Device, system and method for detecting transport ships

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for detecting a transport vessel (62, 64). The device comprises a contact element (12) for contacting a transport vessel (62, 64) and a connecting element (14), the connecting element being elastically mounted in a housing (20) of the device (10) and pre-stressed in a home position and guided in a linearly movable manner by a guide member (30) of the housing (20). The contact element (12) is connected to the connecting element (14), the contact element (12) being elastically mounted and movable together with the connecting element (14), whereby the contact between the transport vessel (62, 64) and the contact element (12) causes the connecting element (14) to resist the pre-stress and deflect from the home position to a detection position. The device (10) also comprises a detection device (34) configured to detect that the connecting element (14) reaches the detection position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for detecting the position of a transport vessel, in particular a transport vessel located in a vacuum space. The device, the system and the method are further used for guiding and mechanically fixing the end position of the transport vessel. A transport vessel in the sense of the present invention may be referred to as a "sintering shoe" in English and, according to the present disclosure, also includes a transport tray or a workpiece carrier used in various technical applications. Background Art

[0002] Transport vessels, transport pallets or workpiece carriers are used in a variety of technical fields for transporting goods.

[0003] For example, a transport vessel is used in operations for manufacturing nuclear fuel elements for transporting mixed oxide pellets (MOX pellets) in a sintering furnace. The transport vessel is loaded with fuel powder pressed into the mixed oxide pellets for subsequent movement of these mixed oxide pellets within a facility by the transport vessel. For example, the transport vessel is moved to a sintering furnace to sinter the mixed oxide pellets loaded thereon at a temperature of 200° C. to 2000° C. and a pressure of between 80 kPa and 120 kPa. The mixed oxide pellets are then further transported, for example by the transport vessel, for subsequent unloading.

[0004] In order to move a transport vessel, a transport pallet or a workpiece carrier in a targeted, safe and precise manner within a facility, for example to move it from station to station in a desired manner, the position of the transport vessel must be determined.

[0005] Therefore, the task of the present invention is to provide a device, system and method capable of detecting the position of a transport ship, in particular a device, system and method applicable in a vacuum environment.

[0006] This object is achieved by an apparatus, a system and a method according to the independent patent claims. Further embodiments and embodiments of the apparatus, the system and the system are subject matter of the dependent claims and the following description. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a device for detecting a transport vessel, in particular for detecting the position of the transport vessel. The device comprises a contact element and a connection element, the contact element being for contacting a transport vessel, the connection element being resiliently mounted in a housing of the device. The connection element is biased in an initial position and is linearly displaceably guided via a guide of the housing. Preferably, the connection element has an elongated shape, comprises a longitudinal axis, and is displaceable along the longitudinal axis in the housing. The contact element of the device according to the invention is connected to the resiliently mounted connection element and is displaceable together with the connection element, whereby contact of the transport vessel with the contact element results in a deflection of the connection element and against the bias from the initial position to a detection position. For this purpose, the contact element can be attached in particular to the end of the connection element opposite to the spring mounting. Accordingly, the contact element and the connection element are each biased in an initial position and can be deflected from this respective initial position to a detection position by contact between the transport vessel and the contact element against the bias. The device further comprises a detection device suitable for detecting the arrival of the connection element in the detection position. In other words, a deflection of the contact element caused by the passage of the transport vessel can thus be detected by the detection device.

[0008] The deflection of the connection element or the contact element caused by the transport vessel, which can be detected by the detection device, and the arrival of the detection position caused thereby, can lead to an inference about the position of the transport vessel and thus the position of the transport vessel can be detected. Because the above-mentioned device is arranged at a defined position known to the user in the overall system, for example, when the detection device is activated, the position of the transport vessel contacting the contact element can be detected. In one embodiment, the detection of the arrival at the detection position can be combined with an associated detection time and / or with further facility / process parameters. For example, the detection of the arrival at the detection position can also be combined with characteristics of the shape and / or size of the transport vessel.

[0009] It will be appreciated that the position of the transport vessel can also be detected by the connection element moving from the detection position, for example temporarily back to the initial position. For example, the contact element can contact the transport vessel and resist the bias in the detection position by its load while the transport vessel moves along the contact element in the direction of movement. During this time, the detection device constantly detects that the connection element reaches or remains in the detection position. In one embodiment, the transport vessel can have a groove on the surface facing the device. Once this groove reaches the contact element, the contact element is displaced back to the initial position due to the elastic mounting of the connection element. The detection device thus suddenly no longer detects the detection position and can then generate a corresponding signal, allowing the position of the transport vessel to be inferred. In this case, the position can be determined accurately, for example because the position of the groove on the transport vessel is known. The above-mentioned principle can also be applied to transport vessels without grooves. Here, when the contact element loses contact with the transport vessel (i.e. once the transport vessel moves past the device), the connection element can move back to the initial position. However, this variant is only possible in the case where there is no direct contact between several consecutive transport vessels.

[0010] The initial position of the connection element (and the contact element) may be a position where the contact element does not contact the transport vessel, i.e., the contact element is not affected by the transport vessel. Alternatively, the initial position of the connection element (and the contact element) may be a position where the contact element has contacted the transport vessel, but has not yet been pressed into the detection position by the transport vessel. In this case, the transport vessel may, for example, have a protrusion on the surface facing the device. Once this protrusion contacts the contact element, the protrusion presses the connection element into the detection position via the contact element.

[0011] Since the detection of the reaching of the detection position according to the invention is caused by mechanical deflection of the contact elements and the connecting elements, the device according to the invention is able to cause the detection of the position of the transport vessel essentially mechanically or mechanically. This makes it possible to use the device in vacuum spaces or other environmental conditions of straining devices and still ensure reliable detection.

[0012] The above detection position may not be considered to have been reached until the connection element has a predetermined minimum deflection. In other words, the detection device may be adapted to detect the deflection only when the connection element has this predetermined minimum deflection. The above effect may be achieved by the detection device being able to detect and distinguish several positions of the connection element only when the minimum deflection is reached or exceeded, and by defining the arrival of the detection position by the connection element. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device may be designed to detect the connection element only when the minimum deflection is reached, and thus determine that the detection position has been reached.

[0013] For example, this minimum deflection may correspond to the maximum deflection that can be achieved by the transport vessel in contact with the contact element. Preferably, the minimum deflection is 5 mm smaller than this maximum achievable deflection, preferably 3 mm smaller than it, more preferably 1.5 mm smaller than it, and more preferably 1 mm smaller than it.

[0014] The above-mentioned detection device can further be adapted to generate and transmit a corresponding signal to a control system after detecting that the connection element / contact element reaches the respective detection position or after detecting that the contact element is deflected by the transport vessel. The controller can be provided as a component of the device according to the invention, as a component of the system according to the invention, or as a separate component.

[0015] In one embodiment of the above device, the contact element may be a contact roller rotatably mounted at a first end of the connection element (the end opposite to the spring mounting). This contact roller may be connected to the connection element by means of a bolt. For example, the contact roller may have a central hole and be arranged between two arms at the branching end of the connection element, the bolt being guided through a hole in each of the two arms. The contact roller may be deflected simultaneously by the contact or force of the engaged transport vessel and rotated by the movement of the transport vessel, allowing it to move upward and guide the transport vessel. Depending on the configuration of the device relative to the direction of movement into which the transport vessel enters, the direction of movement of the transport vessel may remain unchanged or be deflected, for example by 90 degrees.

[0016] Alternatively, the contact element may be a sliding rod. For example, the sliding rod may be attached to the first end of the connecting element by a bolt or screw connection. In a further embodiment, the sliding rod may be connected to at least two connecting elements of the two devices. In other words, at least two devices may include a common sliding rod connecting several devices. In this case, the contact element may be considered as part of the common sliding rod. The sliding rod may be configured to allow the transport vessel to slide along the sliding rod, along at least one axis of the sliding rod, preferably along at least two substantially mutually orthogonal axes of the sliding rod. This allows the transport vessel to contact the sliding rod, or more precisely, the direction of movement of the transport vessel to remain unchanged or to be deflected, for example by 90 degrees.

[0017] In a further development, the contact element and the connecting element connected to the contact element can be configured to be rotationally fixed in the housing. For this purpose, for example, the contact element, the connecting element and the housing can be interconnected by a bolt, which extends through a hole in the contact element and the connecting element and is displaceably received at opposite ends in the respectively associated slotted holes of the housing. The slotted holes of the housing can be arranged relative to each other and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element. Therefore, the slotted holes prevent the rotation of the contact element and the connecting element in the housing around the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, while allowing the displacement of the contact element and the connecting element along the longitudinal axis. This displacement can be in particular a vertical displacement. The upper stop and the lower stop can also define the end position of the contact element and the connected connecting element. For example, the upper stop can define the initial position to which the contact element and the connecting element are biased.

[0018] In one embodiment of the device, the connecting element may be a shaft, preferably having a non-circular cross-section.

[0019] In one embodiment of the device, the connecting element may have a groove in which at least a part of a spring element is accommodated for elastic mounting. This groove may, for example, extend from a second end opposite to the connecting element (i.e. the end facing away from the contact element) in the direction of the first end. The groove may have a non-circular cross-section and be arranged coaxially with the connecting element. The spring element may be a mechanical spring element, preferably a helical spring. This further enhances the safe use of the device under high pressure environmental conditions. The spring element may be supported at one end via a connecting element side stop in the groove relative to the connecting element and at an opposite end via a housing side stop relative to the housing. The stops are formed opposite to each other. The spring element may be arranged coaxially with the connecting element.

[0020] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the connection element may include an end facing away from the contact element, and the end is detected by the detection device when the connection element reaches the detection position. Accordingly, the end may be formed at the second end, that is, the end of the connection element away from the contact element. For example, when the end has reached and / or exceeded a predetermined limit point, the end may be detected by the detection device or be detectable.

[0021] In particular, the end of the connecting element facing away from the contact element may include a bevel. For example, the end may be a chamfer at the end of the connecting element, in particular when the connecting element is in the form of a shaft.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, the housing may preferably be sleeve-shaped. The guide of the housing guiding the connecting element may be formed by a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve-shaped housing. Alternatively, a sliding guide may be provided on a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the housing, for example in the form of a further pressed-in metal or plastic sleeve.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the device, the housing may include a flange, by means of which the device can be connected or coupled in a sealed manner to a vacuumed portion or area of ​​an associated adjacent facility. This flange may be formed around the outer periphery of the housing, which is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, the flange may have a circular ring shape and be coaxial with the housing.

[0024] The housing may be formed integrally or in multiple parts.

[0025] In one embodiment, the device according to the invention, in particular the housing, may comprise a fixed stop for mechanically fixing the end position of the transport vessel. When viewed in the initial position of the connection element in the direction of the transport vessel to be detected, the contact element, more specifically the upper end of the contact element, may extend outwardly beyond the fixed stop by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the transport vessel to be detected, the contact element, more specifically the upper end of the contact element, may be aligned with the fixed stop to the greatest extent or behind the fixed stop when the connection element is in the detection position. The upper end of the contact element may be regarded as the point of the contact element which is spaced farthest away in the direction away from the spring mounting. It should be understood that in the case of a rotating contact roller, the upper end is always regarded as the point of the roller which is spaced farthest away in the direction away from the spring mounting.

[0026] Fixed stops for mechanically fixing the end positions of the transporter ensure that in the event of a fault (e.g. if the detection device does not detect anything other than the connection element reaching the detection position), no signal is generated and / or the transporter remains in the detection position, the movement of the transporter against the bias is limited by the fixed stops. Furthermore, the transporter can slide along the fixed stops and although detection is limited, the process does not need to be disturbed. This can be advantageous for facilities with multiplexed implementations.

[0027] The predetermined distance may be, for example, maximum 1 cm, preferably maximum 7 mm, preferably maximum 5 mm, even more preferably maximum 3 mm. A small distance is advantageous because the position of the transport vessel will only change insignificantly in the event of a fault due to the transport vessel being in contact with the fixed stop.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the housing may have a sleeve-like end portion, including an end surface forming the fixing stop. The fixing stop portion may thus have an annular cross-section. For example, the sleeve-like end portion may be thin-walled compared to the rest of the housing, the elastically mounted member and the detection device being arranged in the sleeve-like end portion. In particular, the sleeve-like end portion may extend from the flange in a direction away from the spring mounting.

[0029] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the detection device may comprise a non-contact sensor and / or a position switch, in particular a mechanical limit switch. Accordingly, the detection device may comprise one or more identical or different sensors. The above-mentioned sensors may be integrated and arranged in the housing to detect the position of the connection element arranged in the housing.

[0030] For example, the non-contact sensor may be an inductive sensor. This can detect when the end of the connecting element facing away from the contact element (e.g. comprising an inclined surface) moves into the measuring field of the inductive sensor and reaches the detection position. The above detection position can be defined by the configuration of the inductive sensor or its measuring field and the configuration of the connecting element relative to it.

[0031] The mechanical limit switch may be integrated and arranged in the housing such that the mechanical limit switch is activated by moving the connecting element, thereby causing the inclined surface of the connecting element at the end away from the contact element to contact the mechanical limit switch. It should be understood that the mechanical limit switch is not fully activated and detects reaching the detection position until the inclined surface is displaced far enough. For example, it may mean that the mechanical limit switch is not fully activated and detects reaching the detection position until the end of the connecting element including the inclined surface has displaced past the mechanical limit switch, causing the mechanical limit switch to contact the portion of the connecting element proximal to the end.

[0032] Inductive sensors and mechanical limit switches have low wear and are suitable for use in vacuum spaces or other environmental conditions where the device is pressurized and still provide reliable operation of the device.

[0033] The invention further relates to a system for detecting and guiding a transport vessel. The system comprises at least one device of the type described above and at least one transport vessel moving in a moving or returning direction. The at least one transport vessel is flat on a surface facing the device, comprises a recess, and / or comprises a protrusion. It should be understood that the system may comprise several devices of the same or different types as described above. Furthermore, the system may comprise a plurality of transport vessels.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the system, the at least one device may be arranged orthogonally to the direction of movement of the at least one transport vessel. For example, the at least one device may thus be in contact with the lower side of the at least one transport vessel.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more devices of the above type may be arranged in the direction of motion of at least one transport vessel. For example, when viewed in the direction of motion, at least one device may thus be in contact with the lateral or frontal face of the transport vessel.

[0036] In one embodiment of the system, the at least one device can be arranged in the path of movement of the at least one transport vessel so that the device does not affect the direction of movement, or so that the device changes the direction of movement of the transport vessel (e.g., deflects it by 90 degrees). The at least one device can thus be used to guide the at least one transport vessel while detecting its position.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the system may include a controller. After detecting that the connection element has reached the respective detection position, the detection device may be adapted to generate and transmit a corresponding signal to the controller. The controller may be adapted to associate this signal with temporarily stored parameters and / or stored parameters, such as the position of the device in the system or the geometry of the transport vessel, and thereby accurately determine the position of the transport vessel. Furthermore, the controller may adjust the movement speed of the transport vessel according to the determined position of the transport vessel or according to the signal received from the detection device.

[0038] The present invention further relates to a method for detecting a transport vessel. In particular, the method can be performed by a device or system of the above type. The method comprises the following steps:

[0039] - contacting a contact element via a transport vessel,

[0040] - a resiliently mounted connection element deflected to the contact element against the bias from an initial position to a detection position,

[0041] - Detecting the connection element reaching the detection position by a detection device.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the resiliently mounted connection element deflects the connection element to the contact element against the bias from an initial position to a detection position caused by the transport vessel contacting the contact element.

[0043] The method may further include the step of: transferring the connection element (and the connected contact element) from the detection position back to the initial position due to the bias caused by the elastic mounting. The return transfer may occur once there is no longer contact between the contact element and the transport vessel.

[0044] The aforementioned steps and steps triggered by the aforementioned contents may be repeated and executed several times.

[0045] Although above and below, some forms and features are described only with reference to an apparatus for detecting a transport vessel, these forms and features may be applicable to a system and / or method for detecting a transport vessel, and vice versa.

[0046] Brief description of the attached figure

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 A transverse cross-sectional view of a device for detecting a transport ship according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 A simplified side view of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention showing a first configuration of the device relative to a transport vessel.

[0050] Figure 3 A simplified top view of another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention showing a second configuration of the device relative to a transport vessel.

[0051] Figure 4 A simplified top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention is shown in a third configuration of the device relative to a transport vessel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The same reference numbers in the drawings indicate the same or similar elements.

[0053] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the device 10 is shown, the device 10 has a contact element 12 for contacting a transport vessel ( Figure 1 In the example shown, the contact element 12 is formed as a contact roller. The contact element 12 is rotatably attached to an upper end of a connecting element 14 of the device 10 and is thus connected to the connecting element 14. For this purpose, a bolt 16 is passed through several holes in the contact element 12 and the connecting element 14. The rear ends of this bolt 16 are on both sides in respective slotted holes 18 formed in the housing 20 of the device 10. Since the two ends of the bolt 16 arranged in the slotted hole face each other ( Figure 1 Only one slotted hole 18 is indicated in the figure, the contact element 12 and the connected connecting element 14 are rotatably fixed in the housing 20 relative to the longitudinal axis 22 of the connecting element 14.

[0054] The connecting element 14 is in the form of a shaft and is resiliently mounted in the housing 20 by means of a metal helical spring 24. For this purpose, the helical spring 24 is partially accommodated in a groove 26 of the connecting element 14. Starting from the end of the connecting element 14 facing away from the contact element 12, the groove 26 extends upward in the direction of the contact element 12. The lower end of the helical spring 24 is supported against an inner housing stop 28. The helical spring 24 biases the connecting element 14 and the connected contact element 12 to Figure 1 The initial position shown. In this initial position, the contact element 12 does not contact any transport vessel.

[0055] The connecting element 14 is arranged in the cylindrical housing 20 substantially coaxially with the housing 20 and is guided linearly displaceably along the longitudinal axis 22 via a guide 30 of the housing 20, as indicated by the double arrow 32. The slotted hole 18 ensures that a displacement of the connecting element 14 and the contact element 12 in the direction of the double arrow 32 is possible, even in an anti-rotation arrangement, the end of the bolt 16 being supported in the above-mentioned slotted hole 18. In the example shown, the theoretical maximum displaceability of the assembly of the contact element 12 and the connecting element 14 is determined by the abutment of the upper and lower ends of the slotted hole 18 and the bolt 16 against the above-mentioned ends, respectively.

[0056] The contact element 12 and the connecting element 14 are displaceable together by virtue of the interconnection between them, whereby the transport vessel ( Figure 1 The contact of the connecting element 14 with the contact element 12 causes the connecting element 14 to deflect against the bias of the coil spring 24 from the initial position to the detection position.

[0057] As in Figure 1 It can further be seen that the device comprises a detection device 34 suitable for detecting the arrival of the connection element 14 at the detection position. The detection device 34 is arranged in the lower region of the housing 20. In the embodiment example shown, the lower region of the housing 20 is in the form of a sleeve or pot 36. This pot 36 is fixedly and sealingly connected to a portion of the housing 20 that includes the guide 30 and is adjacent to the housing 20.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device 34 includes two sensors, namely a non-contact inductive sensor 38 and a mechanical limit switch 40. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the detection device may include only one sensor or two sensors of the same type. Moreover, the detection device may include more than two sensors.

[0059] An inductive sensor 38 is attached to the slot 36 from the outside and a mechanical limit switch 40 is integrated in the slot 36, so that when the connecting element 14 reaches a predetermined detection position, an end 42 of the connecting element 14 facing away from the contact element is detected by the two sensors 38, 40. In the embodiment example shown, the end 42 of the connecting element 14 facing away from the contact element is in the form of a chamfer that closes the connecting element 14. The end 42 therefore includes the indicated chamfer 44.

[0060] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, when the end 42 or the inclined surface 44 moves into the measuring field of the inductive sensor 38, the inductive sensor 38 can detect that the connecting element 14 reaches the detection position. Further, the mechanical limit switch 40 can be activated by displacing the connecting element 14, thereby causing the inclined surface 44 to contact the mechanical limit switch 40.

[0061] Since the displacement of the connection element 14 from the initial position to the detection position via the contact element 12 is caused by the transport vessel acting thereon against the bias, the position of the transport vessel can be detected thereby. For example, the exact position of the device 10 in the overall system can be known for this purpose. For this purpose, Figure 1 The device 10 shown can be connected or become connected to the facility wall via a flange 46 provided on the housing 20. More precisely, the device 10 is latched or latchable to the facility wall, for example via the flange 46. In order to ensure a tight connection between the facility and the device 10, a circumferential seal 48 is provided in the flange 46, for example in the form of an O-ring arranged in a groove.

[0062] Once the connection element 14 is detected to have reached a predetermined detection position, the detection device 34 can generate and transmit a corresponding signal to a controller (not shown). The controller can associate this signal with temporarily stored parameters and / or stored parameters, such as the position of the device 10 in the overall system or the geometry of the transport vessel, and use this to accurately determine the position of the transport vessel. In addition, based on the previously determined position of the transport vessel or based on the signal received from the detection device 34, the control system can change the movement speed of the transport vessel.

[0063] In order to increase the safety of the overall system or the process being performed in the event of a fault, the device 10 shown comprises a fixing stop for mechanically fixing the end position of the transporter. For this purpose, the housing 20 comprises a sleeve-shaped upper end 50, including an end face 52 forming the fixing stop. The fixing stop 52 for mechanically fixing the end position of the transporter makes it possible, for example, that even if the connection element 14 reaches the detection position and / or the connection element 14 remains in the detection position, the movement of the transporter against the bias can be limited by the fixing stop 52 if no signal is generated by the detection device 34. Furthermore, the transporter can slide along the fixing stop 52 and the process does not have to be disturbed even if the detection is limited.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment example, in the initial position of the connecting element 14 ( Figure 1 ), an upper end of the contact element 12 protrudes outwardly beyond the fixed stop portion 52 by a predetermined distance of about 3 mm. In the detection position of the connecting element 14 (not shown), the upper end of the contact element 12 is aligned with the fixed stop portion 52 to the greatest extent.

[0065] Figure 2 An example embodiment of a system 60 is shown, comprising an apparatus 10 and two interconnected transport vessels 62, 64. Figure 2 In the configuration shown, the device 10 is arranged orthogonal to the direction of movement BR of the transport vessels 62 , 64 and below the transport vessels 62 , 64 .

[0066] In the example shown, the transport vessels 62, 64 comprise a recess 66 on the lower side. As long as the lower side of the transport vessels 62, 64 contacts the contact element 12 of the device 10, the connecting element 14 is in the detection position due to the force exerted by the transport vessels 62, 64. As soon as the contact element 12 enters the area of ​​the recess 66, the connecting element 14 switches to the initial position due to the bias applied by the helical spring. This change from the detection position to the initial position is detected by a control system, since the detection device 34 no longer generates a signal or detects the detection position at this time. This allows the exact position of the two transport vessels to be detected.

[0067] Figure 3 A system 70 showing another example of an embodiment comprises two devices 10 and two interconnected transport vessels 62, 64. In this example, the two devices 10 are arranged in the direction of movement BR of the transport vessels 62, 64. In this way, the two devices 10 or their contact elements come into contact with the front end surfaces of the front ends of the two transport vessels 62, 64. This contact causes the respective connecting elements of the two devices 10 to be displaced from the initial position to the detection position, whereby the position of the transport vessel can be detected. At the same time, the devices 10 here act as guides for the transport vessels 62, 64, more precisely for deflecting their direction of movement BR by 90 degrees.

[0068] Figure 4 A system 80 is shown that includes two devices 10 and a transport vessel 62. The devices 10 are connected to a facility wall 82 via flanges 46 disposed on their respective housings. Figure 4 In the example of , the two devices 10 are also arranged in the moving direction BR of the transport ship 62. In this way, the two devices 10 or their contact elements are in contact with the lateral end surface of the transport ship 62. This contact causes the respective connecting elements of the two devices 10 to move from the initial position to the detection position, thereby detecting the position of the transport ship.

[0069] At the same time, also in this exemplary embodiment, the device 10 serves to guide the transport vessel 62, more precisely to deflect its direction of movement BR by 90 degrees. Figure 3 In contrast to the example of FIG. 1 , the two devices 10 include a common sliding rod as contact element 12. The sliding rod allows the transport boat 62 to slide along two substantially orthogonal axes of the sliding rod. This allows the transport boat 62 in contact with the sliding rod to deflect the direction of movement by 90 degrees in two different directions (in Figure 4 in the middle, out of or into the paper, or to the right or to the left).

[0070] It should also be understood that further combinations of the above-described exemplary embodiments are possible, such as different combinations of the systems 60 , 70 , and / or 80 .

[0071] Explanation of symbols

[0072] 10 Installation

[0073] 12 contact elements

[0074] 14 Connecting elements

[0075] 16 bolts

[0076] 18 slotted holes

[0077] 20 Shell

[0078] 22 Longitudinal axis of connecting element

[0079] 24 Coil spring

[0080] 26 connection element grooves

[0081] 28 Shell stop

[0082] 30 guide pieces

[0083] 32 displacement direction

[0084] 34 Detection Device

[0085] 36 slots

[0086] 38 induction sensors

[0087] 40 Mechanical limit switches

[0088] 42 End of connecting element

[0089] 44 bevel

[0090] 46 flange

[0091] 48 Seals

[0092] 50 Upper end of the shell

[0093] 52 fixed stop

[0094] 60 System of the first embodiment

[0095] 62 Transport Ship

[0096] 64 Transport Ship

[0097] 66 Transport Ship's Groove

[0098] 70 System of the Second Embodiment

[0099] 80 System of the third embodiment

[0100] 82 Facility Wall

[0101] BR Movement Direction

Claims

1. A device (10) for detecting a transport vessel (62, 64), comprising: a contact element (12) for contacting a transport vessel (62, 64), and a connecting element (14) elastically mounted in a housing (20) of the device (10), biased in an initial position, and linearly displaceably guided by a guide member (30) of the housing (20), The contact element (12) is connected to the resiliently mounted connection element (14) and is displaceable together with the connection element (14), whereby contact of the transport vessel (62, 64) with the contact element (12) causes deflection of the connection element (14) against the bias from the initial position to a detection position, and The device (10) comprises a detection device (34) adapted to detect that the connecting element (14) reaches the detection position, and The contact element (12) and the connecting element (14) connected to the contact element are configured to be rotatably fixed in the housing (20), and the connecting element (14) and the housing (20) are interconnected via a bolt (16), which extends through a plurality of holes in the contact element (12) and the connecting element (14) and is displaceably received at opposite ends in a respectively associated slotted hole (18) in the housing (20).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the contact element (12) is a sliding rod or a contact roller, which is rotatably mounted on a first end of the connecting element (14).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element (14) is a shaft.

4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element (14) has a recess (26) in which at least a part of a spring element (24) is accommodated.

5. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element (14) comprises an end (42) facing away from the contact element (12), and when the connecting element (14) reaches the detection position, the end is detected by the detection device (34).

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the end (42) of the connecting element (14) facing away from the contact element (12) comprises a bevel (44).

7. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (20) has a substantially cylindrical shape.

8. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (20) comprises a flange (46) by means of which the device (10) can be connected or coupled in a sealed manner to a vacuum-receiving part of an associated installation.

9. The device (10) according to claim 1 further includes a fixed stop portion (52) for mechanically fixing the end position of the transport ship (62, 64), wherein the contact element (12) is in the initial position of the connecting element (14) and is to be detected in the direction of the transport ship (62, 64), the contact element (12) protrudes outwardly beyond the fixed stop portion (52) by a predetermined distance, and wherein when viewed from the direction of the transport ship (62, 64) to be detected, when the connecting element (14) is in the detection position, the contact element (12) is aligned with the fixed stop portion (52) to the greatest extent.

10. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined distance is at most 1 centimeter.

11. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined distance is at most 7 mm.

12. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined distance is at most 5 mm.

13. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined distance is at most 3 mm.

14. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the housing (20) includes a sleeve-like end portion (50) including an end surface forming the fixed stop portion (52).

15. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the detection device (34) comprises a non-contact sensor (38) and / or a mechanical limit switch (40).

16. A system (60, 70, 80) for detecting and guiding a transport vessel (62, 64), comprising at least one device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and at least one transport vessel (62, 64).

17. A method for detecting a transport vessel (62, 64) by means of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the following steps: - contacting a contact element (12) via a transport vessel (62, 64), - a resiliently mounted connection element (14) deflectedly connected to the contact element (12) from an initial position to a detection position against the bias, - Detecting that the connecting element (14) reaches the detection position by a detection device (34).

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