular the vertical axis, relative to the further conveying elements, in particular the further electrodynamically movable moves 20, 24, in order to block or lock conveying tracks of at least one product intake 36, 40, which is arranged on one of the further conveying elements, in particular the further electrodynamically movable moves 20, 24, by means of at least one side surface of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22. In Figure 2d’” the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, about the axis extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or the main extension plane of the conveying element,in particular the axis extending, in particular the vertical axis, of the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is tilted relative to further conveying elements, in particular the further electrodynamically movable movers 20, 24, and additionally moved translationally along the axis extending at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane and / or to the main extension plane of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, in particular the vertical axis, relative to the further conveying elements, in particular the further electrodynamically movable movers 20, 24, in order to block or lock conveying paths of product receivings 36, 40, which are arranged on the further conveying elements, in particular on the further electrodynamically movable movers 20, 24.

[0055] In the possibility shown in Figure 2e of correcting an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product 12 that is incorrectly aligned in a product holder 38, by means of the method 62, in the process step 66 of the method 62 an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is detected by means of the monitoring unit 44.Preferably, in order to remove the at least one incorrectly aligned product 12 from the product receptacle 38, which is arranged on the conveying element, a distance 50 between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, is changed, in particular increased, in order to move a collection container 52 of the handling device 10, in particular arranged on a further additional conveying element, in particular a further additional electrodynamically movable mover 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, of the conveying unit 18, into which the incorrectly aligned product 12 can be moved, between the conveying element and the further conveying element or to release a receiving opening of the collection container 52.In addition, it is conceivable, for example, that a maximum conveying trough width of the product receiving 38, which is arranged on the conveying element, is changed, in particular increased, in particular as a result of a relative movement between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, to actuate a mechanical unit 56 arranged on the product receiving 38 (only indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2e) of the handling device 10 for adjusting the maximum conveying trough width.

[0056] In the possibility shown in Figure 3 of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, by means of the method 62, in the process step 66 of the method 62 an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is detected by means of the monitoring unit 44.Preferably, in process step 68 of process 62, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, on which the blocked product intake 38 is arranged, is controlled by the control unit 58 in such a way that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, alternatively or additionally to a pure vibratory conveying movement, performs a movement which runs along a direction 46 transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction 16 in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20, is moved along the direction 46 transverse to the conveying direction 16 relative to the further conveying element, in particular to the further electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, in order to select or adjust an assignment of at least one of at least two groups of conveying paths of the product receiving 38, which is arranged on the conveying element, relative to a plurality of trough-like conveying paths of further product receivings 36, 40 of the vibratory conveying unit 14, which are each arranged on one of the further conveying elements.Preferably, the two groups of conveyor tracks are arranged laterally offset from each other, in particular such that, depending on the position of the conveying element relative to the further conveying element, one of the two groups of conveyor tracks of the product receptacle 38 arranged on the conveying element can be aligned with the conveyor tracks of the product receptacle 36, 40 arranged on the further conveying element. The two groups of conveyor tracks preferably form a kind of double track of the product receptacle 38 arranged on the conveying element, in particular such that at least one of the two groups of conveyor tracks can be used for conveying products 12 between the conveying element and the further conveying element.For example, it is conceivable that if a product 12 jams in one of the conveyor lanes of the two groups of conveyor lanes, the conveying element is moved along the direction 46 running transversely to the conveying direction 16 relative to the further conveying element in order to enable the conveying of the products 12 by means of the previously unused conveyor lane of the two groups of conveyor lanes.

[0057] In the possibility shown in Figure 4 of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, by means of the method 62, in the process step 66 of the method 62 an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is detected by means of the monitoring unit 44.Preferably, in process step 68 of process 62, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, on which the blocked product intake 38 is arranged, is controlled by the control unit 58 in such a way that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, alternatively or additionally to a pure vibratory conveying movement, performs a movement which runs along a direction 46 transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction 16 in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.Preferably, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 20, is moved in a collision with an impulse force release element 54 of the handling device 10 to release a jammed product 12 from the product receptacle 38, which is arranged on the conveying element, particularly after a movement of the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, out of the conveying path along the direction 46 extending transversely to the conveying direction 16. For example, it is conceivable that the impulse force release element 54 is triggered by a stationary element of the handling device 10, in particular with respect to at least one of the movement surface elements 64, such as a band or the like that laterally delimits at least one of the movement surface elements 64., is formed, wherein the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is moved in a collision with the impulse force release element 54 to release the jammed product 12 from the product receptacle 38, in particular after the conveying element has been moved out of the conveying path.

[0058] In the possibility shown in Figure 5a of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, by means of the method 62, in the process step 66 of the method 62 an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products 12 that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit 14 is detected by means of the monitoring unit 44.Preferably, in process step 68 of process 62, the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, on which the blocked product intake 38 is arranged, is controlled by the control unit 58 in such a way that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, alternatively or additionally to a pure vibratory conveying movement, performs a movement which runs along a direction 46 transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction 16 in order to counteract the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, in particular to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.Preferably, particularly in process step 68 of process 62, the conveying element, especially the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is moved out of the conveying path along the direction 46 extending transversely to the conveying direction 16 and moved to a fault elimination unit 48, which cooperates with or acts on the conveying element to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or fault. In Figure 5a, the fault elimination unit 48 is shown, for example, as a calculation unit of the handling device 10.In the configuration shown in Figure 5a, the fault elimination unit 48 is designed as a stationary unit relative to which the conveying element is moved, in particular towards which the conveying element is moved after being moved out of the conveying path, in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected fault, in particular by a relative movement of the conveying element to the fault elimination unit 48.

[0059] In the possibility shown in Figure 5b of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, by means of the method 62, the disturbance elimination unit 48 is alternatively arranged on a further additional conveying element, in particular a further additional electrodynamic mover 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, of the conveying unit 18, as an alternative to the embodiment in Figure 5a, in particular when the disturbance elimination unit 48 is configured as a rectification unit, and is itself flexibly movable relative to the movement surface elements 64 in order to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance, for example by opposing movements of the conveying element and the further additional conveying element to rectify the product intake 38 or the like arranged on the conveying element., especially after the conveying element has been moved out of the conveying line.

[0060] In the possibility shown in Figure 6 of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product receptacle 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, by means of the method 62, the disturbance elimination unit 48 is alternatively designed as a fluid unit, preferably as a compressed air unit, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, by means of which the product receptacle 38 is blown out, in particular by applying targeted bursts of compressed air to the jammed product 12.In the method 62 shown in Figure 7, an irregularity and / or a malfunction, such as one caused by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, is rectified by means of the method 62. As an alternative to the configuration shown in Figures 5a to 6, the troubleshooting unit 48 is designed as a push-off unit by means of which the jammed product 12, in particular the part protruding beyond the conveyor track, is pushed off the product intake 38, preferably into the collection container 52 located laterally next to the conveyor track. The conveyor element can remain in the conveyor track and the troubleshooting unit 48 is actively moved, or the conveyor element can be moved out of the conveyor track and towards the troubleshooting unit 48, whereby the conveyor element is moved relative to the troubleshooting unit 48 along a scraper element of the troubleshooting unit 48.

[0061] In the method 62 shown in Figure 8, which eliminates an irregularity and / or a malfunction, for example caused by a product intake 38 blocked by a jammed product 12, the malfunction elimination unit 48 is alternatively designed as a tipping unit compared to the configuration shown in Figures 5a to 7. This tipping unit tilts the conveying element by an angle of more than 90° relative to the horizontal plane to tip the jammed product 12, preferably into the collection container 52 located laterally next to the conveying path. It is conceivable that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamic mover 22, performs a vibration movement in addition to the tilting movement by the tipping unit to assist in releasing the jammed product 12.

[0062] In the possibility shown in Figure 9 of remedying an irregularity and / or a disturbance, which is formed, for example, by a product receptacle 38 blocked by a jammed product 12 or by a product 12 incorrectly aligned therein, by means of the method 62, the disturbance elimination unit 48 is alternatively designed as a passive or active gripper unit to the embodiment shown in Figures 5a to 8, which has at least one product handling element, such as a mechanical gripper, a vacuum gripper, a picker or the like.In an configuration of the fault correction unit 48 as an active gripper unit, it is conceivable that the conveying element is first moved towards the active gripper unit, particularly after moving out of the conveying path, is stopped near the gripper unit, and the detected irregularity and / or fault is eliminated by moving a product handling element of the active gripper unit. In a configuration of the fault correction unit 48 as a passive gripper unit, it is conceivable that the conveying element is first moved towards the passive gripper unit, and as a result of a further movement of the conveying element towards a product handling element of the passive gripper unit, the detected irregularity and / or fault is eliminated.

[0063] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a possibility of monitoring a transition and / or an intermediate area between two conveying elements of the handling device 10 using method 62, in order to enable the safe correction of an irregularity and / or a malfunction in a conveying process of the handling device 10. Preferably, in at least one, in particular alternative or additional, method step 72 of method 62, a transition and / or an intermediate area arranged along the conveying direction 16 between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover 22, and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover 20, 24, is monitored, in particular by means of the monitoring unit 44, and a movement of the conveying element, in particular of the electrodynamically movable mover 22, is released depending on a monitoring result.For example, it is conceivable that the transition and / or intermediate area is monitored to ensure it is free of product 12, thus allowing movement of the conveying element along the direction 46, which runs transversely to the conveying direction 16, relative to the further conveying element. Monitoring of the transition and / or intermediate area can be carried out by means of the monitoring unit 44 or by evaluation by means of the control unit 58 of a resistance force acting on the conveying element, in particular a driving force caused by the resistance force and acting on the conveying element to overcome the resistance, when attempting to move along the direction 46, which runs transversely to the conveying direction 16, relative to the further conveying element. Other monitoring options for the transition and / or intermediate area that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that if a monitoring result indicates that the transition and / or the intermediate area is not clear, such as due to the presence of a product 12 in the transition and / or the intermediate area extending from the conveying element to the next conveying element, so that movement of the conveying element along the direction 46 perpendicular to the conveying direction 16 relative to the next conveying element is not freely possible, or the like, the transition and / or the intermediate area is cleared by means of the fault clearance unit 48 and / or by means of a movement, in particular a vibration movement, tilting movement or the like, of the conveying element and / or the next conveying element.

[0064] Figure 11 shows a schematic sequence of the process 62 for handling the products 12 using the handling device 10, which can be carried out by means of the control unit 58. The aforementioned process steps 66, 68, 70, 72 can be carried out sequentially, independently of one another, or according to any other sequence that would be considered sensible by a person skilled in the art. Further alternative or additional process steps of the process 62 that would be considered sensible by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for handling products (12), in particular small parts, by means of a handling device comprising at least one vibratory conveying unit (14) for conveying the products (12) at least along a conveying direction (16) of the vibratory conveying unit (14) and at least one, in particular electrodynamic, conveying unit (18) which at least partially forms the vibratory conveying unit (14) or on which the vibratory conveying unit (14) is at least partially arranged, wherein in at least one method step (66) an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products (12) that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit (14) is detected by means of a monitoring unit (44) of the handling device, characterized in that, depending on a signal from the monitoring unit (44), a movement, in particular one that goes beyond a pure vibratory conveying movement, preferably automatic,Movement of at least one conveying element, in particular an electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), of the conveying unit (18) relative to at least one further conveying element, in particular a further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), of the conveying unit (18), in particular along a direction (46) running transversely or at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction (16), to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected disturbance.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is moved out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit (14) along a direction (46) extending transversely to the conveying direction (16) and by an additional conveying element, in particular an additional electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), the conveying unit (18) is replaced by moving the additional conveying element into the conveying path after moving the conveying element out instead of the conveying element.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is moved out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit (14) along a direction (46) extending transversely to the conveying direction (16) and is moved to a fault elimination unit (48), in particular to a calculating unit, to a fluid unit, to a tipping unit, to a gripper unit or the like, of the handling device, which cooperates with or acts on the conveying element to eliminate the detected irregularity and / or the detected fault.

4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to remove at least one misaligned product (12) from a product intake (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit (14), which is arranged on the conveying element and has a plurality of channel-like conveying tracks, a distance (50) between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is changed, in particular increased, in order to remove at least one misaligned product (12) from a product intake (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit (14), which is arranged on the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34). (18) arranged, collection container (52) of the handling device, into which the incorrectly aligned product (12) can be moved,to move between the conveying element and the next conveying element or to release a receiving opening of the collection container (52).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is moved in a collision with an impulse force release element (54) of the handling device to release a jammed product (12) from a product intake (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit (14), which is arranged on the conveying element and which has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, in particular after a movement of the conveying element, in particular of the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), along a direction (46) extending transversely to the conveying direction (16) out of a conveying section of the vibratory conveying unit (14).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum conveying trough width of a product receiving unit (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit (14), which is arranged on the conveying element and has a plurality of trough-like conveying tracks, is changed, in particular increased, in particular as a result of a relative movement between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), to actuate a mechanical unit (56) of the handling device arranged on the product receiving unit (36, 38, 40, 42) for adjusting the maximum conveying trough width.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is moved along a direction (46) extending transversely to the conveying direction (16) relative to the further conveying element, in particular to the further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), in order to assign at least one of at least two groups of conveying paths of a product receiving (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit (14), which is arranged on the conveying element, relative to a plurality of trough-like To select or adjust conveying paths of a further product intake (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit (14) which is arranged on the further conveying element.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transition arranged along the conveying direction (16) and / or an intermediate area between the conveying element, in particular the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and the further conveying element, in particular the further electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is monitored, in particular by means of the monitoring unit (44), and depending on a monitoring result, a movement of the conveying element, in particular of the electrodynamically movable mover (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), is released.

9. Handling device, in particular sorting device, for handling products (12), in particular small parts, with at least one vibratory conveying unit (14) for conveying the products (12) along a conveying direction (16) of the vibratory conveying unit (14), with at least one electrodynamic conveying unit (18) which at least partially forms the vibratory conveying unit (14) or on which the vibratory conveying unit (14) is at least partially arranged, wherein the electrodynamic conveying unit (18) has a plurality of electrodynamically movable movers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), wherein at least one, in particular a plurality of, product receivings (36, 38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit, each having a product receiving channel (36, 38, 40, 42) on the electrodynamically movable movers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), in particular each having a product receiving channel (38, 40, 42) of the vibratory conveying unit. (14) are arranged to receive the products (12),which is capable of being set into vibration for conveying the products (12), in particular by means of the electrodynamically movable mover(s) (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34), with at least one monitoring unit (44) for detecting an irregularity and / or a disturbance in a movement of the products (12) that can be caused by means of the vibratory conveying unit (14) and with at least one control or regulating unit (58) which, - M - is equipped to carry out the procedure according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Production machine with at least one handling device according to claim 9.

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