Abstract: An interlinked production system is provided with a plurality of processing stations, at least three buffers being provided for decoupling the processing steps in the different processing stations. The flow of parts through the individual stations and the buffers is provided by at least one portal or several portals, upon which a plurality of portal grippers can be driven. The portal grippers are configured for transferring the parts to be processed between the processing stations and the buffers and for loading and unloading of parts. The buffers are configured to receive part carriers and each comprises at least two stack positions. A transfer device is provided for transferring part carriers between the stack positions within the buffers. In this manner, a very flexible interlinked production system is achieved, which can be adjusted to operate in one-piece-flow or also for an optimal productivity with optimised buffer capacities.

Abstract: A handling apparatus can be used with particular advantage as a pallet moving apparatus, and includes a machine frame with an extension arm, movable in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction, on which is provided an engaging element for receiving a gripping device. The extension arm has a first rocker element that is mounted on the machine frame and is driven rotatably about a horizontal rotation axis, and at its free end a second rocker element is arranged rotatably and is positively coupled to the first rocker element via a linkage in such a way that when the first rocker element rotates, the engaging element describes a locus curve with largely linear horizontal and vertical sections. Preferably the two rocker elements are positively coupled in such a way that an imaginary rotation of the first rocker element through 360 degrees results in a substantially square locus curve in a vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention proposes a handling system and method for feeding workpieces to a subsequent machining unit having a working area which is enclosed toward the outside by a protective wall and in which a stack presentation device, preferably configured as a pallet transfer device, is provided for presenting workpiece carriers with unmachined workpieces and for receiving workpiece carriers after the machine operation. A loading device is assigned to the stack presentation device for receiving workpieces and for delivering them to the subsequent machining unit. Feeding the workpiece carriers into the working area is effected by a stack-changing device, preferably designed as a rotary table having an H-shaped rotary frame into which the workpiece carrier stacks can be introduced on trolleys.