Device for treating and/or handling articles

Abstract

A device for treating and/or handling articles ( 10 ), especially molds in the production of chocolate articles, comprises a gripper ( 6 ) that is arranged on arms ( 3.1 - 3.5 ) which can be displaced along a rail ( 1 ) on carriages ( 2.1 - 2.4 ). At least three arms ( 3.1 to 3.4 ) are connected to the gripper ( 6 ), every arm having its own joint ( 6, 7, 29 ) on the gripper ( 6 ) which joint is independent of the other arm.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A device for handling molds for the production of chocolate articles, comprising a gripper which is arranged on at least three arms which can each be moved along at least one rail on two outer carriages and one inner carriage, the at least three arms include an outer arm on the outer carriage which crosses an inner arm on the inner carriage, wherein the outer arm, which crosses the inner arm, forms a common joint with a further outer arm on the gripper, or crosses the further outer arm and forms its own joint with the gripper. 
     
     
         20 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that the two arms are connected to two arm strips via a center joint, and the arm strips are separately coupled to the gripper at the other end. 
     
     
         21 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that an attachment with a transfer surface, which is positioned obliquely with respect to the gripper surface, is located on the gripper. 
     
     
         22 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that the carriage has a box housing which clasps the rail. 
     
     
         23 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that the carriage is supported on both sides alongside the linear drive on guide rails. 
     
     
         24 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that permanent-magnet strips are arranged linearly, as part of a stator on the rail, and windings are arranged linearly on the carriage, with there being an air gap between the permanent-magnet strips and the windings. 
     
     
         25 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that the linear drive has an associated second linear drive which runs obliquely with respect to it.