IMPROVED SURFACE CONVEYOR FOR A PICKING SYSTEM

Abstract

An overhead conveying device (1a..1c'') for an order-picking system is specified which comprises a carrying structure (2a..2b, 71), a transport carrier (3, 3a..3c'') which is movable on the carrying structure (2a..2b, 71) for transporting hanging goods (4), and a drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) for moving the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c'') on the carrying structure (2a..2b, 71). Moreover, the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c'') can have a drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) which is coupled to a motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b), an energy source (87) which is connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b), a holding force generator (83a, 83b, 85), by way of which the transport carrier (3, 3a...3c'') adheres movably to the carrying structure (71), and / or a movement controller (95) and a memory (96) which is connected to it and is of writable and readable configuration. Furthermore, the overhead conveying device (1a..1c'') can have a diverter (37, 37a, 37b) with a diverter element (38, 62) which is movable vertically onto a level of the running surface (A, A1, A2) of the guide rail (2a..2b) or away from it.

Description

[0001] Improved overhead conveyor system for a picking system and transport carrier for transporting hanging goods

[0002] The invention relates to an overhead conveyor device for a picking system, which comprises a support structure designed as a guide rail with a running surface running along the guide rail or a support structure forming a running surface. Furthermore, said overhead conveyor device comprises a transport carrier for transporting hanging goods, which has a base body, and a drive device for moving the transport carrier on the guide rail or on the running surface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport carrier for an overhead conveyor device for transporting hanging goods.

[0003] A suspended conveyor device and a transport carrier are known from the prior art.

[0004] For example, WO 2020 / 160585 A2 discloses a transport carrier system for an overhead conveyor device in this context. In particular, the transport carrier comprises a universally usable base body and a support body that can be exchanged via a connecting device. In a first configuration, the support body is provided with a fully enclosed receiving opening for transporting transport bags and, in a second configuration, with a hook for transporting goods on coat hangers.

[0005] WO 2021 / 195682 A1 and DE 102018 209 722 A1 disclose a transport carrier system for an overhead conveyor device, wherein the transport carriers are moved along a guide rail via a linear drive. A drive force is transmitted from a stationary primary element of the linear drive arranged on the guide rail to a secondary element of the linear drive arranged on the transport carrier. A plurality of individually controllable drive segments can be provided, with all transport carriers within a drive segment being controlled essentially jointly.

[0006] A disadvantage of these and other known transport carrier systems is that they do not allow individual movement of a transport carrier through a picking system. Instead, transport carriers in conventional picking systems are moved collectively with other transport carriers. This leads to performance losses in the operation of conventional picking systems and to the fact that conventional picking systems require comparatively large installation spaces. Furthermore, the support structure in conventional picking systems cannot be designed very flexibly.

[0007] An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved overhead conveyor device and an improved transport carrier.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved with an overhead conveyor device for a picking system, which comprises a support structure designed as a guide rail with a (first) running surface running along the guide rail. Furthermore, the overhead conveyor device comprises a transport carrier for transporting hanging goods, comprising a base body and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the base body, as well as a drive device for moving the transport carrier along the guide rail. The drive device has an electrically operated motor mounted on the transport carrier, wherein one of the wheels is designed as a (first) drive wheel coupled to the motor.

[0009] The proposed measures make it possible to move a transport carrier individually and (largely) independently of other transport carriers in the order picking system. In particular, the route of the transport carrier, the speed of the transport carrier, the acceleration of the transport carrier, and / or the distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier can be individually selected. By appropriately specifying the speed of the transport carrier and / or the distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier, a certain throughput of transport carriers can also be specified or achieved. For example, the said speed and the said distance can be reduced on curves and increased on straight sections. The said throughput can, in particular, be kept constant.It is also possible to individually control any pendulum movement of the hanging goods, which can occur when the transport carrier accelerates or decelerates. The drive wheels are driven in such a way that they counteract any pendulum movement. Control algorithms for this purpose are generally known and therefore will not be discussed in detail here.

[0010] The object of the invention is further achieved with an overhead conveyor device for a picking system, which comprises a support structure forming a running surface. Furthermore, the overhead conveyor device comprises a transport carrier for transporting hanging goods, which forms a base body, wherein the base body forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side, and a drive device for moving the transport carrier on the running surface. The transport carrier additionally has an adhesive force generator, by means of which the transport carrier movably adheres to the support structure, in particular to the running surface. This means that the adhesive force acts essentially in a direction orthogonal to the running surface and allows movement of the transport carrier on the running surface.

[0011] The proposed measures allow the supporting structure to be designed particularly flexibly, as it only needs to provide one driving surface for the transport carriers.

[0012] The object of the invention is also achieved with a transport carrier for transporting hanging goods on a hanging conveyor device for an order picking system, wherein the transport carrier has a drive control and a writable and readable memory connected to the drive control.

[0013] These are additional or alternative measures for moving a transport carrier individually and (largely) independently of other transport carriers in the picking system. In particular, the route of the transport carrier, the speed of the transport carrier, the acceleration of the transport carrier, and the distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier can be individually selected.

[0014] The object of the invention is further achieved by an overhead conveyor device for a picking system, which, in particular as described above, comprises a support structure designed as a guide rail with a running surface running along the guide rail, or a support structure forming a running surface. Furthermore, said overhead conveyor device comprises a transport carrier for transporting hanging goods, which in particular forms a base body, and a drive device for moving the transport carrier on the guide rail or running surface. The transport carrier also has a drive motor and a power source connected thereto.

[0015] These additional or alternative measures also enable or support individual movement of the transport carrier within the picking system. In particular, the proposed transport carrier is at least temporarily independent of the picking system's (stationary) power supply system.

[0016] The object of the invention is finally achieved with an overhead conveyor device for an order picking system, which comprises a guide rail with a (first) running surface running along the guide rail. Furthermore, the overhead conveyor device comprises a transport carrier for transporting hanging goods, which has a base body and several wheels rotatably mounted on the base body, and, in particular in a switch section, a switch which comprises a switch element which can be moved vertically to a height of the running surface of the guide rail or away from it, wherein the guide rail has a first rail section adjoining the switch, in particular arranged upstream of the switch in a first transport direction of the transport carrier, a second rail section adjoining the switch, in particular arranged downstream of the switch in the first transport direction of the transport carrier, and ain particular comprises a third rail section arranged downstream of the switch in the first transport direction of the transport carrier, and the switch element is switchable between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to guide the transport carrier selectively along a first transport path between the first rail section and the second rail section or along a second transport path between the first rail section and the third rail section, wherein the overhead conveyor device and / or its switch are designed in particular according to one of the previously described aspects.

[0017] This means that the switch can be switched very quickly, since the stroke of a switch element required for this is comparatively small, in particular smaller than the adjustment path of a comparable horizontally adjustable switch.

[0018] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and from the description in conjunction with the figures.

[0019] It is advantageous if the drive wheel rests on the running surface in a rolling manner and if the transport carrier is suspended from the guide rail via the drive wheel. This causes the weight of the transport carrier and, if applicable, the weight of the hanging goods to exert a pressing force on the running surface of the drive wheel, thereby increasing the frictional force transmitted by the drive wheel. In addition to the drive wheel resting on the running surface, the transport carrier can have additional wheels that do not necessarily rest on the running surface but are located at a different point on the guide rail.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the electrically driven motor is mounted above the drive wheel on the base body. This allows the drive wheel to be easily and quickly coupled to the electric motor.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the electrically driven motor is mounted above the guide rail when the transport carrier is suspended from the guide rail. This places the motor where there is usually sufficient space anyway. In particular, the special arrangement of the motor also allows for considerable design freedom when designing a switch.

[0022] It is advantageous if the guide rail has a counter-running surface running along it, and if one of the wheels is designed as an adjusting wheel and rolls against the counter-running surface. This improves guidance of the transport carrier on the guide rail. According to one possible design, the counter-running surface runs parallel to the running surface with a horizontal and / or vertical distance. The adjusting wheel can also be referred to or viewed as a "counter-wheel."

[0023] It is also particularly advantageous if the transport carrier has an adjusting device by which the adjusting wheel is applied against the counter-running surface with an adjusting force. This further improves guidance of the transport carrier on the guide rail. In addition, the friction force transmitted by the drive wheel is increased. In particular, the weight force caused by the transport carrier, the weight force caused by the hanging goods, and the adjusting force can act on the drive wheel. In this embodiment, the adjusting wheel can alternatively be referred to or viewed as a "counter wheel", "pressure wheel," or "pressure wheel." Accordingly, the "adjusting force" can alternatively also be referred to or viewed as a "pressure force" or "contact force."

[0024] It is advantageous if the adjustment device has a slide movably mounted on the base body and a force generator positioned against the slide, with the adjustment wheel mounted on the slide, or a rocker movably mounted on the base body and a force generator positioned against the rocker, with the adjustment wheel mounted on the rocker. This allows for good compensation of height tolerances in the guide rail. The term "adjusted" can also be referred to or viewed as "preloaded."

[0025] It is also advantageous if the force generator comprises a preloaded, elastic spring element (e.g., a spring or a rubber buffer), a pneumatic spring, a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet. This allows the actuating force to be generated using well-proven technical means.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the drive device has a traction drive, via which the drive wheel is coupled to the motor. This makes the drive relatively quiet and low-maintenance. A toothed belt or a flat belt is particularly suitable as the traction mechanism for the traction drive.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a support body with a receptacle for hanging the hanging garment. In particular, the receptacle can comprise a fully enclosed receiving opening (eyelet) for attaching a hanger of the hanging garment or an open receiving section (hook) for inserting or suspending a hanger of the hanging garment.

[0028] It is advantageous if the support body is attached to the base body via a removable connection device. This allows the support body to be used flexibly and accommodates a wide variety of hanging items.

[0029] It is advantageous if the overhead conveyor device comprises the hanging goods, which can be transported with the transport carrier, and the hanging goods have a transport bag with a bag body for storing goods. In particular, the transport bag and the transport carrier are coupled to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the transport bag comprises a hanging carrier, wherein the hanging carrier and the transport carrier are articulated to one another via an articulated connection such that the hanging carrier can be pivoted relative to the transport carrier about an axis running essentially parallel to the overhead conveyor device (or essentially parallel to the transport direction of the transport carrier). The transport carrier can be provided with a first coupling element and the hanging carrier with a second coupling element, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be coupled and form the articulated connection.The first coupling element can comprise a pivot mount, and the second coupling element can comprise a pivot bearing axis. The pivot bearing axis can be formed on a hook. According to another embodiment, the articulated connection between the suspended support and the transport support can comprise an elastic body, in particular made of elastomer material, which is connected to the suspended support on one side and to the transport support on the other. The suspended support and the transport support are preferably permanently or non-detachably connected to one another via the elastic body (the elastic articulated connection).

[0030] The hanging goods can generally be formed by items of clothing that hang on the transport carriers using coat hangers, or by transport bags for holding goods that hang on the transport carriers.

[0031] It is also particularly advantageous if the transport carrier and / or the transport bag has an energy storage device electrically connected to the motor and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor. In particular, the motor is connected to the energy storage device or to the energy source via a switching element or control element. The energy storage device can be designed, for example, as an accumulator or as a capacitor (e.g. as a “supercap”). The energy storage device can be charged while the transport carrier is moving, for example via an energy supply system arranged along the guide rail or along the travel surface, or stationary at a charging station of the order picking system. The energy source can be designed, for example, as a solar module and can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to an energy storage device.The proposed measures enable or support individual movement of the transport carrier within the picking system. In particular, the proposed transport carrier is, at least temporarily, independent of the picking system's (stationary) power supply system.

[0032] It is also advantageous if the overhead conveyor device has an electrical power supply system comprising an insulator and exposed electrical conductors arranged along the guide rail, in particular on the guide rail, wherein the transport carrier has current collectors which are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors and are electrically connected to the motor. This makes it possible to supply a transport carrier with power independently of an energy storage device optionally provided in the transport carrier or independently of an energy source optionally provided in the transport carrier, and to enable the drive of the transport carrier. Furthermore, an energy storage device provided in the transport carrier can also be charged via the power supply system, in particular during movement of the transport carrier.The current collectors can, for example, be designed as sliding contacts and slide / slide along the electrical conductors as the transport carrier moves. The electrical conductors can then also be considered and / or referred to as "conductor lines." If the electrical conductors are arranged on or at the support rail and the collectors roll along them, the collectors can also be designed as the wheels of the transport carrier.

[0033] It is further advantageous if the overhead conveyor device has an inductive energy supply system or an inductive energy transmission system along the guide rail, in particular on the guide rail, and the energy is transmitted to the motor (and optionally to a charging circuit of an energy storage device connected to the motor) of the transport carrier inductively. This allows the energy to be transmitted to the transport carrier without contact and thus silently and without wear. In particular, the inductive energy supply system can have at least one electrical conductor running parallel to the guide rail and a coil arranged on the transport carrier and electrically connected to the motor, wherein the energy is transmitted to the coil without contact.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor. This allows the magnetic flux to be better guided and the efficiency of the inductive energy transfer to be improved.

[0034] Advantageously, the electrical power supply system is only provided or present on straight sections of the guide rail. This allows for a simpler electrical power supply system. In curves and on switches, the motor can be powered by the energy storage device or energy source of the transport carrier in this embodiment.

[0035] It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the overhead conveyor device has a feed device which is assigned to a transport section of the guide rail which runs from a first height level to a second height level which is different from the first height level, wherein the feed device is operatively connected to the transport carrier and the transport carrier is subjected to a feed force by the feed device at least during a transport movement between the different height levels. This enables the transport carrier to be moved forward safely even on steep sections of track. The feed force can act in addition to the drive force. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the drive to be switched off in the transport section and only the feed force acts on the transport carrier.For example, the feed device in the transport section can have a rack running parallel to the guide rail, and the transport carrier can have a gear that meshes with the rack and is coupled to the motor. It is advantageous if the drive wheel and the gear are coupled to one another, particularly in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, the drive wheel and the gear can be mounted on a common drive shaft and arranged axially offset from one another. Alternatively, the feed device can be formed, for example, by a bolt that is mounted on a traction drive and can engage behind the transport carrier in a form-fitting manner.

[0036] It is furthermore advantageous if at least some of the wheels of the transport carrier are designed in duplicate and are arranged in pairs symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, wherein in an operating state of the transport carrier one set, in particular a first set or a second set, of the paired wheels is in engagement with the guide rail. This allows a change of direction in switches to take place in a simple manner, the transport carrier being of simple construction. In this case, those wheels which are arranged on a first side of the vertical plane preferably form the first set of paired wheels, and those wheels which are arranged on a second side of the vertical plane preferably form the second set of paired wheels.

[0037] It is also particularly advantageous if the guide rail has a first running surface and a second running surface, the first running surface and the second running surface running parallel or inclined to one another with a mutual horizontal spacing. This allows the transport carrier to be mounted particularly stably on the guide rail. The first and second running surfaces can in particular be aligned inclined towards one another and extend parallel to one another along a direction of extension. Furthermore, one of the said wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the first drive wheel of a first pair of drive wheels and another wheel of the said wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the second drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels. Optionally, the first drive wheel can rest so as to be able to roll on the first running surface and the second drive wheel can rest so as to be able to roll on the second running surface.The first drive wheel and the second drive wheel of the first drive wheel pair can, for example, be arranged coaxially on a first drive shaft coupled to the motor. The coaxial arrangement of the two drive wheels results in a very compact drive design.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the overhead conveyor device, one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the first drive wheel of a second pair of drive wheels and can roll on the first running surface, and another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the second drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels and can roll on the second running surface. The first drive wheel and the second drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels can be arranged coaxially on a second drive shaft coupled to the motor. This allows the transport carrier to be mounted even more stably on the guide rail.

[0039] Advantageously, the transport carrier is suspended from the guide rail by means of the aforementioned drive wheels. In particular, the transport carrier can be suspended from the guide rail by means of the drive wheel if (only) one drive wheel is provided. However, the transport carrier can also be suspended from the guide rail with the first and / or second drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels if a first pair of drive wheels is provided, and additionally with the first and / or second drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels if a second pair of drive wheels is provided. As a result, the weight of the transport carrier and possibly the weight of the hanging goods causes a contact force of the drive wheel on the running surface or a contact force of the drive wheels on the running surfaces, thereby increasing a frictional force transmitted by means of the drive wheel or the drive wheels.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if the first running surface and the second running surface are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and / or the drive wheels are arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. This not only allows the transport carrier to be stably mounted on the guide rail, but also allows the guide rail and / or the transport carrier to be constructed simply.

[0041] In another advantageous embodiment, the drive device has a traction drive, via which the aforementioned drive wheels are coupled to the motor. This makes the drive relatively quiet and low-maintenance. A toothed belt or a flat belt is particularly suitable as the traction mechanism for the traction drive.

[0042] It is also advantageous if the guide rail has a first counter-running surface and a second counter-running surface, wherein the first counter-running surface and the second counter-running surface run parallel to one another with a mutual horizontal spacing. One of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the first adjusting wheel of a first pair of adjusting wheels. Furthermore, another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the second adjusting wheel of the first pair of adjusting wheels. In this case, for example, the first adjusting wheel and the second adjusting wheel of the first pair of adjusting wheels can be arranged coaxially on a first bearing axis.Furthermore, one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the first adjusting wheel of a second adjusting wheel pair, and another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier can be designed as the second adjusting wheel of the second adjusting wheel pair, wherein the first adjusting wheel and the second adjusting wheel of the second adjusting wheel pair are arranged coaxially on a second bearing axis. The arrangement of the adjusting wheels is very compact due to the coaxial design. In particular, the first adjusting wheel, in particular of the first adjusting wheel pair and / or of the second adjusting wheel pair, can each roll against the first counter-running surface, and the second adjusting wheel, in particular of the second adjusting wheel pair and / or of the second adjusting wheel pair, can each roll against the second counter-running surface. The proposed measures improve the guidance of the transport carrier on the guide rail.According to one possible design, the counter-running surface runs parallel to the running surface with a horizontal and / or vertical distance. The "adjusting wheels" can alternatively be referred to or viewed as "counter-running wheels."

[0043] It is particularly advantageous if the first counter-running surface and the second counter-running surface are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, and / or if the adjusting wheels are arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. This not only allows the transport carrier to be mounted particularly stably on the guide rail, but also allows the guide rail and / or the transport carrier to be constructed simply.

[0044] It is also particularly advantageous if the transport carrier has an adjusting device by means of which the first adjusting wheel is applied with a first adjusting force against the first counter-running surface and the second adjusting wheel is applied with a second adjusting force against the second counter-running surface. This further improves guidance of the transport carrier on the guide rail. In addition, a frictional force transmitted by the drive wheels is also increased. In particular, the weight caused by the transport carrier, the weight caused by the hanging goods and the adjusting force can act on the drive wheels. In this embodiment, the adjusting wheels can alternatively also be referred to or viewed as "counter-wheels", "pressure wheels" or "pressing wheels". Accordingly, the "adjusting force" can alternatively also be referred to or viewed as "pressing force" or "contact force".

[0045] It is also advantageous if the adjusting device, as described above, has the carriage movably mounted on the base body and the force generator positioned against the carriage, wherein the adjusting wheels are mounted on the carriage or has the rocker movably mounted on the base body and the force generator positioned against the rocker, wherein the adjusting wheels are mounted on the rocker.

[0046] In this way, height tolerances of the guide rail can be easily compensated. The term "adjusted" can alternatively be referred to or viewed as "preloaded."

[0047] It is also advantageous if the force generator comprises a preloaded, elastic spring element (e.g., a spring or rubber buffer), a pneumatic spring, a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet. This allows the actuating force to be generated using well-proven technical means.

[0048] Furthermore, it is advantageous if one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the first support wheel of a first pair of support wheels and another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the second support wheel of the first pair of support wheels, which can be arranged coaxially on the first drive shaft coupled to the motor on either side of the first pair of drive wheels. Furthermore, it is possible for one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier to be designed as the first support wheel of a second pair of support wheels and another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier to be designed as the second support wheel of the second pair of support wheels, which can be arranged coaxially on the second drive shaft coupled to the motor on either side of the second pair of drive wheels, if such a wheel is provided.The proposed measures can provide additional stability to the transport carrier on the guide rail or in a switch area and, if necessary, prevent or at least impede tipping. The support wheels can be firmly seated on the drive shaft and driven, or they can be rotatably mounted thereon and run freely. It is advantageous if the support wheels are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. In particular, the first and second support wheels of the first pair of support wheels and, if present, the first and second support wheels of the second pair of support wheels can be arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. This results in a comparatively simple design of the transport carrier.

[0049] It is further advantageous if one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the first additional adjusting wheel of a pair of additional adjusting wheels and another wheel of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the second additional adjusting wheel of the pair of additional adjusting wheels, which can be arranged coaxially on the first bearing axis on both sides of the first pair of adjusting wheels. The proposed measures can further improve the stabilization of the transport carrier on the guide rail or in a switch area and, if necessary, make tipping thereof more difficult. It is advantageous if the additional adjusting wheels are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. In particular, the first and second additional adjusting wheels of the pair of additional adjusting wheels can be arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.This means that the transport carrier is comparatively simple in design.

[0050] It is further advantageous if one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the first guide wheel of a first pair of guide wheels, and another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the second guide wheel of the first pair of guide wheels, wherein the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel of the first pair of guide wheels are each mounted about vertical axes. This allows the transport carrier to be even better stabilized on the guide rail or in a switch area, and tipping thereof can be made even more difficult.In particular, it is advantageous if one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the first guide wheel of a second pair of guide wheels and another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the second guide wheel of the second pair of guide wheels, wherein the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel of the second pair of guide wheels are each rotatably mounted about vertical axes. The aforementioned effects are then further enhanced. It is advantageous if the guide wheels are also arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. In particular, the first and second guide wheels of the first pair of guide wheels and, if present, the first and second guide wheels of the second pair of guide wheels can be arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. This, in turn, results in a comparatively simple construction of the transport carrier.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the overhead conveyor device comprises a switch in a switch section, wherein the guide rail comprises a first rail section arranged upstream of the switch in a first transport direction of the transport carrier and a second rail section and a third rail section arranged downstream of the switch in the first transport direction of the transport carrier, and wherein the switch has a switch element that can be switched between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to guide the transport carrier optionally along a first transport path between the first rail section and the second rail section or along a second transport path between the first rail section and the third rail section. This makes it possible to guide the transport carriers in the order picking system via different paths of the overhead conveyor device.

[0052] It is further conceivable for the overhead conveyor device to comprise a switch in a switch section, wherein the guide rail comprises a second rail section and a third rail section arranged upstream of the switch in a second transport direction of the transport carrier (opposite the first transport direction), and a first rail section arranged downstream of the switch in the second transport direction of the transport carrier, and that the switch has a switch element that can be switched between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to guide the transport carrier optionally along a first transport path between the second rail section and the first rail section or along a second transport path between the third rail section and the first rail section. This makes it possible to bring the transport carriers coming from different paths back together onto one rail section.

[0053] To switch a transport route, the switch element can be horizontally or vertically adjustable. Furthermore, the switch element can be designed to be pivotable or movable. The switch element can also have a first guide element for straight-ahead travel and a second guide element for detour travel, or vice versa.

[0054] The switch element can comprise a running surface and a counter-running surface, wherein the counter-running surface runs parallel to the running surface at a horizontal distance and / or a vertical distance. In particular, the switch element can comprise a first running surface and a second running surface as well as a first counter-running surface and a second counter-running surface, wherein the first running surface and the second running surface run parallel to the first counter-running surface and the second counter-running surface at a horizontal distance and / or a vertical distance. What has been said about the running surfaces of the guide rail and the drive wheels rolling thereon, as well as what has been said about the counter-running surfaces of the guide rail and the adjusting wheels rolling thereon also applies mutatis mutandis to the switch or the switch element. This also applies in particular to the effect of the adjusting device.

[0055] In one embodiment, it is provided that in the first switching position of the switch element, the first drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels (and optionally the first drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels) rests on a running surface of a first guide element of the switch element and the first adjusting wheel of the first pair of adjusting wheels (and optionally the first adjusting wheel of the second pair of adjusting wheels) rests on a counter-running surface of the first guide element when the transport carrier is moved along the switch section,and in the second switching position of the switch element, the second drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels (and optionally the second drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels) rests on a running surface of a second guide element of the switch element and the second adjusting wheel of the first pair of adjusting wheels (and optionally the second adjusting wheel of the second pair of adjusting wheels) rests on a counter-running surface of the second guide element when the transport carrier is moved along the switch section.

[0056] This means that in a switching position of the switch element, one half of the paired drive wheels and adjusting wheels engages with the switch element, whereas the other half is not engaged with the switch element in this switching position. Specifically, in the first switching position of the switch element, a first half of the paired drive wheels and adjusting wheels engages with the first guide element of the switch element, whereas the second half is not engaged with the switch element in this switching position, and vice versa.

[0057] In this case, it can be provided that in the first switching position, a first end of the running surface of the first guide element connects to the running surface of the first rail section and a second end of the running surface of the first guide element connects to the running surface of the second rail section, and in the second switching position, a first end of the running surface of the second guide element connects to the running surface of the first rail section and a second end of the running surface of the second guide element connects to the running surface of the third rail section, so that the transport carrier can be transferred optionally from the first rail section to the second or third rail section.

[0058] In the above definition, the first guide element and the second guide element each have only one running surface. However, it can also be provided that the first guide element and the second guide element each have a first and a second running surface and a first and a second counter-running surface. In this case, the following conditions apply:

[0059] In the first switching position of the switch element, the first drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels (and optionally the first drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels) rests on a first and second running surface of a first guide element of the switch element, and the first adjusting wheel of the first pair of adjusting wheels (and optionally the first adjusting wheel of the second pair of adjusting wheels) rests on a first and second counter-running surface of the first guide element when the transport carrier is moved along the switch section, and in the second switching position of the switch element, the second drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels (and optionally the second drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels) rests on a first and second running surface of a second guide element of the switch element,and the second adjusting wheel of the first adjusting wheel pair (and optionally the second adjusting wheel of the second adjusting wheel pair) rests against a first and second counter-running surface of the second guide element when the transport carrier is moved along the switch section. Here, too, in a switching position of the switch element, one half of the paired drive wheels and adjusting wheels is engaged with the switch element, whereas the other half is not engaged with the switch element in this switching position. Specifically, in the first switching position of the switch element, a first half of the paired drive wheels and adjusting wheels is again engaged with the first guide element of the switch element, whereas the second half is not engaged with the switch element in this switching position, and vice versa.

[0060] In this case, it can be provided that in the first switching position, a first end of the first running surface of the first guide element adjoins the first running surface of the first rail section and a second end of the first running surface of the first guide element adjoins the first running surface of the second rail section, and in the second switching position, a first end of the first running surface of the second guide element adjoins the first running surface of the first rail section and a second end of the first running surface of the second guide element adjoins the first running surface of the third rail section, so that the transport carrier can be transferred optionally from the first rail section to the second or third rail section.Likewise, in this case, in the first switching position, a first end of the second running surface of the first guide element adjoins the second running surface of the first rail section and a second end of the second running surface of the first guide element adjoins the second running surface of the second rail section, and in the second switching position, a first end of the second running surface of the second guide element adjoins the second running surface of the first rail section and a second end of the second running surface of the second guide element adjoins the second running surface of the third rail section, so that the transport carrier can be transferred optionally from the first rail section to the second or third rail section.

[0061] It is furthermore advantageous if the switch element, in particular the first guide element, comprises a first switch guide surface which, in the first switching position of the switch element, acts on a support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally on a support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) or interacts with a guide wheel of the first pair of guide wheels (and optionally with a guide wheel of the second pair of guide wheels), wherein the transport carrier is guided along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead, and in the second switching position of the switch element is not in any operative connection or does not interact with the transport carrier (i.e. is ineffective), and the transport carrier can be moved unhindered along the second transport path. By moving along the second transport path, the transport carrier can thus in particular be redirected.In other words, the transport carrier only interacts with the first switch guide surface when traveling straight ahead, via the support wheels or the guide wheels.

[0062] It is furthermore advantageous if the switch element, in particular the second guide element, comprises a second switch guide surface (deflection surface) which, in the first switching position of the switch element, is not operatively connected or does not interact with the transport carrier, wherein the transport carrier is movable along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead, and in the second switching position of the switch element interacts with a guide wheel of the first pair of guide wheels (and optionally with a guide wheel of the second pair of guide wheels), wherein the transport carrier is guided along the second transport path. In this way, the transport carrier can be diverted, for example. In other words, the transport carrier only interacts with the second switch guide surface (deflection surface) during a diversion, namely via the guide wheels.

[0063] Advantageously, the switch additionally comprises a switch base body on which the switch element is mounted, which switch base body comprises an upper side, a lower side, a first through-channel extending from the upper side to the lower side and running along a first transport path (for example, for straight-ahead travel), to which the first rail section connects at one end of the first through-channel and the second rail section connects at an opposite further end of the first through-channel, a second through-channel extending from the upper side to the lower side and running along a second transport path (for example, for diversion travel), which opens into the first through-channel at one end of the second through-channel and connects to the third rail section at an opposite further end of the second through-channel, and comprises a first running surface on the upper side,on which the first drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels (and optionally the first drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels) rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier is moved along the first transport path, for example straight ahead, and comprises a second running surface on which the second drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels (and optionally the second drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels) rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier is moved along the second transport path, for example diverted, comprises a first support surface on the upper side on which the first support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally the first support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) rests in a rolling manner, and comprises a second support surface on which the second support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally the second support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) rests in a rolling manner comprises a first straight guide on the upper side,on which the first support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally the first support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) rests in a rolling manner, and comprises a second straight guide on which the second support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally the second support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier is moved straight ahead, in particular along the first transport path, and comprises on the upper side a first diversion guide on which the first support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally the first support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) rests in a rolling manner, and comprises a second diversion guide on which the second support wheel of the first pair of support wheels (and optionally the second support wheel of the second pair of support wheels) rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier is diverted, in particular moved along the second transport path.

[0064] The clever arrangement of the running surface, the support surface, the straight guides and the diversion guides effectively prevents tipping of the transport carrier in the area of ​​the switch and also ensures that a driving force can be transferred from the drive wheels of the transport carrier to the guide rail.

[0065] Advantageously, the switch base body additionally comprises on the underside a first counter-running surface on which the first adjusting wheel of the (first) adjusting wheel pair rolls when the transport carrier is moved along the first transport path (for example straight ahead), and a second counter-running surface on which the second adjusting wheel of the (first) adjusting wheel pair rolls when the transport carrier is moved along the second transport path (for example diverted), on the underside a first additional support surface on which the first additional adjusting wheel of the additional adjusting wheel pair rolls, and a second additional support surface on which the second additional adjusting wheel of the additional adjusting wheel pair rolls, on the underside a first additional straight guide on which the first additional adjusting wheel of the additional adjusting wheel pair rolls, and a second additional straight guide,on which the second additional adjusting wheel of the pair of additional adjusting wheels rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier is moved straight ahead, in particular along the first transport path, and on the underside a first additional diversion guide on which the first additional adjusting wheel of the pair of additional adjusting wheels rests in a rolling manner, and a second additional diversion guide on which the second additional adjusting wheel of the pair of additional adjusting wheels rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier is diverted, in particular along the second transport path.

[0066] The clever arrangement of the counter-running surface, the additional support surface, the additional straight guides and the additional diversion guides prevents tipping of the transport carrier in the area of ​​the switch even more effectively and also improves the transmission of driving force from the drive wheels of the transport carrier to the guide rail.

[0067] It is also advantageous if the switch guide surfaces and / or the support surfaces are provided only in the area of ​​the switch. In particular, the first and second switch guide surfaces, as well as the first and second support surfaces, can be provided only in the area of ​​the switch. This allows for a simple design of the guide rails.

[0068] In one embodiment of the overhead conveyor device, at least some of the wheels of the transport carrier are double and arranged in pairs symmetrically to a vertical plane running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, wherein in a switching state of the switch (only) one set of the wheels provided in pairs on the transport carrier is in engagement with the switch element. However, it is also conceivable that at least some of the wheels of the transport carrier are double and arranged in pairs symmetrically around the said vertical plane, wherein in a switching state of the switch both sets of the wheels provided in pairs on the transport carrier are briefly in engagement with the switch element, i.e. until a drive force for the transport carrier can be completely taken over by one set of the paired drive wheels.A "set" of paired wheels is formed by the sum of those wheels that each represent a part of a wheel pair. A set can thus, in particular, comprise all the first or all the second wheels of a group of wheel pairs.

[0069] It is also advantageous if the guide rail includes rail guide surfaces and / or the switch element includes switch guide surfaces that interact with the guide wheels of the transport carrier. This allows the transport carrier to be well guided laterally and, if necessary, prevents tipping.

[0070] It is also advantageous if the drive wheels of the first pair of drive wheels and the drive wheels of the second pair of drive wheels and / or the adjusting wheels of the (first) adjusting wheel pair are all engaged with the guide rail when the transport carrier is moved along the guide rail. In particular, the first and second drive wheels of the first pair of drive wheels and the first and second drive wheels of the second pair of drive wheels and / or the first and second adjusting wheels of the adjusting wheel pair can all be engaged with the guide rail when the transport carrier is moved along the guide rail. This effectively prevents the transport carrier from tipping and, consequently, from falling off the guide rail.

[0071] In a further advantageous embodiment of the overhead conveyor device, the transport carrier and the guide rail have lateral guide elements which are provided with complementary lateral guide surfaces in order to guide the transport carrier during the transport movement along a longitudinal extent of the guide rail. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport carrier and the switch have lateral guide elements which are provided with complementary lateral guide surfaces in order to guide the transport carrier during the transport movement along the longitudinal extent of the switch. This can bring about or improve lateral guidance of the transport carrier on the guide rail or in the switch. In this context, it is advantageous if the running surfaces on the guide rail and / or on the switch each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element for this purpose.In particular, the first running surface and second running surface on the guide rail and / or on the switch can each be formed by running surfaces inclined relative to one another for this purpose and act as lateral guide surfaces. However, a lateral guide surface that is aligned perpendicular to a running surface and, in particular, adjoins it would also be conceivable. It is further advantageous if the drive wheels of the transport carrier each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element for this purpose. In particular, the first and second drive wheels of the first drive wheel pair and the first and second drive wheels of the second drive wheel pair can each have such a lateral guide surface.In particular, the drive wheels can be conical or have a conical recess for this purpose, or they can have a collar that interacts with a lateral guide surface of the guide rail and / or the switch. It is advantageous if the drive wheels each have a conical recess that extends along a circumferential surface of the respective drive wheel and that tapers, in particular, toward a rotational axis of the drive wheels. The conical recess can be formed by mutually inclined lateral guide surfaces and interact with the mutually inclined lateral guide surfaces of the guide rail and / or switch to guide the transport carrier.

[0072] In connection with the embodiment variant in which the transport carrier additionally comprises an adhesive force generator, by means of which the transport carrier movably adheres to the support structure (in particular to the running surface), it is advantageous if the drive device comprises drive elements which bear against the running surface. In this case, the drive device can comprise an electrically operated motor which is arranged on the base body, wherein a first drive element of the drive elements and a second drive element of the drive elements are coupled to the electrically operated motor. Alternatively, the drive device can comprise a plurality of electrically operated motors which are arranged on the base body, wherein a first drive element of the drive elements is coupled to a first motor of the electrically operated motors and a second drive element of the drive elements is coupled to a second motor of the electrically operated motors.

[0073] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the base body is provided with the drive elements, with the first drive element being arranged on the first transport carrier side and the second drive element being arranged on the second transport carrier side. The proposed measures allow the transport carrier to travel on the running surface both straight ahead (if the drive elements are controlled identically) and around curves (if the drive elements are controlled differently). It is advantageous if the drive elements each comprise one or more drive wheels.

[0074] This means that the drive can be constructed comparatively simply.

[0075] Furthermore, the first drive element can comprise a continuously rotating first crawler belt or chain guided around the drive wheels of the first drive element on the first transport carrier side, and / or the second drive element can comprise a continuously rotating second crawler belt or chain guided around the drive wheels of the second drive element on the second transport carrier side. This increases the contact area with the running surface.

[0076] It is particularly advantageous if the first and second drive elements each form an outer circumference, and several adhesive force generators are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements. This allows a comparatively high adhesive force to be generated between the transport carrier and the running surface, even when the drive elements are moving. Furthermore, the proposed system is fault-tolerant, since the failure of one adhesive force generator does not lead to a total failure of the system. Preferably, several adhesive force generators are arranged on a circumferential surface or on the outer circumference of the drive wheels or on a surface of the crawler belt or chain.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive force generator can be arranged on the base body between the first and second sides of the transport carrier. This allows the adhesive force generator to be attached to fixed, non-moving parts of the transport carrier, simplifying the construction of the transport carrier.

[0078] It is particularly advantageous if the adhesive force generator comprises a permanent magnet, adhesive lamellae (based on the gecko principle), suction cups, and / or a hook-and-loop fastener (particularly a part of a hook-and-loop fastener), for example, hooks or mushroom heads of a hook-and-loop fastener. If the adhesive force generator comprises a permanent magnet, it is advantageous if the support structure forms a running surface and is made of a (ferro)magnetic material (e.g., sheet steel), with the transport carrier movably adhering to the running surface via (or with the aid of) the permanent magnets. This means that the transport carrier then adheres to the running surface through the magnetic force.While the use of one or more permanent magnets for the aforementioned purpose is advantageous, it would also be conceivable to use one or more electromagnets to generate the adhesive force required to adhere the transport carrier to the running surface. A particular advantage is that the adhesive force can be generated without contact. This means that the at least one permanent magnet does not have to be in contact with the running surface, but can be slightly spaced from it. In addition to the (electro)magnetic principle, other technologies can also be used to generate an adhesive force, namely the aforementioned adhesive lamellas (based on the gecko principle), suction cups and / or hooks or mushroom heads of a Velcro fastener. In this case, the adhesive force is generated by contact between the adhesive force generator and the running surface. It is particularly advantageous if the adhesive force generators are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements, as described above.While the running surface is designed to be smooth when using adhesive strips and / or suction cups, it can have a portion of a hook-and-loop connection with a hook-and-loop connection. The other portion of the hook-and-loop connection is then arranged on the transport carrier (especially on the outer circumference of the drive elements). Suction cups can also be connected to a vacuum generator to generate or increase the adhesive force.

[0079] It is also particularly advantageous if the transport carrier comprises an articulated arrangement which enables the hanging goods to be pivoted out relative to the base body by more than 45° and in particular by at least 90° transversely to the direction of movement of the transport carrier. This makes it possible for the transport carrier to travel on non-horizontally aligned travel surfaces without the movement being impeded by the hanging goods. The travel surface can be slanted or even vertically aligned and then, in principle, form a wall. The transport carriers adhering to the travel surface can also travel on this wall. For example, a space-saving storage area for the transport carriers can be created in this way. For the aforementioned purpose, the transport carrier can have an extension rod with an eyelet arranged thereon and a hook for hanging goods rotatably mounted therein.By selecting the catches of the extension rod accordingly, the lateral swing angle in particular can be influenced.

[0080] In the embodiment variant in which the transport carrier additionally comprises an adhesive force generator, by means of which the transport carrier movably adheres to the support structure, it is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier has an energy storage device electrically connected to the motor and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the transport carrier comprises the hanging goods, which have a transport bag with a bag body for storing goods, wherein the transport bag has an energy storage device electrically connected to the motor and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor.

[0081] In particular, the motor can in turn be connected to the energy storage device or to the energy source via a switching element or a control element. The energy storage device can be designed, for example, as an accumulator or as a capacitor (e.g. as a “supercap”). The energy storage device can be charged during movement of the transport carrier, for example via an energy supply system arranged along the support structure or travel surface, or stationary at a charging station of the order picking system. The energy source can be designed, for example, as a solar module and can be provided in addition to or alternatively to an energy storage device. The proposed measures enable or support individual movement of the transport carrier in the order picking system. In particular, the proposed transport carrier is at least temporarily independent of a (stationary) energy supply system of the order picking system.

[0082] It is also advantageous if the overhead conveyor device has an electrical power supply system comprising an insulator and exposed electrical conductors which run along the support structure or running surface (and in particular are arranged thereon), wherein the transport carrier has current collectors which are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors and are electrically connected to the motor.

[0083] This makes it possible to supply a transport carrier with power and drive the transport carrier independently of an optional energy storage device on the transport carrier or independently of an optional energy source on the transport carrier. Furthermore, an energy storage device on the transport carrier can also be charged via the energy supply system, in particular while the transport carrier is moving. The current collectors can, for example, be designed as sliding contacts and slide / slide on the electrical conductors when the transport carrier moves. If the electrical conductors are arranged on the support structure or running surface and the collectors roll on them, the collectors can also be designed as wheels on the transport carrier.

[0084] It is further advantageous if the overhead conveyor device has an inductive energy supply system or an inductive energy transmission system along the support structure, in particular on or at the support structure or travel surface, and the energy is transmitted to the motor (and optionally to a charging circuit of an energy storage device connected to the motor) of the transport carrier inductively. This allows the energy to be transmitted to the transport carrier without contact and thus silently and without wear. In particular, the inductive energy supply system can have at least one electrical conductor running parallel to the support structure or travel surface and a coil which is arranged on the transport carrier and electrically connected to the motor, wherein the energy is transmitted to the coil without contact.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor. This allows the magnetic flux to be better guided and the efficiency of the inductive energy transfer to be improved.

[0085] Advantageously, the electrical power supply system is only provided on straight sections of the track. This allows for a simpler electrical power supply system. In curves and on switches, the motor is powered by the energy storage device or the energy source of the transport vehicle.

[0086] In the embodiment variant in which the transport carrier additionally comprises an adhesive force generator, by means of which the transport carrier movably adheres to the support structure, it is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier comprises the base body and a support body with a receptacle for hanging the hanging goods. In particular, the support body can be replaceably attached to the base body via a connecting device. Furthermore, the hanging goods can comprise a transport bag with a bag body for storing goods.

[0087] In connection with embodiments in which the transport carrier has a drive controller and an associated writable and readable memory, it is advantageous if the drive controller is designed to influence or control a movement of the transport carrier on the support structure based on movement data stored in the memory. In particular, a route of the transport carrier, a speed of the transport carrier, an acceleration of the transport carrier, and / or a distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier can be influenced based on the movement data.For example, the movement data for this purpose can include a target route of the transport carrier, a target speed of the transport carrier, a target acceleration of the transport carrier, and / or a target distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier. These data can then be loaded into the drive control system, which uses the stored or stored transport data or parameters for a movement of the transport carrier assigned to them. Accordingly, the drive control system can move the transport carrier along the stored route, set or regulate the stored target speed of the transport carrier, set or regulate the stored target acceleration of the transport carrier, and / or set or regulate the stored target distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier.In general, the movement of the transport carrier can be influenced by control and / or regulation interventions.

[0088] It is also advantageous if the support structure has at least one control element, and the drive control is configured to influence or control a movement of a control element of the support structure based on control data stored or stored in the memory. In particular, such a control element can be understood as a switch element of a switch, which can be switched by the drive control as needed. However, other devices in a picking system, such as a lift, can also be controlled by the drive control. In general, the movement of the control element can be influenced by control and / or regulating interventions.

[0089] It is advantageous if the drive control of the transport carrier and / or the at least one control element of the support structure are designed for optical, wired, or radio-based communication. For example, data and commands can be sent from a higher-level control of the overhead conveyor or the order-picking system to the transport carrier, or vice versa. For wired communication, powerline communication technology is particularly suitable, specifically by using a power supply system of the overhead conveyor for data transmission.

[0090] In an advantageous embodiment of the overhead conveyor device, the transport carrier comprises a light source connected to the travel control system, and the control element of the support structure comprises a light-sensitive element. A control command can be transmitted from the travel control system of the transport carrier to the control element of the support structure via the light-sensitive element. In other words, the transmission of data or control commands from the transport carrier to the support structure occurs optically. For example, it can be provided that the control element is activated or switched when the light-sensitive element receives light from the light source. This light can be modulated or unmodulated. Furthermore, with appropriate modulation of the light source, more complex data transmission is also possible.

[0091] It is particularly advantageous if the control element of the support structure (in particular the guide rail) is designed as a switch, and a control command from the drive control of the transport carrier causes the switch to switch to a predeterminable switching position. In this way, the drive control of the transport carrier can actively switch a switch and thus also actively determine its path over the overhead conveyor. The switch can be designed as previously described.

[0092] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier has a travel surface sensor connected to the travel control, with which a travel marking and / or control marking arranged on the support structure can be read, which influences a movement of the transport carrier on the support structure. In particular, the travel surface sensor can be designed as an optical travel surface sensor and the travel marking as an optical travel marking and / or the control marking as an optical control marking. In other words, the behavior of the transport carrier in this embodiment is influenced by markings on the support structure. The (optical) marking can, for example, be designed as a travel marking or travel line on the travel surface of the support structure, along which the transport carrier is intended to travel.The (optical) marking can also be designed as a control marking or control element for the transport carrier and influence the further behavior of the transport carrier. For example, the control marking can act as a turning point if the marking influences the direction of travel of the transport carrier at a switch, or as a stopping point if the marking causes the transport carrier to stop. Changes in the speed of the transport carrier, changes in the acceleration of the transport carrier, and / or changes in the distance of the transport carrier from another transport carrier can also be influenced by a control marking. An optical marking can be painted, glued, or printed onto the support structure. The optical marking can, in particular, be designed as a barcode or QR code.In addition, the optical marking (in the transport direction) can also be longer and affect several consecutive transport carriers. Although the use of optical markings is advantageous, markings based on other methods, such as magnetic markings, can of course also be used.

[0093] It is also particularly advantageous if the support structure has a controllable light source and the transport carrier has an optical driving surface sensor connected to the driving control system, wherein a control command can be transmitted from the support structure to the driving control system of the transport carrier by means of the light source and the optical driving surface sensor. In particular, the controllable light source on the transport carrier or the support structure can have several individually activatable and matrix-like light points. As a result, the control commands transmitted to the transport carrier are not fixed, but can be flexibly adapted to a specific situation. The light points can act as driving markings and / or control markings. The above statements regarding driving markings and / or control markings therefore apply accordingly.

[0094] In this context, "arranged in a matrix" can mean that several luminous dots are arranged in a row (in the form of a 1 x m matrix), thus forming a row of luminous dots. This can, in particular, create a one-dimensional control command. Furthermore, "arranged in a matrix" can mean that, if necessary, several, in particular at least two, such rows of luminous dots are arranged next to one another (in the form of an n x m matrix, where n > 1). This can, for example, create a multidimensional control command, thereby increasing the number of control commands that can be created.

[0095] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the driving control of the transport carrier is designed to receive a path definition from a higher-level control, wherein the path definition specifies a path for the transport carrier at least in one switch section of the support structure, to store a received path definition in the memory of the transport carrier, and to select one of several paths in the switch section according to the received path definition. For example, the selection of a path can comprise autonomous switching of switches of the support structure by means of the driving control and the path definition. With the help of the proposed measures, the autonomy of the transport carrier is realized in that it independently determines its path in a switch section. For example, the transport carrier can follow one of several route markings for this purpose.In particular, this can also be achieved by the transport carrier independently controlling the switches of the overhead conveyor device based on the path definition in the memory. In this way, autonomous movement of the transport carrier can be achieved particularly well. The higher-level control system specifies the path, which the transport carrier then travels autonomously with the help of the drive control system. The path definition can, for example, include the selection of a specific route marker in a switch section or the sequence for switching the next four switches, for example the sequence "straight ahead, detour, detour, straight ahead." As mentioned, this path definition is transmitted to the drive control system, stored in the memory, and then serves to autonomously select a route marker or autonomously switch the switches.This means that in the first switch section, the marking that causes straight-ahead travel is selected; in the second switch section, the marking that causes a detour is selected, and so on. In the case of switchable switches, this means that the first switch that the transport carrier reaches during its movement is controlled so that the switch element is set to straight-ahead travel; the second switch is controlled so that the switch element is set to detour travel, and so on. The transmission of the path definition can be optical, radio-based, or wired. The sequence for switching the next four switches, for example, can also be direction-independent and simply specify switching commands for the switches, for example the sequence "do not switch, switch, switch, do not switch." A switching command is not tied to a specific direction. Depending on the design of the switch, "switching" can mean straight-ahead travel or a detour.The same applies to non-switching. The sequence can also be specified purely in binary, for example, in the sequence "0, 1, 1, 0," and then used directly to control a light source of the transport carrier connected to the drive control system, provided the switch has a light-sensitive element for controlling it.

[0096] It would also be conceivable for a switch to be activated using a control marking located in the area of ​​the support structure and detectable by the transport carrier. This is useful, for example, when several rail lines are converged onto one rail line at a switch. In this case, control markings can advantageously be provided well in advance of the switch to ensure correct switching of a switch element. It is also advantageous if the drive control of the transport carrier is designed to receive the weight of a mass carried by the transport carrier from a higher-level control system, to store this weight in the memory of the transport carrier, and to execute an acceleration profile depending on this weight. In this way, the driving dynamics of the transport carrier can be adapted to the goods.The specified weight can, for example, come from a database in which the weight assigned to a particular item is stored, or be determined by weighing. In particular, the weight of the mass carried by the carrier can also influence the compensation of any pendulum movement of the hanging goods, if such a control is provided.

[0097] It is also particularly advantageous if the drive control of the transport carrier is designed to regulate the speed of the transport carrier and / or to regulate the distance from another transport carrier. This allows the speed and / or distance from another transport carrier to be individually regulated. The ferry operation of the transport carrier can thus be carried out or influenced particularly flexibly. To regulate the distance, the transport carrier can be provided with at least one distance sensor, which is connected to the drive control (for signal and / or data transmission).

[0098] It is also particularly advantageous if the transport carrier has several distance sensors connected to the drive control system (for signal and / or data transmission) and arranged such that, in pairs, they enclose an angle of more than 0° and less than 180°. This allows the distance between transport carriers to be effectively controlled, even in curves or in switch areas. In this case, the signal from the distance sensor pointing toward the inside of the curve is evaluated preferentially or exclusively. For example, the distance sensor can be designed as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0099] It is advantageous if the target speed of the transport carrier or the target distance of the transport carrier from another transport carrier is set using a control marking located near the support structure and detectable by the transport carrier. This allows the behavior of the transport carrier to be influenced simply by applying appropriate markings to the support structure. Complex data transmission processes from a higher-level control system are not necessary.It is furthermore advantageous if the transport carrier has a driving surface sensor connected to the driving control system, with which a control marking arranged on the support structure can be read, wherein detection of the control marking triggers a report from the driving control system to a higher-level control system, or has a short-range radio receiver connected to the driving control system, with which a signal from a short-range radio transmitter arranged on the support structure can be received, wherein reception of the signal by the short-range radio receiver triggers a report from the driving control system to a higher-level control system, or has a short-range radio transmitter, wherein reception of a signal from the short-range radio transmitter of the transport carrier by a short-range radio receiver arranged on the support structure triggers a report from the transport carrier (with the aid of the short-range radio receiver) to a higher-level control system.

[0100] Further actions can be linked to the reporting, for example the transmission of commands or data from the higher-level control system to the transport carrier. For example, a target speed, a target acceleration, and / or a target distance of the transport carrier from another, preceding transport carrier can be transmitted to the transport carrier. The reporting point can be formed by an (optical) control mark. If this control mark is detected by the driving surface sensor, in this design variant this triggers a report from the driving control system to the higher-level control system, which in turn can trigger the follow-up actions already described. The reporting point can also be formed by a short-range radio transmitter mounted on the support structure.If its signal is received by the transport carrier's short-range radio receiver, the drive control also triggers a report to a higher-level control system, which can initiate the follow-up actions already described. Alternatively, the transport carrier can be equipped with a short-range radio transmitter. If its signal is detected by a short-range radio receiver mounted on the support structure, this in turn triggers a report to a higher-level control system, which can also trigger the follow-up actions already described. In both cases, it is advantageous if the short-range radio transmitter transmits a unique identifier so that it can be determined from which short-range radio transmitter a signal is being received. In this context, "short range" specifically means a range of a few centimeters to a few meters (for example, less than two meters).Preferably, the drive control signal to the higher-level controller can cause or trigger the transmission of a path definition to the drive control by the higher-level controller. For example, the transport network formed by the support structure or by the guide rail and switches can be divided into several segments separated by signal points. When the drive control actively signals at a signal point (e.g., a control marker acting as a signal point), the drive control receives the path definition for the following segment from the higher-level controller. In this way, the measure supports the flexible and autonomous movement of the transport carrier through the transport network.

[0101] In a further advantageous embodiment of the overhead conveyor device, a local position is assigned to the travel marker and / or control marker or to the short-range radio transmitter arranged on the support structure or to the short-range radio receiver arranged on the support structure. The signal from the travel controller to the higher-level controller causes the higher-level controller to adjust the path definition based on this position if a target position of the transport carrier does not match the local position of the travel marker and / or control marker or the short-range radio transmitter or the short-range radio receiver. It may happen that the actual position of the transport carrier does not match the position of the transport carrier assumed by the travel controller.Selecting a path in a switch section and switching switches according to the path definition stored in memory then leads to incorrect switching and misrouting. However, with the proposed measures, a deviation between the actual position of the transport carrier and the position assumed by the control system can be taken into account and the target position of the transport carrier can be corrected, i.e., set to its actual position.

[0102] It would also be conceivable for the control marker or the short-range radio transmitter or receiver arranged on the support structure to be designed to cause the travel controls of several transport carriers to report simultaneously to the higher-level control system. In this way, the behavior of a group of transport carriers can be influenced. It is advantageous if a power supply system of the overhead conveyor device (for example, a conductor line or an inductive power supply system) is also designed for wired communication with the travel control of the transport carrier. This allows the power supply system to provide a dual benefit.

[0103] It is also advantageous if the energy supply system of the overhead conveyor is divided into several supply segments, each of which has different addresses in a communication system of the overhead conveyor. In particular, the address can be detected by the transport carrier. This makes it relatively easy to locate a transport carrier.

[0104] It is also advantageous if the energy supply system of the overhead conveyor device is divided into several supply segments, wherein a local position is assigned to one of the supply segments of the energy supply system, and the entry of the transport carrier into this supply segment causes an adjustment of the path definition based on the local position assigned to this supply segment by a higher-level controller if a target position of the transport carrier does not match the local position of the supply segment of the energy supply system. Of course, it can be provided that each supply segment is assigned a local position, wherein the adjustment of the path definition takes place depending on the respective supply segment into which the transport carrier has entered.Selecting a specific route or switching points according to the route definition stored in memory will, in turn, lead to incorrect switching and misrouting if the deviation occurs. However, the proposed measures can account for a deviation between the actual position of the transport carrier and the position assumed by the control system, and the target position of the transport carrier can be corrected, i.e., reset to its actual position (in this case, to the position of the supply segment into which the transport carrier enters).

[0105] In the embodiment variant in which the transport carrier has a drive control and a memory connected thereto which is designed to be writable and readable, it is particularly advantageous if the electrical energy supply system comprises an insulator and exposed electrical conductors which run along the support structure or driving surface (and in particular are arranged on or at this), and the transport carrier has current collectors which are in electrical contact with the conductors and are both electrically connected to a motor of the drive device and electrically connected to the drive control via a communication module of the transport carrier.This not only makes it possible to supply a transport carrier with power independently of an energy storage device or energy source provided in the transport carrier, but also to transmit data and / or control commands to and from the transport carrier via the electrical power supply system. A voltage applied to the electrical conductors or an electrical signal applied to the electrical conductors is also applied to the inputs of the communication module, which can extract the data from the signal and convert it. The communication module is thus also connected to the current collectors or the electrical conductors for data purposes.In particular, the communication module can also provide galvanic isolation between the current collectors and the drive control inputs, for example, using an optocoupler or an isolating transformer. Of course, the power supply to the communication module, the drive control, and other modules can also be provided via the current collectors. The current collectors can, for example, be designed as sliding contacts and slide / slide on the electrical conductors when the transport carrier moves. If the electrical conductors are arranged on the support structure or running surface and the collectors roll on them, the collectors can also be designed as the wheels of the transport carrier.

[0106] It is further advantageous if the overhead conveyor device has an inductive energy supply system or an inductive energy transmission system along the support structure, in particular on the support structure, and / or along the running surface, in particular on the running surface, and the energy transmission to a motor of the drive device of the transport carrier and / or data transmission to a communication module of the transport carrier connected to the drive control system takes place inductively. This allows the energy transmission to the transport carrier and also the transmission of data and / or control commands to and from the transport carrier to take place contactlessly.In particular, the inductive energy supply system can have at least one electrical conductor running along the support structure or driving surface, as well as a coil arranged on the transport carrier and electrically connected to the motor and the communication module, wherein the energy and / or data transmission to the coil takes place contactlessly. A voltage applied to the coil or an electrical signal applied to the coil is also applied to the inputs of the communication module, which can extract the data from the signal and convert it. The communication module is thus also connected to the coil or the electrical conductors for data purposes. In particular, galvanic isolation between the coil and inputs of the drive control can be provided in the communication module, for example using an optocoupler or an isolating transformer.Of course, the power supply for the communication module, the drive control, and other modules can also be provided via the coil. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor. This allows for better guidance of the magnetic flux and improves the efficiency of the inductive energy transfer.

[0107] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0108] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0109] Fig. 1 is a view of a first example of a suspended conveyor device with a guide rail and a transport carrier mounted thereon, viewed obliquely from above;

[0110] Fig. 2 shows the transport carrier from Fig. 1 in a detailed oblique view;

[0111] Fig. 3 shows a section of a suspended conveyor device with an inductive energy transmission system in front view;

[0112] Fig. 4 is a view of the transport carrier from Fig. 1 on the guide rail near a switch in the straight-ahead position, viewed diagonally from above;

[0113] Fig. 5 is a view of the transport carrier from Fig. 1 on the guide rail near a switch in the diversion position from an angle above;

[0114] Fig. 6 is a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 5;

[0115] Fig. 8 shows a section of another exemplary overhead conveyor device with chamfered guide rail and conically shaped wheels of the transport carrier in front view;

[0116] Fig. 9 is a front view of another exemplary overhead conveyor device with an additional feed device in front view;

[0117] Fig. 10 is a view of another example of a suspended conveyor device with a two-part guide rail and a transport carrier mounted thereon, viewed obliquely from above;

[0118] Fig. 11 the transport carrier from Fig. 10 in a detailed oblique view;

[0119] Fig. 12 a view of the guide rail without the transport carrier in the area of ​​a switch from above;

[0120] Fig. 13 a detailed view of the switch from Fig. 12 from diagonally above;

[0121] Fig. 14 a view of the guide rail without the transport carrier in the area of ​​the switch from below;

[0122] Fig. 15 a detailed view of the switch from Fig. 14 from below;

[0123] Fig. 16 a view of the guide rail with the transport carrier in the area of ​​the switch when driving straight ahead, obliquely from above;

[0124] Fig. 17 is a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 16;

[0125] Fig. 18 is a detailed view of the front view shown in Fig. 17 in the area of ​​the switch;

[0126] Fig. 19 a view of the guide rail with the transport carrier in the area of ​​the switch during diversion from above;

[0127] Fig. 20 is a front view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is a detailed view of the front view shown in Fig. 20 in the area of ​​the switch;

[0128] Fig. 22 a view of another exemplary transport carrier with hanging goods from an angle from above;

[0129] Fig. 23 is a view of an overhead conveyor device with a running surface and the transport carrier from Fig. 22 adhering thereto, seen obliquely from below;

[0130] Fig. 24 the transport carrier from Fig. 22 in a detailed view from above;

[0131] Fig. 25 the transport carrier from Fig. 22 in a detailed view from below;

[0132] Fig. 26 shows the overhead conveyor device from Fig. 23 in a detailed representation in front view;

[0133] Fig. 27 an exemplary transport carrier with caterpillar tracks from an angle above;

[0134] Fig. 28 a hanging conveyor device with an exemplary transport carrier and articulated connection to the hanging goods in front view;

[0135] Fig. 29 an exemplary electrical block diagram of a transport carrier and

[0136] Fig. 30 a schematic representation of a section of a transport network with a switch.

[0137] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position.

[0138] Fig. 1 shows an oblique view of an overhead conveyor device 1a for a picking system, which comprises a support structure 71 designed as a guide rail 2a with a running surface A running along the guide rail 2a, as well as a transport carrier 3a for transporting hanging goods 4. In this example, the hanging goods 4 comprise a transport bag with a bag body 5, which is attached to a hanger 6 and is intended for storing goods 7. Alternatively, the hanging goods 4 can also be formed by a piece of clothing that hangs on the transport carrier 3a with the aid of a clothes hanger.

[0139] The transport carrier 3a can have a base body 8a and a support body 9 with a receptacle for hanging the hanging garment 4, as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 1. Here, the receptacle comprises a fully enclosed receiving opening for hooking the hanger 6 of the hanging garment 4. Alternatively, an open receiving section (hook) could also be provided for hooking or hanging the hanger 6 of the hanging garment 4. The support body 9 can be interchangeably attached to the base body 8a, in particular via a connecting device.

[0140] Fig. 2 shows the transport carrier 3a in detail. The transport carrier 3a comprises a base body 8a and several wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b rotatably mounted thereon. The transport carrier 3a further comprises a drive device 10a for moving the transport carrier 3a along the guide rail 2a. The drive device 10a has an electrically operated motor 11a, which is mounted on the transport carrier 3a. As shown by way of example in Fig. 2, the motor 11a can be connected to the base body 8a via a motor mount 12a. In this case, the motor mount 12a can also be considered part of the base body 8a.

[0141] At least one of the wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b mounted on the base body 8a is designed as a drive wheel 13a, 13b, which is coupled to the motor 11a. In this example, a first drive wheel 13a and a second drive wheel 13b of a drive wheel pair 14 are provided, which are arranged coaxially on a common drive shaft and coupled to the motor 11a, in particular via a traction drive of the drive device 10a. The traction drive can comprise, as shown in Fig. 2, a motor pinion 15a, a gear 16a mounted on the drive shaft, and a toothed belt 17a guided around the motor pinion 15a and the gear 16a.

[0142] As can be seen particularly from Fig. 1, the first drive wheel 13a can rest on the running surface A in a rolling manner. In other words, the transport carrier 3a hangs on the guide rail 2a by means of the first drive wheel 13a. As a result, the weight of the transport carrier 3a and, if applicable, a weight of the hanging garment 4 causes a pressing force of the first drive wheel 13a on the running surface A, thereby increasing a frictional force transmitted by the first drive wheel 13a.

[0143] Preferably, the electrically operated motor 11a is arranged above the drive wheels 13a, 13b on the base body 8a. Furthermore, the electrically operated motor 11a can be arranged above the guide rail 2a when the transport carrier 3a hangs on the guide rail 2a, as is particularly evident in Fig. 1. This allows the drive wheels 13a, 13b to be coupled easily and quickly to the electric motor 11a, or the motor 11a to be arranged where sufficient space is normally available anyway.

[0144] It is advantageous if the guide rail 2a has a counter-running surface B running along it and if at least one wheel of the wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b mounted on the base body 8a is designed as an adjusting wheel 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b and rolls on the counter-running surface B, as is the case in the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A first adjusting wheel 18a and a second adjusting wheel 18b of a first adjusting wheel pair 19 and a first adjusting wheel 20a and a second adjusting wheel 20b of a second adjusting wheel pair 21 are provided. In the state shown in Fig. 1, the first adjusting wheel 18a of the first adjusting wheel pair 19 and the first adjusting wheel 20a of the second adjusting wheel pair 21 roll on the counter-running surface B. This improves the guidance of the transport carrier 3a on the guide rail 2a.It is advantageous for the counter-running surface B to run parallel to the running surface A at a vertical distance, as is the case in the example shown. A horizontal distance between the running surface A and the counter-running surface B would also be possible.

[0145] It is also advantageous if the transport carrier 3a has an adjusting device 22a, by means of which the adjusting wheels 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b are applied with an adjusting force against the counter-running surface B, as is the case in the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This further improves the guidance of the transport carrier 3a on the guide rail 2a. In addition, a frictional force transmitted by the drive wheel 13a is also increased. In particular, the weight force caused by the transport carrier 3a, the weight force caused by the hanging garment 4, and the adjusting force can act on the drive wheel 13a. For this purpose, the adjusting device 22a, as shown by way of example, can comprise a carriage 23a movably mounted on the base body 8a and a force generator 24a positioned against the carriage 23a, wherein the adjusting wheels 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b are mounted on the carriage 23a. The force generator 24a is formed, for example, by a preloaded spring.In principle, however, the use of other force generators would also be conceivable, for example, the use of a preloaded rubber buffer, a pneumatic spring, a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the carriage 23a is mounted vertically displaceably on the base body 8a. Alternatively, the use of a swing arm movably (rotatably) mounted on the base body 8a and a force generator positioned against the swing arm would also be conceivable, with the adjusting wheels 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b mounted on the swing arm.

[0146] In the transport carrier 3a shown in Figs. 1 and 2, some of the wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b mounted on the base body 8a are also designed as guide wheels. The exemplary transport carrier 3a shown in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises several, in particular in this context a total of sixteen, guide wheels arranged in pairs, each of which is mounted around vertical axes. In the area of ​​the drive wheels 13a, 13b there are several, in particular eight, guide wheels, of which only two are explicitly designated in Fig. 2, specifically the first guide wheel 25a and the second guide wheel 25b of a first guide wheel pair 26. In the area of ​​the adjusting wheels 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b there are several, in particular eight, further guide wheels, of which only two are explicitly designated in Fig. 2, specifically the first guide wheel 27a and the second guide wheel 27b of a second guide wheel pair 28.The first guide wheels 25a, 27a and two further guide wheels (not explicitly designated) on the outside left of the transport carrier 3a can, for example, in the state shown in Fig. 1, rest against the first rail guide surface C. Four further guide wheels (not explicitly designated) on the inside left of the transport carrier 3a can, for example, in the state shown in Fig. 1, rest against the second rail guide surface C'. The guide wheels 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b effectively prevent the transport carrier 3a from tipping and subsequently falling off the guide rail 2a. The guide wheels 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b are preferably arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2a, as is shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 or also in Fig. 6.The exemplary overhead conveyor device 1a shown in Figures 1 and 2 further comprises an optional energy supply system 29a, which has an insulator and exposed electrical conductors 30a, 31a that run along the guide rail 2a and, in this case, are fastened to the guide rail 2a. The energy supply system 29a comprises further electrical conductors 30b, 31b, which, however, are not visible in Figure 1 (but see Figure 6). If such an energy supply system 29a is provided, it is advantageous if the transport carrier 3a has current collectors 32a, 33a that are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors 30a, 31a and are electrically connected to the motor 11a. The transport carrier 3a can also have current collectors 32b, 33b that are alternatively in electrical contact with the further electrical conductors 30b, 31b and are also electrically connected to the motor 11a.In this example, the current collectors 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b are designed as sliding contacts that slide / slide on the electrical conductors 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b as the transport carrier 3a moves. However, the current collectors 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b can also be roller- or wheel-shaped and roll on the electrical conductors 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b. In the example shown, the electrical conductors 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b are attached to the guide rail 2a. However, this is not a mandatory requirement; the electrical conductors 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b could also run at a distance from the guide rail 2a. Instead of a contact-based energy transfer, a contactless energy transfer could also be provided using an inductive energy supply system, as described below (see Fig. 3).

[0147] Furthermore, the energy supply system 29a can be provided only on straight sections of the guide rail 2a. This allows the energy supply system 29a to be designed more simply.

[0148] Optionally, the motor 11a can be supplied from an energy storage device in curves and / or on switches (see also Fig. 29). This can be provided regardless of whether the energy supply system 29a is designed for contact-based or, as shown in Fig. 3, contactless energy transmission.

[0149] For this purpose, the transport carrier 3a and / or the hanging garment 4, in particular the transport bag, can be provided with an energy storage device electrically connected to the motor 11a or an energy source electrically connected to the motor 11a (not shown in Figs. 1 and 2). In particular, the motor 11a is connected to the energy storage device or the energy source via a switching element or control element. The energy storage device can be designed, for example, as an accumulator. The energy source can be designed as a solar module.

[0150] As an alternative to the electrical conductors 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, which function as conductor lines as described above, an inductive energy supply system can be provided along the guide rail 2a, in particular on the guide rail 2a, and the energy can be transmitted inductively to the motor 11a (and optionally to a charging circuit of a power source connected to the motor 11a) of the transport carrier 3a, as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a section of a front view of the transport carrier 3a.

[0151] In particular, the inductive energy supply system can have one or more electrical conductors 30b, 31b running parallel to the guide rail 2a, and a coil 34 arranged on the transport carrier 3a can be electrically connected to the motor 11a, wherein the energy transfer to the coil 34 takes place contactlessly, as shown in Fig. 3. Particularly preferably, the transport carrier 3a comprises a ferromagnetic core 35, around which the coil 34 is wound and which at least partially encompasses the at least one electrical conductor 31b, as shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, the ferromagnetic core 35 and the coil 34 are additionally protected by a housing 36. The coil 34, the ferromagnetic core 35 and the housing 36 are arranged not only on the left side of the transport carrier 3a, but also on its right side. In Fig. 3, the components mentioned are explicitly designated with a reference symbol on only one side.For example, the ferromagnetic core 35 and the housing 36 are explicitly provided with a reference symbol only on the left side and the coil 34 only on the right side.

[0152] Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7 now show the processes in the area of ​​a switch 37a. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows an oblique view of the transport carrier 3a on or on the guide rail 2a near the switch 37a, whereby a first transport direction D1 of the transport carrier 3a is initially assumed.

[0153] The switch 37a is assigned to a switch section E of the guide rail 2a. The guide rail 2a also comprises a first rail section F1 arranged upstream of the switch 37a in the first transport direction D1 of the transport carrier 3a and a second rail section F2 and a third rail section F3 arranged downstream of the switch 37a in the first transport direction D1 of the transport carrier 3a. The switch 37a has a switch element 38 that can be switched between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to guide the transport carrier 3a optionally along a first transport path between the first rail section F1 and the second rail section F2, in particular from the first rail section F1 to the second rail section F2, or along a second transport path between the first rail section F1 and the third rail section F3, in particular from the first rail section F1 to the third rail section F3.Here, the transport carrier 3a can be transferred along the first transport path from the first rail section F1 to the second rail section F2, which in the example shown corresponds to a straight-ahead travel of the transport carrier 3a. Alternatively, the transport carrier 3a can be transferred along the second transport path from the first rail section F1 to the third rail section F3, which in the example shown corresponds to a diversion of the transport carrier 3a. For this purpose, the switch element 38 preferably comprises a first guide element 39 for straight-ahead travel and a second guide element 40 for the diversion.

[0154] In this example, the switch element 38 is designed to be horizontally adjustable, in particular horizontally displaceable. However, it would also be conceivable for the switch element 38 to be vertically adjustable and / or pivotable, given a suitable design.

[0155] If a second transport direction D2 of the transport carrier 3a is assumed, the relationships are partially reversed. The guide rail 2a then has the first rail section Fl downstream of the switch 37a in the second transport direction D2 of the transport carrier 3a and the second rail section F2 and third rail section F3 upstream of the switch 37a in the second transport direction D2 of the transport carrier 37a. In this case, the transport carrier 3a can be guided with the switchable switch element 38 either along a first transport path between the second rail section F2 and the first rail section Fl, in particular from the second rail section F2 to the first rail section Fl, or along a second transport path between the third rail section F3 and the first rail section Fl, in particular from the third rail section F3 to the first rail section Fl. In Fig.4, the switch element 38 is in the first switching position for straight-ahead travel. In this state, the first guide element 39 for straight-ahead travel is active. The second guide element 40 for diversion, however, is inactive.

[0156] In Fig. 5, however, the switch element 38 is in the second switching position for the detour. In this state, the second guide element 40 is active for the detour. The first guide element 39, for straight-ahead travel, is inactive.

[0157] In addition, Fig. 6 shows view II and Fig. 7 shows view II-II.

[0158] The switch element 38 comprises a first running surface A1 and a second running surface A2, as well as a first counter-running surface B1 and a second counter-running surface B2. The first running surface A1 and the second running surface A2 extend at a horizontal distance from one another. Furthermore, the first counter-running surface B1 and the second counter-running surface B2 also extend at a horizontal distance from one another, in particular at the same horizontal distance as the running surfaces A1, A2. Furthermore, the running surfaces A1, A2 extend at a vertical distance and parallel to the counter-running surfaces B1, B2.

[0159] In the first switching position of the switch element 38 (see Fig. 6), the first drive wheel 13a of the drive wheel pair 14 rolls on the running surface A' of the first guide element 39 of the switch element 38 and, if applicable, the first adjusting wheel 18a of the first adjusting wheel pair 19 and the first adjusting wheel 20a of the second adjusting wheel pair 21 rest on the counter-running surface B' of the first guide element 39 when the transport carrier 3a is moved along the switch section E.

[0160] In the second switching position of the switch element 38 (see Fig. 7), the second drive wheel 13b of the drive wheel pair 14 rolls on the running surface A" of the second guide element 40 of the switch element 38 and, if appropriate, the second adjusting wheel 18b of the first adjusting wheel pair 19 and the second adjusting wheel 20b of the second adjusting wheel pair 21 rest on the counter-running surface B" of the second guide element 40 when the transport carrier 3a is moved along the switch section E.

[0161] In this case, it can be provided that in the first switching position, a first end of the running surface A' of the first guide element 39 connects to the running surface A of the first rail section F1 and a second end of the running surface A' of the first guide element 39 connects to the running surface A of the second rail section F2, and in the second switching position, a first end of the running surface A" of the second guide element 40 connects to the running surface A of the first rail section F1 and a second end of the running surface A" of the second guide element 40 connects to the running surface A of the third rail section F3, so that the transport carrier 3a can be transferred optionally from the first rail section F1 to the second rail section F2 or to the third rail section F3.

[0162] In the case shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first guide element 39 has a running surface A' and a counter-running surface B', and the second guide element 40 has a running surface A" and a counter-running surface B". However, it would also be conceivable for the first guide element 39 and the second guide element 40 to each have two running surfaces A1, A2 and two counter-running surfaces B1, B2, analogous to the guide rail 2a' shown in Fig. 8.

[0163] In this case, it can be provided that in the first switching position, a first end of the first running surface Al of the first guide element 39 connects to the first running surface Al of the first rail section Fl and a second end of the first running surface Al of the first guide element 39 connects to the first running surface Al of the second rail section F2, and in the second switching position, a first end of the first running surface Al of the second guide element 40 connects to the first running surface Al of the first rail section Fl and a second end of the first running surface Al of the second guide element 40 connects to the first running surface Al of the third rail section F3, so that the transport carrier 3a can be transferred optionally from the first rail section Fl to the second rail section F2 or to the third rail section F3.

[0164] Likewise, in this case, in the first switching position, a first end of the second running surface A2 of the first guide element 39 adjoins the second running surface A2 of the first rail section Fl and a second end of the second running surface A2 of the first guide element 39 adjoins the second running surface A2 of the second rail section F2, and in the second switching position, a first end of the second running surface A2 of the second guide element 40 adjoins the second running surface A2 of the first rail section Fl and a second end of the second running surface A2 of the second guide element 40 adjoins the second running surface A2 of the third rail section F3, so that the transport carrier 3a can be transferred optionally from the first rail section Fl to the second rail section F2 or to the third rail section F3.

[0165] The switch element 38 comprises a plurality of switch guide surfaces C1, C1', C2, C2'. In the first switching position of the switch element 38 (see Fig. 6), the first switch guide surfaces C1, C1' of the first guide element 39 interact with the transport carrier 3a, wherein the transport carrier 3a is guided along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead. Specifically, the first guide wheels 25a, 27a act on the first switch guide surfaces C1, C1. In the second switching position of the switch element 38 (see Fig. 7), the second switch guide surfaces C2, C2' of the second guide element 40 interact with the transport carrier 3a, wherein the transport carrier 3a is guided along the second transport path. Thus, the transport carrier 3a can be redirected, for example. Specifically, the second guide wheels 25b, 27b act on the second switch guide surfaces C2, C2'.

[0166] From Figs. 4 to 7 it can be seen in particular that the wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b of the transport carrier 3a are designed in duplicate and are arranged in pairs symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2, wherein in an operating state of the transport carrier 3a one set of the paired wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b is in engagement with the guide rail 2a.

[0167] Furthermore, it is conceivable that in a switching state of the switch 37a, one set of the wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b provided in pairs on the transport carrier 3a is in engagement with the switch element 38, or both sets of the wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b provided in pairs on the transport carrier 3a are briefly in engagement with the switch element 38. The latter enables uninterrupted drive of the transport carrier 3a. In the given context, “short-term” means in particular that both sets of wheels 13a, 13b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b are in engagement with the switch element 38 until the driving force can be completely taken over by one set.

[0168] At this point it is noted that the above description refers in particular to the design of the switch 37a shown in Figs. 1 to 9 as a right-hand switch and that when using a left-hand switch, correspondingly different conditions may exist. 1b (sloping running surfaces)

[0169] Fig. 8 now shows a section of a front view of the overhead conveyor device 1a' and the transport carrier 3a', respectively. The overhead conveyor device 1a' and the transport carrier 3a' shown in Fig. 8 are designed essentially analogously to the previously described examples. In addition to the previously described features, the guide rail 2a' and the guide elements 39, 40 are chamfered at the top and bottom, and the drive wheels 13a', 13b' and the adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' are double-conical. However, they could also be formed by arranging two bevel gears in a row.

[0170] In this case, the guide rail 2a' comprises a first running surface A1 and a second running surface A2, wherein the first running surface A1 and the second running surface A2 are inclined relative to each other with a mutual horizontal spacing. In this example, the first running surface A1 and the second running surface A2 are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2a'. Similarly, a first guide element 39 and a second guide element 40 of a switch element 38 can each have a first running surface A1 and a second running surface A2.

[0171] If the drive wheels 13a', 13b' are each formed by a series of two bevel gears, then one of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier 3a' is designed as the first drive wheel 13a' of a first pair of drive wheels, wherein the first drive wheel 13a' comprises a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, which are arranged side by side with a cover surface. Here, the first bevel gear of the first drive wheel 13a' can rest on the first running surface A1, and the second bevel gear of the first drive wheel 13a' can rest on the second running surface A2 of the guide rail 2a', as shown in Fig. 8, or of the first guide element 39.

[0172] Another of the aforementioned wheels of the transport carrier 3a' is designed as a second drive wheel 13b' of the first drive wheel pair, wherein the second drive wheel 13b' comprises a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, which are arranged side by side with a cover surface. If necessary, the first bevel gear of the second drive wheel 13b' can rest on the first running surface A1, and the second bevel gear of the second drive wheel 13a' can rest on the second running surface A2 of the guide rail 2a' or the second guide element 40.

[0173] Here, the first drive wheel 13a' and the second drive wheel 13b' of the first drive wheel pair are arranged coaxially on a first drive shaft coupled to the motor 11a. Thus, the drive wheels 13a', 13b' can each be arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2a'. The first running surface A1 and the second running surface A2 not only have a supporting function but also act as lateral guide surfaces. Specifically, the first running surface A1 acts as the first lateral guide surface, and the second running surface A2 acts as the second lateral guide surface. This applies to the guide rail 2a' as well as to the first guide element 39 and the second guide element 40 of the switch element 38.

[0174] By means of the aforementioned drive wheels 13a', 13b', the transport carrier 3a' in turn hangs on the guide rail 2a'. As previously described, the drive device 10a can have a traction drive, via which the aforementioned drive wheels 13a', 13b' are coupled to the motor 11a.

[0175] In addition, the guide rail 2a' has a first counter-running surface B1 and a second counter-running surface B2, which run parallel to one another with a mutual horizontal spacing and parallel to the running surfaces A1, A2 with a vertical spacing. In this example, the first counter-running surface B1 and the second counter-running surface B2 are arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2a'. The first counter-running surface B1 and the second counter-running surface B2 not only absorb the contact force but, in this example, also act as lateral guide surfaces. Specifically, the first counter-running surface B1 acts as the first lateral guide surface, and the second counter-running surface B2 acts as the second lateral guide surface. This applies both to the guide rail 2a' and to the first guide element 39 and the second guide element 40 of the switch element 38.

[0176] One wheel of the said wheels of the transport carrier 3a' is designed as the first adjusting wheel 18a' of a first adjusting wheel pair and another wheel of the said wheels of the transport carrier is designed as the second adjusting wheel 18b' of the first adjusting wheel pair, wherein the first adjusting wheel 18a' and the second adjusting wheel 18b' of the first adjusting wheel pair are arranged coaxially on a bearing axis.

[0177] If the adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' are each formed by arranging two bevel gears in series, then the adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' can be designed as previously described for the drive wheels 13a', 13b', wherein the first adjusting wheel 18a' of the first adjusting wheel pair comprises a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, which are arranged in a row with a cover surface. Here, the first bevel gear of the first adjusting wheel 18a' can roll on the first counter-running surface B1, and the second bevel gear of the first adjusting wheel 18a' can roll on the second counter-running surface B2 of the guide rail 2a', as shown in Fig. 8, or of the first guide element 39.

[0178] The second adjusting wheel 18b' of the first adjusting wheel pair can similarly comprise a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, which are arranged in a row with a cover surface. If necessary, the first bevel gear of the second adjusting wheel 18b' can roll on the first counter-running surface B1, and the second bevel gear of the second adjusting wheel 18b' can roll on the second counter-running surface B2 of the guide rail 2a' or the second guide element 40. The wheels of the first adjusting wheel pair are mirror images of the wheels of a second adjusting wheel pair. In other words, the adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' are each arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b. Of course, the use of a second adjusting wheel pair would also be possible.

[0179] By means of the adjusting device 22a, the first adjusting wheel 18a' can be applied with a first adjusting force against the first and / or second counter-running surface B1, B2, in particular of the guide rail 2a', and / or the second adjusting wheel 18b' can be applied with a second adjusting force against the first and / or second counter-running surface B1, B2, in particular of the guide rail 2a' or of the second guide element 40. In this case, it can be provided that the first adjusting wheel 18a' or the second adjusting wheel 18b' or both adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' are applied against the respective counter-running surface B1, B2.

[0180] In this embodiment, the drive wheels 13a', 13b' and / or the adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' have tapered running surfaces to allow them to roll on the inclined running surfaces A1, A2 and counter-running surfaces B1, B2. However, this is not a mandatory requirement. It would also be conceivable, for example, for the drive wheels 13a', 13b' and the adjusting wheels 18a', 18b' to be cylindrical and have correspondingly inclined axes of rotation.

[0181] Further general points on variants 1 and 1b

[0182] As can be seen from the figures, the transport carrier 3a, 3a', the guide rail 2a, 2a' and the switch 37a have lateral guide elements which are provided with lateral guide surfaces designed complementary to one another in order to limit a movement of the transport carrier 3a, 3a' transversely to the longitudinal extent of the guide rail 2a, 2a' and thus to guide the transport carrier 3a, 3a' during the transport movement along the longitudinal extent of the guide rail 2a, 2a'.

[0183] For example, the running surfaces A1, A2 and / or the counter-running surfaces B1, B2 on the guide rail 2a, 2a' and / or on the switch 37a can each have a separate or adjoining lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element. In particular, the first running surface A1 and / or second running surface A2 or the first counter-running surface B1 and / or second counter-running surface B2 can extend at an angle to one another on the guide rail 2a, 2a' and / or on the switch 37a, as described above, as is the case in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8.

[0184] It is also conceivable for the drive wheels 18a, 18b, 18a', 18b' of the transport carrier 3a, 3a' to each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element. In the examples shown, this is achieved by a collar on both sides of the drive wheels 18a, 18b, or by a conical design of the drive wheels 18a', 18b', as shown in Fig. 8.

[0185] In principle, the guide wheels 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b and rail guide surfaces C, C' as well as the switch guide surfaces C1, C1', C2, C2' can also be regarded as lateral guide elements or lateral guide surfaces.

[0186] Fig. 9 now shows a front view of the overhead conveyor device 1a" or the transport carrier 3a", which are or can be constructed essentially as previously described in connection with Figs. 1 to 8. In addition, the overhead conveyor device 1a" comprises a rack 41 running parallel to the guide rail 2a", and the transport carrier 3a" comprises a first gear 42a which meshes with the rack 41 and is coupled to the motor 1a. The transport carrier 3a" can also comprise an opposite second gear 42b, which, however, is not in engagement with a rack 41 in the state shown in Fig. 9. The rack 41 and the gears 42a, 42b can be understood as part of a feed device.

[0187] In particular, the feed device is assigned to a transport section of the guide rail 2a", which runs between a first height level and a second height level, in particular from the first height level to the second height level. The transport carrier 3a" can be brought from the first height level to the second height level via the transport section. The second height level is preferably different from the first height level. In the transport section, the feed device can be operatively connected to the transport carrier 3a", so that the transport carrier 3a" is subjected to a feed force by the feed device, at least during the transport movement between the different height levels. Higher drive forces can be transmitted by the feed device, whereby the transport carrier 3a" can move up or down even on relatively steep transport sections. The feed force can act in addition to the drive force.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the drive is switched off in the transport section and only the feed force acts on the transport carrier 3a".

[0188] It is advantageous if the drive wheels 13a, 13b and the gears 42a, 42b are coupled to one another. In particular, the drive wheels 13a, 13b and the gears 42a, 42b can be coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, the drive wheels 13a, 13b and the gears 42a, 42b can be mounted on a common drive shaft and arranged axially offset from one another, as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 9.

[0189] Alternatively, the feed device can also be formed, for example, by a bolt which is fastened to a traction drive running parallel to the guide rail 2a" and can engage behind the transport carrier 3a" in a form-fitting manner.

[0190] Example 2 (transport carrier with two-sided rail guidance)

[0191] Fig. 10 shows an oblique view of a second embodiment of an overhead conveyor device 1b for a picking system, which comprises a support structure 71 designed as a guide rail 2b and a transport carrier 3b for transporting hanging goods 4. The guide rail 2b is divided into two parts and comprises a first guide rail section 43a with a first running surface K1 and a second guide rail section 43b with a second running surface K2. In this example, the hanging goods 4 again comprise a transport bag with a bag body 5, which is fastened to a hanger 6 and is intended for storing goods 7. Alternatively, the hanging goods 4 can also be formed here by a piece of clothing that hangs on the transport carrier 3b with the aid of a clothes hanger.

[0192] Specifically, the transport carrier 3b can again have a base body 8b and a support body 9 with a receptacle for hanging the hanging goods 4, as was previously described for the first embodiment and is the case in the example shown in Fig. 10. Here, the receptacle comprises a completely enclosed receiving opening for hanging the hanger 6 of the hanging goods 4. Alternatively, an open receiving section (hook) could also be provided for hooking or hanging the hanger 6 of the hanging goods 4. The support body 9 can be fastened to the base body 8b in a replaceable manner, in particular via a connecting device.

[0193] Fig. 11 shows the transport carrier 3b in detail. The transport carrier 3b comprises a base body 8b and a plurality of wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b rotatably mounted thereon. The transport carrier 3b further comprises a drive device 10b for moving the transport carrier 3b along the guide rail 2b. The drive device 10b has an electrically operated motor 11b, which is mounted on the transport carrier 3b. The motor 11b is preferably connected to the base body 8b via a motor mount 12b. The motor mount 12b can also be considered part of the base body 8b.

[0194] At least one of the wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b mounted on the base body 8b is designed as a drive wheel that is coupled to the motor 11b. In this example, a first drive wheel 45a and a second drive wheel 45b of a first drive wheel pair 46 are provided, which are arranged coaxially on a first common drive shaft and coupled to the motor 11b, in particular via a traction drive of the drive device 10b. The traction drive preferably comprises a motor pinion 15b, a gear 16b seated on the drive shaft, and a toothed belt 17b guided around the motor pinion 15b and the gear 16b. In addition, a toothed belt 17b shown in Fig.11 not explicitly designated first drive wheel and second drive wheel of a second drive wheel pair may be provided, which are arranged coaxially on a common second drive shaft and are also coupled to the motor 11b via the traction drive of the drive device 10b.

[0195] The drive gears 45a, 45b can optionally be designed as previously described in connection with the first embodiment. In particular, the drive gears 45a, 45b can be formed by arranging two bevel gears in a row, as previously described in connection with Fig. 8.

[0196] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 10, the drive wheels 45a, 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and the drive wheels of the second drive wheel pair rest on the running surfaces K1, K2 in a rollable manner. In other words, the transport carrier 3b is suspended from the guide rail 2b by means of the first drive wheel pair 46 and the second drive wheel pair. As a result, the weight of the transport carrier 3b and, if applicable, the weight of the hanging garment 4 exerts a pressing force of the first drive wheel pair 46 and the second drive wheel pair on the running surfaces K1, K2, thereby increasing a frictional force transmitted by means of the first drive wheel pair 46 and the second drive wheel pair.

[0197] In this example, the electrically driven motor 11b is arranged above the drive wheels 45a, 45b on the base body 8b. Furthermore, the electrically driven motor 11b is preferably arranged above the guide rail 2b when the transport carrier 3b is suspended from the guide rail 2b. This allows the drive wheels 45a, 45b to be coupled easily and quickly to the electric motor 11b, or the motor 11b can be arranged where sufficient space is usually available anyway.

[0198] It is advantageous if the first guide rail section 43a has a first counter-running surface LI running along it and the second guide rail section 43b has a second counter-running surface L2 running along it, and if at least one wheel of the wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b mounted on the base body 8b is designed as an adjusting wheel and rolls on the counter-running surfaces LI, L2, as is the case in the example shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In particular, in this example, a first adjusting wheel 47a and a second adjusting wheel 47b of a (first) adjusting wheel pair 48 are provided, which are arranged coaxially on a bearing axis. The first adjusting wheel 47a rolls against the first counter-running surface L1, and the second adjusting wheel 47b rolls against the second counter-running surface L2. This improves the guidance of the transport carrier 3b on the guide rail 2b.It is advantageous for the counter-running surfaces LI, L2 to run vertically parallel to the running surfaces Kl, K2, as is the case in the example shown. A horizontal distance between the running surfaces Kl, K2 and the counter-running surfaces LI, L2 is also possible.

[0199] Likewise, the running surfaces K1, K2 and / or the counter-running surfaces L1, L2 can be configured as previously described in connection with the first embodiment. In particular, the running surfaces K1, K2 and / or the counter-running surfaces L1, L2 can each have a first and second lateral guide surface or act as such, as previously described in connection with Fig. 8.

[0200] It is also advantageous if the transport carrier 3b has an adjusting device 22b, by means of which the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b are applied with an adjusting force against the counter-running surfaces LI, L2, as is the case in the example shown in Figs. 10 and 11. It is advantageous if the first adjusting wheel 47a is applied by the adjusting device 22b with a first adjusting force against the first counter-running surface LI and / or the second adjusting wheel 47b is applied by the adjusting device 22b with a second adjusting force against the second counter-running surface L2. This further improves the guidance of the transport carrier 3b on the guide rail 2b. In addition, a frictional force transmitted by the drive wheels 45a, 45b is also increased. In particular, the weight force caused by the transport carrier 3b, the weight force caused by the hanging goods 4 and the positioning force can act on the drive wheels 45a, 45b.

[0201] For this purpose, the adjusting device 22b in this example has a carriage 23b movably mounted on the base body 8b and a force generator 24b adjusted against the carriage 23b, with the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b mounted on the carriage 23b. In this example, the force generator 24b is formed by a preloaded spring. In principle, however, the use of other force generators would also be conceivable, for example the use of a preloaded rubber buffer, a pneumatic spring, a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the carriage 23b is mounted vertically displaceably on the base body 8b. Alternatively, the use of a rocker arm movably (rotatably) mounted on the base body 8b and a force generator adjusted against the rocker arm would also be conceivable, with the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b being mounted on the rocker arm.

[0202] According to the example shown, one wheel of the aforementioned wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b of the transport carrier 3b can also be designed as the first support wheel 49a of a first pair of support wheels 50 and another wheel of the aforementioned wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b of the transport carrier 3b can be designed as the second support wheel 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50, which are arranged coaxially on the first drive shaft coupled to the motor 11b on both sides of the first drive wheel pair 46. In addition, further wheels of the transport carrier 3b, which are not explicitly provided with a reference number, are designed as a first support wheel and a second support wheel of a second pair of support wheels, which are arranged coaxially on the second drive shaft coupled to the motor 11b on both sides of the second pair of drive wheels.In the example shown, the support wheels 49a, 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50 and the support wheels of the second pair of support wheels are mounted rotatably relative to the respective drive shaft and are therefore not driven. However, it would also be conceivable for the support wheels 49a, 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50 and the support wheels of the second pair of support wheels to be non-rotatably connected to the respective drive shaft and therefore driven.

[0203] Furthermore, in this example, one wheel of the aforementioned wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b of the transport carrier 3b is designed as the first additional adjusting wheel 51a of an additional adjusting wheel pair 52 and another wheel of the aforementioned wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b of the transport carrier 3b is designed as the second additional adjusting wheel 51b of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52, which are arranged coaxially on the first bearing axis on both sides of the first adjusting wheel pair 48. In the example shown, the additional adjusting wheels 51a, 51b are mounted rotatably relative to the first bearing axis of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 and can therefore rotate relative to them. However, it would also be conceivable for the additional adjusting wheels 51a, 51b to be non-rotatably connected to the first bearing axis of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 and therefore cannot rotate relative to them.

[0204] In the transport carrier 3b shown in Fig. 10 and 11, some of the wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b mounted on the base body 8b are also designed as guide wheels. In particular, one of the aforementioned wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b of the transport carrier 3b is designed as the first guide wheel 53a of a first guide wheel pair 54, and another of the aforementioned wheels 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b of the transport carrier is designed as the second guide wheel 53b of the first guide wheel pair 54. Furthermore, further wheels of the transport carrier 3b, not explicitly provided with a reference numeral, are designed as the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel of a second guide wheel pair. The guide wheels 53a, 53b of the first guide wheel pair 54 and the guide wheels of the second guide wheel pair are each mounted about vertical axes.

[0205] The transport carrier 3b also has an optional lighting element 56 attached to a lighting element holder 55, the function of which will be explained later in the description of the control of the transport carrier 3b. The exemplary overhead conveyor device 1b shown in Fig. 10 further comprises an optional power supply system 29b, which has an insulator and exposed electrical conductors 57a, 58a that run along the guide rail 2b and, in this case, are attached to the guide rail 2b (specifically, to the second guide rail section 43b). The power supply system 29b comprises further electrical conductors 57b, 58b on the first guide rail section 43a, which, however, are not visible in Fig. 10 (but see Fig. 17). The transport carrier 3b also has current collectors 59a, 60a, which are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors 57a, 58a and are electrically connected to the motor 11b.The transport carrier 3b also has current collectors 59b, 60b, which are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors 57b, 58b and are also electrically connected to the motor 11b. In this example, the current collectors 59a, 59b, 60a, 60b are designed as sliding contacts that slide / grind on the electrical conductors 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b as the transport carrier 3b moves. However, the current collectors 59a, 59b, 60a, 60b can also be wheel- or roller-shaped and roll on the electrical conductors 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b. In the example shown, the electrical conductors 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b are attached to the guide rail 2b. However, this is not a mandatory requirement; the electrical conductors 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b could also run at a distance from the guide rail 2b. Instead of contact-based energy transmission, contactless energy transmission using an inductive energy supply system could also be provided.For this purpose, reference is made to Fig. 3 and the technical teaching disclosed therein, which is also applicable analogously and without restriction to the embodiment variant disclosed in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0206] As previously described, it can also be provided that the energy supply system 29b is only provided on straight sections of the guide rail 2b.

[0207] This allows the energy supply system 29b to be designed more simply. In curves and on switches, for example, the motor 11b can be powered from an energy storage device (see Fig. 29).

[0208] Furthermore, it can be provided that the transport carrier 3b and / or the hanging garment 4, in particular the transport bag, have an energy storage device electrically connected to the motor 11b and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor 11b, which energy source is not explicitly shown in Figs. 10 and 11, but can be arranged in or on the housing 44 of a control unit, wherein the control unit can in particular be constructed like the control unit 94 shown in Fig. 29 and / or can assume the functions described in connection with claims 86 to 117 or in connection with Figs. 29 and 30. In particular, the motor 11b is connected to the energy storage device / energy source via a switching element or control element. The energy storage device can, for example, be designed as an accumulator, the energy source as a solar module.

[0209] Figs. 12 to 21 now show the processes in the area of ​​a switch 37b. Specifically, Fig. 12 shows a view of the guide rail 2b without the transport carrier 3b in the area of ​​the switch 37b from an angle above, Fig. 13 shows a detailed view of the switch 37b from an angle above, Fig. 14 shows a view of the guide rail 2b without the transport carrier 3b in the area of ​​the switch 37b from an angle below, Fig. 15 shows a detailed view of the switch 37b from an angle below, Fig. 16 shows a view of the guide rail 2b including the transport carrier 3b in the area of ​​the switch 37b when traveling straight ahead from an angle above, Fig. 17 shows a front view of the transport carrier 3b in the area of ​​the switch 37b when traveling straight ahead (i.e. view III-III), Fig. 18 shows a detailed view of the front view shown in Fig. 17 in the area of ​​the switch 37b, Fig. 19 shows a view of the guide rail 2b including the transport carrier 3b in the area of ​​the switch 37b when diverting from diagonally above, Fig.Fig. 20 shows a front view of the transport carrier 3b in the area of ​​the switch 37b during diversion (i.e. view IV-IV), and Fig. 21 shows a detailed view of the front view shown in Fig. 20 in the area of ​​the switch 37b.

[0210] The switch 37b is assigned to a switch section N of the guide rail 2b. The guide rail 2b also comprises a first rail section 01 arranged upstream of the switch 37b in the first transport direction D1 of the transport carrier 3b, and a second rail section 02 and a third rail section 03 arranged downstream of the switch 37b in the first transport direction D1 of the transport carrier 3b. The switch 37b has a base body 61 and a switch element 62 mounted in or on the base body 61 and switchable between a first switching position and a second switching position.With the switch element 62, the transport carrier 3b can be guided either along a first transport path between the first rail section 01 and the second rail section 02, in particular from the first rail section 01 to the second rail section 02, or along a second transport path between the first rail section 01 and the third rail section 03, in particular from the first rail section 01 to the third rail section 03. In the example shown, the first transport path thus corresponds to a straight-ahead journey, and the second transport path to a diversion journey. In this example, the switch element 61 comprises a first guide element 63 for straight-ahead journey and a second guide element 64 for the diversion journey.

[0211] In this example, the switch element 62 is designed to be vertically adjustable, in particular vertically displaceable. However, it would also be conceivable for the switch element 62 to be horizontally adjustable and / or pivotable, given a corresponding design. The adjustment of the switch element 62 is achieved by the drive 65 (see in particular Fig. 14).

[0212] Furthermore, a guide rail holder 66 is also shown as an example in Figs. 12 and 14.

[0213] If a second transport direction D2 of the transport carrier 3b is assumed, the conditions are partially reversed. The guide rail 2b then has the first rail section 01 downstream of the switch 37b in the second transport direction D2 of the transport carrier 3b and the second rail section 02 and third rail section 03 upstream of the switch 37b in the second transport direction D2 of the transport carrier 37b. In this case, the transport carrier 3b can be guided with the switchable switch element 62 either along a first transport path between the second rail section 02 and the first rail section 01, in particular from the second rail section 02 to the first rail section 01, or along a second transport path between the third rail section 03 and the first rail section 01, in particular from the third rail section 03 to the first rail section 01.

[0214] The switch element 62, here in particular the first guide element 63, also comprises a first switch guide surface R, which in the (upper) first switching position of the switch element 62 acts on a support wheel 49a, 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50 and, as in the present example, on a support wheel of the second pair of support wheels, whereby the transport carrier 3b is guided along the first transport path (corresponding to straight-ahead travel). In the (lower) second switching position of the switch element 62, however, the first switch guide surface R is not operatively connected to the transport carrier 3b and is thus ineffective. The transport carrier 3b can then be moved unhindered along the second transport path.The switch element 62, here in particular the second guide element 64, further comprises a second switch guide surface S (diversion surface), which in the (upper) first switching position of the switch element 62 is not operatively connected to the transport carrier 3b, wherein the transport carrier 3b is movable along the first transport path (corresponding to a straight-ahead travel). In the (lower) second switching position of the switch element 62, however, the second switch guide surface S (diversion surface) interacts with the guide wheel 53a, 53b of the first guide wheel pair 54 and, as in the present example, with a guide wheel of the second guide wheel pair, whereby the transport carrier 3b is guided along the second transport path. Thus, the transport carrier 3b can be diverted, for example.

[0215] In Figs. 12, 13, 16, 17, and 18, the switch element 62 is in the first (upper) switching position for straight-ahead travel. In this state, the first switch guide surface R is active for straight-ahead travel. The second switch guide surface S, however, is inactive for detour travel.

[0216] In Figs. 19 to 21, however, the switch element 62 is in the second (lower) switching position for diversion. In this state, the second switch guide surface S is active for diversion. The first switch guide surface R for straight-ahead travel, however, is inactive.

[0217] The switch base body 61 comprises a top side, a bottom side, and a first through channel extending from the top side to the bottom side and running along a first transport path (in this example for straight-ahead travel), to which the first rail section 01 connects at one end of the through channel and the second rail section 02 connects at an opposite further end of the through channel. In addition, the switch base body 61 comprises a second through channel extending from the top side to the bottom side and running along a second transport path (in this example for diversion travel), which opens into the first through channel at one end of the second through channel and connects to the third rail section 03 at an opposite further end of the second through channel.

[0218] On the upper side of the switch base body 61 are a first running surface K1 and a second running surface K2. With the design of the switch 37b as a right-hand switch shown in Figs. 12 to 21 and with the orientation of the transport carrier 3b shown in Figs. 12 to 21, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair rest rollably (and permanently) on the first running surface K1 when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the second transport path. As shown by way of example in Figs. 19 to 21, the transport carrier 3b is redirected in this case.With this design and orientation, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair rest in a rollable (and permanent) manner on the second running surface K2 when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead.

[0219] On the second transport path, particularly during the diversion, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair briefly lift off the second running surface K2. During the remaining time, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair also rest on the second running surface K2 on the second transport path.

[0220] On the first transport path, particularly when traveling straight ahead, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair briefly lift off the first running surface Kl. During the remaining time, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair also rest on the first running surface Kl on the first transport path.

[0221] In the given context, “short-term” means in particular that area in the switch section N, W in which the first running surface K1 and the second running surface K2 do not run parallel to each other, or that period of time which the transport carrier 3b needs to pass through this area.

[0222] In the case of a left-hand switch 37b and / or if the transport carrier 3b is rotated by 180° and placed on the guide rail 2b, correspondingly changed conditions prevail. The first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair can rest in a rolling (and permanent) manner on the first running surface K1 when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead, and the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair can rest in a rolling (and permanent) manner on the second running surface K2 when the transport carrier 3b is moved, in particular redirected, along the second transport path.

[0223] On the first transport path, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair then briefly lift off the second running surface K2. During the remaining time, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair also rest on the second running surface K2 on the first transport path.

[0224] On the second transport path, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair briefly lift off the first running surface Kl. During the remaining time, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46 and, as in the present example, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair also rest on the first running surface Kl on the second transport path.

[0225] On the upper side of the switch base body 61, there is preferably a first support surface PI, on which the first support wheel 49a of the first support wheel pair 50 and, as in the present example, the first support wheel of the second support wheel pair rest in a rolling manner. A second support surface P2 can also be located on the upper side of the switch base body 61, on which the second support wheel 49b of the first support wheel pair 50 and, as in the present example, the second support wheel of the second support wheel pair rest in a rolling manner.

[0226] On the upper side of the switch base body 61 there is also a first straight guide 67a, on which the first support wheel 49a of the first support wheel pair 50 and, as in the present example, the first support wheel of the second support wheel pair roll when the transport carrier 3b is moved straight ahead. On the upper side of the switch base body 61 there is also a second straight guide 67b, on which the second support wheel 49b of the first support wheel pair 50 and, as in the present example, the second support wheel of the second support wheel pair roll when the transport carrier 3b is moved straight ahead. On the upper side of the switch base body 61 there is also a first diversion guide 68a, on which the first support wheel 49a of the first support wheel pair 50 and, as in the present example, the first support wheel of the second support wheel pair roll when the transport carrier 3b is diverted.On the upper side of the switch base body 61 there is also a second diversion guide 68b, on which the second support wheel 49b of the first support wheel pair 50 and, as in the present example, the second support wheel of the second support wheel pair roll when the transport carrier 3b is diverted.

[0227] Furthermore, a first counter-running surface LI and a second counter-running surface L2 are located on the underside of the switch base body 61. In the design of the switch 37b as a right-hand switch shown in Figs. 12 to 21 and in the orientation of the transport carrier 3b shown in Figs. 12 to 21, the first adjusting wheel 47a of the (first) adjusting wheel pair 48 rests rollably (and permanently) on the first counter-running surface LI when the transport carrier 3b is moved, in particular redirected, along the second transport path. In this design and orientation, the second adjusting wheel 47b of the (first) adjusting wheel pair 48 rests rollably (and permanently) on the second counter-running surface L2 when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead.

[0228] Similar considerations apply to the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b as for the drive wheels 45a, 45b. Accordingly, the second adjusting wheel 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 briefly lifts off the second counter-running surface L2 on the second transport path. During the remaining time, the second adjusting wheel 47b also rests on the second counter-running surface L2 on the second transport path. On the first transport path, the first adjusting wheel 47a of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 briefly lifts off the first counter-running surface LI. During the remaining time, the first adjusting wheel 47a also rests on the first counter-running surface LI on the first transport path.

[0229] In the case of a left-hand switch 37b and / or if the transport carrier 3b is rotated by 180° and placed on the guide rail 2b, the conditions are correspondingly changed. The first adjusting wheel 47a of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 can roll (and permanently) against the first counter-running surface LI when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the first transport path, in particular straight ahead, and the second adjusting wheel 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 can roll (and permanently) against the second counter-running surface K2 when the transport carrier 3b is moved, in particular redirected, along the second transport path.

[0230] On the first transport path, the second adjusting wheel 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 then briefly lifts off the second counter-running surface K2. During the remaining time, the second adjusting wheel 47b also rests on the second counter-running surface K2 on the first transport path.

[0231] On the second transport path, the first adjusting wheel 47a of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 then briefly lifts off the first counter-running surface LI. During the remaining time, the first adjusting wheel 47a also rests on the first counter-running surface LI on the second transport path.

[0232] On the underside of the switch base body 61 there is also a first additional support surface Q1, on which the first additional adjusting wheel 51a of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52 rests in a rolling manner, and a second additional support surface Q2, on which the second additional adjusting wheel 51b of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52 rests in a rolling manner.

[0233] On the underside of the switch body 61, there is also a first additional straight guide 69a, on which the first additional adjusting wheel 51a of the pair of additional adjusting wheels 52 rolls when the transport carrier 3b is moved straight ahead. On the underside of the switch body 61, there is also a second additional straight guide 69b, on which the second additional adjusting wheel 51b of the pair of additional adjusting wheels 52 rolls when the transport carrier 3b is moved straight ahead.

[0234] On the underside of the switch body 61 there is also a first additional diversion guide 70a, on which the first additional adjusting wheel 51a of the pair of additional adjusting wheels 50 rolls when the transport carrier 3b is diverted. On the underside of the switch body 61 there is also a second additional diversion guide 70b, on which the second additional adjusting wheel 51b of the pair of additional adjusting wheels 50 rolls when the transport carrier 3b is diverted.

[0235] The following optional features can be seen in particular in Figs. 17 and 20:

[0236] The guide rail 2b comprises a first running surface K1 and a second running surface K2, which run parallel to each other with a mutual horizontal distance.

[0237] The guide rail 2b comprises a first counter-running surface LI and a second counter-running surface L2, which run parallel to each other with a mutual horizontal distance.

[0238] The first running surface Kl and the second running surface K2 are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b.

[0239] The first counter-running surface LI and the second counter-running surface L2 are also arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b.

[0240] The wheels of the transport carrier 3b are double and arranged in pairs symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b.In particular, this concerns the double drive wheels 45a, 45b, each arranged symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b, the double adjustment wheels 47a, 47b, each arranged symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b, the double support wheels 49a, 49b, each arranged symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b, the double additional adjustment wheels 51a, 51b, each arranged symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b, and the double guide wheels 53a, 53b, each arranged symmetrically around the vertical plane G running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2b.

[0241] The drive wheels 45a, 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 and the drive wheels of the second drive wheel pair are all engaged with the guide rail 2b when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the guide rail 2b. This effectively prevents the transport carrier 3b from tipping and subsequently falling off the guide rail 2b.

[0242] The adjusting wheels 47a, 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are all engaged with the guide rail 2b when the transport carrier 3b is moved along the guide rail 2b. This also effectively prevents the transport carrier 3b from tipping and subsequently falling off the guide rail 2b.

[0243] In a switching state of the switch 37b, only one of the drive wheels 45a, 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46 is briefly in engagement with the switch base body 61. Of the second drive wheel pair, in a switching state of the switch 37b, only one of the drive wheels is also briefly in engagement with the switch base body 61.

[0244] In a switching state of the switch 37b, only one of the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 is briefly in engagement with the switch body 61. In these short-term states, the following conditions exist when traveling straight ahead or along the first transport path: One drive wheel 45a, 45b of the drive wheel pairs 46 and one adjusting wheel 47a, 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are pushed against one of the running surfaces K1, K2 or against one of the counter-running surfaces L1, L2 by the support wheels 49a, 49b of the support wheel pairs 50, which are supported on the first switch guide surface R and on the straight guides 67a, 67b, and the additional adjusting wheels 51a, 51b of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52, which are supported on the additional straight guides 69a, 69b. pressed. In Fig.16 to 18, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair, and the second adjusting wheel 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are pressed against the second running surface K2 and the second counter-running surface L2, respectively. If the transport carrier 3b is rotated by 180° and placed on the guide rail 2b, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair, and the first adjusting wheel 47a of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are pressed against the second running surface K2 and the second counter-running surface L2, respectively. The contact of the support wheels 49a, 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50 and the support wheels of the second pair of support wheels with the support surfaces PI, P2 and the contact of the additional adjusting wheels 51a, 51b of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52 with the additional support surfaces Q1, Q2 prevents the transport carrier 3b from tipping in both cases.

[0245] During diversion travel or along the second transport route, the following conditions exist in these short-term states: One drive wheel 45a, 45b of the drive wheel pairs 46 and one adjusting wheel 47a, 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are pushed by the opposite guide wheel 53a, 53b of the first guide wheel pair 54 and by the opposite guide wheel of the second guide wheel pair, which are supported on the second switch guide surface S (diversion surface), by the support wheels 49a, 49b of the support wheel pairs 50, which are supported on the diversion guides 68a, 68b, and by the additional adjusting wheels 51a, 51b of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52, which are supported on the additional diversion guides 70a, 70b, against one of the running surfaces Kl, K2 or against one of the counter-running surfaces LI, L2 pressed or pulled. In Fig.19 to 21, the first drive wheel 45a of the first drive wheel pair 46, the first drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair, and the first adjusting wheel 47a of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are pressed against the first running surface Kl or the first counter-running surface LI, respectively. If the transport carrier 3b is rotated by 180° and placed on the guide rail 2b, the second drive wheel 45b of the first drive wheel pair 46, the second drive wheel of the second drive wheel pair, and the second adjusting wheel 47b of the first adjusting wheel pair 48 are pressed against the first running surface Kl or the first counter-running surface LI, respectively. The contact of the support wheels 49a, 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50 and the support wheels of the second pair of support wheels with the support surfaces Pl, P2 and the contact of the additional adjusting wheels 51a, 51b of the additional adjusting wheel pair 52 with the additional support surfaces Ql, Q2 also prevents the transport carrier 3b from tipping in both cases.

[0246] From the above, it can be seen that the support wheels 49a, 49b of the first pair of support wheels 50, the support wheels of the second pair of support wheels, as well as the guide wheels 53a, 53b of the first pair of guide wheels 54 and the guide wheels of the second pair of guide wheels are designed in duplicate and are arranged in pairs symmetrically around the vertical plane G, wherein in a switching state of the switch 37b, only one set of the said wheels 49a, 49b, 53a, 53b provided in pairs on the transport carrier 3b is briefly in engagement with the switch element 62. The first switch guide surface R, the second switch guide surface S, the support surfaces P1, P2 and the additional support surfaces Q1, Q2 are provided only in the area of ​​the switch 37b.

[0247] As can be seen from the figures, the transport carrier 3b, the guide rail 2b, and the switch 37b have lateral guide elements which are provided with lateral guide surfaces formed complementary to one another in order to guide the transport carrier 3b during the transport movement transversely to the longitudinal extent of the guide rail 2b.

[0248] For example, the running surfaces Kl, K2 and / or the counter-running surfaces LI, L2 on the guide rail 2b and / or on the switch 37b can each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element. In particular, the first running surface Kl and second running surface K2 can be designed for this purpose on the guide rail 2b and / or on the switch 37b as running surfaces that run at an incline to one another, as is the case in the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 to 21. Furthermore, the first counter-running surface LI and second counter-running surface L2 can be designed for this purpose on the guide rail 2b and / or on the switch 37b as counter-running surfaces that run at an incline to one another, as is the case in the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 to 21. It is also conceivable that the drive wheels 45a, 45b and / or the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b of the transport carrier 3b each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element.In the examples shown, this is achieved by conical design of the drive wheels 45a, 45b and by conical design of the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b.

[0249] In this embodiment, the overhead conveyor device 1b can also have a feed device as described above. This can also have a rack running parallel to the guide rail 2b and a gear of the transport carrier 3b that meshes with the rack and is coupled to the motor 11b. To enable the transport carrier 3b to be turned, gears can be provided on both sides. In this regard, reference is made to Fig. 9. The teaching disclosed therein is analogously applicable to the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 to 21.

[0250] In particular, the feed device is assigned to a transport section of the guide rail 2b, which runs between a first height level and a second height level, in particular from the first height level to the second height level, wherein the feed device is operatively connected to the transport carrier 3b and the transport carrier 3b is subjected to a feed force by the feed device at least during the transport movement between the different height levels. Higher drive forces can be transmitted by the feed device, whereby the transport carrier 3b can move up and down even on relatively steep transport sections. The feed force can act in addition to the drive force. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the drive in the transport section is switched off and only the feed force acts on the transport carrier 3b.

[0251] It is advantageous if the drive wheels 45a, 45b and the gears are coupled. In particular, the drive wheels 45a, 45b and the gears can be coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, the drive wheels 45a, 45b and the gears can be mounted on a common drive shaft and arranged axially offset from one another, as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 9.

[0252] Alternatively, the feed device can also be formed, for example, by a bolt which is fastened to a traction drive running parallel to the guide rail 2b and can engage behind the transport carrier 3b in a form-fitting manner. At this point, it should be noted that the guide rail 2b also has external rail guide surfaces M1, M2 in this exemplary embodiment as well as internal rail guide surfaces (not explicitly designated) on which, in this exemplary embodiment, no wheels of the transport carrier 3b roll. However, it would be conceivable for the transport carrier 3b to have corresponding wheels in order to support and / or stabilize it. These can be particularly advantageous if the drive wheels 45a, 45b and the adjusting wheels 51a, 51b are cylindrical and the running surfaces K1, K2 and the counter-running surfaces L1, L2 are aligned horizontally.

[0253] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the drive wheels 45a, 45b and the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b also have tapered running surfaces to allow them to roll on the inclined running surfaces K1, K2 and the counter-running surfaces L1, L2, although this is not a mandatory requirement. It would also be conceivable in this case for the drive wheels 45a, 45b and the adjusting wheels 47a, 47b to be cylindrical and have correspondingly inclined axes of rotation.

[0254] 22 to 26 now show a further embodiment of an overhead conveyor device 1c for a picking system, or of a transport carrier 3c for transporting hanging goods 4. Fig. 22 shows the transport carrier 3c with a hanging item 4 from an angle above, Fig. 23 shows the overhead conveyor device 1c from an angle below, Fig. 24 shows the transport carrier 3c in a detailed representation from an angle above, Fig. 25 shows the transport carrier 3c in a detailed representation from an angle below and Fig. 26 shows the transport carrier 3c or the overhead conveyor device 1c in a detailed representation in a front view.

[0255] The overhead conveyor device 1c comprises a support structure 71, which forms a travel surface T, and a transport carrier 3c for transporting hanging goods 4, which forms a base body 8c. The base body 8c forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side, in particular opposite the first transport carrier side. In this example, the hanging goods 4 again comprise a transport bag with a bag body 5, which is attached to a hanger 6 and is intended for storing goods not explicitly shown here. Alternatively, the hanging goods 4 can also be formed by a piece of clothing that hangs on the transport carrier 3c with the aid of a clothes hanger.

[0256] The transport carrier 3c can - as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 23 - have a support body with a receptacle for hanging the hanging garment 4. The receptacle can have a completely enclosed receiving opening for hooking the hanger 6 of the hanging garment 4. Alternatively, an open receiving section (hook) could also be provided for hooking or hanging the hanger 6 of the hanging garment 4. The support body can be exchangeably attached to the base body 8a, in particular via a connecting device. The technical teaching disclosed in connection with Fig. 1 is also applicable without restriction to the transport carrier 3c.

[0257] Furthermore, the transport carrier 3c comprises two drive devices 72a, 72b for moving the transport carrier 3c on the running surface T and an adhesive force generator 83a, 83b, by means of which the transport carrier 3c movably adheres to the support structure 71 and in particular to the running surface T.

[0258] The drive devices 72a, 72b each comprise drive elements that bear against the running surface T, and a plurality of electrically operated motors 77a, 77b arranged on the base body 8c. In particular, the drive elements in this example are formed by drive wheels 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b. In the example shown, a first drive element on the first transport carrier side comprises a first drive wheel 73a and a second drive wheel 73b. Furthermore, a second drive element on the second transport carrier side comprises a first drive wheel 75a and a second drive wheel 75b.

[0259] Thus, on the first transport carrier side (right), there are two drive wheels 73a, 73b of a first pair of drive wheels 74, which form the first drive element, and on the second transport carrier side (left), there are two drive wheels 75a, 75b of a second pair of drive wheels 76, which form the second drive element. The drive wheels 73a, 73b of the first drive element are coupled to a first motor 77a of the electrically operated motors 77a, 77b. Similarly, the drive wheels 75a, 75b of the second drive element are coupled to a second motor 77b of the electrically operated motors 77a, 77b.

[0260] In this example, two motors 77a, 77b are provided. However, it would also be conceivable for the drive elements 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b to be coupled to a single motor. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling of the drive elements 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b to the electrically operated motors 77a, 77b is achieved via a motor pinion 78a, 78b mounted on the respective motor 77a, 77b, as well as via gears 79a, 79b of a first gear pair 80 and gears 81a, 81b of a second gear pair 82.Specifically, the first gear 79a of the first gear pair 80 is arranged coaxially with the first drive gear 73a of the first drive gear pair 74, the second gear 79b of the first gear pair 80 is arranged coaxially with the second drive gear 73b of the first drive gear pair 74, the first gear 81a of the second gear pair 82 is arranged coaxially with the first drive gear 75a of the second drive gear pair 76, and the second gear 81b of the second gear pair 82 is arranged coaxially with the second drive gear 75b of the second drive gear pair 76.

[0261] In contrast to the examples presented so far, the drive wheels 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b are coupled to the motors 77a, 77b via gear transmissions. Here, too, the use of a traction drive would be conceivable, as is the case in the examples shown in Figs. 1 to 21. Conversely, the use of gear transmissions instead of the traction drives used there would also be possible in the examples shown in Figs. 1 to 21.

[0262] Although the transport carrier 3c is driven by motors 77a, 77b arranged on the transport carrier 3c in the example shown in Figs. 22 to 26, it would also be conceivable for the transport carrier 3c to be driven using the linear motor principle. For example, coils can be provided along the travel surface T, and a short-circuit coil, a separately excited coil, or a permanent magnet can be provided on the transport carrier 3c, so that the arrangement functions as a linear asynchronous motor or a linear synchronous motor.

[0263] The transport carrier 3c further comprises one or more adhesive force generators, which in the example shown in Figs. 22 to 26 comprise two permanent magnets 83a, 83b. The permanent magnets 83a, 83b or adhesive force generators are arranged on the base body 8c between the first transport carrier side and the second transport carrier side.

[0264] The support structure 71 further forms the running surface T and is preferably made of a (ferro)magnetic material. For example, the support structure 71 or the running surface T can be made of sheet steel. With the help of the permanent magnets 83a, 83b, the transport carrier 3c adheres upside down to the running surface T, whereby the transport carrier 3c is movable on the running surface T. In the example shown in Figs. 22 to 26, the drive elements are formed by drive wheels 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b. However, this is not the only conceivable possibility. It would also be conceivable for the drive elements to comprise a first endlessly circulating crawler belt 84a guided on the first transport carrier side around the drive wheels 73a, 73b of the first drive wheel pair 74 and a second endlessly circulating crawler belt 84b guided on the second transport carrier side around the drive wheels 75a, 75b of the second drive wheel pair 76, as in the embodiment shown in Fig.As is the case in the example shown in Figure 27.

[0265] Analogously, it would also be conceivable for chains to be provided instead of the crawler belts 84a, 84b. The drive elements would then be formed by a first endlessly circulating chain guided around the drive wheels 73a, 73b of the first drive wheel pair 74 on the first transport carrier side, and by a second endlessly circulating chain guided around the drive wheels 75a, 75b of the second drive wheel pair 76 on the second transport carrier side.

[0266] In the example shown in Figs. 22 to 27, the adhesive force generators comprise permanent magnets 83a, 83b. However, this is not the only conceivable possibility. It would also be conceivable for the adhesive force generators to comprise adhesive lamellas based on the gecko principle, suction cups and / or a hook-and-loop fastener of a hook-and-loop connection and thus, for example, hooks or mushroom heads of a hook-and-loop connection, which are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements, for example, circumferentially on the drive wheels 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b or externally on the crawler belts 84a, 84b or chains. In Fig. 24, optional suction cups 85 are indicated by dashed circles on the drive wheel 73a and in Fig. 27 by dashed circles on the crawler belt 84a. In reality, the application of suction cups 85 is of course not limited to the drive wheel 73a and the crawler belt 84a.Thus, these can alternatively or additionally be arranged on the other drive wheels 73b, 75a, and 75b and / or on the crawler belt 84b. In the case of a hook-and-loop connection, part of a hook-and-loop fastener can be arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements. The other part of the hook-and-loop fastener is then located on the running surface T.

[0267] When using adhesive strips, suction cups or a Velcro connection, the permanent magnets 83a, 83b can be omitted or provided in addition to the aforementioned adhesive force generators.

[0268] The embodiment of the overhead conveyor device 1c or the transport carrier 3c shown in Figs. 22 to 27 again comprises an optional energy supply system 29c, which has an insulator and exposed electrical conductors 86a, 86b, which run along the running surface T and can be fastened thereto (explicitly shown in Fig. 26). The transport carrier 3c can also have current collectors (not shown in Figs. 22 to 27) which are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors 86a, 86b and are electrically connected to the motors 77a, 77b. In this example, the current collectors can also be designed as sliding contacts, which slide / grind on the electrical conductors 86a, 86b when the transport carrier 3c moves. However, the current collectors can also be wheel- or roller-shaped and roll on the electrical conductors 86a, 86b.

[0269] The energy supply system 29c can be designed, in particular, analogously to the energy supply systems 29a, 29b shown in Figs. 1 to 2 and 4 to 21. The technical teaching disclosed therein is therefore also transferable to the energy supply system 29c.

[0270] Instead of contact-based energy transmission, contactless energy transmission using an inductive energy supply system could also be provided. Reference is made to Fig. 3 and the technical teaching disclosed therein, which is also applicable analogously and without restriction to the embodiment variant disclosed in Figs. 22 to 27.

[0271] If the adhesive force generators comprise permanent magnets 83a, 83b and the support structure 71 is made of a (ferro)magnetic material, it is advantageous if the electrical conductors 86a, 86b are arranged below the support structure 71, as shown in Fig. 26. However, it would also be conceivable for the electrical conductors 86a, 86b to be arranged above the support structure 71, specifically above an insulating region of the support structure 71 or even if the support structure 71 is made entirely of an insulating material. In this case, adhesive lamellas, suction cups 85, and / or a hook-and-loop connection should be provided as the adhesive force generators.

[0272] In one embodiment, it can again be provided that the energy supply system 29c is only provided on straight sections of the running surface T. This allows the energy supply system 29c to be designed more simply. In curves and in the area of ​​junctions, the motors 77a, 77b can again be supplied from an energy storage device 87 in this embodiment, as already described in connection with the other embodiments. If the running surface T is relatively narrow, it can also be viewed and referred to as a "roadway."

[0273] For this purpose, it can be provided that the transport carrier 3c and / or the transport bag has an energy storage device 87 electrically connected to the motors 77a, 77b and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motors 77a, 77b. The position of the energy storage device 87 indicated in Figs. 22 to 27 is not mandatory. Instead, the energy storage device 87 can, for example, also be installed in a housing of a control unit (see also Fig. 29). In particular, the motors 77a, 77b are connected to the energy storage device 87 via switching elements or control elements. The energy storage device 87 can, for example, be designed as an accumulator. Additionally or alternatively, a solar module can be provided as the energy source.

[0274] It is also conceivable that the running surface T is not aligned horizontally, as shown in Figs. 23 and 26, but runs diagonally or is even aligned vertically, thus essentially forming a wall. The transport carriers 3c adhering to the running surface T can also travel along this wall. For example, a space-saving storage area for the transport carriers 3c could be created in this way. In particular, in this context, it is advantageous if the transport carrier 3c comprises a joint arrangement which enables the hanging garment 4 to be pivoted relative to the base body 8c by more than 45° and in particular by at least 90° transversely to the direction of movement of the transport carrier 3c. In this context, Fig. 28 discloses a transport carrier 3c in front view, which is designed similarly to the transport carrier 3c of Figs. 22 to 26.In contrast, the transport carrier 3c" comprises an extension rod 88 with an eyelet 89 arranged thereon and a hook 90 of a hanging item 4 rotatably mounted therein. Due to the suspension, this can swing out both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction (see the double arrow). By appropriately selecting the length of the extension rod 88, the lateral swing-out angle can be determined.

[0275] The overhead conveyor device 1c has further features, the function of which is explained in more detail below. Specifically, this concerns a travel marking U and a control marking V, which are applied to the travel surface T, as well as a travel surface sensor 91 arranged on the transport carrier 3c. Furthermore, the transport carrier 3c can comprise several, in particular two, distance sensors 92a, 92b, which are attached to the base body 8c by means of sensor holders 93a, 93b. It can also be seen from Fig. 23 that the travel marking U is divided into a switch section W and three travel routes XI..X3, analogous to the switch sections E, N and rail routes F1..F3, O1..O3 of the overhead conveyor devices 1a, 1b.

[0276] In this context, Fig. 29 also discloses an exemplary electrical block diagram of a transport carrier 3a..3c". The transport carrier 3a..3c" comprises a control unit 94 with a drive controller 95 designed as a microcontroller, a memory 96 connected thereto (data and / or program memory), power electronics 97 connected to the drive controller 95, and a communication module 98 connected to the drive controller 95. The drive controller 95 or the communication module 98 can be designed for optical, radio-based, or wired communication, in particular for communication via the energy supply system 29 according to power line communication technology. In addition, the control unit 94 can comprise an energy management module 99 and the energy storage device 87 connected thereto.Furthermore, the driving surface sensor 91 and the distance sensor 92 (or, if two distance sensors 92a, 92b are present, both distance sensors 92a, 92b) can be connected to the drive control 95. The two motors 77a, 77b (or, in the case of only one motor 11a, 11b, only the motor 11a, 11b) are connected to the power electronics 97. Furthermore, the energy management module 99 and the communication module 98 are connected to the energy supply system 29 or are part of it. At this point, it should be noted that the block diagram shown in Fig. 29 and the function of the control unit 94 refer not only to the transport carrier 3c, but to all types of transport carriers, thus in particular also to the transport carriers 3a..3c.

[0277] The function of the transport carrier 3a..3c" equipped in this way is now as follows:

[0278] As mentioned, the transport carrier 3a..3c" has the drive control 95 and the associated writable and readable memory 96. In particular, the drive control 95 can be designed to influence, control, or regulate a movement of the transport carrier 3a..3c" on the support structure 71 or the guide rails 2a..2b functioning as a support structure based on movement data stored in the memory 96. For example, the drive control 95 of the transport carrier 3a..3c" can be designed to regulate a speed of the transport carrier 3a..3c". For this purpose, the motors 11a, 11b, 77a, 77b are controlled accordingly by the drive control 95.Specifically, the drive control 95 controls the power electronics 97 connected to the motors 11a, 11b, 77a, 77b, which obtains the electrical energy required for the operation of the motors 11a, 11b, 77a, 77b via the energy management module 99 from the energy supply system 29 or from the energy storage device 87.

[0279] The running surface sensor 91 can be used to guide the transport carrier 3c..3c" along the running marking U. The running marking U can, for example, be a line painted, printed, or glued onto the running surface T that has a different brightness and / or color than the rest of the running surface T. For example, the running marking U can be black on a light background. In this case, the running surface sensor 91 is designed as an optical running surface sensor, for example as a sensor array of several optical sensors. By evaluating the sensor signal, directional corrections or changes of direction for the transport carrier 3c..3c" can be derived. A directional correction or change of direction is carried out by differently controlling the motors 77a, 77b. Different speeds cause the transport carrier 3c..3c" to travel around a curve.

[0280] It would also be conceivable for the driving marking U to be designed as a magnetic strip and the driving surface sensor 91 as a magnetic sensor (in particular as a Hall sensor). In this way, the transport carrier 3c..3c" can also be guided along the driving marking U.

[0281] The distance sensor 92 (or the distance sensors 92a, 92b) can be configured to measure a distance to another, preceding transport carrier 3a..3c and can be connected to the drive controller 95. The drive controller 95 can be configured to regulate a distance to the other, preceding transport carrier 3a..3c based on the distance measured by the distance sensor 92 (or by the distance sensors 92a, 92b). For example, the distance sensor 92, 92a, 92b can be configured as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0282] In this example, the two distance sensors 92a, 92b are advantageously arranged at an acute angle (more than 0° and less than 90°) to each other. This allows the distance to a preceding transport carrier 3a..3c" to be measured even in curves or in the switch section - 11 -

[0283] E, N, W can be measured effectively. In each case, the signal from the distance sensor 92a, 92b pointing toward the inside of the curve is evaluated preferentially or exclusively. However, in general, an angle of more than 0° and less than 180° between the two distance sensors 92a, 92b would also be possible.

[0284] The drive control 95 of the transport carrier 3a..3c" can therefore be designed to control a speed of the transport carrier 3a..3c" and / or to control a distance to another transport carrier 3a..3c".

[0285] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the movement of the transport carrier 3a..3c" on the support structure 71 or on the guide rails 2a..2b is influenced by means of the control marking V. This can also be applied optically or magnetically to the running surface T or to the guide rails 2a..2b and read by the running surface sensor 91 or another sensor provided for this purpose, whereby the same considerations apply as for the running marking U.

[0286] For example, the control marking V can mean that the transport carrier 3a..3c" should change its speed (i.e. increase or decrease) upon detection of the control marking V, should change the distance to a preceding transport carrier 3c..3c" (i.e. increase or decrease), should stop or should continue its journey at the switch section E, N, W starting from the first route Fl, 01, XI along the second route F2, 02, X2 or along the third route F3, 03, X3.

[0287] The setting of a target speed of the transport carrier 3a..3c" or a target distance of the transport carrier 3a..3c" to another transport carrier 3a..3c" can thus be effected by means of a control marking V, which is arranged in the area of ​​the support structure 71 or on the guide rails 2a..2b so that it can be detected by the transport carrier 3a..3c".

[0288] In this example, the driving surface sensor 91 of the transport carrier 3c..3c" is, in summary, a light-sensitive element connected to the driving control 95, with which an optical driving marking U and / or optical control marking V applied to the support structure 71 can be read, with which a movement of the transport carrier 3c..3c" on the support structure 71 can be influenced. The optical marking U, V can be designed as a driving line or driving marking U on the driving surface T of the support structure 71, but it can also be designed as a control element or control marking V for the transport carrier 3c..3c" and act as a turning point when the control marking V influences the direction of travel of the transport carrier 3c..3c", or as a stopping point when the control marking V causes the transport carrier 3c..3c" to stop. The optical control marking V can in particular also be designed as a barcode or QR code.In addition, the optical control marking V can also be longer and act on several consecutive transport carriers 3c..3c".

[0289] It would also be conceivable for the driving marking U and / or the control marking V not to be fixedly applied to the support structure T, but rather to be designed as a controllable light source, whereby a control command can be transmitted from the light source to the driving surface sensor 91 or another light-sensitive element of the transport carrier 3c..3c" and thus from the support structure 71 to the driving control 95 of the transport carrier 3c..3c". For example, the controllable light source on the support structure 71 can have several individually activatable and matrix-shaped light points. Due to the proposed measures, the control commands transmitted to the transport carrier 3c..3c" are not fixed, but can be flexibly adapted to a specific situation.

[0290] For example, the control marking V can optionally be used to change the speed of the transport carrier 3a..3c" as needed, to change the distance to a preceding transport carrier 3c..3c" as needed, to stop the transport carrier 3c..3c" as needed and / or to control the direction of travel of the transport carrier 3c..3c" at the switch section W as needed. The travel marking U can also flexibly influence the direction of travel of the transport carrier 3c..3c". By accordingly specifying the speed of the transport carrier 3a..3c" and the distance of the transport carrier 3a..3c" from a preceding transport carrier 3c..3c", a certain throughput of transport carriers 3c..3c" can be specified or achieved. For example, the said speed and the said distance can be reduced on curves and increased on straight sections. The said throughput can, in particular, be kept constant.

[0291] At this point, it should be noted that the above-mentioned technical teaching regarding the control marking V also applies without restriction to the transport carriers 3a..3b. Accordingly, the transport carriers 3a..3b can have a corresponding sensor for detecting such a control marking V.

[0292] Not only is it conceivable to control the transport carrier 3c..3c" by a travel marking U and / or control marking V on the support structure 71, but also to control (fixed) elements of the overhead conveyor device 1a, 1a", 1b, 1c by the transport carrier 3a..3c". In other words, the travel control 95 can be designed to influence a movement of a control element of the support structure 71 or on the guide rails 2a..2b based on control data stored or stored in the memory 96. For example, the control element of the support structure 71 or the guide rail 2a..2a", 2b can be designed as a switch 37a, 37b, and a control command of the travel control 95 of the transport carrier 3a..3c" can cause the switch 37a, 37b to be switched to a predeterminable switching position. This means that the said control command can cause the switch element 38, 61 to be switched. for straight-ahead driving or diversion.

[0293] For example, the transport carrier 3a..3c" can have a light source connected to the drive control 95, and the control element of the support structure 71 can have a light-sensitive element, wherein the light source can transmit a control command from the drive control 95 of the transport carrier 3a..3c" to the control element of the support structure 71 via the light-sensitive element. The light-emitting element 56 of the transport carrier 3b is used as a representative example of such a light source. However, the light-emitting element 56 could also be arranged on the other transport carriers 3a..3a", 3c..3c" disclosed by way of example. For example, the switch element 38, 61 can be brought into the position for detour travel if the light emitted by the light element 56 is received, whereas the switch element 38, 61 otherwise remains in the position for straight-ahead travel, and vice versa.

[0294] Fig. 30 additionally shows a schematic representation of a section of a transport network with a switch 37 connected to a light-sensitive element 100. If this receives a corresponding signal as the transport carrier 3 passes, the switch element 38, 61 of the switch 37 is controlled accordingly.

[0295] The proposed measures make it possible for the transport carrier 3a..3c" to move autonomously over the transport network formed by the support structure 71 or over the transport network formed by the guide rail 2a..2a", 2b and the switches 37, 37a, 37b. For example, the drive control 95 of the transport carrier 3a..3c" can be designed to receive a path definition from a higher-level controller 101, to store this path definition in the memory 96 of the transport carrier 3a..3c" and to select one of several paths in a switch section E, N, W with the aid of the drive control 95 and in accordance with this path definition. The path definition can be transmitted using optical, wired, or radio-based communication (in particular via power line communication).

[0296] The selection of a path can, in particular, comprise the autonomous switching of switches 37, 37a, 37b of the support structure 71 by means of the drive control 95 and the path definition. For example, as explained above, this can be done with the aid of the lighting element 56 and with the aid of light-sensitive elements 100 along the support structure 71 or along the guide rails 2a, 2a, 2b. Of course, control elements of the support structure 71 can also be controlled differently, for example, with the aid of wired or radio-based communication. A more complex optical data transmission through appropriate modulation of the lighting element 56 would also be possible.

[0297] The path definition can, for example, comprise the selection of a specific travel marker U in a switch section W or the sequence for switching, for example, the next four switches 37, 37a, 37b, i.e., the sequence "straight ahead, detour, detour, straight ahead." This path definition is, as mentioned, transmitted to the drive control 95, stored in the memory 96, and then serves to select a specific travel marker U or to autonomously switch the switches 37, 37a, 37b. In the case of a travel marker U, the travel marker U that causes straight ahead travel is selected in the first switch section W, the travel marker U that causes a detour is selected in the second switch section W, and so on. For this purpose, it can be provided that the transport carrier 3c..3c" follows the left or right edge of the travel marker U with the aid of the travel surface sensor 91 and the control unit 94.By selecting the corresponding edge, the desired path in the switch section W can be selected. In the case of switchable switches 37, 37a, 37b, the exemplary path definition means that the first switch 37, 37a, 37b, which the transport carrier 3a..3c" reaches during its movement, is controlled such that the switch element 38, 61 is set to straight-ahead travel, the second switch 37, 37a, 37b is controlled such that the switch element 38, 61 is set to detour travel, and so on. The higher-level controller 101 thus specifies the path, which is then traveled autonomously by the transport carrier 3a..3c" with the aid of the drive controller 95. However, the sequence for switching the next four points 37, 37a, 37b, for example, can also be direction-independent and simply specify switching commands for points 37, 37a, 37b, such as the sequence "do not switch, switch, switch, do not switch." A switching command is not tied to a specific direction.Depending on the design of the switch 37, 37a, 37b, "switching" can mean either straight-ahead travel or a detour. The same applies to non-switching. The sequence can also be specified purely in binary form, for example, in the sequence "0, 1, 1, 0," and then used directly to control a light source 56 of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c, connected to the drive control 95, if the switch 37, 37a, 37b has a light-sensitive element 100 for controlling the switch 37, 37a, 37b.

[0298] It would also be conceivable that a switch 37, 37a, 37b is triggered by means of a control marking V, which is arranged in the area of ​​the support structure 71 or the guide rail 2a..2a", 2b so that it can be detected by the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c".

[0299] Of course, the transmission of data from the higher-level controller 101 to the travel controller 95 of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" is not limited to path definitions, but a target speed or a target distance to a preceding transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" can also be transmitted. This can be done in addition to or alternatively to the control using control markings V.

[0300] It is particularly advantageous if the drive control 95 of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" is designed to receive a weight of a mass carried by the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" (i.e., for example, to receive the weight of the goods 7) from the higher-level controller 101, to store this weight in the memory 96, and to execute an acceleration profile with the aid of the drive control 95 and depending on this weight. In this way, the driving dynamics of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" can be adapted to the goods 7. The said weight can, for example, originate from a database in which the weight assigned to a product 7 is stored, or can be determined by weighing.

[0301] In another possible embodiment, the control marker V triggers an (active) signal from the drive controller 95 to the higher-level controller 101. The reading of the control marker V can in turn be performed by the running surface sensor 91 or another sensor of the transport carrier 3, 3a, 3c. For example, the signal from the drive controller 95 to the higher-level controller 101 can trigger the transmission of a route definition by the higher-level controller 101. For example, the transport network formed by the support structure 71 or by the guide rail 2a, 2a, 2b and the switches 37, 37a, 37b can be divided into several segments separated by signal points. When the drive controller 95 actively signals a control marker V acting as a signal point, the drive controller 95 receives the route definition for the following segment from the higher-level controller 101. In this way, the transport carrier 3, 3a, 3c can3c” can be flexibly routed through the transport network (see also the supply segments Y1..Y4 in Fig. 30).

[0302] It would also be conceivable for short-range radio transmitters 102 to be distributed throughout the transport network and for the transport carriers 3, 3a..3c" to have short-range radio receivers 103 connected to the drive controller 95, or vice versa, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 30. If a signal from a short-range radio transmitter 102 is detected by a short-range radio receiver 103, this can trigger the drive controller 95 to report to the higher-level controller 101 and, subsequently, the transmission of a route definition from the higher-level controller 101 to the drive controller 95. If short-range radio receivers 103 are distributed throughout the transport network and the transport carriers 3, 3a..3c" have short-range radio transmitters 102, then the roles illustrated in Fig. 30 are reversed. In this case, the reception of the signal of the short-range radio transmitter 102 at the stationary short-range radio receiver 103 can signal the transport carrier 3, 3a.3c” at the higher-level control 101 by the short-range radio receiver 103 and subsequently also trigger the transmission of a path definition from the higher-level control 101 to the drive control 95.

[0303] A local position can be assigned to the control marker V or the short-range radio transmitter 102 (or alternatively, the short-range radio receiver 103 arranged in the transport network), and the signaling of the drive controller 95 to the higher-level controller 101 can cause the higher-level controller 101 to adjust the path definition based on the specified position if a target position of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" does not match the local position of the control marker V or the short-range radio transmitter 102 (or the short-range radio receiver 103). It may happen that the actual position or current position of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c", which upon detection of the control marker V or upon detection of the signal from the short-range radio transmitter 102 corresponds to the position of this control marker V or this short-range radio transmitter 102 (or this short-range radio receiver 103), does not correspond to the position of the transport carrier 3a..3c" (target position) assumed by the drive control 95. The selection of a specific route or the switching of switches 37, 37a, 37b according to the route definition stored in the memory 96 may then lead to incorrect switching and misrouting. With the proposed measures, a deviation of the actual position of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" from the position assumed by the drive control 95 can be taken into account or the target position of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" can be corrected, i.e., set to its actual position.

[0304] It would also be conceivable that the control marking V or the short-distance radio transmitter 102 (or the short-distance radio receiver 103) are designed to cause the simultaneous reporting of the drive controls 95 of several transport carriers 3a..3c" to the higher-level control 101.

[0305] If the energy supply system 29, 29a, 29b of the overhead conveyor device 1a, 1a", 1b, 1c (i.e. the conductor line or the inductive energy supply system) is also designed for wired communication with the drive control 95 of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c", it can advantageously be provided that the energy supply system 29, 29a, 29b of the overhead conveyor device 1a, 1a", 1b, 1c is divided into several supply segments Y1..Y4, which have different addresses in a communication system of the overhead conveyor device 1a..1a", 1b, 1c, as is symbolically shown in Fig. 30.

[0306] A supply segment Y1..Y4 of the energy supply system 29, 29a, 29b can also be assigned a local position, wherein the entry of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" into this supply segment YE.Y4 causes an adjustment of the path definition starting from the stated position by the higher-level controller 101 if a target position of the transport carrier 3a..3c" does not correspond to the local position of the supply segment Y1..Y4 of the energy supply system 29, 29a, 29b. The selection of a specific path or the switching of switches 37, 37a, 37b according to the path definition stored in the memory 96, in turn, leads to incorrect switching and misrouting in the event of the stated deviation. With the proposed measures, a deviation of the actual position of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" from the position assumed by the drive control 95 can be taken into account and the target position of the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" must be corrected again, i.e. set to its actual position (in this case to the position of the supply segment Y1..Y4, into which the transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" enters).

[0307] In the example shown in Fig. 30, no supply segment Y1..Y4 is provided in the area of ​​switch 37. Instead, the transport carrier is supplied there from the energy storage device 87. However, this is not mandatory; a supply segment Y1..Y4 could also be provided in the area of ​​switch 37.

[0308] It should also be noted that the disclosed considerations for controlling a transport carrier 3, 3a..3c" apply to all embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 28 and are applicable to them. Only the switching of a switch 37, 37a, 37b is omitted for the embodiment shown in Figs. 22 to 28, provided that the switch section is designed without a movable switch element 38, 62.

[0309] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0310] In particular, it is also noted that the devices depicted may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the depicted devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0311] Reference symbol list la..lc“ Overhead conveyor device a..2b Guide rail / supporting structure

[0312] 3, 3a..3c“ Transport carrier hanging goods

[0313] 5 bag body

[0314] 6 ironing goods

[0315] 8a, 8b, 8c base body

[0316] 9 supporting bodies

[0317] 10a, 10b drive device

[0318] 11a, 11b Engine

[0319] 12a, 12b Engine mount

[0320] 13a..l3b' drive wheel

[0321] 14 pairs of drive wheels

[0322] 15 a, 15b Motor pinion

[0323] 16a, 16b gear

[0324] 17 a, 17b Timing belt

[0325] 18a..l8b' Adjusting wheel

[0326] 19 First pair of adjusting wheels 0a, 20b Adjusting wheel 1 Second pair of adjusting wheels 2a, 22b Adjusting device 3a, 23b Carriage 4a, 24b Power generator 5a, 25b Guide wheel Guide wheel pair a, 27b Guide wheel

[0327] Pair of guide wheels, 29a, 29b Power supply system a, 30b Electrical conductor a, 31b Electrical conductor a, 32b Current collector a, 33b Current collector

[0328] Coil ferromagnetic core

[0329] Housing, 37a, 37b crossover

[0330] Switch element first guide element (for straight-ahead travel) second guide element (for diversion)

[0331] Rack a, 42b Gear a, 43b Guide rail

[0332] Housing a, 45b Drive wheel first pair of drive wheels a, 47b Adjusting wheel

[0333] (first) pair of adjusting wheels a, 49b support wheel first pair of supporting wheels a, 51b additional adjusting wheel

[0334] Additional adjusting wheel pair a, 53b guide wheel

[0335] Pair of guide wheels

[0336] Light element holder

[0337] Lighting element a, 57b Electrical conductor a, 58b Electrical conductor a, 59b Current collector a, 60b Current collector

[0338] Switch body

[0339] Switch element first guide element (for straight ahead travel) second guide element (for diversion travel) drive for switch element

[0340] Guide rail holder a, 67b Straight guide a, 68b Diverting guide a, 69b Additional straight guide a, 70b Additional diverting guide

[0341] Supporting structure a, 72b Drive device a..73b Drive wheel of the first pair of drive wheels a..75b Drive wheel of the second pair of drive wheels a, 77b Motor a, 78b Motor pinion a, 79b Gear of the first pair of gear wheels a, 81b Gear of the second pair of gear wheels a, 83b Permanent magnet a, 84b Crawler belt

[0342] Suction cup a, 86b electrical conductor

[0343] Energy source, energy storage, energy buffer

[0344] Extension rod

[0345] eyelet

[0346] Hook

[0347] Driving surface sensor, 92a, 92b Distance sensor a, 93b Sensor holder

[0348] Control unit

[0349] Driving control

[0350] memory

[0351] Power electronics

[0352] Communication module

[0353] Energy management module 0 light-sensitive element 101 higher-level control

[0354] 102 short-range radio transmitters

[0355] 103 short-range receivers

[0356] A..A2 tread

[0357] B..B2 Counter surface

[0358] C .. C2 ' Rail guide surface / Switch guide surface

[0359] D1, D2 transport direction

[0360] E switch section

[0361] F1..F3 rail line

[0362] G Vertical plane

[0363] Kl, K2 tread

[0364] LI, L2 counter surface

[0365] Ml, M2 rail guide surface

[0366] N switch section

[0367] 01..03 Rail line

[0368] Pl, P2 support surface

[0369] Ql, Q2 additional support area

[0370] R first switch guide surface

[0371] S second switch guide surface (diversion surface)

[0372] T Driving surface

[0373] U lane marking

[0374] V Tax marking

[0375] W switch section

[0376] X 1. ,X3 route

[0377] Y1..Y4 supply segment

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") for a picking system, comprising a support structure (71) designed as a guide rail (2a..2b) with a running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) extending along the guide rail (2a..2b), a transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") for transporting hanging garments (4), which includes a base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and several wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b) rotatably mounted on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c). 75a, 75b), and a drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) for moving the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) along the guide rail (2a..2b), characterized in that the drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) has an electrically operated motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) which is mounted on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“), and a wheel of said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) is designed as a drive wheel (13a..l3b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) which is coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

2. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) rests on the running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) in a rollable manner and that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is suspended from the guide rail (2a..2b) by means of the drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b).

3. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrically operated motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) is arranged above the drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c).

4. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrically operated motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) is arranged above the guide rail (2a..2b) when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is suspended from the guide rail (2a..2b).

5. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide rail (2a..2b) has a counter-running surface extending along it. (B, B1, B2, LI, L2) and that one of the wheels mentioned (13a..l3b', 18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) is designed as a setting wheel (18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) and rests against the counter-running surface (B, B1, B2, LI, L2) in a rolling manner.

6. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 5, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has an adjusting device (22a, 22b) by which the adjusting wheel (18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) is applied with an adjusting force against the counter running surface (B, B1, B2, LI, L2).

7. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjusting device (22a, 22b) has a carriage (23a, 23b) movably mounted on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and a power generator (24a, 24b) positioned against the carriage (23a, 23b), wherein the adjusting wheel (18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) is mounted on the carriage (23a, 23b) or has a rocker arm movably mounted on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and a power generator (24a, 24b) positioned against the rocker arm, wherein the adjusting wheel (18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) is mounted on the rocker arm is.

8. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 7, characterized in that the force generator (24a, 24b) comprises a pre-tensioned elastic spring element, a pneumatic spring, a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

9. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) has a traction drive via which the drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) is driven by the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) is coupled.

10. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has a support body (9) with a receptacle for hanging the hanging goods (4).

11. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 10, characterized in that the support body (9) is interchangeably attached to the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) via a connecting device.

12. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") comprises the hanging goods (4) which can be transported with the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c"), and the hanging goods (4) have a transport bag with a bag body (5) for storing goods (7).

13. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) has an energy storage device (87) electrically connected to the motor (1a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

14. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the hanging goods (4), in particular the transport bag, has an energy storage device (87) electrically connected to the motor (1a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

15. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by an electrical power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) comprising an insulator and exposed electrical conductors (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 86a, 86b) arranged along the guide rail (2a..2b), in particular on the guide rail (2a..2b), wherein the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has current collectors (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 59a, 59b, 60a, 60b) which are electrically in contact with the conductors (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 86a, 86b) and are electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

16. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it has an inductive power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) along the guide rail (2a..2b), in particular on the guide rail (2a..2b), and the power transfer to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is inductive.

17. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 16, characterized in that the inductive power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) comprises at least one electrical conductor (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b) running parallel to the guide rail (2a..2b) and a coil (34) which is arranged on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b), whereby the energy transfer to the coil (34) is contactless.

18. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 17, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") comprises a ferromagnetic core (35) around which the coil (34) is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b).

19. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the electrical power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) is provided only on straight sections of the guide rail (2a..2b).

20. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by a feed device which is assigned to a transport section of the guide rail (2a..2b) which runs from a first height level to a second height level different from the first height level, wherein the feed device is in operative connection with the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is subjected to a feed force by the feed device at least during a transport movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") between the different height levels.

21. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 20, characterized in that the feed device in the transport section comprises a rack (41) running parallel to the guide rail (2a..2b) and the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) comprises a gear (42a, 42b) which meshes with the rack (41) and is coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

22. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 21, characterized in that the drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) and the gear (41) are coupled together.

23. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that at least some of the wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") are double and arranged in pairs symmetrically to a longitudinal axis. The guide rail (2a..2b) is arranged in a vertical plane (G) running along the guide rail, wherein in an operating state of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") a set of the paired wheels (13a..l3b', 18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) is engaged with the guide rail (2a..2b).

24. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the guide rail (2a..2b) has a first running surface (Al, Kl) and a second running surface (A2, K2), wherein the first running surface (Al, Kl) and the second running surface (A2, K2) run parallel or inclined to each other with a horizontal distance.

25. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the drive wheel (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is designed as the first drive wheel (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a) of a first pair of drive wheels (14, 46, 74) and a further wheel of said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is designed as the second drive wheel (13b, 13b', 45b, 73b) of the first drive wheel pair (14, 46, 74), wherein the first drive wheel (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a) and the second drive wheel (13b, 13b', 45b, 73b) of the first drive wheel pair (14, 46, 74) are arranged coaxially on a first drive shaft coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

26. Overhead conveyor device (1a.. 1c") according to claims 24 and 25, characterized in that the first drive wheel (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a) of the first pair of drive wheels (14, 46, 74) rests on the first running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) in a rolling manner and the second drive wheel (13b, 13b', 45b, 73b) of the first pair of drive wheels (14, 46, 74) rests on the second running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) in a rolling manner.

27. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 26, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is designed as the first drive wheel (75a) of a second pair of drive wheels (76) and rests on the first running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) in a rolling manner and a further wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) as second drive wheel (75b) of the second drive wheel pair (76) is formed and rests on the second running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) in a rolling manner, wherein the first drive wheel (75a) and the second drive wheel (75b) of the second drive wheel pair (76) are arranged coaxially on a second drive shaft coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

28. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is suspended from the guide rail (2a..2b) by means of the aforementioned drive wheels (13a, 13b, 13a', 13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b).

29. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the first running surface (Al, Kl) and the second running surface (A2, K2) are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b) and / or the drive wheels (13a, 13b, 13a', 13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) are arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b).

30. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) has a traction drive via which the said drive wheels (13a, 13b, 13a', 13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) are coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

31. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 1 to 4 or 9 to 30, characterized in that the guide rail (2a..2b) has a first counter-running surface (Bl, LI) and a second counter-running surface (B2, L2), wherein the first counter-running surface (Bl, LI) and the second counter-running surface (B2, L2) run parallel to each other with a horizontal distance between them.

32. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is the first adjusting wheel (18a, 18a', 47a) of a first adjusting wheel pair (19, 48) and a further wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) are designed as the second adjusting wheel (18b, 18b', 47b) of the first adjusting wheel pair (19, 48), wherein the first adjusting wheel (18a, 18a',47a) and the second adjusting wheel (18b, 18b', 47b) of the first pair of adjusting wheels (19, 48) are arranged coaxially on a first bearing axis.

33. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 32, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is the first adjusting wheel (20a) of a second adjusting wheel pair (21) and a further wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) are designed as the second adjusting wheel (20b) of the second adjusting wheel pair (21), wherein the first adjusting wheel (20a) and the second adjusting wheel (20b) of the second adjusting wheel pair (21) are arranged coaxially on a second bearing axis.

34. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the first adjusting wheel (18a, 18a', 20a, 47a) is in a rolling position against the first counter-running surface (B, Bl, LI) and the second adjusting wheel (18b, 18b', 20b, 47b) is in a rolling position against the second counter-running surface (B, B2, L2).

35. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that the first counter-running surface (B l, LI) and the second counter-running surface (B2, L2) are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b) and / or the adjusting wheels (18a, 18b, 18a', 18b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) are arranged symmetrically to the vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b).

36. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has an adjusting device (22a, 22b) by which the first adjusting wheel (18a, 18a', 20a, 47a) is applied with a first adjusting force against the first counter-running surface (B l, LI) and / or the second adjusting wheel (18b, 18b', 20b, 47b) is applied with a second adjusting force against the second counter-running surface (B2, L2).

37. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 36, characterized in that the positioning device (22a, 22b) has a carriage (23a, 23b) movably mounted on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and a power generator (24a, 24b) positioned against the carriage (23a, 23b), wherein the Adjusting wheels (18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) are mounted on the slide (23a, 23b) or has a rocker arm movably mounted on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and a power generator (24a, 24b) positioned against the rocker arm, wherein the adjusting wheels (18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 47a, 47b) are mounted on the rocker arm.

38. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 37, characterized in that the force generator (24a, 24b) comprises a pre-tensioned elastic spring element, a pneumatic spring, a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

39. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 25 to 38, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is the first support wheel (49a) of a first pair of support wheels (50) and another wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) are designed as the second support wheel (49b) of the first pair of support wheels (50), which are arranged coaxially on the first drive shaft coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) on both sides of the first pair of drive wheels (46, 74).

40. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 39, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is the first support wheel of a second pair of support wheels and a further wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) are designed as the second support wheel of the second pair of support wheels, which are arranged coaxially on the second drive shaft coupled to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) on both sides of the second pair of drive wheels (47, 75).

41. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that the support wheels (49a, 49b) are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b).

42. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 32 to 41, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) as the first auxiliary adjusting wheel (51a) of an auxiliary adjusting wheel pair (52) and a further wheel of the aforementioned wheels (13a..l3b', 18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") are designed as the second auxiliary adjusting wheel (51b) of the auxiliary adjusting wheel pair (52), which are arranged coaxially on the first bearing axis on both sides of the first adjusting wheel pair (48).

43. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 42, characterized in that the additional adjusting wheels (51a, 51b) are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b).

44. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is the first guide wheel (25a, 53a) of a first pair of guide wheels (26, 54) and another wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) are designed as the second guide wheel (25b, 53b) of the first pair of guide wheels (26, 54), wherein the first guide wheel (25a, 53a) and the second guide wheel (25b, 53b) of the first pair of guide wheels are each rotatably mounted about vertical axes (26, 54).

45. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 44, characterized in that one wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is the first guide wheel (27a) of a second pair of guide wheels (28) and another wheel of the said wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) are designed as the second guide wheel (27b) of the second pair of guide wheels (28), wherein the first guide wheel (27a) and the second guide wheel (27b) of the second pair of guide wheels (28) are each rotatably mounted about vertical axes.

46. ​​Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that the guide wheels (25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 53a, 53b) are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b).

47. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 46, characterized in that it comprises a switch (37, 37a, 37b) in a switch section (E, N, W), wherein the guide rail (2a..2b) comprises a first rail section (Fl, 01) upstream of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) in a first transport direction (Dl) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and a second rail section (F2, 02) and a third rail section (F3, 03) downstream of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) in the first transport direction (Dl) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c"), and that the switch (37, 37a, 37b) has a switch element (38, 62) switchable between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to control the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) optionally along a first transport route between the first rail line (Fl, 01) and the second rail line (F2, 02) or along a second transport route between the first rail line (Fl, 01) and the third rail line (F3, 03).

48. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 47, characterized in that it comprises a switch (37, 37a, 37b) in a switch section (E, N, W), wherein the guide rail (2a..2b) comprises a second rail section (F2, 02) and a third rail section (F3, 03) upstream of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) in a second transport direction (D2) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and a first rail section (Fl, 01) downstream of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) in the second transport direction (D2) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c"), and that the switch (37, 37a, 37b) has a switch element (38, 62) switchable between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to control the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) optionally along a first transport route between the second rail line (F2, 02) and the first rail line (Fl, 01) or along a second transport route between the third rail line (F3, 03) and the first rail line (Fl, 01).

49. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 47 or 48, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) is adjustable horizontally or vertically.

50. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) is designed to be pivotable or displaceable.

51. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 50, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) has a first guide element (39, 63) for straight-ahead travel and a second guide element (40, 64) for diverted travel.

52. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 51, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) comprises a running surface (A', A") and a counter-running surface (B', B"), wherein the counter-running surface (B', B") runs parallel to the running surface (A', A") with a horizontal distance and / or a vertical distance.

53. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 52, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) comprises a first running surface (Al, Kl) and a second running surface (A2, K2) as well as a first counter-running surface (B l, LI) and a second counter-running surface (B2, L2), wherein the first running surface (Al, Kl) and the second running surface (A2, K2) extend with a horizontal distance and / or a vertical distance parallel to the first counter-running surface (B l, LI) and to the second counter-running surface (B2, L2).

54. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 53, characterized in that in the first switching position of the switch element (38, 62) the first drive wheel (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a) of the first pair of drive wheels (14, 46, 74) rests on a running surface (A') of a first guide element (39, 63) of the switch element (38, 62) in a rolling manner and the first adjusting wheel (18a, 18a', 20a, 47a) of the first adjusting wheel pair (19, 21, 48) rests on a counter-running surface (B') of the first guide element (39, 63) when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is moved along the switch section (E, N, W), and in the second switching position of the switch element (38, 62) the second drive wheel (13b, 13b', 45b, 73b) of the first drive wheel pair (14, 46, 74) rests on a running surface (A“) of a second guide element (40, 64) of the switch element (38, 62) and the second actuating wheel (18b, 18b', 20b, 47b) of the first actuating wheel pair (19, 21, 48) rests on a counter-running surface (B“) of the second guide element (40, 64) when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is moved along the switch section (E, N, W).

55. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 54, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) comprises a first switch guide surface (Cl, C1', R) which, in the first switching position of the switch element (38, 62), acts on a support wheel (49a, 49b) of the first pair of support wheels (50) and / or interacts with a guide wheel (25a, 25b, 53a, 53b) of the first pair of guide wheels (26, 54) and the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is guided along the first transport path, and in the second switching position of the switch element (38, 62) is not in any operative connection with the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is in place and the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is freely movable along the second transport path.

56. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 55, characterized in that the switch element (38, 62) comprises a second switch guide surface (C2, C2', S) which in the first switching position of the switch element (38, 62) is not in any operative connection with the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c"), wherein the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is movable along the first transport path, and in the second switching position of the switch element (38, 62) interacts with a guide wheel (25a, 25b, 53a, 53b) of the first pair of guide wheels (26, 54), wherein the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is guided along the second transport path.

57. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 47 to 56, characterized in that the switch (37, 37a, 37b) additionally has a switch base body (61) on which the switch element (38, 62) is mounted, which switch base body (61) comprises a top, a bottom, a first through channel extending from the top to the bottom and running along a first transport path, to which the first rail section (F1, 01) connects at one end of the first through channel and the second rail section (F2, 02) connects at an opposite further end of the first through channel, a second through channel extending from the top to the bottom and running along a second transport path, which opens into the first through channel at one end of the second through channel and connects to the third rail section (F3, 03) at an opposite further end of the second through channel. on the upper side a first running surface (Al, Kl) on which the first drive wheel (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a) of the first drive wheel pair (14, 46, 74) rests so as to roll when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is moved along the first transport path, and a second running surface (A2, K2) on which the second drive wheel (13b, 13b', 45b, 73b) of the first drive wheel pair (14, 46, 74) rests so as to roll when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is moved along the second transport path, on the upper side a first support surface (PI) on which the first support wheel (49a) of the first pair of support wheels (50) rests so as to roll, and a second support surface (P2) on which the second support wheel (49b) of the first pair of support wheels (50) rests so as to roll, on the upper side a first straight guide (67a) on which the first support wheel (49a) of the first pair of support wheels (50) rests so as to roll, and a second straight guide (67b) on which the second support wheel (49b) of the first pair of support wheels (50) rests so as to roll, when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is moved straight ahead, and on the upper side a first diverting guide (68a) on which the first support wheel (49a) of the first pair of support wheels (50) rests so as to roll, and a second diverting guide (68b) on which the second support wheel (49b) of the first pair of support wheels (50) is in a rollable position when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is redirected.

58. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 57, characterized in that the switch base body (61) additionally comprises on its underside a first counter-running surface (B1, L1) on which the first adjusting wheel (18a, 18a', 47a) of the first adjusting wheel pair (19, 48) rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is moved along the first transport path, and a second counter-running surface (B2, L2) on which the second adjusting wheel (18b, 18b', 47b) of the first adjusting wheel pair (19, 48) rests in a rolling manner when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is moved along the first transport path.3c”) is moved along the second transport path, on the underside a first additional support surface (Q1) on which the first additional adjusting wheel (51a) of the additional adjusting wheel pair (52) rests in a rolling manner, and a second additional support surface (Q2) on which the second additional adjusting wheel (51b) of the additional adjusting wheel pair (52) rests in a rolling manner, on the underside a first additional straight guide (69a) on which the first additional adjusting wheel (51a) of the additional adjusting wheel pair (52) rests in a rolling manner, and a second additional straight guide (69b) on which the second additional adjusting wheel (51b) of the. The first auxiliary adjusting wheel pair (52) rests in a rollable position when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is moved straight ahead, and on the underside a first auxiliary diverting guide (70a) on which the first auxiliary adjusting wheel (51a) of the auxiliary adjusting wheel pair (52) rests in a rollable position, and a second auxiliary diverting guide (70b) on which the second auxiliary adjusting wheel (51b) of the auxiliary adjusting wheel pair (52) rests in a rollable position when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is diverted.

59. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that the switch guide surfaces (C1..C2', R, S) and / or the support surfaces (Pl, P2) are provided only in the area of ​​the switch (37, 37a, 37b).

60. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 59, characterized in that at least some of the wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") are double and are arranged in pairs symmetrically to a vertical plane (G) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2a..2b), wherein in a switching state of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) one set of the wheels arranged in pairs on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") the wheels provided (13a..l3b', 18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) are engaged with the switch element (38, 62) or in a switching state of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) both sets of the wheels provided in pairs on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) (13a..l3b', 18a..l8b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) remain engaged with the switch element (38, 62) until a driving force for the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) can be fully taken over by a set of the paired drive wheels (13a..l3b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b).

61. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 44 to 60, characterized in that the guide rail (2a..2b) comprises rail guide surfaces (C, C', M1, M2) and / or the switch element (38, 62) switch guide surfaces (C1..C2', R, S) which interact with the guide wheels (25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 53a, 53b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“).

62. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 25 to 61, characterized in that the drive wheels (45a, 45b) of the first pair of drive wheels (46) and the The drive wheels (75a, 75b) of the second pair of drive wheels (76) and / or the adjusting wheels (47a, 47b) of the first pair of adjusting wheels (48) are all engaged with the guide rail (2a..2b) when the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is moved on the guide rail (2a..2b).

63. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 1 to 62, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and the guide rail (2a..2b) have lateral guide elements which are provided with complementary lateral guide surfaces in order to guide the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") during a transport movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") along a longitudinal extension of the guide rail (2a..2b).

64. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 47 to 63, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and the switch (37, 37a, 37b) have lateral guide elements which are provided with complementary lateral guide surfaces to guide the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") during a transport movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") along a longitudinal extension of the switch (37, 37a, 37b).

65. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that the running surfaces (A, A', A“, Al, A2) on the guide rail (2a..2b) and / or on the switch (37, 37a, 37b) each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element.

66. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 63 to 65, characterized in that the drive wheels (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) each have a lateral guide surface as a lateral guide element.

67. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") for a picking system, comprising a support structure (71) forming a travel surface (T), and a transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") for transporting hanging garments (4), which has a base body (8a, 8b, 8c) wherein the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side, and a drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) for moving the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") on the travel surface (T), characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) additionally comprises an adhesive force generator (83a, 83b, 85) by which the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) adheres movably to the supporting structure (71).

68. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 67, characterized in that the drive device comprises (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) Drive elements (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) which are in contact with the driving surface (T), and an electrically operated motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) which is arranged on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c), wherein a first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) of the drive elements (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) and a second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b, 84b) of the drive elements (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) are coupled to the electrically operated motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b), or several electrically operated motors (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) are arranged on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c), wherein a first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) of the drive elements (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) is coupled to a first motor (11a, 77a) of the electrically operated motors (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and a second driving organ (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b, 84b) of the driving organs (13a..l3b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) are coupled with a second motor (11b, 77b) of the electrically operated motors (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

69. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 68, characterized in that the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) is provided with the first and second drive element (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b), wherein the first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) is arranged on the first transport carrier side and the second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b, 84b) is arranged on the second transport carrier side.

70. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 68 or 69, characterized in that the first and second drive element (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) each comprise one or more drive wheels (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b).

71. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c) according to claim 70, characterized in that the first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) is a first crawler belt (84a) guided around the drive wheels (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b) of the first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) on the first side of the transport carrier and / or the second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b, 84b) is a second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b) guided around the drive wheels (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b) of the second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 84b) on the second side of the transport carrier. 75a, 75b, 84b) includes a continuously circulating second caterpillar band (84b).

72. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c) according to claim 70, characterized in that the first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) has a first chain running continuously around the drive wheels (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b) of the first drive element (13a, 13a', 45a, 73a, 73b, 84a) on the first side of the transport carrier and / or the second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b, 84b) has a chain running continuously around the drive wheels (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b) of the second drive element (13b, 13b', 45b, 75a, 75b, 84b) on the second side of the transport carrier. 84b) includes a guided, endlessly circulating second chain.

73. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 68 to 72, characterized in that the first and second drive element (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b) each form an outer circumference and several adhesive force generators (83a, 83b, 85) are arranged on the outer circumference of the first and second drive element (13a..13b', 45a, 45b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b, 84a, 84b).

74. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 67 to 73, characterized in that the adhesive force generator (83a, 83b, 85) is arranged on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) between the first transport carrier side and the second transport carrier side.

75. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 66 to 73, characterized in that the adhesive force generator (83a, 83b, 85) comprises a permanent magnet (83a, 83b), adhesive lamellae, suction cups (85) and / or a hook and loop fastener.

76. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 75, characterized in that the adhesive force generator (83a, 83b, 85) comprises a permanent magnet (83a, 83b) and the support structure (71) forms a running surface (T) and is made of a ferromagnetic material is manufactured, wherein the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is movably attached to the driving surface (T) via the permanent magnets (83a, 83b).

77. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 67 to 76, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") comprises a joint arrangement (89) which enables the hanging goods (4) to pivot outwards relative to the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) by more than 45° transversely to the direction of movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c").

78. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 67 to 77, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) has an energy storage device (87) electrically connected to the motor (1a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

79. Hanging conveyor device (la..lc“) according to one of claims 67 to 78, characterized in that the hanging conveyor device (la..lc“) comprises the hanging goods (4) which has a transport bag with a bag body (5) for storing goods (7).

80. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c) according to claim 79, characterized in that the transport bag has an energy storage device (87) electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

81. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 67 to 80, characterized by an electrical power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) comprising an insulator and exposed electrical conductors (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 86a, 86b) arranged along the support structure (71), in particular on the support structure (71), wherein the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has current collectors (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 59a, 59b, 60a, 60b) which are electrically in contact with the conductors (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 86a, 86b) and are electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b).

82. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 67 to 81, characterized in that an inductive energy supply system (29, 29a, 29b) is arranged along the support structure (71), in particular on the support structure (71), and the energy transfer to the motor (1a, 11b, 77a, 77b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) is inductive.

83. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 82, characterized in that the inductive energy supply system (29, 29a, 29b) comprises at least one electrical conductor (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b) running parallel to the support structure (71) and a coil (34) which is arranged on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) and is electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b), wherein the energy transfer to the coil (34) is contactless.

84. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 83, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") comprises a ferromagnetic core (35) around which the coil (34) is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b).

85. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 80 to 84, characterized in that the electrical power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) is provided only on straight sections of the supporting structure (71).

86. Transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) for transporting hanging goods (4) on a hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) for a picking system, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) has a drive control (95) and a writable and readable memory (96) connected to the drive control (95).

87. Transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) according to claim 86, characterized by a base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and a drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) arranged on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) for moving the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) on a support structure (2a..2b, 71) of the overhead conveyor device (1a..1c“).

88. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c"), characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") comprises a transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") according to claim 85 or 86 and a support structure (2a..2b, 71) on which the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is movably mounted, wherein the overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") and its support structure (2a..2b, 71) are designed in particular according to one of claims 1 to 85.

89. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 88, characterized in that the support structure (71) has a guide rail (2a..2b) on which the The transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is suspended and movable along its longitudinal extent, wherein the suspended conveying device (1a..1c") is designed in particular according to one of claims 1 to 65, or the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is movably attached to the support structure (71), wherein the suspended conveying device (1a..1c") is designed in particular according to one of claims 66 to 83.

90. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 89, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has a base body (8a, 8b, 8c) with several wheels rotatably mounted thereon (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b), wherein at least some of the wheels (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) rest on the guide rail (2a..2b), suspend the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") on the guide rail (2a..2b) and allow movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") along the longitudinal extent of the guide rail (2a..2b) or rest on a running surface (T) of the support structure (71), hold the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") in contact with the running surface (T) and allow movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") on the running surface (T).

91. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 88 to 90, characterized in that the drive control (95) is configured to control a movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) on the support structure (2a..2b, 71) on the basis of motion data stored in the memory (96).

92. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 88 to 91, characterized in that the support structure (2a..2b, 71) has at least one control element and the drive control (95) is configured to control a movement of the at least one control element of the support structure (2a..2b, 71) on the basis of control data stored in the memory (96).

93. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 92, characterized in that the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) and / or the at least one control element of the support structure (2a..2b, 71) are designed for optical, wired or radio-based communication.

94. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 93, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has a light source (56) connected to the drive control (95) and the control element of the support structure (2a..2b, 71) has a light-sensitive element (100), wherein a control command from the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") to the control element of the support structure (2a..2b, 71) can be transmitted via the light source (56) and the light-sensitive element (100).

95. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 92 to 94, characterized in that the control element of the support structure (2a..2b, 71) is designed as a switch (37, 37a, 37b) and a control command of the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) causes the switch (37, 37a, 37b) to be switched to a predefinable switching position.

96. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 88 to 95, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has a travel surface sensor (91) connected to the drive control (95), with which a travel marking (U) and / or control marking (V) arranged on the support structure (2a..2b, 71) can be read, with which a movement of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") on the support structure (2a..2b, 71) can be influenced.

97. Overhead conveyor device (la..lc“) according to claim 96, characterized in that the driving surface sensor is designed as an optical driving surface sensor (91) and the driving marking (U) as an optical driving marking (U) and / or the control marking (V) as an optical control marking (V).

98. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 93 to 97, characterized in that the support structure (2a..2b, 71) has a controllable light source and the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has an optical surface sensor (91) connected to the drive control (95), wherein a control command can be transmitted from the support structure (2a..2b, 71) to the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") by means of the light source and the optical surface sensor (91).

99. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 98, characterized in that the controllable light source on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") or the support structure (2a..2b, 71) has several individually activatable and matrix-shaped arranged light points. - I ll - 100. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 88 to 99, characterized in that the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is configured to receive a path definition from a higher-level control (101), wherein the path definition specifies a path for the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") at least in a switch section (E, N, W) of the support structure (2a..2b, 71), to store a received path definition in the memory (96) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and to select one path from several paths in the switch section (E, N, W) according to the received path definition.

101. Suspended conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to claim 100, characterized in that the selection of a path comprises autonomous switching of switches (37, 37a, 37b) of the support structure (2a..2b, 71) by means of the drive control (95) and the path definition.

102. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c“) according to one of claims 96 to 101, characterized in that a switching of a switch (37, 37a, 37b) is effected by means of a control marking (V) which is arranged in the area of ​​the support structure (2a..2b, 71) and can be detected by the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“).

103. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 88 to 102, characterized in that the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is designed to receive a weight of a mass to be transported by the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") from a higher-level control (101), to store this weight in the storage (96) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and to execute an acceleration profile depending on this weight.

104. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 88 to 103, characterized in that the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is designed to control the speed of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and / or to control the distance to another transport carrier (3, 3a..3c").

105. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 104, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has several distance sensors (92, 92a, 92b) which are connected to the drive control (95) and are arranged such that they enclose an angle of more than 0° and less than 180° in pairs.

106. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 96 to 105, characterized in that setting a target speed of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") or a target distance of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") to another transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") is effected by means of the control marking (V), which is arranged in the area of ​​the support structure (2a..2b, 71) and can be detected by the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c").

107. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 88 to 106, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has a travel surface sensor (91) connected to the drive control (95) with which a control marking (V) arranged on the support structure (2a..2b, 71) can be read, wherein detection of the control marking (V) triggers a signal from the drive control (95) to a higher-level control (101), or has a short-range radio receiver (103) connected to the drive control (95) with which a signal from a short-range radio transmitter (102) arranged on the support structure (2a..2b, 71) can be received, wherein reception of the signal by the short-range radio receiver (103) triggers a signal from the drive control (95) to a higher-level control (101), or a short-range radio transmitter (102) exhibits a reception of a signal from the short-range radio transmitter (102) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") by a component attached to the supporting structure (2a..2b, 71) arranged short-range radio receiver (103) triggers a report from the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) to a higher-level control unit (101).

108. Overhead conveyor device (la..lc“) according to claim 107, characterized in that the reporting by the drive control (95) to the higher-level control (101) causes the higher-level control (101) to send a path definition to the drive control (95).

109. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 107 to 108, characterized in that the driving marker (U) and / or control marker (V) or the short-range radio transmitter (102) or the short-range radio receiver (103) arranged on the support structure (2a..2b, 71) is provided with a local position is assigned and the reporting of the driving control (95) to the higher-level control (101) causes an adjustment of the path definition starting from this position by the higher-level control (101) if a target position of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) does not correspond to the local position of the driving marker (U) and / or control marker (V) or of the short-range radio transmitter (102) or of the short-range radio receiver (103).

110. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 107 to 109, characterized in that the driving marker (U) and / or control marker (V) or the short-range radio transmitter (102) or the short-range radio receiver (103) arranged on the support structure are designed to cause the simultaneous reporting of the driving controls (95) of several transport carriers (3, 3a..3c") to the higher-level control (101).

111. Overhead conveyor device (la..lc“) according to one of claims 93 to 110, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (la..lc“) comprises a power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) which is also designed for wired communication with the drive control (95) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“).

112. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 111, characterized in that the power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) of the overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") is divided into several supply segments (Y1..Y4) which have different addresses in a communication system of the overhead conveyor device (1a..1c").

113. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 111 or 112, characterized in that the power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) of the overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") is divided into several supply segments (Y1..Y4), wherein one of the supply segments (Y1..Y4) of the power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) is assigned a local position and the entry of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") into this supply segment (Y1..Y4) causes an adjustment of the path definition based on the local position assigned to this supply segment (Y1..Y4) by a higher-level controller (101) if a target position of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") does not correspond to the local position of this supply segment (Y1..Y4) of the power supply system (29, 29a, 29b).

114. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 111 to 113, characterized in that the electrical power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) comprises an insulator and exposed electrical conductors (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 86a, 86b) which are arranged along the support structure (2a..2b, 71), in particular on the support structure (2a..2b, 71), wherein the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") has current collectors (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 59a, 59b, 60a, 60b) which are electrically in contact with the conductors (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 86a, 86b) and are electrically connected to a motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) of the drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) and are also electrically connected to the drive control (95) via a communication module (98) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“).

115. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") according to one of claims 111 to 113, characterized in that an inductive power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) is provided along the support structure (2a..2b, 71), in particular on the support structure (2a..2b, 71), and the power transmission to a motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) of the drive device (10a, 10b, 72a, 72b) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and / or data transmission to a communication module (98) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c) connected to the drive control (95). 3a..3c“) is done inductively.

116. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 115, characterized in that the inductive power supply system (29, 29a, 29b) comprises at least one electrical conductor (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b) running parallel to the support structure (2a..2b, 71) and a coil (34) which is arranged on the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") and is electrically connected to the motor (11a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and the communication module (98), wherein the power transfer and / or data transmission to the coil (34) is contactless.

117. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 116, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") comprises a ferromagnetic core (35) around which the coil (34) is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b).

118. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") for a picking system, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 85 or according to one of claims 88 to 117, comprising a supporting structure (2a..2b, 71) and a transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) for transporting hanging goods (4), which is suspended from the supporting structure (2a..2b, 71) and is movably mounted thereon, characterized in that the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c“) has a drive motor (1a, 11b, 77a, 77b) and an associated energy source (87).

119. Overhead conveyor device (1a..1c") for a picking system, comprising a guide rail (2a..2b) with a running surface (A, Al, A2, Kl, K2) extending along the guide rail (2a..2b), a transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") for transporting hanging garments (4), which has a base body (8a, 8b, 8c) and several wheels rotatably mounted on the base body (8a, 8b, 8c) (13a..13b', 18a..18b', 20a, 20b, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b, 51a, 51b, 53a, 53b, 73a, 73b, 75a, 75b) characterized in that the suspended conveyor device (1a..1c“), in particular in a switch section (E, N, W), has a switch (37, 37a, 37b) which comprises a switch element (38, 62) that is vertically movable to or away from a height of the running surface (A, Al, A2) of the guide rail (2a..2b), wherein the guide rail (2a..2b) adjoins the switch (37, 37a, 37b), in particular the switch (37, 37a, 37b) in a first transport direction (Dl) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") comprises a first rail section (Fl, 01) upstream of the switch (37, 37a, 37b), a second rail section (F2, 02) adjoining the switch (37, 37a, 37b), in particular downstream of the switch in the first transport direction (Dl) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c"), and a third rail section (F3, 03) adjoining the switch (37, 37a, 37b), in particular downstream of the switch (37, 37a, 37b) in the first transport direction (Dl) of the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c"), and the switch element (38, 62) is switchable between a first switching position and a second switching position in order to selectively transport the transport carrier (3, 3a..3c") either along a first transport path between the first rail section (Fl, 01) and the second rail section (F2, 02) or along a second transport path between to guide the first rail section (Fl, 01) and the third rail section (F3, 03), with the suspended conveyor device. (1a..1c") and / or their switch (37, 37a, 37b) are designed in particular according to one of claims 1 to 66.

120. Hanging conveyor device (1a..1c") according to claim 119, characterized in that the movable switch element (38, 62) is designed to be pivotable or displaceable.