DE102016122171A1 - Apparatus and method for producing a product from two or more objects - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for producing a product, in particular a food product, from two or more objects, in particular food products, having a conveyor path which provides at least one transport device movable along a conveying direction with at least one support surface on which the product can be formed from the objects, and at least one and preferably a plurality of stations that can be approached by the transport device, wherein at least one station for dispensing at least one object is formed on the at least one support surface is characterized in that at least one and preferably all stations are modular and / or at least one Station and preferably all stations are arranged interchangeably along the conveyor line or can be arranged.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for producing a product, in particular a food product, from two or more objects, in particular food products, having a conveying path which provides at least one transport device movable along a conveying direction with at least one support surface on which the product is formed from the objects can, and with at least one and preferably a plurality of stations that can be approached by the transport device, wherein at least one station for dispensing at least one object is formed on the at least one bearing surface.

Products, and especially food products such as sandwiches, sandwiches or bagels, usually consist of several objects. For example, a sandwich consists of two or more slices of bread, between which there is a generally arbitrary coating of food products, such as ham, tuna, cheese, egg slices, cucumber slices, sliced tomatoes and lettuce.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved device for the production of products, by means of which the products can be generated at least largely automated.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. In particular, the object is achieved in that a device of the type mentioned in that at least one and preferably all stations are modular and / or at least one station and preferably all stations are arranged interchangeable along the conveyor line or can be arranged.

Due to the modular structure of the stations, the stations can be manufactured largely uniformly and cost-efficiently. Furthermore, also because of their modular design, the stations can be easily reconfigured or exchanged by other stations, e.g. to produce other products including the same conveyor line.

The stations can be linked together via the conveyor line. The concatenation can be designed such that the stations are controlled by means of a common control, which also controls the at least one transport device of the conveyor line. The common control can then operate, for example, a respective station as soon as the transport device has entered the work area of a station. Further, the controller may control the transport means to gradually approach the stations to form the product on the support surface of the transport means. Thus, the stations may, so to speak, be devices that can be controlled by the common control.

Alternatively or additionally, the stations can be linked together via the at least one transport device. Such a chaining can for example be designed such that the transport device is detected by the respective station as soon as the transport device enters the work area of the station. The transport device can thus set the station in motion so to speak. In this case, the station can cooperate according to its functionality with the transport device, for example, deposit an object on the support surface of the transport device or perform a cleaning or weighing process. As a result of the fact that the transport device gradually moves towards the stations along the conveying path, the product can thus be formed on the bearing surface of the station. In addition, as already indicated, other functionalities can be carried out, for example, that a weighing or cleaning process is carried out by a station.

It is particularly advantageous if the modular stations have such external dimensions that they require at least substantially the same space requirement and / or the same coupling points on the conveyor line. This makes it possible, in particular for the production of different products, to arrange different stations in basically any order on the conveyor line. Also, a replacement of a station by another station with a different functionality can be realized easily, because the basic arrangement and the respective space requirements are uniform.

Each modular station preferably has a carrier and a functional area attached thereto, in particular releasably. Preferably, the carrier is the same structure in all modular stations and the functional area is constructed depending on the functionality of the station. The functional area can therefore be adapted to the functionality of a station. Such a construction of the stations has advantages in terms of the interchangeability and cleanability of the stations with respect to the conveyor line. For example, the carriers can remain on the conveyor line, while depending on the product to be produced or for cleaning purposes, the functional areas can be removed from the carriers.

Each carrier may have a uniformly configured receiving area, so that of their functionality different functional areas can be attached to the carrier. Also rails, guides and the like for adjusting the position of a functional area relative to the carrier can be configured the same on each carrier.

Each station may have a mechanical and / or electrical and / or electronic interface for connecting the station to a coupling point provided on the conveyor line.

A station can be mechanically connected via its interface with a coupling point of the conveyor line. The interface is preferably arranged on a support of the station. The station can be connected to the conveyor line so that it hangs cantilevered on the conveyor line. The wearer of the station may also have rollers or supports to support the station on the ground. Such a support can also have a height adjustability in order to be able to align the station-side interface with the coupling point on the conveyor line.

In particular, a power supply of the station via the power grid of the conveyor line can take place via an electrical connection of the station to the conveyor line. By means of an electronic connection between a station and the conveyor line, it is in particular possible to control the respective station via a common control.

The interface can serve as a reference point of the respective station, for example, when the station is supported on the conveyor line, and with respect to the distance of a lying over the conveyor section of the station.

Furthermore, the interface for mechanical or electrical coding, in particular for the interaction of station and conveyor line, be formed.

Each station may have at least one information providing device for providing at least one piece of information about the station, the information being provided at the interface and / or being readable via the interface.

The information providing device can be realized in different ways and in particular with a different degree of "intelligence". For example, by means of the information providing device it is possible to detect the station from a control of the conveying path. For this purpose, the information providing device can have, for example, a sensor which can be read by the controller and via which detection of the station is possible.

The information providing device can be designed such that communication between the latter and the controller can take place via a communication protocol.

The information providing device can be designed such that it switches at least one assigned contact at the interface to a specific, defined voltage value, which represents information, for example enables detection of the station.

Via the information providing device it may be possible to read out certain features or parameters of the station. In particular, it may be the nature of the station to indicate a state of the station, such as an indication of the product contents, the filling state, the temperature of the contents, or when the last cleaning has taken place.

It is also possible to determine requirements for the station or the station, for example a zero point or reference point or information about the position of a part of the product already formed on a transport device.

It is also possible to determine requirements which the station places on the transport devices, for example with regard to their number and type. In addition, requirements of the station can be read out to the operation of the conveyor line, for example with regard to the timing, the movements, accelerations, speeds the transport facilities and, for example, with regard to a buffer line.

A detection of the station can lead to a direct presetting of the functional area of the station and / or to a presetting of the control of the conveyor line.

Alternatively or additionally, setting values for a user or operator can be specified on a display of the station or the control.

It can be provided that each station has a status indication with regard to at least one state of the station, such as standby, process running, malfunction, loading, idle, etc. It is advantageous that the operator has potential problems directly at a station identify and act accordingly.

The conveyor line may be a plurality of spaced along the conveyor line, in particular identically constructed, coupling points, wherein at a coupling point provided on a station interface can be attached to the station mechanically and / or electrically and / or electronically connected to the conveyor line.

The distance of the coupling points along the conveying path can be selected so that stations arranged thereon have a sufficient distance from one another. This can ensure that each station can be accessed manually and that there are clearances for cooling or control lines. The distances between the coupling points can also be designed in such a way that compliance with buffer distances between successive stations is possible.

The positioning of a coupling point is preferably carried out on a solid element, in particular web element of the conveyor line. The coupling point can be located laterally above, below or in front of the solid web element. A firm, mechanical connection between the conveyor line and the respective station can therefore be realized.

The apparatus preferably has a common control for controlling the stations and the at least one transport device in correlation with the operation of the stations. The transport device can be moved along the conveying path so that it gradually moves away the individual stations arranged along the conveying path. This includes both an arrangement of stations in series and on parallel conveyor lines. If the transport device has reached a working area of a station, the station can be controlled so that it interacts with the transport device in accordance with its functionality, for example deposits an object on the support surface of the transport device.

The communication and / or a concatenation between the stations and the common control can be wired or wireless. The controller may communicate with the stations, for example via a wired bus system. Alternatively, communication may be via a wireless network, such as WLAN, or via a communications standard such as Bluetooth.

The controller can be designed to detect the stations arranged at coupling points of the conveyor track. Furthermore, the station can be designed to detect identification features of a station.

The device may include a controller that virtually provides a user with a selection of multiple manufacturable products. The operator of the device can thus select a product to be manufactured from a selection of several products.

The controller may virtually provide the user with a selection of objects, and include product creation means by which the user may define a virtual product using the virtually provided products. The controller may thus have some sort of product designer, such that the user may e.g. on a graphical user interface can define a virtual product, which can then be produced by means of the device.

The controller may be configured to determine which stations are needed to make the product and / or in what order the stations are to be located along the conveyor depending on the product that the user has selected or defined.

The controller may be configured to allow only those products for which the stations required for manufacture are available. The controller may be configured to display the required stations and / or the order of arrangement of the stations along the conveyor line to the user.

The controller may be configured to check whether all the stations required for product production are arranged along the conveying path and / or whether the required stations are arranged in the intended sequence along the conveying path and / or whether the stations are functional.

The controller may be configured to control the stations and / or the at least one transport device depending on the product selected or defined by the user such that the stations are approached by the transport device in the intended sequence and that the product is gradually formed by the stations on the support surface of the conveyor.

The controller can be designed to arrange, depending on the product that the user has selected or defined, the stations arranged along the conveyor track such that each station corresponds to its functionality an object, optionally with a predetermined dosage, on the bearing surface of a Transportmovers after the transport movers have entered the work area of the respective station.

Preferably, a holder, in particular in the form of a bridge or a support arm, is arranged on at least one station which is provided for holding at least one element of the station above the conveying path. The holder may be adjustably arranged to adjust the position of the holder, in particular with respect to the support surface of the transport device. As a result, a decoupling in relation to the installation height of the station can be achieved relative to the ground.

The holder can be configured as a tube or as a bracket. The holder may be provided for holding an outlet for the objects or a hose running to the outlet.

A vertical and / or horizontal adjustment device for adjusting or adjusting the "operating point" of the station can be provided on the holder.

It may also be provided that a height adjustment of the station or of a functional area of the station after docking by a spindle in the region of the support of the station or in the region of the interface as a positioning device, in particular as a height adjustment, is integrated.

Preferably, the holder has a positioning device, in particular height adjustment, by means of which the height and / or orientation of a functional area of the station, in particular a dispensing device, a Dosierbereichs or a work area is adjustable, in particular relative to the conveyor line and / or support surface for objects.

At least one and preferably at each station, at least one input device can be arranged, by means of which the user can initiate at least one action at the station. The input device can be designed as a pedal or key. By actuating the input device, the station can be stopped, started, released or a function of the station triggered, for example. A slowing down of the transport device traveling through the work area of the station can also be realized. By the input device, an operator can directly influence the operation of the station, so that manual activities and interventions can be made at the station. For example, for manually applying an object to the support surface of a transport device or for manually correcting errors, the transport device driven into the work area of the station can be stopped and then released again. A backlog of further transport devices, which are located in the conveying path behind the transport device, can be realized via the control of the conveyor line. It can also be an optimization of the total clock.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one optical detection device, in particular a camera or an optical sensor, for monitoring at least one station, a support surface and / or the product in the region of a station, in particular in the work area of the station. As a result, the actual position of a transport device or its support surface in the area of the station can be monitored. The location of a product base to be occupied and / or an already applied coating can also be monitored.

The optical detection device may be connected to a controller so that the device can be made in response to the signals provided by the detection device.

In particular, the control of a station in dependence on an optical monitoring of the position of a transport device or a bearing surface of the transport device in the work area of the station can take place.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one station on a scale for determining the weight of objects on a support surface of a transport device. Thus, at least one station can be designed as a weighing station.

According to a preferred development of the invention, at least one station has a cleaning device for cleaning the transport device, in particular the support surface. The cleaning device may comprise a plurality of cleaning stages, for example a device for mechanical stripping, a blowing device, a spraying device for applying cleaning agent, a drying device and an ultrasonic cleaning device.

At least one station or a region of the station, in particular a station region arranged at least substantially above the conveying path, preferably a delivery point for dispensing an object onto the support surface, can be movable along the conveying direction and / or in at least one direction transverse to the conveying direction. Any movements between transport device and station or station area can thus be realized. In particular, the station or at least the functional area of the station can thus be movable relative to a transport device located in the working area of the station. Also a "traveling" movement with the transport device along the conveying direction is possible. As a result, a gain in time can be achieved, or the exposure time of the station to a transport device passing through the station or the transported object can be extended since the transport device does not have to be stopped or at most only briefly in the work area of the station.

In particular, two levels of motion at different altitudes can be realized. In a lower altitude position, the transport device can be moved along the conveying path and, in parallel thereto, the movable functional area can be moved over it as a station, in particular as a delivery point / metering point and / or as a "treatment point".

The movement levels of the transport device and of the station area can be changed as desired due to the possibilities of movement of the station area, in particular with regard to the altitude and a parallel movement of the station area and the transport facility.

The movement of the station area can take place in the manner of a presetting, by means of which the station area is brought into a stationary position. Alternatively, a movement can also take place during the operation of the station.

With a defined movement, a defined deposit of an object on the support surface can be realized. For example, a stripe pattern of a fluid can be formed.

The moving area of the station may preferably move in a linear, oscillatory or swinging motion upon delivery of a product.

It can also be provided that the support surface is movably arranged on the transport device, so that it can perform, for example, rotational movements or oscillating movements or circular movements. As a result, certain patterns can also be realized with regard to the object deposit on the support surface.

By means of a moving station, it is also possible to reduce or prevent force effects by the station on a product or object to be processed on the support surface of the transport device.

It can also be advantageous if, during the execution of at least one working step, the transport device, in particular its bearing surface, is movable in at least one direction transverse to the direction of conveyance in a section of the conveying path on which a station is arranged. As a result, certain deposit patterns can also be realized on the support surface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one station is designed to promote a reaching into the working area of the station support surface, in particular along a portion of the conveyor line to promote.

A device according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of, for example, sandwiches and prepared meals, which are composed of several food products. The products can be produced fully or at least semi-automatically, so that the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in the preparation of such dishes, for example in the catering sector or in commercial kitchens. Due to the modular stations and the possibility of exchanging the stations, different products can also be produced in smaller quantities. An individualization of dishes is also possible, in that the stations arranged along the conveying path are controlled differently from product to product, which is formed by means of the stations. For example, a station dispensing a particular liquid food product may deliver it from product to product in a different amount. It can also be provided that a station does not deliver any product on some transport devices and, as a substitute for this, another station delivers another product to the transport device. Thus, a variety of portions, products and also package contents can be produced with regard to the type of filling of a packaging, the arrangement of the filling in the packaging and with regard to the quantities.

Due to the modular stations and their interchangeability, a device according to the invention for the manufacture of products can be quickly set up and converted.

The stations can also be quickly coupled or disconnected from the conveyor line and transported to another location, for example for cleaning, storage, filling, cooling and so on.

By means of a device according to the invention for the production can also create combinations to order.

By using a cleaning station, continuous cleaning of the conveyor means passing through the station is also possible.

The invention also relates to a device of the type mentioned, in which at least one transport device has at least two associated, superimposed bearing surfaces.

The superimposed bearing surfaces have the advantage that they can be divided in terms of their functionality. For example, the upper support surface can be used as a support surface for the production and / or processing of a product, while the lower support surface is used as a storage space or as a buffer space. The production of a product, in which objects assigned to one another or matching objects can be used, can thereby be simplified. For example, an occupied bagel can be produced particularly easily by the device. The bagel can be divided into an upper bagel part and a lower bagel part. The upper bagel part can be stored on the underlying support surface of the transport device. The lower bagel part can be placed on the overhead support surface of the transport device and coated with a covering. The upper, intermediate bagel part can then be placed over the topping on the lower bagel part. By the storage of the lower bagel part on the lower support surface of the transport device can be ensured that actually belonging to the lower bagel part upper bagel part is used to produce the occupied bagels.

Preferably, the support surfaces lying below the upper support surface are accessible from at least one side for the placement of an object. The object, ie according to the above example the upper bagel part, can thus be deposited from at least one side on one of the support surfaces lying below the upper support surface. For these bearing surfaces, a threading aid may be provided on each bearing surface, such as a baffle, a ramp or a slide. The Einfädelhilfe can be raised as a kind of fold-out side wall, which laterally secure the underlying bearing surfaces, so that no stored object flies out.

The bearing surfaces can have the same dimensions. Each support surface can therefore be made dimensionally equal and with a uniform basic structure. The stackability of the bearing surfaces can be accomplished thereby in a simple manner. An exchange of bearing surfaces, for example for cleaning purposes, is possible. In addition, a circulation of the bearing surfaces can be realized with structures.

The bearing surfaces can also have different dimensions. For example, an upper support surface may have a smaller base than the underlying support surfaces. The upper support surface may also have a pitch with a slot through which an object lying on the underlying support surface can be reached and gripped and / or ejected.

The bearing surfaces may also have the same or a different structure. The bearing surfaces can thus be designed differently, depending on whether they serve as bearing surfaces for the production of a product, or as bearing surfaces for the mounting of an object.

The bearing surfaces are preferably separable from one another and / or stacked one above the other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one support surface, preferably the upper support surface, in particular in the manner of a chute can be opened downwards, so that an object lying on the support surface falls onto the underlying support surface. The product lying on the upper support surface can thereby be dropped into a package on the underlying support surface. In addition, a cover part can be placed on the upper support surface, which can be dropped on a finished lower part on the lower support surface.

The packaging or parts thereof may be carried on the lower support surface. The packaging may be a label for the product. In particular, in the case of manual completion, a specific packaging form, packaging color, packaging marking or packaging labeling can signal which product has to be assembled with which individual components on the upper contact surface and stored in the packaging.

At least one support surface may be attached to the transport device in the manner of a drawer. The support surface can thus be pulled out laterally, so that it can be loaded or unloaded from above even after it has been pulled out.

Preferably, at least one support surface, viewed in the horizontal direction, at least temporarily has an offset. The accessibility of the support surface is thereby improved. In addition, a lateral loading or unloading is possible in a simple manner. The accessibility of the support surface for example, a gripper of a robot can be improved.

At least one support surface may have a support for an object. The holder may be formed in the manner of a mandrel, which is arranged in the center of the support surface. As a result, in particular, a bagel or a part of a bagel can be fixed on the support surface by the mandrel engaging in the central hole of the bagel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor line comprises a web system and the transport device is formed by a transport movers, which at least one runner for cooperation with the web system, in which the Transportmover along at least one path along the conveying direction is movable, and at least one attached to the runner Has support for a support surface. Such a railway system with Transportmovers as transport facilities is from the DE 10 2014 106 400 A1 known.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is also claimed herein as an independent invention, the conveyor line, in particular the web system of the conveyor line, at least one return section, which branches off at a branch point of the conveyor line, in particular a main line of the conveyor line, and at a junction , which - upstream of the branching point in relation to the conveying direction - returns to the conveying path. The transport devices moved along the conveying path can thus be brought to the return section at the branching point and be reintroduced into the conveying path at the point of interchange. The transport means may then pass through the conveyor section between the junction and the branch point one more time. The said conveyor section can thus be used two or more times.

In this case, a controller may be designed to decide whether a respective transport device which reaches the branch point is guided into the return section or is moved further along the actual conveying path. The decision as to which route the respective transport device takes may be made by the controller at e.g. depending on how often the transport device has already been routed via the return section. In this case, the controller may have a counter, which detects the number of returns via the return section individually for each transport device.

The branch point can be designed in the manner of a switch. The controller may control the branch point to direct the transport means into the return section or further along the actual conveyor line.

Along the conveying path, at least one of the stations is preferably arranged in the region between the point of confluence and the branch point, which station can be approached by the transport devices at least a second time using the return section. The functionality of the station can be used twice or more to produce a product. A station that fulfills a specific function can thus be run through several times. This also contributes to the reduction in the number of stations, since alternatively several stations would have to be provided with the same functionality.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, which is also claimed as an independent invention, the conveyor line comprises a web system and the at least one transport device is formed by a Transportmover, which at least one rotor for cooperation with the railway system, in which the Transportmover along at least one Web is movable along the conveying direction, and has at least one mounted on the runner carrier for a support surface, wherein a first Transportmover is used to produce on the at least one support surface the product, and wherein the first Transportmover associated second Transportmover is used to of which at least one object to deposit at least one object, which is used for product production on the support surface of the first Transportmovers.

The first transport mover serves as a "normal" transport mover or as a function mover on whose bearing surface the product is formed from the objects. In contrast, the second transport mover is not used to form a product on its support surface, but rather to deposit or store on the support surface at least one object, the object being used to produce the product on the support surface of the first transport movers. The second transport mover thus serves as a kind of "warehouse overrun" for the first transport mover.

The first transport movers and the second transport movers can be moved or moved one behind the other, in particular directly one behind the other, along the path. The second transport mover thus travels directly before or after the first transport mover along the path. With a plurality of pairs of first and second transport movers, an alternating sequence of first and second transport movers results along the path.

The assignment of a second Transportmovers to a first Transportmover can of a Control of the device accomplished and also monitored during operation.

The web can have at least one bypass section along which the second transport mover can be moved to bypass at least one station, in particular separately from the first transport mover. For example, the first transport mover may be moved to a packaging station, while the packaging station may be bypassed by the second transport mover by using the bypass section.

The assignment of a second transport movers to a first transport movers may be terminated when the second transport movers are routed into the bypass section. The transport movers can then be returned independently of each other along the conveying path to a starting position, where they are available for the production of another product.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a product, in particular a food product from two or more objects, in particular food products, in which at least one first object is mounted on a first contact surface of a transport device, a second object is brought onto a second contact surface of the transport device, and the first object is removed from the first support surface and placed over the second object. The first object and the second object may be associated or matched with each other. For example, the first object may be the upper half of a bun or bagel, while the second object may be the lower half of the bun or bagel. In particular, it is advantageous in the method that the assignment of the matching objects during the production process is not abandoned, so that it is ensured that the entire product contains the matching objects.

The method may also include the step of processing at least one object, in particular at a station, preferably at a station of a device according to the invention.

At least one further, third object, which is preferably mounted on a third support surface, or provided by a station of a device according to the invention, can also be arranged above the second object before the first object is arranged above the second object.

The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface may be partial regions of the same bearing surface. The bearing surfaces may also be mutually separate bearing surfaces. Preferably, the bearing surfaces are arranged one above the other. In this case, the second bearing surface on which the product is produced is preferably arranged above the first bearing surface, or the bearing surface forms the uppermost bearing surface of the bearing surfaces arranged one above the other.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a product, in particular a food product, from two or more objects, in particular food products, in which a selection of a plurality of products which can be produced is assigned to a user, e.g. is provided virtually on a display, and / or a selection of objects is virtually provided, and the user is allowed or enabled by means of a product creator to define a virtual product using the virtually provided objects.

Depending on the product that the user has selected or defined, it can be determined which stations are needed for the production of the product and / or in which order the stations are to be arranged along the conveyor line.

Only those products can be approved for production for which the stations required for the production are available.

The required stations and / or the order of arrangement of the stations along the conveyor path may be provided to the user, e.g. on a display.

It can be checked whether all the required stations are arranged along the conveying path and / or whether the required stations are arranged in the intended sequence along the conveying path.

Depending on the product that the user has selected or defined, the stations and / or the at least one transport device can be controlled such that the stations are approached by the transport device in the intended sequence and that the product on the support surface of the transport device of the stations is gradually formed.

The inventive method can be carried out fully or semi-automatically by a device according to the invention, wherein steps of the method are carried out in particular by the controller and / or the station of the device.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. It show, each schematically:

1 a cross-sectional view of a Transportmovers and a track section,

2 a schematic plan view of a possible embodiment of a device according to the invention,

3 a section of the conveyor line and stations of the device of 2 .

4 a cross-sectional view through the conveyor line and a station of the device of 2 .

5 a cross-sectional view through a transport device with two superimposed bearing surfaces,

6 a cross-sectional view through a transport device with three superimposed bearing surfaces,

7 a cross-sectional view of a variant of a carrier for a transport device with a support surface,

8th a cross-sectional view of stacked carriers according to 7 .

9 a cross-sectional view through a transport device with two superimposed bearing surfaces,

10 a plan view of the transport device of 9 .

11 a cross-sectional view through a transport device with two superimposed bearing surfaces with chute,

12a a cross-sectional view of a transport device with offset bearing surfaces,

12b a plan view of the transport device of 12a .

13 a cross-sectional view of a transport device with two superimposed bearing surfaces,

14 a cross-sectional view of a transport device with two separate bearing surfaces,

15 a cross-sectional view of another transport device with two separate bearing surfaces,

16 a cross-sectional view of another transport device with two separate bearing surfaces,

17 a schematic plan view of a further possible embodiment of a device according to the invention,

18 a schematic plan view of yet another possible embodiment of a device according to the invention and

19 a partial side view of the device of 18 ,

In the embodiments of the invention described below is a train system with Transportmovern 19 as a transport device used. The drive principle of the transport movers 19 in the railway system based on linear synchronous motors (LSM drive) and is known in principle. Any number of transport movers 19 in an arbitrarily complex rail system can be individually, ie independently of each other, moved in the railway system by means of a control device and located and identified by means of the control device. Furthermore, the transport movers 19 be moved and positioned in the railway system with extremely high accuracy. The movement speeds as well as accelerations and decelerations for the transport movers 19 can also be arbitrarily and individually selected and made.

A cross-section, ie a section perpendicular to the transport direction, through a web with transport movers arranged therein 19 shows 1 , A track section 41 of the railway system comprises one as a stator 43 the LSM drive serving base, which also serves as a mechanical base for attachment of the web section 41 For example, on a substructure or whatever kind of racks or brackets is used.

In 1 shown is a track section of the so-called U-type, ie, the track section is open at the top and the Transportmover 19 are located above the stator 43 ,

As a guide for the transport movers 19 serve here as angled plates running guide rails 33 in slits 35 run, which on the left and right side surfaces of a runner 27 of the transport movers 19 are formed. The guides of the railway system for the transport movers 19 but can also be designed differently.

The leadership of the railway system ensures a defined relative position of the runner 27 with respect to the stator 43 , In particular, this ensures that a permanent magnet arrangement M of the rotor 27 a precisely defined distance to the stator 43 comply.

According to the LSM drive is provided with the permanent magnet assembly M runners 27 by appropriate control of the stator 43 by means of a control device not shown here in the transport direction T along the stator 43 and thus in the stator 43 comprehensive train 51 movable. During this movement the runner becomes 27 through the guide rails 33 guided.

On the runner 27 is a carrier 29 arranged, for example, a flat bearing surface 39 to transport food portions or to form products of a foodstuff from individual objects, as will be explained below.

The carrier 29 can with the runner 27 be firmly connected. In an alternative embodiment, the carrier 29 at the runner 27 detachably attached.

Between carriers 29 and runners 27 is a basically arbitrarily ausgestalteter holder 31 intended. With detachable attachment of the carrier 29 at the runner 27 can the holder 31 be formed as part of a coupling or form a coupling portion, with a corresponding coupling portion 37 of the carrier 29 interacts. The interaction between runners 27 and holder 31 or between holders 31 and carriers 29 can basically be done in any way. It may be provided a purely mechanical connection. It is also possible that the carrier 29 on the holder 31 or the holder 31 at the runner 27 is held magnetically. The holder 31 may also be adapted to relative movements of the wearer 29 relative to the runner 27 allowing, for example, a rotation about a vertical axis in order to be able to turn objects or portions in this way.

The carrier 29 can also be directly with the runner 27 be connected. The holder 31 between carriers 29 and runners 27 is then through the cooperating areas or coupling sections 37 . 37 ' from carrier 29 and runners 27 educated.

As in 1 indicated, allows a detachable attachment of the carrier 29 on the holder 31 a use of the runner 27 with different, for example, different sizes straps 29 . 29 ' , So shows 1 purely exemplary one with a coupling section 37 ' provided carrier 29 ' , whose bearing surface 39 ' is greater than that of the in 1 at the runner 27 attached vehicle 29 ,

In the 2 illustrated apparatus for producing a product 109 includes a conveyor line 101 with a circulating track 103 arranged thereon, along the track 103 movable transport equipment 105 , In the transport facilities 105 it concerns transport movers 19 as above with reference to 1 described, and at the conveyor line 101 it is a corresponding railway system. Every transport device 105 has a support surface 107 on (see the contact surfaces 39 . 39 ' the transport movers 19 ), on which a respective product 109 can be formed, as explained in more detail below.

Along the train 103 are several stations 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 and 123 arranged, which of the transport facilities 105 can be approached when the transport facilities 105 along a conveying direction F along the path 103 to be moved.

3 shows the section of the web 103 along which the stations 111 to 121 are arranged. As shown, each station points 111 to 121 a workspace 125 on, which is above the track 103 located. A respective station can be equipped with a transport device 105 in the workspace 125 the station 111 to 121 is driven, interact and in particular at least one step on the transport device 105 To run. The stations 111 to 121 For example, they are designed as loading stations, so that each station is a respective object 127 on the support surface 107 the transport device 105 can give or raise. In the 3 not shown station 123 can also be designed as a packing station to the means of stations 111 to 121 formed product 109 to wrap.

In the illustrated example, the device for the production of sandwiches is formed. Viewed in the conveying direction F is the station 111 an inlet area of the web 103 upstream, in which the transport facilities 105 , as in 2 is shown, can stow. The respective, seen in the conveying direction F forward transport 105 is loaded, for example manually, with the underside of a bun and in the work area of the station 111 driven, in, as object 127 Butter is applied to the lower half roll. In the station 111 Alternatively, the lower half roll on the transport device 105 be filed automatically. After the transport device 105 in the workspace 125 the station 113 was driven by the station 113 Put a slice of ham on the lower half of the bread, which has already been buttered. The station 115 put a slice of cheese over it after the transport movers 105 in the workspace 125 the station 115 has arrived. After the transport movers 105 the station 117 has reached, this puts a slice of boiled egg over the cheese slice. In the workspace 125 the station 119 a leaf of a salad is placed over the egg. Finally, in the station 121 the upper bun half hung up after the transport movers 105 the workspace 125 the station 121 has reached. Through the stations 111 to 121 can thus a sandwich on the support surface 107 a transport device 105 be formed. The transport device 105 then drives along the track 103 to the station 123 in which the product formed 109 , so the sandwich, from the support surface 107 the transport device 105 removed and packed.

In the device 101 The stations are modular and interchangeable along the track 103 the conveyor line 101 arranged. Due to the modular structure are the stations 111 to 121 built up the same from their external dimensions. Also the coupling of all stations 111 to 121 to the train 103 takes place in a uniform manner, as described below with reference to the 4 is carried out closer.

Due to the modular structure and the interchangeability of the stations, the stations 111 to 121 eg in a different order along the path 103 to be ordered. For example, the stations 113 and 115 be exchanged so that the sandwich is filled first with cheese and then with ham. The stations can also be replaced by other stations. For example, instead of the station 113 for the assignment with ham slices another station for the allocation eg with salmon slices are arranged. It can thus be different products 109 by exchanging and combining stations.

4 shows a cross-sectional view through the web 103 and the station 111 , The station 111 includes one on a cantilever 129 arranged station area 131 , which is a dosing area, around an object, such as butter, on the lower half of the roll (see the product 109 ). In the station 111 may be provided for the object to be dispensed, in the example described case for butter, a storage. The storage is preferably located in a functional area 133 which is attached to a carrier 135 the station 111 is provided. The carrier 135 is in the modular stations 111 to 121 each set up the same, while the functional area of each station 111 to 121 depending on the functionality is built. The functional area 133 Can be detachable with the carrier 135 be connected to the functional area 133 for example for cleaning purposes by the wearer 135 to be able to lose weight.

In the area of the carrier 135 is at the station 111 an interface 137 provided, which with one at the railway 103 provided coupling point 139 can be connected to the station 111 mechanically by train 103 connect to. This allows the station 111 self-supporting at the railway 103 to be ordered. Alternatively, a support for the station 111 be provided to support them directly on the ground (not shown). It is advantageous if the support allows height adjustment to the height of the interface 137 to the height of the docking station 139 to be able to adjust.

All other stations 113 to 123 have a corresponding interface 137 on and are with a respective docking station 139 the train 103 connected. The coupling points 139 are along the track 103 spaced apart. The distances of the coupling points 139 can be chosen so that between each station 111 to 123 still remains free space, so that each station is reachable and sufficient cooling can be achieved. Also larger distances can be provided for buffer lines.

the interface 137 and the docking station 139 may further be configured such that an electrical and / or electronic connection between the station 111 and the train 103 or a total control 141 the device can be accomplished. It can thus be provided that the individual stations 111 to 123 about the controller 141 to be controlled. The stations 111 to 123 and the work done by them can thus be controlled by the common control 141 chain together.

Each station can, as an example of the station 111 in 4 is shown, an information providing device 143 have, by means of at least one information regarding the station 111 can be provided. The information provided may be via the interface 137 , especially from the controller 141 , or they will be read by the institution 143 at the interface 137 provided and there, for example, from the controller 141 queried.

The degree of "intelligence" of the information providing facility 143 may vary depending on the version. In a simple variant, the information providing device 143 Contacts of the interface 137 with a defined voltage to indicate a state of the station 111 , as about that station 111 is ready to display. A more complex facility 143 can have its own diagnostic and monitoring system for different functions in the station 111 and the information obtained to the controller 141 communicate. The station 111 like any of the other stations 113 to 123 , a local advertisement 145 for example, to display station-specific information of an operator.

5 shows a cross-sectional view through a transport device 105 with two superimposed bearing surfaces 147 and 149 , The two bearing surfaces 147 . 149 have advantages in the processing of objects belonging to each other. For example, on the lower support surface 149 an upper half 151 a bagel, while the lower half 153 of the bagel on the upper support surface 147 is processed, for example, with butter and / or a sausage slice or the like is occupied. The upper bagel half 151 can then on the occupied lower half 153 brought to complete the production of the occupied bagels.

6 shows a cross-sectional view through a transport device 105 with three superimposed bearing surfaces 155 . 157 . 159 , The illustrated arrows with numbers illustrate the order of steps 1-4 of a method of making a sandwich. On the upper support surface 155 becomes a lower half 163 filed a bun. On the middle support surface 157 becomes a slice 165 a food, such as sausage or cheese, filed. On the lower support surface 159 becomes the associated upper half 161 of the bun (see step 1). The disc 165 is then on the lower half 163 placed (see step 2). Subsequently, a liquid object (not shown), such as ketchup or mayonnaise, is applied to the disk 165 brought (see step 3). Finally, the top half 161 above the liquid object, the disk 165 and the lower half 163 filed (see step 4).

For example, steps 1-4 may be performed by one or more robots (not shown) operating in at least one station (see Stations 111 to 121 ) are provided. The robot or robots may have movable grippers around the objects 161 . 163 and 165 to be able to handle. The liquid object in step 3 can also be located in a suitably trained station (cf the stations 111 to 121 ) are applied. Likewise is an automatic loading of the transport device 105 with the essential objects and subsequent manual processing.

As above with reference to 1 has been executed, has a serving as a transport device Transportmover 19 at least one carrier 29 on, the one bearing surface 39 provides. 7 shows a variant of such a carrier 29 with the support surface 39 , At the edge of the support surface 39 are upwardly extending spacers 167 arranged by means of which the carrier 29 - as in 8th is shown - can be stacked on top of each other. The spacers 167 surround the support surface 39 not complete, so that in the stacked arrangement the bearing surfaces 39 the underlying beam 29 are accessible from the outside, especially for a robot gripper. This allows objects 169 on the lower straps 29 be filed.

In the 9 and 10 illustrated transport device 171 has two superimposed bearing surfaces 173 and 175 on. The upper bearing surface 175 is through a central slot 177 divided into two and smaller than the lower support surface 173 , The lower support surface 173 is thus through the slot 177 accessible from the top. The lower support surface 173 is also accessible from the side, as in 10 indicated by the arrows.

In the 11 illustrated transport device 179 has an upper support surface 181 and a lower bearing surface 183 on. The upper bearing surface 181 is doing of two opposing and downwardly pivotable flaps 185 educated. One on the upper bearing surface 181 formed product 187 can by pivoting the flaps 185 down in a box 189 on the lower support surface 183 be filed. The flaps 185 center and guide the product 187 when it is stored in the packaging 189 and work like a chute

12a and 12b show that at one along a train 103 movable transport device 191 superimposed bearing surfaces 193 . 195 - For example, seen in the transport direction T - offset from each other can be arranged. The staggered arrangement can be realized, at least temporarily, by one of the bearing surfaces 193 . 195 in the manner of a drawer extendable at the transport device 191 arranged or stored on at least one pendulum support.

13 shows a transport device 197 with two superimposed bearing surfaces 199 and 201 , In the middle of the lower support surface 201 is a holder 203 arranged in the manner of a thorn, for example, a bagel half 205 to fix.

The 14 and 15 show different variants of a transport device 207 with two separate bearing surfaces 209 and 211 , In the variant of 14 lie the bearing surfaces 209 and 211 at different levels. The bearing surface forms 209 along with the walls 213 . 215 a kind of storage compartment for temporary storage of an object, such as an upper bagel half 217 , The associated lower bagel half 219 can on the support surface 211 filed and with a food slice 221 be occupied. The upper bagel half 217 can then on the disc 221 be placed to complete the bagel.

In the variant of 15 lie the bearing surfaces 209 and 211 in the same plane and are through the wall 213 separated from each other.

In the transport facilities 207 of the 14 and 15 is the respective the bearing surfaces 209 and 211 having carriers 29 designed asymmetrically to the Bahnmittelachse A. The product production can be symmetrical (cf. 14 ) or asymmetric (cf. 15 ) take place to the Bahnmittelachse A.

In the 16 illustrated transport device 223 has two separate bearing surfaces 225 . 227 on. A shell 229 a bun gets in a tray after being cut off 235 with the support surface 227 parked and with a fixative 231 kept in position. Filing 235 is at a rotation axis D of a carrier 237 with the support surface 225 attached. Is the lower part 233 the bun finished, can at a station by hand or by machine, the filing 235 recorded and about the carrier 237 with the support surface 227 be panned. Is the top lying 229 on the lower part 233 on, becomes the fixative 231 removed or moved out. Subsequently, the tray 235 be unfolded again. It can be a semi or fully automatic pivoting or unfolding the tray 235 done, z. B. at a station and / or by an external pulse, an external aid or by utilizing the movement on the railway line, for example, a pass on a ramp. The fixative 231 For example, it can be a bolt, a slider, or a rotary valve.

17 shows a schematic plan view of another possible embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which along the conveying path 101 the stations 111 . 113 . 115 . 119 . 121 and 123 are arranged. The stations 115 and 117 are arranged parallel to each other. From a main line of the railway 103 at the station 115 is located, thus branches off a branch line 303 off, along the station 117 lies.

In the conveying direction F downstream of the station 115 there is a turnoff 305 , from the over the main line incoming transport movers 105 in a return section 301 can be steered. About the return section 301 can the transport movers 105 to a junction 307 be moved, where they get back into the main line and the station 113 as well as the station 115 or the station 117 can drive through again. This is upstream of the station 115 another switch 309 to the transport facilities or transport movers 105 optionally the station 115 along the main stretch or the station 117 along the branch line 303 to be able to supply. The station 117 subordinate is an introduction 311 provided to the of the station 117 coming transport movers 105 in the return section 301 initiate.

By using the return section 301 can the transport movers 105 thus the stations 113 and 115 or the stations 113 and 117 go through twice or more, so that per transport movers 105 at least one of the mentioned stations 113 . 115 . 117 at least twice for product production.

The transport movers 105 can also during a first pass the stations 113 and 115 approach, while in a second pass the stations 113 and 117 be approached. If then the transport movers 105 again the junction 307 Once they have reached their destination, they may be able to return to the stations, possibly without intervention 113 and 115 be passed and continue along the main route to the stations 119 . 121 and 123 be driven.

From the representation of 17 It can be seen that this has a great variability in product production, as the transport movers 105 individual stations can be connected in series or in parallel and also run through repeatedly. As a result, an advantageous individual treatment of objects, portions or products can be achieved.

The control of the transport movers 105 along the different, possible paths in the conveyor line 101 can be taken over by a controller, not shown.

At the in 18 and 19 shown embodiment of a device according to the invention comprises the conveying path 101 turn a train 103 and the transport facilities 105a . 105b are in turn formed by transport movers. In the device of 18 and 19 become pairs of transport movers 105a . 105b formed, with a first Transportmover 105a is used to on the support surface 107 a product 109 manufacture. A first transport movers 105a assigned second transport movers 105b is used to rest on its bearing surface 107 an object 127 to put off the product production on the bearing surface 107 of the first transport movers 105a is used. As seen from the view of 19 can be seen, it may be at the object 127 to act the upper half roll of a sandwich to be formed.

As in 18 shown points the web 103 in addition to the main line, which comprises the circumferential, outer, rectangular track section, and through the packing station 401 still passes a first bypass section 403 and a second bypass section 405 on. The first bypass section 403 serves to bypass the packaging station 401 , The second bypass section 405 serves to bypass a loading station 407 ,

The production of a packaged sandwich (see the product 109 ) starts with a first transport movers 105a on the train 103 and along the conveying direction F in the loading station 407 drove and there with a sandwich sandwich cut in the middle 409 is loaded. The first transport movers 105a will then continue to a transfer station 411 driven, in whose area the second bypass section 405 in the main line of the railway 103 empties. The first transport movers 105a becomes a second transport movers 105b assigned, wherein the second transport movers 105b along the main line seen before the first transport movers 105a is arranged.

In the transfer station 411 becomes the upper part of the sandwich bun 409 So the lid 413 , on the second transport movers 105b laid while the ground 415 sandwich sandwiches 409 on the first transport movers 105a remains.

The two transport movers 105a . 105b go through the stations together 417 . 419 and 421 in which the ground 415 on the transport movers 105a is occupied. In the downstream, further transfer station 423 then becomes the lid 413 from the transport movers 105b on the occupied ground 415 of the transport movers 105a stored.

The transfer station 423 For example, it may be designed so that it can only perform a vertical movement. The transfer station 423 For example, it may have a gripper. It could also be the carrier 107 of the second transport movers 105b be raised so that the working area of a rigidly mounted gripper or a holding device is achieved, which can only open and close horizontally. After that, the empty transport movers drive 105b from the station 423 out and the first transport movers 105a with the occupied ground 415 follows. This holds so in the station 423 under the lid 413 that this can be applied, for example by dropping or pressing. Optionally, a pressing done, for example, with an ejector or hold-down in a gripper whose quite low stroke can be exploited.

Subordinate to the transfer station 423 the couples are separated again. The second transport movers 105b gets over the bypass section 403 returned during the first transport movers 105a the packaging machine 401 is fed, in which the sandwich is packaged and discharged. The empty transport movers 105a is then along the main line of the train 103 recycled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

19

transport Mover

27

runner

29

carrier

29 '

carrier

31

holder

33

guide rail

35

slot

37

coupling section

37 '

coupling section

39

bearing surface

39 '

bearing surface

41

web section

43

stator

101

conveyor line

103

train

105

Transport equipment, transport movers

105a

 Transport equipment, transport movers

105b

Transport equipment, transport movers

107

bearing surface

109

product

111

station

113

station

115

station

117

station

119

station

121

station

123

station

125

Workspace

127

object

129

cantilever

131

station area

133

functional area

135

carrier

137

interface

139

coupling point

141

control

143

Information provision means

145

display

147

bearing surface

149

bearing surface

151

bagel half

153

bagel half

155

bearing surface

157

bearing surface

159

bearing surface

161

half a roll

163

half a roll

165

Food plate

167

spacer

169

object

171

transport means

173

bearing surface

175

bearing surface

177

slot

179

transport means

181

bearing surface

183

bearing surface

185

flap

187

product

189

packaging

191

transport means

193

bearing surface

195

bearing surface

197

transport means

199

bearing surface

201

bearing surface

203

bracket

205

bagel half

207

transport means

209

bearing surface

211

bearing surface

213

wall

215

wall

217

bagel half

219

bagel half

221

disc

223

transport means

225

bearing surface

227

bearing surface

229

top

231

fixer

233

lower part

235

filing

237

carrier

301

Return section

303

Nebenstrecke

305

diversion

307

junction point

309

switch

311

introduction

401

packing station

403

bypass section

405

bypass section

407

loading

409

sandwich buns

411

transfer station

413

cover

415

ground

417

station

419

station

421

station

423

transfer station

T

transport direction

F

conveying direction

M

Permanent magnet assembly

A

Track center axis

D

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014106400 A1 [0077]

Claims (47)

Device for producing a product ( 109 . 187 ), in particular food product, from two or more objects ( 127 . 151 . 153 . 161 . 163 . 165 . 169 . 205 . 217 . 219 . 221 . 229 . 233 ), in particular food products, with a conveyor line ( 101 ), which at least one along a conveying direction (F) movable transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) with at least one bearing surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ) on which the product ( 109 . 187 ) from the objects ( 127 . 151 . 153 . 161 . 163 . 165 . 169 . 205 . 217 . 219 . 221 . 229 . 233 ), and at least one and preferably several stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) transported by the transport facility ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ), at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) for dispensing at least one object ( 127 . 151 . 153 . 161 . 163 . 165 . 169 . 205 . 217 . 219 . 221 . 229 . 233 ) on the at least one bearing surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ), characterized in that at least one and preferably all stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) are modular and / or at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) and prefers all stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) interchangeable along the conveyor line ( 101 ) are arranged or can be arranged. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) over the conveyor line ( 101 ) and / or via the at least one transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) are linked together. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the modular stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) have such outer dimensions that they have at least substantially the same space requirement and / or the same coupling points on the conveyor line ( 101 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each modular station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) a carrier ( 135 ) and a thereto, in particular detachable, attached functional area ( 133 ), wherein the carrier ( 135 ) in all modular stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) is the same, and wherein the functional area ( 133 ) to a functionality of at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) is adjusted. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) a mechanical and / or electrical and / or electronic interface ( 137 ) to connect the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) with one on the conveyor line ( 101 ) coupling point ( 139 ) having. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that one and preferably each station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) at least one information providing device ( 143 ) for providing at least one information about the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ), the information at the interface ( 137 ) and / or via the interface ( 137 ) is readable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying path ( 101 ) several along the conveyor line ( 101 ) spaced apart, in particular identically constructed, coupling points ( 139 ), wherein at a coupling point ( 139 ) one at a station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) provided interface ( 137 ) is attachable to the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) mechanically and / or electrically and / or electronically with the conveyor line ( 101 ) connect to. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it (a common control 141 ) for controlling the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) and the at least one transport device in correlation with the operation of the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the communication and / or concatenation between the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) and the common control ( 141 ) is wired or wireless. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 141 ) is designed to be connected to coupling points ( 139 ) of the conveyor line ( 101 ) stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) to recognize. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it (a controller 141 ), which provides a user with a selection of several producible products ( 109 ) virtual, and / or that the Control the user with a selection of objects ( 127 . 151 . 153 . 161 . 163 . 165 . 169 . 205 . 217 . 219 . 221 . 229 . 233 ) and has product creation means by which the user can define a virtual product using the virtually provided objects. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the controller ( 141 ) is adapted, depending on the product ( 109 ) that the user has selected or defined to determine which stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) for the production of the product ( 109 ) and / or in what order the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) along the conveyor line ( 101 ) are to be arranged. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the controller ( 141 ) is designed to check that all required stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) along the conveyor line ( 101 ) and / or whether the required stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) in the intended order along the conveyor line ( 101 ) are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holder ( 129 ), in particular in the form of a bridge or a cantilever, at at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) arranged to hold at least one element ( 131 ) of the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) above the conveyor line ( 101 ) is provided. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the holder ( 129 ) has a positioning device, in particular height adjustment, by means of which the height and / or orientation of a functional area ( 131 . 133 ), in particular a dispenser, a metering area or a work area, the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) is adjustable, in particular relative to the conveyor line ( 101 ) and / or bearing surface ( 107 ) for objects. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one and preferably at each station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) at least one input device is arranged, by means of which the user at least one action at the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) can trigger. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical detection device, in particular a camera or an optical sensor, for monitoring at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ), a bearing surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ) and / or product in the area of a station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ), in particular work area ( 125 ), is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) a scale for determining the weight of objects on a support surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) a cleaning device for cleaning the transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ), in particular the bearing surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ), having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) or an area of the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ), in particular a at least substantially above the conveyor line ( 101 ) arranged station area, preferably a delivery point for delivering an object on the support surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ), along the conveying direction (F) and / or in at least one direction transversely to the conveying direction (F) extending direction is movable. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that during the execution of at least one working step the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) or the station area parallel to a along the conveyor line ( 101 ) moving transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) is movable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the execution of at least one working step the transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ), in particular the bearing surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ), in a section of the conveyor line ( 101 ) on which a station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) is arranged, in at least one transverse to the conveying direction (F) extending direction is movable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) is designed to place one in the workspace ( 125 ) of the station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) receiving surface ( 39 . 39 ' . 107 . 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 . 209 . 211 . 225 . 227 ), in particular along a portion of the conveyor line ( 101 ), to promote. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) at least two associated, superimposed bearing surfaces ( 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the under the upper support surface ( 147 . 155 . 175 . 185 . 195 . 199 ) lying bearing surfaces ( 149 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 183 . 193 . 201 ) are accessible from at least one side for placement of an object. Apparatus according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the bearing surfaces ( 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 ) have the same or different dimensions and / or a same or different structure. Device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the bearing surfaces ( 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 181 . 183 . 193 . 195 . 199 . 201 ) are separable from each other and / or stacked one above the other. Device according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that at least one bearing surface ( 185 ), preferably the upper support surface, in particular in the manner of a chute, can be opened downwards, so that one on the support surface ( 185 ) lying object ( 187 ) on the underlying support surface ( 183 ) falls. Device according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the bearing surfaces ( 193 . 195 ) seen in the horizontal direction at least temporarily may have an offset. Device according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that on at least one bearing surface ( 201 ) a holder ( 203 ) for an object ( 205 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying path ( 101 ) comprises a railway system, and the transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) from a transport movers ( 19 ) is formed, which at least one runner ( 27 ) for interacting with the railway system in which the transport mover ( 19 ) along at least one track ( 101 ) along the conveying direction (F) is movable, and at least one of the rotor ( 27 ) ( 29 . 29 ' ) for a bearing surface ( 39 . 39 ' ) having. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying path ( 101 ), in particular the railway system of the conveyor line ( 101 ), at least one return section ( 301 ), which at a branch point ( 305 ) from the conveyor line ( 101 ) branches off and at a junction ( 307 ), which - in relation to the conveying direction (F) - the branch point ( 307 ), back into the conveyor line ( 101 ), wherein the at least one transport device ( 105 ) along the return section ( 301 ) from the branching point ( 305 ) to the point of confluence ( 307 ) and from there upstream of the branch point ( 305 ) back into the conveyor line ( 101 ) can be initiated. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that along the conveying path ( 101 ) between the point of interchange ( 307 ) and the branch point ( 305 ) at least one station ( 113 . 115 . 117 ) arranged using the return section ( 301 ) of the transport facilities ( 105 ) is approachable at least a second time. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that along the conveying path ( 101 ) a first transport mover ( 105a ) can be used on its at least one bearing surface ( 107 ) the product ( 109 ) and that the first transport mover ( 105a ) associated second transport movers ( 105b ) can be used on its at least one bearing surface ( 107 ) at least one object ( 127 . 413 ), which is used for product production on the support surface ( 107 ) of the first transport movers ( 105a ) is used. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the first transport movers ( 105a ) and the second transport mover ( 105 ) one behind the other along the track ( 101 ) are movable or moved, and / or on the second Transportmover ( 105b ) stored object ( 127 . 413 ) in a station ( 411 ) from the first transport movers ( 105a ) on the second transport movers ( 105b ) is transferable or transferred and in another station ( 423 ) again from the second transport movers ( 105b ) on the first transport movers ( 105a ) is transferable or is transferred. Device according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the web ( 101 ) at least one bypass section ( 403 . 405 ), along which the second transport movers ( 105b ) for bypassing at least one station ( 401 . 407 ), in particular separate from the first transport mover ( 105a ), is movable. Method for producing a product, in particular a food product, from two or more objects, in particular food products, in which at least one first object ( 151 . 161 . 165 . 187 . 205 . 217 ) on a first contact surface ( 149 . 157 . 159 . 185 . 201 . 209 ) a transport device ( 105 . 179 . 197 . 207 ), a second object ( 153 . 163 . 189 . 205 . 219 ) on a second support surface ( 147 . 155 . 183 . 199 . 211 ) of the transport device ( 105 . 179 . 197 . 207 ), preferably at least one object ( 151 . 153 . 161 . 163 . 165 ), especially at a station ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ), preferably at a station of the device according to one of the preceding claims, and the first object ( 151 . 161 . 165 . 187 . 205 . 217 ), in particular from the first contact surface ( 149 . 157 . 159 . 185 . 183 . 201 ) is removed or dropped and, above the second object ( 153 . 163 . 189 . 205 . 219 ) is arranged. A method according to claim 37, characterized in that (on the second object 153 . 163 . 189 . 205 . 219 ) at least one further, third object ( 165 . 221 ), which preferably on a third bearing surface ( 157 ) is placed before the first object ( 151 . 161 . 165 . 187 . 205 . 217 ) over the second object ( 153 . 163 . 189 . 205 . 219 ) is arranged. A method according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that it is in the first bearing surface ( 149 . 157 . 159 . 185 . 183 . 201 ) and the second bearing surface ( 147 . 155 . 183 . 199 . 211 ) are subregions of the same bearing surface or that the bearing surfaces are separated from each other. Method according to one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the bearing surfaces ( 147 . 149 . 155 . 157 . 159 . 173 . 175 . 183 . 185 . 199 . 201 ) are arranged one above the other, wherein, preferably, the second bearing surface is the uppermost bearing surface. Method according to one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that the first object ( 151 . 161 . 205 . 217 ) is the upper half of a food product, such as a bagel or bread roll, and that the second object ( 153 . 163 . 205 . 219 ) is the lower half of the food product. Process for the production of a product ( 109 . 187 ), in particular food product, from two or more objects ( 127 . 151 . 153 . 161 . 163 . 165 . 169 . 205 . 217 . 219 . 221 . 229 . 233 ), in particular food products, in particular the method according to one of claims 37 to 41, in which a selection of several producible products is virtually provided to a user and / or a selection of objects is virtually provided and made available to the user by means of a product setting device the virtual objects provided to define a virtual product. A method according to claim 42, characterized in that, depending on the product which the user has selected or defined, it is determined which stations ( 111 - 123 ) are needed for the production of the product and / or in which order the stations ( 111 - 123 ) along the conveyor line ( 101 ) are to be arranged. Method according to claim 43, characterized in that only such products ( 109 . 187 ) for which the stations required for manufacture ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) Are available. Method according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that the required stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) and / or the order of arrangement of the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) along the conveyor line ( 101 ) is displayed to the user. Method according to one of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that it is checked whether all the required stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) along the conveyor line ( 101 ) and / or whether the required stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) in the intended order along the conveyor line ( 101 ) are arranged. Method according to one of Claims 42 to 46, characterized in that, depending on the product selected or defined by the user, the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) and / or the at least one transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) are controlled in such a way that the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) are approached by the transport device in the intended order and that the product on the support surface of the transport device ( 19 . 105 . 171 . 179 . 191 . 197 . 207 . 223 ) from the stations ( 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 . 119 . 121 . 123 ) is formed gradually.

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