Handling device with intermediate layer for stacking stacks of sheets

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling device (1) for handling stacks of sheets (3), having a conveying device for receiving and moving the stacks of sheets (3), wherein at least one intermediate layer (5) for stacked stacks of sheets (3) is provided, the intermediate layer (5) being provided with cutouts through which a receiving means of the conveying device (2) can move in order to receive a single stack of sheets (3), and the intermediate layer (5) having a multiplicity of elevations which protrude from a base of the intermediate layer (5).

Description

[0001] K.QT.0181.WO Page 1

[0002] December 18, 2025

[0003] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0004] Intermediate layer for stacking stacks of utility items

[0005] Description

[0006] The invention relates to a handling device for handling stacks of blanks, comprising a conveying device for picking up and moving the stacks of blanks, wherein at least one intermediate layer is provided for stacked stacks of blanks, wherein the intermediate layer is provided with recesses through which a receiving means of the conveying device can move in order to pick up a single stack of blanks, according to the features of the respective preamble of claim 1 or claim 11.

[0007] The generic patent DE 38 35 032 A1 describes as its starting point that methods and devices are known in which the blanks to be processed are fed to the respective machine in stacks. However, this requires the use of special cassettes, boxes, or similar auxiliary devices for the individual stacks of blanks, or a special way of gripping them stack by stack so that they can be properly fed to the respective machine. Furthermore, special interleaving sheets for the blanks stacked on a pallet are known, wherein these special interleaving sheets are provided with recesses through which a gripper can reach in order to remove the individual stacks of blanks.These special aids or additional measures represent unreasonable restrictions for the respective customer, not only increasing the effort and thus the costs, but also limiting the performance of the machines. For this reason, trials have been undertaken to apply the cut pieces stacked on a pallet from above in a shingle-like pattern (K.QT.0181.WO page 2).

[0008] December 18, 2025

[0009] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0010] Friction elements were removed. However, these attempts did not yield a usable result because the function of such measures cannot be reliably guaranteed due to the risk of the cut pieces becoming entangled with each other.Starting from this, DE 38 35 032 A1 discloses, as a solution to the problems described above in its own prior art, a method for destacking blocks of blanks made of paper, cardboard, carton, plastic or the like, which are stacked on pallets and subsequently fed as blank blocks to further processing or intermediate storage, wherein the individual blank blocks are successively lifted at least slightly from their respective base by means of a piercing tool, wherein the tip of the piercing tool, which is at least roughly positioned in the horizontal plane, is supported immediately before the piercing process on a base projecting opposite the vertical piercing side of the blank block for the purpose of precise positioning in the vertical direction, before the piercing tool is retracted, wherein the respective blank block is then lifted and transported away.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of improving a generic handling device with regard to the receiving and movement of the stacks of blanks by means of the conveying device.

[0012] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1 or claim 11.

[0013] According to a first solution, the invention provides that the intermediate layer has a plurality of protrusions that extend from a base of the intermediate layer. In contrast to the prior art described above, the invention returns to the intermediate layer on which the stacks of individual components are stacked one above the other and / or next to each other. The plurality K.QT.0181.WO Page 3

[0014] December 18, 2025

[0015] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal: The raised sections and the resulting gaps allow a picking element of the conveyor system to move under a stack of blanks to be removed from any point, lift it, and move it from its previous position on the intermediate layer to another position without damaging the lower part of the stack. At the same time, the intermediate layer protects the stacks of blanks located below from damage by the picking element of the conveyor system.This significantly increases the flexibility of the handling device, as it eliminates the need to place an entire block of stacked and / or adjacent utility units—placed, for example, on a Euro pallet next to the conveyor—in a specific, predetermined position. Instead, the handling device can remove individual utility units from any position on the Euro pallet. Furthermore, removal can be accomplished not only from one side, but from two, three, or even all four sides of the block. This is particularly advantageous because, depending on the die-cutting pattern of the individual utility units within a stack, the units may not all be arranged in a straight line, but rather nested within one another.The ability to approach from different sides allows for greater flexibility regarding the sequence of removing the stacks of components from the intermediate layer. In a specific configuration, the raised sections are arranged so that the conveyor can approach the block of stacked components (either on top of or next to each other) from the side at a (nearly) right angle. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the conveyor can approach this block at an angle.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, the raised areas are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the base of the intermediate layer. This ensures that the receiving means of the conveying device each pick up one stack of units from one or K.QT.0181.WQ page 4

[0017] December 18, 2025

[0018] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, can remove stacks of pre-printed blanks from another side of the block, arranged at a 90° angle to the first. This also simplifies the positioning process of the block of pre-printed blanks, as the conveyor's picking elements can remove the blanks from both sides of the block. It is particularly advantageous if the conveyor has two independently controllable picking elements that can simultaneously or sequentially remove blanks from both sides of the block and feed them into further processing. As an alternative to the grid-like arrangement of the protrusions, a linear arrangement is also possible. In this case, elongated protrusions are arranged parallel to each other on the base of the intermediate layer.This allows the conveying device to remove the stacks of usable material from the intermediate layer from two opposite sides.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the raised sections have a round cross-section. The outwardly facing curves of the raised sections offer the advantage that the receiving elements of the conveying device can be guided in the spaces between the raised sections if they have not been correctly positioned against the block. These raised sections can be arranged linearly, in a grid pattern, or irregularly on the base of the intermediate layer and project from it to form spaces for the conveying device, such as lanes between linearly arranged raised sections.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the projections have an angular, in particular a square, cross-section. This creates a continuous [K.QT.0181.WO page 5] by means of projections arranged one behind the other or next to each other.

[0021] December 18, 2025

[0022] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0023] A channel is formed that guides the receiving elements of the conveying device in a targeted manner during insertion into this channel.

[0024] It is also conceivable that the conveying device is guided between the surveys in such a way that it does not need to be guided by the sides of the surveys. This applies regardless of the design of the surveys.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the base of the intermediate layer has several through-openings distributed across its surface. These through-openings offer the significant advantage that a stack of blanks, with its lowest blank resting on the intermediate layer, either directly on the base or on the upward-facing surface of each raised section, no longer "sticks" to it during removal. This "sticking effect" is disadvantageously caused in the prior art by the flat contact of the downward-facing surface of a blank with the upward-facing surface of the intermediate layer. The through-openings eliminate this "sticking effect" because, when a stack of blanks is lifted from the surface of the intermediate layer (either from its base or from the raised sections on which the stack rests), air can flow through these openings.A sticking effect due to the vacuum is effectively prevented. This prevents individual components of a stack from slipping against each other, and also advantageously increases the operating speed and process reliability of the conveying system.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the raised section has a through-opening, wherein the through-opening also extends through the base of the intermediate layer. A combination is also conceivable, namely that a part or K.QT.0181.WO page 6

[0027] December 18, 2025

[0028] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, all elevations are provided with the passage opening through themselves and through the base of the intermediate layer, and additionally passage openings are also present next to the elevations in the base of the intermediate layer.

[0029] In a further development of the invention, the intermediate layer is provided to have at least one clear area for a vacuum gripper of the conveying device. Once all the stacks of components placed on the intermediate layer have been successively picked up by the conveying device and transferred to further processing, the intermediate layer must be removed. This removal is necessary either to pick up and move the adjacent stacks of components underneath, or to move the Euro pallet (if present), onto which the block of adjacent and stacked component stacks was previously placed, out of the conveying device's reach and to provide it with a new Euro pallet containing a block of component stacks.To accomplish this, the conveying device, particularly in the area of ​​the receiving element, has at least one vacuum gripper that is positioned on the open surface of the intermediate layer and supplied with a vacuum so that the intermediate layer can be removed. The vacuum gripper can be attached to the receiving element of the conveying device or be positioned separately and controllable. In one embodiment, the open surface is formed by the upper surface of at least one of the projections extending from the base. This open surface can, for example, be formed by the surface of one or more adjacent projections. Alternatively or additionally, the open surface is formed by the base.This means that at least one vacuum gripper of the receiving device or at least one separate vacuum gripper can be positioned directly on the surface of the base and thus next to the protrusions arranged around the free area in order to pick up the intermediate layer and attach it to a K.QT.0181.WO page 7.

[0030] December 18, 2025

[0031] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, to move and place the intermediate layer at a desired location. Besides using a vacuum gripper, other methods for moving the intermediate layer are possible, such as holes in the base or protruding hooks that can be gripped by the conveyor system. Handling the intermediate layer using magnetic forces (for example, integrating a magnet or a retaining plate into the base of the intermediate layer) is also possible.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, the intermediate layer is provided with a marking. This makes it possible to detect the position of each intermediate layer within the block of stacked units, which is located, in particular, on a Euro pallet or any other pallet-like base, in relation to the conveying device. Furthermore, the operating speed of the conveying device is increased, since after the initial position correction, the picking device can always immediately and correctly remove one stack of units after another from the intermediate layer and move them forward. The marking is designed to be high-contrast, especially for camera detection. It can be applied to the intermediate layer by means of adhesive, engraving, painting, or similar methods.

[0033] According to an alternative solution, the invention provides that the interlayer has a plurality of alternating protrusions. In contrast to the solution described above, in which the interlayer has a base from which the protrusions extend, in this alternative solution the protrusions alternate and thereby form the recesses through which a receiving element of the conveying device can move to pick up a single stack of panels. In cross-section, the base of the interlayer thus has an approximately wave-like shape, for example, arc-shaped, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or the like. This has the advantage that K.QT.0181.WO page 8

[0034] December 18, 2025

[0035] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, claims that several low-density intermediate layers can be stacked on top of each other when prepared for use, i.e., before the stacks of printed materials are placed on them. Simultaneously, the alternating raised sections form the recesses for the conveyor's receiving element. Overall, this solution according to the invention also results in a flat intermediate layer, which can be used as an alternative to the intermediate layer described above. Naturally, partial features of the intermediate layer, including the base from which the raised sections protrude, can also be applied to the alternative solution with alternating raised sections. This applies in particular to the openings and / or the free areas and / or the markings on the intermediate layer.

[0036] In the context of the solutions of this invention, a block is generally understood to be an arrangement in which one or more stacks of blanks are arranged side by side and / or one above the other, preferably side by side, on an intermediate layer. At least one further intermediate layer, also with stacks of blanks arranged on it, can be placed on top of such an intermediate layer. Such a block can be placed with its bottommost intermediate layer on, for example, a Euro pallet. Alternatively, the Euro pallet can be omitted, and the block can be placed with its bottommost or its only intermediate layer, for example, on a conveyor belt or the like.

[0037] A stack of materials is understood to be an arrangement in which flat objects (such as sheets of paper, cardboard, unfolded packaging, and the like, although this list is not exhaustive) are preferably stacked flush on top of each other. K.QT.0181.WO Page 9

[0038] December 18, 2025

[0039] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0040] The handling device according to the invention will be explained in more detail below and described with reference to the figures.

[0041] They show:

[0042] Figures 1 to 3: a handling device in which the intermediate position is after the

[0043] The invention is used

[0044] Figures 4 to 7: a first design of an intermediate layer according to the

[0045] Invention,

[0046] Figures 8 to 11: a second embodiment of an intermediate layer according to the

[0047] invention and

[0048] Figures 12 to 15: a third embodiment of an intermediate layer according to the

[0049] Invention,

[0050] Figures 16 and 17: further elaborations of an intermediate layer according to the

[0051] Invention,

[0052] Figure 18: a collection facility in which several utility stacks are placed on

[0053] Intermediate layers will be provided.

[0054] Figures 1 to 3 show a handling device 1 in which an intermediate layer according to the invention is used. The handling device 1 has a conveying device 2, which in this embodiment is designed as a robot. Other embodiments of the conveying device 2 are equally possible. Stacks of components 3 are picked up by means of the conveying device 2 and K.QT.0181.WO page 10

[0055] December 18, 2025

[0056] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0057] (When considering Figure 1) the stacks are moved from the position shown to another position not shown, in order to be fed into a downstream folding carton gluing machine for further processing. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, that the stacks of units 3 are arranged on a Euro pallet 4. The Euro pallet 4 stands on the same floor where the conveyor 2 is also located. A first intermediate layer 5 according to the invention lies on the Euro pallet 2, with several stacks of units 3 stacked side by side on this (lowest) intermediate layer 5. These stacked unit stacks 3 occupy approximately the area of ​​the intermediate layer 5. A further intermediate layer 5 lies on top of these unit stacks 3, on which, in turn, more unit stacks 3 are stacked side by side.Above this lies another intermediate layer 5, on which some of the stacks of pallets 3 still rest, while (not shown) another portion of the stacks of pallets 3 has already been removed by the conveyor 2 and moved on. Looking at Figure 1, to the right of the conveyor 2 is another Euro pallet 4 with an intermediate layer 5 according to the invention resting on it. The stacks of pallets found on this layer have already been removed, so this empty Euro pallet 4, or empty intermediate layer 5, can be removed and replaced by a filled block of stacks of pallets 3. For safety reasons, and regardless of the operation of the handling device 1, barriers 6 are partially arranged around the area where the Euro pallets 4 (or, omitting the Euro pallet, using intermediate layers 5 placed directly on the floor) are stored.

[0058] Figures 2 and 3 show the receiving means of the conveying device 2 in detail. Figure 3, in particular, shows that these receiving means of the conveying device 2 have several lances 7 arranged side by side. By moving the receiving means, these lances 7 are moved into the area between the protrusions (described further in Figures 4 and following) of the intermediate layer K.QT.0181.WO page 11

[0059] December 18, 2025

[0060] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0061] The intermediate layer 5 is introduced in such a way that only a single stack of components 3, or possibly two or even more than two stacks of components 3 simultaneously, can be removed from the intermediate layer 5. This movement can be performed particularly easily by the conveying device 2 if it is designed as a robot with multiple arms on which the picking devices with the lances 7 are arranged. Alternatively, however, it is not impossible to design the conveying device 2 differently. While Figures 1 and 2 show that the bottom (or possibly only) intermediate layer 5 rests on a Euro pallet 4, it is also possible for the bottom (or only) intermediate layer 5 to be placed directly on a conveyor belt or the like, omitting the Euro pallet 4.

[0062] Figures 4 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment of an intermediate layer 5 according to the invention. Figure 4 shows the intermediate layer 5 from above (i.e., the area on which the stacks of blanks 3 are arranged), Figure 5 shows the intermediate layer 5 in section, Figure 6 shows a view of the intermediate layer 5 obliquely from above, and Figure 7 shows the underside of the intermediate layer 5. In this first embodiment, it can be seen that the intermediate layer 5 has a flat base 8 from which several round projections 9 extend upwards, i.e., towards the underside of the stacks of blanks 3 placed on this intermediate layer 5. Between these projections 9 are free spaces into which the lances 7 of the receiving means of the conveying device 2 can be inserted. In the area of ​​the projections 9 (in this embodiment, in the area of ​​all projections 9), a passage opening 10 is provided.This passage opening 10 extends through the respective protrusion 9 and also through the base 10 of the intermediate layer 5 (see Figure 7). Each passage opening 10 prevents the "sticking effect" of the bottommost unit of a respective unit stack 3 during its removal. Figure 4 shows that there are free spaces 11 on the upper side of the base 5. These free spaces 11 are K.QT.0181.WO page 12.

[0063] December 18, 2025

[0064] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, for example, has four such open areas 11, arranged approximately at the corners of an imaginary square (alternatively a rectangle, circle, oval, or the like). These open areas 11 are formed by the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5, and there are no raised areas or openings in these areas. Vacuum grippers 12 (see Figures 2 and 3) of the conveyor 2 are attached to these open areas 11 to pick up and move an empty intermediate layer 5. There may also be fewer or more than four open areas 11. Figure 7 shows that the openings 10 protrude from the underside of the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5, but there are no raised areas 9.

[0065] Figures 8 to 11 show a second embodiment of an intermediate layer 5 according to the invention. The projections 9 are linear, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, with several of these lines extending parallel to one another from the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5. This means that the lances 7 can enter the spaces between the projections from two opposite sides of the intermediate layer 5. Passage openings 10 may also be present, but are not required. If present, they can be arranged next to the projections 9 (passing through the base 8), as shown in Figure 10. Alternatively, they can also be provided only in the area of ​​the projections 9 (passing through both the projections and the base 8). A combination of the two variants described above is also possible.

[0066] Figures 8 and 10 also show that at least one free surface 11 is arranged between two adjacent, parallel linear protrusions 9, formed by the surface of the base 8. Figures 8 and 10 show that the free surface 11 extends partially into the protrusion 9, which is, for example, cut out in a semicircular shape, forming the contact surface for the K.QT.0181.WO (page 13).

[0067] December 18, 2025

[0068] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0069] Vacuum gripper 12 to be enlarged if the distance between the two parallel, adjacent protrusions is too small.

[0070] Figure 11 shows that the through-openings 10 protrude from the underside of the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5, but no protrusions 9 are present.

[0071] Figures 12 to 15 show a third embodiment of an intermediate layer 5 of the invention. Here it can be seen that the projections 9 have an angular, in particular a square, cross-section. Preferably, a through-opening 10 is provided in the center of the longitudinal axis of each projection 9, extending through the projection 9 and the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5 to its underside (see Figure 15). Between some of the projections 9, and again omitting a small portion of the projections 9 and through-openings 10, there are free spaces 11 for the vacuum grippers 12 of the conveying device 2. It can be seen in Figure 15 that the through-openings 10 protrude from the underside of the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5, but no projections 9 are present there.

[0072] Figures 4 to 15 clearly show that the projections 9, which extend upwards from the base 8 of the intermediate layer 5, are arranged in a grid-like pattern. This arrangement is preferred, but other regular or irregular arrangements of projections 9 on the intermediate layer 5 are also possible.

[0073] Figure 16 shows an embodiment of the intermediate layer 5 in which, on the one hand, projections 9 (when viewed in Figure 16) extend upwards from the base 8. Simultaneously, (also when viewed in Figure 16) projections 9 extend downwards from the base 8. This has the advantage that each upwardly projecting projection 9 of the intermediate layer 5 is located in a free area, which is defined by K.QT.0181.WO page 14

[0074] December 18, 2025

[0075] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, describes how two downward-projecting protrusions 9 of a further interlayer 5 can be arranged from the base 8 when at least two interlayers 5 are stacked on top of each other. This reduces the installation height of at least two, preferably several, stacked interlayers 5. In an exemplary application, these are temporarily stored in a so-called interlayer cassette (generally a receiving container) in order to insert the interlayer into the blank stack in a die-cutting machine, where the blank stacks are processed to form packaging. The volume of this cassette is limited by installation space. Since the interlayer with the protrusions has a greater installation height than, for example, commonly used paper interlayers, the interlayer cassette will reach its maximum installation height with only a few interlayers.Constant refilling must therefore be avoided. The intermediate storage of the interlayers in the cassette should thus be designed to be as efficient as possible in terms of volume. This is made possible by the design of the interlayers 5 as shown in Figure 16. This means that the underside of the interlayer is provided with "negative" recesses in which the "positive" protrusions of the underlying layer "disappear." This results in a higher packing density in the interlayer cassette, so that a large number of interlayers 5 can be stacked on top of each other and stored within the available maximum height before being fed to the next processing step (for example, in the die-cutting machine).

[0076] Figure 17 shows an embodiment of the solution in which the intermediate layer 5 has a plurality of alternating protrusions 9. The protrusions 9, pointing alternately upwards and downwards (as seen in Figure 17), do not extend from the base; rather, the base itself forms the alternating upward and downward-pointing protrusions 9. These protrusions K.QT.0181.WO page 15

[0077] December 18, 2025

[0078] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0079] Nine layers are thus formed from the base by appropriate shaping and can be created by reshaping the base of the intermediate layer, similar to corrugated sheet metal. This embodiment leads to a higher packing density and optimal utilization of the available height in the receiving container for the intermediate layers when they are stacked on top of each other before the multi-layer stacks are placed on them.

[0080] In the embodiments shown in Figures 16 and 17, partial features of the intermediate layer with the base from which the projections extend (as shown in Figures 4 and 15) can also be used. This applies in particular to the through-openings and / or the free areas and / or the marking of the intermediate layer.

[0081] Figures 16 and 17, according to the two alternative embodiments shown therein, illustrate that five interlayers 5 have been stacked on top of each other. It is, of course, possible to stack fewer than five or more than five interlayers on top of each other in the receiving container, such as the interlayer cassette. The same applies to the embodiments shown in the preceding Figures 4 to 15.

[0082] Figure 18 shows a collection device 13 in which several stacks of utility units 3 are provided on intermediate layers 5 according to the invention. Thus, a collection device 13 is provided which has several intermediate layers 5 stacked on top of each other and spaced apart from one another. The collection device 13 is designed in the manner of a shelf. It has side walls, a base, and a top cover. The top cover is optional, as is a back wall. Ideally, side walls, base, top cover, and back wall are present so that the stacks of utility units can only be inserted from the front. (K.QT.0181.WO Page 16)

[0083] December 18, 2025

[0084] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, can be removed so that they are optimally protected during handling of the collection device 13, in particular during filling, removal, transport, or storage from external influences. Alternatively, it is of course conceivable that the collection device 13 has no side walls at all, or, in the case of a four-sided version, for example, only one or two side walls. A top cover can also be omitted. A significant advantage of this collection device 13 is that no base pallets 4 are required and need to be handled. As shown in Figure 18, the collection device 13 can have feet so that its base is raised off its mounting surface. The base can be designed as an intermediate layer 5. However, it can also be flat, preferably smooth, so that an intermediate layer 5 can be placed on it.The intermediate layers 5, in the form of intermediate shelves of the collecting device 13, are either permanently connected to the collecting device 13 or the collecting device has flat, preferably smooth, intermediate shelves onto which the intermediate layers 5 can be placed (inserted) with or without stacks of blanks 3 according to the invention. The collecting device 13, filled with stacks of blanks 3 arranged on intermediate layers 5, is positioned, for example, to the left of the conveying device 2 as shown in Figure 1, so that the stacks of blanks 3 can be removed one after the other from the conveying device 2 and fed into the further processing unit.Either the collection unit 13 remains at its location and is refilled after the removal of stacks of goods 3, or it is moved to another location by a handling device, such as a forklift, to be refilled with stacks of goods 3 and then returned to its original location next to the conveyor unit 2.

[0085] In an exemplary concrete embodiment, the collecting devices 13 are mounted on a punching machine, which punches the individual blanks by means of a punching operation K.QT.0181.WO page 17

[0086] December 18, 2025

[0087] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal, produces trays filled with trays. These trays are then either temporarily stored or transported directly to a removal station (such as a robot in front of a folding carton gluing machine, which assembles a folding carton from the die-cut trays). Transport can be carried out manually by a person, with aids (such as a forklift), or fully automatically with driverless transport systems. After unloading at a folding carton gluing machine, the trays are either temporarily stored empty or returned directly to the die-cutting machine to be refilled.

[0088] K.QT.0181.WO Page 18

[0089] December 18, 2025

[0090] QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal

[0091] Reference symbol list

[0092] 1. Handling device

[0093] 2. Conveyor system (especially robots)

[0094] 3. Benefit stack

[0095] 4. Base pallet

[0096] 5. Intermediate layer

[0097] 6. Barrier

[0098] 7. Lances

[0099] 8. Flat base

[0100] 9. Survey

[0101] 10. Passage opening

[0102] 11. Open space

[0103] 12. Vacuum gripper

[0104] 13. Collection facility

Claims

K.QT.0181.WQ Page 19 December 18, 2025 QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal Intermediate layer for stacking stacks of utility items Patent claims 1. Handling device (1 ) for handling stacks of utility units (3), with a conveying device (2) for picking up and moving the stacks of utility units (3), wherein at least one intermediate layer (5) is provided for stacked stacks of utility units (3), wherein the intermediate layer (5) is provided with recesses through which a receiving means of the conveying device (2) can move in order to pick up a single stack of utility units (3), characterized in that the intermediate layer (5) has a plurality of projections (9) which extend from a base (8) of the intermediate layer (5).

2. Handling device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the protrusions (9) are arranged in a grid-like or linear pattern on the base (8) of the intermediate layer (5).

3. Handling device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projections (9) have a round cross-section.

4. Handling device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projections (9) have an angular, in particular a square, cross-section. K.QT.0181.WO Page 20 December 18, 2025 QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal 5. Handling device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (8) of the intermediate layer (5) has several through-openings (10) distributed over the surface of the base (8).

6. Handling device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protrusion (9) has a passage opening (10), wherein the passage opening (10) also extends through the base (8) of the intermediate layer (5).

7. Handling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (5) has at least one free area (11) for a suction cup (12) of the conveying device (2).

8. Handling device (1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the free area (11 ) is formed by the base (8).

9. Handling device (1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the free area (11 ) is formed from the top of at least one of the projections (9) extending from the base (8).

10. Handling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (5) has a marking. K.QT.0181.WO Page 21 December 18, 2025 QTM Automation, Machines and Service GmbH, 41366 Schwalmtal 11. Handling device (1) for handling stacks of utility units (3), with a conveying device (2) for picking up and moving the stacks of utility units (3), wherein at least one intermediate layer (5) is provided for stacked stacks of utility units (3), wherein the intermediate layer (5) is provided with recesses through which a receiving means of the conveying device (2) can move in order to pick up a single stack of utility units (3), characterized in that the intermediate layer (5) has a plurality of alternating protrusions (9).

12. Handling device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a collecting device (13) is provided which has several intermediate layers (5) spaced apart from one another and from each other.

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