Device and method for separating an item from a stack of items

US9878859B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Torsten Kraft · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Axel Forstreuter · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Markus Oschmann · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Guido Russ · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Hendrik Hoppe · Frankfurt am Main, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2018
• Expiry date: Apr 1, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/91
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separating device and to a respective method for separating an item from a stack (12) of items (14), the separating device comprising: —a carrier unit (20; 40; 50) having a support surface (24; 44; 54) to support numerous items (14) stacked on top of each other in an axial direction (z), and having at least a first discharge outlet (25; 45; 55) for a pressurized fluid to at least partially raise the stack (12) of items (14) from an initial position into an elevated position relative to the support surface (24; 44; 54) and to keep at least several items (14) of the stack (12) in the elevated position, —a gripping unit (30; 60) having at least one suction nozzle (38; 68) to grip the uppermost item (14) when the stack (12) is in the elevated position, and—wherein the carrier unit (20; 40; 50) and the gripping unit (30; 60) are displaceable relative to each other at least in the axial direction (z).