Linear conveying system

Abstract

The invention relates to a linear transport system (1) comprising a movable unit (10), a guide rail (2) for guiding the movable unit (10), and a linear motor (30) for driving the movable unit (10) along the guide rail (2). The linear transport system (1) has at least one switch (40). The switch (40) has at least one static entry element (50) with an entry motor module (51) and an entry rail element (52) belonging to the guide rail (2). The switch (40) also has at least two static turnout elements (60) each having a turnout motor module (62) and a turnout rail element (62) belonging to the guide rail (2). In addition, the switch (40) is provided with a switching device (41). The switching device (41) has at least two switching elements (70) each having a switching motor module (71) and a switching rail element (72) belonging to the guide rail (2). In a first position of the switching device (41), the entry element (50) is connected to the first exit element (63) via the first exchange element (73). In a second position of the switching device (41), the entry element (50) is connected to the second exit element (64) via a second exchange element (74).

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority from German patent application DE 10 2023 110 521.3, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a linear conveying system. BACKGROUND

[0003] Linear conveying systems are disclosed in the prior art. For example, patent publication DE 10 2014 100 636 A1 describes a linear conveying system comprising a movable unit, a guide rail for guiding the movable unit, and a linear motor for driving the movable unit along the guide rail, wherein the linear motor comprises a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator has a plurality of motor modules which are stationary along the guide rail, wherein each motor module has a plurality of drive coils, wherein the rotor is arranged at the movable unit and comprises a plurality of magnets. Such linear conveying systems can be used, for example, in automation technology and / or manufacturing technology and for conveying products to be processed.

[0004] Such linear conveying systems are in particular provided with a continuous, i.e. closed, guide rail, whereby the movable unit can move on a closed trajectory. In such linear conveying systems, the products to be processed are always guided via a predetermined path. Furthermore, other approaches are disclosed in the prior art which provide for a more flexible linear conveying system. For example, patent document EP 3 109 998 A1 discloses a linear conveying system in which the movable unit can be transferred from one subsystem to another. However, the approach disclosed in European patent application EP 3 109 998 A1 limits the way in which objects can be arranged on the movable unit, i.e. the way in which the movable unit can carry and convey objects, because the movable unit has to be designed such that it is arranged on one of the two long-stator linear motors with two different sides. Thereby, objects can only be arranged above or below the long-stator linear motor. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible linear conveying system. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a linear conveying system. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a switch for a linear conveying system. The solution according to the invention which achieves the above objects is subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a linear conveying system comprising a movable unit, a guide rail for guiding the movable unit and a linear motor for driving the movable unit along the guide rail. The linear motor comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has a plurality of motor modules which are stationary along the guide rail, the motor modules each having a plurality of drive coils. The rotor is arranged at the movable unit and comprises a plurality of magnets. The guide rail is arranged at the motor modules. The linear conveying system has at least one switch. The switch has at least one static entry element with an entry motor module and an entry track element belonging to the guide rail. The switch also has at least two static exit elements each with an exit motor module and an exit track element belonging to the guide rail. Furthermore, the switch has a switching device. The switching device has at least two switching elements each with a switching motor module and a switching track element belonging to the guide rail. In a first position of the switching device, the entry element is connected via a first switching element to a first exit element. In a second position of the switching device, the entry element is connected via a second switching element to a second exit element.

[0007] Here, the first switching element and the second switching element are interchangeable between the entry element and the exit elements. The movable unit can reach the switch via the entry element and then reach the first exit element via the first switching element or the second exit element via the second switching element. Thereby, for example, a product flow can be split and different products can be guided to different processing stations. Overall, a significantly more flexible linear conveying system is thus obtained.

[0008] If more than two exit elements are provided, the number of switching elements can be matched to the number of exit elements. If, in addition, a plurality of entry elements are provided, the number of switching elements can be equal to the product of the number of entry elements and the number of exit elements.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method for operating a linear conveying system. In the method, first, the position of a switching device of the linear conveying system, in particular of a switch of the linear conveying system, is detected. Subsequently, a control program is selected on the basis of the position. Furthermore, a logical step change of the drive coils of the linear conveying system is carried out on the basis of the determined position. The method can be carried out in particular by a control unit of the linear conveying system.

[0010] The invention also relates to a switch for a linear conveying system. The switch has at least one static switch-in element with a switch-in motor module and a switch-in track element belonging to the guide rail. The switch also has at least two static switch-out elements each with a switch-out motor module and a switch-out track element belonging to the guide rail. Furthermore, the switch has a switching device. The switching device has at least two switching elements each with a switching motor module and a switching track element belonging to the guide rail. In a first position of the switching device, the switch-in element is connected via the first switching element to the first switch-out element. In a second position of the switching device, the switch-in element is connected via the second switching element to the second switch-out element.

[0011] It can be provided that the linear conveying system comprises a plurality of such switches. In this case, it can be provided that the further switches comprise a plurality of switch-in elements and, if necessary, only one switch-out element. In this way, the product flow split by the switch can be reunited again by the further switch.

[0012] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or the switch, the switching device has a movable switch element. The first switching element is fixedly connected to the movable switch element. The second switching element is fixedly connected to the movable switch element. The movable switch element can be used in particular to introduce the first switching element or the switching device into the first position and the second switching element or the switching device into the second position.

[0013] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or the switch, the switching device has more than two switching elements each with a switching motor module and a switching track element belonging to the guide rail. The switch also has a number of static switch-out elements matching the number of switching elements, which static switch-out elements each have a switch-out motor module and a switch-out track element belonging to the guide rail. In this way, more than two switch-out elements can be reached by the switch.

[0014] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or the switch, at least one switching element is curved. Both switching elements or a plurality of switching elements can in particular be curved. In this way, the switch or the linear conveying system can be designed to be more flexible.

[0015] The switching element consists of at least a switching track element and a switching motor module. The switching element can be linear. In this case, the switching track element can be arranged in the main extension direction and the switching motor module can be arranged on the switching track element. The switching motor module can be arranged in particular parallel to the switching track element. The linear switching element is not curved. A curved switching element can have a switching track element which is curved with at least one curvature with a curvature radius relative to the main extension direction. Here, the curvature of the switching track element can be designed such that the switching track element follows at least one curve and predefines a movement trajectory for the movable unit, by means of which the movable unit is guided such that it performs a curvilinear movement. The movable unit can move in particular out of the main extension direction. Here, the switching motor module can likewise be arranged parallel to the switching track element and follow the curvature of the switching track element. The linear switching element enables a movement of the movable unit along a straight line, while the curvilinear switching element enables a movement of the movable unit along a curvilinear movement trajectory.

[0016] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or switch, the linear conveying system or switch has a main plane. The main plane is spanned by the entry switch motor module and the entry switch track element. A first exit plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the exit track element of the first exit element. The exit track element of the second exit element is likewise located in the first exit plane.

[0017] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or switch, the linear conveying system has a main plane. The main plane is spanned by the entry switch motor module and the entry switch track element. A first exit plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the exit track element of the first exit element. The exit track element of the second exit element is at least partially located in a second exit plane, wherein the second exit plane is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first exit plane. In this embodiment, the exit elements are arranged in different planes.

[0018] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or switch, the switching device has a drive. By means of the drive, the switching device can be brought into a first position and a second position. The drive can in particular drive the movable switch element.

[0019] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or switch, a first switching element and a second switching element are arranged on a rotatable body. By means of a drive, a rotation of the rotatable body can be triggered. The rotatable body can be part of the movable switch element.

[0020] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system or switch, a first switching element and a second switching element are arranged on a displaceable plate. By means of a drive, a displacement of the displaceable plate can be triggered. The displaceable plate can be part of the movable switch element.

[0021] In an embodiment of the linear conveyor system or switch, in the first position, the entry motor module is flush with the exchange motor module of the first exchange element and the exchange motor module of the first exchange element is flush with the exit motor module of the first exit element. In the second position, the entry motor module is flush with the exchange motor module of the second exchange element and the exchange motor module of the second exchange element is flush with the exit motor module of the second exit element. This enables a smooth transition of the movable unit.

[0022] In an embodiment of the linear conveyor system or switch, in the first position, an entry gap of a predetermined entry gap width is arranged between the entry motor module and the exchange motor module of the first exchange element. The entry gap width can in particular be smaller than the coil spacing between two drive coils of a motor module.

[0023] In an embodiment of the linear conveyor system or switch, in the first position, an exit gap of a predetermined exit gap width is arranged between the exchange motor module of the first exchange element and the exit motor module of the first exit element. The exit gap width can in particular be smaller than the coil spacing between two drive coils of a motor module.

[0024] In an embodiment of the linear conveyor system or switch, the drive coils are arranged within the motor modules such that each two drive coils have a predetermined spacing. When the switching device is arranged in the first position, the drive coil trailing in the direction of travel in the entry motor module likewise has the predetermined spacing from the drive coil leading in the direction of travel in the exchange motor module of the first exchange element. When the switching device is arranged in the second position, the drive coil trailing in the direction of travel in the entry motor module likewise has the predetermined spacing from the drive coil leading in the direction of travel in the exchange motor module of the second exchange element. With this design, in particular the same drive coil spacing can be achieved between the entry motor module and the exchange motor module. This drive coil spacing can correspond to the drive coil spacing that is usually present in the motor modules.

[0025] In an embodiment of the linear conveyor system or switch, when the switching device is arranged in the first position, the drive coil trailing in the direction of travel in the exchange motor module of the first exchange element likewise has the predetermined spacing from the drive coil leading in the direction of travel in the exit motor module of the first exit element. When the switching device is arranged in the second position, the drive coil trailing in the direction of travel in the exchange motor module of the second exchange element likewise has the predetermined spacing from the drive coil leading in the direction of travel in the exit motor module of the second exit element. With this design, in particular the same drive coil spacing can be achieved between the exchange motor module and the exit motor module. This drive coil spacing can correspond to the drive coil spacing that is usually present in the motor modules.

[0026] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system, the linear conveying system further has a control unit. The control unit is configured to select a control program based on the position of the switching device and to logically step the drive coils based on the position of the switching device. The control unit can in particular also be configured to carry out the method according to the application. It can also be proposed that the control unit generally controls all motor modules or all motor module drive coils.

[0027] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system, the control unit is configured to determine the position of the movable unit based on a position detector arranged within the motor module and to select the drive coils to be controlled for driving the movable unit and to feed the drive coils to be controlled based on the position of the movable unit and the position of the switching device.

[0028] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system, the control unit is further configured to logically step the position detector based on the position of the switching device. Here, the logical stepping of the position detector can in particular comprise that in a first position the position detector is logically stepped from the entry switch motor module via the switching motor module of the first switching element to the exit switch motor module of the first exit element and in a second position the position detector is logically stepped from the entry switch motor module via the switching motor module of the second switching element to the exit switch motor module of the second exit element. Thereby, a continuous position detection of the movable unit can be carried out during its passage through the switch.

[0029] In the first position of the switching device, it can be provided that the position detector of the switching motor module of the second switching element is deactivated. In the second position of the switching device, it can be provided that the position detector of the switching motor module of the first switching element is deactivated. Alternatively, however, it can also be proposed that the position detectors remain active, for example when the movable unit is arranged at the corresponding switching element. Thereby, the movable unit can be arranged at those switching elements which are no longer connected to one of the entry element and / or exit element. However, in order to be able to control the holding and / or positioning of the movable unit on such switching elements, the associated position detector can remain active.

[0030] In an embodiment of the linear conveyor system, the control unit is configured to check whether the switching device is in the first position, the second position or the intermediate position. The control unit is further configured to prevent the feeding of the drive coils of the switching motor module of the second switching element and the drive coils of the switching motor module of the second switching element in the first position. The control unit is further configured to prevent the feeding of the drive coils of the switching motor module of the first switching element and the drive coils of the switching motor module of the first switching element in the second position. The control unit is further configured to prevent the feeding of the drive coils of the switching motor module of the first switching element, the drive coils of the switching motor module of the first switching element, the drive coils of the switching motor module of the second switching element and the drive coils of the switching motor module of the second switching element in the intermediate position. This ensures a safe operation of the linear conveyor system.

[0031] In an embodiment of the method for operating a linear conveyor system, additionally, the position of the movable unit is determined by means of a position detector arranged within the motor module. Furthermore, the drive coils to be driven are selected on the basis of the position and the pose of the movable unit. Moreover, the drive coils to be driven are fed.

[0032] In an embodiment of the method for operating a linear conveyor system, the position detector is logically stepped on the basis of the pose of the switching device. Here, the logical stepping of the position detector can in particular comprise that in the first position the position detector is logically stepped from the switching motor module of the entry element via the switching motor module of the first switching element to the switching motor module of the first exit element, and in the second position the position detector is logically stepped from the switching motor module of the entry element via the switching motor module of the second switching element to the switching motor module of the second exit element. Thereby, a continuous position detection of the movable unit is possible during its passage through the switch.

[0033] In the first position of the switching device, the position detector of the switching motor module of the second switching element can be deactivated. In the second position of the switching device, the position detector of the switching motor module of the first switching element can be deactivated. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the position detectors remain active, for example when the movable unit is arranged at the corresponding switching element. Thereby, the movable unit can be arranged at a switching element which is no longer connected to one of the entry element and / or the exit element. However, in order to be able to control the holding and / or positioning of the movable unit on such a switching element, the relevant position detector can remain active.

[0034] In one embodiment of the linear transmission system operation method, it is checked whether the switching device is in a first position, a second position, or an intermediate position. In the first position, power is blocked to the drive coils of the switching motor module of the second switching element and the drive coils of the outgoing motor module of the second outgoing element. In the second position, power is blocked to the drive coils of the switching motor module of the first switching element and the outgoing motor module of the first outgoing element. In the intermediate position, power is blocked to the drive coils of the entering motor module of the entering element, the switching motor module of the first switching element, the outgoing motor module of the first outgoing element, the switching motor module of the second switching element, and the outgoing motor module of the second outgoing element. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 An isometric view of the linear transmission system was designed.

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the linear transmission system shown.

[0038] Figure 3 An isometric view of a first embodiment of a switch in a linear transmission system in a first position is shown;

[0039] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An isometric view of the switch in its second position;

[0040] Figure 5 An isometric view of a second embodiment of a switch in a linear transport system in a first position is shown;

[0041] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An isometric view of the switch in its second position;

[0042] Figure 7 An isometric view of a third embodiment of a switch in a linear transport system in a first position is shown;

[0043] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 An isometric view of the switch in its second position;

[0044] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 An isometric view of the switch in the third position;

[0045] Figure 10 It shows Figure 7 An isometric view of the switch in the fourth position;

[0046] Figure 11 is shown Figure 10 a side view of the switch shown;

[0047] Figure 12 is shown Figure 7 an isometric view of the switch shown in a fifth position;

[0048] Figure 13 is shown

[0049] Figure 14 is shown Figure 13 an isometric view of the switch shown in a second position;

[0050] Figure 15 is shown Figure 13 an isometric view of the switch shown in a third position;

[0051] Figure 16 is shown Figure 13 an isometric view of the switch shown in a fourth position;

[0052] Figure 17 is shown Figure 13 an isometric view of the switch shown in a fifth position; and

[0053] Figure 18 is shown DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 is shown Figure 1 a first position is shown. In a second position of the switching device 41 Figure 1The first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 are connected to the first exit element 63 and the second exit element 64, respectively, via the entry element 50.

[0055] The first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 are connected to the first exit element 63 and the second exit element 64, respectively, via the entry element 50. Figure 1 Overall, a significantly more flexible linear conveying system 1 is obtained.

[0056] The movable unit 10 can be moved along the guide rail 2. Depending on the position of the switching device 41, the movable unit 10 can be moved to different areas, in particular the first area 3 and the second area 4. It can be provided in particular that the movable unit 10 is moved clockwise in the linear conveying system 1. The linear conveying system 1 has a closed guide rail 2, so that the movable unit 10 can always be moved back to its starting position. The clockwise movement of the movable unit 10 in the linear conveying system 1 can be used in particular as an orientation indication of the position of the switching device 41 or the switching device 41. Of course, the movable unit 10 can also be moved counterclockwise in the linear conveying system 1, even reversing the movement direction after the movable unit 10 has been braked. For example, different processing stations can be provided in the first area 3 and the second area 4.

[0057] Figure 1 The linear conveying system 1 also has an optional control unit 5. The control unit 5 can be configured to control the method of operation of the linear conveying system 1. The control unit 5 can be configured to control the linear motor 30 and to trigger the movement of the movable unit 10. In addition, the control unit 5 can be configured to take over the control of the switching device 41. For example, details of the control unit 5 or control methods that can be carried out with the control unit 5 are explained in connection with Figure 18

[0058] It can be provided that the control unit 5 is connected to all motor modules 30, i.e. in particular also to the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 or the second switching element 74 and the motor modules 30 of the second area 4, so that a data communication between the control unit 5 and all motor modules 30 is possible, for example, in order to transmit position probe data and / or other sensor data and / or system data from the motor modules 30 to the control unit 5 and / or in order to transmit coil control signals and / or other data of the motor modules 30 from the control unit 5 to the motor modules 30, for example. In particular, a data communication between the control unit 5 and the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 or the second switching element 74 and the motor modules 30 of the second area 4 can also be possible without the need for Figure 1 ​The connections can be wired connections or wireless connections. It can also be provided that all motor modules 30 are permanently connected to a power supply in order to be able to feed the drive coils.

[0059] It can also be provided that the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 are permanently connected to the control unit 5 for data exchange and likewise permanently supplied with energy, independently of the position of the switching device 41.

[0060] The corresponding data connections and the corresponding power supply can also be provided in the following switches.

[0061] Figure 1 A further switch 42 is also shown in the figure. The further switch 42 has a further switching device 43. The further switch 42 has a plurality of diverging elements, in particular a first diverging element 53 and a second diverging element 54. The first diverging element 53 has a diverging motor module 51 and a diverging track element 52 belonging to the track 2. The second diverging element 54 likewise has a diverging motor module 51 and a diverging track element 52 belonging to the track 2. The further switching device 43 has two switching elements 70 each with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2. In a first position of the further switching device 43, the first diverging element 53 is connected to the diverging element 60 via the first switching element 73. Figure 1 The first position is shown in the figure. In a second position of the further switching device 43 (not shown), the second diverging element 54 is connected to the diverging element 60 via the second switching element 74. Figure 1

[0062] Here, the first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 can be interchanged between the first diverging element 53 or the second diverging element 54 and the diverging element 60. The movable unit 10 can in particular reach the further switch 42 via the first diverging element 53 or via the second diverging element 54 and then reach the diverging element 60 via the first switching element 73 or via the second switching element 74.

[0063] The product flow split by the switch 40 can thus be reunited by the further switch 42. It can be provided that the movable unit 10 moves counterclockwise. In this case, the product flow can be split via the further switch 42 and reunited via the switch 40. Furthermore, the switch 40 can be provided with a plurality of diverging elements 50 or the further switch 42 can be provided with a plurality of diverging elements 60. The terms "diverging element" 50 and "diverging element" 60 relate to Figure 1 The clockwise direction of travel of the movable unit 10 is arbitrarily chosen in the figure. However, the movable unit 10 can move in both directions. Furthermore, a plurality of movable units 10 can be provided in the linear conveying system 1.

[0064] The application also relates to a linear conveying system 1 having a combination​Figure 1 The features described above apply to the switch 40. The present application also relates to a switch 42 having the features described above. Figure 1 The features described above apply to the switch 40. The present application also relates to a switch 42 having the features described above.

[0065] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the linear transport system 1 is shown. The cross-section is in particular through one of the motor modules 33 and the movable unit 10. For the sake of clarity, the cross-section line is omitted in the figure. Within the motor module 33, the drive coils 34 of the stator of the linear motor 30 are arranged, which are each wound on a stator tooth 37. Additionally, further stator teeth 37 can be provided between each two drive coils 34. Each motor module can in particular be arranged with a plurality of drive coils 34. The rotor 10 is arranged at the movable unit 32 and comprises a plurality of magnets 35. The linear motor 30 can be designed as in the linear transport system 1 marketed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co KG under the brand "XTS". Alternatively, Figure 2 A guide rail 2 with a rolling surface 6 is shown. The rolling wheels 11 of the movable unit 10 can roll on the rolling surface 6 and can achieve guiding the movable unit 10 along the guide rail 2.

[0066] Figure 2 An optional position detector 36 in the motor module 33 is also shown. With the signal from the position detector 36, the position of the movable unit 10 can be determined. For this purpose, it can be provided that the movable unit 10 has a positioning element 12. The position detector 36 can detect the presence of the positioning element 12. For example, the positioning element 12 can be a positioning magnet or another element that can be detected by the position detector 36. In this case, the position detector 36 can be a magnetic field sensor, for example a Hall sensor. Likewise, the position of the movable unit 10 can be determined by the position detector 36 on the basis of the magnetic field of the magnets 35 of the rotor 32. For this purpose, the position detector 36 can be arranged in other positions within the motor module 33, if necessary.

[0067] Figure 3 A linear transport system 1 is shown, which can be used Figure 1 and Figure 2Isometric view of an embodiment of a switch 40 of the linear conveyor system 1 shown. The switch 40 has, inter alia, a turnout element 50 with a turnout motor module 51 and a turnout track element 52 and a diverging element 60 with a corresponding diverging motor module 61 and a diverging track element 62. The switching device 41 has a movable switch element 44. In this embodiment, the movable switch element 44 is optionally designed as a movable plate 45. A first exchange element 73 with the associated exchange motor module 71 and exchange track element 72 is fixedly connected to the movable switch element 44. A second exchange element 74 with the associated exchange motor module 71 and exchange track element 72 is likewise fixedly connected to the movable switch element 44. The exchange motor modules 71 of the first exchange element 73 and the second exchange element 74 are in particular fastened to the movable switch element 44. The movable switch element 44 is in particular used to introduce the first exchange element 73 or the switching device 41 into a first position and the second exchange element 74 or the switching device 41 into a second position. Figure 3 The first position is shown in Fig. 1. The turnout element 50 is connected via the first exchange element 73 to the first diverging element 63.

[0068] In addition, the second position is shown in Fig. 2. The turnout element 50 is connected via the second exchange element 74 to the second diverging element 64. Figure 3 The movable unit 10 is shown in Fig. 3 being moved via the first exchange element 73.

[0069] It can be provided that the control unit 5 is connected to all motor modules 30, i.e. in particular also permanently to the exchange motor modules 71 of the first exchange element 73 or the second exchange element 74 and to the diverging motor modules 61 of the first diverging element 63 or the second diverging element, so that a data communication between the control unit 5 and all motor modules 30 is possible, in order to transmit, for example, position probe data and / or other sensor data and / or system data from the motor modules 30 to the control unit 5 and / or in order to transmit, for example, coil control signals and / or other data of the motor modules 30 from the control unit 5 to the motor modules 30. In particular, a data communication between the control unit 5 and the exchange motor modules 71 of the first exchange element 73 or the second exchange element 74 is also possible without the need for a Figure 3 The corresponding connection is shown in Fig. 4. The connection can be a wired connection or a wireless connection. Here, the wired connection can be routed via the movable plate 45. It can also be provided that all motor modules 30 are connected to a power supply at all times in order to be able to feed the drive coils. The power supply can also be routed via the movable plate 45.

[0070] It can be provided that the exchange motor modules 71 of the first exchange element 73 and the second exchange element 74 are permanently connected to the control unit 5 for data exchange and likewise permanently supplied with energy, regardless of the position of the switching device 41.

[0071] It can be provided that the control unit 5 is connected to all motor modules 30, i.e. in particular also permanently to the exchange motor modules 71 of the first exchange element 73 or the second exchange element 74 and to the diverging motor modules 61 of the first diverging element 63 or the second diverging element, so that a data communication between the control unit 5 and all motor modules 30 is possible, in order to transmit, for example, position probe data and / or other sensor data and / or system data from the motor modules 30 to the control unit 5 and / or in order to transmit, for example, coil control signals and / or other data of the motor modules 30 from the control unit 5 to the motor modules 30. In particular, a data communication between the control unit 5 and the exchange motor modules 71 of the first exchange element 73 or the second exchange element 74 is also possible without the need for a Figure 1 and Figure 2In the embodiment of the switch 40 of the linear conveying system 1 shown, the switching device 41 has a drive 46. By means of the drive 46, the switching device 41 can be brought into a first position and a second position. The drive 46 can in particular drive the movable switching element 44. By means of the drive 46, the displaceable plate 45 can be displaced. The displaceable plate 45 can be part of the movable switching element 44. In the embodiment shown, the drive 46 is configured as a linear drive 55, which can also be referred to as a linear axle. By means of the linear drive 55, it is possible to very simply, positionally precisely, quickly and efficiently effect a translation of the displaceable plate 45 without any other intervening mechanical transmission mechanisms.

[0072] Figure 4 An isometric view of the switch 40 shown is shown in which the switching device 41 is brought into the second position, the entry switching element 50 being connected to the second exit switching element 64 via the second switching element 74. Figure 3 An isometric view of the switch 40 shown is shown in which the switching device 41 is brought into the second position, the entry switching element 50 being connected to the second exit switching element 64 via the second switching element 74.

[0073] In addition, Figure 4 An isometric view of the switch 40 shown is shown in which the switching device 41 is brought into the second position, the entry switching element 50 being connected to the second exit switching element 64 via the second switching element 74.

[0074] Figure 3 And Figure 4 The switch 40 shown can be used directly as Figure 1 And Figure 2 The switch 40 shown in the linear conveying system 1.

[0075] Figure 3 And Figure 4 In the embodiment of the switch 40 shown, the first switching element 73 is configured in a curved manner. The switching motor module 71 and the switching track element 72 of the first switching element 73 are in particular each configured in a curved manner, and the exit motor module 61 and the exit track element 62 of the first exit switching element 63 are likewise each configured in a curved manner. In addition, Figure 3 And Figure 4 In the embodiment of the switch 40 shown, the second switching element 74 is configured in a linear manner. The switching motor module 71 and the switching track element 72 of the second switching element 74 are in particular each configured in a linear manner. The entry switching element 50 and the second exit switching element 64 are in particular each configured in a linear manner, such that the linear second switching element 74 can establish a connection between the entry switching element 50 and the second exit switching element 64. Figure 3 And Figure 4 This design is also shown in the embodiment.

[0076] Figure 3 And Figure 4In the embodiment of the switch 40 shown, the linear transport system 1 has a main plane. The main plane is spanned by the entry switch track element 52 and the entry switch motor module 51. The main plane can in particular be perpendicular to the first fastening plate 81, on which the entry switch motor module 51 and the exit switch motor module 61 of the second exit switch element 64 are arranged. It can in particular be provided that all stationary motor modules 33, including the entry switch motor module 51 and the exit switch motor module 61, are arranged in the main plane. Figure 1 This design is shown by way of example. The first exit switch plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is spanned by the exit switch track element 62 of the first exit switch element 63. The first exit switch plane is parallel to the first fastening plate 81. The exit switch track element 62 of the second exit switch element 64 is at least partially arranged in a second exit switch plane, wherein the second exit switch plane is parallel to the first exit switch plane and thus also to the first fastening plate 81 and is arranged spaced apart from the first exit switch plane. In this embodiment, the first exit switch element 63 and the second exit switch element 64 are arranged in different planes, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 Here, the first exit switch element 63 is arranged above the second exit switch element 64.

[0077] Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment of the switch 40 shown, a first fastening plate 81 is provided, on which the entry switch element 50 and the second exit switch element 64 are arranged. A recess 84 in the first fastening plate 81 serves to accommodate the movable plate 45. The movable plate 45 can in particular be arranged in the recess 84. The drive 46 is likewise arranged on the first fastening plate 81. Here, the first fastening plate 81 can be perpendicular to the main plane described above. A second fastening plate 82 is arranged parallel to the first fastening plate 81. The first exit switch element 63 is fastened to the second fastening plate 82, here with an optional support 85 with which the distance between the second fastening plate 82 and the first exit switch element 63 can be adjusted. The movable plate 45 can in particular be moved at an angle to the main plane. The movable plate 45 is in particular moved perpendicular to the main plane. A plane perpendicular to the main plane and spanned by the entry switch track element 52 can be referred to as the entry switch plane.

[0078] The first switching element 73 is curved with respect to the plane of the first fastening plate 81 in order to be able to reach the first exit switch element 63 arranged at the second fastening plate 82. By means of the first switching element 73, the entry switch plane is left. The second switching element 74 is linear in order to be able to reach the second exit switch element 64.

[0079] Figure 5 is shown. The first exit switch element 63 is arranged above the second exit switch element 64. Figure 1 and Figure 2Isometric view of another embodiment of a switch 40 of the linear transport system 1 shown. The switch 40 has, inter alia, a turnout element 50 with a turnout motor module 51 and a turnout track element 52 and a diverging element 60 with a corresponding diverging motor module 61 and a diverging track element 62. The switching device 41 has a movable switch element 44. In this embodiment, unlike the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the movable switch element 44 is designed as a swivel body 47. A first switching element 73 with the associated switching motor module 71 and switching track element 72 is fixedly connected to the movable switch element 44. A second switching element 74 with the associated switching motor module 71 and switching track element 72 is fixedly connected to the movable switch element 44. The switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 can be fastened to the movable switch element 44. The movable switch element 44 can be used to introduce the first switching element 73 or the switching device 41 into a first position and the second switching element 74 or the switching device 41 into a second position. Figure 5 The first position is shown in

[0080] Figure 5 The switch 40 shown likewise has a drive 46. By means of the drive 46 the switching device 41 can be introduced into the first position and the second position. The drive 46 can drive the movable switch element 41. By means of the drive 46 the swivel body 47 can be rotated. The swivel body 47 can be part of the movable switch element 41. In the embodiment shown, the drive 46 is configured as a rotary drive 56. Alternatively, as shown in the figure, a transmission mechanism 57 can be interposed between the rotary drive 56 and the swivel body 47. By means of the rotary drive 56 and the optional transmission mechanism 57 it is possible to very simply, positionally precisely, quickly and efficiently achieve the rotation of the swivel body 47 between the first position and the second position.

[0081] Figure 6 The Figure 5 isometric view of the switch 40 shown, in which the switching device 41 is introduced into the second position, in which the turnout element 50 is connected via the second switching element 74 to the second diverging element 64.

[0082] In the switch 40 shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 the switching elements 70 are arranged on the swivel body 47. It is proposed here that the first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 are arranged opposite one another on the swivel body 47. However, the switching elements 70 can also be arranged at different angles to one another in order to reduce the degree of rotation of the swivel body 47 required for switching by the switching elements 70.

[0083] It can be proposed that in Figure 5 and Figure 6In the switch 40 shown, the control unit 5 is connected to all motor modules 30, i.e. in particular also to the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 or the second switching element 74 and the switching motor modules 61 of the first switching element 63 or the second switching element 64, so that a data communication between the control unit 5 and all motor modules 30 is possible, for example for transmitting position probe data and / or other sensor data and / or system data from the motor modules 30 to the control unit 5 and / or for example for transmitting coil control signals and / or other data of the motor modules 30 from the control unit 5 to the motor modules 30. In particular, a data communication between the control unit 5 and the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 or the second switching element 74 is also possible without the Figure 3 corresponding connection shown in the middle. The connection can be a wired connection or a wireless connection. Here, the wired connection can be routed via the swivel body 47. It can also be provided that all motor modules 30 are permanently connected to a power supply in order to be able to feed the drive coils. The power supply can also be routed via the swivel body 47.

[0084] It can in particular be provided that the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 are permanently connected to the control unit 5 for data exchange and likewise permanently supplied with energy, independently of the position of the switching device 41.

[0085] Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment of the switch 40 shown, the linear conveying system 1 likewise has a main plane, the definition of which is similar to the main plane of Figure 5 and is perpendicular to the first fastening plate 81 on which the switching motor modules 61 of the second switching element 64 are arranged. The main plane is spanned by the switching motor modules 51 and the switching track elements 52. It can in particular be provided that all stationary motor modules 33, including the switching motor modules 51 and the switching motor modules 61, are arranged in the main plane. Figure 1 This design is shown by way of example. The first switching plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the switching track elements 62 of the first switching element 63. The switching track elements 62 of the second switching element 64 are at least partially located in a second switching plane, wherein the second switching plane is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first switching plane. In this embodiment, the first switching element 63 and the second switching element 64 are arranged in different planes, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 Here, the first switching element 63 is arranged above the second switching element 64.

[0086] In Figure 3 and Figure 4 and Figure 5 and Figure 6In the shown embodiment of the switch 40, the first switch element 63 and the second switch element 64 are identical. Thus, it is possible to provide a switch 40 as Figure 1 The shown switch 40 with the first switch element 63 and the second switch element 64 is independent of the design of the driver 46 and the movable switch element 44.

[0087] Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the shown embodiment of the switch 40, a first fastening plate 81 is provided, on which the switch-in element 50 and the second switch-out element 64 are arranged. A recess 84 in the first fastening plate 81 serves for accommodating the exchange element 70 of the rotatable body 47. The rotatable body 47 can be arranged, for example, below the recess 84, and the recess 84 is dimensioned such that the exchange element 70 does not hit the first fastening plate 81 when the rotatable body 47 is rotated. The driver 46 can be arranged on a driver fastening plate 86. Here, the first fastening plate 81 can be perpendicular to the above-mentioned main plane. The second fastening plate 82 is arranged parallel to the first fastening plate 81. The first switch-out element 63 is fastened to the second fastening plate 82, here with an optional support 85 with which the distance between the second fastening plate 82 and the first switch-out element 63 can be adjusted.

[0088] In certain embodiments of the linear transport system 1 or the switch 40, the switching device 41 has two or more switching elements 70, each with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the guide rail 2. The switch 40 also has a number of static switch-out elements 60 corresponding to the number of switching elements 70, each with a switch-out motor module 61 and a switch-out track element 62 belonging to the guide rail 2. This makes it possible to reach two or more switch-out elements 60 by means of the switch 40, such a switch 40 being described below.

[0089] Figure 7 An embodiment of the switch 40 of the linear transport system 1 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 An isometric view of an embodiment of the switch 40 of the linear transport system 1 shown in. The switch 40 corresponds to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switch 40 shown in, unless otherwise specified below.

[0090] The switch 40 has a switch-in element 50 with a switch-in motor module 51 and a switch-in track element 52 belonging to the guide rail 2. Furthermore, similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switch 40 or the switching device 41 of the switch 40 has a first exchange element 73 with an exchange motor module 71 and an exchange track element 72 belonging to the guide rail 2 and a second exchange element 74 with an exchange motor module 71 and an exchange track element 72 belonging to the guide rail 2. Furthermore, similar to Figure 3 andFigure 4 The switch 40 has a first switch element 63 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a second switch element 64 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. In addition, the switch 40 has a movable plate 45 with a drive 46, a first fastening plate 81 and a second fastening plate 82. Furthermore, the switch 40 has a first switch element 63 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a second switch element 64 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switch 40 has a first switch element 63 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a second switch element 64 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. In addition, the switch 40 has a movable plate 45 with a drive 46, a first fastening plate 81 and a second fastening plate 82. Furthermore, the switch 40 has a first switch element 63 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a second switch element 64 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. Figure 7 It is also shown that the switch 40 or the switching device 41 of the switch 40 is in the first position.

[0091] Figure 7 The switch 40 shown has a further switching element 70 and a further switch element 60. The switching device 41, i.e. the movable plate 45, has in particular a third switching element 75 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2, a fourth switching element 76 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2 and a fifth switching element 77 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2. Furthermore, the switch 40 has a third switch element 65 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2, a fourth switch element 66 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a fifth switch element 67 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. In the figure, the fourth switch element 66 is partially obscured by the first fastening plate 81 and the movable plate 45. Similar to the reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switch element 50 is connected to the first switch element 63 or the second switch element 64, the switch element 50 can be connected to the third switch element 65 via the third switching element 75. The switch element 50 can be connected to the fourth switch element 66 via the fourth switching element 76. The switch element 50 can be connected to the fifth switch element 67 via the fifth switching element 77. All these connections can be established by a translational movement of the movable plate 45, if necessary driven by the drive 46.

[0092] The third switch element 65 and the fifth switch element 67 are likewise arranged on the first fastening plate 81. The switch track elements 62 of the second switch element 64, the third switch element 65 and the fifth switch element 67 form a plane which is in particular parallel to the first fastening plate 81 and perpendicular to the main plane. If this plane is guided by the switch track element 52, this plane corresponds to the above-mentioned switch plane. The first switching element 73 is in turn curved with respect to the plane of the first fastening plate 81 in order to be able to reach the first switch element 63 arranged at the second fastening plate 82.

[0093] Figure 7A third fastening plate 83 is also shown, which is parallel to the first fastening plate 81 and the second fastening plate 82. Here, the third fastening plate 83 and the second fastening plate 82 are arranged on different sides of the first fastening plate 81. The fourth switching element 66 can be fastened to the third fastening plate 83. Furthermore, a track 48 can be arranged at the third fastening plate 83, wherein the track 48 can be used to guide the movement of the switching device 41 or of the movable plate 45. Such a track 48 can also be provided for Figure 3 and Figure 4 the switch 40 shown in

[0094] Figure 8 is shown in Figure 7 the switch 40 shown in Figure 8 corresponds essentially to the configuration shown in Figure 4 . The explanations made in this context apply equally here.

[0095] Figure 9 is shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 the switch 40 shown in

[0096] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is shown in Figure 7 to Figure 9 the switch 40 shown in

[0097] Furthermore, Figure 11It is also shown that the displaceable plate 45 is arranged in two planes, between which an offset structure 87 is arranged. The offset structure 87 is particularly advantageous when one of the switching elements 70, here the fourth switching element 76, is to be guided into the plane under the first fastening plate 81. Furthermore, Figure 11 In addition to the third fastening plate 83 described above Figure 7 A guide rail 48 under the first fastening plate 81 is shown in addition to the guide rail on the third fastening plate 83 described above. Two or more guide rails 48 can be used to guide the movement of the switching device 41 or of the displaceable plate 45.

[0098] Figure 12 It is shown that Figure 7 to Figure 11 The shown switch 40 is in a fifth position of the switch 40 or of the switching device 41 of the switch 40, in which the entry element 50 is connected via a fifth switching element 77 to a fifth exit element 67. Here, the fifth switching element 77 is likewise curved. Here, the fifth exit element 67 is arranged parallel to the second exit element 64. The fifth switching element 77 is curved such that it is guided out of the main plane and subsequently into a plane parallel to the main plane.

[0099] Figure 7 to Figure 12 In the switch 40 shown in Figure 7 to Figure 12 Any combination of two, three or four switching elements 70 shown in

[0100] Figure 13 It is shown that Figure 1 and Figure 2 An isometric view of an embodiment of a switch 40 of the linear transport system 1 shown. The switch 40 corresponds to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The switch shown, unless stated otherwise below.

[0101] The switch 40 has an entry element 50 with an entry motor module 51 and an entry track element 52 belonging to the guide rail 2. Furthermore, similar to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The switch 40 or the switching device 41 of the switch 40 has a first switching element 73 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the guide rail 2 and a second switching element 74 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the guide rail 2. Furthermore, similar toFigure 5 and Figure 6 The switch 40 has a first switch element 63 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a second switch element 64 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. In addition, similar to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The switch 40 has a rotatable body 47 with a drive 46, a first fastening plate 81 and a second fastening plate 82 and a drive fastening plate 86. Furthermore, Figure 13 It is also shown that the switch 40 or the switching device 41 of the switch 40 is in the first position.

[0102] Figure 13 The switch 40 shown also has a further switching element 70 and a further switch element 60. The switching device 41, i.e. the rotatable body 47, has in particular a third switching element 75 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2, a fourth switching element 76 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2 and a fifth switching element 77 with a switching motor module 71 and a switching track element 72 belonging to the track 2. However, in view of the view of Figure 13 only the first switching element 73, the second switching element 74 and the fifth switching element 77 are visible. The third switching element 75 and the fourth switching element 76 are obscured by the rotatable body 47. The first switching element 73 corresponds in shape to the first switching element 73 of the switch 40 shown in Figure 7 to Figure 12 The second switching element 74 corresponds in shape to the second switching element 74 of the switch 40 shown in Figure 7 to Figure 12 The third switching element 75 corresponds in shape to the third switching element 75 of the switch 40 shown in Figure 7 to Figure 12 The fourth switching element 76 corresponds in shape to the fourth switching element 76 of the switch 40 shown in Figure 7 to Figure 12 The fifth switching element 77 corresponds in shape to the fifth switching element 77 of the switch 40 shown in Figure 7 to Figure 12 In addition, the switch 40 has a third switch element 65 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2, a fourth switch element 66 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2 and a fifth switch element 67 with a switch motor module 61 and a switch track element 62 belonging to the track 2. Here, the fourth switch element 66 is partially obscured by the first fastening plate 81. Similar to the reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The entry element 50 is connected to the first exit element 63 or to the second exit element 64, the entry element 50 being connectable to the third exit element 65 via a third switching element 75. The entry element 50 is connectable to the fourth exit element 66 via a fourth switching element 76. The entry element 50 is connectable to the fifth exit element 67 via a fifth switching element 77. All these connections can be established by a rotational movement of the rotatable body 47, if necessary driven by the drive 46.

[0103] The third exit element 65 and the fifth exit element 67 are likewise arranged on the first fastening plate 81. The plane formed by the exit track elements 62 of the second exit element 64, the third exit element 65 and the fifth exit element 67 is in particular parallel to the first fastening plate 81 and perpendicular to the main plane. If this plane is guided by the entry track element 52, this plane corresponds to the entry plane described above. The first switching element 73 is in turn curved with respect to the plane of the first fastening plate 81 in order to be able to reach the first exit element 63 arranged at the second fastening plate 82.

[0104] Figure 13 An optional third fastening plate 83 parallel to the first fastening plate 81 and the second fastening plate 82 is also shown. Here, the third fastening plate 83 and the second fastening plate 82 are arranged on different sides of the first fastening plate 81. The fourth exit element 66 can be fastened to the third fastening plate 83.

[0105] Figure 14 It is shown that Figure 13 The shown switch 40 is in a second position of the switch 40 or of the switching device 41 of the switch 40, in which the entry element 50 is connected to the second exit element 64 via the second switching element 74. The second switching element 74 is in turn linear in order to be able to reach the second exit element 64. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the embodiment shown, the first switching element 73 and the second switching element 74 are not opposite each other on the rotatable body 47.

[0106] Figure 15 It is shown that Figure 13 and Figure 14 The shown switch 40 is in a third position of the switch 40 or of the switching device 41 of the switch 40, in which the entry element 50 is connected to the third exit element 65 via the third switching element 75. Here, the third switching element 75 is likewise curved. In contrast to the first switching element 73, which is arranged completely in the main plane, the third switching element 75 exits the main plane. The third switching element 75 and the third exit element 65 together form a 90-degree curve in a plane parallel to the first fastening plate 81.

[0107] Figure 16 It is shown that Figure 13 to Figure 15The switch 40 shown is in a fourth position of the switch 40 or of the switching device 41 of the switch 40, in which the turnout element 50 is connected via a fourth exchange element 76 to a fourth exit element 66. The fourth exchange element 76 is likewise curved in this case. The fourth exchange element 76 is curved in such a way that the fourth exit element 66, which is arranged outside the main extension plane and below the turnout plane, is connected via the fourth exchange element 76 to the turnout element 50. Furthermore, the fourth exit element 66 is rotated by 45 degrees, so that the plane of the exit motor element 61 of the fourth exit element 66 and the exit rail element 62 of the fourth exit element 66 forms a 45-degree angle with the main plane and with the turnout plane. The rotatable body 47 has a recess 49, in which the fourth exchange element 76 is arranged at least partially.

[0108] Figure 17 The switch 40 shown is in a fourth position of the switch 40 or of the switching device 41 of the switch 40, in which the turnout element 50 is connected via a fourth exchange element 76 to a fourth exit element 66. The fourth exchange element 76 is likewise curved in this case. The fourth exchange element 76 is curved in such a way that the fourth exit element 66, which is arranged outside the main extension plane and below the turnout plane, is connected via the fourth exchange element 76 to the turnout element 50. Furthermore, the fourth exit element 66 is rotated by 45 degrees, so that the plane of the exit motor element 61 of the fourth exit element 66 and the exit rail element 62 of the fourth exit element 66 forms a 45-degree angle with the main plane and with the turnout plane. The rotatable body 47 has a recess 49, in which the fourth exchange element 76 is arranged at least partially. Figure 13 to Figure 16

[0109] In the switch 40 shown, the exchange elements 70 are arranged on the rotatable body 47 in such a way that, when the rotatable body 47 is rotated clockwise, the first exchange element 73 is followed by the second exchange element 74, which is followed by the fifth exchange element 77, which is followed by the fourth exchange element 76, which is followed by the third exchange element 75. Of course, the exchange elements 70 can also be arranged in a different order on the rotatable body 47. Furthermore, it is also possible for the exchange elements 70 to be arranged in a different order on the rotatable body 47. Figure 13 to Figure 17 Figure 13 to Figure 17 Any combination of two, three or four exchange elements 70 shown in the example can be arranged on the rotatable body 47 and on the associated exit elements 60. Furthermore, it is also possible for other shapes of exchange elements 70 (not shown) to be provided with appropriately designed exit elements 60.

[0110] In certain embodiments of the linear transport system 1 or of the switch 40, at least one exchange element 70 is curved. Two exchange elements 70 or a plurality of exchange elements 70 can in particular each be curved. As a result of this, the switch 40 or the linear transport system 1 can be designed to be more flexible. Figure 3 to Figure 17 In the embodiment shown, the first exchange element 73 is curved, Figure 7 to Figure 17 In the embodiment shown, the third exchange element 75, the fourth exchange element 76 and the fifth exchange element 77 are curved.

[0111] ​​It can be provided that the entry element 50, the exchange element 70 and the exit element 60 are arranged such that the movement of the exchange device 41 is not mechanically hindered. It can be provided in particular that the guide rails 2 of the entry element 50, the exchange element 70 and the exit element 60 engage one another. Furthermore, a guide rail gap can be provided on the guide rails 2 at the transition between the entry element 50 and the exchange element 70 and between the exchange element 70 and the exit element 60, which guide rail gap is at most 20 percent, preferably at most 10 percent, of the diameter of the roller 11 of the movable unit 10.

[0112] In an embodiment of the linear transport system 1 or the switch 40, the linear transport system 1 or the switch 40 has a main plane. The main plane is spanned by the entry motor module 51 and the entry track element 52. A first exit plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the exit track elements 62 of the first exit element 63. The exit track elements 62 of the second exit element 64 likewise lie in the first exit plane.

[0113] In an embodiment of the linear transport system 1 or the switch 40, the linear transport system has a main plane. The main plane is spanned by the entry motor module 51 and the entry track element 52. A first exit plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the exit track elements 62 of the first exit element 63. The exit track elements 62 of the second exit element 64 at least partially lie in a second exit plane, wherein the second exit plane is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first exit plane. In this embodiment, the exit elements 60 are arranged in different planes. For example, Figure 3 to Figure 6 In the design of Fig. 6, this is the case for the first exit element 63 and the second exit element 64. Figure 7 to Figure 17 In the embodiment shown, the first exit element 63 and the second exit element 64 likewise lie in different exit planes. Furthermore, the exit track elements 62 of the third exit element 65 and the fifth exit element 67 are arranged in the second exit plane, while the exit track elements 62 of the fourth exit element 66 lie in a third exit plane, wherein the third exit plane is arranged spaced apart from the first exit plane and the second exit plane and is also parallel to the first exit plane and the second exit plane.

[0114] In an embodiment of the linear transport system 1 or the switch 40, in a first position the entry motor module 51 is flush with the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73, and the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73 is flush with the exit motor module 61 of the first exit element 63. In a second position, the entry motor module 51 is flush with the exchange motor module 71 of the second exchange element 74, and the exchange motor module 71 of the second exchange element 74 is flush with the exit motor module 61 of the second exit element 64. This enables a smooth transition of the movable unit 10.

[0115] In some embodiments of the linear conveyor system 1 or of the switch 40, in the first position, a predetermined approach gap width is arranged between the approach motor module 51 and the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73. The approach gap width can in particular be smaller than the coil spacing between two drive coils 34 of a motor module 33.

[0116] In some embodiments of the linear conveyor system 1 or of the switch 40, in the first position, a predetermined exit gap width is arranged between the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73 and the exit motor module 61 of the first exit element 63. The exit gap width can in particular be smaller than the coil spacing between two drive coils 34 of a motor module 33.

[0117] In some embodiments of the linear conveyor system 1 or of the switch 40, the drive coils 34 are arranged within the motor modules 33 such that each two drive coils 34 have a predetermined spacing. When the switching device 41 is arranged in the first position, the drive coils 34 which are arranged behind one another in the direction of travel in the approach motor module 50 likewise have the predetermined spacing with the drive coils 34 which are arranged in front of one another in the direction of travel in the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73. When the switching device 41 is arranged in the second position, the drive coils 34 which are arranged behind one another in the direction of travel in the approach motor module 50 likewise have the predetermined spacing with the drive coils 34 which are arranged in front of one another in the direction of travel in the exchange motor module 71 of the second exchange element 74. With this design, in particular the same drive coil spacing can be achieved between the approach motor module 51 and the exchange motor module 71. This drive coil spacing can correspond to the drive coil spacing which is usually present in the motor modules 33. This spacing can also be set for the drive coils 34 of the exchange motor modules 71 of the third exchange element 75, of the fourth exchange element 76 and of the fifth exchange element 77, which are arranged in front of one another in the direction of travel, respectively.

[0118] In certain embodiments of the linear transport system 1 or of the switch 40, the drive coils 34 which are located behind one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 71 of the first switching element 73 and the drive coils 34 which are located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 61 of the first switching element 63 likewise have a predetermined spacing when the switching device 41 is arranged in the first position. The drive coils 34 which are located behind one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 71 of the second switching element 74 and the drive coils 34 which are located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 61 of the second switching element 64 likewise have a predetermined spacing when the switching device 41 is arranged in the second position. With this design, in particular, the same drive coil spacing can be achieved between the switching motor module 71 and the switching motor module 61. This drive coil spacing can correspond to the drive coil spacing which is usually present in the motor module 33. This spacing can also be provided for the drive coils 34 which are located behind one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 71 of the third switching element 75 and the drive coils 34 which are located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 61 of the third switching element 65, for the drive coils 34 which are located behind one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 71 of the fourth switching element 76 and the drive coils 34 which are located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 61 of the fourth switching element 66, and for the drive coils 34 which are located behind one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 71 of the fifth switching element 77 and the drive coils 34 which are located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module 61 of the fifth switching element 67.

[0119] Figure 1 to 17 In all embodiments of the switch 40 shown, it can be proposed that a movable unit 10 is moved onto one of the switching elements 70 and is stopped there. If the switching device 41 is moved at this time, the movable unit 10 can remain in place by means of the switching motor module 71 of the corresponding switching element 70, and another movable unit 10 can be moved via the switch. If necessary, a switching element 70 which is not currently used can additionally be used to buffer a movable unit 10. Alternatively or additionally, it can be proposed that a movable unit 10 is moved onto one of the switching elements 70 and is stopped there. If the switching device 41 is moved at this time, a further switching element 60 can be selectively adjacent to the relevant switching element 70, so that the movable unit 10 can be moved to this further switching element 60.

[0120] Figure 18 A flow chart 100 of a method for operating a linear transport system 1 having a switch 40 is shown. The linear transport system 1 can be configured analogously to the linear transport system 1 according to the preceding description. Figure 1 to Figure 17One of the methods is a method for operating a linear conveying system 1. In the method, in a first method step 101, a position of a switching device 41 of the linear conveying system 1 is detected, in particular a position of a turnout 40 of the linear conveying system 1. In a second method step 102, which is executed subsequently, a control program is selected on the basis of the position. Furthermore, in a third method step 103, which is executed subsequently, a logical step switching of drive coils 34 of the linear conveying system 1 is carried out on the basis of the position. The method can in particular be executed by a control unit 5 of the linear conveying system 1.

[0121] In an embodiment of the method for operating a linear conveying system 1, an optional fourth method step, which is executed between the second method step 102 and the third method step 103, determines a position of the movable unit 10 by means of a position detector 36 arranged within the motor module 33. Furthermore, a fifth method step 105, which is executed after the third method step 103, selects drive coils 34 to be driven on the basis of the position and the attitude of the movable unit 10. Furthermore, in a sixth method step 106, these drive coils 34 to be driven are fed. It can in particular be provided that the drive coils 34 of the switching motor module 71 of the switching element 70 currently connected to the entry switch element 50 are fed. Furthermore, the drive coils 34 of the exit motor module 61 of the exit switch element 60 currently connected to the switching element 70 can be fed.

[0122] In an embodiment of the method for operating a linear conveying system 1, the position detector 36 is logically step-switched on the basis of the position of the switching device 41. It can in particular be provided that the position detector 36 of the switching motor module 71 of the switching element 70 currently connected to the entry switch element 50 is used. Furthermore, the position detector 36 of the exit motor module 61 of the exit switch element 60 currently connected to the switching element 70 can be used. Here, the logical step switching of the position detector 36 can in particular comprise that, in a first position, the position detector 36 is logically switched from the entry motor module 51 via the switching motor module 71 of the first switching element 73 to the exit motor module 61 of the first exit switch element 63, and that, in a second position, the position detector 36 is logically switched from the entry motor module 51 via the switching motor module 71 of the second switching element 74 to the exit motor module 61 of the second exit switch element 64. Thereby, a continuous position detection of the movable unit 10 during its passage through the turnout 40 is possible.

[0123] In the first position of the switching device 41, it can be provided that the position detector 36 of the switching motor module 71 of the second switching element 74 is deactivated. In the second position of the switching device 41, it can be provided that the position detector 36 of the switching motor module 71 of the first switching element 73 is deactivated. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that these position detectors 36 remain activated, for example when the movable unit 10 is arranged at the first switching element 73 or at the second switching element 74. Thereby, for example, the movable unit 10 can be arranged at a switching element 70 which is no longer connected to the entry element 50 and / or to the first exit element 63 or to the second exit element 64, i.e. at the first switching element 73 or at the second switching element 74. However, in order to be able to control the holding and / or positioning of the movable unit 10 at such a switching element 70, the relevant position detector 36 can remain activated.

[0124] In an embodiment of the method of operating a linear conveying system 1, it is checked whether the switching device 41 is in the first position, the second position or an intermediate position. Here, the intermediate position can be a position in which the switching device 41 is in the process of moving from the first position to the second position. In the first position, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the second switching element 74 and the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the second shunting element 64 are blocked from being fed. Alternatively, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the second switching element 74 and the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the second shunting element 64 can be fed in order to keep the rotors 10, which can be located on the respective motor modules 33, in their position and not drive them in the direction of forward movement. In the second position, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 and the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the first shunting element 63 are blocked from being fed. Alternatively, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 and the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the first shunting element 63 can be fed in order to keep the rotors 10, which can be located on the respective motor modules 33, in their position and not drive them in the direction of forward movement. In the intermediate position, the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 51 of the shunting element 50, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73, the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the first shunting element 63, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the second switching element 74 and the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the second shunting element 64 are blocked from being fed. Alternatively, the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 51 of the shunting element 50, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73, the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the first shunting element 63, the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the second switching element 74 and the drive coils 34 of the shunting motor modules 61 of the second shunting element 64 can be fed in order to keep the rotors 10, which can be located on the respective motor modules 33, in their position and not drive them in the direction of forward movement. If a third switching module 75, a fourth switching module 76 and a fifth switching module 77 as well as a third shunting element 65, a fourth shunting element 66 and a fifth shunting element 67 are also arranged in the switch, the drive coils 34 of the respective motor modules 33 can also be blocked from being fed depending on the position or the intermediate position. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the drive coils 34 of the respective motor modules 33 can be fed in order to keep the rotors 10, which can be located on the respective motor modules 33, in their position and not drive them in the direction of forward movement.

[0125] The control unit 5 can be configured to execute the method and can be connected to one or more motor modules 33 for this purpose. The control unit 5 can be configured to output corresponding control commands to the motor modules 33.

[0126] In an embodiment of the linear transport system 1, the linear transport system 1 further comprises a control unit 5. The control unit 5 is configured to select a control program based on the position of the switching device 41 and to logically step the drive coils 34 based on the position of the switching device 41. The control unit 5 can in particular also be configured to perform the method according to the present application. It can also be proposed that the control unit 5 generally controls all motor modules 33 or the drive coils 34 of all motor modules 33.

[0127] In an embodiment of the linear transport system 1, the control unit 5 is configured to determine the position of the movable unit 10 based on the position detectors 36 arranged within the motor modules 33 and to select the drive coils 34 to be controlled for driving the movable unit 10 and to feed these drive coils 34 to be controlled based on the position of the movable unit 10 and the position of the switching device 10.

[0128] In an embodiment of the linear transport system 1, the control unit 5 is further configured to logically step the position detectors 36 based on the position of the switching device 41. Here, the logical stepping of the position detectors 36 can in particular comprise that in a first position the position detector 36 is logically stepped from the entry motor module 51 via the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73 to the exit motor module 61 of the first exit element 63 and in a second position the position detector 36 is logically stepped from the entry motor module 51 via the exchange motor module 71 of the second exchange element 74 to the exit motor module 61 of the second exit element 64. Thereby, a continuous position detection of the movable unit 10 during its passage through the switch 40 is possible.

[0129] In the first position of the switching device 41, it can be provided that the position detector 36 of the exchange motor module 71 of the second exchange element 74 is deactivated. In the second position of the switching device 41, it can be provided that the position detector 36 of the exchange motor module 71 of the first exchange element 73 is deactivated. Alternatively, it can also be proposed that the position detectors 36 remain active, for example when the movable unit 10 is arranged at the first exchange element 73 or at the second exchange element 74. Thereby, for example, the movable unit 10 can be arranged at an exchange element 70 which is no longer connected to the entry element 50 and / or to the first exit element 63 or to the second exit element 64, i.e. at the first exchange element 73 or at the second exchange element 74. However, in order to be able to control the holding and / or positioning of the movable unit 10 on such an exchange element 70, the associated position detector 36 can remain active.

[0130] In an embodiment of the linear conveying system 1, the control unit 5 is configured to check whether the switching device 41 is in the first position, the second position or the intermediate position. The control unit 5 is further configured to prevent, in the first position, the feeding of the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73 and of the deflection motor modules 61 of the first deflection element 63, or alternatively to feed the drive coils 34 to keep the rotor 10 in its position without driving it in the direction of forward movement. The control unit 5 is further configured to prevent, in the second position, the feeding of the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the second switching element 74 and of the deflection motor modules 61 of the second deflection element 64, or alternatively to feed the drive coils 34 to keep the rotor 10 in its position without driving it in the direction of forward movement. The control unit 5 is further configured to prevent, in the intermediate position, the feeding of the drive coils 34 of the deflection motor modules 51 of the deflection element 50, of the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the first switching element 73, of the drive coils 34 of the deflection motor modules 61 of the first deflection element 63, of the drive coils 34 of the switching motor modules 71 of the second switching element 74 and of the drive coils 34 of the deflection motor modules 61 of the second deflection element 64, or alternatively to feed the drive coils 34 to keep the rotor 10 in its position without driving it in the direction of forward movement. This ensures a safe operation of the linear conveying system 1.

[0131] List of reference signs

[0132] 1 linear conveying system

[0133] 2 guide rail

[0134] 3 first region

[0135] 4 second region

[0136] 5 control unit

[0137] 6 rolling surface

[0138] 10 movable unit

[0139] 11 rolling wheel

[0140] 12 positioning element

[0141] 30 linear motor

[0142] 31 stator

[0143] 32 rotor

[0144] 33 motor module

[0145] 34 drive coil

[0146] 35 magnet

[0147] 36 position detector

[0148] 37 stator tooth

[0149] 40 switch

[0150] 41 switching device

[0151] 42 further switch

[0152] 43 further switching device

[0153] 44 movable switch element

[0154] 45 movable plate

[0155] 46 drive

[0156] 47 rotatable body

[0157] 48 guide rail

[0158] 49 recess

[0159] 50 entry switch element

[0160] 51 entry switch motor module

[0161] 52 entry switch track element

[0162] 53 first entry switch element

[0163] 54 second entry switch element

[0164] 55 linear drive

[0165] 56 rotary drive

[0166] 57 transmission

[0167] 60 exit switch element

[0168] 61 exit switch motor module

[0169] 62 exit switch track element

[0170] 63 first exit switch element

[0171] 64 second exit switch element

[0172] 65 third exit switch element

[0173] 66 fourth exit switch element

[0174] 67 fifth exit switch element

[0175] 70 exchange element

[0176] 71 exchange motor module

[0177] 72 exchange track element

[0178] 73 first exchange element

[0179] 74 second exchange element

[0180] 75 third exchange element

[0181] 76 fourth exchange element

[0182] 77 fifth exchange element

[0183] 81 first fastening plate

[0184] 82 second fastening plate

[0185] 83 third fastening plate

[0186] 84 recess

[0187] 85 support

[0188] 86 driver fastening plate

[0189] 87 offset structure

[0190] 100 flowchart

[0191] 101 first method step

[0192] 102 second method step

[0193] 103 third method step

[0194] 104 fourth method step

[0195] 105 fifth method step

[0196] 106 sixth method step

Claims

1. A linear conveying system (1) comprising a movable unit (10), a guide rail (2) for guiding the movable unit (10) and a linear motor (30) for driving the movable unit (10) along the guide rail (2), wherein, The linear motor (30) comprises a stator (31) and a rotor (32), wherein the stator (31) has a plurality of motor modules (33) which are stationary along the guide rail (2), the motor modules (33) each having a plurality of drive coils (34), wherein the rotor (32) is arranged at the movable unit (10) and comprises a plurality of magnets (35), wherein the guide rail (2) is arranged at the motor modules (33), characterized in that the linear conveying system (1) has at least one switch (40), wherein the switch (40) has at least one static entry element (50) with an entry motor module (51) and an entry track element (52) belonging to the guide rail (2), at least two static exit elements (60) each with an exit motor module (61) and an exit track element (62) belonging to the guide rail (2), and a switching device (41), wherein the switching device (41) has at least two switching elements (70) each with a switching motor module (71) and a switching track element (72) belonging to the guide rail (2), wherein in a first position of the switching device (41) the entry element (50) is connected via a first switching element (73) to a first exit element (63), and in a second position of the switching device (41) the entry element (50) is connected via a second switching element (74) to a second exit element (64).

2. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The switching device (41) has a movable switch element (44), wherein the first switching element (73) is fixedly connected to the movable switch element (44), and the second switching element (74) is fixedly connected to the movable switch element (44).

3. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The switching device (41) has more than two switching elements (70) each with a switching motor module (71) and a switching track element (72) belonging to the guide rail (2), wherein the switch (40) has a number of static exit elements (60) matching the number of switching elements (70), the static exit elements (60) each having an exit motor module (61) and an exit track element (62) belonging to the guide rail (2).

4. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one switching element (70) is curved.

5. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The linear conveying system (1) has a main plane, wherein the main plane is spanned by the entry motor module (51) and the entry track element (52), wherein a first exit plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the exit track elements (62) of the first exit element (63), wherein the exit track elements (62) of the second exit element (64) are also located in the first exit plane.

6. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The linear conveying system (1) has a main plane, wherein the main plane is spanned by the entry switch motor module (51) and the entry switch track element (52), wherein a first exit switch plane is perpendicular to the main plane and is guided by the exit switch track elements (62) of the first exit switch element (63), wherein the exit switch track elements (62) of the second exit switch element (64) are at least partially located in a second exit switch plane, wherein the second exit switch plane is parallel to the first exit switch plane and is arranged spaced apart from the first exit switch plane.

7. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The switching device (41) has a drive (46), wherein the switching device (41) can be brought into the first position and the second position by means of the drive.

8. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 7, wherein The first switching element (73) and the second switching element (74) are arranged on a rotatable body (47), wherein a rotation of the rotatable body (47) can be triggered by means of the drive (46).

9. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 7, wherein The first switching element (73) and the second switching element (74) are arranged on a displaceable plate (45), wherein a displacement of the displaceable plate (45) can be triggered by means of the drive (46).

10. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, In the first position, the entry switch motor module (51) is flush with the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73), and the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73) is flush with the exit switch motor module (61) of the first exit switch element (63), whereas in the second position, the entry switch motor module (51) is flush with the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74), and the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) is flush with the exit switch motor module (61) of the second exit switch element (64).

11. Linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein In the first position, an entry switch gap of a predetermined entry switch gap width is arranged between the entry switch motor module (51) and the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73).

12. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, In the first position, an exit switch gap of a predetermined exit switch gap width is arranged between the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73) and the exit switch motor module (61) of the first exit switch element (63).

13. Linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The drive coils (34) are arranged within the motor modules (33) such that every two drive coils (34) have a predetermined spacing, and wherein, when the switching device (41) is arranged in the first position, the drive coils (34) located behind one another in the direction of travel in the entry switch motor module (51) likewise have a predetermined spacing from the drive coils (34) located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73), and wherein, when the switching device (41) is arranged in the second position, the drive coils (34) located behind one another in the direction of travel in the entry switch motor module (51) likewise have a predetermined spacing from the drive coils (34) located in front of one another in the direction of travel in the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74).

14. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 13, wherein When the switching device (41) is arranged in the first position, the drive coils (34) in the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73) which are arranged behind in the direction of travel likewise have a predetermined spacing from the drive coils (34) in the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) which are arranged in front in the direction of travel, and when the switching device (41) is arranged in the second position, the drive coils (34) in the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) which are arranged behind in the direction of travel likewise have a predetermined spacing from the drive coils (34) in the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73) which are arranged in front in the direction of travel.

15. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a control unit (5), wherein The control unit is configured to select a control program on the basis of the position of the switching device (41) and to logically step the drive coils (34) on the basis of the position of the switching device (41).

16. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 15, wherein The control unit (5) is configured to determine the position of the movable unit (10) on the basis of a position detector (36) arranged in the motor module (33) and to select the drive coils (34) to be driven for driving the movable unit (10) and to feed these drive coils (34) to be driven on the basis of the position of the movable unit (10) and the position of the switching device (41).

17. Linear transport system (1) according to claim 16, wherein The control unit (5) is also configured to logically step the position detector (36) on the basis of the position of the switching device (41).

18. The linear transport system (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein The control unit (5) is configured to check whether the switching device (41) is in the first position, the second position or an intermediate position, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to prevent the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) and the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (61) of the second switching element (64) from being fed in the first position, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to prevent the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73) and the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (61) of the first switching element (63) from being fed in the second position, and wherein the control unit (5) is configured to prevent the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73), the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (61) of the first switching element (63), the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) and the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (61) of the second switching element (64) from being fed in the intermediate position.

19. A method for operating a linear conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising the following steps: - detecting the position of a switching device (41) of the linear conveying system (1); - selecting a control program on the basis of the position; - logically stepping the drive coils (34) on the basis of the position. - logically stepwise switching the position detector (36) based on the position of the switching device (41).

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: - determining the position of the movable unit (10) by means of a position detector (36) arranged within the motor module (33); - selecting the drive coils (34) to be driven based on the position and the pose of the movable unit (10); - feeding the drive coils (34) to be driven.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, logically stepwise switching the position detector (36) based on the position of the switching device (41).

22. The method of any one of claims 19-21, wherein, checking whether the switching device (41) is in the first position, in which the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) and of the switching motor module (61) of the second diverging element (64) are blocked from being fed, in the second position, in which the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73) and of the switching motor module (61) of the first diverging element (63) are blocked from being fed, and in the intermediate position, in which the drive coils (34) of the switching motor module (51) of the diverging element (50), of the switching motor module (71) of the first switching element (73), of the switching motor module (61) of the first diverging element (63), of the switching motor module (71) of the second switching element (74) and of the switching motor module (61) of the second diverging element (64) are blocked from being fed.

23. A switch (40) for a linear conveyor system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The switch (40) has at least one static diverging element (50) with a diverging motor module (51) and a diverging track element (52) belonging to the guide rail (2), at least two static diverging elements each with a diverging motor module (61) and a diverging track element (62) belonging to the guide rail (2), and a switching device (41), wherein the switching device (41) has at least two switching elements (70) each with a switching motor module (71) and a switching track element (72) belonging to the guide rail (2), wherein in a first position of the switching device (41) the diverging element (50) is connected to a first diverging element (63) via a first switching element (73) and in a second position of the switching device (41) the diverging element (50) is connected to a second diverging element (64) via a second switching element (74).

Images