HANDLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FILLING ONE OR SEVERAL PRODUCT RECEIVING CONTAINERS WITH PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING MACHINE WITH SUCH A HANDLING DEVICE

Abstract

A handling device for a filling of one or several product-receiving containers (12) with products (14) includes at least one feeding unit (16) for a feeding of the products (14), further includes at least one handling unit (18) for a handling of the products (14), and includes at least one alignment unit (20), which is configured for an alignment, at least with respect to a vertical plane (22), of the products (14) transferred to the alignment unit (20) by the handling unit (18) in order to feed the products (14) to the product-receiving containers (12) in a predetermined orientation. The alignment unit (20) includes at least one transfer element (24) and at least one support element (32), which are configured to alternatingly hold the products (14) in the product-receiving containers (12) in the predetermined orientation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and incorporates herein by reference the German patent application DE 10 2022 118 569.9, filed on Jul. 25, 2022.

BACKGROUND

The invention concerns a handling device for filling one or several product-receiving container/s with products, with at least one feeding unit for a feeding of the products and with at least one handling unit for a handling of the products.

Handling devices of this kind are already known, wherein in the already-known handling devices products go through a plurality of handling stations in order to be fed to a product-receiving container in a desired orientation, or complex and cost-intensive handling units, like for example multi-axis industrial robots or the like, are used to bring the products into a desired orientation. Moreover, with the already-known handling devices an undesired machine stop may occur if, for example, products are in a faulty orientation and therefore a filling of product-receiving containers must be interrupted in order to remove the misaligned product from the production line.

Furthermore, from DE 20 2012 004 631 U1 a packaging machine with at least one handling device is already known, the handling device being configured for filling one or several product-receiving container/s, in particular packagings realized as tubular bags, with products, in particular food products, and comprising at least one feeding unit for a feeding of the products, at least one handling unit for a handling of the products, in particular for taking over the products from the feeding unit, and at least one alignment unit, which is configured to align the products at least with respect to a vertical plane, in order to feed the products to the product-receiving container or to the product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation.

SUMMARY

The objective of the invention is in particular to provide a generic handling device, a generic packaging machine and/or a generic method having improved properties with regard to a reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products, which can be enabled in a manner optimized in terms of cost and installation.

The invention is based on a handling device for a filling of one or several product-receiving container/s, in particular packaging/s, with products, in particular with food products, comprising at least one feeding unit for a feeding of the products, further comprising at least one handling unit, in particular a vacuum gripper unit, for a handling of the products, in particular for taking the products over from the feeding unit, and comprising at least one alignment unit which is configured for an alignment of the products transferred to the alignment unit by the handling unit, at least with respect to a vertical plane, in particular using a weight force of the products, in order to feed the products to the product-receiving container or to the product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation, in particular for an alignment of the products from a horizontal orientation of the products into a vertical orientation of the products, so as to feed the products to the product-receiving container or to the product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation.

It is proposed that the alignment unit comprises at least one, in particular movably supported, transfer element and at least one, in particular movably supported, support element, which are configured to alternatingly hold the products in the product-receiving container or in the product-receiving containers in the predetermined orientation. By means of the implementation according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to realize a reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products, such that products can advantageously be fed to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation. Advantageously, constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. Advantageously, alignment is enabled that is optimized in terms of cost and installation. It is preferably possible to ensure, in a manner simple in terms of construction, that the product is in the predetermined orientation so as to counteract undesired machine stops. It is advantageously possible to realize an alignment function in a com-pact construction space. Advantageously, simultaneous alignment of a plurality of products is possible, thus advantageously enabling high output performance. It is advantageously possible to provide an alignment unit for an alignment of the products using a weight force, said alignment unit having a low number of, in particular individually movable, components. Advantageously, a low-maintenance handling device can be realized.

Preferably the handling device is configured for a filling of packagings with products. Preferentially the handling device is configured for a filling of packagings with food products, in particular biscuits, cookies, bars or the like. Especially preferentially the handling device is configured for a filling of trays with food products, in particular biscuits, cookies, bars or the like, wherein the filled trays are preferably fed to a tubular-bag packaging apparatus of a packaging machine comprising the handling device. The product-receiving container/s is/are preferably embodied at least partly or completely as (a) packaging/s, in particular primary packaging/s. Preferentially the product-receiving container/s is/are embodied as (a) receiving tray/s in which a plurality of products, in particular food products, is arrangeable. However, it is also conceivable that the product-receiving container/s is/are realized in a different implementation deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. “Configured” is in particular to mean specifically prepared, specifically programmed, specifically designed and/or specifically equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be under-stood that the object fulfills and/or carries out said certain function in at least one application state and/or operation state.

In a production line, the handling device, in particular the packaging machine comprising the handling device, is preferably supported downstream of a production machine for producing the products, in particular the food products. The production machine may be, in particular directly, connected to the handling device, in particular to the feeding unit of the handling device, via conveying devices, in particular transport belts or the like. However, it is also conceivable that the production machine and the handling device, in particular the packaging machine comprising the handling device, are arranged at different production locations and are not connected via conveying devices, such that products are delivered to the feeding unit of the handling device in order to be processed by means of the handling device. The feeding unit is preferably embodied as a transport belt unit. It is however also conceivable that the feeding unit presents a different implementation, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a chain conveying unit, as a vacuum gripper unit, as an electrodynamic conveying unit, or the like. A transport area of the feeding unit preferably extends at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. “Substantially parallel” is in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction that is in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and especially advantageously smaller than 2°. The feeding unit preferably comprises a feed transport direction extending at least substantially parallel to a transport-away direction of a transport-away unit of the handling de-vice. However, in particular in an alternative implementation of the handling device, it is also conceivable that the feed transport direction of the feeding unit runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport-away direction of the transport-away unit. The term “substantially perpendicularly” is in particular meant to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction wherein, in particular viewed in a projection plane, the direction and the reference direction include an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximal deviation that is in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and especially advantageously smaller than 2°.

The transport-away unit is preferably configured for transporting the filled product-receiving container/s away and/or further on, in particular for a further transport of the filled product-receiving container/s to the tubular-bag packaging apparatus. The transport-away unit is preferably configured as a stepper-conveyor unit, like for example as a chain conveying unit or the like. It is however also conceivable that the transport-away unit has a different implementation, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a conveyor belt unit, as a vacuum gripper unit, as an electrodynamic conveying unit, or the like. The transport-away unit is preferentially configured for a multi-row conveying of product-receiving containers. Preferably the transport-away unit comprises a plurality of transport tracks which are aligned at least substantially parallel to one another and are separated by sidewise guiding elements, like for example guiding plates, sidewalls, or the like. The transport-away unit is preferentially configured for a transport of the product-receiving container/s underneath the handling unit and/or underneath the alignment unit. Preferably, for a filling with products, the product-receiving container/s can be transported by means of the transport-away unit underneath the handling unit and/or underneath the alignment unit.

The handling unit is preferably configured for taking on, in particular receiving, the products from the feeding unit and for transferring the products to the alignment unit. The handling unit is preferentially embodied as a vacuum gripper unit. Preferably the handling unit has a movement axis along which handling elements, in particular vacuum grippers, of the handling unit are movable. The at least one movement axis of the handling unit preferentially extends at least substantially parallel and/or at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane. Preferably the at least one movement axis of the handling unit extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport-away direction of the transport-away unit. The handling unit, in particular the handling elements, may be movable along the at least one movement axis, which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport-away direction and at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, and may be additionally movable along at least one further movement axis of the handling unit, which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport-away direction and at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane. It is also conceivable that the handling unit has a different implementation, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a pusher unit configured for transferring the products from the feeding unit, which is for example embodied as a conveyor belt unit extending transversely to the transport-away unit, to the alignment unit. It is also conceivable that the handling unit is embodied as a conveyor belt unit, as a chain conveying unit, as an electrodynamic conveying unit or something like that. In an alternative implementation, the handling unit may also be realized at least partly in a one-part implementation with the feeding unit. It is for example conceivable that the feeding unit is embodied as a conveyor belt unit and the handling unit is realized as a pivotable conveyor belt section of the conveyor belt unit, wherein a transfer of the products to the alignment unit is realizable by a pivoting or tilting of the conveyor belt section, in particular a pivoting or tilting of the conveyor belt section around a pivot axis of the handling unit extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. By “a unit being realized at least partly in a one-part implementation with a further unit” is in particular to be understood that the unit and the further unit have at least one component they both use in order to fulfill a function. The handling unit may alternatively also have an implementation like the handling unit already known from DE 10 2020 114 084 A1. Particularly preferentially the handling unit is configured for receiving the products from the feeding unit and to transfer them to the alignment unit, by means of which the products are transferred to one or several product-receiving container/s, in particular conveyed into the product-receiving container/product-receiving containers.

The alignment unit is preferably configured to transfer the products from a horizontal orientation of the products into a vertical orientation of the products in order to feed the products to the product-receiving container/s in a predetermined orientation, in particular in the vertical orientation. Preferentially the products are transported by the feeding unit and/or by the handling unit in a vertically aligned state. Preferably a transfer of the products from the feeding unit to the alignment unit is realized by means of the handling unit. The products may be taken on by the alignment unit, already in a transfer from the handling unit to the alignment unit, such that they are—in particular slightly—inclined relative to the horizontal plane, or the products may be taken on by the alignment unit, in a transfer from the handling unit to the alignment unit, in a horizontally aligned state. In the case of a horizontally oriented transfer of the product/s, it is conceivable that the alignment unit has at least one alignment surface which is supported so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis of the alignment unit that extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, wherein the product/s can be deposited on said alignment surface by the handling unit. For example, following a deposition of the product/s, the pivotably supported alignment surface is pivotable toward the product-receiving container/s, in particular for the purpose of changing an orientation of the product/s from a horizontal orientation into a vertical orientation. It is also conceivable that, with a horizontally orientated transfer of the product/s from the handling unit, the alignment unit has at least one alignment surface which is angled with respect to the horizontal plane. Further implementations of the alignment unit for a transfer of the products into a vertical orientation, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, are also conceivable.

It is further proposed that the alignment unit comprises at least the transfer element, which is in particular supported movably, having at least one alignment surface, in particular the aforementioned alignment surface, that is angled relative to a feeding plane of the feeding unit, and comprises at least the support element, which is in particular supported movably, having at least one alignment surface that is angled relative to the feeding plane, wherein, in particular along a direction running transversely to one of the alignment surfaces, the alignment surface of the transfer element and the alignment surface of the support element are spaced apart from each other, in particular for the purpose of delimiting an alignment gap of the alignment unit by means of which the products can be held in an alignment position during a feeding to the product-receiving container/s. Preferentially the transfer element is sup-ported so as to be at least translationally movable, in particular along a movement axis of the transfer element that extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer element is supported so as to be movable in a pivot-able or tiltable manner around a movement axis of the transfer element that extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The feeding plane of the feeding unit preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Preferentially the feeding plane is equivalent to a plane in which the products are movable, in particular moved, by means of the feeding unit. The feeding plane may be formed, for example, by a transport area of a feeding element of the feeding unit, and/or the feeding plane extends at least substantially parallel to the transport area of the feeding element of the feeding unit. Preferentially the support element is supported so as to be at least translationally movable, in particular along a movement axis of the support element that extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Alternatively or additionally, the support element is supported so as to be movable in a pivotable or tiltable manner around a movement axis of the support element that ex-tends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Preferentially the support element, in particular the alignment surface of the support element, and the transfer element, in particular the alignment surface of the transfer element, are spaced apart from each other at least in an operating state. The alignment surface of the transfer element preferably includes an angle with the feeding plane that is in particular than 180°, preferentially smaller than 90° and particularly preferentially smaller than 60°. The alignment surface of the support element preferably includes an angle with the feeding plane that is in particular smaller than 180°, preferentially smaller than 90° and particularly preferentially smaller than 80°. The alignment surface of the transfer element, which is angled relative to the feeding plane, may be realized by an arc-shaped contour of the alignment surface of the transfer element, with a tangent of the alignment surface including, in each point of the alignment surface of the transfer element, an angle with the feeding plane that differs from 0°, 180° and 360°, or may be realized by a bent-off contour of the alignment surface of the transfer element relative to a further surface, in particular to a further alignment surface, of the transfer element, with the alignment surface including an angle with the feeding plane that differs from 0°, 180° and 360°. This applies analogously to the alignment surface of the support element as well. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows constructively simple and secure alignment. Preferably it is possible to ensure in a constructively simple manner that the product is in the predetermined orientation, thus counteracting undesired machine stops. Advantageously, reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products can be realized, thus advantageously enabling a feeding of products to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation.

Moreover, it is proposed that the alignment unit comprises at least the, in particular movably supported, transfer element, in particular the aforementioned transfer element, having at least two alignment surfaces which are angled relative to each other and which the products can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product receiving container/s. Preferably, during a feeding to the product receiving containers, the products can be transferred into the product-receiving container/s and/or aligned in a gliding fashion. Preferentially the transfer element has the alignment surface and a further alignment surface which is arranged directly next to the alignment surface. The further alignment surface of the transfer element preferably includes an angle with the feeding plane which is in particular smaller than 180°, preferentially smaller than 90° and particularly preferentially smaller than 70°. The alignment surface and the further alignment surface of the transfer element may be formed by an, in particular single, arc-shaped contour of an outer surface of the transfer element or by a contour of two portions of the outer surface of the transfer element which are bent off relative to each other. The implementation according to the invention advantageously enables step-wise alignment of the products. Advantageously, alignment and/or transfer of the products are/is enabled in a manner that is gentle on the products. Advantageously, constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. Preferably it is possible to ensure in a constructively simple manner that the product is in the predetermined orientation, thus counteracting undesired machine stops. Advantageously, reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products can be realized, thus advantageously enabling a feeding of products to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation.

Preferably the transfer element is in at least one support state configured for holding the products already located in the product-receiving container/s and in addition the newly aligned product in the predetermined orientation, wherein the products already located in the product-receiving container/s are supported on a support surface of the transfer element whereas the newly aligned product is supported on a further support surface of the transfer element which faces away from the support surface of the transfer element. Preferentially the support surface and the further support surface of the transfer element in each case include an angle with the feeding plane that is in particular smaller than 180°, that is preferably smaller than 120° and is particularly preferably 90°. Preferentially the support element is in the sup-port state configured to support the newly aligned product by a support surface of the support element that faces towards the transfer element. Preferably the support surface of the support element includes an angle with the feeding plane that is in particular smaller than 180°, that is preferentially smaller than 120° and is particularly preferentially 90°. Preferably the transfer element is movable out of the support state as a result of a relative movement, in particular a lifting movement, relative to the support element, in particular in such a way that the transfer element is free of a contact with the products, and is preferably no longer in direct contact with the products. Preferentially the support element, in particular together with the newly aligned product adjoining the support surface of the support element, is movable relative to the transfer element, in particular translationally movable, preferably in such a way that the support element displaces the newly aligned product towards the products which are already located in the product receiving container/s, until the newly aligned product adjoins the products which are already located in the product receiving container/s. Preferentially, the movement of the support element for a line-up of the products in the product-receiving container/s brings about a translational movement of the product-receiving container/s into a loading position, in particular such that a further product can be fed to the product-receiving container/s at a free position in the product-receiving container/s. The translational movement of the product-receiving container/s into the loading position may be brought about by the support element pushing the product-receiving container/s and/or by the transport-away unit moving the product-receiving container/s. Preferentially, in particular following a movement of the product-receiving container/s into the loading position, the transfer element is movable into the support state,

in which the support surface of the transfer element that faces away from the support element is adjacent to the product that was arranged in the product-receiving container/s most recently. The support element is preferably movable into an alignment state, in which the support element is configured for an alignment of products fed in by the handling unit. In at least one operating state, preferably the support element supports the products already located in the product-receiving container/s, and in at least one operating state, preferentially the transfer element supports the products already located in the product-receiving container/s. By means of the implementation according to the invention, constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. It is advantageously possible to counteract an undesired tumble-down of the products. Advantageously, reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products can be realized, advantageously allowing a feeding of products to product-receiving containers in a pre-determined orientation, with the products remaining in the predetermined orientation after the feeding.

Beyond this it is proposed that the alignment unit comprises at least the, in particular movably supported, transfer element, in particular the aforementioned transfer element, and at least the, in particular movably supported, support element, in particular the aforementioned support element, wherein, in particular viewed along a longitudinal extension axis of the alignment unit, the transfer element and the support element are arranged offset from each other. Preferably the alignment unit comprises a plurality of transfer elements, which are preferentially realized identically to one another. Preferentially the transfer elements are connected to one another via at least one connection element of the alignment unit; they are in particular realized in a one-part implementation with one another. “In a one-part implementation” is in particular to mean at least connected by substance-to-substance bond, for example by a welding process, a gluing process, an injection-molding process and/or a further process that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, like for example by a production from a cast and/or by a production in a one-component or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The transfer elements are in particular arranged in an even distribution along the longitudinal ex-tension axis of the alignment unit. Preferentially, viewed along the longitudinal extension axis of the alignment unit, two transfer elements are arranged spaced apart from each other, in particular in such a way that there is an interstice between the two transfer elements. In particular, the plurality of transfer elements forms a rake-like structure. Preferentially the alignment unit comprises a plurality of support elements, which are preferably realized identically to one another. Preferentially the support elements are connected to one another via a connection element of the alignment unit; they are in particular realized in a one-part implementation with one another. The support elements are in particular arranged in an even distribution along the longitudinal extension axis of the alignment unit. Preferably, viewed along the longitudinal extension axis of the alignment unit, two support elements are arranged spaced apart from each other, in particular in such a way that there is an interstice between the two support elements. In particular, the plurality of support elements forms a rake-like structure. Preferentially the rake-like structures of the plurality of transfer elements and of the plurality of support elements are arranged in such a way that the respective elements (support elements or transfer elements) of the rake-like structures are arranged opposite interstices (interstice between two support elements or interstice between two transfer elements) of the other rake-like structure. Preferably, in at least one operating state, in particular after a transfer of the product receiving container/s into a loading position, in particular as a result of the rake-like structure, the sup-port surfaces of the support elements are oriented in alignment with the support surfaces of the transfer elements, in particular viewed along a direction that extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the alignment unit. Preferably, in at least one operating state, in particular at least after a transfer of the product-receiving container/s into a loading position, the support elements are arranged in the interstices between two transfer elements. In at least one operating state, in particular at least after a transfer of the product-receiving container/s into a loading position, the transfer elements are preferentially arranged in the interstices between two support elements. The longitudinal extension axis preferentially extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport-away direction of the transport-away unit. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a compact alignment unit. Constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. It is advantageously possible to counteract undesired tumble-down of the products. It is advantageously possible to realize reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products, such that advantageously products can be fed to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation and remain in the predetermined orientation after the feeding.

It is also proposed that the alignment unit comprises at least the, in particular movably sup-ported, transfer element, in particular the aforementioned transfer element, having at least one alignment surface, in particular the aforementioned alignment surface, which is angled relative to a feeding plane, in particular the aforementioned feeding plane, and which the products can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product-receiving container/s, and having at least one support surface, in particular the aforementioned support surface, for holding the products, in particular the products already located in the product-receiving container/s, in an alignment position, the alignment surface and the support surface being arranged on sides of the transfer element that face away from each other. Preferentially the alignment surface is arranged on a side of the transfer element that faces towards the support element. Preferably the support surface is arranged on a side of the transfer element that faces away from the support element. The support surface of the transfer element preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the further support surface of the transfer element. The further support surface of the transfer element, which is arranged on the transfer element on a side of the transfer element that faces away from the support surface, is preferably arranged directly next to the further alignment surface of the transfer element. By means of the implementation according to the invention, constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. It is advantageously possible to counteract undesired tumble-down of the products. It is advantageously possible to realize reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products, advantageously allowing a feeding of products to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation with the products remaining in the predetermined orientation after a feeding.

Furthermore, a packaging machine with at least one handling device according to the invention is proposed. The packaging machine may comprise further devices and/or units which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art and which are utilizable for a packaging of products, in particular food products. The packaging machine is preferably configured for a filling, packaging and/or secondary packaging of food products. The packaging machine may hence comprise, in addition to the handling device, a plurality of further devices and/or units, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example a forming device for packagings, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization apparatus, a closure device, a secondary packaging device, or the like. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows realizing reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products, such that advantageously products can be fed to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation. Advantageously, constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. Advantageously, alignment is enabled that is optimized in terms of cost and installation. Preferably it is possible to ensure, in a constructively simple manner, that the product is in the predetermined orientation, thus counteracting undesired machine stops. An alignment function is advantageously realizable in a compact construction space. Advantageously, simultaneous alignment of a plurality of products is possible, thus enabling high output performance. Advantageously, while making use of a weight force for the alignment of the products, an alignment unit can be provided which has a low number of, in particular individually movable, components. It is advantageously possible to realize a low-maintenance handling device.

The invention is furthermore based on a method for a filling of one or several product-receiving container/s, in particular packaging/s, with products, in particular food products, by means of a handling device, in particular by means of a handling device according to the invention, wherein in at least one method step, in particular during a feeding of the products to the product-receiving container/s, the products are aligned, at least with respect to a vertical plane, in particular the aforementioned vertical plane, by means of at least one, in particular the aforementioned, alignment unit of the handling device, in particular from a horizontal orientation of the products into a vertical orientation of the products, in particular using a weight force of the products. It is proposed that a transfer element, in particular the afore-mentioned transfer element, and a support element, in particular the aforementioned support element, are alternatingly moved into a support position, in which the products are held in the product-receiving container/s in the predetermined orientation alternatingly by the transfer element or by the support element. Preferably in at least one support state the products al-ready located in the product-receiving container/s, and in addition the newly aligned product, are held in the predetermined orientation by the transfer element, wherein the products al-ready located in the product-receiving container/s are supported on the support surface of the transfer element whereas the newly aligned product is supported on the further support sur-face of the transfer element. In the support state the support element preferably supports the newly aligned product by the support surface of the support element that faces towards the transfer element. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows realizing reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products, such that advantageously products can be fed to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation. Advantageously, constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. Advantageously, alignment is enabled which is optimized in terms of cost and installation. It is preferably possible, in a constructively simple manner, to ensure the product being in the predetermined orientation, thus counter-acting undesired machine stops. It is advantageously possible to realize an alignment function in a compact construction space. Advantageously, simultaneous alignment of a plurality of products is possible, thus enabling high output performance. It is advantageously possible to provide an alignment unit for an alignment of the products using a weight force, said alignment unit having a low number of, in particular individually movable, components. Advantageously, a low-maintenance handling device can be realized.

Preferably the transfer element is moved out of the support state as a result of a relative movement, in particular a lifting movement, relative to the support element, in particular in such a way that the transfer element is free of a contact with the products, and is preferably no longer in direct contact with the products. Preferentially the support element, in particular together with the newly aligned product adjoining the support surface of the support element, is—in particular translationally—moved relative to the transfer element, preferably in such a way that the support element displaces the newly aligned product towards the products which are already located in the product-receiving container/s until the newly aligned product adjoins the products which are already located in the product-receiving container/s. By the implementation according to the invention constructively simple and secure alignment is enabled. It is advantageously possible to counteract undesired tumble-down of the products. Advantageously, reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products is realizable, such that advantageously products can be fed to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation and remain in the predetermined orientation after the feeding.

It is further proposed that a support element, in particular the aforementioned support element of the alignment unit—while at least one product is adjacent to the support element—is moved, in particular translationally, and moves the product-receiving container/s into a loading position. Preferentially, the movement of the support element for a line-up of the products in the product-receiving container/s brings about a translational movement of the product-receiving container/s into a loading position, in particular such that a further product can be fed to the product-receiving container/s at a free position in the product-receiving container/s. The translational movement of the product-receiving container/s into the loading position may be brought about by the support element pushing the product-receiving container/s and/or by the transport-away unit moving the product-receiving container/s. Preferentially, in particular following a movement of the product-receiving container/s into the loading position, the transfer element is moved into the support state, in which the support surface of the transfer element that faces away from the support element is adjacent to the product that was arranged in the product-receiving container/s most recently. The support element is preferably movable into an alignment state, in which the support element is configured for an alignment of products fed in by the handling unit. In at least one operating state the support element preferably supports the products already located in the product-receiving container/s, and in at least one operating state preferentially the transfer element supports the products already located in the product-receiving container/s. By means of the implementation according to the invention it is advantageously possible to counteract an undesired tumble-down of the products. Advantageously, reliable and procedurally stable alignment of products can be realized, advantageously allowing a feeding of products to product-receiving containers in a predetermined orientation, with the products remaining in the predetermined orientation after a feeding.

The handling device according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention shall herein not be limited to the application and implementation described above. In particular, in order to fulfill a functionality that is described here, the handling device according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention may comprise a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps that differs from a number given here. Moreover, with regard to the value ranges given in the present dis-closure, values situated within the limits mentioned shall also be considered as disclosed and as usable according to requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings an exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The drawings, the de-scription and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

It is shown in:

FIG. 1 a packaging machine according to the invention with a handling device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 2 a detail view of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 3 a detail view of a handling unit and an alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 4a a detail view of the handling unit and the alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention during a transfer of a product from the handling unit to the alignment unit, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 4b a detail view of the handling unit and the alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention during an alignment of a product by the alignment unit, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 4c a detail view of the alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention in a support state of a support element of the alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 4d a detail view of the alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention, wherein the support element has transferred a product-receiving container into a loading position, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 4e a detail view of the alignment unit of the handling device according to the invention in an initial state, in which once more products, when aligned, can be fed to the product-receiving container, in a schematic illustration, and

FIG. 5 a process flow of a method according to the invention for a filling of one or several product-receiving container/s with products by means of the handling device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a packaging machine 42 with at least one handling device 10. The packaging machine 42 is preferably configured for a packaging of products 14, in particular food products. The handling device 10 is preferably configured for a filling of one or several product-receiving container/s 12, in particular packaging/s, with products 14, in particular with food products. The packaging machine 42 may be realized, for example, as a food product packaging machine, as a food product filling machine, of the like. The packaging machine 42 may comprise further devices and/or units which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art and are utilized for a production, a processing and/or a transport of products 14, in particular food products, like for example a sterilization apparatus, a filling device, a closure device, a secondary-packaging device, or something like that. The packaging machine 42 may be part of a production line that is configured for a production and for a packaging of products 14, or the packaging machine 42 is a stand-alone machine that is configured only for a packaging of products 14. The products 14 that can be processed by the packaging machine 42 are preferentially food products, like for example biscuits, cookies, bars or the like. Preferably the handling device 10 is configured for a filling of product-receiving containers 12, which are embodied as trays, with food products, in particular biscuits, cookies, bars or the like, wherein preferably, in a further production step, the filled trays are fed to a tubular-bag packaging apparatus 46 of the packaging machine 42 comprising the handling device 10. Preferentially the product-receiving container/s 12 is/are embodied as receiving trays in which a plurality of products 14, in particular food products, can be arranged. However, it is also conceivable that the product-receiving container/s 12 has/have a different implementation that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the handling device 10. The handling device 10 comprises at least one feeding unit 16 for a feeding of the products 14 and at least one handling unit 18 (see FIG. 3; in FIG. 2 indicated only by a dashed line), in particular a vacuum gripper unit, for a handling of the products 14, in particular for taking over the products 14 from the feeding unit 16. The handling device 10 further comprises at least one alignment unit 20, which is configured to align the products 14 transferred to the alignment unit 20 by the handling unit 18, at least with respect to a vertical plane 22 (see FIGS. 4a to 4e), in order to feed the products 14 to the product-receiving container 12 or to the product-receiving containers 12 in a predetermined orientation; in particular for an alignment from a horizontal orientation of the products 14 into a vertical orientation of the products 14 for the purpose of feeding the products 14 to the product-receiving container 12 or to the product-receiving containers 12 in a predetermined orientation.

The feeding unit 16 is preferably embodied as a transport belt unit. However, it is also conceivable that the feeding unit 16 has a different implementation deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a chain conveying unit, as a vacuum gripper unit, as an electrodynamic conveying unit, or something like that. A transport area 48 of the feeding unit 16 preferentially extends at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. The feeding unit 16 preferably has a feed transport direction 50 extending at least substantially parallel to a transport-away direction 52 of a transport-away unit 54 of the handling device 10. However, it is also conceivable, in particular in an alternative implementation of the handling device 10, that the feed transport direction 50 of the feeding unit 16 extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport-away direction 52 of the transport-away unit 54 (indicated in FIG. 2 as a dashed frame). The transport-away unit 54 is preferably configured for transporting the filled product-receiving container/s 12 away and/or further on, in particular for transporting the filled product receiving container/s 12 further on to the tubular-bag packaging apparatus 46. The transport-away unit 54 is prefer-ably embodied as a stepper conveyor unit, like for example a chain conveying unit or the like. It is however also conceivable that the transport-away unit 54 has a different implementation, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a conveyor belt unit, as a vacuum gripper unit, as an electrodynamic conveying unit, or the like. The transport-away unit 54 is preferentially configured for a multi-row conveying of product-receiving containers 12. Preferably the transport-away unit 54 comprises a plurality of transport tracks, which are oriented at least substantially parallel to one another and are separated by lateral guiding elements 56, like for example guiding plates, sidewalls or the like. The transport-away unit 54 is preferably configured for a transport of the product-receiving container/s 12 underneath the handling unit 18 and/or underneath the alignment unit 20. Preferably, for a filling with products 14, the product-receiving container/s 12 can be transported by the transport-away unit 54 underneath and beyond the handling unit 18 and/or underneath and beyond the alignment unit 20.

The handling unit 18 is preferably configured to take over, in particular receive, the products 14 from the feeding unit 16, and to transfer the products 14 to the alignment unit 20. The handling unit 18 is preferentially embodied as a vacuum gripper unit. Preferably the handling unit 18 has at least one movement axis 60, 62, along which handling elements 58, in particular vacuum grippers, of the handling unit 18 are movable (see FIG. 3). The at least one movement axis 60, 62 of the handling unit 18 preferentially runs at least substantially parallel and/or at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane. Preferably the at least one movement axis 60 of the handling unit 18 runs at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport-away direction 52 of the transport-away unit 54. The handling unit 18, in particular the handling elements 58, may be movable along the at least one movement axis 60, which runs at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport-away direction 52 and at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, and may also be movable along at least one further movement axis 62 of the handling unit 18, which runs at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport-away direction 52 and at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane. It is also conceivable that, in particular in the alternative implementation of the feeding unit 16 that is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2, the handling unit 18 has a different implementation deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a pusher unit configured to transfer the products 14 from the feeding unit 16, which is for example realized as a conveyor belt unit extending transversely to the transport-away unit 54, to the alignment unit 20. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the handling unit 18 is embodied as a conveyor belt unit, as a chain conveying unit, as an electrodynamic conveying unit, or the like. In an alternative implementation, the handling unit 18 may also be realized at least partly in a one-part implementation with the feeding unit 16. For example, it is conceivable that the feeding unit 16 is embodied as a conveyor belt unit and the handling unit 18 is embodied as a pivotable conveyor belt section of the conveyor belt unit, a transfer of the products 14 to the alignment unit being realizable by a pivoting or tilting of the conveyor belt section, in particular around a pivot axis of the handling unit 18 that runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, he handling unit 18 may have an implementation like the handling unit already known from DE 10 2020 114 084 A1. Particularly preferably, the handling unit 18 is configured to take the products 14 over from the feeding unit 16, and to transfer them to the alignment unit 20, by means of which the products 14 are transferred to one or several product container/s, and are in particular guided into the product-receiving container/s 12.

The alignment unit 20 is preferably configured to transfer the products 14 from a horizontal orientation of the products 14 into a vertical orientation of the products 14 in order to feed the products 14 to the product receiving container 12 and/or to the product-receiving containers 12 in a predetermined orientation, in particular in the vertical orientation. Preferentially the products 14 are transported by the feeding unit 16 and/or by the handling unit 18 in a vertical orientation. Preferably, a transfer of the products 14 from the feeding unit 16 to the alignment unit 20 is brought about by the handling unit 18. The products 14 may, already in a transfer from the handling unit 18 to the alignment unit 20, be taken over by the alignment unit 20 such that they are, in particular slightly, inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, or the products 14 may be taken over by the alignment unit 20, in a transfer from the handling unit 18 to the alignment unit 20, such that they are oriented horizontally.

The alignment unit 20 comprises at least one, in particular movably supported, transfer element 24, which has at least one alignment surface 28, 30 that is angled relative to a feeding plane 26 of the feeding unit 16, and comprises at least one, in particular movably supported, support element 32, which has at least one alignment surface 34 that is angled relative to the feeding plane 26, wherein the alignment surface 28, 30 of the transfer element 24 and the alignment surface 34 of the support element 32 are spaced apart from each other, in particular along a direction extending transversely to one of the alignment surfaces 28, 30, 34, in particular in order to delimit an alignment gap of the alignment unit 20 by which the products 14 can be held in an alignment position during a feeding to the product-receiving container/s 12 (see also FIGS. 4a to 4e). Preferentially the transfer element 24 is supported so as to be at least translationally movable, in particular along a movement axis of the transfer element 24 extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane (see FIGS. 4b to 4d). Alternatively or additionally, the transfer element 24 is supported so as to be movable in a pivotable or tiltable manner around a movement axis of the transfer element 24 extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The feeding plane 26 of the feeding unit 16 preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Preferentially the sup-port element 32 is supported so as to be at least translationally movable, in particular along a movement axis of the support element 32 extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Alternatively or additionally, the support element 32 is supported s as to be movable in a pivotable or tiltable manner around a movement axis of the support element 32 extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Preferentially, the support element 32, in particular the alignment surface 34 of the support element 32, and the transfer element 24, in particular the alignment surfaces 28, 30 of the transfer element 24, are spaced apart from one another at least in an operating state.

The alignment unit 20 preferentially comprises at least the, in particular movably supported, transfer element 24 having at least two alignment surfaces 28, 30, which are angled relative to each other and which the products 14 can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product-receiving container/s 12 (see FIGS. 4a to 4e). Preferably, during a feeding to the product-receiving container/s 12, the products 14 can be transferred and/or aligned such that they glide along the alignment surfaces 28, 30 into the product-receiving container/s 12. Preferentially, the transfer element 24 has the alignment surface 28 and a further alignment surface 30 that is arranged directly next to the alignment surface 28. The alignment surface 28 and the further alignment surface 30 of the transfer element 24 may be formed by an, in particular single, arc-shaped contour of an outer surface of the transfer element 24 or may be formed by a contour of two portions of the outer surface of the transfer element 24 which are bent-off relative to each other.

The alignment unit 20 further comprises at least the, in particular movably supported, transfer element 24 having at least one alignment surface 28, 30 which is angled relative to the feeding plane 26 and which the products 14 can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product-receiving container/s 12, and having at least one support surface 38 for holding the products 14 in an alignment position, wherein the alignment surface 28, 30 and the support surface 38 are arranged on sides of the transfer element 24 which face away from each other (see FIGS. 4a to 4e). The alignment unit 20 further comprises at least the, in particular movably support-ed, transfer element 24 and at least the, in particular movably supported, support element 32, wherein—in particular viewed along a longitudinal extension axis 36 of the alignment unit 20, the transfer element 24 and the support element 32 are arranged offset from each other. Preferably the alignment unit 20 comprises a plurality of transfer elements 24, which are preferentially realized identically to one another. Preferentially the transfer elements 24 are connected to each other via at least one connection element 64 of the alignment unit 20, and are in particular realized in a one-part implementation with each other (see FIGS. 4a to 4e). The trans-fer elements 24 are in particular arranged in an even distribution along the longitudinal extension axis 36 of the alignment unit 20. Preferably, viewed along the longitudinal extension axis 36 of the alignment unit 20, two transfer elements 24 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other, in particular in such a way that there is an interstice between the two transfer elements 24. In particular, the plurality of transfer elements 24 forms a rake-like structure. Preferentially the alignment unit 20 comprises a plurality of support elements 32, which are preferably realized identically to one another. Preferentially the support elements 32 are connected to one another via at least one connection element 66 of the alignment unit 20, and are in particular realized in a one-part implementation with one another (see FIGS. 4a to 4e). The support elements 32 are in particular arranged in an even distribution along the longitudinal extension axis 36 of the alignment unit 20. Preferentially, viewed along the longitudinal extension axis 36 of the alignment unit 20, two support elements 32 are arranged spaced apart from each other, in particular in such a way that there is an interstice between the two support elements 32. In particular, the plurality of support elements 32 forms a rake-like structure. Preferentially the rake-like structures of the plurality of transfer elements 24 and of the plurality of support elements 32 are arranged in such a way that the respective elements (support elements 32 or transfer elements 24) of the rake-like structures are arranged opposite interstices (interstice between two support elements 32 or interstice between two transfer elements 24) of the other rake-like structure. Preferably, in at least one operating state, in particular after a transfer of the product-receiving container/s 12 into a loading position, in particular due to the rake-like structure, support surfaces 68 of the support elements 32 are oriented in alignment with support surfaces 38, 40 of the transfer elements 24, in particular viewed along a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension axis 36 of the alignment unit 20. Preferably, in at least one operating state, in particular at least after a trans-fer of the product-receiving container/s 12 into a loading position, the support elements 32 are arranged in the interstices between two transfer elements 24. Preferentially, in at least one operating state, in particular at least after a transfer of the product-receiving container/s 12 into a loading position, the transfer elements 24 are arranged in the interstices between two support elements 32. The longitudinal extension axis 36 preferentially extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport-away direction 52 of the transport-away unit 54. A description of one of the transfer elements 24 can be read analogously onto all other transfer elements 24. A description of one of the support elements 32 can be read analogously onto all other support elements 32.

The alignment unit 20 preferably comprises at least the, in particular movably supported, transfer element 24 and at least the, in particular movably supported, support element 32, which are alternatingly configured to hold the products 14 in the product-receiving container/s 12 in the predetermined orientation (see for example FIGS. 4c to 4e). Preferably the transfer element 24 is configured, in at least one support state, to hold the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 and additionally the newly aligned product 14 in the predetermined orientation, wherein the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 are supported on the support surface 38 of the transfer element 24, whereas the newly aligned product 14 is supported on the further support surface 40 of the transfer element 24 which faces away from the support surface 38 of the transfer element 24. The support element 32 is preferably configured, in the support state, to support the newly aligned product 14 by the support surface 68 of the support element 32 which faces towards the transfer element 24. Preferably, as a result of a relative movement, in particular a lifting movement, relative to the support element 32, the transfer element 24 can be moved out of the support state, in particular in such a way that the transfer element 24 is free of a contact with the products 14, and is preferably no longer in a direct contact with the products 14. Preferentially the support element 32, in particular together with the newly aligned product 14 adjoining the support surface 68 of the support element 32, is movable, in particular translationally movable, relative to the transfer element 24, preferably in such a way that the support element 32 displaces the newly aligned product 14 towards the products 14 which are already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 until the newly aligned product 14 adjoins the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12. Preferentially, as a result of the movement of the support element 32 for a line-up of the products 14 in the product-receiving container/s 12, a translational movement of the product-receiving container/s 12 into a loading position is brought about, in particular such that a further product 14 can be fed to the product-receiving container/s 12 at a free position in the product-receiving container/s 12. The translational movement of the product-receiving container/s 12 into the loading position may be brought about by the support element 32 pushing the product-receiving container/s 12 and/or by the transport-away unit 54 moving the product-receiving container/s 12. Preferentially, in particular following a movement of the product-receiving container/s 12 into the loading position, the transfer element 24 is movable into the support state, in which the sup-port surface 38 of the transfer element 24 that faces away from the support element 32 ad-joins the product 14 that was arranged in the product-receiving container/s 12 most recently. The support element 32 is preferably movable into an alignment state, in which the support element 32 is configured for an alignment of products 14 fed in by the handling unit 18. Preferably, in at least one operating state, the support element 32 supports the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12, and in at least one operating state the transfer element 24 supports the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic process flow of a method 44 for a filling of one or several product-receiving container/s 12, in particular packaging/s, with products 14, in particular with food products, by means of the handling unit 18. In at least one method step 70 of the meth-od 44, products 14 are taken over from the feeding unit 16 and transferred to the alignment unit 20 by means of the handling unit 18. The products 14 are preferably taken over from the feeding unit 16 and transferred to the alignment unit 20 by the handling unit 18 in a horizontal orientation. In at least one method step 72 of the method 44, in particular during a feeding of the products 14 to the product-receiving container/s 12, the products 14 are aligned, at least with respect to a vertical plane 22, by means of at least the alignment unit 20 of the handling device 10, in particular using a weight force of the products 14; the products 14 being in particular aligned from the horizontal orientation of the products 14 into a vertical orientation of the products 14. Preferably, in at least one support state (see FIGS. 4a and 4b), the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 and in addition the newly aligned product 14 are held in the predetermined orientation by the transfer element 24, wherein the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 are supported on the support surface 38 of the transfer element 24, whereas the newly aligned product 14 is supported on the further support surface 40 of the transfer element 24. In the support state, the support element 32 preferably supports the newly aligned product 14 by the support sur-face 68 of the support element 32, which faces towards the transfer element 24. Preferentially, in at least one method step 74 of the method 44, the transfer element 24 and the support element 32 of the alignment unit 20 are alternatingly moved into a support position (see FIGS. 4b to 4d), in which the products 14 are held alternatingly by the transfer element 24 or the support element 32 in the predetermined orientation in the product-receiving container/s 12. Preferably, as a result of a relative movement, in particular a lifting movement, relative to the support element 32, the transfer element 24 is moved out of the support state, in particular in such a way that the transfer element 24 is free of a contact with the products 14, and is preferably no longer in a direct contact with the products 14 (see FIG. 4c). Preferentially the support element 32, in particular together with the newly aligned product 14 adjoining the support surface 68 of the support element 32, is moved, in particular moved translationally, relative to the transfer element 24, preferably in such a way that the support element 32 dis-places the newly aligned product 14 towards the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 until the newly aligned product 14 adjoins the products 14 already located in the product-receiving container/s 12 (see FIG. 4d). Preferentially, in at least one method step 76 of the method 44, the support element 32 of the alignment unit 20 is, in particular translationally, moved while at least one product 14 adjoins the support element 32, wherein the product-receiving container/s 12 is/are moved into a loading position (see FIGS. 4c and 4d). Preferentially, as a result of the movement of the support element 32 for a line-up of the products 14 in the product-receiving container/s 12, a translational movement of the product-receiving container/s 12 into the loading position is brought about, in particular such that a further product 14 can be fed to the product-receiving container/s 12 at a free position in the product-receiving container/s 12 (see FIGS. 4d and 4e). The translational movement of the product-receiving container/s 12 into the loading position may be brought about by the support element 32 pushing the product-receiving container/s 12 and/or by the transport-away unit 54 moving the product-receiving container/s 12. Preferentially, in at least one method step 78 of the method 44, in particular following a movement of the product-receiving container/s 12 into the loading position, the transfer element 24 is moved into the support state, in which the support surface 38 of the transfer element 24, which faces away from the support element 32, adjoins the product 14 that was arranged in the product-receiving container/s 12 most recently (see FIG. 4d). Preferably, in particular in at least one method step 80 of the method 44 (see FIG. 4e), the support element 32 is moved into an alignment state, in which the support element 32 is configured for an alignment of products 14 fed in by the handling unit 18. The method 44 may comprise further method steps which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, in particular derived from the description of the functionality and/or from the implementation of the handling device 10 and/or of the packaging machine 42.

Claims

1. A handling device for a filling of one or several product-receiving containers (12) with products (14), comprising: at least one feeding unit (16) for a feeding of the products (14), further comprising at least one handling unit (18) for a handling of the products (14) and comprising at least one alignment unit (20), which is configured for an alignment, at least with respect to a vertical plane (22), of the products (14) transferred to the alignment unit (20) by the handling unit (18) in order to feed the products (14) to the product-receiving containers (12) in a predetermined orientation, wherein the alignment unit (20) comprises at least one transfer element (24) and at least one support element (32), which are configured to alternatingly hold the products (14) in the product-receiving containers (12) in the predetermined orientation.

2. The handling device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment unit (20) comprises at least the transfer element (24) having at least one alignment surface (28, 30) that is angled relative to a feeding plane (26) of the feeding unit (16), and comprises at least the support element (32) having at least one alignment surface (34) that is angled relative to the feeding plane (26), wherein the alignment surface (28, 30) of the transfer element (24) and the alignment surface (34) of the support element (32) are spaced apart from each other.

3. The handling device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment unit (20) comprises at least the transfer element (24) having at least two alignment surfaces (28, 30) which are angled relative to each other and which the products (14) can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product-receiving containers (12).

4. The handling device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment unit (20) comprises at least the transfer element (24) and at least the support element (32), wherein the transfer element (24) and the support element (32) are arranged offset from each other.

5. The handling device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment unit (20) comprises at least the transfer element (24) having at least one alignment surface (28, 30) which is angled relative to a feeding plane (26) and which the products (14) can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product-receiving containers (12), and having at least one support surface (38) for holding the products (14) in an alignment position, the alignment surface (28, 30) and the support surface (38) being arranged on sides of the transfer element (24) that face away from each other.

6. A packaging machine with at least one handling device according to claim 1.

7. A method for a filling of one or several product-receiving containers (12) with products (14) via a handling device according to claim 1, wherein in at least one method step (72) the products (14) are aligned, at least with respect to a vertical plane (22), by at least one alignment unit (20) of the handling device, wherein a transfer element (24) and a support element (32) of the alignment unit (20) are alternatingly moved into a support position, in which the products (14) are held in the product-receiving containers (12) in the predetermined orientation alternatingly by the transfer element (24) or by the support element (32).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein while at least one product (14) is adjacent to the support element (32), the support element (32) of the alignment unit (20) is moved and moves the product-receiving containers (12) into a loading position.

9. The handling device according to claim 2, wherein the alignment unit (20) comprises at least the transfer element (24) having at least two alignment surfaces (28, 30) which are angled relative to each other and which the products (14) can be adjoined to during a feeding to the product-receiving containers (12).