Product handling device and method for handling stacks of packaging blanks for loading a cardboard magazine

Abstract

The invention relates to a product handling device, in particular a cardboard magazine loading device, for handling stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a cardboard magazine (14a) of a packaging machine (16a) with stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), having at least one handling unit (18a; 18b) which comprises, in particular three, bearing and / or support elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b) which, in particular each, have a bearing surface (26a, 28a, 30a; 26b, 28b, 30b) against which a main extension surface (32a; 32b) of the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) can be placed at least during handling. According to the invention, at least one, in particular at least two, of the bearing and / or support elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b) comprises, in particular each comprises, a lateral support surface (34a, 36a, 38a; 34b, 36b, 38b) running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the bearing surface (26a, 28a, 30a; 26b, 28b, 30b), against which lateral support surface a lateral surface (40a; 40b) of the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), running transversely to the main extension surface (32a; 32b), can be placed at least during handling.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Product handling device and method for handling stacks of packaging blanks for loading a carton magazine

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The invention relates to a product handling device, in particular a carton magazine loading device, for handling stacks of packaging blanks, especially cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a carton magazine of a packaging machine with stacks of packaging blanks, with at least one handling unit comprising loading and / or attachment elements having a support surface on which the stack of packaging blanks can be placed with a main extension surface at least during handling.

[0005] Such product handling devices are known, for example, under the product name Cermex FlexiLoad™ from Sidel International SA. In these known product handling devices, the stacks of packaging blanks are held by means of the lifting and / or positioning elements by a frictional connection acting parallel to a main extensional surface of the stacks of packaging blanks and / or a positive-locking connection acting perpendicular to the main extensional surface of the stacks of packaging blanks, in particular by clamping the stacks of packaging blanks between at least two lifting and / or positioning elements. This can lead to inaccurate alignment of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine, since the stacks of packaging blanks can slip between the two lifting and / or positioning elements if the frictional force along the main extensional surface of the stacks of packaging blanks is insufficient.Furthermore, the stacks of packaging blanks, particularly when the packaging blanks have a smooth surface, can slip between the loading and / or loading elements during handling with the known product handling device. This can occur due to unintentional contact, preferably caused by an external force impulse applied to the stack of packaging blanks. This can also contribute to inaccurate positioning of the packaging blanks. Moreover, precise alignment of the packaging blanks is necessary before handling them with the known product handling device to ensure accurate loading of the carton magazine.

[0006] Furthermore, product handling devices, in particular carton magazine loading devices, for handling stacks of packaging blanks, especially cardboard blanks, are already known from JP 2014-162 502 A, DE 3835 032 Al, DE 19842 965 Al and DE 10 2020 111 022 Al.

[0007] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic product handling device, a generic method, and / or a generic packaging machine with improved properties with regard to the simple and safe handling of packaging blanks and / or the precise loading of a carton magazine. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 9, and 14, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a product handling device, in particular a carton magazine loading device, for handling stacks of packaging blanks, in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a carton magazine of a packaging machine with stacks of packaging blanks, with at least one handling unit, which comprises, in particular three, loading and / or contact elements, which in particular each have a support surface on which the stack of packaging blanks can be placed with a main extension surface, in particular a main extension surface of one of the loading and / or contact elements facing, in particular the bottommost, packaging blank of the stack of packaging blanks, at least during a handling operation.

[0010] It is proposed that at least one, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or contact elements comprise, and in particular each comprise, a side contact surface extending transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface, against which the stack of packaging blanks can be placed with a side surface extending transversely to the main extension surface, at least during handling. Preferably, the stack of packaging blanks is held in place by means of at least one, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or contact elements by means of a positive-locking connection to the handling unit, acting at least substantially parallel to the main extension surface of the stack of packaging blanks.However, it is also conceivable that the stack of packaging blanks can be held in place by means of at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular by means of at least two of the mounting and / or contact elements, additionally by means of a positive-locking connection acting at least substantially perpendicular to the main extensional surface of the stack of packaging blanks. "Substantially 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 inventive design of the product handling device advantageously achieves a positive-locking hold of the packaging blanks by means of the mounting and / or contact element, in particular by means of the mounting and / or contact elements.This can advantageously enable simple and safe handling of packaging blanks. This is particularly true as a result of the advantageously reliable and safe alignment of the packaging blanks during handling with the attachments shown in 2024P00035WG.

[0011] - 4 - and / or support elements, advantageously enabling precise placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine. It is advantageous to prevent machine downtime due to incorrect placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine. It is advantageous to achieve high productivity of the packaging machine comprising the product handling device. It is advantageous to enable lifting of a stack of packaging blanks from a transport or storage device, in particular a pallet, requiring minimal special stacking arrangement of the packaging blanks. It is advantageously and structurally simple to achieve automatic alignment on the support and / or placement elements, in particular through the interaction of the contact surfaces and the side contact surface(s) with the stack of packaging blanks.A three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks can be particularly advantageous, especially to ensure the secure holding of stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks.

[0012] The product handling device is preferably designed as a carton magazine loading device intended for handling stacks of packaging blanks, in particular cardboard blanks. Preferably, the product handling device is intended for the automatic loading of a carton magazine of a packaging machine with stacks of packaging blanks, in particular cardboard blanks. "Intended" is understood to mean, in particular, specially configured, specially designed, specially equipped, and / or specially programmed. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.The product handling device is preferably attachable to an industrial robot, in particular to a tool interface of the industrial robot, or the product handling device preferably comprises at least one industrial robot on which, preferably, at least the handling unit, in particular to a tool interface of the industrial robot, can be attached. The industrial robot is preferably designed as a multi-axis robot, in particular as an articulated arm robot or as a gantry robot, which has a function and design already known to a person skilled in the art. The industrial robot can be designed as a stationary industrial robot or as a mobile industrial robot.The product handling device, or at least the handling unit, is preferably mounted on the industrial robot so that it can rotate about and / or translate along at least one, preferably three, axis(s) of movement, particularly relative to the packaging machine and / or relative to a surface on which the industrial robot is arranged. Preferably, the handling unit comprises a base body on which a connection interface is arranged for a connection, in particular a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, between the handling unit and the industrial robot, especially with the tool interface of the industrial robot. Preferably, the handling unit is fixed to the tool interface of the industrial robot by means of the connection interface, in particular detachably.The connection interface can be provided, in particular in addition to fixing the handling unit to the industrial robot, for a power supply and / or a data connection, preferably in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. However, it is also conceivable that the handling unit, in particular in addition to the connection interface, has at least one transmission interface, preferably designed separately from the connection interface, for a power supply and / or data transmission, preferably in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0013] The handling unit is preferably designed for handling stacks of packaging blanks. In particular, the handling unit is designed for lifting / removing a stack of packaging blanks from a plurality of packaging blanks arranged on or attached to a transport or storage device, especially a pallet, and for subsequently transferring the lifted / removed stack of packaging blanks to a packaging machine, especially a carton magazine or a feed transport unit, preferably a so-called feeder, of the packaging machine. Preferably, the plurality of packaging blanks arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, especially the pallet, is arranged or stacked on or attached to the transport or storage device in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art.The handling unit is preferably designed for unstacking / removing stacks of packaging blanks down to a respective intermediate layer of the plurality of packaging blanks arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, in particular the pallet. The function and design of intermediate layers on the transport or storage device, in particular the pallet, are already known to those skilled in the art and are preferably used to stabilize the plurality of packaging blanks arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, in particular the pallet, during, for example, transport by truck, in a manner already known to those skilled in the art. For handling the stacks of packaging blanks, the handling unit preferably comprises at least, in particular three, loading and / or support elements. Preferably, the product handling device includes at least one detection unit, such as a camera or similar device.The device is designed to detect the orientation, dimensions, and / or position of the packaging blanks on or at the transport or storage device, particularly the pallet. The mounting and / or positioning elements are preferably movable relative to the base of the handling unit based on parameters detected by the detection unit, in order to facilitate the handling of the packaging blanks. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, based on parameters detected by the detection unit, a preset position of the mounting and / or positioning elements on the base of the handling unit is possible, particularly to accommodate different sized packaging blanks, such as during a format change or similar event.

[0014] Two of the, in particular three, mounting and / or attachment elements are preferably designed as side flap slot engagement elements, which can each be inserted into a cutout, in particular a slot, between two side flaps of the packaging blanks for handling the stack of packaging blanks. Alternatively, two of the, in particular three, mounting and / or attachment elements are preferably designed as opening engagement elements, which can each be inserted into an opening in the main extensional surface of the packaging blanks, in particular an opening completely surrounded and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks, for handling the stack of packaging blanks.At least one of the, in particular three, loading and / or positioning elements is preferably designed as a gripping finger, in particular as a primary gripping finger, which can be brought into contact with the stack of packaging blanks in front of the side flap slot engagement elements or in front of the opening engagement elements. Preferably, the, in particular three, loading and / or positioning elements are movably mounted on the base body of the handling unit, in particular relative to each other, relative to the industrial robot, and / or relative to the packaging machine. Preferably, individual axes of movement of the, in particular three, loading and / or positioning elements extend at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extension of the handling unit.A "principal extension plane" of an element or component is understood to be, in particular, a plane that extends parallel to a major side face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the element or component, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. At least two axes of movement of the, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements preferably run coaxially, in particular the axes of movement of the mounting and / or contact elements designed as side-flange slot engagement elements or as opening engagement elements. At least one of the axes of movement of the, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to at least one of the axes of movement of the, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements, in particular to the two coaxially extending axes of movement of the, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements.The (in particular three) mounting and / or positioning elements can be movably mounted rotationally around and / or translationally along their respective axes of movement, particularly relative to the base body of the handling unit. The (in particular three) mounting and / or positioning elements can be movably mounted continuously or in steps on the base body. It is also conceivable that the (in particular three) mounting and / or positioning elements are movably mounted on the base body with spring tension, particularly to counteract damage to the stack of packaging blanks during handling by the handling unit. At least two of the mounting and / or positioning elements are preferably arranged in alignment with each other, particularly when viewed along a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the handling unit.

[0015] The main extension surface of the stack of packaging blanks, when arranged on the handling unit, preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the handling unit. The, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements preferably each comprise a support surface against which the stack of packaging blanks, in particular the bottommost packaging blank of the stack, can be placed with its main extension surface, at least during handling. Preferably, at least two, in particular all, of the mounting and / or contact elements each comprise a side contact surface extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface, against which the stack of packaging blanks can be placed with a side surface extending transversely to the main extension surface, at least during handling.The term "essentially perpendicular" is intended to define, in particular, an orientation 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°. Preferably, all side contact surfaces of the mounting and / or placement elements are arranged on the side of the mounting and / or placement elements facing the stack of packaging blanks when the stack is arranged on the handling unit.Preferably, a positive-locking connection between the mounting and / or mounting elements and the stack of packaging blanks can be realized by means of the side contact surfaces of the mounting and / or mounting elements, acting along an area at least substantially parallel to the main extension surface of the stack of packaging blanks.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that, particularly when considering a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the handling unit, especially the aforementioned main extension plane, at least one, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or contact elements are L-shaped, preferably in at least one operating state, wherein one leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the support surface and another leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the side contact surface. Preferably, a main extension axis of the leg extends at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the handling unit. A main extension axis of the other leg preferably extends at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the handling unit. Preferably, all three mounting and / or contact elements are L-shaped.The L-shaped configuration of at least one of the mounting and / or support elements can be formed by either forming the leg and the further leg of the at least one of the mounting and / or support elements as a single piece, or by forming the leg and the further leg of the at least one of the mounting and / or support elements separately and arranging them in an L-shaped configuration relative to each other, wherein the leg and the further leg are directly connected to each other, spaced apart from each other, or movably mounted relative to each other. In a movably mounted configuration of the leg and the further leg relative to each other, the at least one, and in particular the at least two, of the mounting and / or support elements can preferably be transformed into an L-shaped configuration by moving the leg and the further leg relative to each other.Further embodiments of at least one of the mounting and / or support elements, which would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable for realizing an L-shaped configuration or for realizing a support surface and a side contact surface oriented transversely to it, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly. "One-piece" is to be understood in particular as being at least materially bonded, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process and / or another process that would appear sensible 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 in a single- or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank.The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously enables a positive-locking hold of the packaging blanks by means of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular by means of the mounting and / or contact elements. It enables advantageously reliable and secure alignment of the packaging blanks during handling with the mounting and / or contact elements. It advantageously and structurally simple enables self-alignment on the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular as a result of the interaction of the support surfaces and the side contact surface(s) with the stack of packaging blanks. It is particularly advantageous to implement a three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks, especially to advantageously achieve secure holding of stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular each, be movably mounted relative to one another, in particular translationally, along an axis of movement, in particular one of those already mentioned, which runs at least substantially parallel to the contact surface. The contact surface(s) preferably extend at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the handling unit, especially in the case of a translationally movable mounting of the mounting and / or contact elements on the base body of the handling unit. Preferably, the mounting and / or contact elements are slidably mounted on the base body of the handling unit.In an alternative embodiment of the handling unit, it is conceivable that the lifting and / or placing elements are pivotably mounted on the base body of the handling unit about their respective axes of movement, wherein the respective contact surface of the lifting and / or placing elements is aligned at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the handling unit in at least one movement state of the lifting and / or placing elements. For moving the lifting and / or placing elements, the handling unit preferably includes at least one drive, such as an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like. Preferably, the handling unit includes a number of drives corresponding to the number of lifting and / or placing elements.However, it is also conceivable that the handling unit for moving the mounting and / or positioning elements comprises a number of drives that differs from the number of mounting and / or positioning elements, particularly in a configuration of the handling unit in which several, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or positioning elements can be moved together by means of a single drive. The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously allows for a positive-locking hold of the packaging blanks by means of the mounting and / or positioning element, in particular by means of the mounting and / or positioning elements.The movable mounting of the support and / or attachment elements according to the invention allows for an advantageously positive-locking connection between the support and / or attachment elements and the stack of packaging blanks, acting at least substantially parallel to the main extensional surface of the stack. A three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks can be particularly advantageously implemented, especially to ensure the secure holding of stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the handling unit include at least one insertion aid element, acting on the stack of packaging blanks, in particular by means of compressed air, which is designed to move apart a stack of packaging blanks to be handled and further packaging blanks, in particular those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet. The insertion aid element is preferably designed as a compressed air nozzle. However, it is also conceivable that the insertion aid element has another design that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, and which is suitable for moving apart the stack of packaging blanks and further packaging blanks, in particular those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet.The insertion aid element is preferably formed integrally with one of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular with the mounting and / or contact element designed as a gripping finger. However, it is also conceivable that the insertion aid element is designed separately from the mounting and / or contact elements and as an independent element, in particular a movable one, especially as a separate compressed air lance or the like. Furthermore, it is conceivable that each of the mounting and / or contact elements is assigned an insertion aid element, or that each of the mounting and / or contact elements is formed integrally with an insertion aid element designed as a compressed air nozzle.Preferably, the insertion aid element is designed to fan out the stack of packaging blanks and the additional packaging blanks, particularly those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, in order to facilitate easy separation of the stack of packaging blanks handled by the handling unit from the additional packaging blanks, particularly those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet. Preferably, the insertion aid element is designed to move the stack of packaging blanks and the additional packaging blanks, particularly those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, apart in order to support at least one of the loading and / or contact elements, in particular the loading and / or contact element designed as a gripping finger.Preferably, compressed air can be introduced between the stack of packaging blanks and the other packaging blanks, particularly those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, by means of the insertion aid element before at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular the mounting and / or contact element designed as a gripping finger, is moved into place. This is done to cause the stack of packaging blanks and the other packaging blanks to separate. The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously allows for the simple insertion of at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements to secure the packaging blanks in a form-fitting manner.It can advantageously enable simple and safe handling of packaging blanks.

[0019] It is further proposed that the handling unit has at least one separating element, movably mounted along an axis of movement extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface relative to the mounting and / or attachment elements, in particular translationally, which is designed to at least partially separate a stack of packaging blanks to be handled from other packaging blanks, in particular to at least partially lift them, especially after the stack of packaging blanks has been moved apart from the other packaging blanks, in particular those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, by means of the insertion aid element. The separating element is preferably insertable on at least one side of the stack of packaging blanks to be handled, between the stack of packaging blanks to be handled and the other packaging blanks.It is conceivable that the separating element can be inserted only partially between the stack of packaging blanks to be handled and the other packaging blanks, in particular such that the stack of packaging blanks to be handled and the other packaging blanks still abut each other at least on one side, or that the separating element can be inserted completely between the stack of packaging blanks to be handled and the other packaging blanks, in particular such that the stack of packaging blanks to be handled is completely lifted from the other packaging blanks. The separating element is preferably movably mounted on the base body of the handling unit. Preferably, the separating element is designed as a wedge-shaped insertion element. The handling unit preferably has a further drive for moving the separating element.The additional drive can be designed as a belt drive, chain drive, electric drive, hydraulic drive, pneumatic drive, or the like. A belt drive is particularly preferred, comprising a toothed belt for translational movement of the separating element and an electric motor for driving the toothed belt. An axis of movement of the separating element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to an axis of movement of at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular the axis of movement of the mounting and / or contact element designed as a gripping finger. Preferably, the handling unit comprises at least two separating elements, which are movably mounted, in particular translationally.Preferably, the handling unit comprises at least one pressure element which is designed, particularly temporarily, to exert a pressure force on the stack of packaging blanks along a line acting at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the handling unit. The pressure element is preferably movable on the 2024P00035WG.

[0020] - 14 -

[0021] The base body of the handling unit is mounted, in particular so as to be translationally movable. Preferably, the pressure element can be driven by an additional drive of the handling unit, in particular an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like. The pressure element is preferably arranged on a side of the base body of the handling unit that faces away from the lifting and / or contact element designed as a gripping finger. The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously enables reliable separation of the stack of packaging blanks and the further packaging blanks, in particular those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, in order to facilitate simple and safe handling of packaging blanks by means of the lifting and / or contact elements.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the handling unit have at least one fanning element, in particular one that is movable translationally, which is designed to fan out a stack of packaging blanks to be handled, in particular to facilitate the easy insertion of a separating element, preferably the one already mentioned, and / or to ensure the secure movement of the contact surfaces of the fanning and / or positioning elements between the packaging blanks. The fanning element can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the insertion aid element. Preferably, the fanning element is movably mounted on the base body of the handling unit, in particular movable translationally along two axes of movement of the fanning element. The axes of movement of the fanning element preferably run transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to each other.One of the movement axes of the fanning element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the handling unit. The other movement axis of the fanning element preferably runs transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main plane of extension of the handling unit. The fanning element preferably comprises at least one fanning extension, and in particular a plurality of fanning extensions. The fanning extension of the fanning element preferably has a ramp-like, pyramid-like, or triangular shape, especially when viewed in a plane spanned by the movement axes of the fanning element. A stack of packaging blanks to be handled can preferably be fanned out by the fanning element, and in particular by the fanning extensions of the fanning element, as a result of movement of the fanning element along at least one of its movement axes.For example, the fanning element can be moved towards a stack of packaging blanks to be handled by moving it along its axis of movement, which runs at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the handling unit, in particular until the fanning extensions of the fanning element are brought into contact with the stack of packaging blanks to be handled, wherein, preferably subsequently, the fanning element moves along its axis of movement, which runs transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main plane of extension of the handling unit. Further movement sequences for fanning out a stack of packaging blanks to be handled by means of the fanning element, which would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable.The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously enables the reliable insertion of the separating element and / or one of the lifting and / or positioning elements between the packaging blanks. It also advantageously allows for the reliable separation of the stack of packaging blanks from other packaging blanks, particularly those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, in order to facilitate simple and safe handling of the packaging blanks using the lifting and / or positioning elements.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the handling unit be designed to hold a stack of packaging blanks to be handled by means of a positive-locking connection that acts at least substantially parallel to a principal extension plane of the handling unit. The positive-locking connection preferably acts along two directions transverse to, and in particular at least substantially perpendicular to, each direction, wherein one of the directions is at least substantially perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the handling unit and the other of the directions is at least substantially parallel to the principal extension plane of the handling unit.It is conceivable that the product handling device for solving the above-mentioned problem is designed in an alternative embodiment independently of the side contact surface running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface, and in particular independently of the side surface of the packaging blanks running transversely to the main extension surface bearing against the side contact surface running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface for handling the packaging blanks.Preferably, in the alternative embodiment, particularly in the embodiment designed independently of the side contact surface extending transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface, the product handling device comprises at least one handling unit, which includes, in particular, three, mounting and / or contact elements, each of which has, in particular, a support surface on which the stack of packaging blanks can be placed with a main extension surface at least during handling, wherein the handling unit is provided to hold a stack of packaging blanks to be handled by means of a positive locking connection that acts at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the handling unit.The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously enables a positive-locking hold of the packaging blanks by means of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular by means of the mounting and / or contact elements. It advantageously enables simple and safe handling of the packaging blanks. Particularly due to the advantageously reliable and secure alignment of the packaging blanks during handling with the mounting and / or contact elements, it advantageously enables precise placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine. It advantageously and structurally simple enables self-alignment on the mounting and / or contact elements, particularly due to the interaction of the support surfaces and the side contact surface(s) with the stack of packaging blanks.A three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks can be particularly advantageous, especially to ensure the secure holding of stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one of the support surfaces be movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on one of the mounting and / or contact elements, and in particular pivotably mounted on a leg of one of the mounting and / or contact elements forming the side contact surface, preferably a further leg. It is conceivable that, in an alternative embodiment, the product handling device for solving the aforementioned problem is provided for handling the packaging blanks independently of whether the side surface of the packaging blanks extending transversely to the main extension surface bears against the side contact surface extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface. Preferably, in the alternative embodiment, the product handling device, in particular in the embodiment independent of whether the side surface of the packaging blanks extending transversely to the main extension surface bears against the transverse,In particular, a side contact surface extending at least substantially perpendicular to the contact surface, comprising at least one handling unit, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements, each of which in particular has a contact surface against which the stack of packaging blanks with a main extension area can be placed at least during handling, wherein at least one of the contact surfaces is movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on one of the mounting and / or contact elements, in particular pivotably mounted on a further leg of one of the mounting and / or contact elements, preferably the leg extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the handling unit. Preferably, in particular in an embodiment of the two mounting and / or contact elements as opening engagement elements, the leg of the mounting and / or contact element forming the contact surface is movably, in particular pivotably.The support element is mounted on the further leg, in particular the leg forming the side contact surface. Preferably, an axis of movement of the support surface runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface and / or to the main extension plane of the handling unit. In particular, the axis of movement of the support surface runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension axis of the further leg. However, it is also conceivable that the axis of movement of the support surface runs along another direction that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art, such as at least substantially parallel to the support surface and / or to the main extension plane of the handling unit, at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension axis of the further leg, or the like. The support surface, in particular the leg forming the support surface,The product handling device is preferably mounted eccentrically on the further leg so as to be movable. The inventive design of the product handling device advantageously allows for the simple insertion of the lifting and / or contact elements into an opening in the main extensional surface of the packaging blanks, which is particularly well surrounded and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks. It is advantageous, particularly after the lifting and / or contact elements have partially passed through the opening, to allow movement of the support surface relative to the further leg to ensure reliable contact of the packaging blanks against the support surface. A three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks can be particularly advantageously implemented, especially to ensure the secure holding of stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for handling stacks of packaging blanks, in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a cardboard magazine of a packaging machine with stacks of packaging blanks, using a product handling device according to the invention. It is proposed that, in at least one process step, a stack of packaging blanks to be handled by the handling unit is held during handling by means of a positive-locking connection that acts at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extension of the handling unit. The design according to the invention advantageously enables simple and safe handling of packaging blanks.Particularly due to the advantageously reliable and secure alignment of the packaging blanks during handling with the loading and / or loading elements, precise placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine can be advantageously achieved. Machine stoppages caused by incorrect placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine can be advantageously prevented. High productivity of the packaging machine can be advantageously achieved. Lifting a stack of packaging blanks from a transport or storage device, especially a pallet, can be advantageously enabled, requiring minimal special stacking arrangement of the packaging blanks.It is advantageous and structurally simple to achieve self-alignment on the support and / or mounting elements, particularly as a result of the interaction of the contact surfaces and the side contact surface(s) with the stack of packaging blanks. A three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks can be implemented particularly advantageously, especially to ensure the secure holding of stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, a fluid, in particular compressed air, is introduced between the stack of packaging blanks to be handled and further packaging blanks on which the stack of packaging blanks to be handled rests, by means of an insertion aid element of the handling unit, in particular the one already mentioned above. The design according to the invention advantageously enables the simple insertion of at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements to secure the packaging blanks in a form-fitting manner. This advantageously allows for simple and safe handling of packaging blanks.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, in particular after the introduction of a fluid, especially compressed air, between the stacks of packaging blanks to be handled and, in particular, the further packaging blanks on which the stack of packaging blanks to be handled rests, a separating element of the handling unit is introduced between the stacks of packaging blanks to be handled and, in particular, the further packaging blanks, in particular to lift the stack of packaging blanks to be handled in such a way that at least one, in particular two, of the lifting and / or support elements can be moved under the stack of packaging blanks to be handled, in particular between the stacks of packaging blanks to be handled and the further packaging blanks.The design according to the invention advantageously enables reliable separation of the stack of packaging blanks and the further packaging blanks, in particular those arranged on or at the transport or storage device, preferably the pallet, in order to enable simple and safe handling of packaging blanks by means of the mounting and / or attachment elements.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, at least one, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or attachment elements be moved into a cutout, in particular a slot, between two side flaps of the packaging blanks, or into an opening in the main extension plane of the packaging blanks, in particular an opening completely surrounded and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks. It is conceivable that the method for solving the aforementioned problem could, in an alternative embodiment, be designed independently of a positive-locking connection acting at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the handling unit.Preferably, in an alternative embodiment, particularly in the form-fitting connection acting independently of the form-fitting connection that is at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the handling unit, the method comprises at least one process step in which one, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or contact elements are moved into a cutout, in particular a slot, between two side flaps of the packaging blanks or into an opening in the main extension plane of the packaging blanks, in particular an opening completely surrounded and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously achieves a form-fitting retention of the packaging blanks by means of the mounting and / or contact element, in particular by means of the mounting and / or contact elements.It can advantageously enable simple and safe handling of packaging blanks. It can advantageously achieve high productivity of the packaging machine comprising the product handling device. It can advantageously enable lifting from a stack of packaging blanks from a transport or storage device, especially a pallet, requiring minimal special stacking arrangement of the packaging blanks. It can advantageously, particularly after the lifting and / or positioning elements have partially passed through the opening, enable movement of the support surface relative to the other leg to ensure reliable contact of the packaging blanks with the support surface.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one process step, particularly after the support surface has passed through the opening, the support surface is moved, preferably pivoted, relative to a base body of the handling unit, particularly the aforementioned one, about its axis of movement extending at least substantially parallel or at least substantially perpendicular to the support surface, in particular to contact the main extension surface. The inventive design advantageously allows, particularly after the mounting and / or contact elements have partially passed through the opening, a movement of the support surface relative to the further leg to be achieved, in order to ensure reliable contact of the packaging blanks with the support surface.Particularly after the support surface has passed through the opening, a three-point support for stacks of packaging blanks can be advantageously implemented, especially to ensure that stacks of, in particular, unstable packaging blanks are held securely.

[0030] Furthermore, a packaging machine for packaging products, particularly foodstuffs, is proposed, comprising at least one product handling device according to the invention. Preferably, the packaging machine includes at least one carton magazine, particularly the one already mentioned, which can be loaded with packaging blanks, preferably fully automatically, by means of the product handling device. The packaging machine may include further devices and / or units that appear useful to a person skilled in the art, which can be used for handling products, particularly foodstuffs. The packaging machine is preferably intended for the production, filling, packaging, and / or repackaging of foodstuffs.In addition to the product handling device, the packaging machine can, for example, include a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, a repacking device, a container feeding device, a packing device, or the like. The design of the packaging machine according to the invention advantageously enables simple and safe handling of packaging blanks. Particularly due to the advantageously reliable and safe alignment of the packaging blanks during handling with the loading and / or loading elements, precise placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine is advantageously enabled. Machine stoppages resulting from incorrect placement of the packaging blanks in the carton magazine can be advantageously prevented.This can advantageously achieve high productivity in the packaging machine comprising the product handling device. It can also advantageously enable lifting from a stack of packaging blanks, requiring minimal special stacking arrangement of the packaging blanks.

[0031] The product handling device, the method, and / or the packaging machine according to the invention are not / should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the product handling device, the method, and / or the packaging machine according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure shall also be considered disclosed and freely usable. 2024P00035WQ

[0032] - 23 -

[0033] Drawings

[0034] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0035] They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 A packaging machine according to the invention with a product handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the product handling device according to the invention during an insertion movement of a separating element of a handling unit of the product handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the product handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the product handling device according to the invention, in which mounting and / or support elements of the handling unit hold a stack of packaging blanks in a form-fitting manner, in particular by means of a three-point support, in a schematic representation.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention for handling stacks of packaging blanks in a schematic representation.

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of an alternative product handling device according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0042] Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the alternative product handling device according to the invention during setup and / or placement. 2024P00035WQ

[0043] - 24 - mente of the handling unit hold a stack of packaging blanks in a form-fitting manner, in particular by means of a three-point support, in a schematic representation and

[0044] Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of an alternative method according to the invention for handling stacks of packaging blanks in a schematic representation.

[0045] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0046] Figure 1 shows, in particular a highly simplified representation, of a packaging machine 16a for packaging products (not shown in detail here), especially foodstuffs such as cookies, biscuits, chocolate products, or the like. The packaging machine 16a comprises at least one product handling device 10a for handling stacks of packaging blanks 12a, in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a cardboard magazine 14a of the packaging machine 16a with stacks of packaging blanks 12a. The packaging machine 16a is designed in particular as a food production and / or food packaging machine. However, it is also conceivable that the packaging machine 16a has another configuration that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art, such as a pharmaceutical production and / or pharmaceutical packaging machine, or the like.The packaging machine 16a can be used alternatively or additionally for the production, processing, and / or packaging of food products, such as cookies, biscuits, chocolates, or the like. The packaging machine 16a preferably comprises, in addition to the product handling device 10a, further devices and / or units that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art for the production, processing, and / or packaging of food products, such as a sterilization device, a closure device, a repackaging device, a control or regulating unit, or the like.

[0047] The product handling device 10a comprises at least one handling unit 18a, which includes, in particular, three, mounting and / or support elements 20a, 22a, 24a, each of which has, in particular, a support surface 26a, 28a, 30a, 2024P00035WG

[0048] - 25 - at which the stack of packaging blanks 12a with a main extension surface 32a, in particular a main extension surface 32a facing one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular the lowest, packaging blank 12a of the stack of packaging blanks 12a, can be attached at least during handling (see also Figures 2 and 4). At least one, in particular at least two, preferably all, of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a, comprise(s), in particular each, a side contact surface 34a, 36a, 38a extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface 26a, 28a, 30a, against which the stack of packaging blanks 12a can be placed with a side surface 40a extending transversely to the main extension surface 32a, at least during handling (see also Figures 2 to 4).Preferably, the stack of packaging blanks 12a is held in place by means of at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular by means of at least two of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, preferably by means of all mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, by means of a positive-locking connection acting at least substantially parallel to the main extension surface 32a of the stack of packaging blanks 12a. Preferably, during handling by means of the handling unit 18a, the stack of packaging blanks 12a also rests against the respective support surface 26a, 28a, 30a of the individual mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a.

[0049] The product handling device 10a is preferably arranged on an industrial robot 78a, in particular on a tool interface 80a of the industrial robot 78a, or the product handling device 10a preferably comprises the industrial robot 78a, on which at least the handling unit 18a is arranged, in particular on the tool interface 80a of the industrial robot 78a. The product handling device 10a or at least the handling unit 18a is preferably mounted by means of the industrial robot 78a so as to be rotatably about and / or translationally along at least one, preferably three, axis(s) of movement, in particular relative to the packaging machine 16a and / or relative to a surface on which the industrial robot 78a is arranged. Preferably, the handling unit 18a comprises a base body 82a to which a connection interface 84a of the handling unit 18a to a, 2024P00035WQ

[0050] - 26 - in particular a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection of the handling unit 18a to the industrial robot 78a, in particular to the tool interface 80a of the industrial robot 78a. Preferably, the handling unit 18a is fixed to the tool interface 80a of the industrial robot 78a by means of the connection interface 84a, in particular detachably. The connection interface 84a can, in particular in addition to fixing the handling unit 18a to the industrial robot 78a, be provided for a power supply and / or a data connection, preferably in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0051] The handling unit 18a is preferably designed for handling stacks of packaging blanks 12a. In particular, the handling unit 18a is designed for lifting / removing a stack of packaging blanks 16a from a plurality of packaging blanks 12a arranged on or attached to a transport or storage device 86a, in particular a pallet, and for subsequently transferring the lifted / removed stack of packaging blanks 12a to the packaging machine 16a, in particular to the carton magazine 14a or to a feed transport unit 88a, preferably a so-called feeder, of the packaging machine 16a. Preferably, the plurality of packaging blanks 12a arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device 86a, in particular the pallet, are arranged or stacked on or attached to the transport or storage device 86a in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art.The handling unit 18a is preferably designed to hold the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled by means of a positive locking connection which acts at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane 42a of the handling unit 18a.

[0052] For handling the stacks of packaging blanks 12a, the handling unit 18a preferably comprises at least, and in particular three, lifting and / or support elements 20a, 22a, 24a. Preferably, and in particular preferably, at least one, and in particular at least two, of the lifting and / or support elements are located in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 42a of the handling unit 18a.

[0053] - 27 - elements 20a, 22a, 24a are L-shaped, wherein one leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the support surface 26a, 28a, 30a and another leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the side contact surface 34a, 36a, 38a. Preferably, all three mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a are L-shaped. Two of the, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a are preferably designed as side flap slot engagement elements, which can be inserted into a cutout 70a, 72a, in particular into a slot, between two side flaps 74a, 76a, 114a, 116a of the packaging blanks 12a for handling the stack of packaging blanks 12a (see Figure 4).However, it is also conceivable that the two mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a are provided as an alternative or additional means of gripping the side flaps 74a, 76a, 114a, 116a of the packaging blanks 12a, particularly in an area of ​​the side flaps 74a, 76a, 114a, 116a of the packaging blanks 12a outside the cutouts 70a, 72a. At least one of the, and in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a is preferably designed as a gripping finger, in particular as a primary gripping finger, which can be brought into contact with the stack of packaging blanks 12a in front of the side flap slot engagement elements.

[0054] Preferably, the (in particular three) mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a are movably mounted on the base body 82a of the handling unit 18a, particularly relative to each other, relative to the industrial robot 78a, and / or relative to the packaging machine 16a. Preferably, individual axes of movement 44a, 46a, 48a of the (in particular three) mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a extend at least substantially parallel to the main plane of extension 42a of the handling unit 18a. At least two axes of movement 44a, 46a of the (in particular three) mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a preferably run coaxially, in particular the axes of movement 44a, 46a of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side-flap slot engagement elements.At least one axis of movement 48a of the, in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular the axis of movement 48a of the mounting and / or contact element 24a designed as a gripping finger, runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the two coaxially extending axes of movement 44a, 46a of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side tab slot engagement elements. 2024P00035WG.

[0055] - 28 -

[0056] Preferably, the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular each, are movably mounted relative to each other, in particular translationally, along their axis of movement 44a, 46a, 48a, which runs at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26a, 28a, 30a. The handling unit 18a comprises, for moving the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular relative to the base body 82a, preferably at least one drive 90a, 92a, such as an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like. Preferably, the handling unit 18a comprises at least two drives 90a, 92a for moving the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a. Preferably, one of the drives 90a, 92a is provided for a movement of the mounting and / or attachment element 24a designed as a gripping finger.The drive 90a for moving the gripping finger-type lifting and / or contact element 24a is preferably designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (see Figure 2). Preferably, one of the drives 90a, 92a is provided for a movement, particularly a common but opposite movement, of the lifting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side-slot engagement elements. The drive 92a for moving the lifting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side-slot engagement elements is preferably designed as an electric motor that interacts with racks 118a, 120a of the handling unit 18a, which are arranged on the lifting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side-slot engagement elements (see Figure 3).However, it is also conceivable that the drives 90a, 92a have a different design that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art and / or interact with the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a in a different way that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art in order to move the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a relative to the base body 82a.

[0057] Preferably, the handling unit 18a comprises at least one pressure element 94a, which is provided, particularly temporarily, to exert a force on the stack of packaging blanks 12a along a force acting at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 42a of the handling unit 18a (see Figure 2). The pressure element 94a is preferably be- 2024P00035WG

[0058] - 29 - movably mounted on the base body 82a of the handling unit 18a, in particular movably mounted translationally. An axis of movement 98a of the pressure element 94a preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 42a of the handling unit 18a. It is also conceivable that the pressure element 94a is movably mounted on the base body 82a about and / or along a differently oriented axis of movement 98a relative to the base body 82a. Preferably, the pressure element 94a can be driven by an additional drive 96a of the handling unit 18a, in particular an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or the like. The pressure element 94a is preferably arranged on a side of the base body 82a of the handling unit 18a that faces away from the gripping and / or contact element 24a designed as a gripping finger.

[0059] The handling unit 18a preferably comprises at least one insertion aid element 50a, which acts on the stack of packaging blanks 12a, in particular by means of compressed air, and which is designed to move apart the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled and further packaging blanks 12a, in particular those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet (see Figure 3). The insertion aid element 50a is preferably designed as a compressed air nozzle. However, it is also conceivable that the insertion aid element 50a has another design that would appear advantageous to a person skilled in the art, which is suitable for moving apart the stack of packaging blanks 12a and further packaging blanks 12a, in particular those arranged on or attached to the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet.The insertion aid element 50a is preferably formed as a single unit with one of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular with the mounting and / or contact element 24a designed as a gripping finger. However, it is also conceivable that the insertion aid element 50a is designed separately from the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a and as an independent element, in particular a movable element, especially as a separate compressed air lance or the like. In addition, it is conceivable that each of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a is assigned its own insertion aid element 50a or that each of the mounting and / or contact elements 2024P00035WG.

[0060] - 30 -

[0061] 20a, 22a, 24a are formed in one piece with an insertion aid element 50a designed as a compressed air nozzle. Preferably, the insertion aid element 50a is designed to fan out the stack of packaging blanks 12a and the further packaging blanks 12a, in particular those arranged on or at the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet, in particular to enable easy separation of the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled by the handling unit 18a and the further packaging blanks 12a, in particular those arranged on or at the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet.Preferably, the insertion aid element 50a is provided to move apart the stack of packaging blanks 12a and further packaging blanks 12a, in particular arranged on or at the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet, in order to support or facilitate at least one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular the mounting and / or attachment element 24a designed as a gripping finger.Preferably, compressed air can be introduced between the stack of packaging blanks 12a and the further packaging blanks 12a, in particular those arranged on or at the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet, by means of the insertion aid element 50a before at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular the mounting and / or contact element 24a designed as a gripping finger, before moving into place, in order to cause the stack of packaging blanks 12a and the further packaging blanks 12a, in particular those arranged on or at the transport or storage device 86a, preferably the pallet, to move apart.

[0062] The handling unit 18a preferably has at least one separating element 56a, 58a, which is movably mounted along an axis of movement 52a, 54a extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26a, 28a, 30a relative to the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular translationally, and which is provided for at least partially separating the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled from further packaging blanks 12a, in particular for at least partially lifting them, in particular after the stack of packaging blanks 12a has been lifted from the further packaging blanks 12a by means of the insertion aid element 50a, in particular on or at the transport or 2024P00035WG

[0063] - 31 -

[0064] The storage device 86a, preferably the pallet, lifts the packaging blanks 12a. The separating element 56a, 58a is preferably movably mounted on the base body 82a of the handling unit 18a. Preferably, the separating element 56a, 58a is designed as a wedge-shaped insertion element. The handling unit 18a preferably has a further drive 100a for moving the separating element 56a, 58a (see Figure 4). The further drive 100a can be designed as a belt drive, a chain drive, an electric drive, a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, or the like. Particularly preferred is the further drive 100a designed as a belt drive, which includes a toothed belt 102a, 104a for translational movement of the separating element 56a, 58a and an electric motor 106a for driving the toothed belt 102a, 104a.The toothed belt 102a, 104a is preferably designed as a finite linearly displaceable toothed belt 102a, 104a, which can be extended or retracted by means of a roller driven by the electric motor 106a, in particular to realize a translational movement of the separating element 56a, 58a. An axis of movement 52a, 54a of the separating element 56a, 58a preferably runs at least substantially parallel to an axis of movement 44a, 46a, 48a of at least one of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular the axis of movement 48a of the mounting and / or contact element 24a designed as a gripping finger. Preferably, the handling unit 18a comprises at least two separating elements 56a, 58a, which are movably mounted, in particular translationally.The two separating elements 56a, 58a are preferably arranged laterally offset to the gripping and / or contact element 24a, in particular such that the gripping and / or contact element 24a, viewed along a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement 48a of the gripping and / or contact element 24a, is arranged between the separating elements 56a, 58a (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0065] Figure 5 shows a schematic sequence of a method 60a for handling stacks of packaging blanks 12a, in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading the cardboard magazine 14a of the packaging machine 16a with stacks of packaging blanks 12a, by means of the product handling device 10a. Preferably, in at least a process step 108a of the method 60a, the handling unit 18a is moved by means of the industrial robot 78a into a proximity of the transport or storage device 86a, on or at which packaging blanks 12a are stacked, in particular such that at least a part of the packaging blanks 12a are arranged in an area between the loading and / or support elements 20a, 22a, 24a.In at least one process step 110a of process 60a, the pressure element 94a is preferably moved in the direction of the packaging blanks 12a, in particular until the pressure element 94a rests against the uppermost packaging blank 12a and a force is exerted in the direction of the transport or storage device 86a on the packaging blanks 12a arranged on or at the transport or storage device 86a. Furthermore, preferably in at least one process step 64a of process 60a, a fluid, in particular compressed air, is introduced between the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12a on which the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled rests, by means of the insertion aid element 50a of the handling unit 18a.Preferably, in at least one process step 112a of the process 60a, at least one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20a, 22a, 24a, in particular the mounting and / or attachment element 24a designed as a gripping finger, is moved between the stacks of packaging blanks 12a to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12a, in particular into the gap created or created by the introduction of the fluid between the stacks of packaging blanks 12a to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12a.Preferably, in at least one process step 66a of the process 60a, in particular after the introduction of the fluid and / or the gripping and / or contact element 24a, at least one or both separating elements 56a, 58a are introduced between the stacks of packaging blanks 12a to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12a on which the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled rests, in particular to lift the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled in such a way that at least one, in particular both, of the gripping and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side flap slot engagement elements is or are movable under the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled, in particular between the stacks 2024P00035WQ.

[0066] - 33 - from packaging blanks 12a and the further packaging blanks 12a is / are moved. Preferably, in at least one process step 68a of the process 60a, at least one, in particular both, of the mounting and / or contact elements 20a, 22a designed as side flap slot engagement elements, is / are moved into the respective cutout 70a, 72a between the respective two side flaps 74a, 76a, 116a, 118a of the packaging blanks 12a. In particular, in at least one process step 62a of the process 60a, the stack of packaging blanks 12a is transported to the packaging machine 16a. Preferably, in at least process step 62a, the stack of packaging blanks 12a to be handled by means of the handling unit 18a is held during handling by means of a positive locking connection which acts at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 42a of the handling unit 18a.Method 60a for handling stacks of packaging blanks 12a may include further process steps that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, possible process steps that can be derived from the description of Figures 1 to 4 shall also be deemed disclosed for method 60a.

[0067] Figures 6 to 8 show a further embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identically designated components, in particular components with the same reference numerals, reference may also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, especially Figures 1 to 5. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is appended to the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5. In the embodiments of Figures 6 to 8, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0068] Figure 6 shows a detailed schematic view of an alternative product handling device 10b. The product handling device 10b comprises at least one handling unit 18b, which includes, in particular, three, mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b, 24b, each of which has, in particular, a support surface 26b, 28b, 30b (in Figure 6 the mounting elements are not shown).

[0069] - 34 - support surfaces 26b, 28b in an insertion state, in particular in a pivoted state, shown), on which the stack of packaging blanks 12b with a main extension surface 32b, in particular a main extension surface 32b of one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b facing, in particular the lowest, packaging blank 12b of the stack of packaging blanks 12b, can be applied at least during handling (see also Figure 7, in which the support surfaces 26b, 28b are shown in a holding state, in particular in a pivoted state).At least one, in particular at least two, preferably all, of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b, comprise(s), in particular each, a side contact surface 34b, 36b, 38b extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface 26b, 28b, 30b, against which the stack of packaging blanks 12b can be placed with a side surface 40b extending transversely to the main extension surface 32b, at least during handling (see also Figure 6). Preferably, the stack of packaging blanks 12b is held in place by means of at least one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b, in particular by means of at least two of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b, preferably by means of all mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b, by means of a positive-locking connection with the handling unit 18b acting at least substantially parallel to the main extension surface 32b of the stack of packaging blanks 12b.Preferably, the stack of packaging blanks 12b rests against the respective support surface 26b, 28b, 30b of the individual mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b during handling by means of the handling unit 18b. It is also conceivable that, in the alternative product handling device 10b, the stack of packaging blanks 12b rests on the respective support surface 26b, 28b, 30b of the individual mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, 24b during handling by means of the handling unit 18b and additionally only on the side contact surface 38b of the mounting and / or attachment element 24b designed as a gripping finger, wherein the packaging blanks 12b are arranged at a distance from the side contact surfaces 34b, 36b of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b designed as opening grip elements.

[0070] For handling the stacks of packaging blanks 12b, the handling unit 18b preferably comprises at least, and in particular three, mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b, 24b. Preferably, and in particular preferably, in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b, at least one, and in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b, 24b are configured in an L-shape, preferably in at least one operating state, wherein one leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the support surface 26b, 28b, 30b and another leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the side contact surface 34b, 36b, 38b. Preferably, all three mounting and / or installation elements 20b, 22b, 24b are designed in an L-shape, particularly in at least one operating state of the mounting and / or installation elements 20b, 22b, 24b.Two of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b are preferably designed as opening engagement elements, which can be inserted into an opening 124b, 126b in the main extension surface 32b of the packaging blanks 12b for handling the stack of packaging blanks 12b, in particular openings that are completely surrounded and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks (see Figure 7). Preferably, at least one of the support surfaces 26b, 28b is movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b, in particular pivotably mounted on the further leg of one of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b.Preferably, the bearing surfaces 26b, 28b of the mounting and / or support elements 20b, 22b, which are designed as opening engagement elements, are movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on the respective mounting and / or support element 20b, 22b, in particular pivotably mounted on the respective further leg of the respective mounting and / or support element 20b, 22b. In particular, the leg of the respective mounting and / or support element 20b, 22b that forms the respective bearing surface 26b, 28b is movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on the leg of the respective mounting and / or support element 20b, 22b. In a movable design of the leg and the further leg relative to each other, the mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b, which are designed at least as opening engagement elements, can preferably be transformed into an L-shaped configuration by a movement of the leg and the further leg relative to each other.Preferably, a movement axis 130b, 132b of the respective support surface 26b, 28b runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the support surface 26b, 28b 2024P00035WG.

[0071] - 36 - and / or to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b. In particular, the axis of movement 130b, 132b of the respective support surface 26b, 28b runs at least substantially parallel to a main extension axis of the respective further leg. However, it is also conceivable that the axis of movement 130b, 132b of the respective support surface 26b, 28b runs along another direction that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, such as at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26b, 28b and / or to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b, at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension axis of the further leg, or the like.The mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b, designed as opening engagement elements, in particular the further legs of the mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b, can be arranged in a fixed position on a base body 82b of the handling unit 18b or, in particular analogous to the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 5, be movably mounted relative to each other, in particular translationally, along a respective axis of movement 44b, 46b running at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26b, 28b, preferably in order to enable a reliable bearing of the further legs of the mounting and / or contact elements 20b, 22b against the respective surfaces of the packaging blanks 12b that bound the openings 124b, 126b after the support surfaces 26b, 28b have been moved through the openings 124b, 126b.

[0072] The handling unit 18b preferably has at least one, in particular translationally movable, fanning element 122b, which is designed to fan out a stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled, in particular to enable easy insertion of a separating element 56b, 58b of the handling unit 18b and / or to allow secure movement of the support surfaces 26b, 28b of the loading and / or positioning elements 20b, 22b between the packaging blanks 12b. The fanning element 122b can be provided additionally or alternatively to an insertion aid element 50b of the handling unit 18b. Preferably, the fanning element 122b is movably mounted on the base body 82b of the handling unit 18b, in particular translationally movable along two axes of movement 134b, 136b of the fanning element 122b. The movement axes 134b, 136b of the fanning element 122b run 2024P00035WQ

[0073] - 37 - preferably transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to each other. One axis of movement 134b of the axes of movement 134b, 136b of the fanning element 122b preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b. The other axis of movement 136b of the fanning element 122b preferably runs transversely, and in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b. The fanning element 122b preferably comprises at least one fanning extension 138b, and in particular a plurality of fanning extensions 138b. The fanning extension 138b of the fanning element 122b preferably has a ramp-like, pyramid-like, or triangular shape, particularly when viewed in a plane spanned by the axes of movement 134b, 136b of the fanning element 122b.A stack of packaging blanks 12b that can be handled is preferably fanned out by means of a movement of the fanning element 122b along at least one of the axes of movement 134b, 136b of the fanning element 122b by the fanning element 122b, in particular by the fanning extensions 138b of the fanning element 122b.For example, the fanning element 122b can be moved towards a stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled as a result of a movement of the fanning element 122b along the axis of movement 134b of the fanning element 122b which runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b, in particular until the fanning extensions 138b of the fanning element 122b are brought into contact with the stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled, wherein, preferably subsequently, a movement of the fanning element 122b takes place along the axis of movement 136b of the fanning element 122b which runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b. Other sequences of movements of the fanning element 122b to fan out a manageable stack of packaging blanks 12b, which a person skilled in the art considers to be useful, are also conceivable.For further features of the alternative product handling device 10b, reference is generally made to the description in Figures 1 to 5. 2024P00035WG.

[0074] Figure 8 shows a schematic sequence of a method 60b for handling stacks of packaging blanks 12b, in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a cardboard magazine (not shown in detail in Figures 6 to 8) of a packaging machine (not shown in detail in Figures 6 to 8) with stacks of packaging blanks 12b, by means of the product handling device 10b. Preferably, in at least one process step 108b of the method 60b, the handling unit 18b is moved by means of an industrial robot (not shown in detail in Figures 6 to 8) into the immediate vicinity of a transport or storage device (not shown in detail in Figures 6 to 8) on or at which packaging blanks 12b are stacked, in particular such that at least a part of the packaging blanks 12b are arranged in an area of ​​the mounting and / or support elements 20b, 22b, 24b.In at least one process step 110b of the process 60b, a pressure element 94b of the handling unit 18b is preferably moved in the direction of the packaging blanks 12b, in particular until the pressure element 94b rests against the uppermost packaging blank 12b and a force is exerted in the direction of the transport or storage device on the packaging blanks 12b arranged on or at the transport or storage device.Preferably, in at least one process step 68b of the process 60b, at least one, in particular both, of the opening and / or contact elements 20b, 22b designed as opening engagement elements are moved into the respective opening 124b, 126b in the main extension surface 32b of the packaging blanks 12b, in particular completely surrounded and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks 12b, in at least one, in particular until at least the contact surfaces 26b, 28b are completely moved through the openings 124b, 126b. In addition, preferably in at least one process step 64b of the process 60b a fluid, in particular compressed air, is introduced between the stacks of packaging blanks 12b to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12b on which the stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled rests by means of the insertion aid element 50b of the handling unit 18b.It is conceivable that in process step 64b or in an alternative process step (not shown in detail here) of process 60b, alternatively or additionally to introducing a fluid with the introduction aid element 50b, the fanning element 122b is moved relative to the base body 82b in order to handle the stack 2024P00035WG.

[0075] - 39 - to fan out packaging blanks 12b, in particular to enable easy insertion of the separating element 56b, 58b and / or to allow safe movement of the support surfaces 26b, 28b of the mounting and / or attachment elements 20b, 22b between the packaging blanks 12b.

[0076] Preferably, in at least one process step 112b of the process 60b, at least one of the lifting and / or positioning elements 20b, 22b, 24b, in particular the lifting and / or positioning element 24b designed as a gripping finger, is moved between the stacks of packaging blanks 12b to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12b, in particular into the gap created or created between the stacks of packaging blanks 12b to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12b by the introduction of the fluid or by the use of the fanning element 122b.Preferably, in at least one process step 66b of process 60b, in particular after the introduction of the fluid, after the use of the fanning element 122b and / or after the introduction of the gripping finger-designed lifting and / or positioning element 24b, at least one or both separating elements 56b, 58b are inserted between the stacks of packaging blanks 12b to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12b on which the stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled rests, in particular to lift the stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled such that the support surface(s) 26b, 28b is / are movable relative to the further leg of the respective lifting and / or positioning element 20b, 22b under the stack of packaging blanks 12 to be handled, in particular between the stacks of packaging blanks 12b to be handled and the further packaging blanks 12b is / will be moved.Preferably, in at least one process step 128b of process 60b, particularly after the support surface(s) 26b, 28b have passed through the respective opening 124b, 126b and / or after fanning out and / or separating the stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled, the support surface(s) 26b, 28b are moved, preferably pivoted, relative to the base body 82b of the handling unit 18b, particularly about the axes of movement 130b, 132b of the support surfaces 26b, 28b which extend at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26b, 28b, in at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26b, 28b (see figure). Preferably, the support surfaces 26b, 28b are moved in the 2024P00035WQ.

[0077] - 40 -

[0078] In process step 128b, the respective mounting and / or attachment element 20b, 22b is pivoted relative to the further leg about the respective axis of movement 130b, 132b, which extends at least substantially parallel to the support surface 26b, 28b. In particular, in at least one process step 62b of process 60b, the stack of packaging blanks 12b is transported to the packaging machine. Preferably, in at least process step 62b, the stack of packaging blanks 12b to be handled by the handling unit 18b is held during handling by means of a positive-locking connection that acts at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 42b of the handling unit 18b. Process 60b to a

[0079] Handling stacks of packaging blanks 12b may include further process steps that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, possible process steps that can be derived from the description of Figures 6 and 7 shall also be considered disclosed for process 60b.

Claims

Claims 1. Product handling device, in particular carton magazine loading device, for handling stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a carton magazine (14a) of a packaging machine (16a) with stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), with at least one handling unit (18a; 18b) comprising, in particular three, loading and / or contact elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b) which, in particular each, have a support surface (26a, 28a, 30a; 26b, 28b, 30b) against which the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) with a main extension area (32a; 32b) can be placed at least during one handling operation, characterized in that at least one, in particular at least two of the mounting and / or installation elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b), in particular one transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the bearing surface (26a, 28a, 30a;26b, 28b, 30b) extending side contact surface (34a, 36a, 38a; 34b, 36b, 38b), in particular comprising, in particular, the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) can be placed against it with a side surface (40a; 40b) extending transversely to the main extension surface (32a; 32b) at least during one handling operation.

2. Product handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in particular when viewed in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane (42a; 42b) of the handling unit (18a; 18b), at least one, in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or contact elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b), preferably in at least one operating state, are L-shaped, in particular wherein one leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the support surface (26a, 28a, 30a; 26b, 28b, 30b) and another leg of the L-shaped configuration forms the side contact surface (34a, 36a, 38a; 34b, 36b, 38b). 2024P00035WQ - 42 - 3. Product handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting and / or support elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b), in particular each, are movably mounted along a movement axis (44a, 46a, 48a; 44b, 46b, 48b) extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface (26a, 28a, 30a; 26b, 28b, 30b) relative to each other, in particular translationally.

4. Product handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (18a; 18b) has at least one insertion aid element (50a; 50b), which acts on the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) in particular by means of compressed air, and which is provided for moving apart a stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled and further packaging blanks (12a; 12b).

5. Product handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (18a; 18b) has at least one movement axis (52a, 54a; 52b, 54b) extending along an axis of movement (52a, 54a; 52b, 54b) extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface (26a, 28a, 30a; 26b, 28b, 30b) relative to the mounting and / or attachment elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b), in particular translationally, movable separating element (56a, 58a; 56b, 58b), which is provided for at least partially separating a stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled from further packaging blanks (12a; 12b), in particular for at least partially lifting them.

6. Product handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (18b) has at least one, in particular translationally movable, fanning element (122b) which is provided to fan out a stack of packaging blanks (12b) to be handled, in particular to enable easy insertion of a separating element (56b, 58b) and / or to enable safe movement of the support surfaces (26b, 28b) of the stacking and / or attachment elements (20b, 22b) between the packaging blanks (12b).

7. Product handling device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling unit (18a; 18b) is provided to hold a stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled by means of a positive locking connection which acts at least substantially parallel to a principal extension plane (42a; 42b) of the handling unit (18a; 18b).

8. Product handling device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the support surfaces (26b, 28b) is movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on one of the mounting and / or contact elements (20b, 22b), in particular pivotably mounted on a leg of one of the mounting and / or contact elements (20b, 22b) forming the side contact surface (34b, 36b), preferably a further leg. 2024P00035WQ - 44 - 9. Method for handling stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), in particular cardboard blanks, preferably for automatically loading a cardboard magazine (14a) of a packaging machine (16a) with stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b), by means of a product handling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one method step (62a; 62b) a stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled by means of the handling unit (18a; 18b) is held during handling by means of a positive locking connection which acts at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane (42a; 42b) of the handling unit (18a; 18b).

10. Method according to claim, characterized in that in at least one method step (64a; 64b) a fluid, in particular compressed air, is introduced between the stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled and further packaging blanks (12a; 12b) on which the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled rests, by means of an insertion aid element (50a; 50b) of the handling unit (18a; 18b).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in at least one method step (66a; 66b), in particular after introducing a fluid between the stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled and the further packaging blanks (12a; 12b) on which the stack of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled rests, a separating element (56a, 58a; 56b, 58b) of the handling unit (18a; 18b) is introduced between the stacks of packaging blanks (12a; 12b) to be handled and, in particular, the further packaging blanks (12a; 12b), in particular to lift the stack of packaging blanks (12a) to be handled such that at least one, in particular two, of the lifting and / or support elements (20a, 22a, 24a) are positioned under the The stack of packaging blanks (12a) to be handled is movable, in particular between the stack of packaging blanks (12a) to be handled and the other packaging blanks (12a). 2024P00035WG - 45 - 12. Method at least according to the preamble of claim 9, in particular according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in at least one method step (68a; 68b) at least one, in particular at least two, of the mounting and / or attachment elements (20a, 22a, 24a; 20b, 22b, 24b) is moved into a cutout (70a, 72a), in particular into a slot, between two side flaps (74a, 76a, 114a, 116a) of the packaging blanks (12a) or into an opening (124b, 126b) in the main extension surface (32b) of the packaging blanks (12b), in particular completely surrounded by and bounded by the material of the packaging blanks (12b).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that in at least one method step (128b), in particular after moving the support surface (26b, 28b) through the opening (124b, 126b), the support surface (26b, 28b) is moved, preferably pivoted, relative to a base body (82b) of the handling unit (18b), in particular about an axis of movement (130b, 132b) of the support surface (26b, 28b) extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface (26b, 28b), in particular about a base body (82b) of the handling unit (18b), in particular about coming into contact with the main extension surface (32b).

14. Packaging machine for packaging products, in particular foodstuffs, with at least one product handling device according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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