Patent ID: 7469568

Claim:
A device for handling a workpiece during a shaping process, in particular a forging process, comprising: a) at least one gripping mechanism having at least two gripping elements that can move relative to one another for grasping a workpiece; b) at least one conveying device for conveying one of: i) the at least one gripping mechanism; or ii) at least one support apparatus to which the at least one gripping mechanism is attached; and c) at least one rotary drive for performing at least one of: i) rotating the at least one gripping mechanism about a rotational axis that extends through the at least one gripping mechanism; and ii) rotating at least one of the at least two gripping elements about a rotational axis that extends through the at least one of the at least two gripping elements; wherein the at least one conveying device and the at least one gripping mechanism are connected to one another in a flexible manner in a flexible state while being connected to one another in a rigid manner: i) in at least one direction in space; or ii) in each rotational position of the at least one gripping mechanism; wherein the at least one gripping mechanism or the at least one support apparatus is connected to the at least one conveying device by at least one flexible element, such that: i) the flexible element connects the at least one gripping mechanism or the at least one support apparatus to the at least one conveying device in the flexible state; and ii) at least one support device that bridges the at least one flexible element supports the at least one gripping mechanism or the at least one support apparatus on or against the at least one conveying mechanism.